Advice requested - choosing first handgun

[fletcher]

After quite a bit of research and reading countless threads, I have managed to narrow my selection down to the following two: Ruger GP-100 and Taurus PT911. I've heard nothing but praise for either. So, I'm having a bit of trouble deciding between these and would like input from anyone who can help. I intend for this gun to be multi-purpose for plinking/carry/HD.

As I understand, the GP-100 has the advantage of reliability, durability, and simplicity (as well as being able to accept wider hollow points as a revolver, and can use .38 or .357). However, people speak of it as being large and heavy. Unforunately, I didn't see one at the store here (PDHSC for anyone in Raleigh area), so I really couldn't get an idea of this for myself.

As for the PT911, it is DA/SA (I like that), is capable of holding 15 rounds, thinner/shorter/lighter, and therefore significantly easier to conceal. Also, in the event something happens to it, Taurus has the lifetime warranty. I do not know how Ruger's compares.

Carry is the primary factor in the choice. They are only $30 different in price, so I'm not concerned with that as a factor.

Does anyone have personal experiences owning/carrying either of these two? How easily are they concealed? What holster(s) do you use? For the GP-100, is the 3" or 4" barrel model better for multi-purpose?

If you have pictures of your carry method (especially for the GP-100), can you post them or send them to me?


I appreciate any help. Thanks for reading

--
Fletcher

 

[P95Carry]

Ok - chipping in when I don't have either! But would say, tho I do have a Taurus M66 and like it - Ruger wins on overall reliability/strength ..whole deal ... IMO.

The Taurus might depending on actual specimen have a better feeling trigger - my M66 was smooth as butter out the box. Ruger trigger will probably need some bedding in.

Many regard a 4" as about optimal for barrel but for carry maybe the 3" more sensible. I personally am not phased by a gun's weight - just me - like some substance and shoot better. I elected tho to go down in size for revo carry, summer in particular and chose the SP-101 ... see pic below, and fitted CT grips.

I do also carry a large M28-2 N frame at times ... 4" ... and in right holster that works too. So GP-100, which is sorta L frame size, is perfectly manageable in right rig.

 

[Ala Dan]

Rule Of Thumb

Most all of us old timer's will tell you that your first handgun
needs to be a revolver. That said, mine was a .45 caliber Colt
model of 1917.

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

 

[pezo]

I own the 3 inch gp100 fixed sight revolver, it also has a significantly shorter grip frame than the 4 " adjustable sight gp100. almost a different gun, feels way more compact and better balanced, I highly recomend this weapon. it is not bulky at all like its bigger 4 and 6 inch versions with adjustable sights. and its a six shooter over the sp101s 5 shooter. however sp has even smaller even compact frame. only thing is , most dealers dont stock the 3 inch gp100 if you wanted to handle one. I had to order mine. I believe they dont stock these usually becuase they carry based on barrel length. like 2 and 3 inch in sp101 and 4 to 6 inch in gp100, its to bad because the 3 " gp100 is my favorite. still love my dao sp101 2 inch almost as much though.

 

[George S.]

Is there a gunshop in the area that has a range where you can rent each one to try out? How they feel in your hand and how you manage the recoil are two important things to consider.

I have a GP100 with a 6" barrel and I found the trigger to be a bit rough initially, but you can dry-fire the GP100 all day long (or until your trigger finger begs for mercy ) and that will help smooth the trigger substantially. The GP100 is very strong and will handle just about any load you want to put thru it.

I just bought a Taurus Millenium Pro PT145 in .45ACP and I'm going to be using that as a carry pistol afer I finish shooting a few hundered rounds of my choice of carry ammo. The Taurus book gives a list of suitable bullet weights for this pistol and for some reason, it does not include the typical 230gr .45 round. Guess the laywers don't want the pistol to handle the standard ammo but they don't say not to use +P ammo. Go figure.....

You mentioned the "PT111" as a possible selection and holding 15 rounds. Do you mean the 911 pistol or the Millenium Pro PT111? The M-P PT111 holds 12+1 and is about the size of the GP100 with a 3" barrel. The 911 is 7 inches long and holds 15+1 and is closer in size to a 1911 type pistol.

Millenium Pro PT111:
http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?model=111BP&category=Pistol

PT111 (911):
http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?model=911B&category=Pistol

For carry if you want the extra ammo capacity, go with the Taurus pistol. For ease of use and strength, the GP100 in a 3" barrel would be an excellent choice. Either way you will have a good handgun that is reliable and will do a variety of jobs.

 

[fletcher]

Thanks for all the advice so far - concensus seems to be "revolver"

^It's the PT911

 

[Dienekes]

The GP-100 is a pretty big gun for CCW. I carried the Security Six in 4" barrel concealed for work for many years (and still do). I have a very nice, slick GP-100 but it is a safe queen thus far. Between the considerable weight and bulk, and the draggy rubber grips, it is at its best as a uniformed duty gun or a field gun. FWIW I carried a M28 S&W concealed for a while and that was pretty big, too. They are great revolvers but too big is too big.

The revolver idea is probably the best way to go (after 40 plus years, I think so). You might look into a nice K frame Smith or Security/Service/Speed six
Ruger.

 

[Black Majik]

How bout something like a slightly used CZ PO1 or a SA XD-9/40?

CCW'ing a Ruger GP100 is do-able, but quite a task. Taurus, well... there are better autoloaders out there for the similar price range.

The CZ is around $400-$450 and the SA XD9 is around $420-440.

Those would be a lot better option IMO for carry and range use.

Good luck.

 

[ruger357]

Can't go wrong with a S&W K or L frame.

 

[Wedge]

I can tell you what not to buy as a first gun. Don't but a .45 Colt, unless you reload. It is expensive and the factory ammo...well it pretty much sucks. I really wanted a GP-100 but bought a .45 Colt Blackhawk instead. I love my Blackhawk (and reload now) but wish I had gotten the .357.

 

[fletcher]

I decided on a 3" GP-100. Thanks for all the help.

 

[Teknic]

Have I to agree with an XD40 standard or sub compact. Great for the price. It has the light rail for home defense purposes, small enough to CCW.

 

[Mikul]

If you know that you are going to carry a semi-auto eventually, then go with that as your first gun. Guns are not complicated. I'm sure you'll be able to figure it all out. The GP-100 isn't really that big or heavy.

Revolvers are not any more reliable than semi-autos. I've spent a lot more time trying to figure out why my Redhawk was locking up than I ever spent diagnosing my H&K USP, and when a Revolver DOES lockup on you, there's rarely anything that you can do about it.

 

[cls12vg30]

Davi's Firearms off Millbrook near Capital has a wide selection of guns to rent and try out on their indoor range.

Personal Defense & Handgun Safety Center (PDHSC) on Tryon road just off 401 has a smaller selection but personally I prefer to shoot there.

I live on Lake Lynn in North Raleigh, PM me if you ever want to go shooting.

 

[fletcher]

I'm not sure if I will eventually carry an auto all the time or not. I will most likely switch back and forth between the two.

^ I have shot at PDHSC a few times, and I intend to get a membership there at some point. It's also right down the road from where I live. I'll send a PM when I have a chance to go.

Davi's does not allow people under 21 in their store without an "adult" , and I will not be going there or giving them any business in the future because of an incident relating to that about a year back.

 

[fletcher]

Well, here it is

EDIT: Going to attach instead