Another First Handgun sorry

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Originally Posted By: R_Thornhill
I would suggest something with a manual safety unless of course you are familiar with guns and just have yet to purchase one.
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Sorry but I have to disagree, especially for a new gun owner. If the handgun will be used for SD or HD a manual safety might not be the best idea when under extreme stress. Far too many new gun owners will forget to release the safety or fumble with it under pressure.
 
I would recommend a S&W 627 8 shot .357 magnum, it costs about $100 over your max but would be a faster reload with moon clips for habit forming IDPA than a Ruger GP100. The trigger on the Smith is soooo smoooth and crisp, the trigger on the GP100 says "service revolver". If I was to "throw a pistol under the seat of the truck and leave it for extended periods, then the Ruger would do, in an auto pistol Glock's tenifer finish would hold up as well as anything. Because you want to hunt and compete in IDPA the .357 is the most logical compromise.
 
Ya'll seem to forget he'd like to hunt also. Most places a minimum barrel length of 4 inches is required and some places it goes up to 6 inches.
lloveless
 
A 4" GP100 or S&W 686 would be the route I'd go.

The best possible conceal weapon that includes ample fire power, is lightweight, and thin (one inch at widest) is the most worthy .40 caliber Walther PPS. I'm not promoting for gain, I'm just a very satisfied customer.
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He said general purpose, not specifically CCW. The PPS is ill-suited to other uses mentioned.
 
If hunting and Target shooting

are real priorities here, I would suggest a 6 inch S&W 686 or a GP100. You could go with a 4 inch which would be more concealable, so it depends on where your priorities are. I personally wouldn't hunt with an auto loader mostly because most of them are not accurate enough for shots beyond 50 yards and they are generally chambered in calibers not very well suited to hunting. The two possible exception being the 10 mm and the 357 Sig.
You could also go with something a little larger in the revolver like the 41, 44 mag, 45Colt:) or 454 Cassul. An S&W 625 in 45 Colt is a beautiful thing.:D and would do everything you want it to though it is a little large. Why do I know somone is gonna come along and beat on me about the accuracy of autos or the power of their calibers.
 
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I almost forgot

No, no one is gonna suggest a HI-Power, because no one should suggest anything in 9mm for hunting.
 
My big question is "Do you reload?"

I would say that if you are an experienced reloader, then get a 629 Mountain Gun. Fairly light weight, load down to .44 spl for most uses, but up to .44 Mag (mid range loads) for hunting...speed loaders make it a good I.D.P.A. gun. It would answer alot of problems. That being said, my second choice (or first if you don't reload) would be a S&W 686+ (because it is 7 shots for the same price as 6). If you don't care for a 7 shooter, then either a GP-100 or 686 in 4 inch.

Can't go wrong either way....that is where you are fortunate...there are very few "wrong" choices...mostly just picking between a bunch of really good choices.
 
thanks for all the good suggestions,
but on the hunting thing, im not really planning on hunting per say, but more of shooting a wild hog with my rifle then not wasting another expensive rifle round on the flopping around hog, but using something more substantial than my s&w .22 lr revolver
 
pikid89,

I would agree with the general consensus that a 4" adjustable sight .357 would be an excellent option, or perhaps a 3" fixed sight model if you wanted to be able to conceal the gun (not ideal for CCW but it can work). The Ruger GP100 is a reliable, affordable gun that will last and the 3" Ruger SP101 would also be a fine option.

As I have said before, let me suggest that by limiting yourself to only new guns you are missing out on some great opportunities. If you know of a trustworthy local gunshop, or if you buy from a reputable online source, you can get a lot of gun for well under $600 including shipping and transfer fees. In fact, you could probably get two good guns at that price if you shop around. A nice police trade-in S&W revolver in .38 or .357 plus a used 9mm or .45 ACP auto ought to be doable at a total cost of about $300 per gun. A snubbie and a full-size auto, or a full-size revolver and a compact auto, ought to meet most needs.

Heck, if you make one of the guns a Hi Point (plenty good enough for plinking or sending Porky to hog heaven) and keep the other under about $400, you can get two new guns at that price!
 
Noveldoc said:
''I am looking at an excellent 1911 clone .45 by Rock Island Arsenal for under $400...''

I have the .45 G.I. model. I put on G.I. grips asnd an arched A1 style mainspring housing, and it is handsome, reliable and accurate..also a heck of a deal!
 
"obably an "L" frame like a 686.

-Sam "

my first gun was a GP100. i treid (via renting both) and found teh 686 to be larger than the Ruger, too large for the double action to be accurate in my hands (i have "L" fingers and "XL" palms, glove wise)
 
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