Buying First Handgun - Advice Please

4/27/09 | Me

[Sudetenland]

"Total Glock production may surpas one model of the CZ, but that is NOT an apples to apples comparison, as you are comparingone model to an entire fleet."

From your own reference:

The CZ-75 family of semi-automatic pistols features the short recoil, tilt barrel with radial locking lugs. CZ 75’s are available in many versions.

Looks like apples to apples to me. Also you are trying to use an add to sell CZ75's as a source of factual information.

[Sudetenland]

Whoops! My bad...it just looks like an ad-not an ad.

[Vinnie]

Now all you have to do is find ammo.

[git]

I'm sure you will get a lot of opinions about guns on this thread, so instead I'm going to talk about the actual use and practice of using a handgun. Get some training on how to handle, clean, load and shoot, naturally. But also think through where, when, and how you may actually have to use it. How are you going to carry it? What do you know about closing range (a man with normal reflexes can close 20 feet on you in one second or less). You usually aren't going to know his intentions until he's much closer, maybe right on top of you, and you can't go around aiming a weapon at people just in case. Learning and practicing a complete strategy for getting physically free enough to pull and accurately use your weapon is absolutely necessary for success. And failure is a very painful option.

So anyway, get some complete street self defense training, know when and where you can employ a handgun AND WHERE YOU SHOULD NOT! If you carry without training all you are is a walking vendor for a free handgun unless you just naturally know close combat. If you have to walk dangerous streets, consider learning to use a blade. Much more useful if you find yourself in a sudden clinch.

Oh, one last thing. Take a good look at your personality too. I liken owning and using firearms to owning a good old chain drive motorcycle. They take as much time cleaning and tuning them as you will spend actually using them. Otherwise you will find yourself stuck at the worst possible time with a useless machine on (in) your hands.

[MHGinTN]

Tell me about the Beretta 8000 MiniCougar F Compact in 9mm. What should one pay for a new one with an inverted “Y” at the end of the serial number?

[AvOrdVet]

I was responding directly to a comment about Glocks not having a safety.

I know, I was sort of amplifying your comment... A lot of people hear about the Glock, they want the reliability but not the range time to stay safe carrying a loaded Glock. ;-)

[xmission]

There is no romance with a .40. It is a compromise for those who want something more than a 9 but arent big enough to handle a .45.

That's a low blow right there. I shoot both, along with 9mm .357 and even .380. I don't shoot the .380 because my hands aren't big enough for 9mm...

[xmission]

I find .40 is cheaper here than .45

[MHGinTN]

“I don’t shoot the .380 because my hands aren’t big enough for 9mm...” What? Bersa makes a single stack .380 slimmer than a typical 9mm! Perhaps you can restated what you were trying to convey, ‘cause what you wrote doesn’t make sense.

[Big_Harry]

The “Airweight” is a great gun for self defense. I had one for years and shot +P hydro-shocks most of the time, but it was not unpleasant to shoot with a standard .38 Special wad cutter. The Smith Airweight with either a shrouded or “Bobbed” hammer comes out of a jacket pocket or purse very clean, does not require anything other than a trigger pull to get the job done. Your brass stays in the gun so you can chuck it in the river afterwards and not waste time policing the area of the attack. My favorite all around handgun has always been the Model 67 Smith “Combat Masterpiece” for accuracy and speed.

[xmission]

It does if you read the original statement about people shooting .40 because their hands aren’t big enough for a .45

[Thane_Banquo]

Why is ammo in such short supply?

[SIDENET]

Ditto on the Beretta 92FS.

I'm more accurate with it than any of my other guns.

It's super reliable, too.

[MHGinTN]

It was that oblique eh?

[Attention Surplus Disorder]

Excellent recommendation!

[correctthought]

Take a look at Kahr Arms, about 450 - 850 depending on model.

I shoot a P45 (.45 ACP) and it’s fine on the recoil, lightweight, and concealable.

Bottom line though, the best advice is go to a range and choose a couple you shoot with so you can see what you like, before you commit.

Don’t worry about the whole 9mm v. .45cal arguments and other caliber, it doesn’t matter, unless its really an anemic round. Practice and your comfort matter.

[Uri’el-2012]

Beginners should start with NRA Certified training

I would recommend training
from an NRA Certified Instructor in

Refuse to be a victim
NRA training for women
Basic pistol
Personal protection in the home
and the newly released
Personal protection outside the home

NRA Gun Safety Rules

Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction

Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot

Always keep the gun unloaded until ready to use

[Thane_Banquo]

Thanks. The Mrs. and I are already signed up for a class on Sunday.

[Vinnie]

Yes, esp. .380
Check some of the other threads.

[Mr. Silverback]

Bump!