[HB]

Simple question here.... Which is a good second handgun? It will be a range gun for the most part, and I'd like to step up from the Buckmark I've been shooting for a year now.

HB

[brett30030]

The next step for many would be to a 9mm. It's hard to buy more gun for the money than ruger, but many folks swear by glocks.

[Rmart30]

My vote would be a XD 9mm or one of the S&W model 65 LE trade ins.
Stainless, 4" barrel, $289 and should last a lifetime with the proper care. :)

[CountGlockula]

Other...NEW Glock.

[HM2PAC]

If you are looking at Glocks and RIA's, I would say buy new so that you have the warranty.

Saving $50-100 on a used weapon is no bargain to me if it means I can't rely on the manufacturer.

[HOME DEPOT GEORGE]

My third handgun was a RIA 1911 and got a lot of range time. Very nice gun for 399.00. As far as warranty they will honor new or used.

[glk23]

Other- CZ75

[HB]

Thanks for the replies, What does the CZ go for New/used? I'm leaning toward the Model 10 or the Glock now, but might change after this weekend after I try a few friend's guns.

HB

[modifiedbrowning]

Other. Bersa Thunder 9. $300-$350. Mine has been 100% with 5K through it. Great trigger, 17+1.
www.bersafirearmsusa.com
www.bersatalk.com

[Hook686]

A Glock 19 makes a nice range gun.

[Autolycus]

I would look at a used Sig. I like the P228 myself.

[BikerRN]

If you want it primarily as a "Range Gun" I'd look at a 4" 38/357 Revolver or a Glock of some sort, like a 17/34/35.

Personally I'd go with the Revolver because it forces one to learn the fundamentals better. Revolvers are the easiest to teach the basics on, but the hardest to master.

BikerRN

[ArchAngelCD]

Of the choices you listed a M10 would make a great range gun. Revolvers are fun to shoot at targets and for plinking and .38 Special ammo is still fairly inexpensive when compared to .357 Magnum, 40 S&W and .45 Auto ammo.

[surjimmy]

If it's going to be a range gun, Rock Island in a 9mm

[tbtrout]

Cz 75

[Walkalong]

M-10. Great guns. I love my 1-06 HB. Later, if you want an auto, I would suggest an XD in 9MM. Great guns, and the 9MM is much cheaper to shoot or load for than .40, .45, etc. I love 1911's and of course I think that would be needed at some point in time. Maybe your 4th gun. ;)

[RobNDenver]

I think that Glocks make an exceptional pistol when you consider value for money. I am a Sig and Colt bigot but that's just me. I owned a Glock for a while, but just never felt like it fit my hand. It was a very reliable firearm and never FTF and was easy to clean after shooting it a bunch.

[Ben86]

I am biased towards Glocks. But I don't believe in buying used from strangers, because you never know what the previous owner did/didn't do to the gun. Yet you have to rely on it to defend yourself, family and property. I don't think it's worth saving an extra $100 for that.

That being said I have heard good things about Rugers. Also I hear that the Taurus 24/7 pros are a good gun for the money.

I do not suggest a revolver for a beginner because with the long, heavy trigger they take real skill and experience to shoot accurately, and also to reload quickly.

[weisse52]

Used Colt 1911A1 or Springfield Mil-Spec

Smith model 10 is a great idea as well snd maybe the best one for your stated reason. A real classic everyone should own.

[HB]

Went to the gunshop and looked around, no model 10's, a ton of used Glocks for about $450+/-, a few Rugers for $325, and few RIAs, new was $400, used but in great condition for $350. I could talk them down fairly easily, but the prices seems fair (and they give you some free range time).

They also had a few Rossi .38's for $270. I have heard they are decent guns but the .357's fall apart. Is this the route to go?
I mostly want to shoot a more "practical" way than I do with the .22, but the indoor .22 matches start in a month :)


HB

[Marcus L.]

A good caliber to be your first center fire pistol would be the 9mm. I have a preference for Sig Sauers or Glocks and I like them new. So, Sig P226/P229, or Glock 17/19. If you like classic hammer fired pistols with DA/SA triggers, Sigs are some of the best. If you like polymer striker fired pistols, Glocks are some of the best. Play around with both at a gun range and see which you like better. Sigs and Glocks are stone cold reliable and durable. The Glock tends to feel better in the hand to a lot of people, but the Sig is more accurate.

[Mikerbike]

I agree with BikerRN. A revolver is a great choice for range shooting, especially in .357 because you can use .38's. I've had a Smith 19 for over 25 years and it's still a joy, even though I have a bunch of semiautos in various calibers,as well. It's just too big for me to carry without being noticed. You can still find a lot of used quality revolvers out there if you look.
Mike

[Smaug]

I voted S&W Model 10.

Not as much firepower as (any) Glock.

But it will be easy to shoot, still relatively inexpensive to shoot, (compared to 45) you will still have an excellent trigger, and if you "outgrow it" for range use, there is perhaps no better home defense gun. It is simple enough that you can tell your wife: "If there's trouble, here's the gun. All you have to do is pick it up and squeeze the trigger."

If you take up reloading, you can do it for a 38 for peanuts.

[Snapping Twig]

I'd say a 4" .357 would be about perfect. Simple operation, accurate, low power to sledgehammer depending on ammo. Inexpensive ammo that's available anywhere you go. Plink, target, hunt - all possible with a .357.

Some states require a 6" barrel in this caliber and some won't let you hunt with one at all, so check your local F&G regs.

http://http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a51/SnappingTwig1/P9180016.jpg

[.380awsome]

model 10 is an excellent gun i have a relative who has a 10-5 pencil barrel and it has a smooth trigger ,very nice gun,moderately accurate,i would advise it:D

[Springfield_1911SS]

<-----My vote went to "other", be that if you are looking into .45 1911s then I would recommend a Springfield Armory Mil-Spec or Loaded(full size)

[jjohnson]

I'd see if I could find one of those many used Glock 17s or 19s that the Law Enforcement guys traded in for .40s. There are thousands still out there, and at good prices because of it. A police Glock armorer I know replaces a spring now and then just for fun, but they're not prone to any sort of breakage from normal use.

The 9mm will be economical for you at the range, more than the .45, and it shouldn't need parts or service for a very, very long time.

[OOOXOOO]

I voted for the Ruger only because it would be new, otherwise a Glock.

[Defensory]

If you're positive it's only going to be used at the range and for home defense, and NOT for concealed carry---then I would recommend a Kimber or Springfield 1911, or a Springfield XD. Regardless of which one you choose, you'll shoot better with a full-sized 5" barrel.

[Aka Zero]

CZ.....

[rfurtkamp]

Before you buy anything, including options listed here, check out the price of accessories, spare magazines, etc.

Many of the budget weapons have extremely expensive additional magazines.

Including your followup post, I'd personally avoid the Rossi in .38. Resale value will be *horrendous* at best, and with patience you can find S&Ws (or order one from Gunbroker etc) in the same rough bracket (275-350) that will retain their value as well as being better guns.

[jdc1244]

Other(s)…

A Ruger GP 100 would be an excellent first centerfire pistol, a new 4 inch blued can be had for less then $500.

For a semi-auto if like me aesthetics plays a role in your gun buying choices the CZ 75 b is the way to go, beautiful, accurate, and reliable.

If you’re interested in a 1911 go with an original Colt’s Model O1991 – at around $750 you’ll need to save for it but it’s worth it.

[SureThing]

CZ 75's run about $430 new. I would suggest the CZ 75, Armalite AR24 CZ clone.

If you choose the 1911 route, a RI 1911 Tactical from Centerfire.

If money is a concern I would suggest the Rock Island Tangfolio CZ clones they are good values.

Stoeger Couger is another option.

I prefer 9mms, but I own a few 1911's.

[MCgunner]

Revolver, so I said M10. I also like Ruger P guns, thought about putting my vote there since I know it'd be the least voted for, but everyone needs a revolver or 10. :D

1911 would be my LAST choice...:barf:

[JCMAG]

Smith & Wesson Military & Police revolver. 109 years of uninterrupted service. A favorite of lawmen and bogeymen alike. A truly American classic.

I may or may not be biased :p

[Deanimator]

The Model 10 is a good choice. It's cheap to shoot with Winchester White Box 130gr. FMJs and even cheaper if you reload with 148gr. hardcast wadcutters. A can of Bullseye lasts a VERY long time with 2.8gr. loads.

The Model 10 reliable, accurate and at home as both a range and a self-defense gun.

[HB]

It is comming down between the Model 10, a Rossi in .38, or a Ruger 9mm.....
Further opinions wanted ;)

HB

[Ala Dan]

Every collection needs a good, used (but not abused) S&W model 10 in it~! :D

[MCgunner]

I have an old Rossi M68 that is a FANTASTIC little revolver. I cannot tell you NOT to choose it over the M10, just depends on the condition of the guns which I'd choose. Most snobs here will tell you the M10, Rossi is junk, but NOT ME! I know better. In good condition, the Smith will have a better trigger, not necessarily more accuracy nor will it necessarily be better for your uses. I'd choose a Rossi in good shape over a worn out M10. Others would do otherwise and have to dump money in the 10 to get it shootable just because they don't like anything, but old Smiths. To each his own. I'm a shooter, not a Smith and Wesson koolaid drinker.

I owned a P95 Ruger, traded for a Taurus M85SSUL for carry a dozen years ago and don't really miss the gun, but it was a 100 percent reliable shooter with acceptable self defense accuracy, about 3" at 25 yards off a rest with most ammo. I also have a P85 now that is a good gun, but not one of my faves. I don't care for the trigger on it. It's as accurate as the P95 was, though, and I prefer the aluminum frame cause I can and have put a Hogue grip on it. My P90 is my favorite Ruger auto, sweet trigger, target grade accuracy, .45 caliber. But, the P85, like all the Rugers I've ever owned, is tough and reliable, overbuilt for strength. It's a good gun. If you'd prefer an auto, it's as good as any there is for function. You might prefer the aesthetics of another gun, but the Ruger works great.

Anyway, I'm thinking there is no way you can lose on this decision. Just make your mind up for yourself as to what you actually want. I own one of each! :D I have a 4" heavy barrel M10, a 3" Rossi M68, and a P85 Ruger along with a lot of other stuff.