First personal firearm thread

kgoings · 06-24-2009, 12:01 AM

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.

icehog3 · 06-24-2009, 12:05 AM

I have no say in what I carry on the job, but for my off duty handgun my choice is a Sig Sauer P220 45. Excellent weapon, accurate, well made, won't break the bank, with adequate stopping power.

white_s2k · 06-24-2009, 12:09 AM

I've been using a Springfield XD-9 for 3 years now and absolutely love it. Great price, very accurate and can take a beating and keep on performing well.

kgoings · 06-24-2009, 12:14 AM

Thanks guys!

I also want to know about gun safes that you guys use. I have kids in the house. And I WILL not be one of those that end up on the news because of an 'accident' at home.

I am ALL about safety when it comes to my kids, maybe in excess. My wife calls me the Boat Nazi, because of how serious I am about boating safety. Boating is all about having fun, but not at the expense of safety.

icehog3 · 06-24-2009, 12:19 AM

Absolutely take every precatuion with kids at home.

I can't speak for gun safes, as I don't have kids....mine is within arm's reach while I sleep, armed and ready...I would need to rethink that if I had children.

kaelaria · 06-24-2009, 12:53 AM

Can't help with the safe - I do keep some of mine in a nightstand safe with a digital pop release, but if the kids find the key...(I don't have any)

I still go back to the Sig P229 after trying many others and still owning others. Most new shooters however like the Sig Pro better when I bring them to a range, but the P229 just shoots better in my hand. It's a very personal choice, there's no substitute for range time with a whole bunch of potentials - start renting!

Savor the Stick · 06-24-2009, 01:35 AM

Quote:

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.

awsmith4 · 06-24-2009, 01:40 AM

http://i10.tinypic.com/29oigqu.jpg

This is what my buddy uses and has it attached under the night stand, Google 'handgun safe' and it will show up. I only have shotguns and the one I keep ready is trigger locked but I myself will be getting a handgun soon and this safe is what I plan on getting

Savor the Stick · 06-24-2009, 01:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by awsmith4

http://i10.tinypic.com/29oigqu.jpg

This is what my buddy uses and has it attached under the night stand, Google 'handgun safe' and it will show up. I only have shotguns and the one I keep ready is trigger locked but I myself will be getting a handgun soon and this safe is what I plan on getting

Yup got that gun!

elderboy02 · 06-24-2009, 06:02 AM

I recommend a Glock 23 (.40 S&W). It is a great size without sacrificing stopping power. I love the fact that there are no safeties. Also, if you can't afford to shoot .40's all the time, you can buy a 9mm barrel and some 9mm mags and shoot 9mm. Then you have a Glock 19

Quote:

Originally Posted by awsmith4

http://i10.tinypic.com/29oigqu.jpg

That is a great safe to use

Wolfgang · 06-24-2009, 01:58 AM

I love my glock 19. NEVER ever had any malfunctions. It will eat any ammo you throw at it . PLUS is wont leave you homeless at about $500+\-

I have this save in my night stand. Its very small and purpose made. Keypad for easy entry, and keyed lock if the battery dies.
http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/pr...ductId=3541266

Azpostal · 06-24-2009, 03:10 AM

I think one of the best values out there for handguns are any SA XD. I have both the 9mm and 40mm and they shoot straight right out of the box.

Ratters · 06-24-2009, 03:30 AM

There are lots of good firearms out there. If you have a range that rents firearms I suggest trying different ones to see what works best for you. Guns are like smokes, not everyone likes the same thing. I have a Glock 23 sitting under the pillow right next to me, but I like it because there's no external safeties to get in the way. But I have no kids and don't worry about such things.

If you have kids in the house look into a safe that bolts under the bed like the gunvault. It will keep a gun locked up but easily accessed in your bedroom. I have a large safe for my guns in the "Armory" room. If you want a full size safe Costco has a decent one on sale right now.

Hope you find what works for ya.

Flat4boxer · 06-24-2009, 05:27 AM

Get what you are comfortable with and can opperate easily. Several good guns have been mentioned already and you could not go wrong with any of them. A Smith and Wesson M&P is also a good choice. Compare price and find something that fits well in your hand and you'll be just fine.

I have a Liberty safe 24cf. Just like humidors, buy more safe than you think you'll need.

Smokin Gator · 06-24-2009, 05:35 AM

For home defense I have a Ruger Security Six. It is simple, reliable, a blast to shoot for practice, and can be found (used) in great shape for about $350. I also keep a Mossberg 500 under the bed.

For a carry pistol I love my SW Airweight 38. It is not much fun for practice but is light/small enough to be a everyday concealed carry.

Lots of options out there, but those work for me. For straight up home defense though a shotgun has a lot of plusses.

Flat4boxer · 06-24-2009, 05:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smokin Gator

Lots of options out there, but those work for me. For straight up home defense though a shotgun has a lot of plusses.

I concour with Gator on that point as well.

Starchild · 06-24-2009, 06:02 AM

I've got the same issue with a kid in the house. You want the weapon secure, but accessible if you need it. I've got a small gun vault as others have referenced.

Personally, I've got a Glock 26 for range and HD. I use 17 rd mags with a grip extender. The other one I've been looking at is a Bersa Thunder in 45acp. I've shot a friends, and it was a nice gun at a good price.

elderboy02 · 06-24-2009, 06:06 AM

I forgot to add.... Don't buy anything that says Taurus on it.

I have a revolver that is complete crap and the cust. serv. says they fixed it, but they didn't.

Stay away!

floydpink · 06-24-2009, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elderboy02

I forgot to add.... Don't buy anything that says Taurus on it.
I have a revolver that is complete crap and the cust. serv. says they fixed it, but they didn't.

Stay away!

VERY true. Had the 357. Junk made in Brazil from inferior parts, especially the metal.

Also NEVER EVER buy anything that says Kel Tec, no matter how easy the salesman says it is to carry.

Replicant, I have the speed strips loaded in my glove box just in case.

replicant_argent · 06-24-2009, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by floydpink

Replicant, I have the speed strips loaded in my glove box just in case.

You have a glove box on your scooter?

Cool, Pete....

Some people don't think they have a good option for reloads with revolvers, and think they need a "bulky" speed loader they would either have to put on a belt, (really? I don't think I would) or stuff in a pocket, (Golf ball in your pants, anyone?) Just throwing it out there, speed strips are a pretty elegant solution. If I was carrying a revolver, I would definitely do strips in something like this:
http://www.sideguardholsters.com/hol...RoughPouch.htm
(local guy, makes nice stuff and is very affordable, gratuitous plug)

06-24-2009, 12:01 AM	#1
kgoings Cigarologist Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Kirk Location: Highlands Ranch, Co Posts: 1,979 Trading: (42)	First personal firearm thread 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. __________________ Your silly little opinion has been noted!

06-24-2009, 12:05 AM	#2
icehog3 Admiral Douchebag Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Tom Location: Clermont, Kentucky Posts: 71,282 Trading: (60)	Re: First personal firearm thread I have no say in what I carry on the job, but for my off duty handgun my choice is a Sig Sauer P220 45. Excellent weapon, accurate, well made, won't break the bank, with adequate stopping power. __________________ Thanks Dave, Julian, James, Kelly, Peter, Gerry, Dave, Mo, Frank, Týr and Mr. Mark!

06-24-2009, 12:09 AM	#3
white_s2k The Dude Abides Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Josh Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 1,052 Trading: (20)	Re: First personal firearm thread I've been using a Springfield XD-9 for 3 years now and absolutely love it. Great price, very accurate and can take a beating and keep on performing well. __________________ "An armed society is a polite society. Manners are good when one may have to back up his acts with his life." – Robert A. Heinlein

06-24-2009, 12:14 AM	#4
kgoings Cigarologist Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Kirk Location: Highlands Ranch, Co Posts: 1,979 Trading: (42)	Re: First personal firearm thread Thanks guys! I also want to know about gun safes that you guys use. I have kids in the house. And I WILL not be one of those that end up on the news because of an 'accident' at home. I am ALL about safety when it comes to my kids, maybe in excess. My wife calls me the Boat Nazi, because of how serious I am about boating safety. Boating is all about having fun, but not at the expense of safety. __________________ Your silly little opinion has been noted!

06-24-2009, 12:19 AM	#5
icehog3 Admiral Douchebag Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Tom Location: Clermont, Kentucky Posts: 71,282 Trading: (60)	Re: First personal firearm thread Absolutely take every precatuion with kids at home. I can't speak for gun safes, as I don't have kids....mine is within arm's reach while I sleep, armed and ready...I would need to rethink that if I had children. __________________ Thanks Dave, Julian, James, Kelly, Peter, Gerry, Dave, Mo, Frank, Týr and Mr. Mark!

06-24-2009, 12:53 AM	#6
kaelaria Cigarobsession.com Baby! Join Date: Mar 2009 First Name: Bryan Location: Holiday, FL Posts: 736 Trading: (3)	Re: First personal firearm thread Can't help with the safe - I do keep some of mine in a nightstand safe with a digital pop release, but if the kids find the key...(I don't have any) I still go back to the Sig P229 after trying many others and still owning others. Most new shooters however like the Sig Pro better when I bring them to a range, but the P229 just shoots better in my hand. It's a very personal choice, there's no substitute for range time with a whole bunch of potentials - start renting! __________________ Cigar Videos

06-24-2009, 01:40 AM	#8
awsmith4 Simple Pleasures - 2oL Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Albert Location: Marietta, Georgia Posts: 4,602 Trading: (111)	Re: First personal firearm thread http://i10.tinypic.com/29oigqu.jpg This is what my buddy uses and has it attached under the night stand, Google 'handgun safe' and it will show up. I only have shotguns and the one I keep ready is trigger locked but I myself will be getting a handgun soon and this safe is what I plan on getting __________________ Its THIS easy to support our troops

06-24-2009, 01:58 AM	#11
Wolfgang Back from the dead Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Tampa, Fl Posts: 2,541 Trading: (14)	Re: First personal firearm thread I love my glock 19. NEVER ever had any malfunctions. It will eat any ammo you throw at it . PLUS is wont leave you homeless at about $500+\- I have this save in my night stand. Its very small and purpose made. Keypad for easy entry, and keyed lock if the battery dies. http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/pr...ductId=3541266 __________________ You probably wont remember that test you failed, but you'll never forget the girl you were with the night before, when you decided not to study.

06-24-2009, 03:10 AM	#12
Azpostal Feeling at Home Join Date: Jun 2009 First Name: Don Location: Arizona Posts: 511 Trading: (9)	Re: First personal firearm thread I think one of the best values out there for handguns are any SA XD. I have both the 9mm and 40mm and they shoot straight right out of the box.

06-24-2009, 03:30 AM	#13
Ratters Have My Own Room Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 1,848 Trading: (2)	Re: First personal firearm thread There are lots of good firearms out there. If you have a range that rents firearms I suggest trying different ones to see what works best for you. Guns are like smokes, not everyone likes the same thing. I have a Glock 23 sitting under the pillow right next to me, but I like it because there's no external safeties to get in the way. But I have no kids and don't worry about such things. If you have kids in the house look into a safe that bolts under the bed like the gunvault. It will keep a gun locked up but easily accessed in your bedroom. I have a large safe for my guns in the "Armory" room. If you want a full size safe Costco has a decent one on sale right now. Hope you find what works for ya.

06-24-2009, 05:27 AM	#14
Flat4boxer Adjusting to the Life Join Date: Jun 2009 First Name: Kelly Location: NC Posts: 272 Trading: (4)	Re: First personal firearm thread Get what you are comfortable with and can opperate easily. Several good guns have been mentioned already and you could not go wrong with any of them. A Smith and Wesson M&P is also a good choice. Compare price and find something that fits well in your hand and you'll be just fine. I have a Liberty safe 24cf. Just like humidors, buy more safe than you think you'll need. __________________ "Bad spellers of the world, UNTIE!!!"

06-24-2009, 05:35 AM	#15
Smokin Gator Just plain insane! Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: The Swamp Posts: 6,237 Trading: (106)	Re: First personal firearm thread For home defense I have a Ruger Security Six. It is simple, reliable, a blast to shoot for practice, and can be found (used) in great shape for about $350. I also keep a Mossberg 500 under the bed. For a carry pistol I love my SW Airweight 38. It is not much fun for practice but is light/small enough to be a everyday concealed carry. Lots of options out there, but those work for me. For straight up home defense though a shotgun has a lot of plusses. __________________ Check out the Cigar Asylum Newbie Sampler Trade

06-24-2009, 06:02 AM	#17
Starchild SERENITY NOW! Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Andre Location: Fernandina Beach, Fl Posts: 553 Trading: (11)	Re: First personal firearm thread I've got the same issue with a kid in the house. You want the weapon secure, but accessible if you need it. I've got a small gun vault as others have referenced. Personally, I've got a Glock 26 for range and HD. I use 17 rd mags with a grip extender. The other one I've been looking at is a Bersa Thunder in 45acp. I've shot a friends, and it was a nice gun at a good price. __________________ Everywhere is walking distance if you have the time - Steven Wright

06-24-2009, 06:06 AM	#18
elderboy02 Lets Go Buckeyes! Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Dan Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 12,508 Trading: (133)	Re: First personal firearm thread I forgot to add.... Don't buy anything that says Taurus on it. I have a revolver that is complete crap and the cust. serv. says they fixed it, but they didn't. Stay away!