Turning 21 soon...what gun to get?!

+1 on what ankerson is saying, is good common sense and practical, walther makes a really nice .22 and very affordable and the sig mosquito is nice as well.

as far as a wheel gun goes, look for a .357, sw model 65-2, they are great basic guns, was my duty weapon for about 28 years, it is hard to shoot them out as well. i cannot tell you how many rounds that was shot through these duty weapons over the years and you can shoot the .38 semi-wadcutters in them as well.



Ankerson said:
Really the smartest thing to buy 1st is a .22 handgun to really learn how to shoot well then move on to the larger ones.

You have to walk before you can run.

Then as I said up to a .357 mag and shoot .38 Special Wad-cutters in it until you get good with that.

Then move up to standard .38 loads and onto the .357 mag loads.
Click to expand...
 
While we continue to talk about guns...let me add another subtopic if you all don't mind.

After I get whatever got I decide to get...what options do I have for carrying (and concealing?)?
 
guncaddy.jpg


If you'd like to conceal it, I'd talk to this guy:

ghhgff.jpg
 
Here's my two cents. I have carried concealed everyday for more than twenty years. I have carried inside the waist-band, in bags, in a vest, and in my front pocket. Inside the waist-band wasn't comfortable to me due to my lack of a butt. I was constantly pulling at my pants. Bags look gay. Vest are too hot in Alabama. I finally settled on a pocket holster in my front pocket. In autos, I have carried Glocks, a HK, a Browning HP, Sigs, and even a Taurus. In revolvers, I have carried a Ruger SP101, a SW 640, and now a 340M&P. I carry my 340 (.357) in a pocket holster every day and no one is the wiser. I paid nearly $700.00 for this gun, so I don't know if it is in your budget. Also, this little gun is a beast to shoot with .357 mag loads. It took alot of practice, before I was comfortable carrying it daily. As important as the gun you buy, is how you are going to carry it. If you can't carry it comfortably, you will eventually stop carrying it.
 
Glock 21sf or glock 30sf depending on what you want it for. 21 holds 13 rounds of .45 and the 30 holds 10 rounds of 45 with the capability of taking the 21 magazines.
 
45 ammo is damn near impossable to find right now and expensive when you do. As a 1911 owner/carrier I would steer clear for a while.

I've owned a couple 40 cal Glocks, IMO its the worst of both worlds. I would stick with 9mm for right now.

If I was in your shoes I would look very closely at the XD and XDM from Springfield. They point more naturally than a Glock for a lot of people and are a real pleasure to shoot. Not to mention the ammo is affordable aon a students budget.

Snub nosed 38s and 357s are great for carry guns but offer little in the "fun to shoot" catagory. For a first handgun you need something that you can afford and enjoy shooting. Otherwise you wont shoot it and thats the most important thing.
 
To everyone recommending a 45 please tell me where your finding ammo these days. .45 is almost impossible to find around here and when you do its well over $20/50rds.
 
For your price range, I would go with one of these:
32590.jpg


http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/21_24/products_id/32590

Shop around, I have seen them as low as $390. Bear in mind the GI models dont like hollow points. Great thing about this gun, is as experience and money permits, you can upgrade it later. Also available in a variety of finishes/colors and barell sizes (5",4" and 3").

http://www.springfield-armory.com/armory.php?model=6

That green one would look SWEET with some Busse OD, green and black, or the rare green and white 1911 grips!!! :D Just sayin.
 
bmilla35 said:
I want something not only for home protection, but when i'm out at my camp walking around the property. We've already encountered some weird people/rednecks...I don't want to be ill prepared if the day comes when they turn at me! Oh, and there are quite a few bears out there too :p
Click to expand...


Aw... don't worry. Thats just me. :D (kidding)

Seriously though, good that you have some experience with rifles and shotguns. The difference in them and a handgun are that the that your room for error decreases as the bbl length decreases. The short barrel covers a lot of ground quickly and can find itself pointed in the wrong place in a hurry. Whatever your choice, give it due respect.

Years ago, I recommended a Glock 17 for a buddy of mine. He was relatively inexperienced with handguns and promptly killed his TV... presumably while watching a Bond flick. It wasn't the Glock's fault. Glocks do not come with brains. You must use yours. Still, he didn't have the experience to check the chamber before "dry" firing (at the TV).

Lesson learned. For inexperienced hand-gunners I always recommend a revolver. If for no other reason that they are simpler in their operation. As a bonus, they can go to hell and back without a cleaning. When they do need to be cleaned, no disassembly is required. To be short, they are more "dummy-proof" than semi-auto pistols. Some folks think revolvers aren't as sexy... but check out a SP-101 in a 3" bbl. It may be old school... so we'll call it Farah Fawcett sexy. :D

Learn to shoot a revolver, shoot it a lot, master the principals. Then... and only then, move to something more complex. :thumbup: Good luck!

Oh... and one more thing... the money you save on a gun may cost you your life! Buy the best quality you can afford... :)


The beauty and the beast...
IMG_4370-1.jpg
 
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stricknine said:
+1 on what ankerson is saying, is good common sense and practical, walther makes a really nice .22 and very affordable and the sig mosquito is nice as well.
Click to expand...

For an outside the box option, consider this: http://www.sigsauer.com/Products/ShowCatalogProductDetails.aspx?categoryid=8&productid=256

Once you get a bit more experience under your belt, get the major caliber top end of your choice (9mm, .40 S&W, or .357 SIG) and use it with this receiver. One gun, two ways to use it.

Rick
 
Hey I got your email.

I was in the same boat as you months ago, turned 21 and on a tight college budget. I was fortunate to have a friend who's crazy about guns I had the opportunity to try different ones.

I like 9mm because it's common and cheaper then other calibers for range time. With some good HP (hollow point) ammo, it'd make a good self defense round.

During my research, I looked into the CZ-75 P-01, Glock 19, Ruger GP-100, Browning Hi-Power, entry level Springfield 1911 and Rock Island Armory 1911. The 1911 is a classic, with some work, it has the best trigger I've ever felt. I think it's the ideal handgun, so I'm going to save my money for a nice one a little bit later.

After some some range time, I narrowed it down to the P-01 and G19. I don't need to talk about the Glock as the reputation speaks for itself. The handle just didn't feel good in my hands, but I could get used to it.

Now the CZ-75 P-01 is what I went with. CZ isn't as well known here in the states, but the CZ-75 is used by " more Governments, Militaries, Police and Security agencies than any other pistol in the world". I went with the P-01 because I liked the more compact and lighter alloy steel. Check it out online, but it's been through some serious NATO torture tests for reliability, and I don't know anyone who isn't happy with theirs. It eats anything I've put through it, real accurate, and really comfortable in the hand. No unnecessary stuff like magazine disconnects or loaded chamber indicator. Another feature I really like is the the de-cocker, no safety to fumble with, goes bang every single time you pull the trigger. The only con is the trigger pull, they've been known to have a bit of creep which can cause some distraction. It's definitely apparent on mines and I plan to fix it soon, there's tutorials online of how to do it yourself. Other then that I absolutely love it. Try to check one out and you'll see what I mean. :cool:

My only picture of mines so far.
IMG_6630.jpg


(check out Lunde's page for some real nice pictures: http://lundestudio.com/others.html)
 
kdstrick said:
Aw... don't worry. Thats just me. :D (kidding)

I'm practically harmless as long as you bribe me with beer. (not kidding)

Seriously though, good that you have some experience with rifles and shotguns. The difference in them and a handgun are that the that your room for error decreases as the bbl length decreases. The short barrel covers a lot of ground quickly and can find itself pointed in the wrong place in a hurry. Whatever your choice, give it due respect.

Years ago, I recommended a Glock 17 for a buddy of mine. He was relatively inexperienced with handguns and promptly killed his TV... presumably while watching a Bond flick. It wasn't the Glock's fault. Glocks do not come with brains. You must use yours. Still, he didn't have the experience to check the chamber before "dry" firing (at the TV).

Lesson learned. For inexperienced hand-gunners I always recommend a revolver. If for no other reason that they are simpler in their operation. As a bonus, they can go to hell and back without a cleaning. When they do need to be cleaned, no disassembly is required. To be short, they are more "dummy-proof" than semi-auto pistols. Some folks think revolvers aren't as sexy... but check out a SP-101 in a 3" bbl. It may be old school... so we'll call it Farah Fawcett sexy. :D

Learn to shoot a revolver, shoot it a lot, master the principals. Then... and only then, move to something more complex. :thumbup: Good luck!

Oh... and one more thing... the money you save on a gun may cost you your life! Buy the best quality you can afford... :)


The beauty and the beast...
IMG_4370-1.jpg
Click to expand...

He shot his tv?! Thats priceless...but could have been very bad. I guess its something you can laugh at looking back on it?

Last thing you said is very true...I feel you get what you pay for. I definitely won't buy something (and later conceal and take with me out in the woods) something that I wouldn't fully trust.
 
MRpink said:
Hey I got your email.

I was in the same boat as you months ago, turned 21 and on a tight college budget. I was fortunate to have a friend who's crazy about guns I had the opportunity to try different ones.

I like 9mm because it's common and cheaper then other calibers for range time. With some good HP (hollow point) ammo, it'd make a good self defense round.

During my research, I looked into the CZ-75 P-01, Glock 19, Ruger GP-100, Browning Hi-Power, entry level Springfield 1911 and Rock Island Armory 1911. The 1911 is a classic, with some work, it has the best trigger I've ever felt. I think it's the ideal handgun, so I'm going to save my money for a nice one a little bit later.

After some some range time, I narrowed it down to the P-01 and G19. I don't need to talk about the Glock as the reputation speaks for itself. The handle just didn't feel good in my hands, but I could get used to it.

Now the CZ-75 P-01 is what I went with. CZ isn't as well known here in the states, but the CZ-75 is used by " more Governments, Militaries, Police and Security agencies than any other pistol in the world". I went with the P-01 because I liked the more compact and lighter alloy steel. Check it out online, but it's been through some serious NATO torture tests for reliability, and I don't know anyone who isn't happy with theirs. It eats anything I've put through it, real accurate, and really comfortable in the hand. No unnecessary stuff like magazine disconnects or loaded chamber indicator. Another feature I really like is the the de-cocker, no safety to fumble with, goes bang every single time you pull the trigger. The only con is the trigger pull, they've been known to have a bit of creep which can cause some distraction. It's definitely apparent on mines and I plan to fix it soon, there's tutorials online of how to do it yourself. Other then that I absolutely love it. Try to check one out and you'll see what I mean. :cool:

My only picture of mines so far.
IMG_6630.jpg


(check out Lunde's page for some real nice pictures: http://lundestudio.com/others.html)
Click to expand...

Thanks for getting back man...appreciate it.

Did you even consider FN in your pursuit for the right handgun? If not, can you elaborate please?
 
I have the CZ P-01 pictured above it has the best ergonomics of any compact 9mm I have held to date. I Had one of the olive drab one's sold it to buy a Glock 19 missed the CZ P-01 as it was way more comfortable in my hands. SO...........I sold my G19 and bought a barely used CZ P-01 to replace the one I should have never sold in the first place. The glock 19 is a great all arounder like many have said small enough to conceal comfortably and very light also makes a good range gun. Now the cz in my eyes is just as reliable as the the glock but The P-01 has far better ergonomics, and is all metal as opposed to the glock's polymer so I chose the CZ again!.

Quick list of CZ P-01 pro's over G19 in my eyes: Full metal gun (no polymer), Best grip out there for compact 9mm, Cool/Different (not every one has one), and I shoot better with it than I did with my G19, Has decocker for Sa/Da trigger pull, generally more comfortable to carry

CZ P-01's cons over G19: Heavier than G19 (Not a lot), 14+1 9mm for CZ p-01 15+1 9mm for G19, G19 accessories everywhere CZ P-01' hard to come by

Similarities: Size, weight, Fire power, Concealability, Price

Really can't go wrong with either one both at the top of my list. The CZ just felt a little more "right". IMHO if you are looking for a do it all auto pistol you can't beat either of them they both carry extremely well, are very accurate, will be a joy at the range, and can bet your life on them in a defensive situation when carrying concealed or on the night stand it just comes down to which one fits better for you.

I live/work In Philly and carry concealed most days (with license to carry firearms permit) when I go out my CZ P-01 is what is usually on my hip. Many here have suggested a 1911 style pistol but believe me they are heavy, awesome but heavy so maybe not the best choice to carry. If you want the best range gun a 1911 is the way to go now before I get any flak from you 1911 guy's let me say that I have a Dan wesson Bobtail commander that ride's in an Desantis IWB cozy partner holster a day or two a week. but when running out the house to pick up a pack of smokes the CZ get's tucked in at four o clock more often times than the 1911.

I obviously say buy a Glock 19 or the CZ p-01 I think they are both what you are looking for but hold them both and you will feel the one that is right for you

Always remember:

-Be safe
-Shoot straight
-Have fun

-BlairDoc
 
Within your budget and if a "compact" pistol is not needed ... and I don't see why it ought to be ... the CZ75 B SA comes in at $603 RRP and gives you a single action only custom trigger which is adjustable for travel and will eliminate trigger creep and is a trigger developed for the far more expensive versions of this pistol designed for the company's World Title Winning shooting Team. The safety is of the lowered and extended type ... again for custom guns costing nearly twice as much ... it lines up on your thumb much better than the normal factory safety which is a little higher .... it means that you carry the gun cocked and locked which is the best way to carry any semi-auto for consistant second shot placement .... going from a double action first round to a single action second round is not conducive to accuracy... and takes a while to master ... and even then when you become that good ... you see little benefit in not carrying the pistol cocked and locked.

The double action aspect of the trigger and the trigger de-cocking facility were all "features" asked for by Armed Services/ Police departments who train their staff on a budget ... and some staff are "none weapons" people who need failsafe measures to stop them harming by mistake themselves and others ....

If you learn to shoot and look after your pistol properly these features are not required.
The US Army taught a whole generation how to shoot and carry safely the 1911 in WWII and over here in the UK we have taught many generations since how to use a Browning Hi-Power ... same system .... and no undue issues of complexity. People who shoot their TV is because "teaching cannot put in what God left out" ...

Then if you go for this model ... it has fixed plain sights....strip the slide off and send it to Novak's for their Fibre Optic Extreme Duty sights to be added ... cost including shipping is around $100 taking you up to $700 which is your top budget figure. These sights are superb and are adjustable and low profile. I have used them for decades and they work well....

Now .... go onto the CZ US Web site and look at their competition models in the SA category .... the same pistol you have for $700 costs nearly $1100 from them. The difference is a trigger job supposedly done by a custom shop .... the trigger your pistol comes with though is a custom designed trigger and once altered for your ideal reach and take up travel .... is as "good as it gets" anyway ....

That pistol will serve you for the rest of your life....will shoot superbly .... and will work just as well for carry and defence as it will for competitions .... and by doing "Comps" you get to improve your skill for the personal defence aspect and have fun in the meantime ...:thumbup:

Carrying a full size pistol is not a lot different to a compact .... at 21 your generation use those fanny packs ... forward mounted they can be bought for pistol carry and will take mags and can be used as a "fanny pack" as well ... I have used these on beaches and boats where clothes are too few to enable concealment ...

Carried all day and every day ... if you drive and need to draw the weapon easily a shoulder holster works best .... otherwise you need to remove the weapon in the vehicle and stash it under your thigh for ease of reach ... that is a problem if you have others in the vehicle who do not know that you are armed ...

If you are more concerned about simply being in the "wrong place at the wrong time" ... any system will do ... my advice though is try a few and then stick with one ... muscle memory and instinct help a lot when your in need of using it .... for me I like a shoulder holster or an IWB cross draw or a Comp Cross Draw ... go for the same movement ....:thumbup:
 
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PeterPHWS said:
Within your budget and if a "compact" pistol is not needed ... and I don't see why it ought to be ... the CZ75 B SA comes in at $603 RRP and gives you a single action only custom trigger which is adjustable for travel and will eliminate trigger creep and is a trigger developed for the far more expensive versions of this pistol designed for the company's World Title Winning shooting Team. The safety is of the lowered and extended type ... again for custom guns costing nearly twice as much ... it lines up on your thumb much better than the normal factory safety which is a little higher .... it means that you carry the gun cocked and locked which is the best way to carry any semi-auto for consistant second shot placement .... going from a double action first round to a single action second round is not conducive to accuracy... and takes a while to master ... and even then when you become that good ... you see little benefit in not carrying the pistol cocked and locked.

The double action aspect of the trigger and the trigger de-cocking facility were all "features" asked for by Armed Services/ Police departments who train their staff on a budget ... and some staff are "none weapons" people who need failsafe measures to stop them harming by mistake themselves and others ....

If you learn to shoot and look after your pistol properly these features are not required.
The US Army taught a whole generation how to shoot and carry safely the 1911 in WWII and over here in the UK we have taught many generations since how to use a Browning Hi-Power ... same system .... and no undue issues of complexity. People who shoot their TV is because "teaching cannot put in what God left out" ...

Then if you go for this model ... it has fixed plain sights....strip the slide off and send it to Novak's for their Fibre Optic Extreme Duty sights to be added ... cost including shipping is around $100 taking you up to $700 which is your top budget figure. These sights are superb and are adjustable and low profile. I have used them for decades and they work well....

Now .... go onto the CZ US Web site and look at their competition models in the SA category .... the same pistol you have for $700 costs nearly $1100 from them. The difference is a trigger job supposedly done by a custom shop .... the trigger your pistol comes with though is a custom designed trigger and once altered for your ideal reach and take up travel .... is as "good as it gets" anyway ....

That pistol will serve you for the rest of your life....will shoot superbly .... and will work just as well for carry and defence as it will for competitions .... and by doing "Comps" you get to improve your skill for the personal defence aspect and have fun in the meantime ...:thumbup:

Carrying a full size pistol is not a lot different to a compact .... at 21 your generation use those fanny packs ... forward mounted they can be bought for pistol carry and will take mags and can be used as a "fanny pack" as well ... I have used these on beaches and boats where clothes are too few to enable concealment ...

Carried all day and every day ... if you drive and need to draw the weapon easily a shoulder holster works best .... otherwise you need to remove the weapon in the vehicle and stash it under your thigh for ease of reach ... that is a problem if you have others in the vehicle who do not know that you are armed ...

If you are more concerned about simply being in the "wrong place at the wrong time" ... any system will do ... my advice though is try a few and then stick with one ... muscle memory and instinct help a lot when your in need of using it .... for me I like a shoulder holster or an IWB cross draw or a Comp Cross Draw ... go for the same movement ....:thumbup:
Click to expand...

Very interesting...I never really even thought about looking at a single-action, but i'll definitely look into it.
 
Here are some pic's of the two different models ....

main284_png_637x200_q85.png


This is the CZ75 B SA ....$603

09CZ75SA_target_png_637x200_q85.png


This is the CZ75 SA Target ... $1099

Here is the link for the Novak sights ....

http://www.novaksights.com/novak_fiber_optic_sights.htm

The first model becomes the second model once the sights are changed at a lot less cost .... the trigger on the second model has a "straight" blade ... the cheaper model also has a straight trigger but set at less steep an angle which I prefer ... it is a good way to get a top quality pistol with some "useful" custom features ...
 
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PeterPHWS said:
Here are some pic's of the two different models ....

main284_png_637x200_q85.png


This is the CZ75 B SA ....$603

09CZ75SA_target_png_637x200_q85.png


This is the CZ75 SA Target ... $1099

Here is the link for the Novak sights ....

http://www.novaksights.com/novak_fiber_optic_sights.htm

The first model becomes the second model once the sights are changed at a lot less cost .... the trigger on the second model has a "straight" blade ... the cheaper model also has a straight trigger but set at less steep an angle which I prefer ... it is a good way to get a top quality pistol with some "useful" custom features ...
Click to expand...

That's pretty funny...amazing what companies will do to ya. Not that I can blame them...they have to make money somehow. Luckily I have you guys to give me the low down! :D:thumbup:
 
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