May I Glean Some of your Experience? (Handgun Purchase Help)

[golden]

BERETTA 92 Compact

Of all the guns that I have shot and carried, this BERETTA 92D Compact is the one that fits my hand the best and is most accurate for me.
I carried the larger BERETTA 96D on duty for 8 years, so I am very familiar with the trigger, operating requirements, sights and handling.

That said, I have carried the GLOCK 17 and 19 and the SIG 226 on duty.
I would rely on any of them. I prefer the simplicity and light weight of the GLOCK design and think the GLOCK 19 may be one of the most versatile handguns ever made. It is the right size for concealed carry, but still easy to shoot.

I would also consider getting a model with a light/laser rail. I really think a light is a great feature.

I can also recommend the SPRINGFIELD ARMORY XD9 series. They feel a little better in my hand than the GLOCKS and shoot very well for me. The XD9 Sub Compact has been absolutely reliable.
Another favorite is the WALTHER P-99. I loved the handling of this gun. The grip is superb.
If I were going to buy a SIG, I would go with the 228 (out of production) or 229. They are about the same size, but the 229 has a stronger slide to allow it to handle .357 SIG and .40 S&W chamberings.

I would avoid the .40 S&W unless you are going to get some training or really practice a lot.
In my opinion, the greater recoil requires more experience than the 9m.m., which is really mild in a mid weight gun (around 28 to 34 ounces).
My duty gun is an H&K P 2000, which has mild recoil for a .40 S&W, but is quite expensive.

The most important thing is how the gun shoots for you.

Good luck,

Jim

 

[easyg]

1) If you could own 1 handgun - what you own and why?

Ruger SR9c.

2) If you have both a Sig and a Glock - what do you like/dislike about each?

The Glock is more affordable for the average shooter.
And every shot is the same with a Glock (no heavy long DA initial shot).

3) As far as Sigs - is it worth the extra money to go to elite, tacops, etc...or is it a waste of $ in your opinion?

IMO....no.

4) Are Sigs and Glocks good for years and years or do they have problems wearing out, breaking down, cracking - I mean more than routine maintenance stuff.

Both are incredibly durable.

5) Are there other quality handguns remotely close to my price range that I should look at?

Ruger and CZ.

6) Used or new? (remember lifetime gun)

New, always.

Knowing just the little tiny bit of info about my situation - what do you think sounds like would suite me best? (even options not listed).

Ruger SR9c

 

[Snowbandit]

Hard to imagine having to chose one gun, to do everything, for the rest of my life. If you can't be talked out of the autoloader in 40 S&W I'll have to agree with the guys suggesting the Beretta 96 series. The Beretta is a great gun but the 40 S&W is a nasty little cartridge. It recoils too hard and can intimidate new shooters. I really agree with the guys suggesting a good quality revolver. The L-frame Smith & Wesson is a good choice and the N-frames are worth having a look at. If it was me, after LOTS of fussing, I feel fairly confident I would chose a 4-inch Smith & Wesson model 629 in the Mountain Gun configuration. The 44 Special ammunition is effective for defense and learning without intimidating. The Magnums will take most any animal on the planet. The gun is a little large for concealed carry and a little small for a belt gun in hunting situations. It's all a compromise and that would be my choice.

 

[Tallinar]

I'd have to +1 to the .357 mag DA revolver with 4" barrel. Will accomplish everything you've stated to want to do, and with unmatched versatility.

But if you are dead-set on an automatic, the Glock 19 is about as good as it gets for a general purpose automatic.

But what do I know. I tote only single action revolvers nowadays, and my next gun will be another .45 Colt New Vaquero for concealed carry.

 

[jgiehl]

For 850 you could buy a new or used GP-100 and have a few hundred left over for ammo and a holster. And that is one tough revolver. I've put mine through the ringer. Round count is probably not as high as others but my psychotic reload count is MUCH higher than it should be. They're like the old Timex, takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin'.

 

[BCRider]

If the pennies are as tight as you're saying then I would suggest considering staying with 9mm. It's not much cheaper but it IS cheaper so that means more shots per dollar of your monthly ammo budget. And given how you want to use the gun 9mm mostly for amusement at the range(s) in your area 9mm would just go a bit farther dollar wise.

Other than that I'll also echo the suggestion of looking at some of the 4 inch barrel .357 revolver options. But if you're not into wheelguns then you're not into wheelguns.

Have you looked at CZ's at all? The basic 75 has been around for a long time. They shoot nice and from my experience with the two I've got they do not need a lot of fussing with them outside of normal cleanings. And since you seem to care about such things they are all steel and I think that they look pretty darn nice as well. Best of all they are priced at what sounds to be more in line with your budget.

Another nice "one gun only" option would be an STI Spartan in 9mm.


Another way to increase your options for guns would be to get into reloading in at least an inexpensive way. It sounds like you have more time than money so a simple single stage reloading press where you can produce maybe a couple of hundred rounds an hour isn't going to be a bad thing if it allows you to reduce your cost per shot in the long term. For 9mm it's not woth reloading but if you were to go with the "classic" option of .45acp and a 1911 then reloading your own compared to buying factory ammo would soon pay for the equipment and after that you'd be reloading for half or slightly less the cost of factory. But a lot of this will depend on how much you shoot and what caliber. You'd need to look at the cost of a simple reloading setup and what caliber you choose and the costs of going both ways and decide for yourself if you'll shoot enough to warrant a reloading setup.

 

[Bullet Bob]

If you would post a general description of where you are, like "central NC", maybe some friendly member would meet you at a range and let you try out a few.

 

[jad0110]

1) If you could own 1 handgun - what you own and why?

Easy, a 4" .357 Magnum revolver. Specifically my 4" Ruger Police Service Six. It balances nicely and feels great in my hands. It is exceedingly durable, and is just compact enough for me to carry every day. I shoot it better than most anything else, and the gun doesn't barf brass all over the landscape (I reload). With proper loads (157 or 180 grain hard cast wadcutter), it'll take any game animal in my region, including hogs.

2) If you have both a Sig and a Glock - what do you like/dislike about each?

Can't really answer, I don't own either. But I've shot both and tend to do better with Sigs, as they feel more natural in my hands. Holding a Glock still feels like holding a 2x4 to me, but they are still nice guns. OTH, CZ-75s and Browning HiPowers feel better still, as autos go.

3) As far as Sigs - is it worth the extra money to go to elite, tacops, etc...or is it a waste of $ in your opinion?

Can't really answer, not familiar with the specific Sigs you mention.

4) Are Sigs and Glocks good for years and years or do they have problems wearing out, breaking down, cracking - I mean more than routine maintenance stuff.

Honestly, most guns these days will last a lifetime or 3, revolver or auto. Both should give years of trouble free service, though I'd still change out the mainspring every few thousand rounds, maybe the mag springs too.

5) Are there other quality handguns remotely close to my price range that I should look at?

In an auto, I'd say CZs, Springfield XDs, HKs, S&W M&P, etc. They are all reputable brands. Plus I'll throw the revolver recommendation in there as well, esp S&Ws and Rugers.

6) Used or new? (remember lifetime gun)

Used. Definitely used. If you don't like it, you can always sell it for about what you paid for it. Just give it a good once over and buy from a reputable source. Though I will admit I am much more comfortable buying revolvers used, as the "revolver checkout" sticky in the revolver forum is pretty much universal across all makes, with but a few brand specific differences.

A lot of people seem to think that buying a 30 year old gun is like buying a 30 year old car. Two completely different things. Several of my carry guns are 30 years old and older, and they run and operate perfectly.

7) Knowing just the little tiny bit of info about my situation - what do you think sounds like would suite me best? (even options not listed)

Sorry, can't help you there. All I can say is that I wouldn't rule out a good wheel gun for your purposes.

 

[bcp280z]

A .40 is a swell choice, I second the M&P40 just as sturdy and reliable as a Glock, only more comfortable, less felt recoil and no accessory needed to shoot non jacketed rounds, I highly recommend you check one out. I personally prefer an HK over a Sig but if you're into DA/SA since your main intent is not carry, that may be fine. Have you heard of FN FNX/ FNP? they are to me, affordable USP's.

Sig's from my limited experience are not as reliable as Glocks, and their parts will run you a little bit more should something occur.

Most .40s can convert to 357sig and 9mm, M&P has yet to have a 22 conversion.

 

[Byrd666]

So here's my questions: based on your experiences -

1) If you could own 1 handgun - what you own and why? - If I HAD to choose only (1), it would without a doubt be a 1911 .45 ACP. The stopping power alone is worth it. And the durability as well as most parts and pieces being interchangeable makes it worth looking into. It is not really a plinker though

2) If you have both a Sig and a Glock - what do you like/dislike about each? - A Glock just doesn't feel right to me, so of the two, Sig gets it. Both are reliable and well made, but..

3) As far as Sigs - is it worth the extra money to go to elite, tacops, etc...or is it a waste of $ in your opinion? - Personal preference

4) Are Sigs and Glocks good for years and years or do they have problems wearing out, breaking down, cracking - I mean more than routine maintenance stuff. - - I've got a good friend of mine that has had his Sig for well over twenty years and has yet to have a problem. I've read of and heard from the factory guys that 100,000 rounds are not all that uncommon for either brand. You be the judge on that.

5) Are there other quality handguns remotely close to my price range that I should look at? - S&W, Bersa, Taurus, Rock Island Armory, Springfield Armory XD and XDm models, Ruger to name just a few that I've personally owned or have handled.

6) Used or new? (remember lifetime gun) - Depends on brand, brand warranty, some only cover original owner, cost and personal preference.

7) Knowing just the little tiny bit of info about my situation - what do you think sounds like would suite me best? (even options not listed) - - I don't like Glocks myself but, they are well made and last almost forever. The Sigs. are the same. As well as H&K and SA. Taurus has a lifetime warranty but they have Horrible customer service.

Most modern firearms are going to last long past your lifespan, and even if it's not "printed", most manufacturers will warranty the product for a lifetime. So I guess what I'm trying to say is, purchase the weapon you'll feel most comfortable with and enjoy it.
Oh yeah, go with the Sig. I just hate the way the Glock feels.

 

[orionengnr]

Since you are talking "one gun for life" and list defense against animals as one of your prerequisites, go back and re-read posts 6 and 7 carefully.

There is no more versatile platform than a 4 or 6" .357 mag revolver. From primer-ony wax bullets to real live fire-breathing .357 Mag loads, no other platform comes close.

The best part is, for your budgeted price you could get a nice S&W 686 for about $500, and have plenty left over for a used single stage press and dies, a reloading manual, a modest scale and caliper, 1000 once fired cases, several thousand primers, powder and 1000 lead projectiles.

 

[goon]

I don't own a SIG or a Glock now, but I have owned several of both in the past. The best shooting handgun I've ever owned was a SIG P-225. I wish I had kept it. I've had a couple P-226's and while strictly speaking they were reliable, they also have a certain range of ammo that you'll need to stick with in my experience.
The Glocks just freakin' ran, but I don't like how Glocks hand the the .40 S&W. IMO, the S&W M&P and Springfield XD both handle the .40 round a lot better than either Glock or SIG, but a Glock is fine in 9mm.
If I could only own one handgun for the rest of my life, I think I'd have to take either a 3" Ruger SP-101 or a 4" adjustable sight GP-100 in .357 magnum. It would be a hard choice to make. Either would easily fit your price range and if you're not looking to carry much concealed, I'd take the GP-100 and get used to the weight. But I will say that the gun I have that actually gets used the most is the SP-101. I carry it a lot, take it with me hiking or camping, pretty much always have it when I travel, stuff it in my pocket when I have to go outside at night, and plink with it quite a bit. It digests everything I put in the chambers without hesitation and shoots most ammo to about the same point of aim, which is dead center and just a bit high at 25 yards. To me, it's the best combination of power, versatility, size, and shootability I have found. The potential that I could find something better does exist, but I don't think I'll ever sell my SP-101. (FWIW, I originally had two identical SP-101's but sold one to try something else out. The SP-101 worked better than what replaced it.)

In your price range, you should also consider the Springfield XD series and the S&W M&P, probably both in 9mm.

 

[Wrage]

Thanks for all the replies - there is a wealth of info here!!! Based on what I am hearing - sounds like I have several good options for long lasting quality handguns. That is very reassuring to hear.

Even though I am not "set" on a .40 - I lean toward the more snappy caliber just because I like the feel of the recoil (my favorite caliber I have shot is my Uncle's .50 Mag - man that was sweet! That is just too much on the price tag for ammo! ) I am a reloader already too and I have been saving any .40 cases I have found for the past 10 years - so I have a good number of cases ready to go

I grew up with revolvers (my dad, uncles, and grandpa all have .357, .41. 44. and .50 S&W Revolvers) and they are definitely fun to shoot - but I just like the auto loaders better - just a preference thing, and don't worry - even though I am not a handgun owner - I have been shooting them for since I was a kid (I'm 40 now) with everyone from firearms instructors to police officer friends and DNR friends, etc... and my dad was (and is) huge on safety.

What I think I really need to do is take some of these suggested handguns (I have made a list of all suggestions) and go in to our gunshop and give them all a good handling and compare. Some of these I have never fired or handled so I appreciate the suggestions. Perhaps narrow it down to 2 or 3, then find someone who has them and shoot them. By the sounds of it, there are lots of quality firearms, I just need to find the one that "fits" me best - is that an accurate statement? I think my main fear was buying a "lemon" but by the sounds of it - not too many lemons out there with a good reputable brand, very reassuring.

It is good to hear that some of you have had the same 'trigger issue' as I do with the Glocks and overcame that - still it's not a DA/SA but I'll just have to factor that in to my decision. I like the idea of a no-rust polymer - but I really like the weight and feel of steel (is there a Steelolomer out there? ) And while I was very strongly leaning toward new (and still probably am ) if I find a good deal on something 'gently used' I will definitely be more open to that than before - someone said 100k rounds? I think that should be good

Again I say thank you to everyone who posted - I know there is so much subjectivity to this type of post, but your answers even though varied really give me some good overall insight into this "potential purchase" Thanks I really do appreciate it!

 

[jimk0512]

If I were you, I would buy 2 handguns.

The first handgun would be either of the Glock or Sig that you mentioned. Both fine handguns that will last your lifetime. I see that AIM Surplus has the Glock 22 used for $369. http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=F1GLK22G3&name=Glock+22+.40cal+Handgun&groupid=3 I'm guessing you will pay about another $40 to $50 for shipping and for the fee to your local FFL. Most police trade in Glock have holster wear, but are good shooters. Now, I have shot both Glock and Sig in 9mm, but I own a Springfield Arms XD9. It fits my hand better that the Glock, and I'm not a fan of DA/SA triggers. To each his own.

The second handgun would be a 22 rimfire. I have a Ruger Mark III 22/45 that I really like, but other folks will surely come along and suggest their favorite. I would use the 22 rimfire pistol to learn to shoot, and for the target practice you mention. My Ruger will shoot inexpensive bulk ammo all day long. A new Ruger Mark III 22/45 is available most places for about $280 OTD. Used should be less, but how much depends upon where you live.

These two handguns together will cost less than your budget. The 22 rimfire will be inexpensive to shoot, and you will have the larger caliber for self defense.

 

[SigP229R]

First palce never owned a Glock so cannot give an opinion on them one way or the other. Sigs on the other hand I own Two an P229R and a P6 they are both great pistols and they are one of the easiest pistols to break down and clean. As far as the elite vs standard and some of the other versions I can't say about that. If you will drop in over on Sig Forum there are lots of guys over there with lots of knowledge on all the versions and will be glad to help you. However Glock and Sig are both deadly reliable and accurate.They are about equal in that respect.

 

[goon]

I second the idea of two handguns.
Within your budget I'd look for a new S&W M&P 40 or Springfield XD series in .40 - since you prefer that caliber. I think both are more controllable than the Glock 22 in .40. IMO, the Glock 23 is more controllable than the G22 - but I realize that won't make sense to anyone else since the G22's larger size should make it more controllable.
If you're looking for a used Glock though, I'd hit CDNN's site and download their catalog to see what they might have in stock. They're one of my preferred online gun/accessory/magazine sources.

I'd spend the rest on a .22 semi-auto of your choice. I like the Ruger MKII and the Browning Buckmark. It may stretch your budget slightly to get both new, but shopping used is fine too if you're dealing with a reputable shop that will stand behind used guns.

 

[Dnaltrop]

+1 for the CZ-75, they feel great in the hand. Used the world over.

+.5 for the M&P, Mine is in my lap right now (dry firing snap caps off and on while I rest the hips). It shoots INCREDIBLY well, and I don't have to worry about the baby peeing through her diaper and soaking a good steel gun... But I don't consider my M&P to be a gun my grandkids will salivate over. I'm happy I own it. I'm happy to pass it around at the range to the Glock and HK guys. I won't shed a tear for it when/if it passes into the realm of unusability. I Do however have the options to use after market Storm Lake barrels to convert to .357 sig, or to 9mm with the barrel and different magazines. ( as do many glocks, and springfield XDs)

+10 for a good .357/.38 revolver. Gussy it up, you have a BBQ worthy gun in many cases, keep it simple and you have a field gun that can be turned to multiple purposes and myriad loads. Supreme reliability. Speed loaders can have you back in action rapidly. And as a teaching tool, there's less to screw up over a 1911.

My little sister and myself both started on a SW Model 10 .38 from a VERY early age( also an inexpensive, VERY gushing-praise worthy model, $200-300 for a used police one you'll never regret buying), her preferred gun is her nickel Ruger Redhawk .357 with .38 +p loads on the farm for Coyote.

Personally I prefer single action shooting, and a Super Blackhawk in .45 colt, .44, or .41 mag keep swirling around the brainpan as an eventual hunting pistol for my soon-to-be-brother-in-laws feral pig trips.

As you're now a member of the Reloader club, the bigger bore revolvers can be adjusted by load for comfort, or utility.

Good luck Neighbor.

 

[jad0110]

I am a reloader already too and I have been saving any .40 cases I have found for the past 10 years - so I have a good number of cases ready to go

Maybe some .40 cal Glock owners can chime it, but IIRC I've heard some reloaders complain that .40 Glocks have a tendency to ding up brass more than other .40s to the point that case life is reduced. Again, you might want to check into that for yourself, I could be mistaken. I do know that Glock advises against shooting lead, unjacketed ammo in their pistols. Apparently, lead and polygonal rifling doesn't mix. To me, not being able to use lead ammo is a big handicap as a reloader. You may not mind that, but it is something to be aware of.

 

[antiquus]

If this was a one time purchase, and I was worried about my family's finances, I'd buy caliber than was cheap to shot, or easily reloadable. Cheap is 9mm. Easily reloadable is a straight walled revolver cartridge, and the .38/.357 is about ideal.

If it had to be an auto, I wouldn't pass up looking at an XD9, a S&W M&P or CZ P-07. A Glock would be fine, provided you shot one first and liked it, too many people have issues with the grip angle. If you really want something to hand down to the kids, buy a S&W .357 or Ruger GP100 in stainless, it will be around in 100 years.

 

[catnphx]

If conceal carry is not the goal, then I too would go with a 4-6" .357 S&W revolver. Make it all steel with no internal lock and you are good to go for life. Range ammo is .38 but carry a full load of .357 for HD/SD.

Good luck!!

 

[Justin123]

I like the para ordnance double stack .40's so far it's my favorite gun.

 

[BCRider]

If this was a one time purchase, and I was worried about my family's finances, I'd buy caliber than was cheap to shot, or easily reloadable. Cheap is 9mm......

If you're reloading then the only difference in cost round to round is the cost of the bullet itself. Yes 9mm is cheapest of all but .40 and .45 is only a couple to three pennies more per bullet. Primers and powder is all pretty much the same. So if Wrage is willing to reload then ammo cost will not only go down anywhere from somewhat to "WOW!" depending on the caliber compared to factory.

For example the difference between .38Spl and .357Mag is purely a penny or so for powder. The primers and bullets are the same. Yet the price difference between these two rounds when factory loaded is horrendous.

 

[Quoheleth]

Post #42 is good stuff.

My choices would not include a Glock or Sig. Glocks don't fit my hand (size of grip and grip angle) and Sigs don't fit my wallet.

Since you want an autoloader, while they might not make "heirloom" status, my three picks would be Ruger SR40 (I own and carry the SR9c every day), a CZ75 (I own the CZ85 in 9mm and love it), and a Taurus 100. All are good values and leave you lots of cash for ammo/components or a .22 autoloader.

Q

 

[Smaug]

For the same reasons folks are recommending a 357 Magnum revolver, and because you're set up to reload, I would recommend a 44 Magnum revolver, probably a Ruger Redhawk, 5.5" barrel.

As a fellow reloader, I can tell you that it is BRILLIANT, not having to chase brass. Also, it has a MUCH wider envelope than 357 Magnum. As a reloader, it won't cost much more than 357 Magnum, but has a lot capability. It can be loaded down to 38 Special levels for easy target shooting. It can be loaded to full power levels for hunting bear or deer. It can chamber 44 Special defense ammo, which most folks would agree is superior to 38 Special and maybe even better than 357. I don't know if you have any risk of running into bears in northern lower MI, but 44 Magnum is far and away the better bear defense caliber. 44 Magnum will also satisfy your occasional want for big recoil.

Aside from the brass-fetching advantage of a revolver, no spring changes are needed to go from high power to low power. They tend to be more accurate at longer ranges, as well. (fixed barrel/sights)

You would have to buy some brass or ammo at first, but it lasts PLENTY long with the lighter loads you will enjoy the most. In several years of ownership, I'm still on my first batch of brass, even with Magnums. (which I shoot about 15% as often as Specials)

The one big thing a 44 Magnum revolver gives up to an auto pistol is that it cannot be adapted to other calibers just by changing the slide, barrel, and recoil spring.

However, I bet with careful shopping, you could get a clean used Redhawk in 44 Mag and a clean used 22 auto pistol.

As a second plan, I think the 10mm w/ 22 conversion from EAA is a great idea. You'd have full power 10mm, to which you could add a simple 40 S&W conversion later, or just use your 10mm brass with a lighter recoil spring for reduced power 10mm loads. Then a 22 conversion to really round things out.

I have a hard time buying into the "one handgun" concept, because I think 22LR is necessary, but also inadequate for self defense.

Glocks are good guns, but not for everyone. I tried one, a Model 34 in 9mm. It is the competition model; supposedly improved from the ever-popular 17. But I never could get myself to like the trigger, either in terms of physical feel (the lever in the middle of the trigger) or in terms of action. (spongy feel, I found hard to shoot with proper target level accuracy) One shouldn't have to get used to a gun he didn't like to begin with.

Another point in favor of having a 22 is that you can afford to shoot more. There are precious few times you can't afford an $8 100 ct. box of high quality ammo.

I reload 44 Magnum, and without casting my own bullets, and neglecting the initial cost of brass, I load a box of Specials for about $10 and magnums for maybe $13. But $10/50 is still a lot more than $8/100. If you are willing to give up some consistency, you can get a box of 500 rounds of 22 for $17 or so.

Hold out for a used Redhawk, and save your pennies a bit more and get a 22 also.

When I was first starting out, my local gun shop owner said: "forget about 45 for now. Get a good 22. You can afford to practice and get your shooting up to snuff. THEN get the 45, and you will already have good habits." I followed his advice and bought a used Ruger Mk. II Target. Saved my pennies for a bit, shot a lot, and bought a new Ruger P90. (this was back in '97) It was the best handgun purchasing advice I've ever had.

 

[Smaug]

Adding the Visual Aids:

Ruger Mk. II target, with a not-too-shabby 25 yard group with bulk ammo:



My own Redhawk is a stainless 7.5" model in 44 Mag, but I would have preferred a blued 5.5" model in the same caliber. This is what came up used; I believe it cost $550 used, including a Leupold scope, a few years ago. This one is easier to shoot accurately beyond about 8 yards than the 5.5" version, due to the longer sight radius, but a bit long for a home defense gun.

Pictured with the gun are some of my deer hunting loads that I rolled. A full load of Hodgdon H110 under a Hornady 240 gr. hollow point.