[cleardiddion]

It was once said that if you're going to be in a firefight, have a rifle. If you know that you're going to be in a fight, bring lots of friends with rifles. Enough said, right?

There is one more: A pistol should only be used in order to retreive the rifle you never shoul have dropped in the first place. :p

Well, in case you didn't know: I'm into rifles; actually more like sunk neck deep. But, I figured I needed a little something else. Mostly, those who have ever attempted to maneuver a Mosin-Nagant 91/30 within the confines of a small car will understand.

So, I guess the main point is basically I've got a bit of cash and I think I'll get a pistol. I figure I can look at a lot of online stuff but, I'd also like to hear from my fellow brothers (and sisters too) on THR.

If at all possible, one meeting these requirements:
*Semi-automatic, but if you think a revolver is it you can always try to convince me
*In 9mm/.40 SW/.45 ACP Let's try to stay out of the range of funky stuff like say .50 AE or .30 Luger
*Reliable, I think this goes without saying
*Fairly concealable, I'm looking for a sidearm that I can carry when I obtain my CCW
*Low to moderate cost of mags; ask anyone, I hoard, a lot
*And if at all possible I'd like to keep the deal under say 375 though I might be willing to go a little above that

Now what I don't care about is:
*Whether it's DA or SA or a combiation of
*New or surplus
*With or without night sights
*Manufacturer

I know I'm asking a bit much, but thanks thanks in advance for helping a pistol newb. :)

[Okiecruffler]

Well, even tho' I don't care for them, if I were you I'd go rent a glock for an afternoon. Springfield XD's also would fit your bill.

And FWIW, if you know you're going to be in a fight, just stay home.:D

[Treo]

I'd reccomend a used CZ75B. My prefference is the .40 S&W, Maybe a 9mm would work better for you.

[P97]

I have a Ruger P90DC and a couple of P97DC's and love them. I carry one all the time for a CCW. They don't make the Decockers any more, but if you are interested, you might find one on some of the Internet Gunbrokers.

[cleardiddion]

I'm actually thinking about getting a P6 from aimsurplus at the moment.
From what I hear these are actually pretty good pistols, except that magazines are kind of pricey and that the new promags are hit or miss.

Do you guys think this could be a possible option?

[wnycollector]

In my opinion the best deal out there on a metal framed pistol is the CZ 40B at CDNN. For $289 you get a .40S&W, the "feel" of a colt commander and the internals of a CZ75 plus a few upgrades such as a stainless recoil-rod and a braided recoil spring!!! The Mecgar CZ75 compact 12 round mags fit the 40B, so they are inexpensive (~$20).

[SCKimberFan]

A 9mm CZ, Springfield XD, Glock or Sig would fit the bill. Ammo is relatively inexpensive, the guns are as reliable as can be. I have owned or shoot all of them and would hesitate to recommend any of them although the CZ and the XD would be my preference.

[lee n. field]

*And if at all possible I'd like to keep the deal under say 375 though I might be willing to go a little above that

OOOps. Well. Get what I just got, a Taurus 605. (http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?id=247&category=Revolver) Otherwise, save up a bit more. The less money you have the less options you have, and you're on the low edge.

[wnycollector]

+1 on the taurus 605, especially if you get the 3" barrel. I was close to putting one on layaway last fall...then I found my snubbie ruger security six:) The 605 3" felt very good in my hand, nice balance.

[woodfiend]

If I were you, I would go for a Sig or a Glock, preferably in 9mm or .40. A used gun would be an excellent choice for that price range.

[yeti]

some of those used Glocks look like they would fit in nicely with your budget.

[Mike Franklin]

For a first carry gun, gotta be an auto, look at a used Glock 9mm.
I hate the way they look but they always go bang and they're very low maintenance. You can walk into nearly any Gun Shop in the US and get mags.

[BlindJustice]

I have a S&W 1911 .45 ACP which with it's features, is out of your
price range but a standard - looks like the Goverment Model 1911 is
available in your price range from various manufacurers. One example
is the Rock Island Armory. You could get to know the gun, and find
out how to mod. it to your tastes as time passes.

I also have a CZ 75B 9MM Luger - instead of just the
Single Action (SA) it has the Double Action & SA with thumb safety
for COcked and Locked carry. Unlike a Striker fired action
like a Glock etc. the trigger can be pulled again in DA for a second
try at a dud primer. It's 700+ rounds and 100% reliable and
silly accurate.

THe CZ 40B at CDN for $275 sounds too good to pass up
so it looks like I'm adding another cartridge to the inventory.

R-

[PO2Hammer]

I bought a used Sig P6 a few weeks ago. Very affordable ($300), easy to shoot and uncanny accurate for a little pistol.

Fits the hand better than most pistols, which is an important factor for someone new to pistols.

Glock 19 or 17 are good too, but may take a while to master because of the trigger.

Any quality 4 inch .357 revolver is another easy choice and take the widest variety of ammo from .38 target loads to magnum loads that will shoot lengthwise through a deer (OK, a bit of a stretch).

[memphisjim]

what about a 10mm glock?
probably over kill but hey
ive seen this 9x25mm barrel you can put in a glock 10mm and you get a 90 grain hollow point at 2100ft/sec

[Drgong]

Makarov though it might be disqualified as it uses 9 mm Mak not regular 9mm

[NG VI]

CZ-75B, either caliber, any variant, CZ-40B, Can't wait to pick mine up tomorrow or tuesday, HK USP 40, was my first gun still goes many places with me, FNP 9 or 40, Glock models, there are lots of excellent guns out there in the mid-low price range, go try some out.

[cleardiddion]

PO2hammer, you actually brought up something that I kind of forgot about.

I've tried lots of pistols (Glocks, M&P's, Taurus revolvers, and S&W's) in a few different calibers (admitedly the G21 was the most satisfying) I have to admit that many were uncomfortable on account of the large grips (the G-21 in particular). I suppose that'll have to figure into the equation.

And, Drgong I didn't have 9x18mm on the list on account of the fact that although it is a nice round, it is somewhat of a difficult venture for me to get decent defensive ammo for it where I live and where I go to school. This is a big consideration considering that it not only needs to serve the role of a range piece but also as a defensive arm.

[woad_yurt]

A 9MM Star Mod 28 or 30:
DA/SA, about $250 used, 15+1 rounds, built like a brick sh*thouse & shoots like a dream.

[Majic]

Your price range will put a crimp on a lot of options, but I suggest a good used 3 to 4 inch .38 spl revolver. Probably the easiest and one of the best to find in that price range is a S&W Model 10.

[capttom]

3rd generation Smiths are turning up as police trade-ins with righteous prices (<$300), stainless, blue, steel, aluminum, 9s, .40s, .45s, DA/SA, DAO, in just about any combination a person can imagine. All are good shooters, reliable, and easy to handle. Magazines are plentiful. Same for holsters. They've been standard issue for generations, going back to the original 39/59. Don't let the explosion (no pun intended) of Glocks and other polymer pistols make you discount Smith & Wesson traditional police guns.

[gun4funtime]

Well, how big are your hands?
How do you plan to carry?
how are you built to conceal carry?

I would suggest you go to several good, reputable gun shops and look at the many fine used handguns.

Find one that meets your needs, fits your grip, and will be able to conceal well for you.

A good gun shop will wait, or order what you need or want, or help you find it.

Looking is free and often fun, and you will learn alot while doing it.

Good Luck, have fun, be safe.

[neviander]

I was doing the same kind of looking and decided on this beauty, my Witness Elite Match, chambered for .45 acp. You won't find much negative anything about it anywhere on the web, no matter what it's chambered for. I've only put a little over 200 rounds through it, but I have not had a failure to anything with it yet. It's all steel construction, so no plastic worries...if you had any; SAO, very accurate and it's just darn perty. I haven't field tested the hollow points I have pictured with it, other than manually working the slide. But I think a few other THR folk would agree with me, that it is a fine pistol.

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll158/neviander/CIMG3445.jpg

[LongRider]

Well as anyone who reads my post knows my first number one choice for an EDC is an XD.45 bar none it is the best carry gun there is 100% reliable, hits what you point it at, eats everything you feed it, no manual controls to slow you down when nano seconds counts. It is not the prettiest gun there is not even the most accurate but when my life is on the line it is the one gun I want to have in my hand. A good solid workhorse that gets the job done.
Now for a bargain gun I do not think there is any better buy than the Stoeger Cougar. The exact same gun made by Beretta at half the price. The gun that the Beretta Storms are based on, except the Cougar is an all steel gun. The rotating barrel makes the gun wickedly accurate and reduces recoil significantly. Beretta moved all of the original machinery, tools and sent all the Cougar supervisors to from Italy to Turkey to assure that the Stoeger Cougar was made to the same exacting standards of the Beretta Cougar. The difference being the cost of labor and production in Turkey makes the Stoeger Cougar cost half as much an almost $800 gun available for about $425. There is no better deal IMO. Beretta USA supports the Stoeger Cougar lifetime warranty. Mags, parts, after market accessories and holsters are readily available. We have one on layaway and a holster on order from K&D for it. I will do a range (backyard shoot) report as soon as I get it in hand. This is definitely a gun worth looking at. My bet is you will be very impressed with it I was, especially when you compare it side by side with $800 guns that it outshines and than realize it is half the cost. No other $400 gun I have ever seen comes even close.
Guns and Ammo article (http://www.gunsandammomag.com/ga_handguns/steoger8k_121106/)
Hand Guns Magazine article (http://www.handgunsmag.com/featured_handguns/cougarb_071807/)


http://www.gunsandammomag.com/ga_handguns/GAcougar_121106inset.jpg

[Loomis]

1. 9mm, because it's the cheapest ammo you will ever buy other than 22 rimfire.

2. used semi auto, all steel, no polymer guns.

3. I'd try for a police trade-in gun. Preferrably all stainless so you don't have to worry about worn metal finish.

Go for a smith and wesson model 5906

[c1ogden]

Your biggest problem is the "keeping it under $375".

Its not really a problem but you'll be pushing that limit with my first suggestion which is a .38 Special or .357 Magnum S&W revolver. Get a good used J frame (small frame, 5 shooter) or a K frame (medium frame, 6 shooter). Don't buy the new ones, they have those asinine key locks in them (another solution in search of a problem) and they're way beyond your price range.

A Ruger SP101 is also a good choice.

Stick with the 3" barrels, they're a lot easier to shoot accurately than the 2" guns. 3" J frames are pretty easy to come by, the 3" K frames are scarce and more expensive. 3" Rugers are common.

.38 Special ammo is available in a wide variety of loadings and is available everywhere. It is more than adequate for defensive purposes.

I don't like autos for anyone other than "gun people" because most people won't follow through with the extensive training and practice needed to obtain and maintain competence with an auto. Revolvers are a lot more "user friendly". They are cheaper to buy and maintain, easier to learn, and more reliable.

That being said, if you must have an auto, get a Kahr K-9. At least one of the several that I own is always within arm's reach. I don't know of any decent auto that will meet you price limit and the Kahr is no exception. With a holster and a few spare mags you'll have to double your limit just to get started. Glocks are a bit cheaper and they carry more ammo but they have fatter grips that make them harder to hide. However, they are very good guns.

9mm is the cheapest centerfire autopistol cartridge and, like the .38 Special, is available almost anywhere in a wide variety of loadings. It costs quite a bit less than .40 and half as much as .45acp. The .40 and .45 both kick a lot more than a 9, especially in small guns. The 9 is more than adequate for defensive purposes.

I draw these conclusions from 33 years of shooting, 28 years as a cop, and 22 years of teaching other cops to shoot. I also live by my advice. The guns described above are what I carry 90% of the time.