newbie

[twenty711]

hello. I may soon be looking to purchase a handgun. Concelled carry in my state is not a real option right now however i would like something that would not be out of the question for that as far as size. I am not dead set on a revolver; not really sure what i want. I know I would like a .45 if possible. Any suggestions? I would like to spend around $400 or less but could possibly go a little higher.

 

[cdrt]

Springfield Armory makes a Mil-spec Government Model .45 that's pretty good out of the box. However, if this is your first pistol and if you're not going to reload right away, you might want to consider a .22 like the Ruger .22/45. Ammo is a lot cheaper and a .22 is a good starter pistol to learn basic marksmanship.

Navy Vet & SWIFT Boat OIC

 

[trueblue1776]

400 bucks is plenty to buy a nice modern semi auto.

I recommend getting a service type autoloader to many new shooter, so they never have to worry about reliability, tuning, or complex disassembly.

I would recommend a CZ75, Beretta 92 (have gotten much cheaper recently), Taurus PT92, just to name a few, try to stick to names you've heard of if you don't know much and pick up some magazines to read some reviews, good luck, good shootin.

Oh and if you don't have big bucks to spend buy a standard caliber gun (i.e. 9mm, .40s&w, .45ACP, .38 spl, .357 mag). A .22 pistol can be fun but many models are prone to jamming which can lead to accidents with a new shooter, I nearly shot a friend in the belly with my first .22 pistol, it still sticks in my melon.

 

[qbpc]

I don't know where you are located. I know some areas in the US has ranges that rent guns. If there is one close to you I would spend a few $$ and test fire to find what I liked. I didn't have that option I spent a lot on time, money and begging friends to let me shoot their guns finding what I liked.
BB

 

[MarshallDodge]

The Mil-Spec is also available in a Champion size:
http://www.springfield-armory.com/armory.php?version=16

I have a loaded Champion and like the Novak sights:
http://www.springfield-armory.com/armory.php?version=8

 

[Confederate]

If you're new at all this, you probably can't go wrong regardless of what you choose. I think .357 mag revolvers are a great way to get started, though. You can put 'em in a drawer loaded without worrying about fatigue in the magazine spring; you also don't have to worry about safeties, clearing jams and recovering empty brass.

The .357 also gives you incredible power and versitility, taking both .38s and magnum ammo. The Ruger GP-100 and S&W 686 are your best choices.

The .45LC also is remarkably versitile, particularly in single-action revolvers. Rugers are the best for the buck and I'd choose stainless steel as my number one finish.

 

[righteousbarbarian]

dude, CZ75 9mm are not much more expensive than $400, the ammo is cheap, and the gun is HIGH quality.

 

[trueblue1776]

Righteous

+1

Rule #1 for a nube buying a gun: Big Name, if it's a big company they probably don't put out crap guns, and when they do they fix them for you.