Justifying next purchase ...
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Mastrogiacomo
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Female shooter here -- I have two compact Beretta M which I love. My permit won't allow me to carry really so this is it given the restrictions of what I can buy. Berettas are a great, inexpensive gun that are a hell of a lot of fun. The 9mm will give you plenty of range time as the Winchester value pack makes it easier on the pocket. It's also fantastic for home defense and if I had the right to buy the 92FS -- it'd be in my collection, one in black and the other in inox.
However, unemployed going on three years yet I was able to save enough for two Berettas. Don't regret a thing and love the guns.
When you're out of school, and hopefully have a job -- a Sig would be a great next gun or a Glock 19 or a H&K or a .....
However, unemployed going on three years yet I was able to save enough for two Berettas. Don't regret a thing and love the guns.When you're out of school, and hopefully have a job -- a Sig would be a great next gun or a Glock 19 or a H&K or a .....
Beretta
I was considering the Beretta, but its dimensions put it way down on the 'points' list for me. It is the thickest (slide width) gun I am considering at 1.5" and the heaviest at 30.9 oz. I think the berettas are beautiful guns and will some day have one, but for carry, I think I have some lighter, more concealable options. I am probably going to go with the S&W 908s or 3913. Thanks for the replies!
I was considering the Beretta, but its dimensions put it way down on the 'points' list for me. It is the thickest (slide width) gun I am considering at 1.5" and the heaviest at 30.9 oz. I think the berettas are beautiful guns and will some day have one, but for carry, I think I have some lighter, more concealable options. I am probably going to go with the S&W 908s or 3913. Thanks for the replies!
mainmech48
Member
If you want/need pure utility-for-the-buck, then one of the 3 -4" K-frame Smith or Ruger Security Six .357 revolvers will be hard to beat. As Tejon said, there're a lot of them out there in great shape at fire sale prices.
It still gives you the widest spectrum of ammo choice options for recreation or defence of any single weapon. They're extremely rugged and reliable. Accessories and upgrades are cheap and universally available.
There are compact 9x19 choices out the Wazoo. Virtually every manufacturer makes a variation or seven. Go to the next "1500" show in Indy and handle as many different models as you like. Chances are you'll run across something that meets all of your criteria and feels good in your hand.
There are lots of options for 9x19 defensive ammo, from "standard" pressure to +P+. When it comes to practice/plinking ball ammo, no other centerfire is cheaper or more plentiful. It's also the one handgun caliber that you're almost certain to be able to find SOME kind of ammo for anywhere in the world.
I've been carrying an old Star M43 "Firestar" 9x19 as a mild weather "primary" for many years. There are many newer, lighter, "tricker" models now, but I can't seem to part with it. It's been 100% reliable functionally with a wide assortment of ammo, puts an entire seven round magazine of 124 gr. Hydra Shoks into about 3 1/2 - 4" dead-on POA as fast as I can shoot it at 20 yds, and all of the controls work exactly like my beloved 1911's. The extra weight makes it a bit more of a load to carry, but make it extremely easy to shoot well quickly.
9x18 Makarovs and .380s have their adherents. For a bargain-basement CCW, the Bersas and the Maks have some merit. The sights on the Makarovs plain suck: they're tiny, shiney, and really hard to pick-up quickly. That can be remedied, but it's medium expensive and not your kitchen table project. Younger eyes than mine might get away with some enamel on the front blade. I only spent $115 for a like-new Bulgarian a couple of years ago. I didn't find out just how accurate it could be until I had a set of standard-dot XS sights put on it in a fit of extravagance. With Hornady's new HP load, it'd do.
For a rimfire, since you already have a 1911, you can get one of the excellent Ciener .22 conversion units for about $200. Very accurate, reliable, and great fun. Practice with your 1911 for $0.02 per round!
If it's any comfort to you, most of us are in the same boat with you: so many choices; so little cash!
It still gives you the widest spectrum of ammo choice options for recreation or defence of any single weapon. They're extremely rugged and reliable. Accessories and upgrades are cheap and universally available.
There are compact 9x19 choices out the Wazoo. Virtually every manufacturer makes a variation or seven. Go to the next "1500" show in Indy and handle as many different models as you like. Chances are you'll run across something that meets all of your criteria and feels good in your hand.
There are lots of options for 9x19 defensive ammo, from "standard" pressure to +P+. When it comes to practice/plinking ball ammo, no other centerfire is cheaper or more plentiful. It's also the one handgun caliber that you're almost certain to be able to find SOME kind of ammo for anywhere in the world.
I've been carrying an old Star M43 "Firestar" 9x19 as a mild weather "primary" for many years. There are many newer, lighter, "tricker" models now, but I can't seem to part with it. It's been 100% reliable functionally with a wide assortment of ammo, puts an entire seven round magazine of 124 gr. Hydra Shoks into about 3 1/2 - 4" dead-on POA as fast as I can shoot it at 20 yds, and all of the controls work exactly like my beloved 1911's. The extra weight makes it a bit more of a load to carry, but make it extremely easy to shoot well quickly.
9x18 Makarovs and .380s have their adherents. For a bargain-basement CCW, the Bersas and the Maks have some merit. The sights on the Makarovs plain suck: they're tiny, shiney, and really hard to pick-up quickly. That can be remedied, but it's medium expensive and not your kitchen table project. Younger eyes than mine might get away with some enamel on the front blade. I only spent $115 for a like-new Bulgarian a couple of years ago. I didn't find out just how accurate it could be until I had a set of standard-dot XS sights put on it in a fit of extravagance. With Hornady's new HP load, it'd do.
For a rimfire, since you already have a 1911, you can get one of the excellent Ciener .22 conversion units for about $200. Very accurate, reliable, and great fun. Practice with your 1911 for $0.02 per round!
If it's any comfort to you, most of us are in the same boat with you: so many choices; so little cash!
Safety First
Member
Sig p-239.. no surprise there,huh?
Mastrogiacomo
Member
Not every pistol is thick -- the Beretta M is a very slender grip and the mini-cougars are great too. The Sig is another nice choice and all come with a slender grip and in 9mm option which you'll find is the cheapest ammo for the range. However, it's your decision and ultimately your money. I'm sure you'll make the right choice for your needs. Best of luck.
Stevie-Ray
Member
Well since you're a "poor college student" and carry is not really an issue, I am torn between the Glock 19 and the Ruger 22/45. Both would be cheap to shoot. The .22 would be a tad more fun, and cheaper to boot, while the Glock is probably a bit more practical. But yet, I always say, a person needs at least one good .22.
:banghead:
:banghead:
Mastrogiacomo
Member
I'd go with the Glock 19 -- you can always come back for the Ruger and in the meantime, you have a great defense gun. I agree with your statement that if he's a poor college student, why bother with carrying. A good home defense gun is the better way to go and a 9mm will allow plenty of time at the range to get good...but's my 2 cents worth.
1
12.7x99mm
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1911 for me
PATH
Member
I shall probably be buying a revolver for my next handgun purchase. Hmmmmm, now which one should I get? It wil probably be a used one as I like to get a bargain and the classics are so much fun to own and shoot!
BulletinBoardToughGuy
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I vote Sig!
The Sig 225 is a great weapon, but the limited capacity gets old. I would recommend the 228 as it is about the same size, but you can stuff an extra 5 rounds in each clip. The 225 is a great carry gun, though. I should know, my wife and I each carry one everyday... but I am still saving for a 228.
The Sig 225 is a great weapon, but the limited capacity gets old. I would recommend the 228 as it is about the same size, but you can stuff an extra 5 rounds in each clip. The 225 is a great carry gun, though. I should know, my wife and I each carry one everyday... but I am still saving for a 228.
cratz2
Member
I don't know if you've made a decision, but I would probably skip the full-size 9mm for now. You already have a full size gun and a fine one at that (assuming it runs right) that should allow plenty of shooting.
I'm not a big fan of revolvers other than snubbys for carry so I'd also skip the revolver for now as well.
If you can't conceal the 1911 or if you would rather not (and I understand this, I just switched from a 1911 to a Kahr P9 as a carry gun) then I can see chosing the compact 9mm but I would suggest to try to carry the 1911 for a while - say, for a year. Get a good holster and belt. Hopefully, it will work out for you and if not, it will certainly make you appreciate the compact if you decide to go with that.
In the mean time, you could either get a Ruger MKII or a conversion for the 1911. Shooting will be way way cheaper than even the cheapest 9mm and if you go with the conversion, you will have the added benefit of being able to practice with your carry piece. I'd suggest the conversion.
If you haven't already, I'd suggest you ask around at every local gunshop if there are any local smiths that do trigger work for a reasonable cost. If not, and you're still in Indiana, there's a guy that works at Plainfield Shooting Supplies in Plainfield, just west of Indy that does very decent work for little cash and he's usually done in two days. You could even pick up a different trigger if you'd prefer a different one. If he's going to be doing some trigger work, ask him to polish the gun up a bit inside and do a reliability job. And if you're gun is anything short of 100% reliable with a good carry ammo (Gold Dots, Golden Sabers or Rangers) I'd suggest you get at least three 7-round MetalForm magazines with rounded followers.
PM me if you want the guys name and phone number.
I'm not a big fan of revolvers other than snubbys for carry so I'd also skip the revolver for now as well.
If you can't conceal the 1911 or if you would rather not (and I understand this, I just switched from a 1911 to a Kahr P9 as a carry gun) then I can see chosing the compact 9mm but I would suggest to try to carry the 1911 for a while - say, for a year. Get a good holster and belt. Hopefully, it will work out for you and if not, it will certainly make you appreciate the compact if you decide to go with that.
In the mean time, you could either get a Ruger MKII or a conversion for the 1911. Shooting will be way way cheaper than even the cheapest 9mm and if you go with the conversion, you will have the added benefit of being able to practice with your carry piece. I'd suggest the conversion.
If you haven't already, I'd suggest you ask around at every local gunshop if there are any local smiths that do trigger work for a reasonable cost. If not, and you're still in Indiana, there's a guy that works at Plainfield Shooting Supplies in Plainfield, just west of Indy that does very decent work for little cash and he's usually done in two days. You could even pick up a different trigger if you'd prefer a different one. If he's going to be doing some trigger work, ask him to polish the gun up a bit inside and do a reliability job. And if you're gun is anything short of 100% reliable with a good carry ammo (Gold Dots, Golden Sabers or Rangers) I'd suggest you get at least three 7-round MetalForm magazines with rounded followers.
PM me if you want the guys name and phone number.
JeepDriver
Member
My vote is for the .357 Mag.
If you are not carrying it then size isn't an issue.
You have a nice 1911 already, which is another must have pistol.
You can find a used 357 for a really good price and have extra money for ammo. Which is another reason.
The 357 can shoot the cheaper 38 Special and 38 +p ammo
A stainless 4" S&W M66 or 686 is a mean looking gun!! It has that look about it. It means businness!
If you are not carrying it then size isn't an issue.
You have a nice 1911 already, which is another must have pistol.
You can find a used 357 for a really good price and have extra money for ammo. Which is another reason.
The 357 can shoot the cheaper 38 Special and 38 +p ammo
A stainless 4" S&W M66 or 686 is a mean looking gun!! It has that look about it. It means businness!
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