First Handgun

Jeremy · 02-14-2007, 02:40 PM

I know it has probably been discussed before but im not coming up with much using the search function. Looking to purchase a handgun to carry during deer and elk season and that also will provide protection around the house. Any suggestions, links to old posts are fine too, thanks.

cooky · 02-14-2007, 02:42 PM

If you want a carry piece get a snub nose revolver in like a .357 or .44.

scottishsetter · 02-14-2007, 02:50 PM

Yes the S&W on the classified ads here is an excellent buy. I would SNAP it up but I just bought one(357) four days ago.
S&Ws have increased in price a bunch; this one is $100 below a 'best deal' or more. It will suit your needs for Home, hunting, and target practice. You must learn trigger control/sight alignment with handguns and a 4" is not the easiest but is do-able. If you stay at a 4" and get it(38s then 357s) you'll enjoy handguns especially this one for the rest of your shooting life. It's a must buy/Good luck

MossyOarReelCreek · 02-14-2007, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scottishsetter

Yes the S&W on the classified ads here is an excellent buy. I would SNAP it up but I just bought one(357) four days ago.
S&Ws have increased in price a bunch; this one is $100 below a 'best deal' or more. It will suit your needs for Home, hunting, and target practice. You must learn trigger control/sight alignment with handguns and a 4" is not the easiest but is do-able. If you stay at a 4" and get it(38s then 357s) you'll enjoy handguns especially this one for the rest of your shooting life. It's a must buy/Good luck

Quaka Wacka · 02-14-2007, 03:48 PM

I'd find a couple of friends who have different guns and try them out. See what feels best to you. I'd say .357 for a revolver, and 9mm for a auto are a good starting point as far as size goes. Don't get a gun thats too big to shoot comfortably. I recently bought a Glock 26, (compact 9mm) and love it. It's small and light for backpacking, and every bit as accurate as my full size glock. Although it does take a little practice first. If you go the compact auto route, I'd get one mag with the grip extension and one without. Good luck.

D-tangle · 02-14-2007, 04:51 PM

I would suggest a mid-sized 357 as an all-around house protection gun and carry. Safety slugs for at home, hollow-points for field. Not too long on the barrel, probably 4" should do for hitting anything 20' away, human or animal. As a revolver, it won't jam when you pull it and squeeze the trigger--no safety to mess with and in case of miss-fire, squeeze the trigger again. Pretty simple and effective, especially when in a scary situation.

Good luck.

Snakebite · 02-14-2007, 05:59 PM

Find and take a course in handgun safety. There must be lots of them available, due to the fact that to get a CHP, you must pass a training course. I used to be an instructor for those kinds of classes back in the '90's. My experience training folks to use a handgun was an education in and of itself. These types of classes will help you in determining what gun will work for you. I won't offer a suggestion as a result. Everybody's different, and have different perceptions of their needs. Check the NRA website. It may have some beneficial info.

Fishbulb · 02-14-2007, 06:21 PM

Nothing fits in my hand better than a M1911A1. Almost 100 years old, I find the gun to naturally allign and with a 10 rounds clip you have plenty of shots. The thumb safety is intuitive. A Crimson Trace wrap around laser dot sighting system will let you completely open up the bull while shooting from the hip. This could come in handy for household defense. Combine it with a Surefire zenon flashlight and you have a good edge on the bad guy.

12244 · 02-14-2007, 06:22 PM

I adore my first real handgun. SW model 422 4in. .22 A great gun to learn on, and cheap to shoot. Often mistaken for a 9.
Lays out 13 rounds very fast, and a blast to shoot.

Yeti · 02-15-2007, 07:07 AM

A defense gun should start with a "4" and end with a "5." I went with the XD45. I love it.

goforchrome · 02-15-2007, 07:36 AM

Totally agree with the post above...SW 686 maybe best example of an all round sport/utility handgun.
You will not regret buying it.
Revolver for first-timer, no question.

ajfishfinder · 02-15-2007, 08:50 AM

Another sugestion, google up a book called "In the gravest extreme". Spend a couple of dollars on it then read it cover to cover.
This is a real good start for someone buying a first handgun.

alaskan · 02-15-2007, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ajfishfinder

Another sugestion, google up a book called "In the gravest extreme". Spend a couple of dollars on it then read it cover to cover.
This is a real good start for someone buying a first handgun.

It's a little dated, but still full of really good info. I recommend it to anyone who plans on having a gun for "self defense"

RJS34 · 02-15-2007, 11:00 AM

I have a Glock 23 (.40) and couldn't be happier.

Glocks and great dependable guns. Some people dismiss them because they think they are ugly but I don't think so.

Rustyoar · 02-15-2007, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RJS34

I have a Glock 23 (.40) and couldn't be happier.

Glocks and great dependable guns. Some people dismiss them because they think they are ugly but I don't think so.

WAID · 02-15-2007, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fishbulb

Nothing fits in my hand better than a M1911A1. Almost 100 years old, I find the gun to naturally allign and with a 10 rounds clip you have plenty of shots. The thumb safety is intuitive. A Crimson Trace wrap around laser dot sighting system will let you completely open up the bull while shooting from the hip. This could come in handy for household defense. Combine it with a Surefire zenon flashlight and you have a good edge on the bad guy.

I love my 1911 too. Mine is still basically stock GI(not actual GI or even Colt but a close enough copy). The only thing I'd add is don't get a snubby revolver unless you need it concealed. Which doesn't sound to be the case to me. A longer revolver is going to be easier to shoot accurately and should give better velocity. .357 and .44 revolvers can also chamber shorter light cartridges that will be easy to practice with.

lentz · 02-15-2007, 04:17 PM

If your looking for somthing to carry when hunting, home defense, and just for plinking around the hi-point pistol is a good one. They are very inexpensive but are very reliable. The website is hi-pointfirearms.com
Just a suggestion.

scottishsetter · 02-15-2007, 05:20 PM

THE Reason not to suggest giving a beginner an auto loader (like a Glock OR a ruger MKII) is that in shooting they MAY stop; rack the slide; drop the Mag.; then point at your grandmother ,pull the trigger and kill her.
Magazines/semi-autos need sessions of familirization; over and over. Only when a complete understanding of the weapon operations is learned should one consider oneself 'safe'.

k9jeff · 02-16-2007, 12:29 AM

I had a 686 smith and it was great. VERY accurate!!! I regret selling it. It was a good solid handgun and fit me very well.

I have glocks now and like them. If I was starting out, I would do another 686 smith, its a few bucks, but it would last a lifetime if taken care of.

Popeye2 · 02-16-2007, 05:10 AM

I carry the taraus titanium tracker revolver, it gives me 7 rounds of 357 and a 4" barrel, it's reliable and light, if you have to point it at a bad man he knows all you have to do is pull the trigger, also a pad or comb lock behind the trigger between the triggergaurd and trigger will disable the gun making it safe even loaded around the house.

Jeremy · 02-18-2007, 05:54 PM

The Springfield XD series looks pretty good

toas243 · 02-18-2007, 06:50 PM

S&W .40 SVE light enough to carry while archey hunting ,and it will stop nearly every thing you cross in the rain forest

SImudBogger · 02-18-2007, 09:53 PM

my vote is for the Springfield XD also. sweet guns, sweet price. Lots caliber/barrel/color options also.

Jeremy · 02-18-2007, 10:02 PM

For home protection and carrying during rifle season i think i am going to go with the XD in .40 not sure what model yet probabl the 4" maybe the 5" what do you guys think?

billc_sbio · 02-19-2007, 05:28 AM

For Home Protection and CARRY the suggestion for a 686 is really good.

And seeing that it's for CARRY, if you wanted something a little lighter and less bulky you might look at the Revolver below the 686, which is a 3" Model 60.

Ready to carry on the hip, it's tiny, a .357, and unobtrusive. See its compact size next to my Goose Calls.

The Overfishin Condition · 02-19-2007, 09:34 AM

I went with the 686 for my first handgun, and haven't had any regrets so far. It's great because it's safe, and reliable, plus has some mass to it, so a person can shoot .357 rounds all day without feeling it.

Since it has a 4" barrell it would also be legal for deer in WA, which was a selling point for me. It fits well in a shoulder holster for just packing around in the woods, and shoots straight. Plus, being able to shoot lighter, cheaper .38 special rounds is very nice.

Now I'm looking for a smaller, automatic concealed carry defense gun!

Edit: I have no problems carrying the 686 in the woods, although it can get a tad heavy when I pack it along with a rifle, backpack, and binos. However, it's definitely not easy to conceal. I can, but must wear a pretty bulky jacket to do so. I'm guessing you're not planning on using it for that purpose though. It fits in a dresser drawer or nightstand nicely for home protection.

scubaseth · 02-19-2007, 01:55 PM

My next gun is probably going to be the XD compact in 40cal. I like the feel of it. If I went cheaper maybe the Taurus medallion (?) compact.

Scuba

KingFisher85 · 02-19-2007, 02:03 PM

I picked up a 686 from an Ifisher...LOVE the gun...But, the gun I say is my carry gun is a Ruger SP101

(listed guns above are all 357mag/38)

goforchrome · 02-19-2007, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billc_sbio

For Home Protection and CARRY the suggestion for a 686 is really good.

And seeing that it's for CARRY, if you wanted something a little lighter and less bulky you might look at the Revolver below the 686, which is a 3" Model 60.

Ready to carry on the hip, it's tiny, a .357, and unobtrusive. See its compact size next to my Goose Calls.

This is a great combo.
The original post said carry during hunting/backcountry excursions and home defense.
I think, not sure, you can open carry in the woods and I carry a 4" 686 in a simple Uncle Mikes holster on a 2" web belt.
Simple, easy, and the belt comes right off when I'm done, separate from the belt that holds my belly up

in 'em · 02-20-2007, 02:18 PM

.40 S&W Taurus 24-7...love it

Jeremy · 02-22-2007, 08:33 AM

Lots of great info here a couple of more questions. I think i have it narrowed down to a semi-auto just trying to decide on the caliber. 9mm vs .40 vs .45 im sure that debate could go on forever want to make sure its something my wife can also shoot from time to time. Again primary use will be to carry during rifle season as a backup for close encounters and home defense. Thanks again for all the info.

cooky · 02-22-2007, 09:50 AM

Well thats easy enough. If you want an auto either get a colt commander in .45 or a sig 229 in .40. Except no substitutes!

Hunt'nFish · 02-22-2007, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeremy

....Looking to purchase a handgun to carry during deer and elk season and that also will provide protection around the house. Any suggestions?...

For a hunting backup pistol, I would suggest something w/ some real poop.....9's and 40's are out for that.

.357, 44mag, 45acp, 10mm...even the 45LC would all be better choices. Big and heavy is good on 4-legged critters.

4-5" Revolvers are a top choice, some are made of light weight materials and quite packable.....meaning they won't pull your pants down.

Auto's are my favorite though...always liked the idea of 7-15rds in a mag...and more mags on the belt. Never needed more than what is in the pistol though. And the only time I ever had problems w/ a critter I leveled the turkey gun on. (big ol blackie charged..10ga #4 hurt)

Personally my favorites are the 10mm G20 and 45acp G21 (w/ 45 Super conversion) and of course my beloved 1911's (also w/ 45Super conversions)

However there are many other fine auto's like the XD, the SIG220, USP, CZ75/Witness/Tanfanglio....all fine pistols.

Like was mentioned, handle and shoot as many as you can get your hands on. Comfort and ergonomic fit ...ie natural pointability, are more important than which pistol. Get one that feel and points good for you.

Here's a test....(unloaded gun of course)
Pick a distance object like a door knob or something fairly small. With a 2-handed hold look at the object w/ the pistol held down in the ready position. Look and the object again and quickly raise the pistol and DRY FIRE on the object. DO NOT LOOK AT THE SIGHTS. Do it with a natural hand hold on the pistol. Do this a couple times and NEVER LOOK AT THE SIGHTS. Now the last time look at the sights w/o moving the pistol.

Are they lined up properly? or are the elevated up or down significantly?
Choose a pistol that naturally pints well for you. You should never have to break your wrist in order to line up the sights.

This is why I love my 1911's....they point perfectly for me. Glocks DO NOT....although I have two of them, they are not my "goto" pistols.
Hope this helps you pick a favorite.
Hunt'nFish

Hunt'nFish · 02-22-2007, 10:03 AM

I should also point out that of the pistols that are offered in 10mm.......you can usually buy an aftermarket barrel in 40cal for them as well.
There have also been some special 1911's offered w/ dual extractors so you could shoot 40cal in a 10mm. You can get 40cal barrels for the G20 from Olympic Arms. And of course you can get 1911 barrels as well. This is also true of the CZ75's.

Does Springfield offer a 10mm XD?? Is so that would be very interesting. A switch barrel XD .40/10mm Sounds like the best of both worlds.

But this is why I love the 45acp/45 Super marriage. No barrel swap required. Just a mag swap. (internal conversion required though)
Hunt'nFish

Jeremy · 02-22-2007, 11:13 AM

Thanks for all the info, is there anywhere in portland where you can shoot multiple guns of different calibers? or rent guns to shoot?

Hunt'nFish · 02-22-2007, 03:41 PM

Yes, "The Place to Shoot" out on Delta Park.
(past GIJoes and Wicks and on around the corner.)

Not sure what membership is or if you can shoot as a guest once to try it out....but it used to be $5/gun or $25 to shoot them all. Call them.
I'm a life member but haven't shot in 2-3yrs......I know shame on me. I like shooting up in the woods more.
Hunt'nFish

scottishsetter · 02-22-2007, 03:52 PM

I might be willing to share if ya help me clean'em.PM me your time available out in Ore.City.

sunshinefisherman · 02-23-2007, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cooky

If you want a carry piece get a snub nose revolver in like a .357 or .44.

I had a .357 snubnose (Taurus) and they are BRUTAL to shoot. No fun at all. IMO these guns are for shootouts in a phone booth.

I traded mine in on a Glock 17 (9mm) and I am very happy with it. It is super simple to use and very, very reliable. For home defense I equiped it with the M6 tactical illuminator which is the ultimate in target aquisition and identification.
http://www.swatgear.com/images/SL69021_l.jpg
http://www.popguns.com/insight_technologies.htm

If you are going to keep a gun for home defense you need to consider where you live because a standard bullet from a .44 mag or .357 will go through several walls, people, etc. Your worst nightmare could be shooting a family member or killing your neighbor in the next apartment. A Glazer safety slug is designed to stop people but not penetrate walls. Revolvers can also shoot shotshells which will kill at very close range and deter at 10 to 15 yards. Some people load the first two positions with shot and the rest with full power loads.

You should take a concealed carry class whether you get a license or not because they will help you understand your responsibilities and rights under the law regarding the use of deadly force.

In the woods I carry this in .45 long colt. Don't buy a holster that goes on the same side you carry your riflle. I suggest a crossdraw or a shoulder holster.

scottishsetter · 02-23-2007, 05:59 PM

Bisley Vaquero 45Colt; shoots 300gr. bullets.
Is this about your first handgun or your first three guns?
Jest...

sunshinefisherman · 02-24-2007, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scottishsetter

Bisley Vaquero 45Colt; shoots 300gr. bullets.
Is this about your first handgun or your first three guns?
Jest...

I've always had a thing for lobbing pumpkin size lead downrange. My other gun is a 45-70 Marlin Guide Gun, any questions?

joemomma · 02-24-2007, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RJS34

I have a Glock 23 (.40) and couldn't be happier.

Glocks and great dependable guns. Some people dismiss them because they think they are ugly but I don't think so.

pksgundogs · 02-25-2007, 08:38 PM

IMHO,, other than avoiding heavy recoiling handguns and snubs, which are both not suited to novices, the specific gun choice is secondary to some formal training and lots of practice: grip, trigger control and sight alignment. Handgun shooting is an acquired skill. I would suggest starting with a .22 with 2000 rounds of ammunition, where you develop the basic skills that will transfer to heavier guns.