entry level handgun suggestions
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From: Iowa
Originally Posted by Fritzthecat
Ruger makes ok pistols. They go bang when needed but are sort of the Mack truck of the auto pistol world.
I would not take a Sigma for free.
Look into the Walther P99 / S&W SW99 series. The frame is adjustable for handsize and the ergonomics are superb. It is the first pistol that felt right in my hand.
You can find them new for under U$500.
Fritz
I would not take a Sigma for free.
Look into the Walther P99 / S&W SW99 series. The frame is adjustable for handsize and the ergonomics are superb. It is the first pistol that felt right in my hand.
You can find them new for under U$500.
Fritz
yeah, I have an airsoft version of the walther p99 and love the feel of it. if I can find one for a good price I'll be all over it
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From: Atlanta, GA
Glock is the best bet entry level hands down. I bought my glock model 30 (subcompact .45) back in like 99 or 2000 for $469. It has never jammed once, and an idiot could disassemble and reassemble it without screwing it up.
I have a multitude of pistols, ranging from a Kimber TLE/RL 1911 .45 that was over $1000 new, to the glock, a sig, couple colts, S&W, beretta and so on. A couple revolvers in the mix, I wouldn't recommend for sport shooting although they do portray a meaner look than an automatic in my opinion.
But as previously stated, the glock isn't going to loose much value if kept up, whereas the rest will be significantly devalued immediately. And one more thing, just because you're a big guy doesn't mean you need a big gun. THats hollywood mantra and nothing more. That kimber I have is a big gun, and I can shoot circles around it with my glock.
I have a multitude of pistols, ranging from a Kimber TLE/RL 1911 .45 that was over $1000 new, to the glock, a sig, couple colts, S&W, beretta and so on. A couple revolvers in the mix, I wouldn't recommend for sport shooting although they do portray a meaner look than an automatic in my opinion.
But as previously stated, the glock isn't going to loose much value if kept up, whereas the rest will be significantly devalued immediately. And one more thing, just because you're a big guy doesn't mean you need a big gun. THats hollywood mantra and nothing more. That kimber I have is a big gun, and I can shoot circles around it with my glock.
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From: Iowa
Originally Posted by 98Navi
And one more thing, just because you're a big guy doesn't mean you need a big gun. THats hollywood mantra and nothing more.
I'm not talking about getting a .50 DE or something huge. I was thinking that a .40 would be a solid round.
What I meant is I don't want a compact pistol and I can handle a bit of recoil
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From: North of Dallas, South of Frisco
Hmmm, I saw no mention of the Desert Eagle...
That's the meanest looking SOB I've ever seen; black or nickel-plated. An unmistakable business-end.
I need to get something, then again, maybe I don't...
I'm a nice guy, but little stuff can make me snap, like when some little SOB vandalized my property... If I'd had my gun, (because I heard it when it happened) there'd be one emmer effer with a permanent limp right now...
Hopefully I'd have been calm enough to not let my emotions win, and only take out a knee...
I don't have my 4.7 40-yard speed anymore, so I need something that can catch people for me.
That's the meanest looking SOB I've ever seen; black or nickel-plated. An unmistakable business-end.
I need to get something, then again, maybe I don't...
I'm a nice guy, but little stuff can make me snap, like when some little SOB vandalized my property... If I'd had my gun, (because I heard it when it happened) there'd be one emmer effer with a permanent limp right now...
Hopefully I'd have been calm enough to not let my emotions win, and only take out a knee...
I don't have my 4.7 40-yard speed anymore, so I need something that can catch people for me.
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From: Southwest PA
When it comes to revolvers, if you want a Smith buy one, not some Brazilian knockoff. I have a taurus and have worked on and shot a few of them. Not something i would recommend.
Looking at your post, i am assuming (I know that is the wrong thing to do) that you do not already have a pistol of any sort.
With that in mind. I know you are a big person so you want a big gun, but then i see you don't really want to spend anything on it, so that says budget.
Go buy yourself a 22 cal pistol a Ruger Mark 2 if you can find one or even one of the new Mark 3 guns, or better yet a browning buckmark, go for the 5.5 target version if possible.
Granted these are not in the same caliber as yo would like to have, but on a budget it is a lot cheaper and thus more fun to shoot a 22 than a 9mm or a 40 and it will be far easier to learn all of the things you need to learn to be able to hit what you are looking to shoot. Less noise, and recoil, and smoke. The guns I have suggested each will hold 10 rounds so they would be able to be used in the home for defense if needed. 10 rounds from a 22 to the torso or head will slow if not stop an invader.
Everyone wants the bigger calibers to start, and then they find that they aren't all that comfortable to shoot and the cost for ammo, even the imported and surplus stuff is a big drawback, and then you soon stop shooting.
Just my opinion.
Looking at your post, i am assuming (I know that is the wrong thing to do) that you do not already have a pistol of any sort.
With that in mind. I know you are a big person so you want a big gun, but then i see you don't really want to spend anything on it, so that says budget.
Go buy yourself a 22 cal pistol a Ruger Mark 2 if you can find one or even one of the new Mark 3 guns, or better yet a browning buckmark, go for the 5.5 target version if possible.
Granted these are not in the same caliber as yo would like to have, but on a budget it is a lot cheaper and thus more fun to shoot a 22 than a 9mm or a 40 and it will be far easier to learn all of the things you need to learn to be able to hit what you are looking to shoot. Less noise, and recoil, and smoke. The guns I have suggested each will hold 10 rounds so they would be able to be used in the home for defense if needed. 10 rounds from a 22 to the torso or head will slow if not stop an invader.
Everyone wants the bigger calibers to start, and then they find that they aren't all that comfortable to shoot and the cost for ammo, even the imported and surplus stuff is a big drawback, and then you soon stop shooting.
Just my opinion.
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From: Fort Worth, TX
I heard you say that you are a big guy. If you want a manly gun go with the Stainless Steel Smith and Wesson .44 Magnum. I believe it is model number 629. I have one with the 4" barrel. The only thing fun to shoot out of it is "cowboy loads". Full load hollow points will have your hands screamin' after about 12 rounds.
Also, the Taurus pistols are nice. They are relatively inexpensive. Don't buy from a dealer unless you are at a gun show. I paid $350 for a $600 msrp PT92 model Taurus brand new. I think that is the model number. They look good, they are pretty accurate and they have a LIFETIME warranty. No other manufacturer can say that.
Also, the Taurus pistols are nice. They are relatively inexpensive. Don't buy from a dealer unless you are at a gun show. I paid $350 for a $600 msrp PT92 model Taurus brand new. I think that is the model number. They look good, they are pretty accurate and they have a LIFETIME warranty. No other manufacturer can say that.
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From: Georgia on my mind...
When someone asks me "What gun should I buy?" I tell 'em all the same thing.
Go to a range that'll let you rent a few. Try as many as you can. Buy what works for you. Even though you're buying it for recreational use, God forbid the day may come that you'll need to use that thing to save your ***.
Buy what works for you.
Go to a range that'll let you rent a few. Try as many as you can. Buy what works for you. Even though you're buying it for recreational use, God forbid the day may come that you'll need to use that thing to save your ***.
Buy what works for you.
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From: Iowa
Originally Posted by Bighersh
Hmmm, I saw no mention of the Desert Eagle...
That's the meanest looking SOB I've ever seen; black or nickel-plated. An unmistakable business-end.
.
That's the meanest looking SOB I've ever seen; black or nickel-plated. An unmistakable business-end.
.
uhm, a tad out of my price range....
I'm kind of leaning towards a 9mm as it will be easier to shoot and ammo will be cheaper then a .40. It's not so much that I want a "big gun" as in that I want something that will feel good in my hands and I don't see a compact pistol doing that for me.
sure a .45 or .50 would be cool but I want something that is fun to go blow holes in some targets, not something that will make my bicepts huge just from picking it up repeatedly
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From: Mount Airy,MD
Originally Posted by machgt
uhm, a tad out of my price range....
I'm kind of leaning towards a 9mm as it will be easier to shoot and ammo will be cheaper then a .40. It's not so much that I want a "big gun" as in that I want something that will feel good in my hands and I don't see a compact pistol doing that for me.
sure a .45 or .50 would be cool but I want something that is fun to go blow holes in some targets, not something that will make my bicepts huge just from picking it up repeatedly
I'm kind of leaning towards a 9mm as it will be easier to shoot and ammo will be cheaper then a .40. It's not so much that I want a "big gun" as in that I want something that will feel good in my hands and I don't see a compact pistol doing that for me.
sure a .45 or .50 would be cool but I want something that is fun to go blow holes in some targets, not something that will make my bicepts huge just from picking it up repeatedly
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From: Iowa
Originally Posted by kingfish51
A 45ACP weapon will have no more kick than a 9mm or 40. I have large hands also, but my fingers are not that long. I find the most comfortable handgun to be a M1911. Just works for me. The 9mm, 40, and other double stackers fit in my hand, just not as comfortably. As Quintin said try and see which one you like.
yeah, I found a gun shop with a shooting range in the basement about 15 minutes from here
I'll probably go with a friend sometime and we can try a few
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From: Aberdeen MD
I own no guns of my own, and until a few month ago I never fired a gun. My friend owns 4 and I went with him shooting. He's got a Heckler & Koch USP .40 cal , Ruger GP100 357 Magnum, Springfield 1911-A1 .45 cal, and a Glock 17 in 9mm. My least favorite of the 4 was the glock. My 2 favorites were the 1911 and the 357. I loved how both of those felt in my hands and I did my best shooting with both of them. The glock was my least favorite. It felt awkward to me shooting it. Probably because my hands are so big and I did my worst shooting with it. Not that I did bad especially for my first time out. I figure especially for my first time out I would have missed the target on at least one shot but I didn't. Every shot was in the black. I was very pleased with myself
When I buy my first gun it will either be a 1911 or a 357
When I buy my first gun it will either be a 1911 or a 357
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From: Mormon-ville
Originally Posted by azreael344
I own no guns of my own, and until a few month ago I never fired a gun. My friend owns 4 and I went with him shooting. He's got a Heckler & Koch USP .40 cal , Ruger GP100 357 Magnum, Springfield 1911-A1 .45 cal, and a Glock 17 in 9mm. My least favorite of the 4 was the glock. My 2 favorites were the 1911 and the 357. I loved how both of those felt in my hands and I did my best shooting with both of them. The glock was my least favorite. It felt awkward to me shooting it. Probably because my hands are so big and I did my worst shooting with it. Not that I did bad especially for my first time out. I figure especially for my first time out I would have missed the target on at least one shot but I didn't. Every shot was in the black. I was very pleased with myself
When I buy my first gun it will either be a 1911 or a 357
When I buy my first gun it will either be a 1911 or a 357
well it doesnt count if your standing three feet away from the target
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From: Aberdeen MD
Originally Posted by Smeezy 05 Screw
well it doesnt count if your standing three feet away from the target
Needless to say I can't wait to go again.
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From: miami florida u.s.
machgt,
It might be just above your range,I paid just over 500 for mine,but a sigpro is another option.I bought the 40cal initially,and have since bought the 357 sig barrel for versatility.The clips accept 357 or 40 cal.Also if you have a big hand like me it comes with interchangeable grips,one for smaller hands and one for larger.Its a polymer frame w/ stainless parts.Not good for conceal carry unless you can wear a jacket.
http://www.sigarms.com/Products/Show...&productid=121
Good luck w/ whatever you choose
It might be just above your range,I paid just over 500 for mine,but a sigpro is another option.I bought the 40cal initially,and have since bought the 357 sig barrel for versatility.The clips accept 357 or 40 cal.Also if you have a big hand like me it comes with interchangeable grips,one for smaller hands and one for larger.Its a polymer frame w/ stainless parts.Not good for conceal carry unless you can wear a jacket.
http://www.sigarms.com/Products/Show...&productid=121
Good luck w/ whatever you choose