Looking to buy a handgun, info please....

[NevadaXJ]

Before I buy I would like to have a chance to fire several different guns. Is there somewhere local like a range that will rent out pistols so you can fire a few rounds through them? Or is there a good shop you can reccomend.

My co-worker picked up a Bersa .380 the other day, and gave me a chance to handle it. It felt very nice in my hands, and seems like a decent starter concealed carry weapon. I also know of someone selling a Ruger .45, although I am not sure i want to go that big so quickly....

Any input?

[Connect]

Glock, 9mm :) Basic, functional, cool, cheap(fairly) only shot one myself but gotta love the 9mm

[Scrub]

If you go by the sprotsman warehouse (moana and the freeway) and ask for the business card of the guy that does the CCW certifications, he has all of the weapons and im sure that for a small fee or something he would let you fire some. nice guy, i cant find the business card for him right now or i would just give you the info :(

[Scrub]

Glock, 9mm :) Basic, functional, cool, cheap(fairly) only shot one myself but gotta love the 9mm

Glocks are not cheap by any means, unless maybe buying one used, but i cant even find a good price on the Glock 19 that i want :( but hey it is cheaper than the AR-15 i was looking at :yup:

[kairo]

Glock, 9mm :) Basic, functional, cool, cheap(fairly) only shot one myself but gotta love the 9mm

G19. Awesome handgun. Glocks are pretty expensive, but they are extremely reliable and will fire under almost any conditon. They're also exceptionally accurate for a compact handgun (the g19 is not compact) The only thing I don't like about them is the safety. And the barrel looks weird with the action pulled back. when I turn 21 I'm either going to get a g19 or g16 compact. Alot of glocks have a burst and full auto selector too, which is cool but not very practical. Get a 100 round mag and go through it in 2 seconds on full auto :D

[Scrub]

lol just have fun loading up that 100 Round Clip by hand :crazy: But yea the safety is a little odd but i still love the glocks, really like the way that the G19 fires and feels in my hand but i also do like the g16 (but only fired one once) now that im 21 im gonna go get my CCW so that i dont have to pay each and every time that i wanna buy a gun plus then i can carry it with me all the time :woot2:

[DBXJ]

me i would take the .45 nice stoping power and pretty simple and easy to maintain and a great side arm
or u can do like my dad and carry a magnum

[KYOTA]

Another 'hardball' fan here, knockdown power over projectile speed anyday especially in close quarter/combat situations. I own 3 1911's which one was my fathers sidearm when he was a paratrooper in the Army and I also own the newer version 1991A1 in a Commander. If your set on a Glock look at hte 21 in .45 ACP. 9's are cute tho :D

[DBXJ]

yea thats the one i have the one my grandpa had in ww2 it really nice though im still wonderin how he got it from the army mabey it was one of those many after the war MIA weapons LOL but i need to find another one since i kinda like to keep this one in a safe since it has sentimetal value
he also gave me some pearl handled revoler and a pearl handled 1911 he said they like pattons but there really a show piece

[xjmoser]

Glock 30 small and accurate would be my choice.

Glock 21 big and badass

My brother is a las vegas metro cop I went to the range and fired both his guns and I loved both. I would carry the G30 because of its size.

I have also fired a :
Ruger p89 Junk
Sig Sauer .40 very nice but not even close to the accuracy I had with the G30-21


I would not carry a 9mm or .40

Dont let the price of the gun decide what your getting. Get a quality weapon you can depend on it could be life and death.


Just my opinion :hyper:

[xjmoser]

9's are cute tho :D



:thumbsup:

[kairo]

I can see why you guys would want a big gun for a concealed carry, but I woulden't bash a 9mm. People always say "oh, its just a wimpy 9mm, its like a bb gun" Trust me, if you got tagged with a 9mm, it's going to put you on your rear unless you're expecting it, and ready for it. In the type of situation you may need to use your gun, a 9mm will be more than sufficient to stop a perpetrator. Face it, you're not going to be battling with bank robbers from behind your jeep door. Chances are if you need to use your gun, you will be within ten or twenty feet of someone. And even if the first bullet doesn't put him down, you've still got like 15 more :D. Find a gun that's small, light, accurate, and reliable. Sure it would be nice to pack a desert eagle, .45 acp, or a TMP, but it might be a bit "over kill" :p

as far as the 1911s go, those are very, very cool weapons. I'd love to get my hands on a vintage WW2 one. Once again though, probably a bit too big for something I'd want to CC

[DBXJ]

well u can get .45s that are small if i if i rember correctly they have one at bizzar guns only thing is somthing smaller with a bigger barrol more kick and a big .45 has enough as it is

[xjmoser]

I can see why you guys would want a big gun for a concealed carry, but I woulden't bash a 9mm. People always say "oh, its just a wimpy 9mm, its like a bb gun" Trust me, if you got tagged with a 9mm, it's going to put you on your rear unless you're expecting it, and ready for it. In the type of situation you may need to use your gun, a 9mm will be more than sufficient to stop a perpetrator. Face it, you're not going to be battling with bank robbers from behind your jeep door. Chances are if you need to use your gun, you will be within ten or twenty feet of someone. Find a gun that's small, light, accurate, and reliable. Sure it would be nice to pack a desert eagle, .45 acp, or a TMP, but it might be a bit "over kill" :p

as far as the 1911s go, those are very, very cool weapons. I'd love to get my hands on a vintage WW2 one. Once again though, probably a bit too big for something I'd want to CC


The G30 is small and would be my choice. Some of the others mentioned would need a back pack to carry :D

Now the 9mm is sufficiant to stop most people. What bothers me is the fact that the round carries farther than the .45 So if you miss your target is still going and going ........

[DBXJ]

ever think about a beretta 92

[xjmoser]

http://www.glock.com/g30.htm

[DBXJ]

heres the beretta 9000S TYPE F both a 9mm and .45 model are offered and there a little bit smaller than the glock http://www.berettausa.com/product/product_pistols_main.htm

[Scrub]

The G30 is small and would be my choice. Some of the others mentioned would need a back pack to carry :D

Now the 9mm is sufficiant to stop most people. What bothers me is the fact that the round carries farther than the .45 So if you miss your target is still going and going ........


Just dont miss :eek:












j/k

I Agree about the Distance that a 9mm round will travel, but i dont know why i've just never been a big fan of .45s so i probably wouldent get one. but thats just my personal preference.

[cutthroat]

My current pea shooter is a Kimber Custom II TLE .45 ACP with a 5" barrel. It is one of the best tactical pistols hands down. Lots of the special forces, LAPD, etc. or going with the Kimbers over the glocks. I like the Kimber compacts and some of the glocks but wanted a 1911 style gun. Kimbers are around $800 but worth it. If you want to shoot it John I'll bring it out next time we hit the trail. I don't mind spending a few extra hundred on a gun that will out last me and my children.

[Sauce]

My current pea shooter is a Kimber Custom II TLE .45 ACP with a 5" barrel. It is one of the best tactical pistols hands down. Lots of the special forces, LAPD, etc. or going with the Kimbers over the glocks. I like the Kimber compacts and some of the glocks but wanted a 1911 style gun. Kimbers are around $800 but worth it. If you want to shoot it John I'll bring it out next time we hit the trail. I don't mind spending a few extra hundred on a gun that will out last me and my children.
Glocks are for homos and people that like 1982 technology. Go with a springfield armory XD 40, most cops are switching to these guns. They are like a glock, but cheaper and wayyy better. Best prices in town are at the sportsmans warehouse...

[Scrub]

Glocks are for homos and people that like 1982 technology. Go with a springfield armory XD 40, most cops are switching to these guns. They are like a glock, but cheaper and wayyy better. Best prices in town are at the sportsmans warehouse...


:hyper: :scratchhe :mama:

[velvetant]

whatever you get learn to use it very well. It need's to become second nature so when the crap hits the fan it will be instinct for you.

Randy

[KYOTA]

I have heard the new Springfields are super reliable too. theres a thread on pirate, snowtrooper bought an xd40 and said he has put 4-500 rounds thru it without a single jam.

[xjmoser]

They are like a glock, but cheaper ...



****ing knock-offs

[DBXJ]

i'd rather have the 1941 springfield rifle

[cutthroat]

Glocks are for homos and people that like 1982 technology. Go with a springfield armory XD 40, most cops are switching to these guns. They are like a glock, but cheaper and wayyy better. Best prices in town are at the sportsmans warehouse...

I don't care what 'Homo's' shoot. I like the Kimber.

[Reno Computer Repair]

1. Page one or two post: Glocks DO NOT have an auto/semi switch on them in the U.S. unless the owner has a Class Three from the BATF, and the weapon was a pre-ban to top it off.

2. Try not to be swayed by what law enforcement is supposedly using for thier staff. Thousands of PD's, Feds, and County Sheriffs use many different standard sidearms. Use the sidearm that you like, is reliable, and fits your budget. :rolleyes:

3. The argument about a 9mm traveling further is null and void, and dismissed. :eek:
Use hollow-point ammunition for personal defense, learn to hit your target with two rapid fire shots, and you will not need to worry about a stray bullet traveling to far........
IT only travels too far if you miss..... :buttkick:

4. I have a Ruger, Sig, Glock, etc. Each has its positives and negatives. Try them all out. Once you get your CCW you will not be happy with one, or two for that matter. I pack a compact in the summer and a BFG in the winter. There are some people in the county that have 28 handguns on thier CCW, thus requiring them to have 2 CCW cards.

5. The Pyramid Range off Pyramid is open to the public Thus-Sun, that is a great place, and so is the range in Carson (open 7 days) off 50 towards Dayton.

6. Sorry I had to write out the draft in crayon, but they do not allow me to have sharp instruments in here... :hyper:

[NevadaXJ]

The main point of this post was to discuss where, if possible I could shoot a few guns. I was hoping somewhere local would rent them out, but i guess not...

Right now my options are the Ruger .45, or the Bersa .380. The Ruger would be slightly used, and the Bersa would be new. The Bersa appears to be an idea concealed carry, due to it's size, and would be a good gun to start my wife shooting with. The Ruger has size and power.

Both of these guns i can get for under $300, and yes, right now price is an issue. I have never owned a gun, and want something good for a beginner.

I didn't intend for this thread to become a "this brand sucks, go to this brand", mainly because I know, like all things, it just turns into a Ford vs Chevy or Jeep vs Toyota discussion. What works for one person will not work for another.

I have fired one handgun, and that was my dad's police issue Glock 9mm. I like Glocks, but cannot afford one at this time. After I buy my first weapon, and decide I want to step up, I will be looking at others.....

Thanks so far for everyone's input.....

[NevadaXJ]

For those that have not heard of the Bersa, one of many good reviews found on the net....

http://carnival.saysuncle.com/002706.html

[DBXJ]

mabey u should just get a .38 detective special

[dye_dan]

Ya, that may have been a joke but for a true concealed weapon where you may have to pull it out in the heat of the moment when a dude is pointing a gun at your wife/kid/girlfriend/you why would you want to have to pull out an auto and possibly load a round or wonder if you remembered to load one or fumble with a safety.

Get a .357 mag with a 2" barrell

Very easy to conceal and you can shoot cheap .38 ammo all day and load it with some hot .357 loads for carry

[Connect]

I think we all need to bring our pistols to the shooting range and let nevadaxj shoot them, cause that's what he really needs to do. As he stated earlier.

And is it my understanding most ranges have guns for rent? Indoor ones more specifically for handguns.

[Scrub]

The main point of this post was to discuss where, if possible I could shoot a few guns. I was hoping somewhere local would rent them out, but i guess not...

Right now my options are the Ruger .45, or the Bersa .380. The Ruger would be slightly used, and the Bersa would be new. The Bersa appears to be an idea concealed carry, due to it's size, and would be a good gun to start my wife shooting with. The Ruger has size and power.

Both of these guns i can get for under $300, and yes, right now price is an issue. I have never owned a gun, and want something good for a beginner.

I didn't intend for this thread to become a "this brand sucks, go to this brand", mainly because I know, like all things, it just turns into a Ford vs Chevy or Jeep vs Toyota discussion. What works for one person will not work for another.

I have fired one handgun, and that was my dad's police issue Glock 9mm. I like Glocks, but cannot afford one at this time. After I buy my first weapon, and decide I want to step up, I will be looking at others.....

Thanks so far for everyone's input.....

For that price it seems like the bersa would do better for you, I Know where are a Couple places here in reno that you can test out weapons that they have, im not sure which places though sorry john :(

[xjmoser]

I didn't intend for this thread to become a "this brand sucks, go to this brand", mainly because I know, like all things, it just turns into a Ford vs Chevy or Jeep vs Toyota discussion. What works for one person will not work for another.

Thanks so far for everyone's input.....


I did!!!























:D

[MR.ROCKAPE]

The main point of this post was to discuss where, if possible I could shoot a few guns. I was hoping somewhere local would rent them out, but i guess not...

Right now my options are the Ruger .45, or the Bersa .380. The Ruger would be slightly used, and the Bersa would be new. The Bersa appears to be an idea concealed carry, due to it's size, and would be a good gun to start my wife shooting with. The Ruger has size and power.

Both of these guns i can get for under $300, and yes, right now price is an issue. I have never owned a gun, and want something good for a beginner.

I didn't intend for this thread to become a "this brand sucks, go to this brand", mainly because I know, like all things, it just turns into a Ford vs Chevy or Jeep vs Toyota discussion. What works for one person will not work for another.

I have fired one handgun, and that was my dad's police issue Glock 9mm. I like Glocks, but cannot afford one at this time. After I buy my first weapon, and decide I want to step up, I will be looking at others.....

Thanks so far for everyone's input.....
You are considering a .45 as your first gun??Are you planning to hit what you are shooting at??I would think you might want something easier to handle and far less expensive to shoot.I dont have any brand recommendations but a .38 or 9mm might be a little more practical for a CC firearm.But if you get a cannon get a desert eagle and be the most "HARDCORE" gun packin fool in here.

[KYOTA]

I agree, now that you have thrown in "my first handgun" statement, I wouldnt recommend a big bore either. Start with the .380 (of your two choices), get use to handling and firing the weapon and graduate up in bore size as you gain experience.

[cutthroat]

I think we all need to bring our pistols to the shooting range and let nevadaxj shoot them, cause that's what he really needs to do. As he stated earlier.
I would be game for a day at the range to let John shot some handguns. Also John try to find some people that actually carry full time and know what they are talking about. Ask how they carry (if they say mexican style run away), prices for their rig, and what wardrobe changes they had to make.

[Zebaru]

If we are going to put together some sort of range day, I've got a Glock 20 (10mm) I could bring to the party. This is one of the bigger Glocks, and it sure is no concealed carry handgun, but it might be fun to have something a little different to compare...


Travis

[BigNorm]

I haven't seen the question asked yet so I'll ask it. Why are you buying the gun? Is it for home security, target shooting, Concealed carry? The reason will cover alot. Firearms are just now starting to become interesting to me again. There's something about getting to clean the same weapon day after day after day that kills any enjoyment in it. I'm starting to take an interest in black powder. They are more of a hobby kind of thing though. Other than that they're all just tools. With a single grim purpose indeed.

[RARECJ8]

might as well add my $.02...


i've had a CCW since we could get one in nevada easier than before the law was changed, about 10 years now... I have several different pistols for different situations. winter, summer-- wheeling or hiking...everyday activities and so on. Don't forget a pistol in ur rig is not concealed-- its only concealed if on your 'person'. My permit allows:

H&K USP .40 w/ night sights (favorite) and pre-ban 13 round magazines.
S&W .22 magnum revolver. (good belly gun)
SIG 220 .45 ACP (good but limited in capacity, altho w/ a .45, one well placed round is all u'll need--per Jeff Cooper)
S&W 9 mm compact auto (super pistol, compact but only a wonder nine...)
Colt Mk III .357 (bigger than i like)


Don't let price compromise reliability and ur life. Pistols fit differently depending on ur hand size, etc. Go to any gun shop (we like Shooters Shack on Wells Ave.) and like a shoes, try on a few for fitment and then once the feild is narrowed, then do the shoot test-- no point having a pistol that fits nicely but cannot hit the side of the barn, and vice versa.

I also have a Glock 21 but after getting the H&K USP, i'm hooked on its accuracy. (i once fired a full magazine into a wooden target and saw only two holes. Must be a bad aim. Later we split the wood for the campfire and lordy lordy, there was all the rounds stacked one on top of the other in the two holes-- damn good accruacy!) I have a couple 1911 .45s, but unless u'r brave or crazy enough to carry the single action pistol in 'condition one' (aka cocked and locked), look for a DAO or revolver-- the latter never fail, altho in close quarter fighting, an easy way to disdable a revolver is when the bad person simply grabs the revolver's cylinder and its then impossible to rotate and fire. Many S&W autos have a magazine disconnect safety feature-- if the mag is even slightly out of place (like the release button accidentally pushed) it will not fire. There is a way to disable the feature.

I used to teach a CCW class but have gotten away from that for other reasons (time to wheel!) and i'm amazed how fast a bad guy can get on you with, maybe a knife, before u can even draw down. Stopping power is good but drawability is a serious concern. Folks have lost the fight when the knurled hammer snags on the holster, slowing doen draw time and u lose. In addition. i always suggest a close-quarter hand to hand type class-- where u actually get to try gun v. knife situations and better hone ir defensive skills. Most situations will not involve a person taking concealment or cover to await the police. (i.e., hiding behind the bed in ur room, which ironically the law favors a duty to retreat-- there are no free shots).

A Chief's Special in .38 w/ bobbed hammer and no front or rear sight is a quick draw for sure. Most emergency protection situations involve a very close range and little reaction time. This is not the long range aim and fire type situation u find at the range. With this in mind, look for something that is easily drawn and has close range stopping power. Aiming must be instinctive-- u have no time to carefully line up a shot. Practic, practice and practice more, it has to become second nature. Real-life simulations from the hand to hand classes give u about 3 seconds to assess the situation and make a decision how to react. Often times, the bad guy is already in ur face before time is up.

enjoy!

mb

[DBXJ]

well if u want true concilability get a derringer cheap ammo but it'll still hurt like hell just dont miss

[BigNorm]

In close quarters, being able to react to someone will probably save you more than having a gun in your pocket ever would. I'm not anti gun, I'm just saying in such situations the ablility to fight is what will save you. If someone has your number then your number is up. It shouldn't be that way, but it is.

[DBXJ]

yup thats true
thanks to my bros and some other training im all set

[cowboy]

Get what you can handle and shoot well and are comfortable with. The most important points.... I prefer the 1911 or the 1991A1, they have been my side arms since 1991 and can stop a bull. Not to mention, saved my life a few times. Can a person get 50 round drums for the AK-74 , not the AK-47, in nevada? Do some work on the 1991 before you carry it though.

[NevadaXJ]

I ended up getting a Taurus PT111 Millenium Pro 9mm. So far I have put roughly 700 rounds through it (200 more will go through today) and it has proven to be a great handgun for the price. It is very compact, so it is ideal for concealed carry.

My next handgun will be the Taurus PT-24/7. It is also 9mm and has a 17 round capacity, as well as an accessory rail, so I can mount a light on it.

I also just picked up a 10/22 Ruger .22 rifle the other day, with an extended 25 round mag. I should be shooting it for the first time today. This will be my plinker, and I plan on doing alot of upgrades to it in the future.

[Charlie]

mabey u should just get a .38 detective special

I would have to second this...about as complicated as an instamatic camera and will go bang every time. S&W 642-2 in .38+P will take care of most problems. Remember the KISS saying? With a couple of speed strips you have 17 rounds. I've carried the big ones, automatics, revolvers, you name it...the J frame is always the one I end up with consistently. The others are great at the range and out in the boonies, just not terribly practical for a carry piece.

With regards to firing several, it sounds like there are a few different handguns here and if we all got together for a bit of range time, I'm sure they could all get passed around. I've got a Colt DE, J-frames, XD9, Jerricho941, Glock21 and some others that you would be welcome to try out.

I recently fired an XD45 in tactical trim, and I would say it beats just about anything I've shot out of the box. Accurate, good trigger, points naturally (like a 1911 vs. Glock's unnatural pointing requiring significant training to overcome). The price is right on them as well. $550+- get you gun, holster, 3 mags, case, etc...

btw: the Ruger autos have all of the asthetics of a water pistol in form and function, but the things are tanks and put up with a lot of punishment. The newer ones are getting better :)

When all is said and done, get a gun that fits you well, that you can shoot accurately with. It does you no good whatsoever to get a cannon if you can't afford to train with it or flinch every time you fire it--missing with a big bullet is still a miss.

Taurus is still making a good pistol, but I haven't had a chance to shoot any of the new-new ones--range day?