New guy here looking to buy his first gun
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Cousin Mike
Member
If you want a nice 1911 around $800, click here to check out some Springfield 1911's. Some nice guns in the price range you're looking at.
You can click here to look at some Sigs. Find something you like, and then look for it locally. You can always buy it online if you can't find what you're looking for near you.
You can click here to look at some Sigs. Find something you like, and then look for it locally. You can always buy it online if you can't find what you're looking for near you.
Nathan Williams
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Most self loading firearms feed from either a magazine, or a clip. A magazine is a spring loaded box that inserts into a firearm to feed ammo. A clip is a metal strip that holds the ammo to be inserted into the firearm usually a rifle. Most modern firearms feed from magazines. On a pumpaction or semiauto shotgun or certian types of rifles typically lever or pumpactions(also some .22lr semiautos) the long tube that runs under the barrel that holds ammo is also called a magazine. Not to nitpick I dont care what you call them, but I have seen some people torn to shreds over calling a magazine a clip.
keystone hog hunter
Member
ever one has a opinion... find the one that feels right to you take it home and start saving for the next...
Thanks for the info guys, I appreicate it. I have def learned alot here already. I didnt grow up in a family with guns , matter of fact I never hunted before. I def would like to take trips in the future and try it out. Mike, I was looking at this S&W. http://www.impactguns.com/store/022188082821.html.
I guess it doesnt come with any accessories?? I will call them today. BTW, is there a diff in cleaniing kits?? I would like to buy 2 magazines,storage and a cleaning kit. Anything i would need besides ammo?
I guess it doesnt come with any accessories?? I will call them today. BTW, is there a diff in cleaniing kits?? I would like to buy 2 magazines,storage and a cleaning kit. Anything i would need besides ammo?
I suggest before purchasing anything, go to a shooting range that rents guns and try out some. Try revolvers and semi-automatics. Many ranges will rent an entire caliber for $10. You won't know what you like until you try it! If you plop down your hard earned cash for a new SW1911, and decide you are not comfortable with a single action pistol, or carrying "Cocked and Locked", or that the .45 ACP cartridge has too much recoil for your style, you are going to eat some money trading it in on the Ruger GP100 .357 you really wanted in the first place - but didn't know it.
http://www.chuckhawks.com/index2b.handguns.htm
Also, Take a look at this site and read for a couple of hours. I am not saying it is the end all and be all of gun websites, but it does have fairly solid information, especially for the beginer.
Here is another decent article.
http://www.sportshooter.com/starting/gettingstarted.asp
One more suggestion.... training. An NRA basic pistol course is not only inexpensive, but will be a great foundation to learning safe gunhandling. Some instructors will even loan you a gun for the course, or teach it at a range that rents guns.
Click here for upcoming NRA training in Georgia.
http://www.nrahq.org/education/training/find.asp?State=GA&Type=
http://www.chuckhawks.com/index2b.handguns.htm
Also, Take a look at this site and read for a couple of hours. I am not saying it is the end all and be all of gun websites, but it does have fairly solid information, especially for the beginer.
Here is another decent article.
http://www.sportshooter.com/starting/gettingstarted.asp
One more suggestion.... training. An NRA basic pistol course is not only inexpensive, but will be a great foundation to learning safe gunhandling. Some instructors will even loan you a gun for the course, or teach it at a range that rents guns.
Click here for upcoming NRA training in Georgia.
http://www.nrahq.org/education/training/find.asp?State=GA&Type=
Awesome, thanks wqbang. I have rented a 1911 gun several times (springfield) 45 and a 357 revolver. the 45 does have a recoil to it without a doubt and it was comfy but then again i never tried a 22 or a 9mm. So i will be going to the range tomorrow to try several diff types. I have to say the revolver was the easiest to aim and was a little more accurate for me. Tomorrow will be fun and interesting. I am going to be reading up on this stuff tonight.
Ralph
Ralph
BryanP
Member
My advice: just take your time, try out a lot of different guns (either rentals or friends). Be sure you buy something that really fits you and your needs.
Everyone here was a gun newbie at some point. If you're not sure about something just ask.
Everyone here was a gun newbie at some point. If you're not sure about something just ask.
def, i dont want to blow money on something I am not going to enjoy. I have been going to the range several times now have not liked certain guns I have tried. I moved to GA 5 months ago so I dont have friends nor do I know anyone in the Firearms hobby. I come from NY and the gun laws there are very tough so none of ym friends had one. I didnt even bother trying to get a license due to cost,time and paperwork to fill out.
Ralph
Ralph
If you shot the revolver the best, sounds like you might have a great first gun. I recommend a S&W model 66 (can only get used since S&W stopped making them)or Ruger GP100. Both great guns, with multiple uses, very durable, attractive, and versatile (practice with .38's, carry .357's).
Cousin mike is right
But this can get confusing. For instance, a 9mm, 38 special, 357 magunm, 380 auto, and many others use the same diameter bullets, just different weights and cases. The 44 magnum and 44 special actually uses a bullet that is .429”. On the other hand, the 45 auto and the 45 colt do not use the same diameter bullets. That’s some of the more common rounds. When I first started shooting these were the things that confused me a bit. Keep asking questions here and you will learn a lot. There are a lot of very knowledgeable folks here who like to discuss this stuff, so don’t be afraid to ask questions. We love to see someone new to our sport enjoying themselves and willing to learn.
Be safe and always remember the “4 rules”.
Knoxx
But this can get confusing. For instance, a 9mm, 38 special, 357 magunm, 380 auto, and many others use the same diameter bullets, just different weights and cases. The 44 magnum and 44 special actually uses a bullet that is .429”. On the other hand, the 45 auto and the 45 colt do not use the same diameter bullets. That’s some of the more common rounds. When I first started shooting these were the things that confused me a bit. Keep asking questions here and you will learn a lot. There are a lot of very knowledgeable folks here who like to discuss this stuff, so don’t be afraid to ask questions. We love to see someone new to our sport enjoying themselves and willing to learn.
Be safe and always remember the “4 rules”.
Knoxx
BTW, if you are interested in getting a Concealed Carry license (not a bad idea, even if you don't intend to carry, because you will always have the option if and when you need it), go to http://www.packing.org and get all the information you need about getting a GA license. It should be easy and painless. GA is a "Shall Issue" state. They have to grant you a license if you meet the requirements.
stogiegila
Member
Being a newcomer to guns myself, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND taking wqbang's advice about going to the range and trying out the gun you are thinking about buying.
I wanted to start with a revolver, just because of ease of use and being intimidated with a semi-auto. The instructor at my range quickly brought me to the realization that a semi-auto was nothing to fear and could be managed easily.
I had my eyes set on a Glock, and had shot my friends a couple of times. However, at the time of purchase the salesman gave me an XD 9 to look at. I liked the way it felt and all the extra safety features on it, but had never shot one. I ended up purchasing it and fully regretted it. I could not shoot it accurately and didn't like the muzzle flip I experienced with it. I ended up renting a Glock G19 and what a world of difference. I sold the XD 9, at a significant loss :banghead: , but love my G19.
I caught the bug of owning a 1911, but again never shot one before :banghead: , I ended up buying a SA 1911 GI. Nice gun (felt a big big for my small hands), but liked it. A .45ACP does have a kick to it. I began thinking that instead of owning a huge collection of guns and having my wife kill me
, that I would trade in the 1911 for a revolver. I ended up buying a .357 Ruger GP100. AGAIN I NEVER SHOT ONE FIRST :banghead: :banghead: 
. I know I'm stupid!
The Ruger is a great gun and looks beautiful. Its a 4", which for someone my size, too big for carrying purposes. The .357 kicks more than any other gun I have shot. But .38s are like shooting a BB gun . Anyway, it was an impulse purchase that I feel was a mistake because I really wanted something smaller. A .38 snubbie would have been the right choice.
To make a long story short. My weapon of choice is my Glock. But you MUST shoot the gun you are thinking about purchasing because you will be amazed at how your impressions could change, once at the range. If you don't have the money to loose, definitely try it out first and force yourself to be patient with your purchase so you won't be like me :banghead: and make regrettable impulse buys.
Good luck on your search.
I wanted to start with a revolver, just because of ease of use and being intimidated with a semi-auto. The instructor at my range quickly brought me to the realization that a semi-auto was nothing to fear and could be managed easily.
I had my eyes set on a Glock, and had shot my friends a couple of times. However, at the time of purchase the salesman gave me an XD 9 to look at. I liked the way it felt and all the extra safety features on it, but had never shot one. I ended up purchasing it and fully regretted it. I could not shoot it accurately and didn't like the muzzle flip I experienced with it. I ended up renting a Glock G19 and what a world of difference. I sold the XD 9, at a significant loss :banghead: , but love my G19.
I caught the bug of owning a 1911, but again never shot one before :banghead: , I ended up buying a SA 1911 GI. Nice gun (felt a big big for my small hands), but liked it. A .45ACP does have a kick to it. I began thinking that instead of owning a huge collection of guns and having my wife kill me
, that I would trade in the 1911 for a revolver. I ended up buying a .357 Ruger GP100. AGAIN I NEVER SHOT ONE FIRST :banghead: :banghead: . I know I'm stupid!The Ruger is a great gun and looks beautiful. Its a 4", which for someone my size, too big for carrying purposes. The .357 kicks more than any other gun I have shot. But .38s are like shooting a BB gun
. Anyway, it was an impulse purchase that I feel was a mistake because I really wanted something smaller. A .38 snubbie would have been the right choice.To make a long story short. My weapon of choice is my Glock. But you MUST shoot the gun you are thinking about purchasing because you will be amazed at how your impressions could change, once at the range. If you don't have the money to loose, definitely try it out first and force yourself to be patient with your purchase so you won't be like me :banghead: and make regrettable impulse buys.
Good luck on your search.
As much as I would like to think that looks aren't important, they are. If you don't like the looks of a revolver, you won't be happy with it, and you won't want to use it. It is simple! Get what you want, AND what you can use. You may find, that like me, you come full circle looking at revolvers.
Cousin Mike
Member
Gnfanatic:
You're getting some good advice here - listen to these fellas
The range thing is something I highly recommend, but I'd like to add something.
PLEASE don't worry about buying the perfect pistol your first time!
Nobody has ever bought the perfect pistol their first time out... Well, except maybe my buddy gudel with his H&K, but that's pretty rare! I'd say the same thing about a Sig P220, if you like .45's, then work your way up to one.. After you shoot a Sig P220, nothing else will do!
Of course, these are our opinions, and yours might be totally different.
You're looking at great guns, and either one your buy should serve you well... If you have fired .45ACP, and .357 magnum, then you have nothing to fear - you've already shot the most powerful guns you're likely to shoot for a while. If the recoil and noise from a .357 magnum doesn't bother you, then I highly doubt you'll end up making a purchase you'll regret.
My advice, DON'T BE CHEAP! That's where you end up buying guns you will regret most times. My first 1911 was a GI model, and now I realize I should have just saved more money and got a nicer 1911... Do I hate my 1911? No way! I just wish I had spent more to get a model with more features. No biggie - just means I'll have 2 when I get my mind made up on the next one.
The price range of 1911's you're looking at is a great price range to start out with. You'll get the nice features that make a 1911 a pleasure to shoot, and something you can be proud of when you look at it. As for the 1911 you're looking at, I like it! What kind of accessories were you looking for?
We've all bought guns we weren't crazy about. Some folks, like me, are happy for a while and then need a change. I used to like the small calibers. .25acp, .32 H&R magnum, .380acp, 9mm... Now I tend to like the bigger stuff, and have several .45ACP's, two .357's, a .40S&W, etc... still a 9mm hanging around here somewhere though.
Your taste in guns, the things you like and don't like, might change over time. That's fine - but don't worry about making the ultimate purchase. There's no such thing. If you know you like something, then get it. I can't think of a better way to score your first gun. You can score a pistol cleaning kit at Wal-Mart or any sports store near you for next to nothing in cost.
As for the revolvers - it took me a LONG time to like the idea of one. I was all about my super high-capacity auto's with all the trims and fixin's. There's nothing wrong with that - that's the good thing about guns! There are just SO many choices that nobody should ever have to buy something they don't like.
Recently I've developed some kind of lust for revolvers that won't go away, so that's what I've been buying recently. You couldn't have paid me to believe you if you told me a year ago I'd turn into a revolver freak. Perfect example of how your tastes can change over time. Good luck! Get what YOU like, and sleep well at night. Shooting courses will also be a great help, and the more comfortable you get with your guns, and the better you get at shooting them, the more you'll want to look into carrying concealed - all this stuff comes with time. Work at your own pace - this is a lifetime thing and there's no rush. Have fun, and BE SAFE! That's what's most important for now.
You're getting some good advice here - listen to these fellas
The range thing is something I highly recommend, but I'd like to add something.
PLEASE don't worry about buying the perfect pistol your first time!
Nobody has ever bought the perfect pistol their first time out... Well, except maybe my buddy gudel with his H&K, but that's pretty rare! I'd say the same thing about a Sig P220, if you like .45's, then work your way up to one.. After you shoot a Sig P220, nothing else will do!
Of course, these are our opinions, and yours might be totally different.
You're looking at great guns, and either one your buy should serve you well... If you have fired .45ACP, and .357 magnum, then you have nothing to fear - you've already shot the most powerful guns you're likely to shoot for a while. If the recoil and noise from a .357 magnum doesn't bother you, then I highly doubt you'll end up making a purchase you'll regret.
My advice, DON'T BE CHEAP! That's where you end up buying guns you will regret most times. My first 1911 was a GI model, and now I realize I should have just saved more money and got a nicer 1911... Do I hate my 1911? No way! I just wish I had spent more to get a model with more features. No biggie - just means I'll have 2 when I get my mind made up on the next one.
The price range of 1911's you're looking at is a great price range to start out with. You'll get the nice features that make a 1911 a pleasure to shoot, and something you can be proud of when you look at it. As for the 1911 you're looking at, I like it! What kind of accessories were you looking for?
We've all bought guns we weren't crazy about. Some folks, like me, are happy for a while and then need a change. I used to like the small calibers. .25acp, .32 H&R magnum, .380acp, 9mm... Now I tend to like the bigger stuff, and have several .45ACP's, two .357's, a .40S&W, etc... still a 9mm hanging around here somewhere though.
Your taste in guns, the things you like and don't like, might change over time. That's fine - but don't worry about making the ultimate purchase. There's no such thing. If you know you like something, then get it. I can't think of a better way to score your first gun. You can score a pistol cleaning kit at Wal-Mart or any sports store near you for next to nothing in cost.
As for the revolvers - it took me a LONG time to like the idea of one. I was all about my super high-capacity auto's with all the trims and fixin's. There's nothing wrong with that - that's the good thing about guns! There are just SO many choices that nobody should ever have to buy something they don't like.
Recently I've developed some kind of lust for revolvers that won't go away, so that's what I've been buying recently. You couldn't have paid me to believe you if you told me a year ago I'd turn into a revolver freak. Perfect example of how your tastes can change over time. Good luck! Get what YOU like, and sleep well at night. Shooting courses will also be a great help, and the more comfortable you get with your guns, and the better you get at shooting them, the more you'll want to look into carrying concealed - all this stuff comes with time. Work at your own pace - this is a lifetime thing and there's no rush. Have fun, and BE SAFE! That's what's most important for now.
You guys are evry cool, I am glad I found this forum. Some funny story telelrs here to . I got to ask you guys a question about barrel length. I noticed or maybe it is the picture that the model 1911 I like looks like to ahve a longer barrel then the p229?? I guess these guns come in diff lengths which will help when it comes to carryign them etc?? what else does it help> i would think the longer barrel helps with stabability when it comes to firin?
thanks!
Ralph
. I got to ask you guys a question about barrel length. I noticed or maybe it is the picture that the model 1911 I like looks like to ahve a longer barrel then the p229?? I guess these guns come in diff lengths which will help when it comes to carryign them etc?? what else does it help> i would think the longer barrel helps with stabability when it comes to firin?thanks!
Ralph
Yes,
Typically, a longer barrel will prove more acurate than a shorter one (all else being equal). part of that is the fast that the bullet engages the rifling for a longer period of time, and thus the bullet is more stabalized. The other part is that you have a longer sight radius.
Also, a longer barrel will typiaclly produce higher a muzzel velosity.
Typically, a longer barrel will prove more acurate than a shorter one (all else being equal). part of that is the fast that the bullet engages the rifling for a longer period of time, and thus the bullet is more stabalized. The other part is that you have a longer sight radius.
Also, a longer barrel will typiaclly produce higher a muzzel velosity.
also, if you dont revolvers
give it time. They tend to grow on you with experience. As I got better, and more comfortable, I wanted to focus on accuracy. That’s when I started getting into revolvers. They will typically be more accurate than an auto of similar barrel length. The first time I fired a Colt Python, I fell in love. If you ever get a chance to shoot one, do it. But be careful, you might get hooked. You said that revolvers are ugly, and I would agree with you for the most part. But some are actually beautiful, IMHO of course.
Check out the python and tell me what you think. They are expensive, but I have never regretted buying any of mine. These guns have the best, and I mean the best (NO BS) triggers of any production gun.
Just my thoughts-
Knoxx
give it time. They tend to grow on you with experience. As I got better, and more comfortable, I wanted to focus on accuracy. That’s when I started getting into revolvers. They will typically be more accurate than an auto of similar barrel length. The first time I fired a Colt Python, I fell in love. If you ever get a chance to shoot one, do it. But be careful, you might get hooked. You said that revolvers are ugly, and I would agree with you for the most part. But some are actually beautiful, IMHO of course.
Check out the python and tell me what you think. They are expensive, but I have never regretted buying any of mine. These guns have the best, and I mean the best (NO BS) triggers of any production gun.
Just my thoughts-
Knoxx
Knoxx, my friend AJ in Canada has a colt Anaconda???? they dont make it anymore. it looks like to was machined out of a block of SS. Its artwork and it is freaking big. Problem is there is NO way in hell you can carry, looks like it must weigh 20 lbs! A revolver will be in my hands in the future but not for my first gun. I like the ss and black handle look, looks very modern and high tech.
as far as carry goes
good holsters make all the difference in the world. a smaller/ lighter gun is more comfortable to carry, but I carry my full size 1911 comfortably. The trick is finding a good holster. I'm 5-11 180, and I can do the full size without a problem. The 1911 carries will because it is pretty flat (i.e. not thick). I find for carry purposes, a thin gun with a 5" barrel is easier to hide than a thick gun with a 3" barrel. But thats just me.
good holsters make all the difference in the world. a smaller/ lighter gun is more comfortable to carry, but I carry my full size 1911 comfortably. The trick is finding a good holster. I'm 5-11 180, and I can do the full size without a problem. The 1911 carries will because it is pretty flat (i.e. not thick). I find for carry purposes, a thin gun with a 5" barrel is easier to hide than a thick gun with a 3" barrel. But thats just me.
Yea
the anaconda is beautiful. I use my Pythons for target and hunting. My other 6" has taken 3 nice bucks with one shot. 2 were about 35 yards away, and one was almost 60.
For your first gun I think that you have two great choices in mind already. Try a few out, and see what you like best. 1911 or sig, you will be happy either way. Listen to cousin Mike: DON'T BE CHEAP. you are better off buying a good solid gun.
the anaconda is beautiful. I use my Pythons for target and hunting. My other 6" has taken 3 nice bucks with one shot. 2 were about 35 yards away, and one was almost 60.
For your first gun I think that you have two great choices in mind already. Try a few out, and see what you like best. 1911 or sig, you will be happy either way. Listen to cousin Mike: DON'T BE CHEAP. you are better off buying a good solid gun.
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