Your Opinions on Handguns Wanted... (the best, the most suitable, etc.)

myself | 1/8/02 | Pyro7480

[Pyro7480]

I hope to purchase my first handgun after I graduate from college in May. I know that in the past there have been multiple threads concerning this basic subject. Since the search function only goes so far back, and the archives is only periodically available, I would like to get people's opinions on their favorite handgun, their experiences using different kinds of handguns, their recommendations on what to look for, etc.

I'm particualarly looking at the IMI Jericho 941 9 mm, sold in the U.S. as the Magnum "Baby Eagle." I've also seen rave reviews of various Glock, Ruger, Colt and .45 cal and 9 mm guns, so I would also like your take on those.

I also plan to move to a concealed-carry permit state, so I would also like to know about that process too.

[Pyro7480]

Thanks in advance for your posts! :-)

[Libertarianize the GOP]

HK USP 45 Compact with night sites.

[Pyro7480]

Ping

[Billthedrill]

I have a Kimber 1911-model .45 (actually the Custom Target model) and a Glock model 22 in .40 S&W, either of which make a fine self-defense gun if you're into full-size semis. The very best thing to do is to go to a range that rents guns and find out which one seems to (1) fit, (2) shoot straight in your hands, and (3) shoot comfortably.

Or, you could use the BtD strategy - purchase one of each.

[FreeTally]

I'm particualarly looking at the IMI Jericho 941 9 mm, sold in the U.S. as the Magnum "Baby Eagle."

Don't buy that. If its anything like the "Desert Eagle", its probably garbage. I always suggest Glock 27(compact .40) for concealed carry or otherwise.

As for your questions about procedures for getting a CCW, it varies from State to State. Tell us what Stae you are moving to and I'm sure there is a Freeper here who can tell you. I can tell you for Florida, as can others.

[gundog]

Add the CZ-75 to your list of possibles. Any decent Hi-Power clone, as well. I think that Ruger's P-90(it may be the -95) was engineered as a 10mm pistol, but made a 9mm when the bottom fell out of the 10mm craze, ergo, you're dealing with a gun that'll take a serious beating.

[enotheisen]

The answer you seek is actually based on what you want to use the hand gun for. Any of us could make a recommendation but it would be invalid unless we know how you intend to use the tool. If the need is for a reliable self defense arm that can be concealed, a Smith and Wesson Model 36, 37 or 38 (38 Special) would be good. If you are looking for a handgun that is great for target practice a Beretta 92 (9mm) Going for bear Smith Model 29 in a six or eight inch barrel (.44 Magnum). It all depends on what you aregoing to use the tool for.

[wardaddy]

bang!

[knighthawk]

Check out the Heckler&Koch USP series. It may be more expensive, but a very good handgun in 9mm, .40S&W or .45

More info on H&K USA and H&K world

[Pyro7480]

If I get a job in the DC metro area, as I probably will end up doing, I will definitely live on the VA side of the Potomac, since I know VA has concealed-carry.

[E. Pluribus Unum]

Kimber Classic .45

[AlaskaErik]

HK USP .40 Compact. Holds two more rounds (10 + 1) than the .45 Compact mentioned in Post 2 and is about as big as you want to go if you plan on concealing. If you try one out, make sure you use the magazine with the toe plate extension. You'll find it should fit your hand perfectly. A fine pistol that is extremely reliable.

[Pyro7480]

I'm mainly looking for a gun best for concealed-carry/self-defense use.

[harpseal]

Okay first, as to firearms selection I suggest you try a number of different handguns before settling on any one or even caliber. Different people have different hands etc. The Baby eagle is a decent and relatively inexpensive 9mm. It is pretty much a clone of the CZ-75 design and it can be very effective and reliable. You will find devotees of just about every firearm that sells well all can be effective tools. I recommend you also consider a .22cal handgun for inexpensive practice. It pays for itself in ammunition savings very quickly. Also used guns can be very good buys.

Stay well - Stay safe - Stay armed - Yotktown

[SirFishalot]

I absolutely love my Para-Ordnance 6.45. It is a single stack 1911 frame 45 with a 3" barrel and holds 6+1. The thing that makes this a standout is that it is a double action that has the lightest and smoothest trigger Ive ever found on a DA. Para makes premo competition guns based on their version of the 1911.

Single action is not a good choice for carry IMO unless you are well practiced on its use. In general, double action is an easier to use carry for the average joe. Some others I like are Glock, HK USP, and SIG.

[dd5339]

IMHO you can't go wrong with anything from Sig Sauer. My personal choice would be for a 245 for CCW. Small package, 45 caliber, and a great shooting pistol. My wife and I own a pair of used Sig 226's, (police trade ins). We routinely run 10K+ rounds through them a year. (We reload our on and love to shoot). The only thing we've replaced have been the recoil springs.

The poster who mentioned Kimber is also right on. My wife has a Kimber that shoots incredible. We just haven't had a chance to run 10K+ rounds downrange through it yet.

I would also suggest that you spend a lot of time at the range. The more practice and gun time you can get the better, especially if you intend to carry concealed.

[Chuckster]

I have found Colt's Combat Commander in 45ACP to be reliable and effective. I have carried one (The same one, a Series 70) on three continents, in all conditions except arctic, for thirty years. It has never failed me and still knocks down bowling pins reliably at 25 yards. I no longer carry it because I'm not allowed, no CCW in my state, but I'm moving out soon.

Yes there are lots of more "Modern" pistols on the market but none will do the job better. The important thing for me is that I KNOW that when I press the trigger the thing will go "Bang" and my target, within any reasonable range, will go down.

Get good training.

Practice regularly.

[Pyro7480]

That's probably a good idea (testing some out first). Thanks for the suggestion. If this helps anyone out, I have pretty big hands, but my wrists/forearms are pretty thin, so I don't want anything that will cause enough force to injure these areas. I'm also tall, if that information helps.

[ArrogantBustard]

Get thee to a commercial indoor range, and try different models from different manufacturers. That which fits someone else's hand, doesn't necessarily fit yours. Suggest you try models from Beretta, Browning, Glock, H&K, Ruger, SIG-Sauer, Taurus. Suggest calibers .38 Spl or .357 Magnum for revolvers, and calibers 9mm Parabellum, .40 S&W, or .45ACP for pistols.

AB

[George Smiley]

Telling people what kind of handgun is right for them makes about as much sense as telling them what kind of woman is right for them (substitute your pronoun of choice for the 'woman' in the previous sentence. Sorry, ladies.)

1. Find a range that rents handguns.
   
2. Take the safety course.
   
3. Rent one.
   
4. Talk to others while at the range.

   If they know you're shopping, they'll probably bend your ear with a dissertation on why their gun is the best brand on the planet.

   They might even let you try theirs if you appear to be reasonably stable.

5. Repeat steps Three and Four until you know what you want.

Have fun.

[AlaskaErik]

I'm mainly looking for a gun best for concealed-carry/self-defense use.

See my post 12. The USP Compact is also available in 9mm, but you get a little more bang for your buck with a .40 (pun intended)! Get a Variant 1, which has the decocking lever. Very safe and perfect for self defense. I tried them all before I bought and the HK just felt the best in my hand. You'll never go wrong with buying one.

[Libertarianize the GOP]

For concealed carry try the Smith & Wesson Airlight 38 revolver. It weighs nothing is easy to conceal but is so light that it is not real fun to shoot.

[TheGrimReaper]

I have 2 handguns, and like them both:
1) Makarov 9mm - inexpensive, but very accurate...this was/(is?) the weapon-of-choice for the KGB.
2) Sig .380 - More expensive, but feels good in your hand and also quite accurate.
Whatever you choose, just be comfortable in the handling/firing of it.
The CHP license process in TX is a little lengthy, but not completely ridiculous. The major gun shops often offer full service with respect to the training course and the preparation of the application...it's well worth it.

[wardaddy]

Whatever feels most comfortable in your hand. I like 1911 style .45s....some folks don't. The Para/Ordnance or Kimber models are wonderful.

9mm....Beretta or the cheaper Taurus are fine. The Beretta 92SB style action may be the smoothest shooting semi-auto action there is. Some folks are Glock freaks...I'm not.

Heckler and Koch and Sig both make fine semi-autos...they are damn expensive and in my view ....the HK tactical for example is a bit large. Just my taste.

Revolvers....which are really what you should start with are all over the board. Buy a Ruger or Smith(I know I know).357 and you can shoot cheap .38s in it as well.

Don't buy cheap junk....that's what it is in reality...cheap junk. Take a firearms instruction and safety course as well.

[FormerLib]

I had looked at the Baby Eagle but went with a CZ-75B instead. You can still get factory high-cap mags for the CZ for around $40. Go to www.gunbroker.com and do a search and you should see some.

Being a mostly steel gun, the CZ is a little heavy and folks with small hands might not be very comfortable with it but it is very reliable and very accurate.

Oh yeah, stay on the Virginia side! You don't want to get stuck in the People's Republic of Maryland!

[TopDog2]

The best handgun is one that you will actually carry. Some handguns do not conceal well on different body types. Go to a gun shop, try on various holsters with varuous guns. Pick the one that fits you best. Then practice with it! Practice as often as you can. You never know when your life will depend on it.

[FreeTally]

I have never heard any bad things about Sig Arms, well, except that they can be pricey. I have a Kimber Compact .45 as well(not the carry-compact or the sub-compact, its the original compact model). The slender 1911 design is great, but it is still a little long(well, I live in Florida, so you can imagine how hard it is to conceal any gun of any size in light clothes). I usually end up carrying the Kimber or Glock in my vehicle, and slip a little cheap .380 I have in my waistband. I figure the .380 will do, at least long enoigh for me to get back to my vehicle for the real firepower.

[Destructor]

I wouldn't mind having a Sig Sauer. Sigs are put through a "torture test" to make sure that they will perform under the worst conditions. In one part of the test a Sig P226 was dropped from a helicopter 500 ft. in the air. It was successfully fired afterwards!

My second choice would be an HK. Third choice a Glock.

[Destructor]

Sig is used by the Military, and Law Enforcement.

[PushinTin]

Ditto on the H&K .45, I love mine!!!

In a world of compromise, some men don't....

[FreeTally]

which fits someone else's hand, doesn't necessarily fit yours.

I urge you to listen to this advice, Pyro! My hands are slightly on the small side, so many compact guns, especially those double-stacked, just do not work out ergonomically. The same goes for full size guns. Small Berettas don't work for me too well, and neither do compact guns made by Sig. For small hands, a "1911" style gun is good, IMO, because of the slender design. Glocks are kind of bulky, but the only one that gave me a problem was the first compact .45 they made(Model 30, maybe).

[RightWhale]

best for concealed-carry/self-defense use

I have a CHP for .45 in both semi-auto and revolver. I carry a .45 Colt 1911 officer style because it has heft but is compact. For my bedstand I have a S&W .45 ACP revolver [moon clips]. The revolver is a functional beauty, but a little too big to lug around. Same ammo for both.

[Pyro7480]

LOL! That's a good analysis and comparison. :)

[max61]

Sig P220; excellent weapon, very affordable and very unlikely to have problems.

---max

[wardaddy]

For concealed carry:....start with a .38 or .357 lightweight perhaps hammerless revolver. Get comfortable with that...they are quite light and have a sharp recoil. Then work on getting used to a compact 9mm to .45...it's your choice. On those again I would take Para Ordnance or Kimer in the .45. In a small 9mm, there are a slew of choices. If money is no object...HK P7....it like an extension of your own hand quite unlike any other pistol I've handled.

Sidebar: The North American Arms Guardian .380 is worth looking at because it's inexpensive but not cheap and well made and it is about the smallest semi-auto with any stopping power one can buy. Be sure to load the best stopper bullets like Glazers etc. Also remember you'll have to manually move the slide to expel the last casing which will catch on the slide since no further ammo will be coming up from the mag to push it out automatically. A minor irritation.

[wardaddy]

Bump to harpseal's suggestion of a 22 to get in some range time. The Ruger 22 bull barrels are great for the money.

[tortoise]

It is a single stack 1911 frame 45 with a 3" barrel and holds 6+1.

The operating pressure of the .45 is too low to be using a barrel that short; it won't develop very much velocity. 9mm or .40 are much better choices if you are going to be using a 3" barrel, because they accelerate to maximum velocity in substantially less barrel than for the .45, and the .40 in particular was specifically designed with shorter barrels (<4") in mind. As a general rule of thumb, you want at least 4" of barrel at a minimum when shooting .45 or your terminal peformance goes out the window. The fall-off in terminal performance between 5" and 4" barrels in .45 is pretty large, and a 3" barrel would be even worse.

[Cogadh na Sith]

Sig is used by the Military, and Law Enforcement.

Not a suitable reason to buy anything.

The military also uses canvas shelter halves instead of modern lightweight nylon shelters.

Would you buy a Crown Vic car just because cops use them?

The Government (Fed and Local) purchase stuff based entirely on the vagaries of contracting and procurement laws--having nothing whatsoever to do with the quality of the product.

[anothergrunt]

I favor the Ruger SP101. Its a five shot revolver that's small enough to conceal easily and comes in .38 and .357 models. I have the 2 1/4 inch barrel model in the double action only version (no hammer). I like it for its ease of use and reliability. There's no racking the slide to chamber a round, no fumbling for one or more safties, you just point, pull, and it fires which can be a real advantage in a fast moving situation.

Having a 10 shot .45 may sound like you can take on the 7th Cavalry but the things weigh a ton and are hard to conceal. Besides, most weapons aren't even fired during a confrontation and when they are, something like an average of 1.2 shots are fired. Remember, there's no deterent effect from a weapon thats too inconvenient to carry.

[Jerry_M]

First of all, don't worry too much about this decision. If you are like the rest of us, once you buy one handgun you can't stop. It is like eating potatoe chips!

With that said, let me suggest one that hasn't been mentioned yet. I own .45's, Glocks, revolvers, etc. but one pistol worth looking at are the surplus imported Makarovs (the Soviet military side-arm). I presently have three of these, all Bulgarian, and they were an exceptional value. Less than $150.00 each ( I purchased the first two, including shipping and FFL fees for $270 for the pair), they fire a round that falls between the .380 and 9x19 in power. Very reliable, extremely accurate. I have one, my wife has one, and the third is to give to my son on his 21st birthday this August. They are small enough to carry for CCW, cheap enough that you won't be afraid to shove it under the car seat, and an overall great handgun.

Not as "sexy" (or as expensive) than some of the guns mentioned here, but worth taking a look at.

[zx2dragon]

I can't say enough good things about my Glock.

Check out GlockTalk.

[Pyro7480]

I'm already pretty use to .22 caliber ammo, because I was a Boy Scout for 7 years, and I went to the rifle range every chance I got while at summer camps. That's how I got to be a gun enthusiast in the first place. My respect for the Second Amendment comes from my admiration of the Founding Fathers and the American Founding that I've had since I was really young (my birthday is Independence Day, and my family is really patriotic, being a second generation American on my mom's side, and a first generation American on my dad's side).

[Pyro7480]

Also, from my experience, .22 caliber ammo is not known for misfiring very often, even in the hand-me-down rifles that we used at the range.

[wtc911]

For this purpose I carry a SW model 60 with 125g Federal hp. Very accurate to 15 yds (most self defense incidents happen within 15-21 feet). The low grain load won't give you a through and through and punches like a bigger bullet. The pre-frag HP tears the target up inside doing maximum damage to internal organs. It's a revolver so there are no stove-piping or other jamming issues to worry about, and, you leave no shell casings behind. I have other, fancier handguns for other purposes but for taking the wife to the city or the kids for a walk in the woods or anywhere out of sight of civilization I treat my model 60 like American Express.

That said I suggest two things....

Find the weapon that fits you best...

Get trained and stay practiced.

Good luck.

[Pyro7480]

I know the NRA has basic handgun training courses. Who are others I can get training from?

[turk99]

I have a Sig P226. It's accurate and dependable. I've had it for 3 years, fired thousands of rounds thru it without a bit of trouble. It's a little bigger than some people like for concealed carry but I really don't mind. I know if I ever need it will work flawlessly.

[Rutherford]

Here's one I'm salivating over. Light & easily concealable.

[yarddog]

After reading through the whole thread something struck me.

There are a lot of really fine pistols and revolvers available today. Even a lot of the junk pistols such as Jennings and Raven are mostly reliable and accurate.

The gun you are looking at is a perfectly good one. I second the guys who mention the Makarovs (really great buy and accurate too.)

The Browning Hi-Power is probably my favorite and even the ones made in Argentina, and the Hungarian copies are first class.

You won't go wrong with any Sig or any Glock. The Colt and copies of the M1911 are also great.

Like I said, a lot of really great guns. If I could have only one it would probably be either an old Beretta .22 Jaguar or a S&W .22 combat masterpiece.

[JoeGar]

My personal favorite for concealed carry is the Sig Sauer P239 (.357 Sig). See ... http://www.sigarms.com/products/classicpersonalsize-models.asp?product_id=43&product_name=P239

[ArrogantBustard]

There's a list of training places here. Also lots of other useful information. I can personally recommend Tactical Defense Institute, but southern Ohio might not be too convenient for you.

AB