Handgun for 21st Birthday?

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SWAT1911

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Good evening guys. Well wed I turn 21 and want to go buy my first handgun from a dealer/FFL I have a 1911, a Walther for my CHL a Bersa .40 a Nagant revolver and a P64 so I got to thinking I need a good wheelie. Looking at 500.00 or less open to really anything, would prefer something blued, Caliber doesn't really matter but if I like it enough might look into it for carry. So ideas??? Revolvers are new turf for me so really anything at all would be much appreciated.
 
There are a number of good choices in your price range.

I would very strongly recommend a Ruger GP100.
It's a 357 Magnum.
So you have versatility in that it can fire .38 spl as well.

They're built like a tank.
So unless you REALLY abuse it, it'll last forever.

The other 2 brand names I would recommend are Smith & Wesson and Colt.
But you'd probably have to go used to get a S&W.
(and definitely used to get a Colt)
==============================================
I would also very strongly encourage you to stay away from the very cheap revolvers.
They cost less, because they're not built as strongly as say a Ruger, S&W or Colt.

My first revolver was a Charter Arms. :barf:
It's not worth what I paid for it ($325).
I've also looked at Taurus & Rossi. :barf: :barf:
There are those who will disagree with me, but I just don't think they hold a candle to Colt, S&W or Ruger


By the way - CONGRATS on the B-day!!!! :D
 
I like that gp100 is the blued version common? I also like the .357 platform as mentioned. What s&w models would y'all recommend. Thanks guys!
 
I like that gp100 is the blued version common? I also like the .357 platform as mentioned. What s&w models would y'all recommend. Thanks guys!
Click to expand...

I'd recommend you go into the store with an open mind and let your gun pick you. ;) You're going to be 21 man! Buying your first pistol at the shop is something great! Just let it be an experience.
 
+1 to avoiding a cheap revolver. I would recommend waiting until you have more cash if you can't find a Ruger or a S&W.

I personally own a S&W 686, and I love it! Accurate, solid, reliable, and it definitely has the BA factor. Look for Ruger GP100, S&W 686 and 586. Should be able to find one in your price range.
 
If you want something a little more unique you could go after a Dan Wesson revolver.
They're really neat guns.

Easiest frame to find is a 15-2 (.357 mag) but they come in a variety of calibers.
 
Well that's an interesting choice. For a guy who said he didn't know much about revolvers, you stayed away from the standard ones... wouldn't have expected you to get a .327. OTOH, the Ruger SP101 is a tank. I eventually replaced the black plastic inserts on my handle with some wooden inserts, but frankly I think the gun looks really handsome with the originals.

What made you go with the 327? Did you do some more research?
 
I Liked the way it felt and looked. The GP 100 they said they could special order me would be around 650 but thy had the sp101 there for 530 (little overpriced) which is a little more than my budget but they had layaway. So did some research and couldnt really find anything bad about it and was interested in the unique caliber. I like the 6 shot capacity vs 5 and the size if I decide to carry it. So I figured what the hay. I kinda like oddball calibers I guess lol. :) Cant wait to go shoot my first real revolver.
 
I'm assuming the price & availability of .327 ammo will make it tougher to feed. But I'm sure you know there are rounds that can be fired other than the .327 in that gun. Wish I knew more about that round.

Congrats. And do let us know how she does when you get to take her to the range.
 
.327 Mag is an expensive factory round with limited offerings in the caliber, you may want to change your choice to something cheaper to shoot, if you can.

Yes, it can shoot other rounds (.32 Mag, .32 S&W, etc.) but none of those are exactly cheap either.
Denis
 
Just another excuse to reload another cartridge. :)
Currently set up for .45acp, .223, 45-70 and .303 british adding .327 shouldn't be to bad.
 
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I agree SWAT1911, reloading is a fun hobby in and of itself. .38 Special is one of the easiest, most pleasurable cartridges to reload. I assume .327 wouldn't be much different.

The SP101 is an excellent handgun. They do feel really good in the hand. Compact and robust, all in one cool package. I don't own one, but if I stumble on a nice used example for a steel I might change that.

Oh, and careful of the wheel gun bug. Not everyone gets infected, but most do. It is highly contagious, and there is no cure. You can only treat the symptoms by acquiring more revolvers ... speaking of which, Ruger is now selling the SP101 in a cheap to shoot 22 LR version :evil: .
 
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