Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Steve, if you move forward into this area of handguns, you may want to research the following web page and gunsmith:

http://www.customsixguns.com/

I'd originally read about these calibers back in the late 80's, and I was trying to remember if it was in Shooting Times magazine or another periodical that first wrote about the .500 and .475 Linebaugh revolvers. They are both very impressive and powerful handguns. Most people at the time (including yours truly) handloaded our own rounds for our various calibers. Don't know if there are commercial loads for the Linebaugh as there may be for the Smith .500.

Anyways, there are quite a number of articles out there on the Linebaugh worth perusing if you're planning on adding this piece to your collection...:tu

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Another reason to go .460, Hornady, the round the gun was made for can be found for around 30 a box while the cheapest .500 stuff I have found is 45+

Hornady 200 grain FTX 2,200 FPS

I have mustered 7" groups at 100 Yds open sights and 5" groups when I had mine scoped, I personally think thats damn good from a hand gun.:2

The 460 also will shoot 454 casull (SP?) and 45 long colt.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

:tu
I have no need for a handgun that big lol.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Sorry guys, I said I LOOKED...

I have no need of a pistol that powerful...If I need something that big I'll grab one of my rifles :)

Back when the Casull came out, I shot one of those...ouch!

BTW, the bullets look like lipstick tubes!

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Just got my high capacity mags for my new Springfield XD!

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

:sl stop saying that! You got your normal capacity mags. The other mags are low-cap :D

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

:tpd:

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Sorry nasty habit I have of placating the anti gun crowd.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Well got my 3 30 round gen 3 pmags today. I like the grip compared to the gen 2 but the removable feedlip cover does not lock onto the bottom like the gen 2

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Anyone know much about the Ruger Mini 14? I have shot one before and thought it was pretty decent... but I just saw one in the pawn shop today at a "good" price (I think)...

Tactical Model:

http://www.ruger.com/products/mini14...mages/5846.jpg

950.00 Including taxes< case, out the door...

Thoughts?

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Wife just gave me the go ahead to purchase my first firearm. Need a little help here...looking for a handgun with some stopping power, strictly for home protection, also something the wife can fire, if need be. Been looking at a Glock 45. Thoughts?

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

If it is for home defense, then your best bet is a shotgun. They are the easiest to fire, have great stopping power, one pump will usually get anyone out of your home with out having to fire a shot and when you do have to shoot they are much less likely to go through walls and hit the wrong people...

However if you are set on a hand gun then get out to a range with your wife and shoot as many as you can. I would suggest spending about thirty minutes with each gun you are interested it so you can get a good idea about how it fires and how to work it...

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

We are both retired Army...so we know our way around a weapon. I have been instructed by numerous friends that a shotgun is great for home defense, and a lot less expensive than a handgun. Being hardheaded, I am stuck on a handgun. :D

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Well then, let me recommend you stay away from glock, I am not a fan and I find that their firing angle is too low. Basically speaking a lot of the recoil shock returns to my hand instead of over it with the slide.

I am a big fan of Ruger though I have a KP90 that is fantastic and i can shoot it all day and still comfortable return to center target quickly.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

the 45 Cal Glock is a solid pistol in my opinion... however I personally would want something with a few more features for a "first" firearm...

The glock only has a trigger safety... depending on how you feel about that I would suggest looking into a pistol with a full on safety in case later on you decide to carry it... The glock also has no de- C oc k mechanism (had to space it, got censored)... no load indicator... no magazine button... Now where I do not find the lack of these features to be a draw back they are all things to consider when you are making your first purchase as many of those features are handy to those that are <respectfully> new to firearms...

The things Glocks do have going for them for new firearm users are that the mechanics are very simple... deconstruction of the slide from frame and reconstruction is pretty simple... cleaning the gun is very easy... the gun itself is low maintenance... requires less then frequent oiling... and parts/accessories are easy to find...

The 45 caliber itself is not a bad round... however there are many other cartridges that provide the same or greater power in a smaller package which allows for a larger capacity... for instance the 10mm or .40 S&W... the 45 cartridge is known to be a little "overkill" for some applications and a little "underkill" for others... since you say you are looking to buy for home defense you might consider the layout of your house in selecting your caliber... if you think you might need more range you might look into other calibers... if you think you might have to shoot threw a wall or door you might want something with more penetration...

Buy and large if I were buying a gun strictly for home defense I would look into a 12 ga shotgun... since I assume you are looking for a pistol I would say look into Springfield and Ruger to see if they might have something you might be interested in...

I know Glocks are completely reliable and capable pistols... that is why everyone has them... but I like to have my stuff be a little different then everyone else's.... kinda like buying a Honda versus buying a Cadillac... Just my 2 cents....

Hope this Helps Mac, Let us know what you end up with...

Rob

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

The composite frame of glocks makes recoil feel even worse then it would in other properly balanced pistols...

I have a Ruger P-89 as well as others... Just a simple 9mm but its alot of fun and I love it... the all metal alloy frame takes alot of the recoil (even for a 9mm) away... barely notice it at all...

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Thanks for the input guys. :tu

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

The Beretta Storm .40 cal is a great pistol! Fully decocking safety, locking barrel and night sights.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Beretta 92FS then, pretty much same as the new military standard.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Also a really great pistol with a few more features then the Glock... :tu

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Also forgive me Mac... I didn't see your post about you and your wifey being ex-Army... If you have that experience then nvm the draw-backs of the Glock cause obviously you both aren't "new" to firearms... but they are good things to consider...

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

:tpd:

I couldn't agree more.

There are so many good guns out there today to own a Glock IMO....

Ruger makes many good protection oriented guns these days for a fair price, LCR,LCP(s) etc..

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

A few of my toys:
http://i1171.photobucket.com/albums/...Jarv/005-5.jpg
http://i1171.photobucket.com/albums/...Jarv/004-6.jpg
http://i1171.photobucket.com/albums/...Jarv/003-9.jpg
http://i1171.photobucket.com/albums/...arv/002-13.jpg
http://i1171.photobucket.com/albums/...arv/001-18.jpg

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Nice XD-9... and I really like the Sig 1911...

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Hi Mac good choice I have the G21 sf & G30, with 14 rounds can't beat the 21;)

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Rob most of all the so called "features" you say that the Glocks are missing is what makes them the 1st choice of regular pistol shooters and military / police.
All glock models contain only 34 parts, 4 of which are in the magizine alone, all that other fluff: chamber indicators, de-cockers, back strap safety's is what attracts first and second time pistol buyer it doesn't not improve the safety or performance one bit, how many times have you heard of someone accidentally discharging a firearm say " I tought the safety was on" or " I didn't know it was loaded".if the shooter always assumes the pistol is hot that's the best safety of all rather then put your faith in a safety or chamber indicator! Also missing all the useless fluff improves reliability and keeps cost down look at the Beretta M9 (92 FS) it had 70 parts! I have worked part time for a gunsmith for 10 years, all the "features" are the items that fail. :tu

Also Glock mags new can be had for $23/$24, i know a place right now that has PD trade in mags for the G23 for $9 ea!! You can also get Korean surpluses mags for $10-$12.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Yea nothing like a 42 once, $800 -$1200 dollar .45 that only holds 7+1 ?? Don't take me the wrong way 1911's are of my favorite design.....

A G21 sf a can be had for $535 and holds 14 rds.:noon

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Not features, parts! :r:r

I have seen more 92 sf crack slides then even $99 chrome plated Jenings :D

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

I'm a BIG Glock fanboy mac. We get issued glock 22 .40 S&W for work and I love them. I also love the .45 ACP round. IMO you can't go wrong with a gen 3 glock. i would avoid the gen4 with the changable backstrap as those are the main ones i've heard about having any kind of issues. You're retired .mil right? I believe you can get one for $398 dollars with 3 magazines. You have to find a Glock retailer that is an authorized LEO dealer. I think you can find out through Glock. If you can't find that info, shoot me a PM and I'll help.


Edit: Here's some info:
http://www.glockforum.com/forum/f8/p...-military-355/

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Heck yea gen 3 :noon

The L.E special with 3 mags is only I believe gen 4, isn't it?

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

I don't know. As far as I know it's the gen 3 too. Edit: The $398 is only the 9mm and 40 but I think you still get a discount on the 45. not sure of price on the 45

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

A 42 oz gun that I can hold a pattern half the size of any Glock I've ever shot, guns are all about how the shooter feels with it.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

I don't need a 1 Moa gun. I just need it to be minute of bad guy

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

I understand your arguments completely... My first choice is a S&W .357 stub that has none of those features/parts...

My recommendation was for a FIRST firearm... Obviously Mac with his service is looking for something different but my suggestion was meant for someone unfamiliar with firearms... So some of those features undoubtedly make the gun better for new users...

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Tony, that Sig 1911 is sexy :tu

Mac, shoot a few guns and get a feel for what you and Kellie feel comfy with, a 9mm is plenty of stopping power plus it's 17 rounds, 10mm's are great, .40's are great and .45's are awesome. If I was going .45 I would get a 1911, the Glock .45 is gonna be HUGE in Kellie's hand. Anyways I have been carrying a 9mm for 15 years and I have seen what they can do, really no wrong choice. But a 12 gauge is the best for home defense :tu

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Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Thanks mike

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

I have, and love, my M&P 9c. Sweet shooting gun and I'm very accurate with it. However, I bought my son a Beretta 92FS and it is one of the nicest guns I've ever shot. I love it. Very low recoil and easy to operate; it is a heavier gun, but I don't think too much so. I'd definitely try one of these out, especially if I wasn't trying to get one for conceal carry. Steve

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

When looking for a low recoil round with great knockdown power try the .357sig. I dont have all my fingers on my shooting hand and this round saved me from going back down to 9mm or even 380.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

So... the only thing that this gun can kill is paper targets, but I'm really getting into competition shooting. :D This is my Steyr-Mannlicher one-shot air pistol
http://i1150.photobucket.com/albums/...1023121656.jpg
I shoot this gun at a reduced target 10 meters away, one-handed. The "7 ring" is about 2 and 3/8 inches in diameter and the "10 ring" is only 1/2 inch in diameter. In this pic, I was one point shy of a perfect 50
http://i1150.photobucket.com/albums/...1114120908.jpg

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Keep in mind ergonomics too. Many times when it comes to home defense you cant see the sights and the "perp" is too close to worry about sights. Natural point of aim is something to consider. Glocks are great reliable weapons but even very experienced shooters can make an error. I have seen two slam fires from Glocks both older models either Gen I or II the later models I have not heard of these issues.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Very nice! I am trying to find my son one of these. He shoots 4H competition air and .22 rifle.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

I am new to it this year, but I am loving it and picking it up fast. My goal is to qualify as at least sharpshooter, if not expert, in pistol and rifle come December. But good for your son, I wish I could have started when I was younger!

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Glad this thread is taking off again! That's what I am looking for; getting everyone's opinions on guns for noobs. I have always hunted and I am comfortable with shotguns and rifles, but haven't had much experience with hand guns.

The wife and I are moving to the country and I'm looking into picking up the first hand gun. I have been looking at a few different ones at gun shows in the area, but I am leaning to the Sig Sauer Pro series SP2022 in the 40 S&W or 9mm. Not sure which to go with. The 9mm will be cheaper at the range, but the 40 will stop someone a little better.

Also looked at Glocks G23, and even though it was nice, I didn't care for the position my hand was in. I didn't shoot it though, so that may change.

Any input is appreciated, but I just like reading about what others are saying in the posts. Thanks guys

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

My son got his first BB gun at 8 yrs old right after seeing "A Christmas Story" and yes it was a genuine red rider 200 shot repeating action BB rifle. lol He was and has been ever since the best shot in the neighborhood, but better than that all the local parents have gotten involved in firearm safety with their kids. He will be 11 this year and gets his airgun at Christmas and will get his first .22 next year. I believe in teach them to respect firearms and to be safe with them is the best deterrent to slow gun crime.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Cole, I am glad I found this thread and am enjoying the input and opinions I have read. I have fired the sig pro in 40 and 357 sig great weapon in either caliber. I would highly recommend going to a range that has the ability to let you test fire weapons you are thinking of buying. See what feels good, see which ones you can point downrange and hit the target without looking down the sights, and see which ones your hand or your wife's hand fits best. There are so many different sizes and shapes that its almost like being turned loose in a candy store!

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

True for being heavier, and not ideal for concealed, it gets some poor reviews because of these facts. That's what I like about it though, a nice and big large frame semi-auto. I'm a bigger guy, 6'-5", and the large frame pistols like the 92 fit me perfectly, for some reason all the compacts drive me nuts!

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

What are some takes on the Kimber ultras for concealed carry. I've seen some complaints about slides locking up mid mag.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Don't anybody hate on me for this, just my take...well, it's not just MY take:

When the 1911 design gets shrunk down smaller than say Commander size, the odds of having problems increase. And sometimes those issues are very tough to sort out and fix. Having said that, Kimber (and others) have been making the 3" guns for quite a spell now, and there's been a pretty good learning curve.

My general rule about the subcompact 1911s is that if you have one that works properly all the time, don't go trading it off. Might not be so fortunate next time.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

The only issue I'm familiar with regards to the slide locking up is when feeding larger JHP 200gr plus stick with FMJ or JHP under 200gr and you should be fine. If you experience some sticking with these this can be fixed by polishing the ramp a little.

Re: First Firearm Thread.
 

Your entitled to your thoughts as are the rest of us, No need to preface IMO.

I am curious about your sources of info on the smaller .45's though, As I have had one on the "gotta have someday" list for a while and I will not have a unreliable gun for a CCW.