Handgun advice.

[E-Rawk]

Hey guys, I'm looking to buy a handgun in September of this year and getting my concealed/carry liscense. I"d like to get some suggestions on midsize weapons. Don't want a revolver just don't like the concept of them. Thinking along the lines of a Sigma but would like some input with those who have a handgun. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in Advance.

[STO]

Glock, Sig, HK-all great weapons. It depends on how much money your going to spend. What application(target, in-case shit, all out armagedon)

[E-Rawk]

target and just in case shit hits the fan, more target shooting than anything though.

[beowulf2k]

Something small, effective and non defective. Sig Sauer, HK, and Glock. I wouldn't suggest the mini Glock, it has hell recoil (unless you get the extended pinky grip clip)

I used to carry a COP .357 as back up, very nice intimidator. Has 4 barrels and is very small.

[scorpion12]

Any specific caliber you're looking to get?
.380, .38/.357, .9mm, .40cal, .45acp
are usually popular calibers. You don't want revolvers, so an automatic is the obvious way to go probably.

You've got afew choices there too... Single stack slim frame, Double stack wide frame, short slide, long slide...

It all depends on what you're willing to spend really, and what you're looking for...

for target shooting, .9mm is usually cheap as hell, just pick your manufacturer...

If you're looking at Sigma, then make sure you get a new one I've read that the older ones really weren't reliable.

hope this helps

[E-Rawk]

I was thinking 9mm but don't have much experience with handguns in general. Its limited to revolvers and then only ones friends and parents own. Ammo is cheaper for the 9 am I correct? I'm not opposed to the 45 either though.

[STO]

How To Choose A Handgun
If you are not familiar with handguns then perhaps you should read the Introduction to Handguns article before going on with this one.

The handgun you will choose to protect yourself is characterized by a few different factors; caliber, automatic or revolver, single or double action, size, barrel length, capacity, grip type and metallic finish type. To choose a handgun for your purposes all these factors have to be considered.

The decision of highest importance is the choice of the caliber. There are a lot to choose from and caliber relates directly to stopping power. If you choose a very low caliber such as a .22 pistol it is very likely that such a gun will fail to stop an attacker at close range. You could argue that a .22 can be used to target a head shot or perhaps at the base of the throat but the reality is that for the majority of people faced with a high stress situation such as a violent attacker the upper torso is the only target they will have a chance to shoot even at close range. There have been documented examples of attackers taking upto 6 .22 shots in the chest without being substantially deterred. A .44 magnum would stop any attacker in his place, a post mortem of a person shot in the chest with a .44 would show that his heart exploded from the force of the impact. However, consider that .44 handguns are very large in size and therefore difficult to conceal. It is best to choose an intermediate caliber, one that provides adequate stopping power and and at the same time is hosted by a smaller gun easy to conceal. Such calibers are the 9mm parabellum, (.38) or even better the .40 S&W. Studies show that the .40 Smith & Wesson is comparable in stopping power to the .357 magnum. For a revolver the standard .38 special would be enough to hinder any determined attacker. There are also choices of different modifications on ammunition such as hollow point which can turn a lower caliber bullet into one that has considerably more stopping power.

When choosing caliber it is also very important to consider your enviroment. Someone who lives in a neighbourhoos with thin walled houses should choose a smaller caliber so that the bullet does not penetrate through the house and end up accidentally injuring a neighbour. Someone living on a farm or wide open space would choose a higher caliber handgun to be able to deal with the more imminent threat of wild animals.

Size is directly related to concealability, a man would typically carry a hidden holster whereas a woman is more likely to carry her gun in a handbag. It is also related to comfort; if you buy a large gun the chances are that you will not be comfortable carrying it, it will end up at home when you do not feel like carrying it rendering it useless. Guns on the compact size are lighter and more comfortable to carry not to mention being compatible with a multiple number of concealability solutions. Therefore choosing a good holster is just as important as the gun. A generic cheap holster is usually useless because of drawbacks. Such a holster can draw a gun vertically only sacrificing reaction/drawing time. A holster manufactured specifically for a particular model can usually draw a gun horizontally. Also consider your wardrobe and how the holster will fit in with your clothes in winter and summer.

Capacity of a gun is not really that important but can be a considerable factor. The Calico 9mm pistol can carry upto 100 shells though something like that would be more useful for a small war rather than a self defense scenario in a city. A revolver can carry upto 6 shots and an automatic can hold twice that number. For a civillian not regularly encountering a dangerous situation 6 shots are enough.

Ease of use is very important and is a decisive factor. A single action automatic which requires manual cocking before use is suited more to someone with good handgun skills or a war veteran. A woman would probably find it difficult to use an automatic as it requires the engaging of the slide, therefore a woman would be more likely to use a double action revolver than an automatic. Someone with some handgun training would be happy with a double action automatic.

Barrel length is also important. Forget using a six inch barrel in an urban enviroment, it's difficult to conceal and has the potential to injure bystanders due to its higher penetration ability. Snub nosed revolvers and short barrel autos are preferred for a civillian living in a populous area.

Consider the type of hammer on or revolver or automatic. A hammer that protrudes excessively as a hook from the gun will be difficult to fire from whithin a jacket pocket where the hammer will tangle with the clothes and the gun could fail firing.

Finally the grip and finish. Small hands require special rubber grips rather than the standard grip out of the factory. A gunsmith can usually change the handgun grip if it is required and a lot of manufacturers release a few of their guns with easier to grasp rubber grips. There are usually two types of finish to choose from, matt black or nickel plated. This will apply to the gun at night where a nickel plated is more visible. Generally speaking a nickle plated gun is more applied for show rather than practical use.

Preparing yourself is vital. Training to use the handgun you have purchased at a shooting gallery is very important. For self defense you will have to be prepared to shoot an aggressive attacker and for this you need the correct mentality. It helps if you think of a gun more as a tool and not as a device of death. When you shoot someone who is attacking you you are effectively reaching out and knocking him down with your tool. Keep the ammunition you carry new to avoid the chance that a cartridge will fail to fire under a strenuous situation. The first shot is very important and drawing the gun within a few seconds is crucial to defending your life. Having many guns is less beneficial than just one as having just one gun simplifies your choices when faced with danger and lessens confusion.



Forgot to add this one. http://gunchicks.com/your1stgun.html

[E-Rawk]

STO you RAWK dude.

[marsolais]

Ok, As a cop I'll tell you your best bet is to stay away from the S/W sigma, it's just a nock off of a glock. Second glock are very hard to learn how to shot on, third H&K is expensive. But if price is not a big deal then your best bet is a Berreta model 96 it's a .40 and can be consealed aswell. Or you can go with what I carry when I'm off duty. The Kimber Ultra carry .45 See pic's below.

[IllKneeGrow]

Damn I need to get my ass to the police station this week and apply for my pistol permit.

And I do like that Beretta, I like it a lot.

[STO]

No problem.

When you finally narrow down your choice, go to a shooting range/gun shop that has the particular model you want for rent-to shoot. I'd say to put about 100 rounds down and see how the gun feels for recoil, fit, and natural point of aim(I'll try and explain). By natural point of aim I mean how natural the weapon feels in your hands. Do the rounds seem to go where you point it/as in when your not aiming it? Its hard to explain but some handguns are a perfect fit for people. It has to do with the angle of the grip etc. Basically if its good, you won't need to aim for shots out to 10-15 meters. It'll hit center mass. This is important for shooting under stress which is when you'll need it most. Good form is important too. Do some research/practice.

I have a few handguns. My latest is the Glock 23C. It's a .40 midsize with ports. I bought it for concealment and more importantly for my wife when I'm gone. She has small hands so it was a trade off between caliber she could handle, size of weapon that would fit her and me, and functionability. Glocks are great under any condition. It's not the prettiest, its great. I taught her how to safely use it "in case shit" happens. Federal hollow points will stop any problem that comes its way.

Here's a picture of her first time shooting it. I was very impressed. She didn't have any bad habits like most guys that grow up playing guns.

Edit---> get adjustable night sights on whatever you buy unless your a natural. Trust me on this.

[marsolais]

STO is right. I can shot my kimber with my eyes closed!

[E-Rawk]

So many choices lol, consider the Sigma as counted out. I plan on going to a few gunshows this summer to give me a better idea as well....

[UberGoober]

Don't want a revolver just don't like the concept of them.

Any special reason behind this? If you are new to handguns a revolver is a good way to go. The are reliable, don't jam as easilly as an automatic can and if they misfire you just pull the trigger again and get a fresh round up without any hassle.

Of course they don't hold as many rounds and are a little harder to reload quickly, but unless you are in some kind of protracted gunfight those aren't things you'll need.

I own a couple of automatics that I use at the range and for fun, but if I was looking for a weapon to carry everyday and I expected to draw down on someone, I think I'd like a double action .357 revolver. Easy to use, no fiddling with a slide, just whip it out and start blasting. In that kind of situation, you've got to keep it simple.

[fengler]

get a sig sauer.