Your top "must own" handguns

must have handguns.......

glock 19/23/33 - a great EDC gun, light, reasnobly small, not too hard to conceal, the .40SW/357SIG models pack a punch. i dont really like the big frame glocks (20,21,etc) i have a big hand and they areLMOST too big for me to use, MUCH prefer the small frame mods myself, and w/modern ammo, the difference in stopping power is at most negligible.

glock 26/27/33 - a little glock thats graet for concealed carry, will use the bigger mags in a pinch, or w/the grip enhancer all the time for a butt about like the 19/23/33, if i could have only one between the 19 size and the 26, i might just take the baby glock, they shoot good, though ya have to bear down to get good groups w/one, the recoil isnt bad, even w/the .40 and .357SIG, a great little gun.

kahr P9 and P40 - while FWIW i think the steel frame kahrs are just too heavy i love the poly versions, the kahr P40 covert w/ashley sights is a helluva a lot of gun for the size, and is accurate reliable and EASY to conceal. same for the 9MM version.

kel tech P32 - everybody needs a derringer size pistol, for the $$, this is the best imho, over 400 rounds thru mine w/no jams yet....and talk about easy to conceal, i carry mine in my pocket virtually everywhere. accuracy is fair too, for no sights, really

SW 586 w/4" bbl - everyone needs at least one .357 mag, and SW is hard to beat for revolvers, dont think too much of there autos, but.....

1911 style .45 ACP - imho ya might as well suck it up and dole out the bucks for a kimber, ya cant beat them, some custom's i have seen wont shoot as well as my buds ultra carry, i am sure the full size version is awesome

a good .22, the ruger std model auto w/a 4" bbl is hard to beat, i love my '70 model walther PP 22, ya dont see many of them, i have had it since i was 14, and can shoot that little pistol, for sure........

in assault rifles i would go with a .........

colt AR15, pre ban, flat top, M4 version w/leaupold CQT scope and surefire light attatchment, and GG&G flip up front/rear sights, and what other goodies from GGG ya like, one fun thing about AR's is ya can spend so much $$ on them, lol

AKM, all are good, if i had my 'druthers would have a bulgarian milled (i know, not an AKM but a '47), but i know someone who took 4 AK's, 2 milled/2 stamped, and the stamped shot better than the milled - go figure. another item w/many accesories, but not as high as the AR imho

mini14's are cool too, but toooo high $$ imho, now anyway, 10 yrs ago they were cheap, they are not now, i would prefer a AKM to a mini anyday, and the AK is chaeper, usually.

all the above, and a remington 870 shotgun, 12 gauge, w/2 bbl's, 1 18" riot bbl, 1 regular bbl w/vent rib, and screw in chokes, and ya are in bizness, lol

and throw in a remington .280 mountain rifle, w/a 2-9X leaupold, and ya are set for hunting anything in the lower 48 imho, and set for self defense, target shooting, etc

good luck!

greg
 
A good wheelgun is essential. My fav is the Colt Python, but there are hundreds out there to choose from. I like a .357, cuz you can shoot the cheaper and easier .38 stuff.

An auto is good to have. I like the classic stuff. 1911 or Browning Hi-power are timeless designs. And Melvin is correct (again?) Just reach into a big bag of Sig Sauer stuff and be happy with whatever you pull out.

A .22 plinker is a joy to have around. My fav's are the Ruger MkII and the Browning Buckmark. Lotta shootin' for little cash.

I don't have a Grock yet, so I can't comment on it. However, it seems so integral to the collections of virtually everybody I know, it is only a matter of time before I get me one.

Last but not least in my hypothetical collection is a piece that you just have to have for no reason at all. Maybe it is one of those big Freedom Arms hand cannons. Maybe some sort of single shot hunting pieces like the Thompson Contender. Perhaps it's a muzzleloader. For me it will probably be the T/C. For you? Hey, get out there and try them all!
 
If you learn how to shoot a 1911 type pistol and a revolver, you know how to shoot about 90% of the handguns made.

For 1911's, start with the Ruger .22LR 22/45. The controls are in basically the same place, the weight is about the same, but the recoil is lessened for the time you are learning. It's great just to have a .22 for plinking.

For a revolver, pick a four inch SW, my advice would be a Model 10 or a 686. You can fire .38's in the 686, or heavier loads as you get better. Reloaded .38's are plentiful and cheap. Practice is the key as you learn, and that means lots of ammo.

After a year or two, look for an IPSC style club in your area. Good luck, and welcome to my favorite sport!
 
WOW! I'm never asking you guys for advice like this, I'll go broke! How much of his money have we spent? :D

If you had to limit it to only one, then that one would be a good first choice. I keep going back and forth from a good 357 revolver (I prefer Rugers) to a good 45 ACP semi. In the 45, I prefer the 1911, but the Glock is probably a better gun - more reliable, stronger, etc. I really like the way the 1911 fits in the hand, the Glocks are large, and the trigger safety bites - literally, that's not teenage sarcasm. YMMV.
 
Sig P228
Glock 19
Ruger MKII Stainless slab side bull barrell
S&W 686 Plus 7 shot 357 revolver

All of these have been really good shooters.

If I had to pick one it would be the Sig 228.

Mer
 
Thanks for all the great input! Keep it coming!

Here is my current list based on the suggestions so far:
Ruger MKII (.22LR) Bull barrel
Kimber 1911 (.45)
S&W 686P (.357/.38)
SIG P228 (9mm)
Glock 21 (.45)
 
I have two of my must own:

AMT Longslide Hardballer, had to have it after terminatory. If I could only get that ridiculously large laser sight he had.

Steyr GP: 18 rounds 9mm and looks god with my Steyr Aug.

Wish list in no particular order:

Para Ordinance p-12 .45

Gov't Surplus .45 : Love that used look!!!

H&K .45 cal semi auto double action, cant remember the model.

Walther .32 cal target pistol or .22 cal

a Webley revolver

A old army black powder

A set of black powder dueling pistols in a cherry case with a brandy snifter. ;)

And anything else I can possibly afford...



Paul
 
1) Try and find a shop were you can rent several guns out to use at thier firing range (if possible). When I purchase a new pistol I make sure it "feels good" in the hand i.e. make sure that you can get a proper grasp and reach the trigger properly.

2) If you are going to carry concealed then get a high quality holster that will stay open for re-holstering and a high quality gun belt. I perfer Kramer holsters and Ted Blocker holsters. IWB style.

3) Get extra magazines and magazine pouches.

4) Get good proffesional training. Doing so will allow you to shoot any caliber with ease. I know 13/14 children who out shoot many adults at bowling pin shoots using .357 and .45's because they know how to a) hold the gun b) know the proper method to stand.

My perference for beginners are Glocks in 9mm or .45 for several reasons. 1) they are easy to work 2) easy to clean 3) hardly ever malfunction (not counting bad ammo or improper method of holding the gun). My second perfernce is Para-Ordnance 7.45 full-size 1911.

If you area is not "safe" consider carry two pistols. I carry either a Glock 30, Glock 26 or a Para-Ordnance for main carry IWB and a S&W 342 for my second gun in a pocket holster on my weak-side. Let me tell you the S&W is made out of aluminum and titanium which is not pleasant to shoot (lots felt from the light frame) but you almost forget it's in the pocket and when it's needed you will not realize the recoil because of "flight or fight".
 
KevinGallagher: So you think that the Glock 21 (or maybe 30) would be a good first gun? Then get some formal training on it?
 
Rev. Pete: So are you saying the Glock 21 is a "baby .45"? It seems pretty big to me...what do you mean?
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My comment regarding the Glock was confusing. The Glock 21 is a full-sized pistol. What I should have said is "consider your intended purpose before you go with a lightweight, compact pistol such as the Glock 30 or the Glock 36". Even the Glock 21, though "full sized" may not be the best choice if you intend to do a lot of shooting because it is very lightweight. A typical 1911 weighs about 38oz loaded whereas the Glock 21 only weighs about 12oz loaded. The Glock 21 will subject you to more recoil. Recoil tolerance varies with the individual and also depends on how well the gun fits. The bottom line is that if the gun beats you up when you shoot it, you are less likely to practice and get good. The Glock 21 may be perfect for you but you have to find out. I suggest that before you buy any gun you find a range that rents the guns that you are considering. Shoot at least 50 rounds through each gun over a couple of range sessions. It takes some time but any quality handgun you buy should last your lifetime even if you shoot a lot.

Your idea of taking formal training is excellent. Every new shooter should follow your example. After a basic handgun class and some months of range time if you intend to carry you handgun I advise that you take a "combat hangun" class (they have other politically correct names such as "defensive handgun" or "advanced handgun"). And if they have IDPA matches in your area, consider entering. They are a lot of fun and you will get to do a lot of interesting shooting.
 
Originally posted by im2smrt4u
KevinGallagher: So you think that the Glock 21 (or maybe 30) would be a good first gun? Then get some formal training on it?
Click to expand...

Yes, both guns are good choices. Some thoughts on them,
1) consider how much of the day you will be carrying the gun and with what type of holster (plus the holster position). I know some people have difficulties carry any full-size pistol all day long, then there are others that have no problem with them. Concerning the Glock 30, this is my favorate but people with small hands have troubles getting thier hands around the gun and getting good placement on the trigger.

2) As mentioned before, try these guns out. Prior to purchasing one seek out a trainer and ask that they think. Once you have done this don't directly go out and buy the gun, give it several days. Remember you may have to live with this decision for a long time and if the wrong decision is made you are out several hundreds of dollars.

My last purchase was my S&W 342, I first thought about it for about two months thinking of why I needed it... Next I rented one several times, finally shopped around for a fair price (plus a Crimson Trace laser for it) and got it. This was on Saturday, the holster should arrive Tuesday.

Concerning training, ask others in the area about who to train with. Try and seek out people who have trained under them and ask them about this person. Ask the trainer which methodologies they follow i.e. my trainer follows Massad Ayoob of Lethal Force Institute. Massad is great, just got back from LFI-2 in NH last week. One of the things Massad does is encourages his students to come back and take more of his courses but also other trainers i.e. Thunder Ranch etc.

BTW I recommend Crimson Trace lasers for Glocks, they cost alot but are a) good training tools for both you and an instructor who works with them. b) work great when you can't use you sights i.e. from behind cover or while running... I use mine mostly for pracice sessions (have my partner watch while I shoot using the guns sights). There are many different thoughts on lasers just like tip-down or tip-up carry for tactical folders. If you decide on a laser 1) consider the holster 2) only look at Crimson Trace, the others IMHO are not worth it (no offense to other readers).
 
Well, if you only had one to buy, I'd go with the Glock 34. It is the 9mm with the longer barrel. Easy to shoot, great for home defense (with hollow points) and great on the range. Nearly failure proof. A bit large for a CCW, but makes up for it in simplicity and reliability.
 
For me:

GLOCK 19 (9)

1911 (45)

S&W 586 (357/38)

Seacamp (32)

Highstandard (Hamden 22)
 
Alright, I understand that I should try these guns out first, but I have a few questions:

a. Can I fire these guns on the range even though I can't legally buy one?

b. My area (the High Desert in Southern CA) doesn't have any gun ranges that I know of. Where in Southern California can I go to rent and test fire these handguns?
 
A Glock 21 and a Ruger GP100 Stainless 4" with a full underlug. Those are the two basics.

Add a Ruger 10/22 and a .22 pistol (mine's a Browning, but the Rugers are fine as well) and you're done.

Just my opinions.

jmx
 
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