Another First Handgun sorry

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pikid89

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So ive been searching the forum but i cant seem to find a thread that addresses my situation

Im trying to do research on what first handgun to buy, but im caught up between several models/ needs/ uses

I can only afford 1 handgun in the approx $400-600

I would like it to be useful in the following uses
General Range Use
Hunting Sidearm
Truck Gun/ maybe CCW before i can afford a true CCW gun
and i would like to try out the beginners IDPA matches they have near my home
if i get an auto loader it would have to be a 45 (no exceptions)
and im not a big fan of active? (not passive like glock trigger) safeties on handguns

I was leaning towards a glock 30 but also possibly a GP100 in .357 with a 4" bbl

If any one has any better ideas please let me know
 
How about a Springield xD in .45? Or a S&W M&P?

I'd think either of those would fit the bill with a lot better ergonomics than a Glock. (Unless you like them.)

For a budget of up to $600, there's NO reason you can't buy a quality sidearm.

And one that would let you be decently competitive in IDPA. If your autoloader choices have to be .45ACP you could shoot them in CDP. That's usually the 1911 class, but Dave Ohlasso won CDP Division Champion at Nationals last year shooting a .45 M&P, so the limiting factor will be YOU, not the gun.

-Sam
 
With an upper limit of $600, you have MANY good guns to choose from.

If you figure to back off $100 for transfer fees, then the limit becomes $500.

A quick look at Bud's Gunshop turned up these two (they have many in your price range):

Ruger GP100 .357 $500

In .45 acp, the Citadel ($482) looks pretty good and gets good reviews. They are made by Armscor in the Philippines, the same folks who make the Rock Island. Seldom does anyone need their warranty but when they do, they always praise the service.

I purposely didn't look at "entry level" priced guns because you stated it was your first handgun. Getting a quality gun to start with will go a long way to avoiding a lot of frustration and disappointment down the road.

You don't have to spend $2000+ on the likes of a Korth, Nighthawk, Les Bayer, or Ed Brown to get a quality firearm. While "high end" guns are a joy to own and shoot, they certainly aren't a necessity.

If possible, take your time and handle guns before you buy. Some will feel good and some won't. Hopefully one of them will feel "RIGHT".

Whatever you end up with, I sincerely hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoy my guns.

Bill.
 
Get the GP100.

Shooting 38 sp will be a lot cheaper than 10mm, unless you reload... and if you do reload, dumping the cylinder into a coffee can is a lot more convenient than chasing 10mm brass all over the place.
 
If you figure to back off $100 for transfer fees, then the limit becomes $500.
Click to expand...

Or he could buy local, support the local economy and skip the transfer fees.
 
Or he could buy local, support the local economy and skip the transfer fees.
Click to expand...

Nonsense. You must purchase a tacticool trendy firearm from the internet and let all your local businesses die.

As a side note, has anyone ever considered that maybe some shops have such high transfer fees because they're trying to stave off their business lost from no one buying local?
 
It's even better if you go to the local gunshop, handle all of the firearms several times until you find the perfect one you want.

And then, purchase it from the internet and let all your local businesses die.

rc
 
Buy local sure, FTF from a fellow gun owner if your local laws permit, unless you absolutely have to have new.

IMNTBHO, first handguns should be revolvers, so I'd suggest a good 4" barrel .357 Mag. For your price range I just acquired a cherry S&W 586 with holster and speedloaders, which I would say is a high quality option. I also have a cherry Taurus 66 with holster and speedloaders I acquired for under $300 that for the new shooter I got it for has been more than excellent. If you look around you can probably get a quality .357, holster, speedloaders, and everything you need to reload and cast a few thousand rounds, for under $500. That'd be my suggestion.
 
can anyone explain how to sift through all the different S&W revolvers? what would be comparable to a stainless gp100 4"
 
I would recommend a stainless Ruger GP-100 with a 4" barrel. It's probably the most general-purpose firearm you can own.
 
My first handgun was a GP100 with a 6" bbl. Best damn gun I've ever had handgun wise. Accurate, reliable(duh), and pretty. I only wish I would of gotten a 4". But either way. I shot a turkey in the head with it from 15yds away(it's that accurate!). I also have a Glock 30, which I CCW. Looking back, I'm glad I bought the GP100 first. If you get a Smith first, just as good. The GP will be a little cheaper. If you have an Academy in you area, they sell GP100s for 499.99. I have many other guns and the GP can go toe to toe with any of them.
 
I was leaning towards a glock 30 but also possibly a GP100 in .357 with a 4" bbl


A 4" 357 is the best all around gun in my book and you can't go wrong with a Ruger. Variety of power levels available over the counter, GP100 is easier to control with full magnums because of it's weight, and if you master the trigger on a DA revolver everything else is easy.
 
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.
 
can anyone explain how to sift through all the different S&W revolvers? what would be comparable to a stainless gp100 4"
Click to expand...
For range work you will probably want a revolver with adjustable sights and a 4" revolver is probably the best compromise for all the uses you listed above.

The Model 686 is probably the closest match to the GP-100. It's available in several barrel lengths and is a 6 round revolver. The Model 686 Plus is a 7 round revolver. You might like something with a slightly different balance which has a half underlug but it comes in a 7 round model only, it's the Model 620. I had a Model 619 which is the same as the M620 but with fixed sights. I should have kept that revolver, it was easy to shoot and very accurate. I do still own a 4" M686-2 which I enjoy shooting.
 
Go with the GP100 from Ruger. Plenty of punch when you're shooting at something to eat, big enough hole in the end to convinve a perp you mean business, and 38 specials are light on the wallet and the wrist alike, .357/38spcl are easy to get into reloading with, and you'll never get an odd look when you pull it out of your range bag. Ruger has a nearly unconditional lifetime warranty and great customer service, the 4" model will build sound, fundamental aiming practices, and DA revolvers just look cool.
 
If you go with an autoloader, I say a Sig P220. That said, I'm not sure what you could possibly hunt effectively with a .45 beyond a rabbit, so get the GP100. It seems like a .357/.38 fits the bill for all your uses much better than a .45.
 
I am looking at an excellent 1911 clone .45 by Rock Island Arsenal for under $400.

Tom
 
A Glock is a great choice if you are familiar with handguns as there is no manual safety. A revolver has no safety also but between the two a revolver is probably a little safer. I would suggest something with a manual safety unless of course you are familiar with guns and just have yet to purchase one. I believe a glock is the best gun under 600 and is on the same level of reliability as any gun in the world. The only reason it is cheaper is because it is not as fancy as say a hk or sig.. Good luck. Let us know what you decide on.
 
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