One HK To Rule Them All
Posted on 01/29/2005 3:57:06 PM PST by cicero's_son
I'm hoping for some good advice from fellow Freepers about which handgun to purchase.
I'm a novice shooter (with handguns at least). Don't really know very much about them. I've applied for a conceal carry permit in Indiana, and I'm signed up for the next NRA basic education classes at the local range.
This will be my first (and possibly only) small sidearm purchase. I don't want or need anything too heavy-duty. Just a reliable, effective, easy to use, accurate pistol for personal and home defense.
I'm leaning toward a Glock 9mm, but I understand there is a wide divergence of opinion on them.
What say you?
If someone can manage the size and recoil of a .45 auto, it does have better stopping power than a 9mm. But even a .32, if one can control it, will be better than a .45 which one can't control or that gets left on the dresser at home.
Get A Sig Sauer...
Personally, I like both my Glocks and my SIGs.
I like the Glock because it fits my hands and the grip angle is perfect for me (some say it's too sharp). The ability to attach a light to the large and medium frame Glocks is nice, but you can't do that on the Glock 26 (compact 9mm). You can have the trigger easily swapped. I use a 3.5lb disconnect but would probably go with a 5lb or higher on a compact CCW weapon.
I also like my SIGs. My first SIG, a P226 I bought in Germany, has over 45,000rnds through it and is still a fine weapon. My P229 in .40SW is smaller and I carry that model usually.
You can't go wrong with almost any of the major, respectable firearms manufacturers. Learn to shoot with a variety of range guns BEFORE you decide. You may find that you can reall rock with a specific model above all others.
Good luck.
One criticism I've heard about Sigs is tht they require a lot more maintenance than the Glocks. Is this so?
A Smith & Wesson 3913.
I just purchased a CZ 75B 9MM
Its a great weapon to shoot and easy to clean.
If you want an exceptional pistol to learn with that doesn't cost too much, I heartily recommend the Walther P22 with the 3 1/2" barrel. It will prepare you for a Glock or any other more powerful handgun, and will always remain a favorite for outdoor carry. About $200.
Personally I don't like Glock.. My brother had one and it had jamming problems... I know a lot of police that swear by Sig... I have fired them and like them very much.
One HK To Rule Them All
What ever you buy, take it to the range and wring it out with a couple of boxes of ammo. Ten years ago, my new Glock .40 jammed on the first box of quality ammunition. A smith in St. Paul polished up the interior, added Trijicon sights and lightened the trigger a tad. The next 30-40 boxes of ammo have been without incident.
The 9mm Glock I used at the range today jammed twice in just 100 rounds. I figured I was doing something wrong.
Went through same exercise about a year ago. 9mm is ok but size does matter. Since I wanted my wife not to be too afraid of it to use it if necessary, I chose .40 Smith & Wesson cartrige in a jacketed hollow point load. Plenty of power, less expensive to use at range. Glock, S & W, Taurus,Charter Arms,lots of other good small semi autos out there. Also several good websites out there to help you read up on home defense guns and cartriges. Shoot lots of shells.
I carry a Ruger KP90. (.45)
I suspect most replies here will be about some 1911 incarnation, any of which would be a good choice as well.
"one MARKETING DEPARTMENT to rule them all" ;)
CZ 75 is one durable service weapon! Throw that sucker in the mud and it will still fire! If I was in a war situation CZ 75 would be my choice... For regular personal carry weapon I would choose Sig...
It's the same size as a Glock 9,, but offers real stopping power.
I and a lot of other people find the slow push recoil of a 45 easier to controll than the sharp slap of a 9mm.
So9
My daughter was another reason for choosing the CZ. She loves a day at the range with Dad and experimented with different firearms. She had the most success with the CZ so of course thats what Dad was instructed to buy!!
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