Lead, no jacketed ammo gun choice?

[yawgoog]

I'm looking to purchase my first handgun, but have some limitations to work around. I'm trying to find out which manufacturers or guns fit my needs. Most likely I'd be getting a 9mm or .40

I'm looking to pick up a gun for both target practice (recreation) and home defense. This gun is going to be used by myself and my fiance. Originally I was looking into getting a Glock, but I've heard people say not to use lead bullets in a Glock. The range I belong to has two ammo rules for the indoor pistol range - lead bullets only (max 1000fps), and no jacketed ammo. Apparently someone shot a jacketed bullet a few months ago and something bounced back, hitting one of the lights, or so I'm told. I also want a gun that can be reasonably used ambidextrously during shooting (no right hand only grips). I'm a lefty she's a righty. So from what I've heard, a Glock wouldn't fit the bullet requirements, or at least it wouldn't be recommended. What major manufacturers does this leave me with? Would Sigs, Colt or S&W be okay?

Requirements
1) Lead bullets okay
2) Non jacketed ammo okay
3) Works for righties or lefties
4) Isn't junk
5) Shouldn't be overly heavy

I'd be willing to do a revolver, but I prefer the higher capacity of a semi. Thanks for the help all!

Edit: My price range is $600 or less. I was previously looking at Glocks 17,19,23 which go for about $500 give or take.

 

[Preacherman]

A good low-cost option would be the Ruger P97 in .45 ACP. It's as reliable as a Swiss watch, very accurate, and can digest lead loads by the thousand with no problem. They're available new for under $400 most places. It's a bit big and bulky, but not too heavy, as it has a polymer frame.

 

[7.62FullMetalJacket]

Consider the Taurus 92 (9mm) or 96 (.40 S&W). ~$400, you can still get 15 or 17 rd mags, pretty standard config, ambidextrous, with frame-mounted safety. As good as the Beretta 92 for less. Berettas are about $530.

You can never go wrong with a Ruger revo or autochucker. They are tanks.

Springfield 1911 Mil-Spec .45 auto can be had for $400. You can improve it as you need to (if you need to). Everybody must have at least one 1911.

Springfield XDs are also neat and are under $400. I have no idea whether it will handle lead rounds.

The Taurus 24/7 just came out. Feels very good ergonomically and is light. Limitation is double-action only (DAO).

I do not feel under-armed with a good .357 mag revolver. Taurus makes a 7 shot Tracker and Ruger makes a 6 shot GP-100. Both are mid-sized and very comfortable with a variet of barrel lengths.

Revolvers eat lead all day with no problems.

 

[Ala Dan]

Gotta agree with my friend the Preacherman on
this one; as the .45 caliber Ruger P-97 would make an
excellent choice. At least it will hit right smack
in your price criteria; plus the fact that you have a DA
first shot capeability, a feature that I prefer when home
D' is on the line!

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[yawgoog]

Thanks for the help guys.

I like the look of the 1911's. I'm kinda old fashioned that way. Good price too. This one catches my eye, http://www.springfield-armory.com/images/pistols/PW9151LLarge.jpg

Does this gun support the above stuff, plus can it shoot hollowpoints? Will I need to do any modifications, or can I just go with a new one out of the box?

Is stainless steel better or less maintenance than parkerized?

 

[ChickenHawk]

yawgoog,

Not to go too far OT on this, but if you're going to join an indoor range that permits nothing but lead ammo you might want to insure their ventilation is really excellent. Like, if you don't feel a breeze pulling all the air downrange consider shooting elsewhere.

Besides, you really do want a Glock!

Cheers,
ChickenHawk

 

[Greg45]

I bought an Eclipse a few weeks ago and am already contemplating my next purchase. Looking at either a TLE or CDP with the 4" barrels.
My Eclipse Pro II is like an extension of my hand. I shoot it better than my 5" Colts.

As much as I love my Sigs, I'm thinking of trading my 229 in on another Kimber.

 

[JohnKSa]

Chickenhawk,

Testing has established that the vast majority of airborne lead at indoor ranges comes from the lead styphnate found in nearly all primers. The type of bullets fired has very little to do with inhaled lead.

Your guidelines are still very good, but should apply to ANY indoor range, not just those that allow or mandate the use of non-jacketed bullets.

 

[The Tourist]

I had a Glock 23 for a while and shot lead (linotype) bullets in it all of the time.

For one, I cast them myself and I knew what I was putting in them. Then I 'dropped' the cast into a bucket of ice or ice water between my knees. Ross Seyfried claims that tempering a lino bullet in this fashion ensures enhanced Brinnell hardness for 9 months after the casting date. I've never had problems even with older bullets.

I also clean and inspect my firearms after use. If I put a lot of lino through the 23 on that outing, I always cleaned the chamber VERY good.

There are many professional casting companies out there now that offer hard bullets, not the swaged variety. I'd recommend you use those, find a guy like me for a neighbor and just keep that chamber clean.

I've heard stories of over-pressured Glocks, but to be fair, novice handloaders blow up lots of revolvers every year. It's in the care you take.

 

[wally]

IMHO if you are required to shoot only lead bullets get a 45ACP. A 9mm or .40 loaded down for lead bullet velocities won't be good practice for follow up shots when shooting factory ammo. In 45ACP the lead bullets can easily equal factory recoil and muzzle enegry without leading the bore.

Reloading a .45 is very easy because its a low pressure round -- brass life is long, with relatively large margin for error compared to .40.

--wally.

 

[Black Snowman]

Ditto to Wally. 1st thing I thought of when I saw the title was ".45 ACP". Of which I don't own a single example of

 

[ChickenHawk]

Thanks for clarifying that point JohnKSa.

Makes sense!

Cheers,
ChickenHawk