I would like to exercise my 2nd...

**wickedsolo** · 06-22-2012, 07:12 AM

I'm experienced with handguns, but I'm not really sure what kind to really look at purchasing. One problem I've had with shooting different full-sized handguns is they don't fit very comfortably in my hands. I've got big meaty palms and stubby fingers.

I don't want to drop a ton of money either, so I was just curious about some of your opinions on them. I'm not really into revolvers, but I would consider them.

It would just be for home protections and target shooting/fun.

**NCRAVEN** · 06-22-2012, 07:26 AM

I was thinking about starting a thread just like this.... okay well this thread exactly.

I want something to shoot for fun, and something the wife can shoot too. I'll buy two if I have to, but I'd like to just get one for now. I am a giant compared to her so something like a S&W 380 ( I think is the gun) would work great for her but not for me. Any input would be great on a gun that would maybe fit her and me.

Wicked I'd probably just recommend a Glock. Relatively inexpensive, reliable decent size handle and space around the trigger for meaty fingers. Just my two cents.

**wickedsolo** · 06-22-2012, 07:30 AM

I'm in the same boat NC. My wife wants to learn to shoot as well, so I'd be looking for something that both she and I would enjoy.

I actually have a concealed carry permit...and no gun, haha.

I like Glock, but even they can be pretty expensive. I was trying to keep it under $500...maybe around $300-400.

**HoustonRaven** · 06-22-2012, 07:41 AM

I always recommend going to a range that rents guns if you're in the market. There are so many nuances from gun to gun that it's really best to test drive a few before flopping down $500+ on a firearm.

I am a Glock guy and recommend them as an introductory gun. It's a simple design (breaks down into 4 parts), will always go bang, moderately priced and will last a very long time. They come in various calibers and sizes so there is a Glock that will fit anyone. I have small hands so the Glock 19 Gen 4 is my primary weapon / carry weapon. If you have bigger hand and are looking for 9mm, than the Glock 17 would probably serve you well. Just keep in mind there is no external safety on a Glock. Other than the trigger safety, there is no secondary way to safe the weapon. Some people are put off by that so it's something you should consider. Kimber is also an excellent manufacturer, but the 1911 model they make (the best semi auto design ever, IMO) can be pricey. I'd stay away from S&W. Their customer service stinks so if anything happens to the gun, you're stuck with it unless you can find a gunsmith in MD. Sig Sauer is an excellent manufacturer, but they too can be pricey.

If this is for home protection, I have some advice ....

1. Everyone who lives in the house NEEDS to be familiar with the weapon. Just like any tool, unless you practice using it A LOT, you're going to stumble when you need it most.

2. If you have kids, gets yourself a good safe. I don't have kids yet, but I have a Barska biometric safe in my closet that can only be opened by my index finger print or my wife's. In Maryland, you can go to jail if it's discovered you're not securing your weapons when kids are around.

3. Practice! Shooting, like any other activity, requires constant practice. Never forget you may have to use this tool to take a life and if you don't do that well, it could be used against you. I tell folks do not buy a gun unless you're also willing (mentally and financially) to shoot at least once a month at the absolute minimum.

I have more but I have to get to my conference ....

**HoustonRaven** · 06-22-2012, 07:42 AM

Originally Posted by wickedsolo

I'm in the same boat NC. My wife wants to learn to shoot as well, so I'd be looking for something that both she and I would enjoy.

I actually have a concealed carry permit...and no gun, haha.

I like Glock, but even they can be pretty expensive. I was trying to keep it under $500...maybe around $300-400.

How in the world did you manage a permit in MD?

**wickedsolo** · 06-22-2012, 08:13 AM

Originally Posted by HoustonRaven

How in the world did you manage a permit in MD?

I don't live in Maryland right now.

I live in Arlington, VA and got the permit down in Florida when I was stationed at Pensacola. CC Permit in Florida has reciprocity in almost every state that offers CC Permits.

We are planning to move to MD in a year, so obviously my CC Permit will be void in MD...but I can still carry in VA.

**HoustonRaven** · 06-22-2012, 09:01 AM

Originally Posted by wickedsolo

I don't live in Maryland right now.

I live in Arlington, VA and got the permit down in Florida when I was stationed at Pensacola. CC Permit in Florida has reciprocity in almost every state that offers CC Permits.

We are planning to move to MD in a year, so obviously my CC Permit will be void in MD...but I can still carry in VA.

Might want to download the Legal Heat app then.

Great resource for anyone who has a permit and travels from state to state.

**wickedsolo** · 06-22-2012, 10:23 AM

Originally Posted by HoustonRaven

Might want to download the Legal Heat app then.

Great resource for anyone who has a permit and travels from state to state.

Never heard of it. I'll check it out!

**GOTA** · 06-22-2012, 02:13 PM

You should PM HK for some advice. That dude really knows his guns. I on the other hand am not a gun guy but I do love watching Top Shot

**flraven** · 06-22-2012, 02:35 PM

armbears2.jpg

**StingerNLG** · 06-22-2012, 02:45 PM

I've always been a rifle and shotgun man myself. Days of shooting as a young kid with my grandfather in Texas.

**4G63** · 06-22-2012, 04:04 PM

Arguably the best gun you can buy. It ain't cheap and has a weird round but is fast and accurate. The FN Five-Seven.

**HoustonRaven** · 06-22-2012, 04:53 PM

Not my choice for home defense.

The round is super sonic and could easily pass through walls, striking unintended targets.

**wickedsolo** · 06-22-2012, 06:08 PM

Those rounds look like they'd be stupid expensive.

I was thinking a 9mm because rounds aren't terribly expensive and I would like to go to the range at least once or twice a month. I really do enjoy shooting. It's a lot of fun.

Beretta PX4 D-Type 9mm: http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...0D-TYPE%209mm/

S&W SD9VE 9mm:
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...mm+BlackSS+16R

**4G63** · 06-22-2012, 09:09 PM

Originally Posted by HoustonRaven

Not my choice for home defense.

The round is super sonic and could easily pass through walls, striking unintended targets.

Meh. A Five-Seven with a green laser from Veridian would be unbeatable. If I had the money it would be in my house and would be the only handgun I'd need as its got little recoil and is extremely accurate.

**4G63** · 06-22-2012, 09:36 PM

Originally Posted by wickedsolo

Those rounds look like they'd be stupid expensive.

They aren't cheap but I'd rather have one gun that I trust. If you're into having lots of handguns and different ammo because thats your thing then the Five-Seven might not be for you.

**HoustonRaven** · 06-23-2012, 06:15 AM

Beretta Px4 is a fine weapon.

Very reliable, fun to shoot and a great price. They had feed problems in earlier models so make sure you stay away from a used one.

**jonboy79** · 06-23-2012, 09:28 AM

Great thread.... I've also been thinking of posting a very similar thread.

Continental arms in timonium is a fine, relatively inexpensive range that rents guns. Bonus, for those of you with wives or GF's is that on thursday nights rental is free for women. This will allow you to buy a box of ammo for several different guns throughout the night. An affordabel way to test a few guns in one night.
Those with inexperienced wives, can choose to start with a 22 revolver and move on to bigger and beter firearms.

HR, so you are not a fan of the S&W M&P? Are yoiu not complaining about the gun simply the company? It's a highly regarded sub Glock budget firearm. Taurus is also a manufacturer that 's quality is improving in that sub $500 range, but I've heard enough horror stories from yesteryear that I'm planning to stay away. I've heard them compared as the Hyundai of firearms, with the progression that's been made in the past decade being a solid parallel. I've yet to find someone convince me that it is worth spending less then Glock wants for a firearrm. I think I've narrowed my search down to the 21, for a good combination of capacity/stopping power/ ammo cost.
I open carry at my current job and the company provided Glock 30 is not exactly my cup of tea. too small a frame for too large a round.

**jonboy79** · 06-23-2012, 09:34 AM

Originally Posted by 4G63

Meh. A Five-Seven with a green laser from Veridian would be unbeatable. If I had the money it would be in my house and would be the only handgun I'd need as its got little recoil and is extremely accurate.

The FiveSeven seems(have not shot one) to me to be a specialty gun. I wouldn't consider it for my purposes. I'd love to have such a precision firearm, it's just the wrong direction for most people I think. As HR suggess, the high velocity small caliber round has lots of penetration which is actually bad for most home defense situations. It's 20 round capacity is overkill for almost all such situations, and the cost of round is far too much for a suitable practice gun for most budgets. On top of that, it's stopping power is questionable for rounds that are not well placed.
That said, it should be a very approachable and accurate weapon for anyone with a fair ammount of practice. Firing several rounds repeatedly would be easier for almost all shooters. I still just question it's utility for the "everyman".

**AirFlacco** · 06-23-2012, 09:36 AM

In my younger days I served summons on the side while working in the federal court system. My first case was serving someone in a bar in Turner Station. I went to his home and his ex said exactly where he was. So I walked in and asked the bart tender and he said are you a friend of his. I was the only white guy in the joint. AFter looking around I said do you think I'd be here if I wasn't. He said, oh yea, he's at the end of the bar. I gave him the papers and said you've been served and ran like hell. Kept the car engine on outside-lol.

From there I did some bounty work with two off duty Baltimore county cops. They wanted me to get a gun but I just never liked them.

Knives were my weapon of choice as I learned how to use them in my youth growing up near Memorial Stadium. Still have s switch blade I took off a guy who tried to use it on me.

I also had THE PIZZA KIT. It was a 3/16" plate of steel the size of a pizza my dad had made down the point. I'd walk up and knock on a door with a pizza delivery and smacked it over the guy's head every time when he opened the door.

I never needed guns but respect them and the right for others to
have them.

Something tells me somebody is gonna make a federal case to
expunge the 2d Amendment after fast and furous.

GIVE ME A MILLION ARMED CITIZENS AND NO COUNTRY CAN DEFEAT US.

PRESIDENT ANDY JACKSON, HERO OF BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS

THERE'S MORE GUNS IN THE MIDWEST THAN PEOPLE.

TOM BERENGER IN THE MOVIE BETRAYAL