Your top "must own" handguns

Two of my favorites have been mentioned a number of times already, the Colt Gov't Model and the Ruger MkII.

However, I'll be a bit more vague and sum up some of the types of handguns, rather than specific makes and models.

Three basic starters:

- rimfire semi-auto
- centerfire semi-auto (full sized)
- .357 Magnum revolver with 4-6" bbl.

Filling in the gaps:

- centerfire semi-auto (compact, especially if concealed carry is an issue)
- rimfire revolver
- centerfire revolver sufficient for hunting purposes if desired

Those types will give you a well-rounded battery of handguns, covering just about every purpose that one might require in a handgun.

Choosing a handgun is a very personal matter, very subjective, with a number of variables to consider.

Therefore, try as many as possible before purchasing. Get what feels right to you. For example, there are a number of recommendations in this thread for various Glocks. Personally, I don't care for them. I don't find them comfortable, nor do I generally shoot them well. I've found this out after trying them a number of times in different sizes and calibers. I've concluded that they're not right for me, in spite of large numbers of glowing reports.

Don't buy more gun than you're comfortable with, can afford, and can shoot well. Don't fall for the Dirty Harry syndrome, and your choice should be easier and you'll enjoy the gun for a many years.
 
For a first handgun, a .22LR revolver. Inexpensive and forgiving, until you get the basics down.

Then, well, the sky is the limit....

My personal 'must have' handguns:

H&K P7 (M8, M13, or M10, depending on your hand size and caliber preferrence) - best defensive handgun ever invented.

Beretta 92G - quality, readily available parts/accessories, magazine interchangeability with the M9, no annoying manual safety.

1911 - what can I say? It's a classic, and they are a lot of fun to play with at the range.

A full-size revolver, converted to accept 9mm or .45ACP cartridges, with moon clips - everyone should own at least one revolver, and this way you limit the variety of ammunition which you have to keep around.

A bolt-action hunting handgun might also be fun to have.

--JB
 
Originally posted by im2smrt4u
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?
Click to expand...

I am from Oregon which allows you to test any pistol out even if under age (some ranges may require an adult present others do not). As you know very well that your state is more or less a problem when it comes to firearms. If possible take a road trip to a near by state that permits you to test out firearms (look for gun shops nearest to you). Good luck.
 
Hmm, 5 huh...

SIG P220 (45)

SIG P226 (9mm)

T/C Contender, caliber of your choice

Glock 32 (357 SIG, for an extra $100 get an interchangeable 40 cal barrel)

S&W 686 4" barrel (357 mag)
 
Like so many of you I love the any Glock, any Sig, any H&K...
so many great guns mentioned...I own many of them....BUT...
dollar for dollar here are three awesome buys for a budget
minded first timer:
1. Charter Arms Pug 44 Special (used $150)
a great round, the old ones are so sweet,
the price is right...everyone needs a good
wheel that is easy to conceal.
2. CZ 52 (used $150) an awesome first timers
auto...the Tarkorov rd.(sp) is so fast and
penetrates anything...hey the Chinese mafia
loves this gun!!
3. Kel Tec Sub 2000 Rifle 9mm in Glock configuraton.
(less than $300) light and folds to practically
nothing. Throw it in your back pack and go all
day. Get a Glock mag 30 rd. and you have a rifle
that will perform for you in any hairy situation.
For about $600 a guy could have a beatiful fleet
of fire power:cool:
 
The Glock 21 is a great choice. I own one and love it.

The handguns that I own that I must have are:

Colt Commander .45
Glock 21 .45
set of Ruger SS Vaquero .45's
Ruger .454 Casull/.45LC
Ruger MKII Target .22LR

and the ones that I really want are:

Colt 1911 Series 70 Gold Cup .45
Les Baer 1911 .45
Colt Python .357 6"
Glock 18(I WISH)
 
Earlier in this thread I posted my favorite handguns that I currently own.

Here is a list of the ones that I really want:
1.Les Baer 1911
2.Colt Single Action Army
3.Freedom Arms .41 Magnum

There are more, but these are high on the list.
 
Here's what I consider the best ever made, and a couple alternates.

S&W Registered .357
Colt Pre-war National Match .45, or a custom GM by Heinie or Vickers.
SIG P210, or HKP7 M8 or M13
Freedom Arms, I would go with a .44 or .45, not .454
S&W K-22 for practice, or a Model 41 if you like autos
Seecamp .32
 
I have to wish for most of the good stuff.

But I own and recommend the following:
Ruger 22/45 SS Target. 22LR AMAZINGLY Accurate!!!
Makarov Bulgarian 9x18Mak Pretty cheap to shoot, accurate enough, and STONE reliable.

Have and don't neccesarily recommend:
1911A (built 1913) Stone reliable with 230FMJ - COOL!!! (could NEVER replace it within my budget!)
Astra A-80 9mm - double stack 9mm has been reliable as all get out through around 300 rounds - is gunfight accurate.
S&W 2nd gen 469 9mm - no hiccups through 100 rounds, slightly more accurate than Astra.
Astra 357 Magnum Revo. 3" - amazingly good trigger! Beautiful Blueing! Haven't tried enough ammo to find accuracy yet, but at worst it's gunfight accurate.

And a long gun (well, two..)
A Norinco SKS (same ammo as AK) - suprisingly accurate with cheap ammo!
A Finnish Captured Russian Moisin Nagant M-39 with Sako barrel. Pretty cheap ammo - the only gun I can shoot well with open sights (have shot sub 2" 5 shot groups at 100yd)

You will notice a trend here - I don't WON'T spend too much on ANYTHING!
 
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