Recommendations for young person's one handgun for the next three years.

Status
Not open for further replies.
D

dodging230grainers

Member
Joined
Feb 25, 2005
Messages
448
Location
Houston, Texas
Ok, so my budget for a handgun at the next gun show is $600. This gun will need to serve these purposes, in order of descending value:

1. Main home defense arm.
2. Target shooting.
3. Concealed Carry. (I might be moving to Indiana, which allows 18 year olds to CCW)
4. Ease of maintenance. If possible I'd like to avoid spending extra on repairs or custom work due to a design flaw. I probably won't be able to get another handgun until I'm 21.

The guns I have in mind, in order of what I'm leaning towards: (I don't think any of these guns will run over $600)

4" Smith and Wesson M-66 Combat Magnum
4" Smith and Wesson M-28 Highway Patrolman
Browning Hi-power 9mm
Smith and Wesson Model 39 9mm
USP or USP compact 9mm (will this break the bank?)
Taurus PT-100 .40 S&W or some other steel framed .40


The gun must be chambered in one of these:

.357MAG/.38 Spcl
9mm Parabellum
.40 S&W

reports/pics of any of the guns I have in mind, or any others are welcome.
thanks!
 
may i make a recomendation not on your list? cz 75 compact, or if u want to mount a light on it when its serving as a hd role a cz sp01. both in 9mm, reliable as is without mods, VERY accurate and youd have enough left over in your budgrt for several boxes of ammo. happy shooting. ps, if given a choice, get a blued one, the poly finish is known to flake off as the gun gets some miage on it.
 
Nothing bad to say about the BHP 9mm. Make sure you're compatible with the rowel or spur hammer first though.
Some people prefer the rowel, I prefer the spur because the rowel pinches my chunky hand.
This is vice versa for some. Just make sure first.

Of the two .357's, the K-frame was really designed to only see a moderate amount of full power .357 rounds. The Model 28 will be durable but because you have a .357 hole in N-frame cylinder, turning that cylinder can be harder on parts. This can cause timing problems to develop earlier (many revolvers will need retimed if they see a lot of use though).
You might consider an L-frame S&W instead of either as it gives the best features of both. Maybe also a Ruger GP-100.

I agree with trying anything CZ.
I'd also suggest you look into a S&W M&P9 or M&P .40 before the end of this month.
They are great guns and S&W is running a promo on them right now. You get a $50 rebate and two free mags if you buy before the end of April.
That should get you a brand new 9mm with 4 17 round mags for about $420 after S&W settles up with you. The other $180 of your budget could go to 1K of 9mm ammo.

You might also want to check out a used Glock. I owned two and although I didn't like the .40 cartridge, I do have to give them credit for decent ergonomics (especially the Gen III's) and perfect reliability.
 
The guns I have in mind, in order of what I'm leaning towards: (I don't think any of these guns will run over $600)

4" Smith and Wesson M-66 Combat Magnum
4" Smith and Wesson M-28 Highway Patrolman
Browning Hi-power 9mm
Smith and Wesson Model 39 9mm
Click to expand...

I like these choice of the ones you posted.

If...If you were to CCW, I would suggest going to a 3" K frame, which is a fine combat revolver, and would makes a great CCW, while allowing for Home, and Range use.

Quite a few options for a 3" K frame and goes along with your original list.

BHP is a fine, fine semi auto, one that is proven, and in 9mm might be more affordable for you to shoot, and to get with someone trusted to reload.

Model 39 is another very fine gun, and is a sleeper in my opinion, as many are not familiar and many have to have the latest and greatest offerings.
One "might" find a good deal on one of these.

Honestly, just which ever one you shoot best, and try on with a belt and holster is the way I would go.

Semis will require the expense of mags, revolvers will not, and speed loaders and speed strips run less monies.

A very mature list you posted, and I wish you the best with whatever you choose.
 
If a BHP isn't too large, then I'd echo the above reccomendation for a Cz-75. I'm not that much older than you (at least, I like to think not!), and have about a dozen guns total (not the hundreds of some people on this board), but of the semi-autos I own, my Cz-75 (mine is not compact, but Yes, for CCW that'd probably be a smarter choice) would probably be The One if there could only be one.

timothy
 
You might also consider a Ruger Speed/Service/Security Six with a 2.5in barrel or a Dan Wesson model 14 or 15. Both should be in the $300 range.

Any reason you're only getting one gun? For $600 you may be able to get a used 4-6in 357 and J frame 38.

Of the guns you listed, the 66 and 27 would both be great guns, but the K would be much easier to carry.
 
With this gun needing to fit a budget, I would definitely stick with 9mm. Here are my reasons:

1) As a new shooter, it has lower recoil. You will learn better habits shooting a softer load.
2) In +P+ format, it is plenty potent for self defense. Look at the 9x19 in this chart - http://www.chuckhawks.com/handgun_power_chart.htm
3) Since you are on a budget, you will get more shooting out of the 9. That alone will probably make it a better self defense gun in your hands than the 40.
4) You will either get more capacity or a smaller size, which could be good for CC.

As far as your list of guns, the only one I have shot personally is the USP and USP Compact. Both are excellent guns, but definitely out of your price range unless you find one used in nice condition. I would also recommend anything by CZ, as they are excellent guns that should fall within your budget.

Also, as a bit of random advice, don't necessarily try to get a gun that is good at everything. I tried doing that the first time around, and it ended up being bad at everything. It might be good to get something like a Beretta 92FS or CZ 75 SP-01 to start. Both are 9mm, highly reliable, all steel, heavy, full size guns that are easy to shoot. This would allow you to learn the proper technique (vs a small gun you hold with three fingers), and also achieve good accuracy while target shooting.

The only downside would be for concealed carry, but you said yourself that you might be moving to Indiana. If per chance you do, you could always stick a gun is a satchel bag or something similar in the summer, and cover it up with a coat in the winter. Compare that to the Kahr PM9 which is great for CC, but is downright miserable as a range gun.

Just my $.02.
 
thanks for the replies so far. As far as revolver vs. auto, that is a tough choice, but I've shot both a 4" M66 and a Smith and Wesson Model 39, and loved them both, so I'll probably be leaning towards those...but keep the suggestions coming.

On a side note, can you safely carry the Model 39 "cocked and locked"?
 
I've got to second the CZ route they make great guns, I've got a "Pre-B" CZ-75 and it's a great shooter for concealed carry I'd look a something more compact than a 75 but CZ's got plenty of affordable options in size and caliber. I've also got to second the HK USP not so much for concealed carry but definately for shootability and being a wonderful piece of firearm I've shot a compact .40 and while it's easy enough to carry it is a bit wide. I own a fullsize in same caliber and it is perfectly accurate for and kind of shooting I do with it. Good luck with whatever you choose
 
A K-frame (usu around $350 or less) ought to leave you plenty of money for practice ammo.
I've heard a lot of good things about S&W 39s... and I think that'd make a tad better CC choice than a 4" revolver, thanks to the shorter overall length, probably lighter weight, too. A 3" K-frame is ideal.
Revolvers don't break too often... but when they do, it's usually a gunsmith's job to fix it. With semi-autos, parts break more frequently, but are usually very easy to replace.
 
My USP Compact 9mm has been a dream to shoot right from out of the box. Back when I knew nothing (not all that long ago, really), I took it unfired to my Concealed Carry class. Despite not having fired a handgun in months (certainly not at a paper target), and never having fired this one before, I still managed to get a passing score (although barely). It'll run you about $800 new, but the extra will even itself out over the money you save with 9mm vs. .40 or .357.

It's not great for concealed carry, but it's decent. For something that you want to be able to "do it all," this is a good solution. You can also safely carry it in Condition One.

If $600 is your budget, you may not be able to find one, even used, in decent condition. If possible, handle, and even shoot, each of these types of guns before you buy. I think it's worth saving up to buy the USPc9, but it's true that there are other high quality guns that cost much less.

As people have said, good luck. Heck, for all I know maybe there are some "angels" reading your thread who have one of the guns you're looking for that they don't really need and would be willing to let go to help a young man get started. I know I have one or two pistols I keep around in the off-chance that one of my friends will decide that they'd like to have a gun that I'd be willing to sell them at a good price (nothing on your list, however).
 
Regarding your list of guns. They'd all make a pretty good choice for a first handgun with a few exceptions in that you probably won't get a USP for under $600. Real Brownings are getting rarer and more expensive though the Charles Daily clones can still be found at a relatively low price. You've listed all full size service pistols, none of them would be easily concealable.

Personally I'd use your $600 and buy 2 guns. A good used .357 magnum and a .22 LR in either a semi auto like a Browning Buckmark, a Ruger MK series or a Ruger Single Six if you want a revolver. You'll get a lot of shooting and enjoyment out of the .22LR.

.22's are accurate, fun and inexpensive to shoot. It will provide you the best training you can get at under $2 a box of ammo vrs $9 for inexpensive .38's or 9mm's (Magnums will be higher in cost). You will get a lot more trigger time with a .22 than you can afford with any center fire. The .357 will be a more viable defense pistol and not too expensive to shoot occasionally.

The secret in accurate handgun shooting is that they all should be shot the same way be it a .22 or a .500 S&W. Recoil happens after the shot is loosed and with a heavy recoiling gun new shooters dwell more on the recoil and muzzle blast than on the important things like sight alignment and trigger control. The .22 with its minimal recoil allows you to learn the important skills and when you shoot the bigger center fire you only have to learn recoil recovery and follow through.
 
I have to agree with some of the other posts, try and find a 3" K frame instead of a 4" model if you might be able to carry it in the future. The difference between a 4" and 3" revolver doesn't sound like much but it makes the world of difference when you try and carry it concealed.

In any case, from the choices you listed I would buy a M66.
 
For a revolver, I believe that a Highway Patrolman in .357 is excellent. The only downside is that you're talking about a BIG N frame revolver, and it doesn't lend itself too well to CCW--unless you're a big fella.

For a semiautomatic, the Hi-Power is a fine combat handgun. They can be very accurate and are super reliable as well. The only downside to them is (1) the spur hammer can REALLY bite if you have large hands, and (2) the magazine safety can kinda rough up the trigger pull. Nothing that can't be corrected without a good tuning and polish.

I second the comments about the CZ pistols. I just got a CZ-75B; what can I say? The pistol is excellent in all regards! Slim, lends itself well to concealed carry; mine has a full 17 rounds of 9mm on tap, and is totally reliable. The ergonomics of the pistol are top of the line--I can wrap that pistol up in a two handed grip and it just feels right.

Another plus is that the trigger reset is at just the right point for you to "sweep" the trigger FAST, and the low center of axis of the bore to your grip means real controllability in rapid fire.

Of course, another to consider is the Glock 17 or 19. 9mm on tap, utterly reliable, a tank in steel and polymer. The phrase "combat tupperware" is very appropriate, IMHO.

And, it can be VERY accurate. I have fired Glocks in 9 and 40 that would hold the 10 and X on a B27 silhouette at 25 yards. Very controllable--the trigger takes a bit of getting used to, but as soon as you learn how to fire from the reset, can be VERY fast indeed.

You have a good eye for firearms, and I believe that you would be well served with any of your choices. Good luck!
 
Great advise so far, hope i can add some......

I would seriously consider the 3" med frame 38/357 for carry and a 22lr also.

Or, if you set for a CZ, great weapons, then get the Cadet upper also. Two calibers in one gun.

Glocks, same thing get the 22lr uppper.

Look into FM BHPs if you or set on a HP. They are well made.

22lr
 
Whatever you like best.:) The subjective is objective.

May want to look at a used Ruger Security Six. Last one I purchased was $250, but guns are cheaper up here because of market saturation here keeps prices lower. At $250 you could buy two, one to shoot and dry practice with and one as a reserve.
 
On a side note, can you safely carry the Model 39 "cocked and locked"?
Click to expand...

No, you can't carry a 39 C&L. The "safety" is actually a decocker that drops the hammer on a bar that blocks it from hitting the firing pin. The safety/decocker can then be flipped to the "off" position allowing for a D/A trigger pull to fire the weapon. After the first shot it shifts to S/A mode.

The 39 is a great carry gun. I've had a couple of them over the years and traded them off because I saw something I wanted more but there was nothing wrong with the guns at all. They're flat, fairly light and will shoot better than you can most likely. About the only negeative is their limited, by todays standard, magazine capacity, and the fact that magazines are somewhat expensive for them.

The ones I had fed any ammo I gave them, but make sure you get a 39-2. The older ones I understand had trouble with HP ammo.
 
I don't think I need a 3" revolver, because in Indiana where I would be carrying, is cold alot, and so as jacket would conceal a 4" K frame pretty well I think.

Also, as for the model 39, in what condition would you carry it? With a round in the chamber and the decocker off, enabling you to draw the loaded gun and fire double action for the first shot?
 
Hey- My first gun was a used USP 40, I bought it when I was 18, it is awesome. It isn't too heavy, so if you do end up somewhere you can carry, it will work although you'll definitely have to dress around it. Hooded sweatshirts, for all the negative cultural connotations, work wonders when you feel like carrying a fullsize gun. Mine cost me $460.

The Model 28- If you find one, get it. My first revolver was a 6" 586, the first day I had it out a gentleman asked if I or my friend would be interested in picking up a reasonably priced .357. I said let's check it out, it was a 4" 28, I test fired it and was supremely (for me) accurate with it, bought it immediately, and it is the handgun I shoot best. I love the simple black sights on it, nothing to distract me unlike that godawful red thing on my 586, the 4" barrel for me balances so perfectly, the gun almost aims itself. I don't know how it would be for carry, but for HD and range use, or woods type carry, it's definitely a winner. Just don't try to speed shoot it, because that's bad. flywheel effect or something, someone more knowledgable about revo's can straighten you out on it.

And CZs, oh my. If you find one and like the feel of it, don't hesitate, they are awesome guns. My second handgun was a 97B, LNIB, jackash guide rod and wolff springs, for $460. I love it when people don't get to shoot their toys and get bored of owning them.

In fact I have not paid more than 600 for any of my firearms yet, (bargain bin AR was 594 with shipping), you'll do fine if you look and get something you like that fits you well.
 
My first handgun was when I was 19(just last year) was a Steyr M40-A1. It is an incredible machine. 12 rounds of .40S&W, a 'compact' gun that is very easy to conceal, the easiest handgun we own to field strip(and we've got 9 or 10 different makes/models now), and CDNN has an absolute steal of a price on them. I've got a K&D Dakota Defender IWB and it's phenomenal. I'd highly reccomend checking it out. Being a new shooter getting a cheaper(but like I've said, amazing quality) gun and 250 dollars of ammo to practice with is really beneficial, not to mention fun.

I've bought three more handguns since and even my Sig 1911, while it's amazing, it makes the same bang(but in .45ACP) that my $350 Steyr does.
 
dodging, yes, it is a bit colder up here but with experience you will discovery that it is the holster and belt, not a coat, that helps concealment. Besides, up here you do not have to worry about "printing" and all those other dress code concerns that you have down there.
 
Good list of choices, there. The BHP chambered in 9mm is awfully nice; and 9mm is cheap to shoot. But then, you'll pay more for one (if you can find it...grrrrrr....but I digress). I really like my m66, although I find a K frame just a bit too big for concealed carry for myself. But it shoots well and even .357's aren't hard to shoot out of it.

IF you like revolvers and shoot them well (and not everyone does either of those) I'd recommend that, I think.

Happy shooting!

Springmom
 
Easy. CZ P-01. Carries well. Accurate. Get a Kadet slide and shoot .22LR. Get extended magazines, full length slide, and a light and it becomes a home defense gun.

And mine has gone 2700 rounds without being cleaned, and hasn't failed once.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

C
  • Locked
Help me choose my next handgun
Replies
8
Views
471
searcher451
S
S
  • Locked
gotta have handguns!
2
Replies
27
Views
1K
memphisjim
M
W
  • Locked
Recommend my first hangun... before the AWB/high-capacity ban
2
Replies
29
Views
1K
Marcus L.
M
GunNut
  • Locked
S&W 625-3 vs. Caspian Commander 1911: Which .45ACP Next?
Replies
16
Views
774
GunNut
GunNut
J
  • Locked
  • Poll
Help me choose my next purchase.
2
Replies
26
Views
1K
InnerVision
I
Back
Top