[pikid89]

So ive been searching the forum but i cant seem to find a thread that addresses my situation

Im trying to do research on what first handgun to buy, but im caught up between several models/ needs/ uses

I can only afford 1 handgun in the approx $400-600

I would like it to be useful in the following uses
General Range Use
Hunting Sidearm
Truck Gun/ maybe CCW before i can afford a true CCW gun
and i would like to try out the beginners IDPA matches they have near my home
if i get an auto loader it would have to be a 45 (no exceptions)
and im not a big fan of active? (not passive like glock trigger) safeties on handguns

I was leaning towards a glock 30 but also possibly a GP100 in .357 with a 4" bbl

If any one has any better ideas please let me know

[Sam1911]

How about a Springield xD in .45? Or a S&W M&P?

I'd think either of those would fit the bill with a lot better ergonomics than a Glock. (Unless you like them.)

For a budget of up to $600, there's NO reason you can't buy a quality sidearm.

And one that would let you be decently competitive in IDPA. If your autoloader choices have to be .45ACP you could shoot them in CDP. That's usually the 1911 class, but Dave Ohlasso won CDP Division Champion at Nationals last year shooting a .45 M&P, so the limiting factor will be YOU, not the gun.

-Sam

[mhinagoya]

With an upper limit of $600, you have MANY good guns to choose from.

If you figure to back off $100 for transfer fees, then the limit becomes $500.

A quick look at Bud's Gunshop turned up these two (they have many in your price range):

Ruger GP100 .357 $500

In .45 acp, the Citadel ($482) looks pretty good and gets good reviews. They are made by Armscor in the Philippines, the same folks who make the Rock Island. Seldom does anyone need their warranty but when they do, they always praise the service.

I purposely didn't look at "entry level" priced guns because you stated it was your first handgun. Getting a quality gun to start with will go a long way to avoiding a lot of frustration and disappointment down the road.

You don't have to spend $2000+ on the likes of a Korth, Nighthawk, Les Bayer, or Ed Brown to get a quality firearm. While "high end" guns are a joy to own and shoot, they certainly aren't a necessity.

If possible, take your time and handle guns before you buy. Some will feel good and some won't. Hopefully one of them will feel "RIGHT".

Whatever you end up with, I sincerely hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoy my guns.

Bill.

[middy]

Get the GP100.

Shooting 38 sp will be a lot cheaper than 10mm, unless you reload... and if you do reload, dumping the cylinder into a coffee can is a lot more convenient than chasing 10mm brass all over the place.

[Phydeaux642]

If you figure to back off $100 for transfer fees, then the limit becomes $500.

Or he could buy local, support the local economy and skip the transfer fees.

[THE DARK KNIGHT]

Or he could buy local, support the local economy and skip the transfer fees.

Nonsense. You must purchase a tacticool trendy firearm from the internet and let all your local businesses die.

As a side note, has anyone ever considered that maybe some shops have such high transfer fees because they're trying to stave off their business lost from no one buying local?

[rcmodel]

It's even better if you go to the local gunshop, handle all of the firearms several times until you find the perfect one you want.

And then, purchase it from the internet and let all your local businesses die.

rc

[ChapNelson]

Buy local sure, FTF from a fellow gun owner if your local laws permit, unless you absolutely have to have new.

IMNTBHO, first handguns should be revolvers, so I'd suggest a good 4" barrel .357 Mag. For your price range I just acquired a cherry S&W 586 with holster and speedloaders, which I would say is a high quality option. I also have a cherry Taurus 66 with holster and speedloaders I acquired for under $300 that for the new shooter I got it for has been more than excellent. If you look around you can probably get a quality .357, holster, speedloaders, and everything you need to reload and cast a few thousand rounds, for under $500. That'd be my suggestion.

[Colton White]

Ruger P95 9mm can be had at gun show for 300 bucks its a great multi purpose gun tuff and reliable

[pikid89]

can anyone explain how to sift through all the different S&W revolvers? what would be comparable to a stainless gp100 4"

[tguil]

Here you go:

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=11101&storeId=10001&productId=14798&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=15705&isFirearm=Y

[Sam1911]

what would be comparable to a stainless gp100 4"

Probably an "L" frame like a 686.

-Sam

[dBA]

I would recommend a stainless Ruger GP-100 with a 4" barrel. It's probably the most general-purpose firearm you can own.

[Texasred]

My first handgun was a GP100 with a 6" bbl. Best damn gun I've ever had handgun wise. Accurate, reliable(duh), and pretty. I only wish I would of gotten a 4". But either way. I shot a turkey in the head with it from 15yds away(it's that accurate!). I also have a Glock 30, which I CCW. Looking back, I'm glad I bought the GP100 first. If you get a Smith first, just as good. The GP will be a little cheaper. If you have an Academy in you area, they sell GP100s for 499.99. I have many other guns and the GP can go toe to toe with any of them.

[GRIZ22]

I was leaning towards a glock 30 but also possibly a GP100 in .357 with a 4" bbl


A 4" 357 is the best all around gun in my book and you can't go wrong with a Ruger. Variety of power levels available over the counter, GP100 is easier to control with full magnums because of it's weight, and if you master the trigger on a DA revolver everything else is easy.

[NMGonzo]

GP100

Never have to think "I wish I had a .357"

[theotherwaldo]

A GP100 would make a darn good first gun. I wound up with a Security Six instead, but only because it was $200. Then my sister talked me out of it.

Hey... .

Maybe I am in the market for a GP100.

[pistolpetee]

The best possible conceal weapon that includes ample fire power, is lightweight, and thin (one inch at widest) is the most worthy .40 caliber Walther PPS. I'm not promoting for gain, I'm just a very satisfied customer.

[ArchAngelCD]

can anyone explain how to sift through all the different S&W revolvers? what would be comparable to a stainless gp100 4"
For range work you will probably want a revolver with adjustable sights and a 4" revolver is probably the best compromise for all the uses you listed above.

The Model 686 (http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=11101&storeId=10001&productId=14798&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=15705&isFirearm=Y) is probably the closest match to the GP-100. It's available in several barrel lengths and is a 6 round revolver. The Model 686 Plus (http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=11101&storeId=10001&productId=12762&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=15705&isFirearm=Y) is a 7 round revolver. You might like something with a slightly different balance which has a half underlug but it comes in a 7 round model only, it's the Model 620 (http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=11101&storeId=10001&productId=14804&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=15705&isFirearm=Y). I had a Model 619 (http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=11101&storeId=10001&productId=14803&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=26806&isFirearm=Y) which is the same as the M620 but with fixed sights. I should have kept that revolver, it was easy to shoot and very accurate. I do still own a 4" M686-2 which I enjoy shooting.

[millertyme]

Go with the GP100 from Ruger. Plenty of punch when you're shooting at something to eat, big enough hole in the end to convinve a perp you mean business, and 38 specials are light on the wallet and the wrist alike, .357/38spcl are easy to get into reloading with, and you'll never get an odd look when you pull it out of your range bag. Ruger has a nearly unconditional lifetime warranty and great customer service, the 4" model will build sound, fundamental aiming practices, and DA revolvers just look cool.

[jw23]

If you go with an autoloader, I say a Sig P220. That said, I'm not sure what you could possibly hunt effectively with a .45 beyond a rabbit, so get the GP100. It seems like a .357/.38 fits the bill for all your uses much better than a .45.

[Noveldoc]

I am looking at an excellent 1911 clone .45 by Rock Island Arsenal for under $400.

Tom

[R_Thornhill]

A Glock is a great choice if you are familiar with handguns as there is no manual safety. A revolver has no safety also but between the two a revolver is probably a little safer. I would suggest something with a manual safety unless of course you are familiar with guns and just have yet to purchase one. I believe a glock is the best gun under 600 and is on the same level of reliability as any gun in the world. The only reason it is cheaper is because it is not as fancy as say a hk or sig.. Good luck. Let us know what you decide on.

[BHP FAN]

nobody's going to recomend a Hi-Power?

[0V3RC10CK3D]

Ruger SR9

[ArchAngelCD]

Originally Posted By: R_Thornhill
I would suggest something with a manual safety unless of course you are familiar with guns and just have yet to purchase one.
Sorry but I have to disagree, especially for a new gun owner. If the handgun will be used for SD or HD a manual safety might not be the best idea when under extreme stress. Far too many new gun owners will forget to release the safety or fumble with it under pressure.

[Jed Carter]

I would recommend a S&W 627 8 shot .357 magnum, it costs about $100 over your max but would be a faster reload with moon clips for habit forming IDPA than a Ruger GP100. The trigger on the Smith is soooo smoooth and crisp, the trigger on the GP100 says "service revolver". If I was to "throw a pistol under the seat of the truck and leave it for extended periods, then the Ruger would do, in an auto pistol Glock's tenifer finish would hold up as well as anything. Because you want to hunt and compete in IDPA the .357 is the most logical compromise.

[justinjune28]

You had it right at the beginning. Glock 30.

[Sport45]

nobody's going to recomend a Hi-Power?

He said an autoloader had to be .45acp. Too bad, since that takes many excellent suggestions off the table.

[lloveless]

Ya'll seem to forget he'd like to hunt also. Most places a minimum barrel length of 4 inches is required and some places it goes up to 6 inches.
lloveless

[Mr.510]

XD45 Compact

[MachIVshooter]

A 4" GP100 or S&W 686 would be the route I'd go.

The best possible conceal weapon that includes ample fire power, is lightweight, and thin (one inch at widest) is the most worthy .40 caliber Walther PPS. I'm not promoting for gain, I'm just a very satisfied customer.

He said general purpose, not specifically CCW. The PPS is ill-suited to other uses mentioned.

[CZ223]

are real priorities here, I would suggest a 6 inch S&W 686 or a GP100. You could go with a 4 inch which would be more concealable, so it depends on where your priorities are. I personally wouldn't hunt with an auto loader mostly because most of them are not accurate enough for shots beyond 50 yards and they are generally chambered in calibers not very well suited to hunting. The two possible exception being the 10 mm and the 357 Sig.
You could also go with something a little larger in the revolver like the 41, 44 mag, 45Colt:) or 454 Cassul. An S&W 625 in 45 Colt is a beautiful thing.:D and would do everything you want it to though it is a little large. Why do I know somone is gonna come along and beat on me about the accuracy of autos or the power of their calibers.

[CZ223]

No, no one is gonna suggest a HI-Power, because no one should suggest anything in 9mm for hunting.

[Cayoot]

My big question is "Do you reload?"

I would say that if you are an experienced reloader, then get a 629 Mountain Gun. Fairly light weight, load down to .44 spl for most uses, but up to .44 Mag (mid range loads) for hunting...speed loaders make it a good I.D.P.A. gun. It would answer alot of problems. That being said, my second choice (or first if you don't reload) would be a S&W 686+ (because it is 7 shots for the same price as 6). If you don't care for a 7 shooter, then either a GP-100 or 686 in 4 inch.

Can't go wrong either way....that is where you are fortunate...there are very few "wrong" choices...mostly just picking between a bunch of really good choices.

[pikid89]

thanks for all the good suggestions,
but on the hunting thing, im not really planning on hunting per say, but more of shooting a wild hog with my rifle then not wasting another expensive rifle round on the flopping around hog, but using something more substantial than my s&w .22 lr revolver

[Owlnmole]

pikid89,

I would agree with the general consensus that a 4" adjustable sight .357 would be an excellent option, or perhaps a 3" fixed sight model if you wanted to be able to conceal the gun (not ideal for CCW but it can work). The Ruger GP100 is a reliable, affordable gun that will last and the 3" Ruger SP101 would also be a fine option.

As I have said before, let me suggest that by limiting yourself to only new guns you are missing out on some great opportunities. If you know of a trustworthy local gunshop, or if you buy from a reputable online source, you can get a lot of gun for well under $600 including shipping and transfer fees. In fact, you could probably get two good guns at that price if you shop around. A nice police trade-in S&W revolver in .38 or .357 plus a used 9mm or .45 ACP auto ought to be doable at a total cost of about $300 per gun. A snubbie and a full-size auto, or a full-size revolver and a compact auto, ought to meet most needs.

Heck, if you make one of the guns a Hi Point (plenty good enough for plinking or sending Porky to hog heaven) and keep the other under about $400, you can get two new guns at that price!

[BHP FAN]

Noveldoc said:
''I am looking at an excellent 1911 clone .45 by Rock Island Arsenal for under $400...''

I have the .45 G.I. model. I put on G.I. grips asnd an arched A1 style mainspring housing, and it is handsome, reliable and accurate..also a heck of a deal!

[hak]

"obably an "L" frame like a 686.

-Sam "

my first gun was a GP100. i treid (via renting both) and found teh 686 to be larger than the Ruger, too large for the double action to be accurate in my hands (i have "L" fingers and "XL" palms, glove wise)

[Big Bill]

You might want to check out the Ruger P345 or P90 in .45ACP.

http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/FAProdResults?function=famid&famid=1&variation=P345®&bct=Yes&type=Pistol

http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=6647&return=Y

http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=6602&return=Y

I like them both they are DA with a hammer and a decocker.