New Owner... 1st gun help

[lakebum1143]

Hello,

I'm kinda new to this board, just kinda stumbled upon it and have been lurking. I have never owned a gun myself before just shot some of my dads in the backyard....etc. I will soon be moving into my own house and would like to purchase a gun to keep in the house. I plan on taking a course or two on safety and use.

Anyway, I don't really even know where to start. I need something that won't be too expensive, that I can take to the range to shoot, and something that will be effective in home defense. Hopefully, it will never come to that. I know this is kinda a broad question, but any help would be very much appreciated. Thanks.

[TA]

Lakebum,

Welcome! What price range would you like to be in? Do you need something suitable for concealed carry also? Autoloader or revolver?

TA

[lakebum1143]

Price Range...hmm... probably want to keep it around or under $500. If it went a little over, that's alright. As far as concealed carry... no i don't think that is necessary, if I decide I want to carry one down the road, I will probably just purchase something suited specifically for that. If something worked for both, I guess that's a bonus. I would rather have an auto, I don' t think I want a revolver. Any help would be great. Thanks.

[TMan]

lakebum1143 said:

...I would rather have an auto, I don' t think I want a revolver...

Welcome to the greatest gun group on the internet. I couldn't help but smile about your revolver comment, because I felt that way once myself. Then DoubleAction (DA), the owner of this forum changed my mind with his comments.

My home defense pistol is a Ruger P90. It is 100% reliable, but has made me bleed on more than one occasion. One time the ejected brass hit me squared in the middle of the forehead and it bled, but nothing requiring stitches ;D.

My wife hates guns and wants nothing to do with them. If she did, my first choice for a home defense gun would be an 8 round doubleaction revolver. You pick it up, point it and pull the trigger. No racking the slide, turning off a safety, just pull the trigger.

Some revolvers may sting your finger a little, but they won't assume you are a target for shooting spent brass at. Of course they don't have the sex appeal of a semi-automatic like the Desert Eagle.

Do you plan on shooting a lot? If so, you need to think about how the gun will hold up, and what the cost of ammo will be. If you are intending to get a pistol vs. a revolver, then 9mm is a good choice because it is cheaper to shoot. Also, it doesn't have the recoil of something like .357Sig or .45ACP (although I don't notice much difference between 9mm and .45ACP, but that is me).

I started out with a gun for home defense, I'm not a believer in a shotgun for that use. I enjoyed shooting it so much I bought another, then another, then another... I don't know how many I have, but it must be at least a dozen. I know, I know, I should have better records. If I had a fire... However, the more expensive ones are in a fireproof safe. So I don't buy more fishing tackle like my brother, or new clubs for that matter, and range fees are a heck of a lot cheaper than greens fees.

[Callahan]

Lake Bum:

Welcome!

Are you recoil-sensitive or do you relish being pushed back while the muzzle blast lights up the sky?!?

I'm trying to figure out if you've done enough shooting to know what you want.

I was in the gun store today and a lady was trying to return her 9mm because "it just flipped in the air too much and hurt my hand."

Granted, she then went into a diatribe about how she needed help passing the concealed carry test, which means she is too stupid to cross the street without help.

I'm sure that's not the case with you, so tell me a little about what you enjoy in a handgun.

[lakebum1143]

Honestly, I have very little experience with handguns. I have shot quite a few rifles and shotguns, mainly with my grandad (didn't everyone shoot with their grandad) and my dad. At my house, we have always only had a couple handguns. A snub nose revolver, two big .45 revolvers, according to my dad, its the "Dirty Harry" revolver, that's about all I know about em. I've shot it maybe 5 times and that is the extent of my handgun experience.

However, I do want to get into handguns and shooting a little more. I would like to start with one and learn to handle it and shoot it and then see where it goes from there.

Actually, one of the big revolvers I mentioned above is technically mine, so I guess it will be around. I was leaning more toward a pistol due to the fact I assumed it was more feasible and enjoyable to take to a range and shoot. I'm sure I would shoot the revolver, but I think I would enjoy a pistol more.

As far as the kickback and what not.... honestly, I'm not really sure. I've heard and read that some of the .357 guns have a serious kick to em, so I guess I maybe wouldn't want to start with that. I think I would probably prefer a 9mm or a .45...

As far as how much I plan to shoot.... I do plan to shoot at the range... as far as how much.. that's hard to tell. I'll probably never become a heavy range regular, but I can see myself stopping in ever so often to shoot.

So, all in all, my pistol experience is pretty minimal... I have been around guns, but more of the rifle and shotgun variety.

Hopefully, this narrows it down a little. Again, thanks for the help.

[psustang89]

I'm relatively new to this too. I moved out 2 years ago and have since started my own collection. I bought a used HK compact USP in .40. It's a nice auto, compact enough to carry, very reliable (in my experience anyway), cheaper ammo for range use, and recoil is minimal. The HK's are rather expensive new though. I am happy with my .40 choice. A couple friends of mine went with the .45 and wish they bought the .40. One even traded up. Just thought I'd give you a fellow ameteur's 2 cents. Keep breezing through the forums. There's a lot of very knowledgable people on here. They've helped be select my next purchase.

[TMan]

I remember reading that you should first determine what caliber you wanted and then think about the guns that shoot that caliber.

For most people, if they buy a gun with too large caliber, they will never enjoy shooting it. However, the design of the gun has a lot to do with recoil. I have two Taurus's one chambered in .357 Magnum and the other in .38 Special. The former has more than twice the muzzle energy (power) than the .38 Special. However, the .357 Magnum is a BIG heavy gun, it is ported, and I don't mind the recoil at all. The .38 Special is a really good looking gun with gold embellishments, but it is a bear to shoot. It is extremely light, has a short barrel, and it really hurts my hand when I shoot it. I have to wear shooting gloves that have finger tips to protect my trigger finger.

When I started shooting, I paid an instructor $70 for spending two hours with me and letting me shoot his guns. He paid the range fees and provided ammo and targets. Probably the best $70 I ever spent. If there is someone in your area that provides the same service, it is money well spent. If not, see if you can find a range that rents guns. Take a test drive - try before you buy.

[Callahan]

OK, Lake Bum, but before we go any further we have to establish one thing -- the "Dirty Harry revolver" was a .44 Magnum, not a 45. ;D

If you want to figure out which semi-auto you like best, see if you can locate a range that rents them and try out a 9mm, 40 and 45 in comparably-sized pistols. It's not easy to decide since there is a dizzying array of handguns available. Sometimes a caliber, for instance, will be a real girl thingy cat in a heavy brand but punishing in a lightweight version. Some of the ultralight revolvers even require a shooting glove for sustained practice.

I find the semi-autos more comfortable to shoot, but that's just a personal preference. Since I carry, I like 'em small, too. I find small semi-autos more comfortable to shoot than scandium or titanium revolvers in 38 special-.357.

The revolvers, as I believe was already mentioned, are great because they are foolproof. Pick 'em up and shoot. No worries about safeties and jamming. They still require thorough cleaning.

I strongly recommend a safety course. I was at the range yesterday, hanging my target, when I heard the action being worked on a firearm behind me. There he was, some jerk fiddling with some sort of folding stock assault carbine and his big Magnum revolver, while everyone was downrange -- a clear safety violation. I complained to the range officer who was supposed to be supervising. People like that will get you hurt. Don't be one of them.

Psustang89: I agree with what you have done -- buy high-quality, used firearms. I don't think you can go wrong with a gently used Sig, HK, Colt, Springfield, etc. Rugers are a good buy, new or used, and Taurus' 24/7 has just been named Handgun of the Year by one of the NRA magazines. It's moderately priced.

The cheap, new guns are a minefield and you really have to know what you are doing. You may wind up sending it back or having to search out a good gunsmith.

[lakebum1143]

Thanks for the replies... and the correction on the caliber of the revolver.. told ya I knew little to nothing.

I got a hold of a friend today who apparently owns quite a few handguns. After talking to him and doing a little more looking, it looks like I'm leaning towards a 9mm. I'm going to try adn find a range that rents guns, hopefully I can find one that does, and shoot a couple of calibers. I will, of course, take a safety course before I go toting this thing around. One of my friends also suggested a handgun self-defense class, I may look into that as well. Thanks for the help and my search and learning continues. I'm sure I'll keep hanging around. Much to learn. Thanks again.

[5ontarget]

I think a 9mm is a good caliber to start with. Ammo is cheap and plentiful, so practicing won't cost as much as with other calibers, the recoil on standard loads of 9mm is relatively low, and you can get good personal protection rounds for it. These will be much more expensive than the range/plinking rounds.
Many people do not believe in the 9mm for personal protection. Without stirring the pot too much, 9mm does offer good protection, when the right round is chosen. Are there better/more powerful choices? sure. But, being accurate, fast, and comfortable with the gun is more important than caliber choice, in my opinion. A larger/more powerful caliber will be a more effective protection round. But if you don't practice with it because the ammo is to expensive, or because the recoil hurts, you'll never be comfortable or accurate using the pistol. A 9mm that hits the intended target is better than a .50cal that misses.
In the $500 price range the options for 9mm are numerous. Almost every major handgun manufacturer has a 9mm in that price range. In the used market, the list grows even longer. Enjoy shopping, and testing them out!!

[TBT]

I would go 9mm because you want to use it at the range a lot as well as in home defense and I would look into the SIG P226 used. Pick up some Talon +p and you're in business. ;D

If you want new my recomendation would be the 4" Springfield XD in 9mm. You can pick one of those up new for under $500. It's an excellent pistol. Very durable and reliable.

[fortygunner]

Lakebum,

You came to the right place to ask for advice. I too am new to handguns and a short while ago also came here to ask for advice. These guys know their stuff!

When I was looking for a new gun, I found that how the gun felt in my hand was as important as the caliber.

I did get the opportunity to shoot a few different guns before I bought. I have a small hand and found several brands were just too big for my hand.

After reading the advice from the guys on this forum, researching, and talking to my gun buddies, I ended up buying a Springfield XD .40 standard. It just feels great in my hand. It's also very easy to tear down and clean. The recoil isn't bad at all. My wife doesn't like it. It's a little too much for her. She likes her Walther .22 auto, which is also a fun (and cheap) gun to shoot.

For my next purchase I'll be looking for a good conceal carry gun. I intend to start a thread here and ask for advice again. It's a good place to start.

I will also be starting a safety and combat shooting course this fall. These are two separate classes but according to everyone well worth the time and money.

[Misfit]

lakebum1143,

All the advice you get on this board is gold. You're lucky in that you're doing the research before actually buying the gun. Myself, I just sort of stumbled into owning handguns, buying stuff that tickled my fancy, and luckily enough, some of these guns just so happened to be fine firearms.

For a 9mm, just about any gun from a large, recognized manufacturer will suit you fine. You mentioned that having it as a carry piece is not so much of a consideration, so I would recommend a full-size heavy gun with which range sessions will be pleasant and productive. With a large, heavy full-size 9mm auto, recoil is negligible, which allows you to concentrate on hitting your target, and will prevent developing a flinching habit. Browning High Power, Beretta 92, Ruger P95, CZ-75, Springfield XD, and Glock 17s all fit the bill.

My personal 9mm is a CZ-75b. This is an all-steel construction pistol based upon the Browning High Power design. IMO, it is a highly underrated gun. Of all my handguns, I find it the most accurate, and therefore the most pleasant to shoot. The grip is a bit fat, though, and the controls are a bit hard to reach if you have average or smaller than average hands as I do. Of course, the best pistol for you will be the one that fits most comfortably in your hand and which points naturally for you. Going to a range which rents different handguns will let you experience shooting from different guns and make a proper evaluation.

[Seraph]

CZ 75B is a great choice. Mine has been perfectly reliable, deadly accurate, and cost me only $385. I think I have pretty average sized hands, and I find the ergonomics of this pistol to be just great.

[TMan]

misfit said:

... My personal 9mm is a CZ-75b. This is an all-steel construction pistol based upon the Browning High Power design.

Well, it might look like a Browning High Power (BHP), but internally they are quite different. The CZ75, IMI Baby Eagle, EAA Witness, F.I.E. TZ75, Excam TA90, Springfield Armory P9, and Action Arms AT84/AT88 are all the same design.

As I've previously mentioned the thing I don't like about the CZ75 design is the need for slave pins to reassemble it, which is why it is way down on my list of trigger jobs that I need to do.