Upon Further Review...

Upon Further Review of the situation, I have decided it is remarkably risky for me to own a handgun before 21. I want one, still do. but i do not feel that it is wise. There are too many situations in which a lawyer could tear me apart if i were forced to defend myself. I do not think 25 years in jail is worth it, given that i didnt die in the situation. (NOTE: THIS IS NOT ABOUT THE LAWS, JUST ABOUT MY DECISION. I WOULD APPRECIATE IT IF ALL REPLIES WERE DIRECTED TOWARDS THE FOLLOWING QUESTION, NOT TOWARDS THE LAWS)

The question is now, what do I want to reward myself with on my 21st birthday? so I can know what to save up for. BTW: its a little over 15 months.

I dont know what i want. I do know that it needs to be in 9mm,40sw, 45acp. 1911s are interesting. Glocks are good. I have a midsize hand so a small-midsize gun is what i would prefer. I prefer quality over price.

I am just trying to get some ideas in progress.
Let the war begin. **For the sake of others, please list the gun you think, maybe some specs, and 1-2 sentences describing why you like it** Multiple gun recommendations are welcomed.

I get that fit is something I will have to deal with closer to purchase time. Please do not answer with "whatever fits best". I am trying to narrow the list down far enough that I can have some ideas to keep in mind for later.

Thanks, (And sorry for writing so much)

have you ever considered a .22 to learn the fundamentals of shooting with and then spending the cost of a gun on some professional level training? There are some forum members who have vast experience and creditably as trainers. If you are going to own, carry, shoot a handgun..time and money invested in training is very good idea. This is not to say you are less than an expert shot. This is so if you ever were involved in a justifiable shooting..you could show you were prudent enough to invest in training.

I have heard good things about Cliff Cargill.

What are you going to use this gun for primarily? ie range gun, competition, concealed carry, all of the above etc.

Beladran wrote:GO all out an get a full house custom 1911 with your name in the serial number

Smith and Wesson compact M&P 40

RAGING BULL....

No firearm collection it complete without a 4" .357. To many to name but if you are thinking used, go to a pawn shop and check some out and then go check some brand new. You will see the difference and it'll give you something to go by checking the used market if your pocket could save a couple hundred or so.
Bought my SIL a new Taurus .357 several years ago (Never had a trouble in the ones I have, don't think any were new). If he's going to protect my daughter and now my grandson and new baby, I want something to go bang when the trigger is pulled.
Let us know what you get.

Just a few replies summed up into one reply...

1. I probably should have clarified. I have shot many handguns. I am a decent shot. I can hold my own. However, I am not good enough for it to be my job, obviously. LOL

2. Formal training will happen soon after purchase. In my mind, it is the best way to learn. (Not to say that I am untrained, but my knowledge is primarily based on long guns. A lot of things are similiar, but just as many things are different.) Point being, I have had some training.

3. This gun will be for possible concealed carry and substantial amounts of range time.

4. A full custom is nice, but I would like to have a production gun. I want something I will want to use, not put in a vault and stare.

5. A revolver is nice, but I am looking for a pistol currently.

6. A top-end .380 would also be considered.

Glock 19 then. May want to stock up on mags, Oby wins and we have a never ending Brady Bill. Concealable, high capacity and reliable. A 380 as a first pistol is a bad mistake, they are good for backups or shooting your way to a real gun, nothing else.

Look at the Springfield Xd's and Xdm's in the compact versions. You can use short magazines or longer ones. Same goes for the Ruger Sr9c and Sr40c.

Ruger Mark II .22 RF 5.5" target pistol for the first handgun. Learn how to shoot before buying a large CF handgun. I am an NRA Pistol Coach and Instructor. All that I know about teaching handgun shooting, dictates buying a ,22 rf first.

Doug

Doug Bowser wrote:Ruger Mark II .22 RF 5.5" target pistol for the first handgun. Learn how to shoot before buying a large CF handgun. I am an NRA Pistol Coach and Instructor. All that I know about teaching handgun shooting, dictates buying a ,22 rf first.

Doug

+1 on Mr. Bowser's advice! This is where I started (on rimfire).

Then, check out the Glock 19 as sidroski suggests. I love mine!

Glock 19.

Pros- Relatively lightweight, concealable, 15+1 w/ 33+1 optional, ultra reliable, 9mm cheap to shoot, oodles of after market holsters and accessories
Cons- Not a thin profile

I've gotta recommend the XDm. Particularly the compact model. I've got the 4.5" .40 model and love it. If you buy the .40 compact you've opened yourself up to 3 calibers.40, .357sig, and 9mm, with nothing more than a barrel change. Lots of available accessories as well. Plus you get the compact and full size mags.

Getting the xdm is comparable to getting a glock, but for me, with smaller hands, the xdm fits much better

Or you could always get a 1911.....or a browning hi-power(my newest love)

If you wind up deciding on a single stack 1911, get a .22 conversion kit for it. I went with the Advantage arms myself. Being able to shoot .22 from the same pistol is a big advantage IMHO.

SilentHitz wrote:If you wind up deciding on a single stack 1911, get a .22 conversion kit for it. I went with the Advantage arms myself. Being able to shoot .22 from the same pistol is a big advantage IMHO.

I'd recommend buying a GSG or the like for the same price as most .22 conversions

If it's going to be a carry gun I'd recommend a compact XD/XDM or Glock. You can't go wrong with either.

Find a range with a gun rental program. Rent all the guns that you think you may like and test drive them so you can gain a better understanding of what you may like.

http://blogs.clarionledger.com/ccargill/2011/02/04/what-should-you-consider-when-choosing-a-handgun-for-self-defense/

Cliff has some good points in the article.

I think the Ruger MK II is the perfect starter pistol. The Smith & Wesson Model 63 with 5" barrel the perfect revolver. The 22lr is the best starter caliber and EVERY collection HAS to have one. You may as well start with the essentials. Besides, your girlfriend will never be afraid to shoot with you as long as she can shoot one of those.

After that the 1911 in whatever caliber suits your fancy. I too have small hands and the 1911 fits better than most others. I have a S&W M&P 40 that I can shoot more accurately than any other pistol I own. I don't know what it is about that gun but it all comes together for me. It is also a good carry gun for cooler weather.