Ok, i'm looking to get a pistol. All i've really had a chance to shoot was a Glock 22 (40 S&W) and a Taurus .40 (don't know model). I'm looking for something that isn't to expensive (i.e. 400ish preferably under). I'm not opposed to buying used, just don't even know what to look for. I looked at a Springfield XDM but again... $600 is out of my price range. Just looking for something to have a little target fun with and something I can carry too. Thanks in advance.

 

Stick with the .40, It has great knockdown power...and beats the hell outa the ghetto 9 I know that you do not want to spend more, but normally, paying more will get you a better weapon. A better weapon will last, and always be there for you. If you only have one means of protection, would you not want it to be the best you can get? Just some thoughts to ponder...

 

i know i know... ya gotta pay to play. I've almost bought the Glock about 4 times now, but always walk out of the shop empty handed. I just didn't know if there was another gun I should be looking at too.

 

tell you the truth i have never fired this gun and had it for two years. but i have a sig and it has a double action trigger, which i now love. i did have an xd-9 but it got stole. the double action, lets you keep a round charged in the chamber, and you really have to want to pull the trigger if you want to which would greatly reduce the risk of accidents. just my opinion.

 

I have the Glock 22, 40 cal. Great shooting gun. The only thing I don't like is there is not a safety. So keeping a round in the chamber...well. Other than that, awesome gun! CDB

 

I have a Kimber, Smith & Wesson model 4006, Beretta (actually had, I sold it), and a Glock. All were .40s

The Beretta sucked, it was cheap, and I am sure they make better.
Love the Smith and Wesson, it was one of the original 40's, made in the late 80's.

My Kimber is sweet, very tight tolerences, and very accurate. The Glock, not so sweet, loose, and not as accurate as my Kimber.

Which one is the best? Depends... If I am in the mud, and the muck...I want the Glock. Holds more rounds, and can operate in nasty conditions. I carry the Glock, because if it gets stolen, I buy another.

I keep the Kimber beside my bed. If I need to put a bullet between someones eyes, I can do it with the Kimber. The Glock? I am not very accurate. But then again, I do not shoot that much. I suck

 

I bought my last two Taurus pistols at the same time at a gun show stainless 8 shot 357 and my pt101 .40 together w tax out the door was $ 925 wait for a gun show you can save a ton of money and sometimes get way more gun for than you might otherwise

BTW I also have a baby eagle .40 best out of the box shooter I have ever owned bought it about 4 years ago for $475 NIB 2 mags I hate tupper guns so I dont own any and cannot give you any opinion other than plastic sucks and steel/alloy metal rules

 

if you want something for home protection.. go with a mossberg 500 or a Remington 870

 

Same feelings with my kimber, but a little bit above the 400 mark.

 

Anyone have any experience with the Smith and Wesson Sigma? MSRP is $400

 

I know its outta your price range but I have the H&K USP Compact with a Gemtech silencer and love it! As far as just a nice reliable target shooter, you can't go wrong with a Kimber or a Sig. I know all these guys are chiming in to go with a bigger .40 S&W or even a .45 but a 9mm will give you plenty of stopping power IF you know how to use it But if you wanna stick with a .40 I'd check out Magnum Research's Baby Eagle. They are the same company that make the Desert Eagle I've heard really good reviews about this one Baby Eagle .40 S&W as well as the 9mm version seen here as #9. Anyway, good luck with your hunt and let us now how it goes

 

Glocks are reliable pistols but remember that they are built loose so they work in all conditions at the cost of accuracy. As a defense weapon and at normal confrontation ranges, they're hard to beat. I won't own one myself because accuracy is a prime factor in my buying a pistol. My outlook is if I know I'm going to have to defend myself, I'm shooting early and at distance. As they say down here, you don't want to shoot second in a gun fight. I'd suggest finding a pistol that fits your hands and you are comfy with. I don't care for the grip of a Glock. I'd suggest renting a few different ones at the local range and see what does best for you. But I'll also second the Baby Eagle in the 40 SW in a semi-compact all steel. It's also my carry pistol and mine shoots one inch groups or less at 25 yds from bags. Mine started out with a hard creeping trigger. But after a few hundred rounds, it's better than my $1500.00 Kimber Match Target. So I'd also suggest taking a look at the Baby Eagle but don't expect a bunch of after market goodies. Grips are about it and I highly recommend the Hogue rubber grips. Another great shooter based on the 1911 design are the Rock Island pistols. They aren't best finished but the fit is pretty decent and I've yet to shoot one that wasn't accurate. Another pistol to look at is the CZ line. They are a little rough when new but after a few hundred rounds, they start shooting pretty darn good. But it really comes down to what fits you and what yer comfy with. If you're not comfy with it, you're not going to shoot it good no matter how much you spend.

 

i have a glock 17 and couldnt be happier with the purchase...the first time i shot it i didnt feel any regret at all...i would def. look at glocks...

 

Ahh man why'd you have to go and say that? Now it looks like I'm gonna have to go investigate and lose some weight in the wallet

 

I have a Taurus PT24/7 in .40 S&W. It's a great gun. It got very positive reviews and is extremely comfortable to hold. It's very reliable, and the best part - it was only $270 used. I would definitely take a good look at the Taurus', they're great guns and they have great prices.