Need some helpful advice....first post ever

[xtralogic]

Hi everybody this is my first time posting ever....anywhere!!!! First off want to say its been very helpful reading all the good info on this form....Ok..little background....i have always been interested in guns and recently diecied to get one....well being the type of person i am i new i was not going to just go out and grab one so i started the process of going from novice to non-novice as far as seeing what i should get...i have read almost as much as i can from all sources ...net....mags...tons of form post....reviews...people i know and work with...and i have finally narrowed it down to a short list after going to the range where everyone will be glad to here i tried a lot of them out like so many recommend and also took a safty class...i feel very good about where i am at knowledge wise and now i need to pick one(for now).....this is where it gets fun and really hard to choose at the same time because i do not have a lot of room for error due to money and will not be able to go out and grab a second right away $$:banghead:......i do plan to get my carry permit by the end of the year....that keeps messing with my choice a bit....ok... where i stand as far as what i am looking for

first- safe and reliable
second- home defense with possible carry in mind
third- capacity...im really on the fence with this because i really agree with the whole "that is not as important as accuracy and practice...."
forth- $$..for my first one i dont want to skimp...but cant spend a whole lot :banghead:
fifth-want something sub-compact/j-frame

Choices-iv looked at a lot...shot quite a few and i know everyone has there top pick and these are what i like as far as feel...features...looks..and other things. no special order...please tell me what u think....good/bad about them..what would u would pick and why? i know u guys can help...sorry so long winded

xd subcompact
s&w 642/442(either)
sig 239
sp101 2" spurless

 

[Doodler]

+1 on the XD
+1 on the sp101

I own both. I wear the XD primarily when I open carry, more of a political statement than anything else, and IWB the sp101 for conceal. My Ruger still has the hammer, but will have it bobbed and the trigger lightened soon

 

[mnrivrat]

Well - no bad ones in the bunch.

You will be well armed with any of the 4 choices given and between them comes the little details of personal preference ,more than effective usage differences.

Some last considerations might give an edge to one vs the other. Such as , if you are going to carry ,there is a size and weight difference. All the guns mentioned can be rather easily carred in one method or another , but some can fit certain type of carry easier. For example the S&W's would be my choice for pocket carry over the other two. (size and weight). If you waist band holster carry, then not so much of a difference.

The difference between auto's and revolvers are apparent and again a personal matter driven by ergonomics, and personal taste, and beliefs. They both work well for personal protection in my opinion.

I carry a revolver - but mine is not spurless , or so called hammerless. My preference , that doesn't mean your choices are somehow worse or better than what I happen to be comfortable with. I carry a 13oz revolver for pocket carry - my choice. If I went to holster carry at the waist I may well choose somthing different.

 

[chieftain]

All the weapons on your list are solid quality weapons. Any one of them will in general cover the list you stated of your requirements.

Of the four I would recommend the SIG 239 in 9mm. Although the "largest" of the group, that is one of the reasons I would suggest it.

Number one requirement for any fighting weapon is reliability, in fact it should be the first three reasons to choose any weapon. All four of weapons you list are, are stone reliable.

Next is shootablility, FOR YOU PERSONALLY. I would NOT recommend starting a new shooter on a 'J' frame revolver. I bought my first 'J' frame over 40 years ago. They are some of the most difficult revolvers to shoot well I only have 3 left in my collection, a 642, 638 and a 940. When I did get my first one, I had been Carrying a Government issued 1911 in 45acp for 2 years, at the office so to speak.

Both the XD and SIG are much easier to shoot well, particularly for a tyro, than any revolver will be. And I started shooting S&W revolvers over 50 years ago, bought my first new Ruger Revolver in 1971, that blue Security Six cost me $101.97 out the door brand new in the box, but it had a 4" barrel.

So I would suggest the SIG 239, Springfield XD, Glock 19, S&W 9C (compact) (all of them in 9mm).

Every one of these guns are worn for concealed carry regularly by hundreds of thousands of people. None of them are difficult to carry concealed with a quality holster and belt.

Now picking the right holster for yourself, that is hard. Do not skimp on your belt or holster either. Most of us who have been in this game for a while could buy a bunch of guns for what we have spent on holsters over the years. Buying a good holster FOR YOURSELF, is really hard, and ultra personal.

Remember quality training, is not a luxury, it is a requirement. You will not become a knowledgeable and effective gun fighter without it and quality practice and drill.

Good luck, and welcome to the club.

Fred

 

[Kind of Blued]

First of all, welcome to THR and to gun ownership. It is a practical truth that we don't, and can't have a cop following us around. Your safety is your own job.

On that note, there are reliable guns, there are unreliable guns, but there's no such thing as a "safe" gun. That is also your job. The fact that you took a safety class is great. As long as you learn those issues properly and employ them, there can be no such thing as an "unsafe gun" either.

As far as your choices go, here's what I think.

The revolvers won't be as fun to shoot at the range given their DAO triggers, but if it's your only gun, you'll get a lot of practice in, and you'll certainly be able to overcome the initial difficulty that a DAO trigger provides.

The 642 will be appreciated if you want to pocket carry or just avoid extra weight, the SP101 will be appreciated for defense considering you're good to go for magnum loads.

I don't think you can go wrong with either, but weighing the advantages/disadvantages I mentioned might point you in the right direction.

I don't think you could go wrong with either autoloader either. We could go into the finer side of things, but without practical/personal experience, those issues might not help you make up your mind. I'm talking mainly about concealability/comfort in concealing and carrying a single-stack pistol versus a double-stack pistol. Neither would be particularly difficult to conceal, but some people prefer one or the other. Seeing how each feels in your hand, side by side, can help you decide in this regard if that's an option. Mastering the DA/SA trigger on the Sig also provides a bit of a hurdle to someone who is new to handguns when compared to the XD's consistent trigger.

Those are my thoughts on them, but really it's a wash. They're all great guns. I'd probably base the decision on ammo prices/availability in your area, the issues I pointed out above, and your feelings on each of them. Some guns I like more than others just because they look nice, and they feel nice in my hand. Not much to it.

Either way, I would suggest getting a .22LR handgun ASAP after acquiring one of these. You'll be able to practice the fundamentals of handgun shooting for dirt cheap, and you'll have just as much fun. For that reason alone, I might suggest excluding the Sig, using the extra money to put toward a .22 pistol, but Sigs are really great guns, and I'd hate to dissuade you from one if that's what feels right to you.

Good luck! Let us know how it goes!

 

[SigP229R]

++on everything Cheiftan said and ++++on the sig 239, I have the 229 in .40 and it is rock reliable and dead bang accurate and it is also easy to take apart, clean,and reassemble. If you do get the Sig you cna go to their website and look at the videos of how to do this and the guy explaining it is very clear. Anyway matters not which one you wind up with in the end just remember always assume a gun is loaded and safety is always #1. Good luck on whatever you choose.

 

[christcorp]

1st gun; safety; reliability; combination carry/home; etc... get a good quality used revolver. Preferably in the 357 magnum caliber. 3" is better than some snub nose. It will be easier to shoot and less recoil. Shoot 38 specials for practice and fun. Work your way up to 357 magnum via 38 special +P for defense. You can get a good quality used revolver in the S&W and Ruger brand for $300-$400. Check out gun shops; especially those that also do gunsmith work. Build a rapport with your gun dealer/gunsmith. Then, whether you decide shooting is just for defense and you're really not going to get into it also as a hobby; or you go real deep into it; you'll have a great first gun that can be used for multiple purposes and won't kick your butt.

Don't buy some cheap POS and try working up. It's better to buy the good quality up from. There are great deals out there. Anyone that tells you buying a gun NEW is the only way to go, doesn't understand firearms. You can get much better deals in the used gun department. And they don't wear out like a car with 200,000 miles on them. Good luck.

 

[xtralogic]

thanks everyone so far this is all good stuff here...hopefully today i am gonna go and put some money down....i will let everyone know when i get it and post....im sure ill be at the range right out off the bat and out of the box...please keep the advice movin everyone i really appreciate it

 

[hardluk1]

You covered it when you said ,,small/ something j-frame like.. Go with a j frame ,used if you can pick up one for a good price also maybe a 22 of the small size for cheap practice. For a new shooter or old, there is nothing wrong with 5 rounds that go bang ever time unlike some autos. Less to learn and easier to learn control with a revolver. You can buy a standard wieght j type size revolver that weighs around 21 oz and then the aluminum/SS at 15oz and the really expensive at 11ooz. Practice with light loads and carry +P loads. If i miss 5 shots ,,I'm gone.

 

[Madcap_Magician]

Unfortunately I can't help you there because you picked four excellent guns.

I own the 642 and I find it to be a great carry gun. IMHO the recoil is not nearly as bad, even with +P, as people make it out to be, and for me, at least, it's dead accurate up to 25 yards. More accurate than I am, at least.

I own the DAO 2.25" barrel SP101 as well, and it's great. Worse trigger than the 642, but also built much tougher. Harder to carry, unless you have very generously sized pockets, it's mostly a belt gun, while the 642 goes easily into a pocket.

 

[David E]

I disagree on the Sig 239 due to the long, hard trigger pull for the first shot. While not impossible to master, it takes some doing.

Consider the aforementioned XD (also in 4", easy to carry in proper holster) M&P (again, both compact and duty size) or Glock 19 or 17. All in 9mm

 

[KBintheSLC]

xd subcompact
s&w 642/442(either)
sig 239
sp101 2" spurless

Welcome... you seem to be on the right track to becoming a responsible gun owner. Of the choices you offered, all would make excellent defensive weapons. All 4 are very reliable, you just need to decide if you want an auto or a revolver. They both have their pros and cons. Autos have more capacity, faster reloading, and seem to be easier to shoot accurately with at first. Revolvers are trusty, simple, and low-maintenance. Of the 4, I have a P239 in 9mm... love it. However, I am picking up a 442 as soon as I can find one locally. I think you should try to rent some of these options at the local shop/range if possible. See what feels best, and go with it. Best of luck.

 

[CAPTAIN MIKE]

I Agree

I think you've covered the list adequately. I personally prefer a Kimber CDP II 1911 for daily carry.