SeniorXJ
Member
Good news! My VA license just came in the mail today & I have 4 solid gold rings, one being 24k & im gonna head over to the pawnshop with a range down the road & ill be sure to let u guys know how it goes!!
First Time Handgun Buyers Advice...
- Thread starter SeniorXJ
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hot chili powder
Member
1st handgun?
Ck out the CZ P-07 9mm.....good price, high cap mag, reliable and the grip really fits most hands.......that's my opinion and I'm stickin' to it.
Ck out the CZ P-07 9mm.....good price, high cap mag, reliable and the grip really fits most hands.......that's my opinion and I'm stickin' to it.
SeniorXJ
Member
Finally went to a local store, Bobs Guns today & got a chance to play around a bit. Great service all around for starters. They didn't have the Ruger 9E so I got some range time in with the Ruger SR9. They also didn't have the S&W SD40 VE cause there flying off the shelves & so I got some range time with the S&W M&P. Both guns felt very similar in almost every way. Not a fan of the internal safety VS the thumb & I liked the 3 dot sites better but of course those can be swapped out & the triggers weren't an issue for me, but the Ruger was a bit better.
Shot the Ruger 1st & I failed to mention that I have Carpel Tunnel in both wrists & bad tendinitis in my left thumb making loading the mags difficult for me. Since I shot the Ruger 1st & that i forgot my braces, I was much more accurate getting all but 2 rounds in the black at half way. Full range was wider but kept a decent grouping. My last test was a full mag as fast as possible at 10ft & results were as expected.
The M&P sites weren't as visible so I took a bit more time & the mag had been broken in better so it was easier to load. Groupings not as good but my hands were getting tested & my shoulders were sour from the gym. Only thing I changed was to do quick double taps at 10ft hoping for less spray & pray but it was a wash.
I did handle the CZ'z & there slides were heavy & trigger pull was way long & the Glock 19 seemed to feel as good as the others but I opted not to shoot one cause the price jump for me wasn't worth it.
All in all, ill be going down to Superior cause I have quite a bit of gold from those teenage yrs & may try to make a clean swap probably for the Ruger 9E or SR9!
Shot the Ruger 1st & I failed to mention that I have Carpel Tunnel in both wrists & bad tendinitis in my left thumb making loading the mags difficult for me. Since I shot the Ruger 1st & that i forgot my braces, I was much more accurate getting all but 2 rounds in the black at half way. Full range was wider but kept a decent grouping. My last test was a full mag as fast as possible at 10ft & results were as expected.
The M&P sites weren't as visible so I took a bit more time & the mag had been broken in better so it was easier to load. Groupings not as good but my hands were getting tested & my shoulders were sour from the gym. Only thing I changed was to do quick double taps at 10ft hoping for less spray & pray but it was a wash.
I did handle the CZ'z & there slides were heavy & trigger pull was way long & the Glock 19 seemed to feel as good as the others but I opted not to shoot one cause the price jump for me wasn't worth it.
All in all, ill be going down to Superior cause I have quite a bit of gold from those teenage yrs & may try to make a clean swap probably for the Ruger 9E or SR9!
If loading the magazines is hard for you, you could probably use one of the magazine loading tools. Some guns come with simple ones that help you push the top round down. You may also consider a revolver, or at least try one or two out before money is spent.
SeniorXJ
Member
I already found a speed loader $32 bucks:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001HBHNHE...=UTF8&colid=2MZPXPXRV2AA&coliid=IQ21KR96DXCAZ
More 17 round mags for $34 bucks:
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/13...r9-9mm-luger-steel-blue?cm_vc=sugv11366247443
A more visible Green front sight $40 bucks:
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/21...c-steel-blue-fiber-optic?cm_vc=ProductFinding
AND a nicer grip/handle $11 bucks:
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/76...ruger-sr9-sr40-rubber-black?cm_vc=sugv1763331
Does anyone have any knowledge & advice for these products, as in are they too cheap, you get what u pay for kinda thing, or are they good for the money?
Oh & there all for the Ruger SR9 which I chose to go for due to the aftermarket!!
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001HBHNHE...=UTF8&colid=2MZPXPXRV2AA&coliid=IQ21KR96DXCAZ
More 17 round mags for $34 bucks:
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/13...r9-9mm-luger-steel-blue?cm_vc=sugv11366247443
A more visible Green front sight $40 bucks:
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/21...c-steel-blue-fiber-optic?cm_vc=ProductFinding
AND a nicer grip/handle $11 bucks:
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/76...ruger-sr9-sr40-rubber-black?cm_vc=sugv1763331
Does anyone have any knowledge & advice for these products, as in are they too cheap, you get what u pay for kinda thing, or are they good for the money?
Oh & there all for the Ruger SR9 which I chose to go for due to the aftermarket!!
ugaarguy
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The Mag LULA is excellent, but may be a bit overkill for pistol mags. I've found the Glock factory plastic mag loaders to work well on most double stack pistol mags, and they're $8 on Amazon. I also like the generic mag loaders made from bent sheet metal stampings, like the $12 ones from ProMag (and they're the only ProMag product I'd buy).
The magazines you linked are Ruger factory. $32-$34 seems to be the going rate for SR series factory mags. Those are good to go.
Many folks have fiber optic front sights on carry guns, but I'd rather have a tritium night sight because the tritium vial is fully enclosed in the steel sight. They're more rugged, and (as the name implies) they're self luminous, so they'll work in total darkness without need of ambient light. You can get a Novak's front night sight from Brownells or Midway for $55, so they aren't much more money either.
The Pachmayr rubber grip sleeves are functionally fine. I have short fat fingers, so I've never liked the thickness they add to grips. I prefer to use traction tape / grit tape in select spots if I need a more grippy texture. Many people like the rubber grip sleeves though. Add one to your order for the other accessories you need. If you love it, awesome. If you hate it, you're only out $11.
RON in PA
Member
The SR9, but not the SR9E, comes with a mag loader. The Glock loader works on SR mags.
SeniorXJ
Member
Went over to a local Pawn & Gun store equipped with a range, (5min from my house), & since I had some old gold collecting dust, I took it there. Landed up with a brand new Ruger SR9 in the case & four 17 round magazines straight up! Then I came home & ordered me a tactical flashlight, tactical hand grip, & blue & yellow high visibility colored sight paint!
So I thank u all & will post up some pics soon. Oh one more thing, are there any black Friday sales going on for 9mm ammo? I want to buy a 1000 round box all for range time so something cheap & nothing special is needed. Let me know & thanks again!!!
So I thank u all & will post up some pics soon. Oh one more thing, are there any black Friday sales going on for 9mm ammo? I want to buy a 1000 round box all for range time so something cheap & nothing special is needed. Let me know & thanks again!!!
Not a sale, and don't know if you'd be interested, but Walmart has started carrying Federal 9mm Aluminum Case for $9.97 / 50 rds. (Same ammo with brass case is $14.97).
I picked up quite a few 9mm, 45, & 40 the other day - quite a bit of savings over the brass case Federal if you don't reload / save brass. The 45 is almost $10 / box cheaper than 45 brass.
Haven't shot any yet, but picked up a few boxes for my brother - he wanted to test 'em, and plans on shooting 'em in an upcoming BUG match, since he can't save his brass from the match.
He reports no problems, and it is accurate.
Gotta keep an eye out for it if you're interested - our local Walmart has been getting them in on a regular basis lately.
SeniorXJ
Member
So 20 boxes equals out to $199 & change for 1000 rounds. Is there any difference or added difficulties to the gun from shooting the Aluminum cased shells?
Brass is the standard casing for ammunition loaded in the US. It is usually reloadable.
Aluminum cased ammunition has never given me any problems just from the aluminum cases, but it can't be reloaded. If you don't plan to reload, then using aluminum case ammo for practice should be fine.
Aluminum cased ammunition has never given me any problems just from the aluminum cases, but it can't be reloaded. If you don't plan to reload, then using aluminum case ammo for practice should be fine.
None that I can find on the 'Net, and my brother's results seem to verify it's good to go.
Folks been shooting Blazer (not Blazer Brass) for a long time, but I could never find Blazer at a decent price.
If you want brass, our local Walmart has the Federal 100-rd. Value Packs for $24.97? Gotta look close - the 100 rd. boxes are a different shape, but darn if they aren't smaller than the 50-rd. boxes!?
Not as cheap, but if you want brass, not a real bad price?
Since the Federal aluminum cased ammo is reboxed Blazer ammo, it shoots fine with any gun I can think of. The problem I have is that most of the indoor ranges in the area only allow use of brass cased ammo, and they prohibit steel and aluminum cased ammo. Since these guys resell the once fired brass that ejects across the firing line, and which also gets dumped in their brass buckets, the range operators don't want to have to separate out the non-brass cases which can't be sold for reloading. I have a decent stockpile of this Fed aluminum cased ammo in 9mm and .45ACP, so I don't mind driving a little further to a range that lets me use it.
SeniorXJ
Member
I don't make my own ammo so im good to go. As for the range, id say the same, either they let me use aluminum & I can offer to collect it saving them the time & prob make a buck by turning it in, or give another range my business.
Sp2022
OK - I'm relatively new to this and I'm not impartial as my one and only handgun is a Sig SP2022 in 9mm. I really like this gun. I don't like the idea of a safety (one less thing to think about under stress). I like having a hammer. I like having a de-cocker. It's more accurate than me. Never had a hiccup - no FTFs or FTEs.
If you can find one to shoot at the range, try it out.
And right now you can get one from Top Gun Supply - 2-tone, night sights, & 2 mags - for $399.95 (http://www.topgunsupply.com/sig-sauer-sigpro-2022-9mm-da/sa-night-sights-two-tone.html).
Again, my newbie 2 cents...
OK - I'm relatively new to this and I'm not impartial as my one and only handgun is a Sig SP2022 in 9mm. I really like this gun. I don't like the idea of a safety (one less thing to think about under stress). I like having a hammer. I like having a de-cocker. It's more accurate than me. Never had a hiccup - no FTFs or FTEs.
If you can find one to shoot at the range, try it out.
And right now you can get one from Top Gun Supply - 2-tone, night sights, & 2 mags - for $399.95 (http://www.topgunsupply.com/sig-sauer-sigpro-2022-9mm-da/sa-night-sights-two-tone.html).
Again, my newbie 2 cents...
JeeperCreeper
Member
SeniorXJ, CONGRATS ON THE SR9!!!
I have the Ruger 9E and my brother has the SR9 in stainless:
-SR9: over 500 rounds: zero malfuctions of any kind. Mostly FMJ brass range ammo
-9E: about 500 rounds: zero malfunctions of any kind. Mostly aluminum ammo, some reloads, and some +P HD ammo
Aluminum ammo will run fine in the SR series, as well as any +P ammo (no matter what bullet design/brand of HP), or +P+ ammo, reloads, etc. They are fine pistols for the price.
If you want cheap mags, I got 2 for $40 on Cheaper Than Dirt (Yes, I know, I still buy there... it is a free market afterall). They are Ruger factory mags.
I have the Ruger 9E and my brother has the SR9 in stainless:
-SR9: over 500 rounds: zero malfuctions of any kind. Mostly FMJ brass range ammo
-9E: about 500 rounds: zero malfunctions of any kind. Mostly aluminum ammo, some reloads, and some +P HD ammo
Aluminum ammo will run fine in the SR series, as well as any +P ammo (no matter what bullet design/brand of HP), or +P+ ammo, reloads, etc. They are fine pistols for the price.
If you want cheap mags, I got 2 for $40 on Cheaper Than Dirt (Yes, I know, I still buy there... it is a free market afterall). They are Ruger factory mags.
SeniorXJ
Member
Went to a local gun show & picked up a 4595TS Hi-Point carbine 45 cal for under $3 bills! Figured I have a 9mm so the 45ACP will have that added kick. I've also done tons of research on them when they 1st came out so I know its a good buy for the price. Yes its handgun ammo, but the extra barrel length adds up to 200 FPS to it depending on the ammo ur shooting. Time to accessorize now, lol!
Madcap_Magician
Member
I see you already got your gun, but FYI Bud's Gun Shop has surplus Beretta 92S's for $299.
SeniorXJ
Member
Well i already own a shotgun, hand gun, assault rifle, so my next purchase is a rifle. Probably a 308. I love Virginia, lol!
BigBL87
Member
It's not an assault rifle, it's a modern sporting rifle!
I have my basic set as well (22 rifle, shotgun, handgun, AR-15) so anything else I might get will be because it is too good of a deal to pass up. I'd like a smaller (carry sized) handgun in 9mm probably as my next purchase, no more room for long guns unfortunately *head down in shame for buying too small of a safe* but no spare money after I've tweaked and added to my AR.
Toprudder
Member
I came into this thread a little late. I see you already made your purchase. Congrats!
For others that might read it, I want to throw in my vote for the Witness pistols. I have three, a PS 9mm, PS 40, and a steel frame 45. Love them all. the PS model is a polymer "small frame", mine are 4.5" barrels, and they were both $315 at the LGS when I bought them. I've seen them from time to time for $300 online. If I lost all my guns in a fire or by theft, the first one I would buy would be another Witness.
I think you will like the Hi Point 4595TS. I have the carbine in 40 and really like it. I also have the matching 40 pistol.
For others that might read it, I want to throw in my vote for the Witness pistols. I have three, a PS 9mm, PS 40, and a steel frame 45. Love them all. the PS model is a polymer "small frame", mine are 4.5" barrels, and they were both $315 at the LGS when I bought them. I've seen them from time to time for $300 online. If I lost all my guns in a fire or by theft, the first one I would buy would be another Witness.
I think you will like the Hi Point 4595TS. I have the carbine in 40 and really like it. I also have the matching 40 pistol.
SeniorXJ
Member
I actually got the Ruger for free, (sort of)! First I was after the cheaper 9e, BUT, I got the SR9 brand new with 2 extra 17 round mags by means of a straight swap for some old gold I had. They also have a range & if u buy a new gun there, they offer u a deal on a membership, $85 for a year & u can shoot any day, Mon thru Sat from 9:am to 6m for as long as u want (unless its real busy)!!
I've already got the slip on tactical hand grip, front tactical LED light, did the sights in high florescent paint, & 500 9mm rounds.
As for the Hi-Point 4595, (my Sporting Rifle, lol BigBL87!), I just ordered a front folding hand grip with storage, a muzzle compensator, a double clip holder on the stock, 3 more mags, & 250 45ACP rounds. Not sure on the scope/optics as I gotta read more on them. There is a 35 yard range here which is the same chain of pawn shops I got the Ruger at so I'm golden for both, especially when both ranges are less then 5 min away!!!
m for as long as u want (unless its real busy)!!I've already got the slip on tactical hand grip, front tactical LED light, did the sights in high florescent paint, & 500 9mm rounds.
As for the Hi-Point 4595, (my Sporting Rifle, lol BigBL87!), I just ordered a front folding hand grip with storage, a muzzle compensator, a double clip holder on the stock, 3 more mags, & 250 45ACP rounds. Not sure on the scope/optics as I gotta read more on them. There is a 35 yard range here which is the same chain of pawn shops I got the Ruger at so I'm golden for both, especially when both ranges are less then 5 min away!!!
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