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I got the impression he meant "target shooting" more in the "take it to the range and bang away at one of those borderline racist paper targets" rather than "competition shooting," though I could well be wrong.

And, OP, I forgot to mention, though others didn't...if you're wanting to spend a lot of time on the gun, revolver's probably the way to go. Ridiculously easy maintenance, simple to operate, and you can leave it loaded without worrying about springs eventually wearing out and such.

Seaward wrote:I got the impression he meant "target shooting" more in the "take it to the range and bang away at one of those borderline racist paper targets" rather than "competition shooting," though I could well be wrong.

And, OP, I forgot to mention, though others didn't...if you're wanting to spend a lot of time on the gun, revolver's probably the way to go. Ridiculously easy maintenance, simple to operate, and you can leave it loaded without worrying about springs eventually wearing out and such.

If thats the case than a shotgun is nice, but should be practiced as well. Alternatively of the list noted, the tactical versions of all of those are widely available and cheaper. At that point I'd throw in Ruger (America Hurr!) which has a strong name, Taurus, Beretta ($500 for 92), even Kel-Tec and Kahr on the less expansive end.

Shotguns, well, the perennial debate is which is better, a Mossberg 500 or Remington 870...

If you want something that doesn't suck and that is a priority over money, look to Sig Sauers. Specifically, P229, or a 238 for CC.

If you want something that doesn't suck as bad as everything else, but still kinda sucks, and money is of concern, Glock. Specifically, 19.

piperider361 wrote:If you want something that doesn't suck and that is a priority over money, look to Sig Sauers. Specifically, P229, or a 238 for CC.

If you want something that doesn't suck as bad as everything else, but still kinda sucks, and money is of concern, Glock. Specifically, 19.

Tell us how you really feel.

piperider361 wrote:If you want something that doesn't suck and that is a priority over money, look to Sig Sauers. Specifically, P229, or a 238 for CC.

If you want something that doesn't suck as bad as everything else, but still kinda sucks, and money is of concern, Glock. Specifically, 19.

This is pretty solid, advise. I'd probably seek to warn people you suggest the 238 to that it is a Colt Mustang with all the advantages and disadvantages that implies rather than a true Sig.
Still waiting to see if OP returns before trying to make any suggestions.


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Frazz how come you no America hurr for Kel Tec, Ruger likes them so much they keep stealing their designs. Come to think Kahr is an American company too...maybe I missed some sarcasm...now my morning is ruined.

AustonT wrote:

piperider361 wrote:If you want something that doesn't suck and that is a priority over money, look to Sig Sauers. Specifically, P229, or a 238 for CC.

If you want something that doesn't suck as bad as everything else, but still kinda sucks, and money is of concern, Glock. Specifically, 19.

This is pretty solid, advise. I'd probably seek to warn people you suggest the 238 to that it is a Colt Mustang with all the advantages and disadvantages that implies rather than a true Sig.
Still waiting to see if OP returns before trying to make any suggestions.

CHL is a whole different ball game. You have compact and subcompact variants at that point. Sig's name is definitely not big in that area.

And of course all this ignores the fundamental greatness of the 1911, which is generally above the price point, although not necessarily (9mms were mentioned however).


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AustonT wrote:

piperider361 wrote:If you want something that doesn't suck and that is a priority over money, look to Sig Sauers. Specifically, P229, or a 238 for CC.

If you want something that doesn't suck as bad as everything else, but still kinda sucks, and money is of concern, Glock. Specifically, 19.

This is pretty solid, advise. I'd probably seek to warn people you suggest the 238 to that it is a Colt Mustang with all the advantages and disadvantages that implies rather than a true Sig.
Still waiting to see if OP returns before trying to make any suggestions.


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Frazz how come you no America hurr for Kel Tec, Ruger likes them so much they keep stealing their designs. Come to think Kahr is an American company too...maybe I missed some sarcasm...now my morning is ruined.

Son of a ...You're right. Not only are they American manufactured (as are many SIgs and Berettas in the US), but American designed.

No and the new one they have (290?) is not particularly impressive next to the Kel Tec/Ruger and Kahr offerings. Let alone the old reliable J frame.
On a daily basis I conceal a full frame Sig 220, which I consider the logical evolution of the 1911. I have several others but my 220 has been primary for years, as it should be, I don't have to think to put rounds where I want them. I find tha a 1911 is a lot like a Ford. I love it, its sexy, classic, and rock solid but I'm always under the hood. Tensioning this, polishing that. The Sig is like a Chevy, it works hard and all I ever do is clean and load...ok I put in a short reset trigger and lightened the DA pull.

AustonT wrote:No and the new one they have (290?) is not particularly impressive next to the Kel Tec/Ruger and Kahr offerings. Let alone the old reliable J frame.
On a daily basis I conceal a full frame Sig 220, which I consider the logical evolution of the 1911. I have several others but my 220 has been primary for years, as it should be, I don't have to think to put rounds where I want them. I find tha a 1911 is a lot like a Ford. I love it, its sexy, classic, and rock solid but I'm always under the hood. Tensioning this, polishing that. The Sig is like a Chevy, it works hard and all I ever do is clean and load...ok I put in a short reset trigger and lightened the DA pull.

I was right there until you said Chevy. I thought you liked Sigs, and didn't think they were absolute ?

Buy the proper 1911 and you're never under the hood unless you want to be. 1911s and like glocks. They are eminently tweakable, but don't have to be.

EDIT: ayah on concealed I'd have to proffer the Walther PPS as the gold standard for subcompacts, with the Ruger LCP as the standard eensy weensy .380 subcompacts.

Whether true or not my Dad and his Dad are Ford guys, and as much as the love thier trucks they require almost daily attention, like a race horse. They also taught me that a chevy is like a cart horse, as long as you feed it it'll keep going...until it dies; then just get a new one. I thought it worked...meh you got the idea and that's what counts.


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I guess I should say I don't have to (had to I actually sold my 1911) tweak it all the time. It's the quest for perfection that can only be found in a 1911 where recoil is transmitted in just the right direction, the balance is just so, and the operation cycle is absolutely flawless. I wouldn't bother with any other gun.

AustonT wrote:Whether true or not my Dad and his Dad are Ford guys, and as much as the love thier trucks they require almost daily attention, like a race horse. They also taught me that a chevy is like a cart horse, as long as you feed it it'll keep going...until it dies; then just get a new one. I thought it worked...meh you got the idea and that's what counts.


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I guess I should say I don't have to (had to I actually sold my 1911) tweak it all the time. It's the quest for perfection that can only be found in a 1911 where recoil is transmitted in just the right direction, the balance is just so, and the operation cycle is absolutely flawless. I wouldn't bother with any other gun.

I wouldn't personally recommend a 1911 unless you intend to mess with it quite a bit. They're great guns, but only once they've been essentially rebuilt. At least in my experience.

Besides, if you're going to spend that kind of money, get an HK. Best pistols in the world.

Seaward wrote:I wouldn't personally recommend a 1911 unless you intend to mess with it quite a bit. They're great guns, but only once they've been essentially rebuilt. At least in my experience.

Besides, if you're going to spend that kind of money, get an HK. Best pistols in the world.

Rugers, Colts, Springfields etc. don't have to be rebuilt. Now, often they are however, because 1911 are often competitors or as you say, looking to personalize and tinker. I've not touched my 1911 as it came with all the bells and whistles out the box.

DickBandit wrote:Depends. Go to a gun store and ask to see different ones. When it comes to handguns, one size does NOT fit all. It's all about what you are comfortable with.

Some say the Springfield XD is crap, personally I love it. Feels great, shoots great.

Some love 1911s. They're great weapons, others say they're horrible and prefer a revolver.

So it's all about what YOU like best. If you hate the way it feels and the way it shoots, it may not be a reliable gun.

THIS

Monster Rain wrote:A nice .357 Magnum is handy for home defense. A revolver is always good if you have to jump up, grab your piece and start blasting. None of that slide-racking and safety-switching business.

Ruger makes a nice .380 that you could look into as well. It's easily hidden and pretty accurate.

AND THIS

I especially support the .38, revolvers are not going to jam on you like other weapons will, but the fact remains that all weapons are different as all people are different, go to a range try out a number of them.

my suggestions for trial are: XD .38/.40 (I think they make a .357/.38 too), 1911, 92fs, .38 hammerless revolver, Rem/Mossberg 12gauge

Also a good rule of thumb for new gun buyers is stick to brand names that you know or have heard of. Accuracy for the most part is just a matter of practice.

Also: unless you are planning on buying from the shady character in the back of the van, or maybe even a gun show, see what kind of support your local gun shop offers.

Like I mentioned previously, a good gun shop should have at the very minimum a target range so that you can get comfortable shooting your gun. Most calibers offer at least decent priced target ammo, use that to shoot to your hearts content and keep the man-stopper ammo for when it counts.

Ideally the gun store will have guns to rent, so shoot as many of them as you can before buying. You can find out everything you want about guns online, friends, and the friendly gun-monger. But the most important factor is how that gun feels when you shoot it in your own hands.

Also see if your gun store offers classes. We have two around here that offer classes on gun maintenance, handling, how to improve your shooting, etc.

I am very much pro-gun, but I also like to stress that with great gun comes great responsibility. Know your gun, and find out everything you can about using it. A good store will not only sell you a gun, they will also make sure that you can use it efficiently and in the safest manner possible.

Plasma pistol ftw.

Taurus 24/7's are great and fairly inexpensive. I've never had a problem with mine other than crappy ammo.

Just make sure you check the date of manufacture for the specific firearm. Taurus makes quality weapons, but whenever they come out with a new "hot product", their quality assurance tends to focus on the newer stuff and drops off on the older.

Your best bet is to find one that was made during the research and development of the next model.

Also, careful with the non-oem magazines. I bought a generic one, and it never locks back after the last round, only if you rack the slide when its empty. Can't for the life of me figure out why.

Always try before you buy if possible.

When you get your concealed carry permit, get it from florida. They issue to out of state residents, is good in 36 other states, and is only $117. Takes about a month and a half through the mail.

MartiniPunk wrote:

my suggestions for trial are: XD .38/.40 (I think they make a .357/.38 too), 1911, 92fs, .38 hammerless revolver, Rem/Mossberg 12gauge

erm....

A revolver would be especially reliable, and with a speedloader it can be loaded pretty quickly if you have practice.

IIRC there are fewer drawbacks in leaving a revolver loaded than a semi-automatic, but I still wouldn't recommend leaving a loaded gun in the house...

Melissia wrote:A revolver would be especially reliable, and with a speedloader it can be loaded pretty quickly if you have practice.

IIRC there are fewer drawbacks in leaving a revolver loaded than a semi-automatic, but I still wouldn't recommend leaving a loaded gun in the house...

Then whats the point? Are you going to load a pistol in the dark?

If he has a simple case safe (as noted in my original post) then the pistol is safe and ready for use.

True. I guess I'm just a bit paranoid cause there's stupid brats in the house, not to mention overly curious kittens.

in what scenario are you worrying about curious kittens discharging your loaded revolver?

Melissia wrote:True. I guess I'm just a bit paranoid cause there's stupid brats in the house, not to mention overly curious kittens.

Understand completely. Thats what the safe is for.

Home defense? Shotgun - You don't have to aim really well, alternate birdshot with buckshot and you have
big flames and big noise (deterrent) and when a buckshot load hits - real stopping power. Pistol grip with no butt stock...

AustonT wrote:in what scenario are you worrying about curious kittens discharging your loaded revolver?

ANY scenario involving a loaded revolver and a curious kitten.

You don't hang around kittens much do you? They get in as much trouble as children, if not more.

Melissia wrote:

AustonT wrote:in what scenario are you worrying about curious kittens discharging your loaded revolver?

ANY scenario involving a loaded revolver and a curious kitten.

You don't hang around kittens much do you? They get in as much trouble as children, if not more.

A cat with a loaded gun, is one of the doomsday scenarios the Pentagon practices for...

For home defense nothing beats a shotgun hands down. Easy to use, Easy to shoot and easy to aim. Plus they have the added benefit of multiple different types of easily aquired ammuntion. I'd personally recommend using brid shoot as it generally won't travel through walls.

Melissia wrote:

AustonT wrote:in what scenario are you worrying about curious kittens discharging your loaded revolver?

ANY scenario involving a loaded revolver and a curious kitten.

You don't hang around kittens much do you? They get in as much trouble as children, if not more.

Yeah I totally worry about a kitten opening a drawer, pulling out a pistol that probably weighs more than it does, and pulling the DA trigger. It keeps me up nights.
Ridiculous.

AustonT wrote:

Melissia wrote:

AustonT wrote:in what scenario are you worrying about curious kittens discharging your loaded revolver?

ANY scenario involving a loaded revolver and a curious kitten.

You don't hang around kittens much do you? They get in as much trouble as children, if not more.

Yeah I totally worry about a kitten opening a drawer, pulling out a pistol that probably weighs more than it does, and pulling the DA trigger. It keeps me up nights.
Ridiculous.

Well every cat I've known is pretty much a 4 legged serial killer, and should be treated accordingly.

AustonT wrote:Yeah I totally worry about a kitten opening a drawer, pulling out a pistol that probably weighs more than it does, and pulling the DA trigger. It keeps me up nights.

Good, it'll help you survive the apocalypse.

By the way, my kitten has managed to get in to a closed drawer and if I hadn't stopped him he would have easily gotten in to the drawer where I ahve his kitty treats. He's also thrown fingernail clippers at me and hit me in the face with them. And these are only the non-fictional things he's done, let's not get memetic here.

seems unlikely at best, suggesting a kitten can fire a gun is begging to be memed. possibly by ancient alien guy.

How large are your hands? From the base of the palm to finger tips.
7 inches

What Caliber do you prefer? Don't care

What is your final price range after tax? 700-800 after tax

Have you shot before? yup!

What and what did you or didnt you like about it. I enjoyed pretty much all of it

How often will you be shooting? once a month to every other month

Do you intend on getting a concealed carry permit? Yup

If yes what body type do you have, if not, why not? I'm 5'10" 250lbs but mostly muscle.... I go to the gym 4-5 days a week and bench over 300... I'm not THIN cause i don't like to diet and certainly don't like cardio, but I certainly am not fat... Most people guess my body weight as 175


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Doklunggraba wrote:Here's some advise, don't buy a gun, and if you have children and a wife, all I can say is ...dude?

I have a kid on the way, and my wife is super pro gun. she grew up around them


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CrashUSAR wrote:If the man wants to buy a gun, then his mind is already made up. No need to come in here with anti-gun posts, or anything that may lead into it.

That being said, the poster's who suggested trying several pistols out before going and buying one is the best idea. I favor a Springfield XD .45 and 9mm. One stays at home and I just grab one when I leave the house. Both are dandy calibers to have for carry and home defense, and abundant enough to not break the bank when it comes to practice at the range.

so find a range i can rent at and go that route for a bit?