Get my CCW this weds

[Billy the Kid]

Finnally after 13 weeks of waiting...
anyhow i need some suggestions.

Ive decided that my 1st handgun will be a glock, because theyre lighter, have better control, and easier as ive been lead to understand fro a newbie to master than bigger caliburs and such.

I need suggestions on brands and such, i dont want to buy some cheapo one that will break down or screw up and cause a dangerous situation.

so...? comments? suggestions?

[OF]

1. Get some training. This is not an option. Start with the NRA's Basic Pistol and then the Personal Protection course. Seriously. Sign up now.

2. I don't know where you get the 'have better control' bit, and the second half of that sentance is confusing: Glocks come in all kinds of calibers. As far as 'easier to understand', this is also a matter of opinion. A gun is a gun is a gun. If you pull the trigger, expect it to fire. Expect to have to learn how it functions and don't assume anything about the mechanism.

3. Get some training. Did I mention this?

Have you picked a model, or have you only narrowed it down to brand at this point?

- Gabe

[Billy the Kid]

I was hinting more at the 9mm calibur, by the way i already took and passed the NRA pistol training and safety course. Its a requirement for the permit in CT. I thought all Glocks were 9mms guess i was wrong, which is why i labled myself a "newbie" in the 1st post. Im trying to learn some stuff about it now though before i make any purchases.

[Bravo11]

How do you plan to carry? IWB, OWB?
I personally prefer an OWB pancake style holster because its more comfortable. Sometimes I'm forced to wear an IWB and for that I use a
High Noon Hidden Impact take a look at it on the High Noon website. It uses a flap to attach the clip and that makes it tuckable.

[Billy the Kid]

Im still new whats IWB and OWB? id probably want a holster that will keep it against my side inside my jacket so i dont have to take it off when i sit and its prone when im walking.

[OF]

IWB: inside the waistband
OWB: outside the waistband

OWB is harder to conceal, but usually a bit more comfortable, although I find IWB plenty comfortable if the gun isn't too fat or short. The reality of it is: different body styles work better with different carry methods & equipment. There is going to be some measure of trial and error involved before you find a rig you like. I'd search around here and at TFL for holster/carry method reviews. Leather v. Kydex, etc.

A Glock 19 is a great gun to get started with, good frame size (smaller, but easy enough to handle), 9mm, one of the better models Glock makes, IMO. If you want a Glock, that would be my recommendation.

Good to hear you took the NRA class - was it the Basic Pistol? I'd seriously recommend moving right into the Personal Protection. I'd also consider heading off to a local IDPA or IPSC match - you'll meet people there who will know plenty about what works and what doesn't.

- Gabe

[Billy the Kid]

Hmm not sure i would wear it on my waist... most likely id like it on my ribs in a shoulder holster, and in the fall and winter id probably buy a pocket holster for the inside pockets in my jackets which all have thos einside chest pockets. Ill look into the self defense class, its hard for me to learn some of this stuff because im all on my own, the only guy i know around here whho had guns is long gone when he moved..

[Billy the Kid]

Hmm not sure i would wear it on my waist... most likely id like it on my ribs in a shoulder holster, and in the fall and winter id probably buy a pocket holster for the inside pockets in my jackets which all have thos einside chest pockets. Ill look into the self defense class, its hard for me to learn some of this stuff because im all on my own, the only guy i know around here whho had guns is long gone when he moved..

[Billy the Kid]

Hmm not sure i would wear it on my waist... most likely id like it on my ribs in a shoulder holster, and in the fall and winter id probably buy a pocket holster for the inside pockets in my jackets which all have thos einside chest pockets. Ill look into the self defense class, its hard for me to learn some of this stuff because im all on my own, the only guy i know around here whho had guns is long gone when he moved..

[Double Maduro]

Billy,

Since you have decided that a 9mm is the caliber you want, go to a range that rents handguns and try several differant types. I have never found a Glock that fits my big meaty hands. Once you have found the one that fits you and shoots the best for you buy one.

I know this seems like a lot of work, but you should not buy a handgun, especially your first, for sd without trying one first. Besides it is fun to shoot new guns.

DM

[Black Snowman]

Rent, borrow, and shoot every gun you can. My 1st gun was a Glock. I love it and still have it. May never get another Glock because I don't like the trigger feel. Of all the automatics I've tried over the years the CZs have been my favortes but do yourself a favor and don't rule out a revolver until you've tried one.

The money you spend renting and shooting could save you hundrads in unnessisary gun trades later. You're doing research and asking questions so you're definately on the right track :cool:

[FMarlon]

Hey Billy, wanna know my secret to getting to shoot as many different kinds of guns as possible?

1. Go to the range.

2. Rent a gun that you will shoot for a lil while (about 20-30 rounds)

3. Look at the other runs that people are shooting at the range. (NOT when shooting of course)

4. Compliment them on it and ask how well it shoots.

5. Be honest. Tell them that you are new to this whole gun thing. (contrary to what the left would have you to believe, us "gunnies" are a very friendly crowd.)

More than likely, they will let you put a mag or two downrange in the hopes of helping you find "the right gun"

Remember though, to many of us, our guns are our babies and we treat them well, so show respect to the man, the gun, and thank them for their time.

Helps to have a couple boxes of ammo for the different calibers that you are interested in too.

Example: I was interested in a fellas AR15. He told me to go get some ammo for it (my local range sells ammo, yours should too) and I could shoot it all I wanted. Now I like the way ARs shoot, but the next week same guy brought an AK variant (too many for me to remember which it is). Same arrangement. I buy ammo, he lets me shoot it. I thought I liked AR's, but that AK I liked a whole lot more.

Plus I now have an AK on order from my FFL. :D

Doing this I have shot so many different types of guns that I lost track of what all I have shot. Plus, I got an awesome deal on a couple guns justfrom talking to the locals.

Sorry for the long post, but I remember being new at a lot of stuff (guns included) and I like allthe different advice I can get.

Just remeber, BE SAFE (and have fun) :)

[who me]

Well since your considering getting Glock, try to handle a Springfield XD. I shot my friends Glock .40 subcompact model and it was alright but i didn't like it. Then I came across an XD-9 Sub-compact and bought it. Well it is awesome and accurate. It will complement my 1911 for carry. But like the other guys say practice and practice some more. Especially withdrawing from your holster with an unloaded gun. BTW congrats on your CCW.