Older and more experienced: How have your handgun preferrences changes?

[arflattop]

I've abandoned the monster pistol calibers. 45acp is the largest I have, with a preponderance of 9mm.

I've begun to have an interest in military rifles, having purchased my first M1 Garand.

 

[chupacabrah]

I'm 28, and I've only been carrying for a couple of years. Already I've seen the trends change....
- I started with a full size M&P9. I thought that was too big for carry, so I sold it (still kind of regret that...was a great gun. and my first!)
- Then I got a Glock26. This is still my primary EDC
- Somewhere in there I got a S&W mdl 36 which I pocket carried sometimes. good gun but I never could shoot it very well. I'm not much into wheel guns, but I'd like to get a larger frame .38 or .357
- I recently got my first 1911, and my wife just got me a sweet High Ride holster with shark trim (from ubgholsters) I may carry that some since I am now realizing that full sized handguns are not that hard to conceal.

Next on my "to buy" list is a Bulgy Makarov.
I also really want a Glock 19 (or maybe an XD... or maybe even full circle and get another M&P!)

and I'm sure things will keep changing as I go along. hopefully I won't have to sell any more.

 

[Cowboybootnut]

I've sold most of my .22 and .25 pistols, and purchased more 9mm and .45 acp.

 

[harmon rabb]

I've only been into guns and carrying for two years, but my preferences are definitely evolving all the time. My first carry gun was my LCP, simply because it's so easy to carry. I then started growing concerned about 380 being a marginal caliber, and started purchasing larger carry guns in larger calibers.

Later, I started thinking that I cared more about how well I could shoot a given gun than I did about what it was chambered in, which has led to me carrying my CZ-82 any time my dress permits. That was one of my first guns, and it was purchased without any intention of carry... but once I started actually practicing with it and noticing that I shoot it a lot better than any of my other carry choices, I started carrying it.

Yeah, it's the size of a G19 and way heavier, and 9x18 is still a marginal caliber... but I shoot the darn thing well. I figure a hit with a 9x18 is better than a miss with a .40 from my G27.

So, by my new way of thinking about carry guns, I'm going to buy a Springfield EMP because I shoot 1911's well AND because I'd rather be armed with a 9mm than a 9x18 if I can shoot the 9mm well.

As far as my tastes in handguns in general, I used to be into plastic, but now find myself favoring my 1911's.

 

[One-Time]

I was a huge Polymer Pistol type, now I prefer all metal and am more into older guns like SW Revolvers, Bren 10s and SW645s etc

 

[hinton03]

When I first started carrying in 1981 it was a S&W M36; later (1990) moved to the 1911; in 1997 I shifted to a Glock and now, in 2010, I am back to a J Frame and the 1911.

Go figure???

 

[AirForceShooter]

I've been CCWing for over 40 years.
My guns have gotten lighter and smaller as I've gotten older.

AFS

 

[bigmike45]

I have only been carrying for 35 years, but I have carried a bunch of different makes and calibers, and at 52 the 4" 1911 on my hip is what I ultimately return to.

 

[Jerry68]

I started 20 years ago with BHP, shortly thereafter switched to the newly available Glock 17, I added a Glock 19 when it came out. I have carried Glocks for 20+ years, with caliber changes to .40S&W, 45ACP, and even a .357SIG, but I always come back to the Glock 17 and 19.

 

[DaStray]

When I was younger, auto`s were all the fad so that`s what I purchased. Some years ago, I, on a whim, picked up a S&W 586 (revolver) and loved it. I now have a mixture of auto`s and revolvers but usually carry an auto due to it`s thinner frame. My primary CCW`s are now a Colt Defender .45 or a Ruger SR9C (with cooler weather and the ability to use a jacket or shirt for cover). I will, on occasion strap on a S&W 686 (ex-wife got the 586 ) The 686 is another great weapon, by the way so don`t pass one up if you see a good deal.
Summertime is a whole different ballgame here in SC so a Kel-Tec P-32 or Walther PPK/S is usuallly in my waistband with the Kel-Tec usually getting the nod. I don`t particularly like the .32 round for defence but having a gun is better than not having one and most, if not all bad guys aren`t going to stand around and say, "That`s a P-32 so I`m not worried" and run like their butt`s on fire. Of course, they could be high on Meth or something but I can put 7 shots out real quickly in a man sized target out to 10 yds or so w/ the P-32. I pray that I`ll never have to do so but these days you never know.

 

[GCBurner]

First CCW choice was a 4" .357 S&W 686, then I switched to a 15-shot 9mm Beretta. Both were big and capable, but kind of hard to conceal well. Now I usually carry a .38 S&W 642 with a 3" barrel, either in a pocket holster or a belly band. It's easier to carry and conceal, and I've come to consider that the odds are pretty long that I'll get involved in a pitched gun battle I can't get out of with 5 rounds of .38 +P, and one speedloader of reloads. I practice regularly at the 7 and 10 yard ranges, and can put all 5 shots in a 6-inch bullseye consistently at those distances. I do my level best to avoid any places or situations that would require more than that level of firepower or expertise.

 

[Maia007]

Started shooting in the late 60's with emphasis on handguns. Started legal CCW in mid 70's and have continued off and on since then.

I became enamored with automatic pistols at a time when revolvers ruled. I mostly shot and generally CC'd high quality, small .32/.380 autos such as the Remington 51, the 1910 Browning, the Walther PP, and others, while avoiding the larger, more powerful offerings. For range use, I liked the BHP and the SW 39, among others, as well as nice .22's such as the Colt Woodsman and the Hi Standards. My preference for CC is still a high quality small auto...the Kahr, but in 9mm. And for range fun, I have added a Sig or two as well as a couple of HK's.

Never been a big-bore fan, or a high-cap fan.....and still ain't.

While I have owned a couple of fine .22 revolvers over the years, I am just now starting to appreciate and to seek out the Model 19's, the SW Kit revolvers, the Detective Specials, the Police Positives, the Security Sixes, and the better made examples from the 40's-50's-60's-70's that I missed out on.

And I spend more time on the Revolver forum these days.

 

[Dwrice]

You could hit the target the first time with an AK or .45, just saying.

I could hit the target the first time with the .45 most of the time, with the recoil it is just a lot harder get the quick second shot in. My duty weapon is a .45. My point is two well placed .40 rounds in a small group are better than one .45. With the AK it is weapon designed for poorly trained conscript where the idea is to put a lot of rounds down range and hope to hit with a one or two out of thirty. You don’t see a lot of AK with scopes on them being used by militaries or police department marksman. Where you see many NATO weapons (m16/AR15/M14/M1) in use by marksman. There is a reason for that.

 

[MIgunguy]

I started with a 1911, went through a bunch of phases, and am now back to where I started with 1911s. At least now I know what I'm not missing.

 

[Prosser]

When I can carry, keep i mind, this is the PRK, I carry a Detonics Combatmaster, with 45 Super stuff.
Same as 30 years ago. Shoulder rig is 475, or 500JRH, or .500 max.
Didn't have those back then, had to settle for heavy 45 colt in a Seville.

 

[Jonah71]

I seldom fired anything but revolvers in my younger days. I just didn't trust anything else. Even now (at 58) I have only a few years experiance with semi autos. I like them a lot more than I did in the 70's-80's. And I do use a semi as my primary carry with a revolver tucked away as well. Just makes me feel safer with that little snubby as a bug. If I don't have a revolver close by at all times I feel a bit uneasy. Old habits are sometimes hard to break. Especially if they're good ones. imo

 

[fedlaw]

Good question.
I started carrying a SIG P226 about 10 years ago, then on to .45, first a P220 before finding what I thought was true love, 1911's. That was about it until last May when I won a Springfield XDm 3.8 9mm. Easy to carry, easy to clean and she carries 20 rounds on board. Not as accurate as my 1911's past 15 yards, but somehow that is not as important to me as it once was, especially considering the fact it will eat anything and spit it out without so much as a hiccup.

 

[Fat Boy]

I started with a S&W model 10 somewhere around 1977. After shooting about every caliber and type of handgun available I still tend towards revolvers-

 

[357SIG]

I've pretty much settled on 9mm from here out. I have guns in other calibers, but no more new ones will be outside 9mm, unless it's a hell of a deal.

Shot placement is it. Didn't realize how definite this statement is until college medical training and hands-on experience. When I was in LE, it was bigger=better. Couldn't be more wrong.

I've also decided to get a few smaller guns for deep concealment.

 

[Nushif]

You don’t see a lot of AK with scopes on them being used by militaries or police department marksman. Where you see many NATO weapons (m16/AR15/M14/M1) in use by marksman. There is a reason for that.

We were standing at the range, watching our troops learn Marksmanship and I quote my CO here ...

"I love that we're teaching 'em BMI, but in the field they're just gonna point the barrel in the direction of the bad guy and light 'im up anyways. That's why we have squads."

I dig your patriotism and all, but human nature in extreme situations is cross-national.

That being said, I think I've settles on at least a size in my Autoloaders, these days, compact. Subcompact is hit or miss and fullsize seems excessive to me and my handsize.
In Revolvers I like my snubbies for real shooting, so to me the size of the gun is much more important than the caliber and whatnot.

 

[hinton03]

Nushif, after 23 years in the Army I can safely say your CO is a jackass for making that comment. I don't disparage the AK but training and marksmanship is what really seperates our infantry of the others around the world. The urban combat we are now engaged in in Iraq and the mountainous fighting in Afghanistan both place a premium om skilled rifleman.

 

[Nushif]

Sure!

The training is an important factor, but not blind adherence to good marksmanship.
The fact that we get full training for most, if not all tasks needed is what makes the difference. The biggest example here being that for instance in WWII Russian soldiers really only person knew basic First Aid. We *all* know it, and that is just one of the many tasks that contribute to the mission being so much smoother.

Not to mention let's face it. Our prime quality indoctrination along with our equipment is what wins wars as well.

Blindly stating that we produce better soldiers based solely on good marksmanship is ridiculous. If good marksmanship was all you needed to win wars, we would never have invented the tank, the supply chain, aerial assets, satellites, NVGs or whatever other nifty gimmicks and tactics we have.

 

[fastbolt]

Have my personal preferences and practices changed over the course of years as I've aged and acquired experience?

Sure.

I carried .357 Magnum revolvers on-duty as a young cop, and either .357 Magnum revolvers or a steel Commander off-duty. I slipped in some large frame .44's, too. (.44 Magnum was an authorized - and popular - optional duty weapon at my agency until we transitioned away from revolvers).

As the years passed I became a firearms instructor and then an armorer. 20 years as a firearms instructor and increasingly many armorer classes can have an effect when it comes to the opportunity to gain new experiences.

Smaller & lighter pistols chambered in actual service calibers became more available ... as did stronger and lightweight 5-shot revolvers.

I watched the development and success of the .40 S&W cartridge (although I didn't exactly buy into it until it had been out and in use for about 10 years ).

I accepted that 9mm was a viable defensive caliber, and I rediscovered the advantages and value of an Airweight J-frame.

Nowadays I tend to prefer smaller alloy or plastic frames pistols and Airweight J-frames.

I still like .45's ... but I generally choose to carry slightly smaller pistol platforms chambered in 9mm or .40 S&W, with 9mm being my preferred caliber in such little pistols. Handy, accurate & controllable.

I own several J-frames and a SP101DAO, and I can easily see me picking up at least one more J-frame. I like them and shoot them well.

 

[GLOOB]

After shooting a bunch, I am starting to appreciate the .40 SW more. The snappy recoil has become nearly as manageable as luger, in terms of fast followups.

I still shoot a lot of 9mm, because it's cheap. But if push comes to shove, I just might prefer a .40 in the same size gun.

I took a liking to certain plastic guns early on, and that hasn't changed. I can doubletap my G27 faster and tighter than my Stoeger Cougar 8040. Likewise my G19 over my DP-51.

I was slow to get my first revolver, and I'm still warming up to it. It's fun to shoot, but the fun runs out too fast!

 

[Bill B.]

Older and more experienced: How have your handgun preferrences changes?

I didn't like 1911's when I was young and preferred the .357 mag. & the 9mm to the 45 ACP. Things sure change with age & experience!