[oakback]

Sorry if the info I'm looking for is pinned somewhere, but I didn't see anything like "new owners buyers guide".

what I'm looking for:
I'd like a hand gun for self defense, but I'd also like to do target shooting for fun. I figure once I'm comfortable with it, I'd take the steps for a CCW license. Very minor experience with guns. Just by reading some reviews online, the Glock 19 looks good, but like I said, I have just about no experience. I don't know anyone really well who has a bunch of guns that I could try out at the range, so I'm not sure how to get a feel for firing different models. Normally I'd say price is a big factor, but it's not like I plan on buying more than one, and I figure it ought to outlast me if maintained properly.

I appreciate any thoughts, opinions, advice.

my background:
I'm 25, 6'4", 180 lbs. I'm mechanically inclined, I'm not a dumbass, I'm responsible, etc. I live in Florida, and I've briefly read up on the laws here. I like the benefits of an autoloader, and the slimmer size of them in general. 9mm sounds like the best choice, from what I've read. I would think of owning a gun like wearing my seatbelt or motorcycle helmet, hopefully I never have to use it, but it's there if I do need it. However, I wasn't raised in a family of gun owners (aside from my dad's old rusty shotgun he had in storage), and none of my close friends are gun buffs, so it's more or less new to me. I have a wife and a 5 yo son, and my wife is on board with my decision.
-Patrick

[springmom]

Welcome to The High Road! Lots of good folks here, and you can learn a lot.

You might check around and see if some of the ranges in a reasonable driving distance from you might rent guns. Many do. It can be a good way to try out a number of different types.

Even if that is not possible, you certainly can ask to handle any gun in a gun store you're even remotely interested in. The important thing is whether the gun "fits" you...that is, does the grip feel comfortable. Recoil is something to get used to, and the only way I know to tell you to get a sense of what it's like is to rent some guns and try them. There is enough BS to float a boat on calibers. 9mm is just fine, and you have the added benefit of more rounds per magazine.

One thing: if you are going to buy a gun, you MUST make time to practice regularly. Yes, news stories do cover little old ladies who defend themselves with their husband's WWII service gun after it hasn't been touched for 50 years, but I wouldn't bet my life and my family's on that approach. :D In that regard, 9mm is cheaper to buy and thus cheaper to practice with than others.

Finally, also be prepared to buy a safe of some sort; a small handgun safe that can bolt to your bedside table is fine, but when your child grows up, you want that gun out of his reach...which means (1) on your belt or (2) in the safe.

Hopefully some of the THR members live near you and can get with you to give you a chance to shoot some various handguns. I'd volunteer, but you'd have to drive to Houston.... :neener:

Anyway, welcome, and congratulations on this step.

Springmom

[tydephan]

I wish I lived near you and I'd invite you over to shoot.

Welcome to The High Road.

I commend you for being cognizant about the security of your family.

All of Springmom's advice rings true:

- Rent if possible, fondle if not
- 9mm is a good starter
- Make sure you understand gun safety. Many accidents have occurred by very intelligent people. I recommend "To Ride, Shoot Straight and Speak the Truth (http://www.amazon.com/Ride-Shoot-Straight-Speak-Truth/dp/0873649737/ref=pd_bbs_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1197581752&sr=8-2) by Jeff Cooper.
- Purchase a safe as soon as possible
- Practice

Aside from this, the Glock 19 is a good pistol. I have one and I commonly carry it. I tend to be a polymer pistol hound. The Glock is a polymer framed pistol, which is what makes it lighter than metal-framed guns.

As far as recommendation's go, definitely take a look at as many as you can. This includes:

(All 9mm)
Springfield Armory XD9
Glock 17 (full size)
Glock 19 (compact)
Glock 26 (sub-compact)
Smith and Wesson M&P9
Smith and Wesson M&P9c
Beretta PX4 in 9mm
Walther P99 in 9mm

There are lots of other guns that are top quality. But out of the list above the M&P9 is my favorite shooter. Great Ergonomics. 17-round capacity. Interchangeable palm swells to "custom" fit the gun to your hand. And Smith and Wesson is running two great promotions for the M&P right now. One is a $50 mail-in rebate and the other is a 2 free magazine deal. It makes for a powerfully persuasive offer. That's the reason I own 4 of them. :D

Good luck in your endeavor, and again, welcome.

John

[oakback]

Thanks for the tips!

I'll start calling around to ranges to see what's nearby.

I look forward to practicing regularly, I've always thought that target shooting would be something I'd really enjoy, dunno why.

I planned on getting a small safe of some sort. Of course, I'm also going to teach my child[ren] gun safety (I guess I should have already), you never know what's at their friends' houses.

[tydephan]

Thanks for the tips!

I'll start calling around to ranges to see what's nearby.

I look forward to practicing regularly, I've always thought that target shooting would be something I'd really enjoy, dunno why.

I planned on getting a small safe of some sort. Of course, I'm also going to teach my child[ren] gun safety (I guess I should have already), you never know what's at their friends' houses.

Excellent!

As far as practice goes, you're heading in the right direction with 9mm. With the exception of .22lr (rimfire), it is some of the cheapest ammo available (even though all ammo has gone up in price over the last 2 years.)

[politicalgeek]

One thing to make practice cheaper and more fun is a .22 conversion kit. there is at least one available for the Glock 19 http://www.22lrconversion.com/glk-pg.htm

If you could find a used glock and pick this up, you would save quite a bit on ammo costs, make shooting much more fun.

When i trade my current gun off for a new carry gun, I want to look for one with an available .22 kit for this reason.

[Rod B]

You have made a good choice. The Glock 19 is a good gun.

You may also want to consider the various CZ75/85 offerings & the S&W M&P series.

I second the welcome, hope you visit here frequently & post often.:)

[CountGlockula]

Welcome aboard and take an NRA certified basic handgun course.

[possum]

welcome to THR.

xd in any caliber or size they are all awesome, i own 2 .40 models one service model and one sc.

glock, anythig 9mm is what i prefer from thier line up. the 19 andthe 17 is the ones i prefer.

sig makes good stuff and any of them would serve you well.

s&w m&p also a great pistol that will serve you well.

there are many many more out there. and that should be a good start for you. it is important to find what you like ad what feels best to you. btw guns are like women and tattoos they are addicting and you will probally own many more in the future.

[CountGlockula]

btw guns are like women....are addicting and you will probally own many more in the future.

possum owns a harem...or must be from Utah.:D

[CountGlockula]

double tap.

[Ninja42]

I second Rod B´s suggestion on looking closer at the CZ 75 family of guns. While CZ is not as famous as GLOCK, CZ offers some very nice gund that is nigh impossible to beat within their price range, and still very hard to beat if you go beyond that. If you are interested in a G19 sized weapon, you really owe yourself a look at the new CZ 75 P-01, which is possibly the best compact 9mm pistol in the world.

[possum]

possum owns a harem...or must be from Utah.
thats funny i don't care who you are!:)

[craig_o]

a .38 snubnose revolver will be one of the easiest things to carry in any dress of any kind (pocket carry, etc). look at smith and wesson 642/442.

9mm is a great choice IMHO - easy to get proficient with and plenty effective. I can't knock Glock for it's reliability and simplicity, but they don't fit my hand quite right. I prefer the classic Browning Hi Power, and you might too. Also a very easy to carry piece of hardware, but I think one can get 24/7 carry potential only when the pocket option exists. That's my opinion, though.

[R&J]

A couple things about a Glock...

Always index your trigger finger down the side of the frame unless you're prepared to shoot! Keep your finger off the trigger!

Don't point the gun at anything you are not prepared to destroy!

It's as basic as applying gas or brakes when learning to drive... Burn those habits into your brain and muscle memory, and you'll be fine. You won't rely on secondary systems to defeat stupidity. You'll have old fashioned gun-sense working for you.

Glocks don't suffer fools well and are not forgiving of mistakes. There are no external safeties in the usual sense to give a goofball a second chance. You must be 100%, when handling an armed Glock! And really, isn't that the way it should be? We're not talking spatulas here! :what:

I started with a Glock. So did Judy. We're just folks. Those things said...

It's hard to beat a Glock 19!

It does everything the G17 does, in a handier size. It's the most popular Glock in the USA for good reason!

. Proven Platform!
. Ultra Reliable!
. 15 + 1 Capacity!
. Great Resale Value!
. Handles 33-Round Magazine!
. Light/Laser Accessory Rail!
. Handles +p Ammo!
. Immediate Parts Availability!
. Tons Of Accessories Available!
. Super Simple To Maintain!

Everybody Needs A G19! :D

A great man once said, "Glock perfection ends at the top of the slide." And I agree. Order it with night sights, or put aftermarket sights on it.

I can easily center-core a target at forty feet with Judy's G19, without my prescription glasses, and it's a gun I don't shoot too often! Hers is fitted with Trijicon night sights.

This is not only a great starter gun that's a blast to shoot, but belongs in any collection. It is my favorite of the three Glocks we own--and they're all great: G17, G19 & G21

Good, Inexpensive Practice Ammos Include:

. CCI Blazer 115 Gr
. Winchester White Box 115 Gr
. Remington/UMC 115 Gr

Excellent SD/HD Ammos Include:

. Federal HST +p
. COR-BON +p
. Double Tap +p

Always know the location and state of your firearm--no excuses!

If any safety-related issue worries you, it probably should! Consult THR or ask your gun shop! :uhoh:

Take zero chances with kids! Lock it up! :eek:

Whatever your selection, enjoy it safely! ;)

--Ray

[AZ Husker]

Everyone sooner or later goes for a 1911...

[Ninja42]

Everyone sooner or later goes for a 1911...


I dont think so, I know for a fact that I will never own one. Some of us like guns that shoot straight and feeds after each shot is fired :neener: Nah, seriously, the 1911 is fun to shoot, but there are many weapons out there that are better in every way and more practical to boot. The OP clearly states that he wants only this one gun for SD, HD and range fun, so while the 1911 rocks at the latter I would still rate it as an overall poor choice for his needs.

But thats just my oppinion. Feel free to lecture me on the wonders of the platform if you think that I have missed anything.

[RON in PA]

Find an NRA affiliated club and get some instruction.