Debate Handgun types.

[Dave Pendleton]

If I recall correctly, both locations of Bill's Gun Shop had a wide variety of handguns to rent.

You might try renting a few different models and calibers and see what you shoot well.

[JustinPo]

If you have big hands and don't mind the price bite of a Sig why not look at an H&K USP? They are IMHO very Accurate, very reliable, and available in any of the three calibers your looking at. Plus they are setup very similar to a 1911 but are DA/SA also if you prefer that method of carry versus condition one plus safety. You could even look at the compact versus the standard sizes for a boost to ease of concealment.

[mmcnx2]

Try a bunch of types, sizes and calibers.

Then pick something you can shoot proficiently and if it is a toss up pick the one you like.

The last thing you should do is buy something someone else tells you need to carry.

[hammAR]

Try a bunch of types, sizes and calibers.
Then pick something you can shoot proficiently and if it is a toss up pick the one you like.
The last thing you should do is buy something someone else tells you need to carry.

Exactly, the important thing is to get one and practice with it,
besides you can always sell it here when you change your mind, like everyone else does..................

[rugersol]

besides you can always sell it here when you change your mind, like everyone else does..................

no lie!

[fotog54]

Okay, I'll throw in my nickels worth of opinion.

.40 - Nothing this round can do that a .45 can't do better! The round was designed as a solution to a non-existent problem.

9mm - With proper self-defense ammo and well placed shots, it will stop a perpetrator. Least expensive round to shoot so practice won't cost as much.

.45 - Best self-defense round, low velocity high mass bullet. Most expensive to shoot. Learn to reload ammo!

Conclusion! 9mm to start with, learn to shoot it well and then move up to a .45.

In my humble opinion the Glock 19 is a good place to start.

[EJSG19]

Hey all, need to have opinions, have read some, but noticed a huge level of bias without supporting proof. I am considering getting a Sig P226 as my "first" gun (wife got a Beretta 92 as her first gun-I get to actually use it for now). The debate lies between these 3 though: The Sig, Glock, and S&W mp. Personally I'm not a big fan of plastic guns, nothing against those who like them, but I like the extra weight of the more all-metal types. Tends to help me hold the gun steadier-noticed that shooting my wife's Beretta 92. I know Sig and Glock have a strong reliability consideration on their side.


Second debate is 9mm versus .40? Economically, I know 9mm is the cheaper to shoot, as well as lower kick etc. I've had people say "9 is too small for home defense, I know people shooting the enemy in Iraq/Afg. with 9mm's that shot them 5-6 times and they were still coming." I do ask them if they realize what type of round the military uses-received some very interesting responses (I know they use FMJ's). After telling them they were required to use FMJ's, not HP rounds, they retort with "9mm HP still can't stop anyone" or some other comment of the sort. Personally, someone breaks into my house, the 12gauge is the first thing I'm grabbing anyway; you can still miss, but it makes one hell of a baseball bat if worse came to worse. That, and if I miss with the 12-I won't kill my neighbors.

Not to be rude, but it sounds like your own thoughts are much more useful than the thoughts of the "people with bias and no supporting proof." Don't be afraid to trust your own instincts. In fact, I'll repeat that. Don't be afraid to trust your own instincts. You make good points in your original post, so you sound fairly well informed already. Go with what you like.

Far as caliber debates... between 9mm and .45 at least, I think that conversation is largely a waste of time and reserved for bored forum members, or folks that honestly think a .45 will stop somebody 100% and a 9mm is a cap gun. Ballistically the difference between 9mm and .45 is small. You want a man stopper, pick up a rifle or a shotgun or a bulldozer (you already arrived at this conclusion in your post, so 'nuff said.)

I hear you leaning toward a Sig. go with your gut. Can't go wrong with Sig, Glock, or an M&P anyway, so happy buying!

[Boone]

Head to one of the local gun shops, shoot all the guns you are thinking of getting. Get the one that feels the best to you.