New to Guns

[Çatalhöyük]

As the title implies, I am very new to guns. I've shot a Glock 22, SA 1911, Taurus 1911, a Sig something (9mm), M1A rifle, and a M1 Garand. I love shooting rifles but for more practical purposes I'm looking for a 1911 (preferably 9mm if that's even possible).

I am looking for a carry license (per my other post) in Duluth, and as a poor college student money is always an issue. Just looking for advice, options, and general help in such things. Any help or comments or recommendations are welcome, no comment is a bad comment.

Please Help!

Ryan

[Norsesmithy]

Which pistol did you shoot best?

Don't get me wrong, I like 1911s too, but they might be a touch daunting to own as a first pistol, compared to like a G19 or M&P, they are not as simple to operate.

Otherwise RIA/Armscor 1911s are available in 9mm for very reasonable.

[hammAR]

.................. they are not as simple to operate..

[Norsesmithy]

Point,pull trigger.

I love 1911s, but it's a fact that they require more training to operate proficiently.

Seeing as we should all be training, that's not that big of a deal for someone who is following the established best practices, but most people don't train.

[Çatalhöyük]

well I had to clean the 1911s after I shot them and they were .40s so I'm not too worried about the maintaining things. I'm mainly looking for something relatively inexpensive for a 1911. I'll look up RIA/Armscor 1911. I've never purchased .40 or 9mm ammo, how much of a difference in price are they? We talking huge price difference? Or a few dollars between the two? I would prefer a Springfield Armory 1911 just because I like them. But I would assume they're more expensive.

[Çatalhöyük]

Point,pull trigger.

I love 1911s, but it's a fact that they require more training to operate proficiently.

Seeing as we should all be training, that's not that big of a deal for someone who is following the established best practices, but most people don't train.

Not entirely sure what you mean by training, but I'm also looking for a pistols course / carry license course in Duluth MN. If anyone knows of any that would be greatly appreciated. Again money is an issue but I think it's something I can afford. THanks for any help anyone can offer.

[Norsesmithy]

well I had to clean the 1911s after I shot them and they were .40s so I'm not too worried about the maintaining things. I'm mainly looking for something relatively inexpensive for a 1911. I'll look up RIA/Armscor 1911. I've never purchased .40 or 9mm ammo, how much of a difference in price are they? We talking huge price difference? Or a few dollars between the two? I would prefer a Springfield Armory 1911 just because I like them. But I would assume they're more expensive.

There's a sticker that says $14 or thereabouts at most walmart ammo counters. It's seldom in stock, but that's the going price for a box of 50 Federal Champion .45 ACPs.

9mm is closer to 10 bucks per 50.

Russian steel cased ammo may be cheaper, but will follow similar ratios.

[gyrfalcon]

... I am very new to guns. I've shot a Glock 22, SA 1911, Taurus 1911, a Sig something (9mm), M1A rifle, and a M1 Garand. I love shooting rifles but for more practical purposes I'm looking for a 1911 (preferably 9mm if that's even possible)...

It seems like you're an expert already! You can name the firearms you shot, and have an idea what caliber is. You've also become a 1911 snob so what else do you need to know about guns? Whatever 1911 you buy will get you'll have a ton of fans.

[JoeH]

Since you are a "poor college student", you should hold off on the 1911 for now. Buy a small/compact 9mm UPG (Universal Plastic Gun). It will cost less to feed and you'll have a small auto to carry (IMHO the best carry gun). They are shootable too. A 400 round session of 9mm is easy.

Then, down the road, you can pick up a 1911 in 45 ACP.

[Norsesmithy]

Point,pull trigger.

I love 1911s, but it's a fact that they require more training to operate proficiently.

Seeing as we should all be training, that's not that big of a deal for someone who is following the established best practices, but most people don't train.

Not entirely sure what you mean by training, but I'm also looking for a pistols course / carry license course in Duluth MN. If anyone knows of any that would be greatly appreciated. Again money is an issue but I think it's something I can afford. THanks for any help anyone can offer.

By training, I mean working with the pistol (through dry fire practice, dry (unloaded) holster evolutions, firing the pistol at the range on a regular basis, taking shooting classes, and generally working to improve your familiarity with, competence with, confidence with safe operation of the handgun.

It means being able to hit what you shoot at and never goof something like the thumb safety. It means learning the proper actions and methods from an instructor or other expert, and repeating them not just until you get it right, but until you CAN'T GET IT WRONG.

When you pick up a 1911, your thumb should gravitate to the thumb safety as part of the natural process of gripping the pistol, and it should stay there while you shoot.

That's what is meant by training. Some newer designs have fewer controls to activate with your hands, giving you fewer things to practice. That's what I meant by being simpler to operate.

My first pistol was a 1911. I love it, but it was daunting as a kid with less experience than you have.

[solidgun]

Look for these things in buying a firearm:

1. Good resale value
2. Fast resale

These two things matter as a "poor college student" and as a novice shooter.

3. Cheap magazines
4. Inexpensive ammunition availability
5. Usability in various areas

It is always nice to have about 4-5 mags. You buy a premium gun, those magazines are not cheap. People often forget this.
You want to shoot and you may want one firearm for various purposes. Stick to 9x19 para for now. Do not consider other calibers....this includes 22LR.

6. Do not buy extremely cheap guns......like Sigma. They are cheap......but this means no resale value.
7. Inexpensive parts

Let's say your $249 Sigma breaks down. Gunsmiths charge by the hour.....how much more will you put into this firearm?

8. Do not go past field stripping.

As a novice shooter, people love to find videos of detail stripping and go with it. If you buy a new gun or like new firearm, they don't need you to detail strip it.

So what fits the bill here? Go with a Glock 19 or 26. I am not a huge fan of Glocks, but I recommend this as it fits what is shown above. Try to buy it used. I know good prices and they move around $429 for Gen 3 standard Glock sights (it is around this point and may vary depending on where you live in 95% condition). New Glock 19 is about $480 shipped.
Do not buy cheap Korean mags.....buy Glock OEM mags. Their resale values hold as well.

Another good one is XDM.....but I don't see the cheap $519 shipped ones anymore.

[Çatalhöyük]

I was also looking at an Springfield XD http://www.springfield-armory.com/xd.php?model=3 or something like that. I really like the feel/look of the Baretta and 1911 (although I've never shot a Baretta) and I like the look / idea of a USP. I never even thought about the cost of magazines but I assume I would like 4-6 magazines and possibly an ammo belt or something like that for ease of reloading and carrying. Any ideas?

Also: I'm a poor college student, however, I would rather save up and buy something nicer than buy some **** project gun I have to work on constantly. I took apart my uncle's Glock22 slide, spring, and barrel very easily (was quite surprised how easy that was) but I have no knowledge of the working of the handle, trigger, etc.

[Çatalhöyük]

My ideal handgun would be an FN five seven, however due to the ridiculous cost and the insane price for ammo it is well out of my budget. I love the style and feel of it, my uncle has one and it was love at first sight.

[JoeH]

My ideal handgun would be an FN five seven, however due to the ridiculous cost and the insane price for ammo it is well out of my budget. I love the style and feel of it, my uncle has one and it was love at first sight.

Troll.

[Çatalhöyük]

My ideal handgun would be an FN five seven, however due to the ridiculous cost and the insane price for ammo it is well out of my budget. I love the style and feel of it, my uncle has one and it was love at first sight.

Troll.

I can assure you I live under no bridges. But the 5-7 would be my dream gun. So I'll settle for an XD