Quote:
Originally Posted by Milk 1027
Thinking of buying my first handgun.
Any tips or suggestions.
I know everyone is going to have their own preferance, but I just want to hear opinions.
|
Congratulations on deciding to buy your first gun. You will enjoy this hobby. You are right that everyone will give you a different answer and a different preference. Guns are like cars, you will not get a Volvo if you want to run a 1/4 mile, but you don't get a Camaro if you have 5 kids and no other vehicle.
Before you buy any gun, you need to determine what you need if for. Is it for handgun hunting, self defense at home, concealed carry, plinking, just for fun or maybe competition such as IDPA? Each of these will require a different type of gun.
I have many different guns for many different purposes. Here is a partial list:
-Ruger LCP for deep Concealment.
-Glock 26 and 19 for self defense and concealed carry.
-Glock 34 for competition shooting with IDPA. It is also a fun range gun.
-Colt Police Positive .38 Special for home defense. A revolver is the easiest gun to operate especially when you are woken up to an intruder.
-Beretta Neos .22LR for plinking and just having a blast with in the woods or at the range.
-Kimber and Llama 1911's for range fun and they enable me to customize the guns with many different parts. You can call me an amateur gun smith.
As you can see each has a different purpose. I do not like to shoot the Ruger at the range often. It is small and light and kicks like a pissed off mule.
Now for my advice.
First, don't fall into the macho bravado of buying the biggest baddest gun first. I have never met a person that does not get hooked by this hobby. If you buy the best first, there is noting left to grow into or buy later.
Second, remember that ammunition costs money and you will need to buy a lot of it. You can get a box of 500 rounds of .22 LR for about $17. I just bought a lot of 50 round boxes of 9 mm Luger for $9.99 a box. it starts getting expensive when you move to .40 or .45 ACP where a box of 50 will set you back $18-$20. I would personally buy a gun in 9 mm that has a conversion kit of .22 LR for my first gun. This is what I did and it enabled me to shoot 100 rounds of 9 mm then another 200 rounds of .22 every time I went to the range. This is how you get good quick, putting a lot of lead down range.
Third, buy what fits your hand. Every gun is different. I would suggest you go to a gun show and pick up every gun you can. This will give you an idea of what feels right.
Fourth, I would get a full size gun like the Glock 19 or S&W M&P 9mm. The plastic guns are very reliable. The longer barrel will give you more control and they are easier to aim. I have never had a Glock fail, this is why I am partial to them. I would avoid a 1911 for the first gun. They usually take a lot of time to break in will jam in the first 500 rounds a number of times. As a newbie, you don't want to have to clear jams. The plastic guns are usually better for first time or new shooters. Any of the big name newer guns will be just fine for you.
Finally, always remember the 4 rules of guns. Print this out and keep it with your gun until you can recite them by memory.
The 1st Law - The Gun Is Always Loaded!
So EVERY TIME you pick up or draw a gun, inspect it in a safe manner (control your muzzle) and always treat it as a loaded gun. Alway check to see if it is loaded. Even if someone hands you a gun and they checked it, assume there is a bullet in the chamber and check yourself.
The 2nd Law - Never Point The Gun At Something You Are Not Prepared To Destroy!
The only safe way to operate is to assume the Worst Case Scenario: Pretend that your "empty" gun is loaded and that it's going to function perfectly. When you press the trigger it will FIRE! Since you are prepared for that, you only point the gun in a Safe Direction. This way, when Brainfade does result in an AD, it will be into a safe impact area and there won't be a tragedy.
The 3rd Law - Always Be Sure Of Your Target And What Is Behind It!
Bullets can penetrate lots of things, many of which will surprise you. Identify your target before firing - even before dry-firing at home. If you are not sure, DON'T FIRE! Even though you have checked and double-checked your gun, you should still treat your gun as though it is loaded.
The 4th Law - Keep Your Finger Off The Trigger Until Your Sights Are On The Target!
Almost all of the ADs are caused by a finger on the trigger when you were not ready to fire.
Good Luck.