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good handgun for first time user?
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| battalion_18 Regular  Joined: 18 Jul 2007 Posts: 357 Location: Forreston, Illinois |
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| Pimpala03 Moderator Joined: 20 Aug 2005 Posts: 10752 Location: Union Parish, Louisiana |
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| Klein36 Frequent Poster Joined: 18 Jan 2008 Posts: 1065 Location: Harris Co, TX |
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| Ben E. Contributing Member Joined: 29 Aug 2005 Posts: 3678 Location: Tama county, IA |
And it's only one of the most popular 9mm pistols in the world. I love mine, wouldn't trade it for anything else. Even if I switched to carrying .40 for duty use, I would still keep my 19 because it's so fun to shoot. |
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Contributing Member
Joined: 19 Aug 2005
Posts: 1010
Location: Buffalo Grove, IL
 Posted: Thu 20-Nov-2008 08:21 Post subject: |
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| Buying a handgun is like buying a pair of shoes. You need to go to your local gun shop and \"try on\" what they have. Everyone's hands are different, and every gun feels differently. I do not like Glocks because I have bear paws and the backstrap on them is minimal. Getting the meat of your hand nipped by the slide is no fun. You need to see what feels good in your hand, and then go out and shoot it.
Mike F P.S. I have an HK USP40F and a Smith M&P45. |
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Regular
Joined: 27 Aug 2005
Posts: 420
Location: Ewing NJ
| Posted: Thu 20-Nov-2008 10:18 Post subject: |
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| I got myself a XD40 two months ago. Its mostly for fun and home defence so i got the 5\" version. Shoots very smooth and has good balance. Never had any jams. I like that they come with all the accessorys and have the built in rail also. Just overall feels very solid and well made. | |
Regular
Joined: 14 Jun 2008
Posts: 147
Location: Fayetteville, TN
| Posted: Thu 20-Nov-2008 19:02 Post subject: |
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| trying it on is the best statement you could use.... i have a Glock 19 and can drive tacks with it, but other glocks the large frame ones just dont fit as well for me. its all about how it feels and shots for you. | |
Regular
Joined: 14 Jun 2008
Posts: 147
Location: Fayetteville, TN
| Posted: Thu 20-Nov-2008 19:05 Post subject: |
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| also since you are a emergency worker you can get a discount thru Glock | |
Regular
Joined: 18 Jul 2007
Posts: 357
Location: Forreston, Illinois
| Posted: Thu 20-Nov-2008 20:31 Post subject: Re: |
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| [quote:f3bcdbc73b=\"TNFF412N\"]also since you are a emergency worker you can get a discount thru Glock | |
very cool! do you know the website to order from them, checking out the Glock website I don't see where you can order direct through them..
Regular
Joined: 14 Jun 2008
Posts: 147
Location: Fayetteville, TN
| Posted: Thu 20-Nov-2008 20:43 Post subject: |
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| look on a website called glocktalk.com and search for it on there i cant get on that website here, but that will direct you which way to go... | |
Uber Poster
Joined: 12 Aug 2006
Posts: 3564
Location: Douglas County Nebraska
| Posted: Fri 21-Nov-2008 01:00 Post subject: |
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| I prefer first time users to buy a gun with at least a safety if not an exposed hammer/striker indicator. They are easier to train on and better for learning weapon safety and operations the proper way. I found this out the hard way while at a shooting range with a Glock fan boy who didn't know what a true safety was. Don't limit yourself from revolvers. Because they aren't used by Hollywood or most LEO's doesn't make them a bad, evil thing. | |
Regular
Joined: 03 Aug 2007
Posts: 346
Location: Sacramento, CA
| Posted: Fri 21-Nov-2008 01:34 Post subject: |
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| If all you want to do is put holes in paper and have some fun, then a .22LR semi-auto pistol.
Smith & Wesson, Ruger, and I'm sure others make them. Ammo is exceptionally cheap, there's almost no recoil, and a lot of fun for a beginner. If this is also for protection, then disregard this idea. Ruger Smith & Wesson Sig Sauer |
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Contributing Member
Joined: 29 Aug 2005
Posts: 3678
Location: Tama county, IA
| Posted: Fri 21-Nov-2008 02:18 Post subject: Re: |
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| [quote:d1e0dc566e=\"rabidjade\"]I prefer first time users to buy a gun with at least a safety if not an exposed hammer/striker indicator. They are easier to train on and better for learning weapon safety and operations the proper way. I found this out the hard way while at a shooting range with a Glock fan boy who didn't know what a true safety was. Don't limit yourself from revolvers. Because they aren't used by Hollywood or most LEO's doesn't make them a bad, evil thing. | |
Agreed, somewhat. If you're going to buy a Glock, make it a point to familiarize yourself with other types of handguns as well. It amazed me how many officers in my academy class didn't know what a de-cocker was, or how to use the safety on a handgun equipped with one. Take them apart, too. Glocks are simple machines, that's why they're popular. Other makes of handguns are a little more intricate, so it's neat (and useful) to see how different manufacturers put things together to accomplish the same goal.
Just remember, don't be an idiot at the range. Keep the muzzle pointed down range when performing anything with the weapon, and keep your booger-picker off the bang-switch until you're ready to shoot something.
Uber Poster
Joined: 12 Aug 2006
Posts: 3564
Location: Douglas County Nebraska
| Posted: Fri 21-Nov-2008 15:46 Post subject: Re: |
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| [quote:523d417c84=\"Ben E.\"]If you're going to buy a Glock, make it a point to familiarize yourself with other types of handguns as well. It amazed me how many officers in my academy class didn't know what a de-cocker was, or how to use the safety on a handgun equipped with one. Take them apart, too. Glocks are simple machines, that's why they're popular. Other makes of handguns are a little more intricate, so it's neat (and useful) to see how different manufacturers put things together to accomplish the same goal.
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Glocks are simple, I agree. The points in bold I have seen in person and on the internet more than a few times. \"Tacticool\" types who will only own Glocks tend not to know anything about other weapons or features/capabilities.
My advice to the OP is to go to a gun store and physically hold them before you start to decide. Ask to take it apart or have the dealer take it apart to see how many small parts or how complicated it is. Check the availability of magazines, parts, and accessories for each model you are interested in. Because you don't want the add-ons now, doesn't mean you won't in the future.
Worst thing you can do is go to a fan boy forum and read about which pistol is better. I know of plenty of people who bought pistols (mainly Glocks) because they looked cool or because the popo uses them and the pistol didn't work out. Most times they tend to have a wrong grip for the user (style, width, ect) and the user can't shoot even on the paper at 25ft.
I also know someone who absolutely hated the XD's. When I asked him about it, he said a friend of a friend had a friend who owned one and it jammed every round. This opinion was made without ever holding one or being the same area as one. I could not convince him otherwise and he still hold his staunch opinion to this day.
Point being, wrong/heavily opinionated viral information and fan boys should be avoided in situations like this. Do what I said earlier and above and go to a gun store yourself or with a non-opinionated friend.
Regular
Joined: 10 Dec 2007
Posts: 706
Location: Beckley, W.V.
| Posted: Fri 21-Nov-2008 17:12 Post subject: |
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| The glocks or springfield xd's would be a good choice, but there are alot out there and it would be best to go and check them out and get the feel of one that feels good in your hand. | |
Administrator
Joined: 19 Aug 2005
Posts: 9545
Location: Phillips County, Montana
| Posted: Fri 21-Nov-2008 17:53 Post subject: Re: |
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| [quote:f453a1008e=\"battalion_18\"][quote:f453a1008e=\"TNFF412N\"]also since you are a emergency worker you can get a discount thru Glock | |
very cool! do you know the website to order from them, checking out the Glock website I don't see where you can order direct through them..
You find a dealer who does LE sales. You can even check on www.gunbroker.com and find one; I did when I bought my G21 a couple of months ago. In fact, if you want, send me a pm and I will give you his contact info. You would then have it sent to a local ffl in your area who will complete the Federal transfer paperwork (charge a fee also).
Contributing Member
Joined: 29 Aug 2005
Posts: 3678
Location: Tama county, IA
| Posted: Fri 21-Nov-2008 19:45 Post subject: |
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| If you get an XD let me know, I want to shoot one since I want one. | |
Regular
Joined: 29 Aug 2005
Posts: 442
Location: Searcy/Judsonia, AR
| Posted: Fri 21-Nov-2008 21:14 Post subject: |
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| [quote:737fa9f95d=\"Mike F\"]...P.S. I have an HK USP40F and a Smith M&P45. | |
How's the M&P? I've been meaning to try one of those.
Contributing Member
Joined: 19 Aug 2005
Posts: 1010
Location: Buffalo Grove, IL
| Posted: Fri 21-Nov-2008 21:20 Post subject: Re: |
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| [quote:66f3cc0f32=\"ryanm\"][quote:66f3cc0f32=\"Mike F\"]...P.S. I have an HK USP40F and a Smith M&P45. | |
How's the M&P? I've been meaning to try one of those.
Hehehe, funny thing. I bought that gun based on how it felt in my hand. I have had it for 3 months and haven't even shot it yet.
Regular
Joined: 29 Aug 2005
Posts: 442
Location: Searcy/Judsonia, AR
| Posted: Fri 21-Nov-2008 21:27 Post subject: Re: |
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| [quote:7cd5bd2897=\"Mike F\"]
Hehehe, funny thing. I bought that gun based on how it felt in my hand. I have had it for 3 months and haven't even shot it yet. |
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OK... That is unacceptable! You must send me this device for safekeeping as you obviously cannot handle it!
Member
Joined: 03 Jun 2008
Posts: 40
Location: Macomb County, MI
| Posted: Tue 25-Nov-2008 10:10 Post subject: |
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| I have a compact M&P .40 and I love it. I havent heard of anyone who has shot the M&P line who didnt acknowledge it was a good gun. The way it felt in my hand and the rate at which is was being adopted by law enforcement agencies is what sold me. I got a compact for concealed carry. I plan on a FS .40 before years end. | |
Contributing Member
Joined: 24 Nov 2005
Posts: 868
Location: Rescue, VA
| Posted: Wed 26-Nov-2008 10:55 Post subject: |
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| Glocks are very dependable, but can also malfunction. Part of the training in shooting any semi-auto is to know how to clear a stovepipe, doublefeed, misfire.
I always recommend a small .38 revolver for the first time gun owner. Dependable, and no malfunctions to worry about. Most cops have one around for short trips to the store, or as a backup carried in a jacket pocket. |
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Regular
Joined: 17 Jul 2006
Posts: 316
Location: Bergen County, NJ
| Posted: Thu 4-Dec-2008 08:08 Post subject: |
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+1 What do you want to use the gun for? I agree with rabidjade - if you just want to learn to shoot, and you're only shooting at paper, a .22 is probably the way to go. They're less expensive, the ammo is dirt cheap, and they're still the caliber of choice in serious target shooting (think Olympics). My first handgun was a Ruger Super Single Six - a cowboy-style single-action .22 revolver, which my dad bought for me when I was 13. I absolutely loved it. Simple, easy-to-use, cheap to feed, safe (single action revolvers tend to be), and damn accurate. I've shot my father's Kimber .45 and H&K USP9. I also recently decided to get back into shooting (after not getting to the range in about 6 years) and picked up a Browning Buck Mark .22. It's a tack driver at 23 yards. PS - On the subject of home defense - if I wanted to scare someone away, I'd go with a .45. Looking down the barrel of that will make anyone who hasn't been in combat $h1t themselves. On the other hand, if I knew that I had one shot and it was either me or him, I'd grab my .22... |
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Member
Joined: 03 Dec 2008
Posts: 33
Location: Twin Cities MN
| Posted: Thu 4-Dec-2008 09:27 Post subject: |
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| Glock 19 or the similar version of the SW MP....or go rent a .22 | |
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