Newbie looking for a carry self-defense pistol.

[Tuxedo.Bond]

Hey guys, I'm new around here. I know almost nothing about firearms, but I figured I need to start somewhere, and this looked like a good place.

1: My price range is $300-700, preferably somewhere around $500 or less. I will pay up to the maximum if it's really worth the extra.

2: I am 5' 3" 127 lbs(lean), small framed, and have small hands. (Oriental)

3: I'm looking for a self-defense pistol that I will carry in a holster on the belt. Concealed carry is mostly irrelevant to me (I'm under 21), however weight is fairly important, so lighter would be better, but that also increases felt recoil?

4: I wear mostly loose clothing that is normal fit, as well as clothes that is a little baggy.

5: No revolvers.

6: I know I want a pistol in 9mm, 40 S&W, or 45ACP/GAP. I'm not sure which. Having cheaper ammunition would be helpful, because I'm poor. I don't want a caliber picked because of my entry skill level. If a caliber is harder I will learn to handle it properly eventually.

7: I would like a higher then 10 round capacity, if possible, while retaining a grip and weight that is suitable for my criteria. An extended handle magazine such as with the XD series is acceptable.

8: I like polymer weapons. I would much prefer a polymer pistol. However, I was told by an ex-cop firearms collector maybe-gunsmith, that polymer pistols tend to have more problems then a metal pistol, unless you get to the $1000 and up range. Fact, fiction, or plausible opinion?

9: Double action, single action, etc. I don't know the usability difference between them. Any reasons to get a particular one?


I also need to find a good place to be taught in the use of a pistol. Any suggestions? I figure I will have problems getting to hold the pistols in my hands before purchasing, and the purchase itself because I am under 21. If the shop has a federal firearms license then I will not be able to purchase from them, correct? And no potential business from me means I will be an unwanted guest at their store.

I can't think of anything else to type here. I made this message while I was very tired, so if it sounds messed up or if I left anything important out, I apologize.

 

[Black Majik]

Glock 19.

 

[Thernlund]

8: I like polymer weapons. I would much prefer a polymer pistol. However, I was told by an ex-cop firearms collector maybe-gunsmith, that polymer pistols tend to have more problems then a metal pistol, unless you get to the $1000 and up range. Fact, fiction, or plausible opinion?

Fiction for the most part. I wouldn't be concerned about this at all.

I also need to find a good place to be taught in the use of a pistol. Any suggestions?

Where are you geographically?

I figure I will have problems getting to hold the pistols in my hands before purchasing, and the purchase itself because I am under 21. If the shop has a federal firearms license then I will not be able to purchase from them, correct?

That's right.

And no potential business from me means I will be an unwanted guest at their store.

I wouldn't say that. Gun people are usually really nice folks. And just because you can't buy a gun doesn't mean you can't be a customer (accessories, training classes if they offer them, ect.).

Right off, I'm thinking Glock 19 or 23. Stoeger Cougar in 9mm or .40S&W would be a fine choice as well, and not as "run-of-the-mill" as a Glock.


-T.

 

[Defensory]

Welcome!

I would recommend the Springfield XD Compact .45 ACP.

http://www.springfield-armory.com/xd.php?version=111
http://springfield-armory.primediaoutdoors.com/SPstory11.php

Depending just how small your hands are, virtually all the high capacity polymer semi-autos might present a handling problem for you, regardless of brand.

I've owned both XD's and Glocks, and I much prefer the ergonomics of the XD. A person with real small hands would have a hard time with the grip and grip angle on the Glock, in my firm opinion.

Go to all the gun shops in your area and handle as many different brands of polymer pistols as they have available. Then decide for yourself which one feels the best in your hands. You don't have to tell the people in the gun shop how old you are. There's no law against somebody under 21 just handling them. If you can pass for a 21 year old, go for it.

Avoid the .45 GAP round, but any of the other calibers you mentioned would be fine.

 

[jgo296]

id back the glock 19

 

[jocko]

kahr

kahr pm9

 

[Pilot]

CZ-75D PCR
CZ P-01
Sig P228
S.A. XD-9 compact
Glock G19

All of these will serve you well. Don't chose a pistol just based on its composition. Choose one that fits you best and that you can shoot well.

 

[Rico567]

+1 on what "Pilot" said. Best thing to do is try to find some way to shoot as many of those as you can before you buy. My personal choice? Glock 23.

 

[DWARREN123]

GLOCK, 19 (9mm) or 23 (40 S&W). These are compacts, they also come in service size (bigger) or sub-compacts (smaller).

 

[Ninja42]

9: Double action, single action, etc. I don't know the usability difference between them. Any reasons to get a particular one?

Double action implies that two things happen when you pull the trigger; the fireing mechanism is cocked AND released, dropping the striker/hammer and thereby activating the primer on the cartridge. Double action is generally considered safer for carry as the hammer/striker is not under tension above the cartridge, and because it is hard to pull the long and heavy trigger by accident. The downside of this design is that the trigger pull will make it more difficult to hit your target.

Single action pistols are cocked when you rack the slide, and thus only need to release the hammer when the trigger is pulled. This makes the trigger mechanism require a much shorter and lighter pull, thus making the pistol easier to fire accurately. SA pistols are not nessecarily less safe than DA pistols, but many people feel uncomfortable about the hammer being under tension above a live round.

I personally prefer DA/SA triggers, that function like SA triggers exept that the hammer can be de-cocked and function like a DA trigger on the first shot. You, however, sound like you need to take a look at the GLOCK compacts. The G19 in 9mm or the G23 in .40 sounds like they would cover your needs perfectly. Keep in mind that the G19 is chambered in the cheapest centrefire cartridge avaliable, that is a clear advantage for those of us who are on a budget

 

[Ltlabner]

Pay the extra money to get a weapon you can rely on. We're talking about your life here...isn't it worth a couple extra hundred bucks to make sure the weapon goes bang when you want it to? $500 is getting you into more weapons you can count on, IMO.

I know someone will jump on now and say they've carried XYZ brand of el-cheepo for 3 years and never had a problem. Or someone will say I've put 150 rounds through my budget weapon X. I'm talking about a weapon you can practice with and put tens of thousands of rounds through without failure or breakage.

More expensive guns quit too, no doubt. But with my life, I'd rather spend the extra money to get something that has a far lesser chance of breaking at the exact wrong moment.

The idea that a polymer weapon has more problems is pure bunk. All handguns are machines and subject to failure. Some fail far less than others (Sigs, Glocks, etc) while some fail far more often (Kel-Tec, Raven, Tauras) statistically speaking.

9mm is a good choice for because of the low cost of ammo. This means you can practice more and actually learn how to shoot. The recoil is mild so you'll pick up fewer bad habits from learning to shoot on it (due to recoil anyway). The JHP self defence rounds in 124grn +P are suitable for self-defence carry.

Other than that, talk to lots of people and read some magaizines. Take it all with a grain of salt and then go to your local gun range, with your parents if needbe. Most ranges have weapons you can rent. Work out a deal where you can try a bunch of different weapons to see which ones feal the most comfortable, which ones you shoot best with, etc.

At a certian point you have to go with a weapon you feal comfortable with, can shoot accuratley, that fits your budget and you can reasonably count on to go bang when you need it to.

Good luck.

 

[spyderdude]

I suggest you find a gun store with employees that will treat you with respect, and show you as many guns as you wish to see, and then if possible go to a range that rents out guns, and try before you buy. I like Glock pistols for their quality, reliability accuracy, ease of use and cleaning, selection of accessories, and holsters. So find what fits you best, as there are tons of guns to choose from, and find a gun store or range that conducts firearm classes in your area.

If you wish, you can also find a private seller that is selling a gun that has what you want. The 21 law only applies to FFL dealer purchases. There is no law saying you need to be 21 to buy from a private seller.

Good luck to ya and be safe!

 

[jddssc121]

S&W M&P compact. Only $499

 

[ScottyT]

I would say either a Glock 30 or a Springfield XD 45 Compact, both are incredibly reliable and durable. If at all possible, shoot a Glock and an XD to decide which style you prefer. I can't hit the broadside of a barn with a Glock, but the XD feels like it was custom made to fit my hand -- There are people who feel the opposite.

Try as many as you can! $50 in rentals is completely worth it to figure out what is most comfortable for you.

 

[ar10]

If you have small hands the .45 APC will probably be too big at the grip. I'd stay away from the 45GAP. Ammo is hard to get and if you can get it it will be expensive.

I like the xd's and have a few of them including the GAP. My carry is either the 40SW 4" or the 9mm 3" semi's. I don't know what you want for a holster but if it''s OWB than most of the ones I've seen look pretty good. I prefer Blade-Tech for IBW.

 

[Griz44]

My choice was a Kimber Ultra II compact 45 in the 3" barrel (1911 style). Fits my wifes hands very nicely too, has a narrow profile. Easy to hide, very reliable. Cost would be in the upper range of your price, but still in the ballpark. Only does 7+1 on the clip, but if you practice, only takes a couple to do the job. Capacity of 10+ means double stack magazine, then it does not fit small hands so well. Carry an extra clip no matter what you choose. Happy hunting, looking for that new piece is always an exciting time. (for me at least!)

 

[david_the_greek]

I was in your situation a few years ago, this was my experience. I was lucky enough that some ranges in my area rented handguns (though I'm not sure if they were supposed to rent to me...) so I shot a few name brand ones before making a decision. Next I scoured the online classifieds (here, on ar15.com, and on my local Migunowners.org) If its instate you're good to go with a purchase permit (in Michigan). I chose the CZ PCR for my first. It has an alloy frame (lighter) and has over all smaller dimensions than its big brother the CZ 75. The gun has been great and is good fun to shoot. No ammo is cheap anymore but the CZ is in 9mm so it's not *too* painful to shoot. It carries 14rnds in the mag and fits my hand like a glove. That being said, I like my 1911 better. Its .45, VERY thin (IMHO), an easy shooting gun and a gun that is easy to shoot well. Be prepared to deal with flak and harassment for open carrying (I hope thats what your plan is! Otherwise wait the extra 2-3 yrs, not worth the jail time and loss of gun rights!). Sad that an honest citizen is hassled for practicing their rights On a side note I just picked up a S&W 642, if you are interested in eventual carry... DAAAAMN it hides well. I was a skeptic of the 5rnds but what the hell hopefully if there is more than one they will get scared if the see their buddy injured/shot. Train like you'll have to use it and pray you never will.

 

[kerank]

Glock 19 or Glock 26.

9mm would be my recommendation. Cheap to practice. Effective and efficient cartridge for self-defence. Easy to control.

 

[toocool]

Glock 19.
__________________
-Richard

Yep.

 

[Monkeybear]

Glock 19

 

[Tuxedo.Bond]

Where are you geographically?

Central Florida, USA.

Depending just how small your hands are, virtually all the high capacity polymer semi-autos might present a handling problem for you, regardless of brand.

Are the polymers usually thicker then the traditional metal pistols? I'll post some pictures of my hands next to a ruler soon to give you guys an idea of the size.

You don't have to tell the people in the gun shop how old you are. There's no law against somebody under 21 just handling them. If you can pass for a 21 year old, go for it.

Once in the not so distant past(last year), I was trying to get friendly with this 22 year old girl. Things were going fairly well until one day she asked me if I was 14. I was 18 at the time... >_>

Don't chose a pistol just based on its composition. Choose one that fits you best and that you can shoot well.

I'll take that advice. The polymer is just a preference(I like the feel).

Pay the extra money to get a weapon you can rely on. We're talking about your life here...isn't it worth a couple extra hundred bucks to make sure the weapon goes bang when you want it to? $500 is getting you into more weapons you can count on, IMO.

I will pay the extra money for reliability. Although I can afford the $500 much easier then $700 as of now and the future.

Most ranges have weapons you can rent. Work out a deal where you can try a bunch of different weapons to see which ones feal the most comfortable, which ones you shoot best with, etc.

I forgot about that option. There used to be one a few miles away from me. I'll have to check if they are still open and rent pistols.

I suggest you find a gun store with employees that will treat you with respect, and show you as many guns as you wish to see, and then if possible go to a range that rents out guns, and try before you buy. So find what fits you best, as there are tons of guns to choose from, and find a gun store or range that conducts firearm classes in your area.

I know there are two firearm shops one mile away from me and a short distance apart. I've never been in them, but I think one of them had a sign advertising gun lessons. Also, how would I be able to try out guns at a shooting range if I have no experience? Maybe they sell extra services for guidance?

If you wish, you can also find a private seller that is selling a gun that has what you want. The 21 law only applies to FFL dealer purchases. There is no law saying you need to be 21 to buy from a private seller.

That seems like my only option. I hope it's not too expensive of an option though.

Be prepared to deal with flak and harassment for open carrying (I hope thats what your plan is! Otherwise wait the extra 2-3 yrs, not worth the jail time and loss of gun rights!).

That's what I plan. It would be lame to be arrested on those charges. I'm also ready to deal with the pestering, but I still intend to shop Wal-Mart with my pistol on me.


How much of a price difference is there between comparable ammunition for the 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP rounds?

 

[frogger42]

1: My price range is $300-700, preferably somewhere around $500 or less. I will pay up to the maximum if it's really worth the extra.

There are plenty of good choices in this range. You will not a problem with the budget. However, keep in mind that buying the gun is only the beginning. Then, you will need a cleaning kit, holster, extra mags, ammo, upgraded sights, range time, training, etc... That is where your budget will get nuked.

6: I know I want a pistol in 9mm, 40 S&W, or 45ACP/GAP. I'm not sure which. Having cheaper ammunition would be helpful, because I'm poor. I don't want a caliber picked because of my entry skill level. If a caliber is harder I will learn to handle it properly eventually.

Stick with 9mm for your first gun. Not because it is easier or anything like that. Because it is a respectable self defense round, but the ammo is cheaper. Cheaper ammo means you will practice more and all the stopping power in the world doesn't mean a thing if it misses.

8: I like polymer weapons. I would much prefer a polymer pistol. However, I was told by an ex-cop firearms collector maybe-gunsmith, that polymer pistols tend to have more problems then a metal pistol, unless you get to the $1000 and up range. Fact, fiction, or plausible opinion?

Horse pucky. Some of the most reliable weapons out there are $500 polymer guns.

9: Double action, single action, etc. I don't know the usability difference between them. Any reasons to get a particular one?

I like a trigger pull that is consistent. That means the 1st, 2nd and last shot have the same trigger pull. That leaves single action, double action only or striker fired as good options. This is really personal preference though.

For all your requirements, I believe a Glock 19 will meet your needs the best. It is easy to use, easy to maintain, durable, reliable, and just a generally great gun.

 

[bwavec]

Check out the HK USP Compacts: 9mm, .40 S&W or .45 ACP. They are reliable accurate and able to take a beating. The .45 is the larger of the three, with the 9mm and .40 being the same size. A LEM DA trigger is popular, but the standard configuration is SA/DA. There are used ones out there for about $500. I have been happy with mine.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

8: I like polymer weapons. I would much prefer a polymer pistol. However, I was told by an ex-cop firearms collector maybe-gunsmith, that polymer pistols tend to have more problems then a metal pistol, unless you get to the $1000 and up range. Fact, fiction, or plausible opinion?

Fiction. I don't even know of many $1000 polymer guns, except for the big H&K .45s the size of small suitcases. And my Glock 19 and S&W M&P - both $500-ish polymer guns - will shoot all day. Speaking of the M&P, I would highly recommend this one to you. Especially if you fit the small grip backstrap, it should fit your hands better than the Glock, which has a rather "blocky" grip.

I would also highly recommend CZ75s, but their double-action trigger reach might be long for you. You can carry many models (except the alloy-framed compacts) "cocked and locked" (this would be single-action).

 

[Northalius]

Of course it's best to go handle all your choices, then rent and fire them at a shooting range.

But if not, I'd strongly suggest looking into the Glock 26 Sub Compact pistol (roughly $500 new).

It holds 11 rounds (10 in the magazine, 1 in the chamber) of 9mm ammunition; is pretty small in size (4.1 inch height), and very reliable and durable. If you don't like the stock grip (some don't like it because their pinky has no room on the grip), you can always get an aftermarket pinky extension for your magazines.

If you want more ammunition capacity, you can always buy Glock 19 (15-round) and/or Glock 17 (17-round) magazines for it! They also have available +2-round ammo pinky extensions!

There're aftermarket magazine "sleeves" to cover the bigger mags in smaller pistols, too.

Glocks in general have a HUGE replacement AND enhancement aftermarket; something somehow breaks, it's very easy to order and replace it yourself. Something you want to put on your Glock to enhance performance for you, there're plenitful amounts of items online to choose from. Check out www.GlockStore.com and order their FREE paper catalog to be shipped in the mail.

I say Glock 26, because it's small, but can be made "big" (in capacity, at least) when wanted / needed. But, one can actually ankle-carry the sub compact Glocks... of course making sure your pants are loose enough to fit it, and have a good ankle-holster. It's do-able.

Glocks are light in weight compared to most other pistols, if that really does matter to you.

P.S. you can also buy the hi-cap Glock 18 magazines for your 9mm Glocks, which hold 33 rounds.

Glock 26 (stock):

Glock 26 with aftermarket pinky extension (if needed...):


Glock 26 (and 39) with +2-round grip extensions:

BTW: If you ever want to try a different caliber out, but like the Sub Compact size of your G26, then Glock also has: .357 SIG, .40 S&W and .45 GAP calibers in the same exact size as the G26.

Here's a good website to visit and learn more about Glocks: http://glockfaq.com/guide.htm

Here's a great forum to ask questions and learn more about Glocks: www.GlockTalk.com