Firearms Section

[FenwickHockey65]

Originally Posted by xrivera91

About to become a first time firearm owner in the rediculous state of nj. I don't know what to get at all any suggestions? I'm looking more into the handgun area.

What are you going to be using it for? And how experienced are you with firearms?

[xrivera91]

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

What are you going to be using it for? And how experienced are you with firearms?

Home defense and for days at the range. New Jersey doesn't approve carry permits so that's basically it. And I would consider myself a beginner

[xrivera91]

I've had some range time with a glock but that's about it.

[shibbs]

I definitely recommend that you and everyone in the house take a firearm safety course before purchasing a firearm.

Then go to a range that does rentals and rent some pistols and see what you like. My favorite pistol might drive you insane.

[okbfd]

Exactly, there are so many variables....hand size being a primary issue for me. Since you are inexperienced I would look at a 9mm in a handgun. Glock, Smith & Wesson, Springfield, Sig Sauer. There are a ton of good ones out there and some real crap if you go with a cheaper weapon.

[xrivera91]

Originally Posted by okbfd

Exactly, there are so many variables....hand size being a primary issue for me. Since you are inexperienced I would look at a 9mm in a handgun. Glock, Smith & Wesson, Springfield, Sig Sauer. There are a ton of good ones out there and some real crap if you go with a cheaper weapon.

I was actually thinking of going with a glock. BTW thanks for the responses guys.

[PHXLT1]

Originally Posted by Mr Twisty

Ruger mini's are awesome rifles! 7.63x39 is a fine round as well. Nice buy

Do you own one also? I'll be testing some Russian ammo though it tomorrow, although I've not heard anything good about an M30 and Russian ammo. Going to check out an AR this weekend too. Don't really want an AR but this one is priced cheap. Don't tell the MRS!!

[PHXLT1]

Originally Posted by xrivera91

I was actually thinking of going with a glock. BTW thanks for the responses guys.

You may want to look into a wheel gun since you're a beginner. Just point and shoot.

[Demon War Horse]

Originally Posted by xrivera91

I was actually thinking of going with a glock. BTW thanks for the responses guys.

My first firearm was a Glock 21 (full frame .45). Glock is a great gun. Limited safety measures as far as tactile ones go. But it was my beginner gun.

Smith and Wesson's M&P line is very good as well. I also like Springfield Armory XD line.

My Glocks have eaten everything I have put through them. My .45 has thousands of rounds through it and still shots better than I do. I have had maybe 3-4 failures total and that was my fault with limpwristing it a couple of times causing a jam, or I did not get the rounds fully seated right in the magazine.

Stay away from the bodyguard .380 from Smith and Wesson. It is hard to shoot well. The trigger is terrible.

I would recommend going to a range that rents guns and try the Glock, M&P, Sig Sauer, H&K, and Springfield Armory all in a 9mm and see what you like. You need it to fit your hand well and be able to reach all of the controls cleanly and without fumbling.

Often a gun that looks great, may not be a good match for you individually. Try a few out and see what you like.

[xrivera91]

Originally Posted by Demon War Horse

My first firearm was a Glock 21 (full frame .45). Glock is a great gun. Limited safety measures as far as tactile ones go. But it was my beginner gun.

Smith and Wesson's M&P line is very good as well. I also like Springfield Armory XD line.

My Glocks have eaten everything I have put through them. My .45 has thousands of rounds through it and still shots better than I do. I have had maybe 3-4 failures total and that was my fault with limpwristing it a couple of times causing a jam, or I did not get the rounds fully seated right in the magazine.

Stay away from the bodyguard .380 from Smith and Wesson. It is hard to shoot well. The trigger is terrible.

I would recommend going to a range that rents guns and try the Glock, M&P, Sig Sauer, H&K, and Springfield Armory all in a 9mm and see what you like. You need it to fit your hand well and be able to reach all of the controls cleanly and without fumbling.

Often a gun that looks great, may not be a good match for you individually. Try a few out and see what you like.

This is exactly the response I was looking for. Very informative. Thanks for that I appreciate it. The range is quite a ways from me but I'll have to make the time to go.

[sherob]

I'll give a nod to the XD line, have the XD 357Sig... I also really like Steyr. I have their M40... really sweet pistol!

[CamaroIOM12]

A few toys in my collection.
1st- Kidd 22lr with a Boyds SS Evolution Stock

2nd- Arsenal SLR 95 with Tapco furniture. It no longer has the scope see below.

3rd- Just put it together this weekend. Norinco SKS with a SG BullPup kit. Waiting on a crush washer for the muzzle brake.

[Demon War Horse]

Originally Posted by xrivera91

This is exactly the response I was looking for. Very informative. Thanks for that I appreciate it. The range is quite a ways from me but I'll have to make the time to go.

No sweat man. Of if the range is too far, go to a gun store, academy, bass pro, or something like that and hold a few. You can tell pretty quick which ones you like the feel of in the hand. 9mm has a slight kick, not much. .45 has a push, as in it pushes your hands back and up some for the recoil and a .40 has a snap that is slightly back but upward. At least they do for me. I started with big guns and worked my way down to 9mm. LOL

Glock is hard to beat in cost and function. They can really take a beating. You can change triggers and other parts on Glocks and the M&P line, or have a reputable shop do so if you like. The same for sights.

The M&P line have adjustable backstraps as do the Glock Gen 4 guns to adjust the grip width to your hand. Keep that in mind as well. You want it to be a very instinctual point and shoot feel. Always focus on the front sight when shooting.

Good luck! Keep us posted.

[Mr Twisty]

Originally Posted by PHXLT1

Do you own one also? I'll be testing some Russian ammo though it tomorrow, although I've not heard anything good about an M30 and Russian ammo. Going to check out an AR this weekend too. Don't really want an AR but this one is priced cheap. Don't tell the MRS!!

Have shot, don't own..... I keep waiting for a good deal on a mini 14/30, but when they're around my extra cash isn't