What Gun To Buy???

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Adam123

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Opinions Wanted On Some Guns

I've been looking at handguns on and off for quite some time and I've decided that I'd like to buy one. I am still torn though. I am not sure if I'd like to get a 9mm or .45 ACP. One thing that really makes me lean towards the 9mm is the price of ammo. 9mm ammo or significantly cheaper than .45 ACP ammo. I'll be using the gun for plinking and (hopefully never needed) for home defense. Here are my questions: Do you guys consider the 9mm sufficient for home defense? And what are some good models in either caliber that will cost me less than $450.00. I really like the Taurus 24/7 Long Slide models as I've heard good things about them, handled them at gun shows, and really like how they feel. That said, I am open to other models, but I really want to keep it within the aforementioned price range. Any assistance/guidance would greatly be appreciated and I apologize if I am beating a dead horse with this thread. Thanks in advance for your comments.

Here are a few guns in which I would like to hear your opinion:

Ruger P90 .45 ACP

Taurus PT99

Taurus 1911 (stainless)
 
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I feel well protected with a 9mm for defense though loaded with quality self-defense ammo i.e. Speer Gold Dots, Winchester SXT, Remington Golden Sabres, Corbon, Hornady, Buffalo Bore etc... Personally I like the weight range to be 124. grains though many also use the 115 gr. and 147 gr. fodder as well.

If you like the Taurus then there's no reason not to purchase it. We have several on the Taurus forum who own 24/7s, OSS models and now some with the new G2 24/7s that seemed pleased. I'd also suggest checking out the Ruger SR9, a lightly used Glock 17 or Glock 19 or an XD. Also the Zastava EZ9 can be had at a good price, one of my local shops had them not long ago for around $350.00

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You can find Springfield XDs for $450 and that would be my recommendation in that price range. Taurus and Springfield both have lifetime warranties, but from my experience the quality and customer service are better with Springfield. As far as caliber goes, anything the 9mm does the .45acp does better. That being said, the 9mm is certainly "sufficient" for self defense with modern Hollow points and proper shot placement... But given the choice I'd rather have a .45 if i only had one pistol.
 
I wanted something for self-defense (SD) and because I'm a light-weight chose 9mm. It is a good size for carry and the practice ammo is cheaper. Taurus 9mm above has good recommendations for serious carry ammo and alternate weapons. Few can manage the weight of a .45. Still, many of us pine for the heft, intimidation and history of a big boomer. I bought cheap, discovered its shortcomings and bought better. Found its shortcomings and bought better. Oh, yeah, each cost more than the last. (What does that tell you?) The big name brands got that way with quality. Taurus had to learn about quality control and customer service and are pretty popular now.

Choices are highly subjective. Like everyone says - try a lot of them - buy what you like the best and can handle the most comfortably. This is a long-haul choice.

Stay with this and the forums for each brand you're interested in.You'll get the picture pretty soon. Good luck. And come back and tell us what you bought and how you like it.
 
Do you guys consider the 9mm sufficient for home defense? And what are some good models in either caliber that will cost me less than $450.00.
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Yes to your 1st point...For your price range, get a n.i.b. Daewoo DP51C. Use the extra hundred for couple of extra mags and holster. In the .45acp, since I've never bought new in that caliber: no suggestions...
 
speaksoftly said:
Until you want a follow-up shot.
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Most people that talk about how much .45 kicks are just repeating what they've heard and haven't spent much time shooting one. I find the snappy recoil of many 9mm pistols to be less pleasant than the slow "push" recoil from a full-sized .45 like a 1911 or XD. If he is using this as a home defense gun as he says there is no reason to not buy a full-sized pistol. If you want a super light and small carry piece, I agree the 9mm in something like a pf9 or lc9 is the better choice.
As always, the best thing would be for the original poster to rent some pistols at a range and see what works best for HIM instead of buying based on the varied opinions of others.
 
Adam123 said:
What are your thoughts on the Taurus Model 92 or 99 (Stainless)?
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I have a Taurus pt92 and I believe it to be the best pistol they make. If you decide to go with 9mm I would not hesitate to get a pt92. My friend has the pt99 and it has a more ergonomic grip and is a little better for concealed carry (though still a bit large) if you are thinking along those lines.
 
My brother had a Taurus 24/7 in 9mm that is a joy to shoot. I personally have a Ruger sr9 and love it. For plinking you can't beat 9mm for the price of ammo. I'd recommend starting there so you won't have an excuse not to get to the range often, and then you can always get a larger caliber later. I just test fired a Glock 23 yesterday and I had to fight to keep my wallet in my back pocket :D
 
I have seen a price drop on the Kahr CW9 lately. I have one that I paid $400 dollars for last summer. I am seeing them new for about $360 lately. I have had 0 problems with it and it is very accurate. I liked it so much that I bought a CW45. The 9mm is my carry piece and the 45acp is my nightstand gun. I would have no problem switching their roles though. I must admit that I am looking at the Taurus 24/7 in 9mm because of the high capacity magazine.
 
Thanks for all of the advice, guys. In the end, I decided to get a Taurus PT99. In my opinion it's one of the finest looking handguns on the market today. That's what caught my attention initially. Then, I started talking to people and reading up on it and heard/read, almost entirely, positive comments. Yes, it's 9mm, but one can't ignore the ubiquitous nature of 9mm ammo. I had to order the gun because the gun shop did not have it in stock, but I am really looking forward to getting it.

Once I get bored of the PT99, I'll probably get a .45. I am thinking that I really want a Taurus 1911 (stainless). http://www.gunshopfinder.com/taurus/taurus_1191109SS1.jpg I've heard nothing but good about these as well. The price is great and I am also impressed with their warranty. For me, Taurus is definitely the way to go. What are your thoughts on these two handguns?

Also, another handgun that I've come across that seems to be REALLY underrated is the Ruger P90 .45 ACP. Can anyone offer anything of value on the Ruger P90?
 
I got the smaller Ruger P345 which when held properly has very controlled recoil and is very easy to get back on target quickly. It is not as bulky as the P90. Mine isn't fond of 185 gr loads but with 230 gr loads it never fails to feed or stovepipes. You indicated you've made your choice so go shoot a couple hundred rounds and have a ball.
 
As far as caliber goes, anything the 9mm does the .45acp does better.
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Until you want a follow-up shot.
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Proper technique will have you firing an accurate follow-up shot just as fast with the .45.....just not as many as the 9mm
 
Taurus makes good revolvers, the PT92 is their only pistol I would own. Ruger also makes good revolvers, their P90 pistol is built like a tank, handles like one as well.
If you are new to handgun shooting / ownership I would recommend starting with a .22 Target pistol, or get a CZ 75B with a .22 conversion kit. You will be a much better shooter, a lot sooner than you will be buying an entry level 9mm or .45ACP pistol. Question is, do you want to be a pistol shooter or a pistol owner? Any way you go I would wait and buy a better pistol than the ones listed, or buy a decent target pistol like a Ruger Mk, Browning Buckmark now.
 
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