Gun Advice...

xxtruxx1

xxtruxx1

Registered User
I'm looking into getting a handgun to add to my arsenal. Currently I've got an M4, AK, & Mossberg 12 gauge pump. I am looking into getting my concealed weapons license & picking up a 9mm (I think). I know I should probably pick up a .45 cause it has more stopping power than a 9mm, but I like the versatitly of the 9. Currently I'm between Glock, Sig, S&W, & Ruger (sp?). Not sure what to go with. Any opinions, bros?
 
Glock 19 is what I would go with, I don't think you'll need anything more powerfull than 9mm, just make sure you use high quality cary ammo like black talons.
 
Oh no, money is definitely an object. I don't want to shell out more than around $500 for this. I'm looking into preowned, or maybe I'll ditch 1 of the other guns for it.
 
I'm personally an advocate for glocks, they're cheap, accurate, durable, reliable and fit your budget. If dealers around you are charging over 500 you should check out topglock.com they sell them at cost and most are 450 bucks, so that plus shipping and the FFL transfer fee is about 500 (depending on who your dealer is). Good luck.
 
Jayhawkk said:
Beretta Px4 Storm either the 9 or 40
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I own a Glock 9mm. 17 but if I had the money I would take Jayhawkks suggestion and go with a Beretta..
IMO beretta is a safer gun and just an all around better pistol..
I love my Glock though. I had a Glock 40 but it was just to much for carrying around..

Also look into the Kel-Tec line.. They actually have some great pistols and really decent prices..

good luck!
 
I've trained with Glocks and they're good guns. If you go 9mm I'd feel comfortable carrying the Glock 19 or if your frame can still conceal it you can go with the full sized Glock 17. If you are going to carry concealed make sure you don't skimp on a belt and holster. Get a decent gun belt that will support the weight of the gun and go with a quality holster maker.

I look at it this way. If you are carrying concealed you're going to want to keep it concealed. If you're constantly fidgeting with it and drawing it up because of a cheap belt and lousy holster you might as well have it out in the open.

If you want I can give you a listing of decent belt and holster makers and companies.

Don't worry about the 45 and 9mm thing. If you can't hit the target it isn't going to matter what caliber it's in. Get some decent training. Anyways handgun calibers are lousy and very feeble. Wouldn't want to get shot with one but time and time again handgun rounds have proven themselves not to be the magic stoppers hollywood portrays them to be on tv.

Look around and see if you have any gun ranges that do gun rentals. You can try out a couple different ones and see which you like and actually like. From your list I'd lean towards the Glock and the Sig is good also. You just have to see which one you like better. Primary difference between the two would be the action. Glock will have the same trigger pull each and every time with the Sig having the longer double action trigger pull for the first shot and the lighter single action trigger pull for the each shot afterwards. It's just what you would like and shooting them will help make up your mind.

Sigs run a good bit more but if you're looking for used you might be able to score one at the price your looking for but like leetuser said you should be able to land a Glock for that price.
 
xxtruxx1 said:
I was looking at HK. I realy want something tactical, maybe even a supressor, who knows?
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If you're looking for concealed carry, you don't want to be looking at a supressor. I have a glock 19 and a sig p226. I usally carry my sig. But with your price range, you should be able to get a new glock 19. Never handled the beretta, but they are supposed to be good guns. Like RMT said a good holster and belt will make a difference when you are carrying.
 
I've shot Glocks before (I actually got my dad a 17 for his bday) & I really like them. They're also really reliable guns. I was looking at the Walther P99 as bigpete suggested (Bro, that pic with I'm guessing your daughter in your avy is great! lol). Isn't there a single/double action P99? I find DAO & QA, but I'm having trouble finding the Single/Double action. I'm definitely going with a 9mm because my frame won't be able to hide a .40 or .45 unless it's a compact & either way I don't need that much.

RMT Yea, I've definitely been looking into holsters & know not to skimp out on them. I've tried a few on with a pistol but haven't found any I feel really comfy in. Any suggestions? Currently, I'm looking into a tactical weapons training course.

Drunk, the supressor isn't for concealed carry (yeah right man, that thing would stick out no matter how concealed it is). It's just for a little fun every now & then :).
 
I find that in addition to "stopping power", concealability and cost I have to find a grip that "fits" my hand. There are several very excellent weapons that just didn't feel right in my hand...to square, to thin, to fat, to short etc.

You have to feel comfortable and natural with the weapon in addition to putting a lot of rounds thru it on the range. I don't like having to force myself thru range time to be comfortable. Tha's something you have to do in the military or in a law enforcement position.

I like the Glock .40 and used to have a Browning that fit my grip really well.
 
glg said:
I find that in addition to "stopping power", concealability and cost I have to find a grip that "fits" my hand. There are several very excellent weapons that just didn't feel right in my hand...to square, to thin, to fat, to short etc.

You have to feel comfortable and natural with the weapon in addition to putting a lot of rounds thru it on the range. I don't like having to force myself thru range time to be comfortable. Tha's something you have to do in the military or in a law enforcement position.

I like the Glock .40 and used to have a Browning that fit my grip really well.
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Definitely. I know this well from when I was younger & played some tournament paintball. The gun has to feel like an extension of your hand.

I'm leaning towards a Glock 19 9mm Compensated Hi cap.
 
xxtruxx1 said:
Definitely. I know this well from when I was younger & played some tournament paintball. The gun has to feel like an extension of your hand.

I'm leaning towards a Glock 19 9mm Compensated Hi cap.
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You probably want to avoid the compensated models. The flash is supposed to be pretty blinding at night. It's not really needed on a 9mm anyways. If you're looking for holster options, you should visit here
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They have a lot of custom holster makers that post there. It's where I learned alot about holsters for concealed carry.
 
For concealed carry go glock 30, if you want full size get comp'd 21. Muzzle flash is not an issue with quality ammo. I have no prob's qualifying in night fire with my comp'd 21. Besides I pitty the person that goes for a gun grab on a comp'd barrel. Next choice is HK USP 45, unless you want the option of a suppressor the HK tactical 45 is the way to go. I carry a 21c but also have the HK. I shoot the HK better but Glock is the norm at my office.
 
I consider concealed carry as a self defense issue and if you're looking at all those extras it turns into a 'looky what I got'. Waste of money.
 
Go for the Glock 21. Fobus makes some solid holsters, as does Bianchi. Heh, don't worry about concealment. It's not really a "concealed" carry permit. It's just a carry permit. You can wear the thing on your side in plain sight, or conceal it. Your choice.
 
HK45 gets my vote...

Sig 229, in .40 for women.

I was told by a private investigator / firearms instructor that a 9mm will just punch holes in somebody like an ice pick. The popularity of the 9mm came about because it can hold a lot of rounds. For stopping power, he recommends a .45 ACP. He caries a modified Colt 1911.

Here in Arizona.... as long as part of the holster is showing, you don't need a CCW (Concealed Carry Weapon permit). As long as the gun is holstered in the car, you're fine. A CCW is only required here if you completely conceal your weapon.

Gawd I love Arizona!!! Except for the summers.

-TT

CallmeClark said:
Go for the Glock 21. Fobus makes some solid holsters, as does Bianchi. Heh, don't worry about concealment. It's not really a "concealed" carry permit. It's just a carry permit. You can wear the thing on your side in plain sight, or conceal it. Your choice.
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Yeah, state's that honor that are great. Here in Tn., you need to have a carry permit. You can travel with your firearm in the vehicle as long as there are more than three steps between you and loading the weapon. Such as, the pistol is in the backseat and the clip is in the glovebox. 1. Reach back and get the pistol. 2. Unlock your seat belt. 3. Get the rounds and clip from the glovebox. 4. Load your weapon.

It's far better just to get a carry permit. lol
 
CallmeClark said:
Go for the Glock 21. Fobus makes some solid holsters, as does Bianchi. Heh, don't worry about concealment. It's not really a "concealed" carry permit. It's just a carry permit. You can wear the thing on your side in plain sight, or conceal it. Your choice.
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I don't know the law in TN, but in Colorado and I know a few other states such as Alaska, open carry is legal without a permit. You need a CCW if you want to carry concealed.
 
Have a look at Wilderness Tacticals Instructor Belt. Very solid piece of kit, get the 5 stitch or the polyethylene insert for added stiffness. As for holsters you can also have a look at Safariland. I'm currently carrying a model 701. You could probably get away with something a little smaller, but I'm required to have the dual retention system.

Like RMT said, don't skimp on a belt or holster!!!!

I've carried a Beretta for a few years, currently carry a Sig P226, probably too much gun for what your looking for. For a personal carry I don't think you could go wrong with a Glock 19. Hit up a few gun stores or ranges and see what fits you best.

Once your set, practice and practice some more. You have decided to take on a huge responsibility, you owe it to yourself/family and the general public to safely operate and use this weapon. Damn, sound like a parent there..... Take it seriously and have fun. Hard to beat a day at the range.....

Speed's fine but accuracy is final
 
All great advice guys. I'm really considering the Glock 19, but I'm going to shop around for a while & hit a few ranges/stores to see what I like best before I make any final decisions.
 
I have a CCW permit and live in AZ..it's a great state, especially when you have a pro-gun Democrat governor that wants to enact a version of the Castle Doctrine here.

I have and would recommend to anyone a Springfield Arms XD-40 sub-compact. It is a little chunky for concealed carry in the summer here, but all in all a great gun. I have it mated to a Blackhawk tactical holster and this really lacks in the concealed department, it is probably the best holster I've seen. It has a rock solid paddle release directly where your finger should be in the "off-trigger" position. There's no way the gun can slip out of this holster which is why I use it when hiking in the backcountry.
 
ahh not a fan of glocks, too much hype around them, good gun, but not my taste. if ur looking for a great ccw gun go wit with a sig. I just got my 2nd sig, 225 blackwater ed. a week ago although i still got a org. 225. if u dont like sigs, go with hk. I love my usp 9mm and has great recoil char, but tac 45's are great.
 
Re: the Colorado carry situation. I believe it is a state law that is over-ridden by a number of municipal codes. been a ling time since I was a cop so I don't know all the particulars anymore. Have thought of looking into it. I live in the Denver "Metropolis" there are over a dozen large and small municipalities as well as 5 counties to have to satisfy the legalities in just driving from one side of the city to the other.

For me it is more related to the comment above about responsibility...there are just way to many ****heads up here I would have to work VERY hard not to just pull and pop.

Road rage here I come..ooops strike that LOL
 
There is no difference in physical size between comparable models of Glock 9 mm and .40 cal. A model 17 (9 mm) is the same physical size as a model 22 (.40 cal).

Very little noticable difference in recoil between the two either. Why settle for a 9 mm when the harder hitting .40 is the same size, has similar recoil, and is the same price?

I have the full size model 22 myself but for concealed carry, I would go with the model 27 (.40 cal): Dimensions are 6.29" x 4.17" x 1.18" (LxHxW). That is smaller than the model 19 and the same size as the model 26 (9 mm) or the model 30 (.45 cal). Glocks are on the order of $150 to $200 less expensive than Sigs too so if price is an issue, I would get the Glock.
 
I find the .40 to be a much "sharper" recoil in comparison to a 9mm. The 9 and .45 seem to a blunt force recoil compared to the snap of a .40. Just my .02
 
glg said:
Re: the Colorado carry situation. I believe it is a state law that is over-ridden by a number of municipal codes. been a ling time since I was a cop so I don't know all the particulars anymore. Have thought of looking into it. I live in the Denver "Metropolis" there are over a dozen large and small municipalities as well as 5 counties to have to satisfy the legalities in just driving from one side of the city to the other.

For me it is more related to the comment above about responsibility...there are just way to many ****heads up here I would have to work VERY hard not to just pull and pop.

Road rage here I come..ooops strike that LOL
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Actually the Colorado state law says that the local municipalities cannot override the state requirements with something more restrictive, they can be less restrictive but not more.

You should also look at CZ. The CZ P01 is in your price range and a very accurate gun.
 
xxtruxx1 said:
RMT Yea, I've definitely been looking into holsters & know not to skimp out on them. I've tried a few on with a pistol but haven't found any I feel really comfy in. Any suggestions? Currently, I'm looking into a tactical weapons training course.
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I've been told a couple times that I may spend a lot on my gear and holsters isn't any exception to that. But I've trained with some cheap gear and in the end you'll definitely see why the necessity of spending a little extra on gear, is needed.

My favorite holster is made by the Milt Sparks crew at Invalid Link Removed the holster that I go with is an inside the waistband model called the Versa Max II or VMII for short. The reason I like it is the fact that the belt loops are wide and off of the holster body itself. This makes the bulkiness of the holster even less.

There are versions of the VMII made by a different company that makes the holster in kydex. You just have to make the decision of whether or not you want to carry your gun in leather or kydex. There's advantages and disadvantages to either. The company that I found to have good holsters in kydex (even though I prefer leather) is Comp-tac found at Invalid Link Removed . I'd look at their Gurkha model or the C-T.A.C. with a nod going to the C-T.A.C. due to the design being just like the VMII just in not in leather.

Another leather maker that I heard makes something similar to the holsters mentioned above goes by the name of Brommeland and can be found Invalid Link Removed , I haven't had any experience with his holsters or the maker himself.

There are other holster makers out there as well if you want to go the custom route Alessi, Rosen, Sherrick. If you don't want to go custom I'd look at what Galco has to offer.
 
As far as a handgun goes, you can never go wrong with a Glock or a Sig. If you go for a Glock 9mm, DEFINATELY get the 17 because the 19 has a smaller grip/magazine well. I've shot both and the smaller grip on the 19 feels a little more unstable in my hand. I am also impressed with CZ and Kimber if you want to spend a little extra flow. Bianchi in my opinion, make the best holsters. Stay away from Uncle Mikes.
 
CallmeClark said:
I really enjoy a Kimber. Good call.
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Yea...as a bit of a gun nut myself, my next pride and joy is the Kimber KPD: Invalid Link Removed

Should retail shy of $550.00.

I would actually stay away from Beretta. I had a 92F that felt nice in the hand, but for the money, I'd definately go CZ. Check out the 75BD: Invalid Link Removed
 
RMT said:
Another leather maker that I heard makes something similar to the holsters mentioned above goes by the name of Brommeland and can be found Invalid Link Removed , I haven't had any experience with his holsters or the maker himself.
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I have a OWB from Brommeland for my 1911. It's well made and very nice. I aslo have one from Invalid Link Removed It's an IWB for my Sig. It was a little uncomfortable initially until it got broke in and formed to my body. Remember, with a custom holster, you're looking at 2-3 months for a holster, but they are well worth it.
 
Well, I'm going to throw a wrench in, and say why not a .357 magnum revolver? To me, an autopistol is more of an offensive weapon, whereas a revolver is defensive, and definitely formidable on offense. And really... when I'm on the offensive, I'm going to reach for my 12 guage mossberg pump way quicker than a handgun.

ManBeast
 
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