hariph creek
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I could be wrong but, I believe, semi-autos generally have less actual moving parts than revolvers?
First handgun: Ruger SP101 versus Glock 19
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Thanks everyone for the insights! (And yes, it's just fine that opinions are split about 50/50).
While a revolver has a lot of appeal to the subjective side of me, the practical side of me is leaning toward a pistol...the heavy trigger pull of a DAO revolver worries me, as does the hammer on a DA/SA revolver catching things if I have to carry it (not a primary use but something I might occasionally need to do). But I see a lot of negative comments about Glock's ergonomics. Is there another inexpensive-but-quality semi-auto I should be considering if I don't go with a revolver? It'd need to have ambidextrous controls (I'm a southpaw and my wife is right-handed, and although I'd be the primary user, I'd like her to be able to operate if if need be). I'd be totally happy with a single-stack instead of double-stack, sacrificing ammo capacity for small-hand-friendliness.
While a revolver has a lot of appeal to the subjective side of me, the practical side of me is leaning toward a pistol...the heavy trigger pull of a DAO revolver worries me, as does the hammer on a DA/SA revolver catching things if I have to carry it (not a primary use but something I might occasionally need to do). But I see a lot of negative comments about Glock's ergonomics. Is there another inexpensive-but-quality semi-auto I should be considering if I don't go with a revolver? It'd need to have ambidextrous controls (I'm a southpaw and my wife is right-handed, and although I'd be the primary user, I'd like her to be able to operate if if need be). I'd be totally happy with a single-stack instead of double-stack, sacrificing ammo capacity for small-hand-friendliness.
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Squeaky Wheel
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In the event that you want to keep your brass (for reloading), some find that revolvers make brass retrieval much easier.
History.Doc
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The revolver is more versatile. Really can't go wrong with either.
History.Doc
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I should have been more specific. The Ruger is the superior trail gun. .357, .38+p, .38, .38 snake shot... It can do it all.
X-Rap
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Since you say it is your first handgun maybe you haven't got any preconceived notions into the way you grip/shoot a handgun so the supposed poor Glock grip angle won't be of concern.
In years past I frequently advised those seeking my opinion to start with a SA/DA revolver but since have changed my view so I will say go for the Glock. My daughter has a S&W m60 that I gave her and as soon as I can arrange she will have a 19 or 26 instead or in addition.
In years past I frequently advised those seeking my opinion to start with a SA/DA revolver but since have changed my view so I will say go for the Glock. My daughter has a S&W m60 that I gave her and as soon as I can arrange she will have a 19 or 26 instead or in addition.
History.Doc
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I think the Glock grip angle thing is blown out of proportion. I have a Glock 17 and it is really fun. Glock hatred is almost as silly as the Glock love. I also have a Blackhawk though and it may be the most useful gun I own.
Anything from the ruger P series is a great value and can be had for less than 400 typically. Smith and Wesson m & p's can usually be had for around 500 and are solid guns, but have a bit more plastic in them for my taste. Cz seems to make a decent affordable pistol, but I have no personnel experience with them.
Kayaker 1960
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G-19 vs SP101
I have a G-22 (full sized .40 ) and an SP-101 with 2-1/4" Barrel, as well as an M&P40c ( compact .40, similar in size to a G-19 )
Glocks are not pretty but they get the job done well, I have thousands of rounds through my G-22 and never a problem, except the plastic front site came off, I sent the slide in to Glock and they put a steel site on for free. If I ever buy another Glock I'll do this before I even shoot it.
I love my SP101 and shooting .357 mag isn't near as bad as I thought it would be. Due to the shape I think it carries a little better than my M&P40c. Loaded the M&P and SP101 weight is very close, 11 rounds on .40 vs. 5 rounds .38/.357
It's a tough call.
I have a G-22 (full sized .40 ) and an SP-101 with 2-1/4" Barrel, as well as an M&P40c ( compact .40, similar in size to a G-19 )
Glocks are not pretty but they get the job done well, I have thousands of rounds through my G-22 and never a problem, except the plastic front site came off, I sent the slide in to Glock and they put a steel site on for free. If I ever buy another Glock I'll do this before I even shoot it.
I love my SP101 and shooting .357 mag isn't near as bad as I thought it would be. Due to the shape I think it carries a little better than my M&P40c. Loaded the M&P and SP101 weight is very close, 11 rounds on .40 vs. 5 rounds .38/.357
It's a tough call.
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CPLofMARINES
Member
BOTH, then while your at it, get a Glock 20 and you'll
Be good for Deer/Boar. But, be warned, if you go Glock
You will buy many more of them.
SEMPER FI
Be good for Deer/Boar. But, be warned, if you go Glock
You will buy many more of them.
SEMPER FI
gulogulo1970
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I own both. If I were you, I would buy the Ruger. It just can do more, and with it being your first handgun you need that. It's easy to use, easier to teach others how to use, easy to maintain, shoots light loads/heavy loads, good for hiking and self defense and is really sturdy. I have the 3", .357 and can't find much fault with it. A little heavy but that makes shooting the gun even with strong loads, easy.
45_auto
Member
I have several Glocks (17,17L,19,21,23,26) and 2 SP101's (357 and 9mm). If I could only keep one handgun the SP101's wouldn't even be considered, while the Glock 19 would be near the top of the list. Nothing wrong with the SP101's, the Glock 19 is just much more versatile for my purposes.
mdauben
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With all due respect to those of that opinion, I think there's a lot of "princess and the pea" whining about the ergonomics of the Glock. Admittedly the ergos on the Glock are a bit different than those on many other guns, but they are hardly insurmountable. I shoot Glocks, Ruger Mk IIIs, SA Ruger revolvers and DA S&W revolvers. They all have different ergos, and I have no problem with adjusting to any of them as soon as I pick up the gun.
That said, people with particularly small hands may have problems with any double stack gun, and there's no reason not to pick the gun that fits your particular hand best. So, don't dismiss the Glock based on internet bashing, but do take the opportunity to at the very least handle other brands of polymer pistols (S&W, Springfield, Kahr, Walther, etc.) to see if you like the feel of one better than the others.
X-Rap
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One has to have very small hands to not be able to grip a 9mm Glock.
I totally agree about the whole grip issue being blown far out of proportion, to say that the grip on the Glock is not conducive to good shooting ignores all the other type grips available on very popular and accurate handgun designs.
I totally agree about the whole grip issue being blown far out of proportion, to say that the grip on the Glock is not conducive to good shooting ignores all the other type grips available on very popular and accurate handgun designs.
My wife is petite and has small hands with short fingers. The Gen3 Glocks made the trigger a reach for her. The Gen4 fits like it was made for her.
As for the grip angle, I've never heard anyone criticize a Luger for it's ergonomics or pointability. Lay a Glock down on op of a Luger sometime for an eye-opening experience.
tomrkba
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I think the Ruger SP101 is a bad design. It is a small revolver that is too heavy for its size. It only holds five shots, yet weighs 25-29.5 ounces. The weight doesn't tame the recoil and it needs better stocks for recoil control. It doesn't carry well in a pocket and needs a belt holster. Why carry a five shot revolver on the belt when you can carry a six to eight round revolver with your choice of barrel lengths? The crane is short and speed loaders will catch on the grip or frame.
If you're going carry a trail gun, then carry one in a heavy caliber suitable for the purpose. I think even heavy 357 Magnum is a bit light for most critters that one would be concerned with on the trail. You can certainly try some of the heavy offerings from Buffalo Bore.
10mm may be an option for you. A friend of mine uses it for trail defense with Buffalo Bore ammo. The Glock 29 is definitely more concealable than the Glock 20. You get 10 rounds in the magazine and a fast reload. It's something to consider. Dig around on various forums for threads that talk about bear and critter defense. It may be what you're looking for.
If you're going carry a trail gun, then carry one in a heavy caliber suitable for the purpose. I think even heavy 357 Magnum is a bit light for most critters that one would be concerned with on the trail. You can certainly try some of the heavy offerings from Buffalo Bore.
10mm may be an option for you. A friend of mine uses it for trail defense with Buffalo Bore ammo. The Glock 29 is definitely more concealable than the Glock 20. You get 10 rounds in the magazine and a fast reload. It's something to consider. Dig around on various forums for threads that talk about bear and critter defense. It may be what you're looking for.
Adam the Gnome
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Staff at my lgs may have mentioned glock lowering the price this fall.. Anyone hear of such rumors?
easyg
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I have owned quite a few Glocks over the years, and some S&W M&P's, but not too long ago I got a good deal on a Springfield XD .45ACP and it made me a convert.
As for the SP101...
I much prefer the GP100 with a 4" barrel.
Went shooting with a friend of mine who owns a variety of handguns today. He didn't have either of the handguns named in the original post, but he had a Kimber 1911, a Remington 1911, a Ruger SR9, and a S&W Airweight (in .38). My preconceptions of what I would like and what I would dislike were blown away. Actually hated the Airweight. I had a lot of trouble firing anything near accurate with double-action thanks to the trigger feel. Single action was better but I still just didn't find it enjoyable to use, and I didn't hit jack with it.
I was not expecting to like the 1911s at all...but I did. A lot. They fit my hand just fine even though they're "full-size" pistols and I'm a smaller guy. The .45 didn't kick nearly as hard as I was prepared for. And they pointed very naturally for me and I was shooting very accurately with them even after just one magazine. Ambidextrous controls would be necessary for me, though.
The SR9 I was ambivalent about. I didn't find that it fit me as naturally as the 1911, and I didn't like the trigger as much as the 1911, but it was a lot better for me in both regards than the Airweight.
I was not expecting to like the 1911s at all...but I did. A lot. They fit my hand just fine even though they're "full-size" pistols and I'm a smaller guy. The .45 didn't kick nearly as hard as I was prepared for. And they pointed very naturally for me and I was shooting very accurately with them even after just one magazine. Ambidextrous controls would be necessary for me, though.
The SR9 I was ambivalent about. I didn't find that it fit me as naturally as the 1911, and I didn't like the trigger as much as the 1911, but it was a lot better for me in both regards than the Airweight.
You know what's funny? I looked at pictures and it WAS the P95 that I shot. I had just remember it as a "Ruger 9mm" and glanced at their page when I got home and assumed it was the SR9...completely missed the P95. But that was a P95 that I used. Which makes sense, as it was about the same size as the 1911.
It wasn't the overall size that bothered me; if anything, a bit smaller would have been better. I just didn't like the trigger and I had more trouble being accurate with it...not sure if that's down to grip size/angle or the trigger or both.
It wasn't the overall size that bothered me; if anything, a bit smaller would have been better. I just didn't like the trigger and I had more trouble being accurate with it...not sure if that's down to grip size/angle or the trigger or both.
rskent
Member
Go with the G19
You are comparing a soft shooting easy to control pistol with enough capacity that you probably wont need to carry a reload to a not so soft shooting revolver with a long trigger press and less capacity.
I like revolvers too, but I can't understand why anyone would suggest that you would get anything but the Glock.
As a new shooter you wont even notice the quirks that all Glocks have. You will master the squishy trigger and the grip angle immediately. Its a little hard for people that have experience with other types of firearms, especially 1911s, to get used to the Glock.
For a general purpose pistol a Glock 19 is going to be hard to beat. They are way easier to learn to shoot well than any revolver or double action pistol.
You are comparing a soft shooting easy to control pistol with enough capacity that you probably wont need to carry a reload to a not so soft shooting revolver with a long trigger press and less capacity.
I like revolvers too, but I can't understand why anyone would suggest that you would get anything but the Glock.
As a new shooter you wont even notice the quirks that all Glocks have. You will master the squishy trigger and the grip angle immediately. Its a little hard for people that have experience with other types of firearms, especially 1911s, to get used to the Glock.
For a general purpose pistol a Glock 19 is going to be hard to beat. They are way easier to learn to shoot well than any revolver or double action pistol.
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