[Savor the Stick]

Originally Posted by kgoings

So I am not a newb to weapons. My dad had guns growing up and we used to do target practice in the fields and forests around my house. I also was in the military, was an expert with the M16 (I don't think that is saying much), I have fired 60's SAW's 9 mils. I was also an armorer in the military so I am familiar with disassembling and reassembling weapons, or I have the know-how and comfort to figure out how to maintain, clean, and repair a weapon.

So here is my question. I am looking for a first personal firearm. Not a rifle, I am looking for a handgun. And I am not looking to drop a fortune on some 'special' weapon. So what do you think? My interest in purchasing a firearm is for personal (and family) safety, and secondarily for target practice or fun shooting.

Thanks ahead of time for all input.

Kirk,

One of the guns I first had and had a load of fun with is a regular slab side Government .45 acp. I would not go with Colt (highly overpriced) but Springfield Armory. With your experience with weapons this would be a lot of fun to tweak it and put night sights, grips, extended safeties, trigger jobs, etc. good home defense gun, from the safety issue you can have the mag out, hammer down on an empty chamber....and yet get it into battery very quickly by putting the mag in and racking the slide; not something very easily done by children....How old are you kids?
But above all you need to be comfortable with the weapon; I have always suggested to people I know to go to a range that rents the guns and try out several.
I love the .45 caliber....and love the simplistic nature of the old slab side venerable government .45. This gun won't break the bank either.

Let us know what you choose...
Best to you and yours,
K

Never forget raising kids in a home with a gun...it's about training them to respect them (the earlier the better) as the tools they are...and not toys....you already know that but others might read this also.