Future firearm owner needs some input

i have to say some of the smaller revolvers peak my interest but how hard are they to reload for a lefty or can the cylinder be reversed for left handed use?
 
The biggest problem for a lefty is that the cylinder latch is usually on the left side of the gun, so picture trying to manipulate the latch from a left-handed grip. You end up having to do some awkward re-gripping. I bet it's not too too hard to learn to safely and confidently reload if you're lefty, but there definitely isn't much of a choice for lefties in revolvers. Pistols (like the USP) are offered ambidextrously, I don't know why nobody is picking up the lefty niche for revolvers :confused:
 
Even people with only one hand can easily reload a swing-cylinder revolver -- swing the cylinder out and stick it in your waistband while you reload.
 
i figure getting used to reloading lefty should be too bad..ive adapted to being lefty using righty knives so far in the knife world. i guess as long as im not in a race to reload, im ok.
 
I am quite "lefty" reloading lefty on a "right handed" revolver is not a bad thing....but if you need to reload, except in practice, consider a Glock or Colt or something you can drop 15+rounds in to start.....and if you need that, carry a Remington 870 with a 7 shell tube, a bondelero of 12 guage shell with # 6 or larger shot, and be darned concerned what kind of world you live in....
But six...learn how and practice and get the knowledge you can before you decide to get a permit to carry.....
It is an awsome reaponsibility......
Done preaching...from an older guy...
 
John R. Fraps said:
But six...learn how and practice and get the knowledge you can before you decide to get a permit to carry.....
It is an awsome reaponsibility......
Done preaching...from an older guy...
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the best advice i have recieved yet..the older guys are the best ones to talk to. I actually have been looking into classes taught locally on basic to advanced techniques
 
Or the ruger sp101 357 3" It great my wife love hers. Glock 21 is good, so is any .45 pistol. I want a 686 or gp100 for myself. The 357 is still one caliber that many can not touch. The downside is the big fireball and loud as hell. Every caliber has it advantages and disadvantages.
 
Much of your decision will be based on use, but my general advice is to buy a revolver as your first handgun. A revolver is durable and reliable. A revolver may be left loaded for long periods of time with no penalty (locked up, of course). There are many good 7 shot .357 revolvers. You can practice with or shoot .38 ammo also in them (but not the other way around).

My house gun is a 4 inch barrel .357 (along with a shotgun). It is loaded always, but locked away near my bedroom.

Rossi makes a left-handed .38 revolver.

A semiauto has higher capacity and is quicker to reload for most folks. BUT, you should not leave the magazine loaded indefinitely. The magazine spring will fatigue and the "gun" will fail to function properly. You should have at least two magazines ("clips") for each semiauto. I have at least four magazines for each of my semiautos. I would get a Springfield XD in .45 or 9mm.

On the road, I take a Glock 21 or Springfield XD in .45 caliber. I keep it on my front dash in a Bible cover. The "power of the Word," so to speak... I keep a second loaded magazine with it.

I would not get a handgun meant for concealed carry as my first handgun.

M.
 
The bottom line is get what feels good in YOUR hand and on YOUR belt (if you plan on packing). Find a range that will let you rent/try several different handguns.
With that said my vote is the for the Springfield XD, (I got the .45 ACP Tactical) it is great gun and lefty frieldly too.
 
Another vote for the Springfield XD 45ACP. I tried all others and this one is great. Field strips real easy and eats everything I feed it.
 
Man, this post can go on for ever. I definitely recommend purchasing a revolver for your first firearm. I have owned and have used several firearms more than I wish to count to include pistols, revolvers, machineguns, etc. The good thing about a revolver is that it's extremely reliable and easier concealed if you wish to carry conceal. If you are worried about reloading I would advice you to concentrate on your shooting skills in the range. You can carry six shots in a revolver and if you need more than there is a problem. For personal defense I say that the first 3 shots would be way more than you can explain to the cops. Remember that you are accountable for every round that you shoot. Do you want to shoot 15 rounds out into the public? I don't see anyone shooting 15 rounds into a subject and having to reload.
The semi's either carry 7 or 15 and if you carry seven what is the difference of it from the revolver carrying 6? I personally carry a Kimber .45 ACP or Sig. .9mm back home. On different occasions depending on what I am doing I will carry a snub nose 38. For hunting I carry a back up revolver .44 mag. I am not worried about reloading there.
We can sit here all day and talk about double action and single action. Single action is just for the first shot. Having to pull the hammer back??? Single actions are usually carried cocked with a safety strap in front of the hammer and safety on. Most people don’t like that type of configuration but it is supposed to be the way you carry it. For caliber size I recommend that you find someone who has different firearms and go to the range and see what you are most comfortable and adequate shooting with. A .45 ACP might not be your choice of weapons if you can’t hit the target at 25 yards. I recommend that you fire consistently different calibers and see what fits you best than see what type of weapon you feel comfortable in handling. I agree that a .10mm will suit you no good if it is left back home because the weight, bulk, and recoil. It all comes down to what you can handle. Good luck and let us know what you finally decide on.
 
Peppe said:
Man, this post can go on for ever. I definitely recommend purchasing a revolver for your first firearm. I have owned and have used several firearms more than I wish to count to include pistols, revolvers, machineguns, etc. The good thing about a revolver is that it's extremely reliable and easier concealed if you wish to carry conceal. If you are worried about reloading I would advice you to concentrate on your shooting skills in the range. You can carry six shots in a revolver and if you need more than there is a problem. For personal defense I say that the first 3 shots would be way more than you can explain to the cops. Remember that you are accountable for every round that you shoot. Do you want to shoot 15 rounds out into the public? I don't see anyone shooting 15 rounds into a subject and having to reload.
The semi's either carry 7 or 15 and if you carry seven what is the difference of it from the revolver carrying 6? I personally carry a Kimber .45 ACP or Sig. .9mm back home. On different occasions depending on what I am doing I will carry a snub nose 38. For hunting I carry a back up revolver .44 mag. I am not worried about reloading there.
We can sit here all day and talk about double action and single action. Single action is just for the first shot. Having to pull the hammer back??? Single actions are usually carried cocked with a safety strap in front of the hammer and safety on. Most people don’t like that type of configuration but it is supposed to be the way you carry it. For caliber size I recommend that you find someone who has different firearms and go to the range and see what you are most comfortable and adequate shooting with. A .45 ACP might not be your choice of weapons if you can’t hit the target at 25 yards. I recommend that you fire consistently different calibers and see what fits you best than see what type of weapon you feel comfortable in handling. I agree that a .10mm will suit you no good if it is left back home because the weight, bulk, and recoil. It all comes down to what you can handle. Good luck and let us know what you finally decide on.
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some very good points made here peppe, maybe a revolver is the way to go, but i still plan on trying out anything and everything
 
That is a great approach. Never limit yourself to a single tool / weapon. Practice, practice, practice. Like I said, let me know what you finally decide on.
 
I'm not sure the 1911 has ever been improved on but thats a hole other discussion and I can't support that claim with any thing but opinion.

Having said that....

There is a lot to be said for a good .22 lr. A Mk II, Mk II/45, Buck mark or several of the revolvers.

Not as high a CDI (Chicks Dig It) factor, but one of the best training aids you can get. You can shoot 550 rd for under $10. The basic skills are the same and it will cure a flinch if you shoot the big guns (Magnum bear killers) a lot.

I own and have owned a few hand guns and the Mk II Government starts all my practice sessions as a warm up. Just shot up 300 rd. of .22 yesterday playing multiple target mag dumps and El Presadentas.

More fun in .45 acp but I live on a budget.
 
GUN SNOB said:
I'm not sure the 1911 has ever been improved on but thats a hole other discussion and I can't support that claim with any thing but opinion.

Having said that....

There is a lot to be said for a good .22 lr. A Mk II, Mk II/45, Buck mark or several of the revolvers.

Not as high a CDI (Chicks Dig It) factor, but one of the best training aids you can get. You can shoot 550 rd for under $10. The basic skills are the same and it will cure a flinch if you shoot the big guns (Magnum bear killers) a lot.

I own and have owned a few hand guns and the Mk II Government starts all my practice sessions as a warm up. Just shot up 300 rd. of .22 yesterday playing multiple target mag dumps and El Presadentas.

More fun in .45 acp but I live on a budget.
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my goal for buying one isnt to get laid, but .22 may be a place to start
 
Machaira said:
Much of your decision will be based on use, but my general advice is to buy a revolver as your first handgun. A revolver is durable and reliable. A revolver may be left loaded for long periods of time with no penalty (locked up, of course). There are many good 7 shot .357 revolvers. You can practice with or shoot .38 ammo also in them (but not the other way around).

My house gun is a 4 inch barrel .357 (along with a shotgun). It is loaded always, but locked away near my bedroom.

Rossi makes a left-handed .38 revolver.

A semiauto has higher capacity and is quicker to reload for most folks. BUT, you should not leave the magazine loaded indefinitely. The magazine spring will fatigue and the "gun" will fail to function properly. You should have at least two magazines ("clips") for each semiauto. I have at least four magazines for each of my semiautos. I would get a Springfield XD in .45 or 9mm.

On the road, I take a Glock 21 or Springfield XD in .45 caliber. I keep it on my front dash in a Bible cover. The "power of the Word," so to speak... I keep a second loaded magazine with it.

I would not get a handgun meant for concealed carry as my first handgun.

M.
Click to expand...

i agree with most of your points but imho its pretty much accepted that mag springs dont take a set/etc when kept loaded, it just doesnt happen in my experience, MIGHT could happen on some lesser quality mags but even with them it would take decades to have any effect.
 
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