[Gnfanatic]

Hey guys, love the site. I relocated to GA about 5 months ago and started to go to the shooting range and a great time. I would like to buy my first handgun but jsut dont know what route to go. I have a spotless record so I dont see having a problem buying a gun down but I dont know where to go or cant decide what to buy. I like the S&W 1911 and also the P229, can you guys help me out?? Anyone from GA know where is a good shop with decent prices??

thanks so much
Ralph

[SigfanUSAF]

You can NEVER go wrong with Sig. The 229 sounds good to me!:) What is your primary use for the handgun going to be?

[Gnfanatic]

hey thanks for the reply. Protection,practice and hobby, thats what I would be using it for. I know it is a nice piece but the MSRP is $1000, WHat would be a good deal for it?? I dont want to get burned and have alot to learn. Do these guns come with clips?? accessories? box?

thanks!
Ralph

[Cousin Mike]

I own 2 Sigs, and a 1911... The Sigs are great guns, and the 1911 is a wonderful design IMO. You can't go wrong with either one if you ask me. One of the most important things in choosing one is that it feels right in your hands. It should fit you like a glove.

I have no idea about where to buy a gun in GA, but you might want to check out www.impactguns.com to get an idea of what you want, and when you find a gun store in your area, you can have impact ship it to the store! I've bought from impact, and those guys are a class act. They have very competitive prices as well... I'd recommend Impact to anyone.

Also it would be great to know what role this gun will be playing (is it going to be for carry, or home defense?). Any other Sig model tickle your fancy? I swear it seems like Sig has a million variations for each P-series gun they make. The Sig Pro is also an excellent gun, and costs a little less than the P - series models. There are tons of people out there making 1911's - have you looked at any other brands?

What about the other makers? H&K, Glock, Springfield Armory, Colt, Walther, Ruger, etc.? They all make nice reliable auto's, and there are plenty others out there as well. Let us know a few things and it'll be a little easier to try and give our opinions. If you simply want to know about your choices, then you've chosen 2 great guns to begin with, and either one will serve you well.

Good luck!

P.S. - you can get used Sigs at excellent prices. I paid $499 for my P220A - police trade in's, the sales and used counters are your friend. :)

And where are my manners?! Welcome to THR!

[Nathan Williams]

Go for the 1911 you wont regret it (and I say this as a Glock guy).
P.S some people will flame you for calling a magazine a clip just a heads up. Welcome aboard glad to have you.

[Gnfanatic]

Thanks Cousin Mike, now I am really dizzy. Alot of choices. I am still not sure what caliber to get?? I think you need a special license down here to carry so I wont be carrying. So if I go for the P series or 1911 what will be a good caliber to start? would it be stupid for me to buy a 45?? I shot a 45 and felt good, it was a springfield 1911.
thanks!
BTW, wouldnt a local shop be pissed if I bought it from somewhere else?? will they charge me any fee's?




Ralph

[zero_chances]

Where in GA are you? I am in the acworth/kennesaw area, and there are only a few places in know of. ED's Guns is a good place, has an indoor range too. They will let you try out guns sometimes. Personally, i would go with a 1911 style pistol, but get what feels best to you.

[Gnfanatic]

Thanks Nathan, I learned a few things tonight. What is a clip then?

[SigfanUSAF]

FWIW, I don't really care for my Sig SP2340. :( The grip is uncomfortable for me. I'm going to trade it for (or towards) a P225 at some point. (wife said I have to buy her a Kimber before I get anything else:mad: )

[Gnfanatic]

I am located in Smyrna but will travel for the right place. I want to support local shops but dont want to get screwed. Want to do some research before I buy.

[mikep99]

Get the Walther P99 you will not regret it! The best grip in the industry! :D

Well, I would go with the 1911. Can't go wrong with a good piece of steel.

[Gnfanatic]

whats a walther p99 :scrutiny: .

[SigfanUSAF]

http://www.waltheramerica.com/firearms/p99qa.cfm#

[Cousin Mike]

Most stores have a small transfer fee - somewhere between $15 and $25... The store you ship it to has to be registered with the site though, so you'll have to contact the shop and let them know you have something coming. If they aren't already registered then there's a little bit of a process, but the website can explain better than I can. Don't worry, it sounds complicated, but it's not - and if you call the store the folks who work there are very friendly and helpful.

I don't think it would be a bad idea to start with a .45 at all, especially if it's for home protection. If you have fired a .45 already, and liked it, then that should be good. It's important to get what YOU want! My girlfriend has become quite a good shot in the last year or so. She started out on my 1911 - a .45ACP. ;)

What I will say is that eventually, you should get a .22 for practice. I know it's not the most thrilling idea in the world - I fought it for years! I'm hardheaded... :D I bought a 9mm to practice with instead, and got very good out to about 45 feet (15 yards) - that's OK for self defense. But I realize now that my shooting will never get better without one. I learned to shoot well with a .45 - but I want to take it to the next level now, and a .22 is the only way. In the meantime, I say get what you want. You have time for a .22LR if you're like me, and want to get a bunch of big guns first. :D

Caliber... :evil: I could start a war with this one... Really, regardless of my own personal predjudices and biaed opinions, anything bigger than a 9mm will work. The general opinion, and I agree, is that anything 9mm (which is actually around .355" caliber) or larger will work just fine with good ammo for self defense.

Sigfan, do you use the large grip, or the small grip? FWIW, my hands are HUGE, and I can't stand the large grip on my SP 2340. The small grip looks tiny, but it's a perfect fit for me. My girlfriend, who has tiny hands, likes the big grips. Go figure.

[Gnfanatic]

hhmmm, I def have alot to learn. I hope I dont look bad here but a 22 is bigger then a 45?? or am I reading your post wrong?

thanks


And what is the std price for a license and fees? is there is any?

[Cousin Mike]

No such thing as a bad question. :)

Bullet size is stated in hundredths or thousandths of an inch. The measurement refers to the width of the bullet. The larger the number, the larger the round.

So a .45 is nearly half an inch wide. A .22, on the other hand, is only about 1/5 of an inch wide. A .45 is pretty big. :D The .22lr is a very small round. A .357 magnum would be somewhere inbetween.

As for licensing and fees, I'm not sure - I don't think you need a license to own a gun in GA, or any other state that I'm aware of. As long as you're 21, no felonies, not a druggie and not insane, you're good to go.

[Gnfanatic]

ok, thanks. this is waht screwed me up. "You have time for a .22LR if you're like me, and want to get a bunch of big guns first."

[keystone hog hunter]

what about a 22.. less money for ammo more fun for the money and then if you are bit by the bug....buy a safe and start filling it up... for protection 45 rules the rust..1911is my favotite.. but for all around 44mag... start with the light cowboy loads or specials ... then you can pick ammo to do nearly anything i n america... ...autos are fun ,, but take a while to get familar with... for a bedside gun revolvers always go bang....love my 1911s...butkeep a revolver by the bed for the wife and me..

[Gnfanatic]

Thanks Keystone, is there a BIG diff in price between the 22 and the 45???

[gudel]

my first gun was HK USP45. After that I bought several other guns like SA 1911, Colt, Sig, Rugers. None of them measure up to the HK or any other HK I have.

If i were you, i'd buy cheap first and you can upgrade to better guns. If you buy the best for your first, after that you don't get excited anymore when you buy new gun :D

[SigfanUSAF]

Lets not forget the metrics, Cousin Mike. .22 to .45 or 5.56mm to 11.43mm, or is that too confusing?

[Geronimo45]

And don't forget the dozens of 9mm calibers - 9mm parabellum, Browning short and long, Makarov. That's a real fun area.

[Cousin Mike]

My main purpose with guns is home and self defense. When I first started buying guns, I liked smaller, more concealable pocket sized pistols. Now I've come to liking the larger calibers. I've never had a .22 - But a .22 is really the best thing to learn to shoot with.

The bigger stuff has a bigger bang, and more recoil. Although it won't handicap your shooting, it will take longer to learn to fight flinching, recoil anticipation, and other not-so-great habits. A .22LR makes very little noise, and recoil is non-existant. That's why it's such a useful tool for developing good shooting habits.


.22 is really small... The .45 is the biggest common round. You'll learn more as you go along...

but for now, just remember:

the bigger the numbers, the bigger the bullet (basically)...

Does that help with the caliber thing?

[Gnfanatic]

sure does , thanks. I need to find out the pistol carrying laws down here. Its pretty much usless for me during the week due to the fact I go to hospitals all the time ( I am in the IT field). I am going to look around online for local gun shops.

[10-Ring]

I have not shot a SIG I would want to own so I'd have a tough time recommending one. OTOH, a quality 1911 is something all pistol enthusiasts gravitate towards. Many try them, shoot them & decide they don't like them. WHile MANY MANY MANY other shoot them and realize what they had been missing...
Go w/ the 1911 1st and if it a try...you won't regret it :cool:

[Gnfanatic]

I can always try a S&w at the range to. I noticed they can get up there in price??? 1 1911 was $765, the others were$1700???? all were s&w. thats alot of coin. I am hoping no more then $800 for everything

[Cousin Mike]

If you want a nice 1911 around $800, click here (http://www.impactguns.com/store/springfield_1911.html) to check out some Springfield 1911's. Some nice guns in the price range you're looking at.

You can click here (http://www.impactguns.com/store/sig.html) to look at some Sigs. Find something you like, and then look for it locally. You can always buy it online if you can't find what you're looking for near you.

[Nathan Williams]

Most self loading firearms feed from either a magazine, or a clip. A magazine is a spring loaded box that inserts into a firearm to feed ammo. A clip is a metal strip that holds the ammo to be inserted into the firearm usually a rifle. Most modern firearms feed from magazines. On a pumpaction or semiauto shotgun or certian types of rifles typically lever or pumpactions(also some .22lr semiautos) the long tube that runs under the barrel that holds ammo is also called a magazine. Not to nitpick I dont care what you call them, but I have seen some people torn to shreds over calling a magazine a clip.

[keystone hog hunter]

ever one has a opinion... find the one that feels right to you take it home and start saving for the next...

[Gnfanatic]

Thanks for the info guys, I appreicate it. I have def learned alot here already. I didnt grow up in a family with guns , matter of fact I never hunted before. I def would like to take trips in the future and try it out. Mike, I was looking at this S&W. http://www.impactguns.com/store/022188082821.html.
I guess it doesnt come with any accessories?? I will call them today. BTW, is there a diff in cleaniing kits?? I would like to buy 2 magazines,storage and a cleaning kit. Anything i would need besides ammo?

[wqbang]

I suggest before purchasing anything, go to a shooting range that rents guns and try out some. Try revolvers and semi-automatics. Many ranges will rent an entire caliber for $10. You won't know what you like until you try it! If you plop down your hard earned cash for a new SW1911, and decide you are not comfortable with a single action pistol, or carrying "Cocked and Locked", or that the .45 ACP cartridge has too much recoil for your style, you are going to eat some money trading it in on the Ruger GP100 .357 you really wanted in the first place - but didn't know it.

http://www.chuckhawks.com/index2b.handguns.htm

Also, Take a look at this site and read for a couple of hours. I am not saying it is the end all and be all of gun websites, but it does have fairly solid information, especially for the beginer.

Here is another decent article.
http://www.sportshooter.com/starting/gettingstarted.asp

One more suggestion.... training. An NRA basic pistol course is not only inexpensive, but will be a great foundation to learning safe gunhandling. Some instructors will even loan you a gun for the course, or teach it at a range that rents guns.

Click here for upcoming NRA training in Georgia.
http://www.nrahq.org/education/training/find.asp?State=GA&Type=

[Gnfanatic]

Awesome, thanks wqbang. I have rented a 1911 gun several times (springfield) 45 and a 357 revolver. the 45 does have a recoil to it without a doubt and it was comfy but then again i never tried a 22 or a 9mm. So i will be going to the range tomorrow to try several diff types. I have to say the revolver was the easiest to aim and was a little more accurate for me. Tomorrow will be fun and interesting. I am going to be reading up on this stuff tonight.

Ralph

[BryanP]

My advice: just take your time, try out a lot of different guns (either rentals or friends). Be sure you buy something that really fits you and your needs.

Everyone here was a gun newbie at some point. If you're not sure about something just ask.

[Gnfanatic]

def, i dont want to blow money on something I am not going to enjoy. I have been going to the range several times now have not liked certain guns I have tried. I moved to GA 5 months ago so I dont have friends nor do I know anyone in the Firearms hobby. I come from NY and the gun laws there are very tough so none of ym friends had one. I didnt even bother trying to get a license due to cost,time and paperwork to fill out.



Ralph

[wqbang]

If you shot the revolver the best, sounds like you might have a great first gun. I recommend a S&W model 66 (can only get used since S&W stopped making them)or Ruger GP100. Both great guns, with multiple uses, very durable, attractive, and versatile (practice with .38's, carry .357's).

[knoxx45]

the bigger the numbers, the bigger the bullet (basically)...

But this can get confusing. For instance, a 9mm, 38 special, 357 magunm, 380 auto, and many others use the same diameter bullets, just different weights and cases. The 44 magnum and 44 special actually uses a bullet that is .429”. On the other hand, the 45 auto and the 45 colt do not use the same diameter bullets. That’s some of the more common rounds. When I first started shooting these were the things that confused me a bit. Keep asking questions here and you will learn a lot. There are a lot of very knowledgeable folks here who like to discuss this stuff, so don’t be afraid to ask questions. We love to see someone new to our sport enjoying themselves and willing to learn.

Be safe and always remember the “4 rules”.

Knoxx

[wqbang]

BTW, if you are interested in getting a Concealed Carry license (not a bad idea, even if you don't intend to carry, because you will always have the option if and when you need it), go to http://www.packing.org and get all the information you need about getting a GA license. It should be easy and painless. GA is a "Shall Issue" state. They have to grant you a license if you meet the requirements.

[Gnfanatic]

Would I sound like an ass if I told you I dont like the looks of a revolver? :confused:

[stogiegila]

Being a newcomer to guns myself, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND taking wqbang's advice about going to the range and trying out the gun you are thinking about buying.

I wanted to start with a revolver, just because of ease of use and being intimidated with a semi-auto. The instructor at my range quickly brought me to the realization that a semi-auto was nothing to fear and could be managed easily.

I had my eyes set on a Glock, and had shot my friends a couple of times. However, at the time of purchase the salesman gave me an XD 9 to look at. I liked the way it felt and all the extra safety features on it, but had never shot one. I ended up purchasing it and fully regretted it. I could not shoot it accurately and didn't like the muzzle flip I experienced with it. I ended up renting a Glock G19 and what a world of difference. I sold the XD 9, at a significant loss :banghead: , but love my G19.

I caught the bug of owning a 1911, but again never shot one before :banghead: , I ended up buying a SA 1911 GI. Nice gun (felt a big big for my small hands), but liked it. A .45ACP does have a kick to it. I began thinking that instead of owning a huge collection of guns and having my wife kill me :o , that I would trade in the 1911 for a revolver. I ended up buying a .357 Ruger GP100. AGAIN I NEVER SHOT ONE FIRST :banghead: :banghead: :fire: . I know I'm stupid!

The Ruger is a great gun and looks beautiful. Its a 4", which for someone my size, too big for carrying purposes. The .357 kicks more than any other gun I have shot. But .38s are like shooting a BB gun :D . Anyway, it was an impulse purchase that I feel was a mistake because I really wanted something smaller. A .38 snubbie would have been the right choice.

To make a long story short. My weapon of choice is my Glock. But you MUST shoot the gun you are thinking about purchasing because you will be amazed at how your impressions could change, once at the range. If you don't have the money to loose, definitely try it out first and force yourself to be patient with your purchase so you won't be like me :banghead: and make regrettable impulse buys.

Good luck on your search.

[BigO01]

Buy the S&W 1911 , they make great guns and have been doing so for over 100 years , if you should have a problem they stand behind their products with fantastic customer service .

[wqbang]

As much as I would like to think that looks aren't important, they are. If you don't like the looks of a revolver, you won't be happy with it, and you won't want to use it. It is simple! Get what you want, AND what you can use. You may find, that like me, you come full circle looking at revolvers.

[Cousin Mike]

Gnfanatic:

You're getting some good advice here - listen to these fellas :)

The range thing is something I highly recommend, but I'd like to add something.

PLEASE don't worry about buying the perfect pistol your first time!

Nobody has ever bought the perfect pistol their first time out... Well, except maybe my buddy gudel with his H&K, but that's pretty rare! I'd say the same thing about a Sig P220, if you like .45's, then work your way up to one.. After you shoot a Sig P220, nothing else will do! :D

Of course, these are our opinions, and yours might be totally different.

You're looking at great guns, and either one your buy should serve you well... If you have fired .45ACP, and .357 magnum, then you have nothing to fear - you've already shot the most powerful guns you're likely to shoot for a while. If the recoil and noise from a .357 magnum doesn't bother you, then I highly doubt you'll end up making a purchase you'll regret.

My advice, DON'T BE CHEAP! That's where you end up buying guns you will regret most times. My first 1911 was a GI model, and now I realize I should have just saved more money and got a nicer 1911... Do I hate my 1911? No way! I just wish I had spent more to get a model with more features. No biggie - just means I'll have 2 when I get my mind made up on the next one. :D

The price range of 1911's you're looking at is a great price range to start out with. You'll get the nice features that make a 1911 a pleasure to shoot, and something you can be proud of when you look at it. As for the 1911 you're looking at, I like it! What kind of accessories were you looking for?

We've all bought guns we weren't crazy about. Some folks, like me, are happy for a while and then need a change. I used to like the small calibers. .25acp, .32 H&R magnum, .380acp, 9mm... Now I tend to like the bigger stuff, and have several .45ACP's, two .357's, a .40S&W, etc... still a 9mm hanging around here somewhere though. :)

Your taste in guns, the things you like and don't like, might change over time. That's fine - but don't worry about making the ultimate purchase. There's no such thing. If you know you like something, then get it. I can't think of a better way to score your first gun. You can score a pistol cleaning kit at Wal-Mart or any sports store near you for next to nothing in cost.

As for the revolvers - it took me a LONG time to like the idea of one. I was all about my super high-capacity auto's with all the trims and fixin's. There's nothing wrong with that - that's the good thing about guns! There are just SO many choices that nobody should ever have to buy something they don't like.

Recently I've developed some kind of lust for revolvers that won't go away, so that's what I've been buying recently. You couldn't have paid me to believe you if you told me a year ago I'd turn into a revolver freak. Perfect example of how your tastes can change over time. Good luck! Get what YOU like, and sleep well at night. Shooting courses will also be a great help, and the more comfortable you get with your guns, and the better you get at shooting them, the more you'll want to look into carrying concealed - all this stuff comes with time. Work at your own pace - this is a lifetime thing and there's no rush. Have fun, and BE SAFE! That's what's most important for now.

[Gnfanatic]

You guys are evry cool, I am glad I found this forum. Some funny story telelrs here to :). I got to ask you guys a question about barrel length. I noticed or maybe it is the picture that the model 1911 I like looks like to ahve a longer barrel then the p229?? I guess these guns come in diff lengths which will help when it comes to carryign them etc?? what else does it help> i would think the longer barrel helps with stabability when it comes to firin?

thanks!
Ralph

[knoxx45]

Typically, a longer barrel will prove more acurate than a shorter one (all else being equal). part of that is the fast that the bullet engages the rifling for a longer period of time, and thus the bullet is more stabalized. The other part is that you have a longer sight radius.

Also, a longer barrel will typiaclly produce higher a muzzel velosity.

[Gnfanatic]

Thanks Knoxx, I would think a shorter barrel is the choice to carry?? or the longer barrel is comfortable to carry as well?

thanks

[knoxx45]

give it time. They tend to grow on you with experience. As I got better, and more comfortable, I wanted to focus on accuracy. That’s when I started getting into revolvers. They will typically be more accurate than an auto of similar barrel length. The first time I fired a Colt Python, I fell in love. If you ever get a chance to shoot one, do it. But be careful, you might get hooked. You said that revolvers are ugly, and I would agree with you for the most part. But some are actually beautiful, IMHO of course.

Check out the python and tell me what you think. They are expensive, but I have never regretted buying any of mine. These guns have the best, and I mean the best (NO BS) triggers of any production gun.

Just my thoughts-

Knoxx

[knoxx45]

Ptyhon pick

[Gnfanatic]

Knoxx, my friend AJ in Canada has a colt Anaconda???? they dont make it anymore. it looks like to was machined out of a block of SS. Its artwork and it is freaking big. Problem is there is NO way in hell you can carry, looks like it must weigh 20 lbs! A revolver will be in my hands in the future but not for my first gun. I like the ss and black handle look, looks very modern and high tech.

[knoxx45]

good holsters make all the difference in the world. a smaller/ lighter gun is more comfortable to carry, but I carry my full size 1911 comfortably. The trick is finding a good holster. I'm 5-11 180, and I can do the full size without a problem. The 1911 carries will because it is pretty flat (i.e. not thick). I find for carry purposes, a thin gun with a 5" barrel is easier to hide than a thick gun with a 3" barrel. But thats just me.

[knoxx45]

the anaconda is beautiful. I use my Pythons for target and hunting. My other 6" has taken 3 nice bucks with one shot. 2 were about 35 yards away, and one was almost 60.

For your first gun I think that you have two great choices in mind already. Try a few out, and see what you like best. 1911 or sig, you will be happy either way. Listen to cousin Mike: DON'T BE CHEAP. you are better off buying a good solid gun.

[Ed Ames]

Get an accurate 22 (e.g. a used Ruger MkII Target) to bring along with you to the range. There is no better first gun. There is no better class of pistol for improving your marksmanship. And even when you buy your second gun (in a month or so) they are perfect for bringing along to the range because you can switch between calibers.

Look at it this way... 50 rounds of .45 will cost you anywhere from $7 (dirt cheap reloads) to $30 (fancier but not super-high-end stuff) assuming you can buy it yourself (some ranges only let you shoot their ammo). Not much money, right? But assume you go nearly every week... multiply $15 (50 rds) by 50 (weeks) and you've got a $750 a year habit.

A target 22 will give you the same amount of shooting for $75 a year. $100 a year for the good stuff...not super good (you can spend $10 for 50 rounds of 22lr if you want) but pretty good. That's a savings of $650/yr. $650 will buy a pretty nice entry-level target 22 AND all the stuff that goes with it.... perhaps including a scope.

If you shoot at a range with a range fee that's even more important. If you are paying $15 an hour to shoot, that's another $750 a year (though usually there is a membership available that will cut the price in half)... and 50 rounds in an hour is less than one shot per minute... which means you'll probably pay for your hour, shoot for half an hour, run out of ammo... and either buy more (and suddenly that $750/yr ammo estimate is LOW) or go home early. If you had a 22, you could spend the other half hour practicing with $2 worth of ammo. The practice is just as good (I'd argue better) than the large bore practice because trigger technique, stance, hold, sight picture, etc are all largely identical no matter what sort of pistol you are firing.

Plus you can take your girlfriend/wife shooting and still have a gun for yourself when she takes over your .45 (and no, that's not a joke...).

[Gnfanatic]

You got good points ed. tremendous amount of choices and configurations. Probably the most I am worried about is getting screwed. Its like going into a car dealership lackign any knowledgse about cars. I read one post where a member here was going to buy a NEW gun but saw signs it was used, scary. I am going to do some reading tonight and hope to find a gun shop around here that has a good selection and reputation. Any of you gusy have friends in GA or know of a shop in GA?


thanks!
Ralph

[BobSeaman]

look at a S&W 640 and a S&W 649 I can make you a good deal on one

[jad0110]

Of all the different configurations/calibers available, I would say that a good .22 is a very smart choice. Every gun owner should own one. It didn't take me long to warm up to a .22 when I realized how much cheaper it is to shoot. Here are some more cost comparisons... if you look at the cost per round of cheap, wal-mart ammo, it goes roughly like this:

.357 Magnum: $.31 cents / round :banghead:
.38 special: $.19
.44 Magnum: $.46:(
.45 ACP: $.22
.40 S&W: $.19
.380 ACP: $.20
.32 ACP: $.28 :barf:
.25 ACP: $.25
9mm: $.13

.22 LR: less than $.02 cents each!!! :) (A box of 550 .22LR at walmart is about $8.96 plus tax!)

.22LR = lots of cheap, fun, meaningful practice.

For me personally, the most important feature in a handgun is reliability. A close second is how well I can shoot it. I carry a S&W 642 for this reason, it has proven to be super reliable and quite accurate. This is why my primary night stand gun is my Taurus 66.

I know this will probably get me into hot water with the 1911 guys, but here it goes. Perhaps some of you could offer your insights. I am a huge 1911 fan. They are very comfortable to shoot and are capable of stellar accuracy. Then there is the history! Though they are quite durable, 1911s do require a little more TLC from their owner to function properly. Some makes also tend to jam frequently when loaded with hollowpoints.

Just my opinion (opinions are like buttholes; everybody's got 'em, and most of them stink)!

Happy shooting!

[Gnfanatic]

WOW, thats a massive diff in prices there. maybe I should screw around with a 22 for a couple of months and then move up? I dont know any good 22's though. I am going to look it up. man ammo for the magnum is some big bucks.

[jad0110]

Of course, shooting cheap .22 won't necessarily save you money as you will just shoot more! :D

Do what's best for you. Everyone is different and has different preferences, hence the myriad of choices before you.

I own a Taurus 94 .22 revolver. The jury is out on it because the cylinder became misaligned so badly that the cylinder gouged the top strap just above the breach, jamming up in the process!!! Ouch. Sent it back to Taurus under warranty, so I'll see how they fix it. I hope it works out well, I bought the 94 for its unpleasantly heavy trigger pull. If I can master good trigger control on this gun, I should be able to shoot my others no problem.

One really cool .22 is the Walther P22:http://www.waltheramerica.com/firearms/p22.cfm

Ed's Gun Shop just down the road from me sells the P22 with a laser sight for just $349! Hmmm, I'm starting to tempt myself... :evil:

[Ed Ames]

Kimber sells a beautiful Target 22 (Kimber Target 22 Rimfire (http://www.kimberamerica.com/pistols/rimfire/rimfiretarget.php)) A bit pricey ($600ish) but very nice.

A used Ruger MkII Govt. Target, or (if you are a forgive and forget sort) the new MkIII Target are pound-nails reliable, accurate, and fun... I've had a MkII Govt. Target for many years and it has never disappointed me (and no, it isn't for sale)... but I like the "point" grip angle and all of that.

There are a lot of great 22 revolvers.. S&W 617 is a bit pricey but very nice from all I've heard.

Browning Buck Marks have a following.

Beretta Neos are also well liked by some.

Walther is also well respected....


Basically, everyone makes a 22... and picking isn't really about choosing between good and bad... it's about picking what fits you and looks/feels good to you. There aren't really wrong answers.

Can't help regarding dealers in GA... but I wouldn't worry too much... stories about someone thinking they got a used gun when they paid for a new one are more than likely based on the buyer not knowing that test rounds are fired at the factory, which leaves the gun *fired* but not *used*. Shifty gun dealers don't survive very long from what I've seen.

[Juna]

IMO, the best of both worlds is to buy a CZ 75B with a .22LR Kadet conversion kit. That way, you can have a fantastic 9mm for defense and a .22LR for practice--all on the same frame/grip/trigger. So your practice will literally be with the same gun, but much cheaper.

Barely used CZ 75: $300
Kadet conversion kit: $250

So for $550, you'd have TWO guns for the price of one, and the ability to shoot 9mm or .22LR (a more than effective defense caliber and a dirt cheap practice caliber).

Just my $0.02

[Ed Ames]

That's not a bad idea. How long does it take to swap the kit in and out?

[Gnfanatic]

OK guys I got 2 shops I am going to tomorrow. they both have nice shooting range and they rent many different type of guns. They both carry sig,SW and many others. So I will update you guys tomorrow and thanks for the help!

That Kimber is sweet but alot of money, for the same price I can get a S&W 1911. I have heard Kimber makes good stuff. Are they made in US?

thanks

[Cousin Mike]

.22's are great... Very good to learn with, and fun to play with. And Ed Ames couldn't be more right about your girlfriend taking over your .45 one day... Trust me. :D

My only beef with the .22 for the reasons you want a first gun is the self defense aspect. If practice is your main motivation in buying your first handgun, then a .22 might be your best bet. And as pointed out, practice with a .22 is pretty inexpensive.

If self defense and home protection is more important at this stage, then you'd probably want to go with something a little more potent than .22 - I wouldn't recommend a .22 at all for self or home defense, actually. That's probably one of the things you should decide first - which is most important? Range shooting and practice, or home and self defense?

Once you decide which is more important at this point, it will be easier to make a decision.

[Gnfanatic]

This gun is absolutly beautiful, def going to try it out . Hopefully it will fit me well. I know it is a 45 :)


http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=11101&langId=-1&productId=14728&tabselected=tech&isFirearm=Y&parent_category_rn=15709

[BigO01]

If the S&W is pushing your budget a bit try a Armscor or Charles Daly .

If you want agood 1911 that will serve you well for target practice , home and even personal defense such as a CCW piece take a look at this one .

http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=55584627

I own this exact model , bought it this late spring and have put about 50 rounds throug it and it functioned perfectly even with 200 gr lead semiwadcutters .

If you like total Stainless here is one .

http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=55539917

Here is a new full sized one .

http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=55417263

Daly's have a Life Time Warranty for the original owner and will send you a UPS shipping tag "Pay for all shipping" if you ever have a problem with one , all you have to do is register it .

If you want to shoot .22 rimfires for cheap practice get a conversion get such as this Wilson ,

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=897084 , or consider reloading . Reloading is very simple and not at all expensive to get into if you go with Lee equipment and yes it is very safe as long as you don't get stupid and try making some loads that go over the Maximum load for any given powder .

If in the end you buy a 1911 you may want to learn as much as you can about them one very good book on the subject can be bought here

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0873492811/ref=lpr_g_1/103-7395426-6439814?n=507846&s=books&v=glance

And on this forum dedicated to the 1911 http://www.m1911.org/ , it has a technical section that you might find of interest and perhaps helpful in solving any minor problems you may expierence as an owner of the design .

Good Luck I hope you give one a try since they seem to fit you rather well , which is no surprise as that's how John Browning designed it .

[jad0110]

Juna makes a good point about the CZ-75, it is probably one of the most underrated pistols around. Check one out in person if you can. Also, keep your eyes open for a nice, used Browning HiPower in 45 ACP. Some people have described them as an improved (albeit lesser known) 1911.

[Gnfanatic]

Sheesh, this is harder then I thought it would be. I called 4 local shops and no has a 1911 in stock to try or buy. Fast lanes has a colt to try but no SW. I am surprised about how hard it is to find a shop that carries 1911's.



Ralph

[cyanide]

1911 is a pro's gun

get the 229, you will be better served by it.

[Cousin Mike]

Wow... I wouldn't have imagined that you'd have a hard time finding one locally. See if any of those shops are registered with impact - that way if you need to order online, it won't be a problem. You can just call the shop, let them know you'll be recieving something, and you can simply go and pick it up when it arrives. Some shops don't carry or keep certain models in stock, but they can usually special-order them for you.

The attachment is a picture I found online of several types of pistol ammunition, to give you an idea of how a .22LR compares to a .45ACP - incase you still had some questions.

[IndianaBoy]

I'm going to chime in that it isn't necessary for you to spend 800 dollars to get a quality handgun. I own and would recommend a CZ 75b to anyone who want's a 9mm. It is accurate, ergonomics are good, it is a proven design and the pistols have good fit and finish. Mine locks up nice and tight, and has not yet had a failure to extract, a failure to return to battery, or a failure to fire. I personally do not have the 22 conversion kit, but if I didn't own a Ruger Mark II then I would buy one.

Learning to shoot pistols with a larger caliber (while possible), stands the chance of teaching you bad habits regarding trigger control and flinching. You would be much better off learning with a 9mm, better still with a 22. You can find a CZ 75 for around $350. You can find gently used Ruger Mark IIs for around $275.

If you like the Sig trigger, you can get Certified Pre-Owned sigs for around $500. I got a gently used P225 + a $125 Milt Sparks holster for $600. There are deals out there... don't plunk down your cash for the first pistol that tickles your fancy.

45 ACP is significantly more expensive to shoot than 9mm. Being a new shooter, you will want and need to practice. I don't know your financial situation, but unless you are rolling in the dough, get something that won't break the bank when you want to spend a solid afternoon at the range.

If I took you to the range, I would start you out on my Ruger Mark II. I own the Ruger, a CZ, a Sig and a Springfield 1911. I would never start a new shooter out on a 45 because I wouldn't want them to pick up a flinch from the higher recoil.

Don't pay MSRP for whatever it is that you wind up getting. If you do some searching you can find almost anything for at least $100 dollars below MSRP.

[IndianaBoy]

1911 is a pro's gun

get the 229, you will be better served by it.


I don't know what you are basing that on..... The 1911 is infinitely customizable to suit anyone's needs. From the plinker to the serious competitor. The 229 is a fine gun. So is the 1911. It is individual preference as to which is better.

[Cousin Mike]

IndianaBoy makes a very good point. For the money you're looking to spend, you could get a quality handgun for home or self defense, AND a decent .22 for practice. Something to think about. I disagree that learning on a .45 is a predecessor to incurable bad habits (and I also disagree that .45 will kill your pockets), but I do agree that a .22 is the best teacher. Maybe looking at both ain't a bad idea. However, if you know what you want, then get what you want, and learn to be competent with it while you pick a good .22 for practice.

[Gnfanatic]

Hey guys, I went to a local shop today and tried a few guns. this is what I tried:

SG229 40 cal-- It fired fine and all but didnt like the fit with my hand, wasnt comfy.

sg239, 9mm-- I liked this gun, felt good and I was more accurate with it.

Seg Masquito,22-- It was a cool gun, but I liked the 9mm better

Glock 17 , 40 cal. I didnt like the feel nor the fit.

I feel the 9mm is a good median for me, more powerful then the 22 and less money then the 40. I liked the 239 BUT he had NO 1911's to try. no S&W's at all to try. I cant find a range with a s&W to rent. He wnats $699 for the sig239 , I didnt buy it becuase I wasnt sure that I was getting a good deal and I didnt try a 1911. He is NON neg with the price even if I pay cash.


Thanks
Ralph

[Gnfanatic]

See this S&W is comparably priced to the sig and looks very nice. I would love to try it out but having a hardtime doing it. Alot of these shops dont even have new S&w's in stock. Why dont they have alot of guns in there selection? Cost?

http://www.impactguns.com/store/SS-26168.html

[akodo]

wouldnt a local shop be pissed if I bought it from somewhere else?? will they charge me any fee's?

You can buy online, and after you pay shipping and handling for the owner to send it ($20-30) most places will accept it and do the paperwork so you can have it for $20-30. Lots of times that $60 makes their stuff much more price competative....if they have what you want.


Do these guns come with clips?? accessories? box?

Any new gun is going to come in a box, usually a plastic thing with a spot for a paddlelock, which can work just fine as a gun case. It will also come with at least one magazine, sometimes 2.

A clip is a simple bit of metal for holding cartridges together for faster reloading. A magazine is a clip with a spring to push the bullets up, and a floorplate to control them, all inside a housing. 99% of the time when a person says clip he means magazine.

I guess it doesnt come with any accessories?? I will call them today. BTW, is there a diff in cleaniing kits?? I would like to buy 2 magazines,storage and a cleaning kit. Anything i would need besides ammo?

I as sure that S&W comes with at least one magazine, maybe even 2 mags, a box that will work for light storage(it is not a safe) and transport. for $10-20 you should be able to pick up a pistol cleaning kit, they aren't designated by gun type, but by caliber, they will contain a rod with a couple of tips, usually a slotted one and a pointed one and bronze brush (sometimes you have to buy the brush seperately) some sort of solvent to dissolve gunpowder gunk, and some oil for lube and rust protection, and some cleaning patches...often enough for 2-3 trips to the range, then you can use paper towels ripped up, etc.

outers kit, msrp 8.99

http://www.outers-guncare.com/images/products/Kits/96223_RifleCleaningKitAluminum

http://www.outers-guncare.com/products/cleaning_kits/cleaning_kits.aspx

So if I go for the P series or 1911 what will be a good caliber to start? would it be stupid for me to buy a 45?? I shot a 45 and felt good, is there a BIG diff in price between the 22 and the 45???

really handgun ammo falls in two catagories, "inexpensive for practice and fun" and then "decent for stopping an aggessor'

In the first catagory, you have 22 LR, and in the second catagory you have everything else. For the price of one box of 50 of anything else, you can get 10 boxes of 50 for 22LR.

22LR is a good starting point, but not a good stopping point if you want to actually be able to defend yourself. Of course, missing with the biggest bullet will do you absolutely no good. That' why starting with a .22 can be good. However, it seems you are handling the other stuff fine, so you will be find starting there, and possibly getting a .22 later when bullets per dollar becomes important.

for 'decent to stop an aggessor' from a handgun, there are hundreds of different choices, but luckly 5 of them are by far the most common. If only these 5 existed, we'd all do just fine. They are, in order of 'power'

.38 special, 9mm, .40S&W, .357 magnum -tied with-.45 ACP

So a .45 is nearly half an inch wide. A .22, on the other hand, is only about 1/5 of an inch wide. A .45 is pretty big. The .22lr is a very small round. A .357 magnum would be somewhere inbetween.
This is good advice, but only about half of the story. See, there is two sides to it. Fast and Fat. Obviously, getting hit by a Ford Explorer going 60 MPH vs getting hit by a Geo Metro going 60 MPH, but what is worse, getting hit by a Ford Explorer at 60MPH, or a Corvette at 150 MPH?

so, while a .357 is smaller than a .45acp, it goes a hell of a lot faster. Enough of a lot faster so some people say it is better. Others disagree. Unfortunately, as shooting people just to test this isn't viable, the debate rages on.


I have to say the revolver was the easiest to aim and was a little more accurate for me. Tomorrow will be fun and interesting. I am going to be reading up on this stuff tonight.

Would I sound like an ass if I told you I dont like the looks of a revolver?

revolvers grow on you. Plus they actually have a lot of advantages.

For starters, revolvers stand up to neglect sitting in coat pockets and sock drawers getting full of lint better than semi-autos. A revolver can be shot multiple times while inside a jacket pocket or pressed right up against something, with a semiauto, the slide will often catch and you will only get one shot off.

In guns of the same quality revolvers are usually about $100 cheaper

A revolver's trigger pull is giong to be the same every time, some semi-autos vary.

A revolver usually has better stock sights, usually adjustable. Combine this with the ability to manually cock the hammer and have a single action shot, revolvers can be easier to shoot accurately at longer distances.

Revolvers are in general more versitile. They can take a wider variety of ammunition, as long as you can fit in in the cylinder it will be fine. Some exotic stuff won't work well in all types of semi-autos, and the only way you can check is by testing out a few hundred rounds.

Another part of versitility is the fact that revolvers can shoot more than one loading. The .357 magum revolver can also fire .38 specials. This means you get low recoil low cost target rounds. And even within the .357 family there is more variety in power levels than pretty much anything else. In the same manner, a .44 magnum can fire .44 specials, and a .454 Casull can fire .45 longcolts. That takes care of man ammo for the magnum is some big bucks.

If you shot the revolver the best, sounds like you might have a great first gun. I recommend a S&W model 66 (can only get used since S&W stopped making them)or Ruger GP100. Both great guns, with multiple uses, very durable, attractive, and versatile (practice with .38's, carry .357's).

Good advice, however, S&W makes a 686 now, a slightly stronger version of the 66, plus most now hold 7 shots, not 6. Also, Taurus is great lesser known gun maker, an economy gun maker who makes guns very similar to smith and wesson, but less pricy. They also have an almost exact copy of the beretta 92, as well as some stuff similar to other makers, and a few designs all their own. I think they are worth checking out.

I noticed or maybe it is the picture that the model 1911 I like looks like to ahve a longer barrel then the p229?? I guess these guns come in diff lengths which will help when it comes to carryign them etc?? what else does it help> i would think the longer barrel helps with stabability when it comes to firin?

Long barrel makes the bullet a tiny bit more stable, and a very short barrel can be too short to get much push from the burning gunpowder, which means slower less effective bullets, and a big flash of burning gunpower being blown out the the muzzle, but that is really on very short snubnosed revolvers.

The biggest thing barrel length does is allow a human to use the sights bettet, giving better accuracy. Now put two guns in a benchvice and shoot them by tying a string to the trigger...you'll see very little accuracy difference. Put them in the hand of a human with eyes on each side of his nose, and the longer barreled gun will be easier for him to shoot accurately.

Also barrel length helps in controlling recoil, as every bit extra weight tames it some, and longer barrels tame it some, so you win in both directions because extra length also adds weight.

Longer barrels don't make it more difficult to carry except at the extremes, like at 6 inches it can get more difficult, and there are places a 2 inch snubby will fit that other guns don't, but for the most part, 3, 3.5, 4, especially in semiautos, are all about the same for carry in my opinion


SG229 40 cal-- It fired fine and all but didnt like the fit with my hand, wasnt comfy.
sg239, 9mm-- I liked this gun, felt good and I was more accurate with it.

This combined with your earlier comments about the 1911 makes me think you probably have slightly smaller than average hands.

You see, semi-autos fall in roughly two catagories design wise. Single stack and double stack magazine.

Simply put, single stacks have the ammo all in one nice line, where doublestacks have two columbs of it. Hence, doublestacks are usually twice as wide. For something like 9mm, which is .36 in diameter, this means that bullets alone make the magazine be at least .7 inches wide, plus the actual grip of the gun, which is thin enough for most people to get their hand perfectly around, but not everyone. it also means they usually have 15 shots. (two stacks of 7, plus one on top) A .45 is enough wider that fewer people can comfortably fit their hands around a double stack .45 magazine, that's why most are a single stack of 8 rouns of .45 Most people say this is fine, 9mm is enough less powerful that they need all those extra bullets just to keep up with a .45

Anyways, this seems to me your hand size or maybe finger length or whatever may be why two nearly identical guns performed so different for you (the sigs) and why a 1911 seems so nice to you. Unfortunately, besides .45s, and a few like the sig 239 sig225 and the smithnwesson 3900 series, there are few single stack magazines out there. You see, lots of people whose hands really need single stacks see 15 rounds vs 8 rounds and get all excited. They forget that misses don't count, hits count, and they choose accordingly.

I'd suggest trying a few other types of .45s besides 1911s, they should all be slim enough to fit your hand well, and that will tell you if you have a preference just for 1911s, or for single stacks. Then you can test a few single stack 9mms or 40s so you are really comparing apples to apples

See if you can find a sig in .45 (I believe that is a sig 220, but not positive) and see how that compares to your experience with the sig 229 and the sig 239.

Do you understand the mechanical difference between a 1911 design, a single action auto, and most other pistol designs, double action autos?

You seem to like S&W 1911s, is that a brand name thing? have you tried other stuff? the S&W are kinda high on the price charts. check out

http://www.impactguns.com/store/706397866693.html - springfield a bare bones 1911 except for being stainless steel
http://www.impactguns.com/store/706397141523.html -springfield fancier model
http://www.impactguns.com/store/706397061340.html -sprinfieldmidground model, but in 9mm!
http://www.impactguns.com/store/669278320335.html - can't go wrong with a kimber
http://www.impactguns.com/store/669278320519.html - little bit cheaper kimber
http://www.impactguns.com/store/SS-27631.html-taurus lower priced, relatively new maker, but avilable in 40!
http://www.impactguns.com/store/725327601036.html - taurus 45, listing MSRP, expect it to be same price as the taurus above
http://www.impactguns.com/store/798681317394.html - throwing this out there because you handled some sigs already, I guess they are doing 1911s too now!

double action 45s
http://www.impactguns.com/store/S-220R-45-B.html - classic sig 220, absolutely great gun by which many others are judged. there is a slightly shortened 220 called the 245, might be worth checking out. Sig used to make 220s in 9mm, single stack as well as 225 9mm single stacks, and the beloved old 210 in 9mm single stack, but now there is just the 239, wich is a fine fine gun, as you know. If you liked that I suspect you will really like the 220 in 45!
http://www.impactguns.com/store/736676066445.html - rugers are strong pistols
http://www.impactguns.com/store/022188082630.html - double actoin from smith and wesson, slightly fancy version, but you can go bare bones too
http://www.impactguns.com/store/022188048087.html
again, you aren't stuck with just .45s, smith and wesson is one of the few who makes a good 9mm single stack, the 3900 series is highly regarded
http://www.impactguns.com/store/022188045314.html
if your manliness can handle it, this is the one that earned the 3900 series its reputation as great http://www.impactguns.com/store/022188082906.html
http://www.impactguns.com/store/022188038903.html - inexpensive version


I don't see them listed on impactguns, but they do have a .40 version of it which should give you good price standin for it because MSRP is usually a little off.
http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?id=380&category=Pistol
http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?id=374&category=Pistol
http://www.impactguns.com/store/SS-31586.html

[akodo]

See this S&W is comparably priced to the sig and looks very nice. I would love to try it out but having a hardtime doing it. Alot of these shops dont even have new S&w's in stock. Why dont they have alot of guns in there selection? Cost?

couple different things going on here. First, the 'tactical' version from smith and wesson is a bit of a specialty item,

Also, 9mms and 40s with the old style 'clinton 10' artifically low capacity magazine models aren't selling worth crap, so while they still appear on some websites, gunstores got rid of them. Anything with exactly 10 is either artifically abbreviated, or designed around this silly and now defunct law, and neither type is popular any more. Why have 10 when you can have 15 or even 17 and everything else is exactly the same?

So try looking for smith and wessons that are not tactical, and are not 10 rounders, think 13-17 for 9mm, and 11-15 for 40.

also, about 5-10 years back, the gun industry was being peppered by frivoulous lawsuits, but the industry all hung together...until smith and wesson bolted for a settlement and the promise of super politically correct and superantigun cities (like NYC) would choose their guns over other guns for police. Other gun makers, gun wholesalers, gun parts dealers, gunstores, and guncustomers told smith and wesson no way woudl they deal with traitors, and bascially put smith and wesson under. Smith sales dropped like a rock, the company started falling apart at the seams. It was eventually sold and the new managment rejected the old deal and got back in line with the rest of the industry...but after some laws were passed to help protect the gun industry from silly lawsuits.

So, some people forgave the new managment, some people weren't impressed as they feel the change wasn't an honest one, that smith and wesson broke ranks for money and came back for money, not for prinicples. So some dealers are very reluctant to carry smithandwessons, partly because of not seeing it as an honest move back, and partly because they know that there are plenty of gun buyers who heard the first part and swore off buying smithandwesson, and never heard about the collapse, sale, and new managment changing it's tune, so it doesn't pay to carry a brand that 25% of buyers will never buy no matter what.

[Waitone]

Since we're helpin' you spend money, try this on for size. Figure out your startup budget. Then find a good genuine official NRA fundamentals instructor. That way you get the basics down, avoid bad habits, and get to fondle a number of cool guns.

AFter class shoot your way around a loaner board which will ensure your first purchase is the right purchase AND it will familarize you with the cost of ammo. Repeat after me, "The cost of acquisition and the cost of ownership are not one in the same. The cost of ownership can be significantly higher." At that point your wish list and priority purchase program is complete.

BTW, regarding ugly revolvers, I swing both ways. I like classic lines of 1911 as well as the perfection of a S&W 686 4".

Let us know what you eventually purchase.

[Gnfanatic]

Damn guys, thanks for the info. I took a break today, plus most shops mare closed today anyways. Obviously I have alot to learn and try. I spent $64 yesterday to try 4 guns so this testing is getting exp but well worth it. I am going to try some revolvers as well. I think I am going to stick with the 9mm area.

[pinetree64]

Once I started shooting 1911's that was it. I love 'em. I realize 45acp is more expensive, but I reload it. I have bought a Hi Power and buy 9mm in bulk for plinking.

Both are good guns. I just like single action and 45acp. If I could only have one semi centerfire it would be my fullsize Springfield.

Not sure where you live in Georgia; I've bought guns at Candler Road Pawn, David's Gun Room, Adventure Outdoors, Eastman Gunshows, Basspro and Forsyth County Pawn. Basspro, though I haven't been in a while had much better prices than the gunshows, unless you shop and know what prices should be and bargain. Adventure is good, very good for used guns. My favorite is Forsyth County Pawn, service, price and they will serve as an FFL. Ordered my Hi Power from CDNN had it shipped to FCP, $10.

[Gnfanatic]

Pinetree, I live in Smyrna and been to several places. Problem is the selection they have trying them out is very small. I would like to go to a gun show and buy a used gun but I have NO clue on value,what to look for ,etc. I have a good chance of getting screwed!

[Waitone]

I highly recommend using the gunshow as a way to conveniently shop. Use brick and mortar when buying. Gunshows are not the place for a noobie to buy. The best of both worlds is to siddle up to a brick and mortar store that also exhibits at a gunshow.

[inggo]

try the cz85 compact. light and less recoil

[greener]

gnfanatic: As if you need some additional advice after all this, but..

Most of my pistol-shooting for about 20 years was annual qualifications with the Army Reserves, and then I had a 10-year break after retirement. I decided a while back that it might be fun to shoot pistols again. Shooting .22lr was the least expensive way to relearn how to shoot. After trying a few pistols, I started with a Smith & Wesson 22A-1. Its a great gun to learn (or relearn) with and cost <$200. I liked it better than the Rugers I tried, and for $200, if I decided I really didn't want to shoot, I wasn't out much. Besides, you can get 550 rounds of .22lr for $9, less than the cost of 50 rounds of the higher calibers. I've since added a Ruger Mark III Hunter, instead of buying the 1911 I intended to buy. Shooting .22 pistols requires the same mechanics as larger caliber's and save $$$ in the learning curve.

All the recommendations above a good pistols. I'm surprised that no one mentioned a Sprinfield MilSpec. (A Kimber Custom II, .45ACP, makes one ragged hole at 15 yards, but then so does the Milspec)

For $800 you can start with something like an S&W 22A, Ruger or Browning Buckmark and get something like a Milspec or Springfield XD.

With the advice above, pick what you want to shoot, for what ever reason. Pick the model/style/make that feels comfortable and you like.

[johnbarth]

I have a Sig 220 in .45 that I would recommend to anyone. I also have a CZ 2075 in .40 that will shoot right along side the Sig. I stumbled upon the CZ while picking up a Sig 232 .380. I use the 2075 and the 232 as carry guns. Any of these 3 would be an excellent purchase. Thanks

[ronto]

First of all, get some training on the safe useage of firearms.
Suggest you get a revolver as your FIRST handgun. But BEFORE you get a handgun, get a 12 guage pump action shotgun loaded with 00 buck for home defense. Since you are a first-time gun owner, I wouldn't suggest screwing around with semiautos now.