Getting my one handgun

[khukuri]

I'm new here and just looking for some info from the people who know. I'm not really sure I'll be able to contribute much to these forums, since I'm pretty uninformed, but I'd appreciate any thoughts. Maybe this kind of general buying question is over-asked, but I guess everyone has their own personal situation.

Basically, I live in Korea (not US Army) and am planning to return stateside soon. I'd like to get a handgun for personal protection and for fun and practice upon returning. I don't see myself having more than one, and probably won't have a ton of money to spend on it. That being said, I'll give some options I've been thinking of and would be thankful for any advice people have. I have shot rifles quite a bit in the army reserves and my own Mossberg .22 but the only pistol was an HK USP once rented at a range. I've done Internet research on this, but getting feedback from shooters would be helpful. Thanks in advance.

Two qualities that are important to me are something I'll enjoy shooting and something that will be good for self defense and that could be carried concealed.

The gun I'd really like is a .45 1911 from Springfield. It seems to fit into my price range, I like the history of the model and it seems like it would be a fun gun to shoot. I guess the drawback is that from what I've read a full sized 1911 is not comfortable for daily carry and the smaller ones are less reliable. Do people generally agree on that? Other people say a 1911 is not a great gun for beginners. I feel like I could just grow into it, but any thoughts on that aspect?

The other option would be a smaller revolver. I'd be comfortable with a SW or Ruger in .38 or Charter in .44. I do want something reliable, so a revolver is attractive, but maybe one of the smaller ones just wouldn't be fun to shoot at the range over the long term.

I know I haven't really narrowed down my options. I suppose the main thing I'm dealing with is either my dream gun (the .45) or the practical one. Thanks again for any feedback.

 

[mcdonl]

Good luck, both good choices. I would not worry about the reliability factor either. Modern made pistols are reliable.

Be prepared... the thread will give you a lot of information and great ideas. It will also spark an argument between the striker fired vs 1911 guys, and... well.. a caliber fight may break out too.

Just make sure you make time to practice with whatever your choice is and you will do fine!

 

[REAPER4206969]

There is nothing wrong with a 1911. I carry one much of the time. I recommend a Glock 19 or 23 however.

 

[JTQ]

A lot of folks will no doubt chime in about a 1911 being overly complex for a first time owner, but I disagree. It is more complex than a Glock, but if you are starting with a 1911 you will not have the reference point of something easier and it should work out just fine for you. You won't have to unlearn things from other designs.

It's kind of like the difference between a manual transmission car and one with an automatic transmission. Sure a manual is harder to learn than auto transmission, but if you started out with a manual transmission car you just assume thats what driving a car is all about and don't think anything about it.

Lots of people carry full size 1911's. They are slim and conceal well. They are quite a bit heavier than a Glock though, so be sure you get a good gun belt and holster if you plan on carrying one.

Good luck.

 

[Quoheleth]

First, welcome to the forum!

Second, since you have very little handgun experience, I hope you are able to find a range that has various options for you to try before you buy.

There's nothing wrong with a 1911. I carry an officer's model (think "compact" - shorter slide and grip frame) on weekends and days off. Love the gun, but even with a thick gun belt I still have to "hitch" my pants up if I walk a lot. It's relatively thin and powerful, and I shoot the platform well. I think it is a good choice. By the way, I have both a full-size Government model, the Springfield Loaded ($800+) and the Rock Island Armory Officer ($450). The Loaded has been carried once...too big for me.

In revolvers, you have do deal with the cylinder. But, you will have a greater choice of ammo selection with certain guns. For example, if you pursue a Ruger SP101, a 5-shot .357 Magnum, you could load it with very mild .38 Special wadcutters (which hover around 700 fps and give very light recoil) all the way up to full-house .357 Magnum that will almost double that velocity. I carry a Ruger LCR, the lightweight polymer .38 Special, as my daily go-to-the-office gun. It's light and I shoot it well - two very important characteristics for me as I was looking.

There are lots of guns. Take your time when you get back stateside. Shop, shoot, and compare. Others will add their thoughts. I might make a final suggestion: find a few models you really like and then come back here and ask more questions about those specific models. Helps narrow down the playing field a bit...

Good luck and safe travels,
Q

 

[GRIZ22]

Your choices show thought and may be what you feel is what you need or desire. The 1911 does require more training than some other guns to use and carry safely. If I had to choose one handgun for all purposes it would be a 4" 357 magnum. Big enough to shoot well but still concealable, wide variety of factory loads available, and you can use it for hunting up to deer size and an adequate SD gun with 38s or one of the best with magnums. It will do anything a 45 ACP or 44 SPL will do and some better. S&W, Ruger, or Taurus depending on your budget and likes. I like the L frame S&W or GP100. K frame size guns will work but are not as durable.

 

[easyg]

Two qualities that are important to me are something I'll enjoy shooting and something that will be good for self defense and that could be carried concealed.

Once you get State-side go to a range that has a good selection of rental guns and give them all a try (as your $$$ permits).

Some handguns that I think you might like for shooting, self defense, and concealed carry are:

The Glock 23 and the S&W M&P40c.

 

[David E]

The Mil-Spec 1911's are not the most comfortable gun to shoot. This is due to their unfriendly edges and hammers. Many folks experience hammer bite with the mil-spec versions. The same gun can be made to be extremely comfortable to shoot by adding enhancements, such as a beavertail grip safety. You could do these mods as time and budget allow.

A 1911 is a very good gun. If I could have only one handgun, it would be a 1911. But it's not the best choice for a first time handgun owner.

Instead, for your stated uses, I'd look at the Glock 17, the Springfield XD-9, or S&W M&P, all in 9mm.

(btw, you're unnecessarily painting yourself in a corner saying that this would be the only handgun you'll own. If you're interested in guns at all, then you'll buy more than one.)

 

[Ed Harris]

Here are two balanced articles which discuss the semi-auto versus revolver decision:

http://shilohtv.com/?p=5304

http://shilohtv.com/?p=4966

 

[khukuri]

I appreciate all the replies. I took down some notes. Who knows, in the end maybe I'll end up with a 1911 and a revolver. For now it's just dreaming, though, until I get home.

 

[ilikepancakes]

You'll be fine starting with a 1911 as long as you go shoot it. It's not some mysterious super weapon for pros, it's a handgun. Learn how to operate it, then learn how to shoot with it. You'll need to do this no matter what you buy.

A revolver is a good option too, but just saying don't get deterred by some myth about the 1911 being too advanced if that's what you end up wanting.

 

[LoneCoon]

I appreciate all the replies. I took down some notes. Who knows, in the end maybe I'll end up with a 1911 and a revolver. For now it's just dreaming, though, until I get home.

That's thinking like a gun owner!

I do actually recommend getting both. You can lay hands on a 1911 and a .357 revolver for less than a grand and have two really nice firearms to show for it. What the 1911 won't do the .357 will pick up on nicely.

 

[easyg]

You'll be fine starting with a 1911 as long as you go shoot it. It's not some mysterious super weapon for pros, it's a handgun....

....but just saying don't get deterred by some myth about the 1911 being too advanced if that's what you end up wanting.

I agree 100%.
After all, for decades the military taught complete novices how to shoot and maintain the 1911 in just a few days time.

 

[Gunfighter123]

Welcome to THR !!! Lots of good replies to your post. Here is my reply;

I know I haven't really narrowed down my options. I suppose the main thing I'm dealing with is either my dream gun (the .45) or the practical one.

Your DREAM GUN IS A "Practical One" !!!!



EDIT --- if you do get stateside and get to a range and use one of their rental guns -- remember -- how do people treat a rental car ??? A WHOLE LOT of "rental guns" are misused and not maintained as well as when a " citizen " ownes them !!!