A fool and his money...

[Grandpa Shooter]

Find yourself a good belly band holster, preferably one with muliple holster pockets sewn in, and then you can be a redneck and carry even with sweat pants. It is a practical way to carry, particularly with a snubby.

 

[earplug]

Try and sort out the pistols between Service pistols, Target Pistols, and Concealed Carry (CCW) pistols.
A Service pistol can be A home defence pistol but is seldom A good (CCW)
If you compete with A pistol you need the best GAME GUN for the Game.
I recommend you try some handgun competition. It will keep you from going stale on any one pistol.

 

[KONY]

I am now thinking that the 9mm is the way to go.

The Glock 19 looks like it might be it, but I don't like the grip. The Springfield XD Service feels great, but it looks like it might be too big to conceal. The Smith & Wesson M&P grip is too big. The sub compacts, the Glock 26, XD Compact, and M&P Compact are too small.

I'm torn between the Glock 19 and the XD Service as of now. If I could figure out how to conceal the XD, that would be what I would want.

If G19 size is what you're after, take a look at CZ's compact alloy pistols (pcr and p-01).

 

[coelacanth]

I wouldn't call it money wasted. . . . .

just experience purchased. Sometimes it is worth what you paid for it and sometimes no but at least you have a knowledge base from which to proceed. It seems you like your 642 for the reasons most of us like our revolvers so if I were to recommend a revolver for general use it would be a S&W K frame - probably a model 10 with the tapered 4" barrel. New or used they have a pretty nice trigger right out of the box and are not particularly burdensome to pack around for a day of woodswalking. They are not in the least muzzle heavy and the .38 special round is neither expensive or abusive to shoot. It is also quite adequate for most of the things handguns are used for. A 9mm is ballistically interchangeable with the .38 special but from a semi auto pistol and is also neither expensive nor abusive to shoot. I recently opted for a Springfield Armory XD9 with the 5" barrel but I have owned and shot several 9mm's over the years and they are in many ways similar the the model 10 in that they are easy to pack around and to shoot well. Pick something that fits your hand and is comfortable to practice with and you will be a happy camper. Good luck.

 

[armed85]

coelacanth, I tend to agree with you, however it's rather frustrating that I want to keep every rifle I've bought yet I can't seem to hold on to any handgun I've bought. The exception is my little 642.

Ironically, the 642 is the least expensive handgun of all the handguns I've bought. Of course, price isn't always an indicator of quality or utility.

Utility is what I'm after. In the case of a handgun, I've ruled out a target gun as I don't seem to have any interest in target shooting with a handgun. What with a Glock 21, 4 1911s, and 4 revolvers of various barrel lengths and calibers, I have owned a wide range of target handguns.

That leaves me with home defense and conceal carry. I've ruled out home defense as I have a rifle for that purpose. I will be buying a 12 gauge shotgun for home defense as well.

The obvious choice for conceal carry are the sub compacts, but I don't think I'll like a sub compact. The short sight radius limits the range I can shoot effectively and doesn't give me much utility over my 642. Like the 642, short barrels have increased recoil which reduces my likelihood of practicing as short barreled guns aren't enjoyable to shoot.

The XD Service with a 4" barrel looks like a winner, but I don't know if I can conceal it. The Glock 19 is about the same size though it is slightly smaller.

I'm not ignoring anyone's suggestions or comments. To reply to people's comments helps me organize my thoughts and clear up confusion. I appreciate the help!

 

[-terry]

Might want to take a look at the Walther P99c AS. It's in 9mm, reasonably small, 10+1, accurate, nice looking and easy to conceal.

 

[Joe the Redneck]

Go black powder for your handgun range shooting. You will love it.

Joe

 

[gandog56]

Around here there is nowhere to rent guns so I have to buy it if I think I will like it.

On the other hand, I live by one that rents almost any gun you could wish to try. I end up wanting to buy them ALL!

 

[sixgunner455]

If you don't live somewhere that makes the 5 shot snubby look like it's a bit inadequate for your needs, then why look any further for your concealed carry needs? I have a number of handguns, they are my first love in firearms, but the 642 is what I carry daily. The others, just sometimes or never.

I own one shotgun. It is an old side-by-side 20 guage. It satisfies all my shotgunning needs. I don't use it for home defense. I have pistols and rifles for that. I don't compete with it. I do informal trap shooting and hunt small birds with it. I can run a pump gun very well, but I prefer this one, so it is my only shotgun.

I have several rifles, and many more handguns. Those are the things that I like best. Nothing wrong with you having only one need for a pistol, having the one pistol that you need to fill that purpose, and not worrying about it any further.

You might consider getting an all steel J frame, to make your practice sessions a little less wearing in the recoil department. Otherwise, I think you've got the perfect CCW already. I went through what I thought was a lot of guns before I got mine -- lol, you've definitely got me beat there!

 

[yongxingfreesty]

those other firearms you listed would be considered a real gun to me. not a joke gun like bryco jennings.

 

[Autolycus]

Sounds like you should try an HK P2000...

 

[autospike]

The obvious choice for conceal carry are the sub compacts, but I don't think I'll like a sub compact. The short sight radius limits the range I can shoot effectively and doesn't give me much utility over my 642. Like the 642, short barrels have increased recoil which reduces my likelihood of practicing as short barreled guns aren't enjoyable to shoot.

My G26 is *much* softer shooting than my J-Frame. The M&P may be even softer.
I can hit much further out with the Glock than the J.
The sight radius is a bit longer, but the main thing is that the sights are FAR superior to those on my J. And there are many many different sights to try out on a Glock.

There is nothing wrong with a J though. One thing that has improved my shooting with it are a set of Crimson Trace 405 laser grips. The laser is good for low light sighting (when the little iron sights just disappear for me) and the grips have a "recoil absorbing pocket" that really seams to work.

Recoil doesn't bother me so much as having my arms extended while unsupported and holding a heavy gun for long shooting sessions.

How long is a typical range session? Mix things up. Shoot from a compressed position. Switch out to your rifle. Try doing some dry fire each night. Minutes each night dry-firing can really improve your shooting.

 

[Sylvan-Forge]

Hi Ragsdale85,

I feel your pain.

The Glock 19 is nice.
Here's a few others to ponder:

FN FNP-9M (note the SAO model)
STI VIP (they are considering a re-release)
Sig Sauer P250 (pending)

 

[lev83]

I have never really thought about this before...now lets see over the course of the last ten years I have purchased the following guns:

Browning:
A-Bolt Medallion .270 SOLD

Colt:
1911 S70 Gold Cup National Match .45 ACP
1911 S80 Gold Cup Trophy .45 ACP
1911 S80 XSE Commander .45 ACP
1911 S70 Combat Commander .45 ACP SOLD
Frontier Scout .22 LR SOLD

Franchi:
AL-48 SOLD

Harrington & Richardson:
Topper 098 12 ga. SOLD

High Standard:
Dura-Matic .22 LR SOLD

Marlin:
Model 36 30-30 SOLD
Model 60 .22 LR
Model 80 .22 LR SOLD

Remington:
Model 700 ADL 30-06 SOLD
870 WingMaster 12 ga. SOLD
870 WingMaster 12 ga.

Savage:
Model 110 .270 SOLD
Model 110 30-06 SOLD

Smith & Wesson:
Model 586 .357 Mag SOLD
Model 686 .357 mag SOLD
Model 22A .22 LR SOLD
Model 41 .22 LR
Model 39 9mm SOLD
1911 SC .45 ACP SOLD
1000 .12 ga SOLD

Sturm Ruger:
MKII Target .22 LR SOLD
MKIII Target KMK .22 LR SOLD
P89 9MM SOLD
NM Single Six Convertible .22 LR/MAG SOLD
NM BlackHawk .357 MAG SOLD
NM Super Blackhawk .44 MAG SOLD
OM Single Six .22 LR STOLEN
GP 100 .357 MAG SOLD
M77 MKII 22 .22 LR
M77 MKII .270
M77 MKII .243
No. 1 A-B .270
No. 1 B .243 SOLD
10/22 .22LR SOLD
10/22 .22LR SOLD

Walther:
P22 .22 LR SOLD

Winchester:
Model 94 30-30 STOLEN
Model 70 .270 SOLD
Model 12 12 ga STOLEN

Wow 43 different guns. 3 Stolen, and 30 Sold. Some of these were just ill advised purchases and I did take a beating on some of these guns but reagrdless of that I had fun and enjoyed every one. The ten that remain are now in my permanent collection.

 

[armed85]

I've decided to give the Smith & Wesson M&P another shot. This time the full size 9mm Luger.

I looked at a bunch of handguns, but with the $50 rebate plus 2 free magazines (4 total magazines), the M&P was the best deal.

I like the grip and it's less blocky than the XD.

I'm going to try the Comp-tac Infidel Holster with a good gun belt to see how concealable this gun is, if at all.

Another experiment I guess haha.

lev83, I had fun with all of my guns too. Especially the 500 Magnum. That was a fun gun.

 

[Jim Watson]

Sort'a wish you hadn't said that. The promotional deal was getting close to selling me on a Plastic M&P. I figured the $50 rebate would be a good down payment on a Dan Burwell trigger job; a gritty trigger is the worst flaw I have seen on them.

 

[Newton]

True firearms lovers never find "the right" handgun, because even when we do, we still keep searching just in case there's something even better out there.

PS - +1 on the 1911, I just don't get it either.

 

[armed85]

I just shot 100 rounds through my new M&P full size 9mm Luger.

Here's my impression:

I was amazed I could shoot it as well as I did. Especially considering this a gun I have little experience with.

My first shot was dead center. I laughed out loud!

My next two shots were dead center as well making my first three shot group about 2". I opened that group up firing several magazines, but I did manage to punch out a satisfying baseball sized hole in the center of the target.

This gun feels like half the weight of my 1911s and revolvers.

My last three lightweight guns (Smith & Wesson M&P Compact .40 S&W, Kimber Pro Carry .45 ACP, and Glock 21 .45 ACP) had harsh muzzle flip. The M&P full size 9mm Luger has very little muzzle flip.

I was turned off to plastic guns and lightweight guns in general because of harsh muzzle flip. I should have started with 9mm Luger to begin with, but oh well, live and learn.

I bought the gun during a promotion and got four, rather than two, 17 round magazines with it. After the mail in rebate I paid $450 plus sales tax.

Some of you might dismiss my impression of this gun thinking I'm a "recoil wimp" or some such. That's not true. I enjoyed shooting heavily recoiling .357 Magnum and .500 Magnum revolvers. When I take my time and shoot slow I can shoot .40 S&W, .45 ACP, .357 Magnum, and .500 Magnum just as accurately as I shot today at the range.

For a defensive handgun, I cannot take my time and shoot slow.

If I invested a lot of money in ammo I'm sure I could shoot a lightweight .40 S&W or .45 ACP as accurately as a "nine," but from what I've seen today at the range, there's no reason to spend the time and money on the "more serious" calibers.

While it seems like no experienced or professional handgunner would admit to preferring a "nine" over a .40 S&W or .45 ACP, I'm comfortable with my choice.

After all this fuss and money spent on expensive all metal 1911s and revolvers from quality makers such as Smith & Wesson, Ruger, and Colt, I ended up with a $450 plastic gun.

Go figure...

 

[jhansman]

Don't feel bad. I've been through two XDs, a bolt .17HMR, a .30-30 levergun, and am about to sell a revolver I was just sure was going to be my last gun. It's process, not an event....

 

[osteodoc08]

A fool and his money and guns

Well, I've always had a hard time selling things off after I buy them. My experience:

Ruger P89- Has been my most reliable auto, ever. I bought as my first handgun. Its big and ugly. I don't shoot it much and have thought of getting rid of it. Too sentimental since it was my first.....now collecting dust.

Walther P22- Got it for the wifey to shoot...she still preferred the Mark II and Mark III even though she thought it was "cute and light"...collecting dust until the kids are older. As a side note, it actually has been fairly reliable contrary to its internet detractors.

XD-40 V-10- Bought on a whim. The initial "coolness" factor has faded and the muzzle blast or pressure wave from the porting just gives me a headache. The second gun I have ever traded.

Browning Buckmark- After being sent back to the factory for the 3rd time and having the barrel replaced once, slide worked on once, feed ramp worked on once, I gave up on it. First gun I ever traded. Yes, I was forthcoming with the issues. Plus the dealer was the same one that sent it back to Browning the 3 times for me.

Mosin 91/30- Got it just because it was a cheap older military weapon. I hate having to clean it immediately after using the surplus ammo...collecting dust.

Stag AR-15- I enjoy shooting my other rifles more. Collecting dust along with the Eotech gotta have sight on it.

Currently I have been bit again by the revolver bug, most specifically the 41 mag bug. Just bought a 41Mag Blackhawk and put a 45 colt on layaway. I was looking at Davidson's online and saw a 41Mag Ruger Super Blackhawk Hunter and got a bad case of the Gotta Haves. Spoke with my local gun dealer who deals with them. Took the 45 colt off layaway and will use funds towards the other 41 mag. I love being able to go to Davidsons gallery of guns and seeing exactly what my "no haggle" price will be before I even order it/get there since my local gun dealer is one of the Davidson's gallery of guns dealers. I think next on my list is a bench rifle in 204 ruger. Hmmm, may have to sell off that AR-15 and some of the others to fund that project....

Dag gone. Just realized this thread was uber old too....I guess it still applies though

 

[easyg]

That leaves me with home defense and conceal carry. I've ruled out home defense as I have a rifle for that purpose. I will be buying a 12 gauge shotgun for home defense as well.

I think the thread starter seriously underestimated the utility of the handgun when it comes to home defense.
Yes, rifles and shotguns may be much more powerful than handguns, but rifles and shotguns are also the guns that spend the most time in the closet, the gun safe, the gun cabinet, the trophy room, ect...
Long guns are seldom close at hand when you really need a gun.

Evil can strike at any time....
When you're on the computer, eating at the kitchen table, using the bathroom, checking the mail, walking the dog, working in the garage, working in the garden, mowing the lawn, climbing a ladder to hang Christmas lights, when the doorbell rings, etc....

In most instances a long gun is just not practical to carry around the house and have on hand the instant that you might need it.

But you can have a handgun on your side or in your pocket virtually every waking moment.

The obvious choice for conceal carry are the sub compacts, but I don't think I'll like a sub compact. The short sight radius limits the range I can shoot effectively and doesn't give me much utility over my 642. Like the 642, short barrels have increased recoil which reduces my likelihood of practicing as short barreled guns aren't enjoyable to shoot.

Some sub-compacts are very accurate (even at long range), very easy to shoot (even for an extended range time), and offers twice the capacity of a 5-shot snubby....

 

[AABEN]

A rifle is hard to use in a house! With a hand gun you are free to move about.

 

[forindooruseonly]

The only way to truly know if you like something is to shoot it. Around here there is nowhere to rent guns so I have to buy it if I think I will like it. I have "rented" many guns by buying them, then selling or trading if I did not like them. Some I liked, but they just did not "flic my bic" so if I needed funds or trade fodder, out they went.

This. Everything I'm interested in isn't available to rent generally, as I like older and off the wall stuff. Makes for a lot of trial and error by buying something just to see if I like it. Add in the fact that there aren't very many good LGS nearby, so most of what I get is off of auction sites - for a premium. I wasted a lot of money, learned a lot of information and had fun doing it. I guess I'll call it a win.

 

[KAS1981]

I used to have a gun wish list a mile long. However, the more I go to gun stores & gun shows, the more I realize there aren't THAT many guns that I really like, or want to own.

A lot of times I'll see something on the internet, think it's cool, but when I actually get it in my hands, I don't like it at all.

I don't own any guns that I regret buying. There's really only two guns left on my wish list. I'd like to get another 1911 (possibly Ruger) to replace the Taurus 1911 I just sold, and I'd like a Glock 17.

 

[StrawHat]

I notice you have not tried a mid frame in 38 Special. Something like the S&W M15 or M10.