Endure shame and ridicule for a new gun?

[Chupacabra]

So I was at the gunshop the other day, hoping to lay my hands on a shiny new SigPro 2009. Unfortunetly, they only had the new model with that funky stainless outline finish and it was a bit out of my budget (The standard model is over a hundred bucks cheaper!). I took a look at a couple other firearms (Taurus 24/7 looks pretty good) and I drooled over the 1911 case, but I left the store unsatisfied.

When I got home, I gave the issue of purchasing a new firearm some more thought. What do I really need or want? I already have a concealed carry firearm (H&K USP40c) and a 1911. I know I want something in 9mm, mostly just to take to the range and plink with. Sigs are awesome pistols, but the 2009, even though logically it is a great purchase (relatively inexpensive, excellent trigger, it's a SIG!), it isn't what I really want.

For a while now I've been kicking around the idea of getting a Beretta 92FS. There's something about them that I find appealing. In my mind, they are classy, sexy pistols, and I grew up watching the action films of the 80's so they have this cool mystique about them. However, when I told my brother about this possible purchase, he laughed in my face and started going off about how the Beretta is such a crappy pistol; too big for the caliber, hard to clean, bla bla bla bla bla (total BS in my opinion). Sooo, if I were to get one, I will never hear the end of it. Every time my brother and I go to the range and I pull it out of the case, I will be mocked and ridiculed.

Is it worth it to acquire a pistol that will possibly get you disowned from your family?

Oh the conflict! Oh the humanity! :banghead:

 

[MikeJ]

Absolutley! If you like the Beretta then get it and be sure to practice with it before you go shooting with your brother. That way you will be able to amaze him with your skills and you will have the last laugh.

 

[pauli]

confuse him. get the taurus version instead.

 

[mod12]

chupacabra, ever hear of cain and abel?

 

[M2 Carbine]

I don't have or want a Beretta 92FS but I've shot them (at least the Taurus clones) and know what they will do.

Move your target out to 50 yards and see if your brother's pistol choice will keep up with that Beretta.

But don't challenge him if he's shooting a 3 inch barrel Kimber

 

[WhoKnowsWho]

Just be sure to not let him shoot it when you get it. People make complaints about every pistol, the Beretta is not immune.

 

[Andrew Wyatt]

I used to not ike berettas.

then i shot nina. now i like at least one beretta.

 

[Chupacabra]

Thanks for the encouragment guys!

I've decided that I'm going back to the shop this weekend to pick up a brand spankin' new Beretta!

And If my bro is reading this...




PS - My bro is an absolute wizard when it comes to marksmanship. He can pick up any handgun and put every shot in the black at 30 feet. Me on the other hand...not so good. I dare not challenge him to a duel!

 

[wasrjoe]

I haven't held a pistol yet that feels better in my hands than a 92FS. Good luck purshasing your Beretta! They are good pistols.

 

[mod12]

chupacabra. a rascal that shoots that like deserves at least one "gotcha" during a "one ragged hole" session.

 

[CZ52GUY]

And If my bro is reading this...

That's the spirit!!!!

Enjoy,

CZ52'

 

[Dain Bramage]

Confuse him even more, get the Helwan version.

 

[WonderNine]

Beretta 92's are very easy to clean....

 

[Standing Wolf]

You should have seen the old shooters' faces when this newbie bullseye shooter showed up at the range with a Thompson-Center Contender.

 

[Chupacabra]

Confuse him even more, get the Helwan version.

Strangely enough, there was one in the case!!!!

 

[Dionysusigma]

"Helwan" version? Isn't that the one with the CZ-52-looking grips and in SA?

I saw one LONG ago, but are they really that close to a 92FS?

Wait--get a Stock Competition 92.

http://www.beretta.com/frame_tabellaprodotti_2002.asp?sgmt=24&Model=92#

 

[HSMITH]

Dang, from the pic Dion put up it looks like Beretta finally figured out where a safety goes on the gun THAT is what I would pick up if a 92 type platform was on my mind and I had an objection to the Taurus brand for some reason. If we all told the truth the Taurus 92 is every bit the gun the Beretta is, is $200 or so cheaper, and has the safety where even us smaller handed people can use it (plus cocked and locked carry but lets not totally confuse things).

I have shot the 92/M9 extensively and it is a FINE gun. I have seen extreme reliability, VERY good accuracy and reasonable prices across the board. It is a big gun for a 9mm, but it is a SERVICE gun meant to be carried in a holster not hidden away. It is very easy to maintain too. My ONLY complaint is the safety lever is in a terrible spot for people with smaller hands, and it makes the gun a real pain for me. Other than that I very much like them. For a range gun they might be one of the best choices out there.

 

[Majic]

Beretta originally had the safety on the frame. That's why the Taurus has theirs in that spot (they are built on old Beretta machinery). When Beretta finished the contract with Brazil and sold the plant and machinery they moved the safety to the slide.

 

[Dain Bramage]

Dunno that much about the Helwan. SOG has them for sale on their site, and calls them "A high quality copy of the famous Beretta 1951".

 

[Dain Bramage]

...Oh, and about cleaning: Jet Li seems to think they are easy to disassemble!

Also, it's freaking Seattle. Tell your brother to respect diversity or you'll bring home something in pink plastic (I'm talking a gun here).

By the way, which gun shop do you frequent?

 

[Chupacabra]

By the way, which gun shop do you frequent?

I go to a couple. Ben's Loans Inc in Renton has a pretty good selection of new and used stuff with decent prices. I also go to Wade's Gunshop in Bellevue but they are overpriced and I haven't bought anything there since my USP. WSI (also in Bellevue) was a great shop but they went out of business.

 

[Dain Bramage]

I've rented guns at both Wade's and WSI. I second Wade's being expensive. They're a bit pretentious too.

I didn't like having to show that I already own a gun before being allowed to rent. I understand that they had a few suicides with their rentals, but none of the other ranges I use have this requirement. My Dad was using my only modern handgun at the time, so I dragged down an Italian BP revolver clone to show them. They don't allow BP shooting, and I didn't have any ammo, but it was good enough to rent their guns. I guess I could have dragged down a bus tire to show the ability of putting my head under it!

Now I usually hang around at Sam's Gun Shop in Everett. Nice people and a decent short indoor range. They allow pistols and rifles with everything except "AP" ammo. Don't know the exact definition of that since they allow steel-cored stuff like Wolf.

For pure price, I haven't been able to beat Federal Way Guns near Tacoma.

 

[Chupacabra]

Now I usually hang around at Sam's Gun Shop in Everett. Nice people and a decent short indoor range.

I've been there a couple times to use the range. It's a little farther for me to drive than Wade's, but the people are much nicer and the lane fees are a lot less!

 

[George Hill]

I love the Berettas. Take a look at the 8000L... nice carry gun. Easier to CCW than a full size 92.

 

[FJC]

If YOU want it, and YOU can afford it, get it!

At one point in my "acquisitions" of firearms, I went through a period where I started to question why I was buying certain ones. Why was I buying a Walther PPK/s when I had better, lighter pocket pistols? etc, etc.

Finally one day during that time I had an epiphany. I just wanted them, and that was enough reason.

If you carry, own something that you can shoot well and is reliable for carry purposes. After that, get what makes you happy.