Handgun Advice Needed

C

Cabbit

Joined
Apr 2, 2004
Messages
577
Just got back from a trip to Las Vegas with my Buds.

While there We spent a day at a rental range and man did I have fun.

I fired:

H&K USP .40 Cal - 2 Boxes
Sig .357 - 2 Boxes
Glock 17 - 2 Clips
Glock 22 - 2 Boxes
SAW - 1 Belt
Thompson M1A1 - 100 rounds.

I've been considering becoming a gun owner and man, this experience pushed me over the top. I went down to the police station and picked up the paperwork.

It's going to take about 8-12 weeks for me to get my permits. But when I get them I'll only have a short window in which to make my purchase so I'd like to have things arranged ahead of time.

And with this being my first pistol, well... I need some advice.

I've been doing some reading and I'm thinking of purchasing one of the following:
H&K USP (My favorite that I fired at the range)
H&K Mark 23 (Seems like the best H&K makes, not sure about the price though.)
CZ 75B (I've heard very, and I mean very good things about this series)

I loved the USP, it was the first pistol I fired and also seemed the most accurate.

The Glocks did not impress me, but no complaints either.

The Sig seemed a bit jumpy and perhaps a bit too light for the round. I didn't like it much and I was the least accurate with it.

The SAW Jammed up after the first belt one of my friends fired.

I loved the Thompson. =)

I'd really appreciate any advice you folks could give.
 
Are you looking for concealed carry, or for a gun to have at your house, shoot, enjoy, etc? You've already said the H&K USP was your favorite and you can't go wrong with that one. Its a pretty big gun though and not readily concealable. I don't know much about the rest of the H&K line, but I've only heard good things.

You can get the Glocks, all with the same controls (or lack thereof) from large frame full size, to subcompact in 9mm to .45 (both GAP and ACP, I think). If you're looking for a carry gun, they seem pretty well regarded.
 
I suggest you get the one you like. Less chance of it becoming a "safe queen" that way. I am partial to the Glocks and 1911 style pistols but this is your choice. Get something you will shoot and carry. (if you get a CCW permit that is). Good luck.


Semp
 
I am partial to revolvers. People say glocks never jam. But they do, its just extremely rare. Revolvers never jam. Period. What is you guys opinion of revolvers vs autos? I think I can guess. When I was shopping I wanted take down power, and the ability for my wife to fire the gun. I got a Ruger .357 because she can shoot 38s through it. I have two speed loaders ready one with .357 for me, and one with 38s for my wife. I have taken her shooting and she can handle the 38s nicely. My gun is not a carry weapon, as its LARGE, but there are lots of choices. What I want to know is why I don't hear more about revolvers from you gun nuts here on the forum?

Andy
 
aproy1101 said:
I am partial to revolvers. People say glocks never jam. But they do, its just extremely rare. Revolvers never jam. Period. What is you guys opinion of revolvers vs autos? I think I can guess. When I was shopping I wanted take down power, and the ability for my wife to fire the gun. I got a Ruger .357 because she can shoot 38s through it. I have two speed loaders ready one with .357 for me, and one with 38s for my wife. I have taken her shooting and she can handle the 38s nicely. My gun is not a carry weapon, as its LARGE, but there are lots of choices. What I want to know is why I don't hear more about revolvers from you gun nuts here on the forum?

Andy
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Well, my Colt Anaconda .44 magnum with a four inch barrel is my favorite current gun (some a**hole stole my favorite Ruger .22 Mark I years ago). One of the nicest triggers I've ever used, particularly in single action mode. But its pretty expensive to shoot and makes a heck of a racket :D. I figured since he liked the USP and had already shot it, he couldn't go wrong with that choice.

I'd like to get a small\med frame .357 (I used to know the different S&W frame sizes, but don't remember them anymore). I could put a steady diet of cheap .38s through it for fun, but it would handle the .357 too.
 
Mine is this one Ruger GP-141 with 4in (102 mm) barrel, in .357 mag. I didn't like the SW handle as much. Sweet gun. Fires 38's almost as smooth as 22's. You can see a pic at:

http://world.guns.ru/handguns/hg39-e.htm

My wife is good enough to keep me guessing with those 38's and she's 100lbs wet.

Andy
 
A firearm is a large investment and, with proper maintenance, it will last you for a very long time. Buy the one that you liked the best.
 
aproy1101 said:
Revolvers never jam. Period.
Click to expand...

I beg to differ. There are at least 3 ways I've experienced a revolver can jam. Crud under the extraction star, having bullets back out of their cases when firing hot loads, or mechanical wear on parts. When a revolver jams it is considerably more time consuming to clear the jam than it is with a semi-auto. I will grant revolver jams do not happen often.

aproy1101 said:
What I want to know is why I don't hear more about revolvers from you gun nuts here on the forum?
Click to expand...

I'm also partial to revolvers.

Shann said:
I'd like to get a small\med frame .357 (I used to know the different S&W frame sizes, but don't remember them anymore). I could put a steady diet of cheap .38s through it for fun, but it would handle the .357 too.
Click to expand...

Good choice.
 
Everything invented by man will jam, period. Revolvers too.

I like revolvers. Only own a few semi autos.

I like simple elegance, intrinsic stength, accuracy and reliability. I like the pointability. I like the variety of loads. I like revolvers best.


munk
 
doing security in a jewelry center in Little Saigon, I carried a 4" Taurus in .357. I got the Taurus because of the price (and the features- factory ported:D ). I got razzed by the tuppergun crowd for carrying the "six-shooter" or the "cannon" but I shot well with it (only one guard scored higher on qualifying). I say get what you like. I had a Ruger P90 in .45 that I also liked. The H&Ks are nice but were out of my price range, hence the Taurus and the Ruger. I've fired Glocks and just couldn't get the hang of that long, mushy trigger (theyre well regarded, though). Good luck, have fun, be safe.

Frank
 
Good points Howard and Munk. I'm just glad to see that not everyone is dead set on automatics.:D

Andy
 
No concealed carry, just for home and at the range.

I also put a few rounds through a revolver at the range, but I didn't really like it.
 
We automatic guys haven't quite finished converting the wheelgun heretics yet, but we're working on it. It's a labor of love. ;)
 
Yeah. And they point better. ;)

I'd say nix on the Mark 23 for a carry gun. The Mark 23 is by design an "offensive handgun" (whatever the hell that is) designed for open carry by SMUs. It's more in the Desert Eagle size class than the duty handgun class.

J
 
Bigger guns? Just trying to think outside the box. ;)

I like the HK's. If you shoot it well and like it, they you have your gun. if the USP is too big for carry, the USP Compact is also reviewed very well.

Good luck, and be safe.

Chris
 
Any recommendations for folks with smaller hands?
Click to expand...

I don't even approach others on here when it comes to gun knowledge but...
Glock makes a single stack .45 that is very slim in the grip. You can also find revolvers with smallish grips too.
 
BruiseLeee said:
Any recommendations for folks with smaller hands? :confused:
Click to expand...


Glock came out the the .45 GAP, in part to allow for a smaller grip, although having not held one, can't imagine its smaller than a single stack 9mm or the like. Now that I think of it, I'm not really answering your question, since you didn't specify a .45 and they probably run larger as a rule.
 
I have ultra small hands and I had no problem with any of the automatics I fired.

The only time it was an issue was with the revolver, I have short thumbs so I had to change my grip to pull back the hammer.
 
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