What should my 3rd handgun be?

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Demos

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Hi guys,
I think I'm finally going to get my Pistol Permits (after just over three months), and I figured that since it has taken over three months to get them, I should be sure to use all three that I can get in one application. I'm pretty sure I'm going to get a Ruger Mark III to punch paper and plink (any idea which to get for that role?) and a Beretta 92FS or M9A1 to plink, punch paper, and keep as a nightstand gun. What would you guys suggest as a nice third handgun to round out the collection, with about $800 being the max, bearing in mind that it won't be carried because my state wont issue permits (Although the ability to be carried could be a plus for if I ever get to move away from here) but until then will be used for plinking and paper punching, and my state also has a 15 round mag limit so there isn't really any advantage in a huge capacity for me.

The ranges I'm a member of have IDPA competitions, and I would be interested in trying that it if that influences your suggestions.

Thanks,
Demos
 
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I think the 357 Mag is a must have caliber. Very accurate and can be loaded with mild target loads or hot hunting/self defense loads. My favorite is the S&W 686.
 
The great state of New Jersey...
The 92FS is 15 rounds
I'm not against revolvers, its just that I haven't had as much experience with them, and don't know as much about them. I had thought about getting a 357 and shooting mostly reduced 38 loads. Speaking of which, I reload so ammo cost isn't a huge deal.

Thanks,
Demos
 
Hmmmm, I thought that the ONLY state that does not allow concealed carry is Illinois... What is this 'permit' thing??? Glad I live in a free State!

I'd suggest a good .357 revolver.
 
Compact/Subcompact something?

Interesting, my first handgun was a Beretta 92FS and my second handgun was a Buck Mark (for cheap .22 practice and plinking) so I believe you and I are on similar wavelengths. However, my third pistol is a Ruger LCP which is dedicated for concealed carry and I would not suggest that for you if you can't carry concealed in your state. (If you move to a more pro-gun state then it will be easier to get a purchase permit anyway, and in my state at least, a carry permit counts as a purchase permit).

That said, I'd say striking a balance with something small but still easy/fun to shoot would be a good buy. $800 will buy you plenty. XD and Glock, Sig, even HK would be in that range I think. Or just get a 1911 .45 because no collection is complete w/o one of those! (and will be my 4th or 5th handgun....we'll see...) :)
 
.22

Also, if you aren't 100% set on a Ruger Mk III, look at Buck Marks. I initially wanted a Ruger too, till my buddy strongly recommended a BM. They are both great though, can't go wrong, but just a thought for gun #2 :) I got a stainless camper and it is a great little plinker.
 
They allow concealed carry, but its "may issue" and they don't issue.
To buy a handgun in NJ, you first need to get a firearms ID card (you get fingerprinted, mental health check, background check, and need two non-family references who have known you for over two years to vouch for you) then every time you want to buy a handgun, you need to apply for pistol permits, which is the same form as the firearms ID card and all the same checks are made, and they run your fingerprints again. You can apply for three permits at a time (you need one for ever handgun you get). They expire in 90 days, and there is a 1 handgun per month law so you kind of have to know what you want when you get the permits, especially if it needs to be ordered, but its hard to know what you want to order because you are not allowed to handle a pistol in a store unless you can present them a permit, and no one will order you anything unless you have one.

So far, a 357 revolver seems to be the way to go. Any suggestions for one that's about $800?

One last thing, I shoot lefty so ambidextrous controls are a plus if suggesting an semi auto.
 
That's a tough call. It's hard for me to put myself in your place since I almost always view handguns with an eye towards carry. I'd say 357 because it does seem to fill a niche. But frankly, I rarely take mine out to shoot. Other than that I might say some sort of .45.
 
Look at the CZ 85 ALL CONTROLS are Ambi-dextrious

In the CZ Line if the gun is designnated with NN two numerals
it stands for the year the handgun was first introduced

CZ 75 = 1975

CZ 75B they added a firing pin safety around '92

CZ 85 = same gun but with AMbi controls 1985

et al

Randall
 
So far, a 357 revolver seems to be the way to go. Any suggestions for one that's about $800?
Click to expand...

As I start to get on in years I'm prefer the N frame Smith and Wesson, M-27 & M-28 varients quality and enough bulk to help control the recoil of full throttle .357 Magnum rounds, the downside is they really don't work well for CCW.

So for a carry a lot shoot handgun a little it's hard to beat the Smith and Wesson M-19/66's.

Now for an embarrassing confession I really prefer my L frame M-586 Vs. my K frame M-19.
 
"Self-Defense" is the overriding purpose in the list given. Buy to that standard.

Your first two guns should be identical. This way you have a spare defensive service pistol in case the first is lost, stolen or breaks. You should research what will happen if you use your gun in a justified shooting in your state (you may lose all your guns). All your gear will work with the gun and you can hand the spare to someone if needed.

I heartily agree that you should get a handgun in 22 Long Rifle. They are lots of fun and encourage practice. I have a Ruger 22/45 with 4" barrel. I chose this because it is closest to a service style handgun.

Alternatively, there are 22 LR uppers for many handguns. Look at Advantage Arms, Marvell, and others. Avoid Ciener because customer service is a dirty word to him and he has been charged with crimes. Buying a 22 conversion kit may save you a gun on the permit. I have had very good luck with the Advantage Arms kit for my Glock 19.

Arguments can be made for either choice...or make no decision and just buy both!
 
If you are set on a Beretta 92, I'd get a second one. You'll have a backup if yours breaks (I'm not saying that is likely), and you'd be familiar with the controls.
 
If you go with the Smith get one that has the target trigger and hammer I have some 357 in Smith and Dan Wesson. If you can find a Dan that you can change the barrels. I have a 2 4 6 8 inch for my Dans That way you can have a carry and a target gun in one. GOOOD LUCK
 
something in 40? I have carried a M-96 Beretta for many years... love it.. but that particular model is DA only, but something in a Sig, or a SA Beretta... I have not seen very many Beretta failures... other than stories of cracked slides by those used by SEALs that were shooting contract +P+ ammo and running through 1000's of them in training... The mostly switched to SIGs...
 
id go with either the .357 mag or .45 1911. Everyone needs one! Suggest the S&W 686 for .357 mag and SA Range Officer for the 1911. Great guns, wont be disappointed
 
Fellow New Jersey-an here. Gotta stick together:D For a .357 you can't go wrong with the GP-100, made by ruger and it's built like a tank. The Beretta 92fs is nice but if you want a more cost effective option get a Taurus pt92, every single one i've handled is reliable and surprisingly accurate, just make sure you get the mec-gar 15 rounders, the ones you order from taurus are 17 rounds and illegal. Cheers.
 
Look at the Ruger 22/45 for the .22. The grip angle and controls mimic defensive pistols and it will make a much better trainer.
 
3rd gen S&W auto 5906. 6906, 4506 M&P, XDM or a Sig 2022. If you like 1911s, STI Spartan is a great buy.
Revolvers? Nice N frame or M-60. Older Colts or GP100
.22 auto? Don't forget the Hamden, Conn. High Standards
 
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