Advice needed - want a pistol

[safariguy]

I can't believe I am going to say this, but Joey is right. And so are all the other guys that say try out lots of different kinds.

[shilala]

I have a Smith & Wesson SW9VE, Jamie. I even got you a linky for it.
It's got some weight to it, barks them off real sweet, and doesn't gob up even with cheapo rounds. They make nice little holsters for them that work great.
They're very economical and hold up very nice, and they're easy to shoot. Easy to shoot fast, too.
I'm not a "gun person" either, although I've been a hunter and shooter all my life. I went to Grice Gun shop near home, handled some guns, and this one suited me. It's worked out great and is super easy to shoot. I'd like something fancier and shinier later, but I know with this I can take care of any protection problems if need be. The safety is in the trigger, which is nice if you're nervous.
It's a good "dispatch" weapon for hunting and trapping, as well.
If you try it and don't like it for some odd reason, you can always trade up. You'd lose less than you would going to a range and renting a gun.
It's not a great option if you're gonna go all covert ops and sh1t, and be carrying your gun to the grocery store. I'm not about that. It's crossed my mind that I might like a conceal and carry, but I'd have another gun for that completely. A small gun like that isn't for targets and hunting, so it'd be pretty much useless to me except for getting me in trouble.
For a CCW, I'd probably have a little Ruger LCP .380 or S&W Bodyguard 38. More likely the former, it's way lighter.
Take a look at budsgunshop.com, it'll give you some good, inexpensive ideas.

[J0eybb]

I always so quick to say go to the range and rent.... Even better go find some friends and shoot their guns, but remember to bring ammo, or money for ammo. Most will decline, but its not as cheap to shoot as it once was.

[Ogre]

Go to a range and test fire as many pistols as you can. You will get as many opinions here as there are members. Some of the pistols listed above I think are junk, and some are great.. Its like cigars, shot what you like.

[lawrand]

I'm a firearms instructor and I also teach concealed carry. I've instructed lots of people who have never fired a handgun before. We provide Glock 19's in our classes. I've had lots of people try to buy their Glock after the class. I usually carry the Glock or a S&W M&P. I really like both platforms. Best advice has been to shoot as many as you can and decide for yourself. Just make sure it is reliable. I wish you were near Missouri, I have about 12 different 9mm you could try out. Good luck in your search.

[Barcode]

Originally Posted by Ogre

Go to a range and test fire as many pistols as you can. You will get as many opinions here as there are members. Some of the pistols listed above I think are junk, and some are great.. Its like cigars, shot what you like.

^^^Very good advice^^^

On a side note I carry and shoot the Springfield XD line and love it but that's just me, find what's the most comfortable in your hand

[WyGuy]

There's a lot of great pistols out there, I'm sure you'll find something you like in whatever price range you're looking in. I personally have a Glock, Sig, and a 1911. Enjoy shooting them all equally. Be careful though...it's another expensive slope to fall down!

[Smokin Gator]

Dang hard question for me to answer. You don't mention a carry pistol. If you did I would suggest a S&W Defender 38. I have had mine for several years and love it. Light and will get the job done. For an inside the vehicle piece I prefer the Ruger Security Six. Obviously, I am a revolver kind of guy.

Now... I know you said you wanted something larger than a 22, but for what you described I would suggest a Ruger Mark III. It is a great shooting piece and is a great piece to have fun plicking with.

[J0eybb]

Love the Mark III for plinking.

I agree with go to the range and rent many types and and models, I would like to add to be mindful of your objective, if you want to just plink I would recommended the smaller more economical calibers 22 LR, and 9mm maybe even a 380 or 38 super. Prices in my area vary. If you plan on carry their is a buffet of top notch carry pistols but be mindful again of your budget do research alot of research and like you already have it your head and most have mentioned ask around the best advice is usually word of mouth from an old timer.

What your looking for in a pistol also determines your selection, be sure that the grip and length and thickness of the grip/back strap fits your hand you want to be comfortable when you fire your weapon I suggest either going with somebody that knows how to shoot or take a basic shooting course like a NRA basic or something.

A trend now with some the poly framed weapons is inter changeable back straps so you can try different sizes and textures. I like the S&W MP and the FNH FNX series of pistols for this fact.

So in review:

1) Looking around and do research
2) Be mindful of use and budget
3) Ask a friend or ask a dealer for advice even holding the weapon could give you a good idea what your looking for
4) Shoot and enjoy, guns are a wonderful hobby and one you can enjoy for years

Since you're asking for my opinions, mine is don't buy a weapon

[elderboy02]

Originally Posted by Resipsa

Since you're asking for my opinions, mine is don't buy a weapon

[M1903A1]

Originally Posted by Resipsa

Since you're asking for my opinions, mine is don't buy a weapon

Exactly. Why stop at one?

Seriously, besides the M1911 design, consider also the Browning High-Power. It's served in many a country's army since 1935, for a reason!

[J0eybb]

How did I not mention a sig? I will sit back in my corner.

Originally Posted by J0eybb

How did I not mention a sig? I will sit back in my corner.

It's ok the Sig Gods forgive you. Do you have a sig?

[replicant_argent]

In honor of Joeys sacriledge, I will mention the Sig C3, of which I would like... One.. Maybe 2...
Ok, I am bad at shopping.
Look, Shiny!

[Bill86]

I agree with all of the above shoot as many pistols/revolvers as you can. Truly everyone is different. If you go with a revolver the ones that have back and front sights

You might consider multiple pistols. For target practicing I would get a 9mm, probably a Browning. 9mm ammo is cheap.

I have to agree with Brent though. Don't write off a .22 for target practice they are literally ALMOST free to shoot. I mean 500 rounds is like $20. That's a lot of shooting You won't feel bad practicing all day at those kinda prices.

As far as camping, well you never know what kinda animals you MIGHT run into. Probably a .357/.44 magnum or a .45.

Personal protection I think a .357/.44 or .45 would fit the bill as well. People carry smaller calibers and I personally don't get it at all. I would rather know my gun is good for one shot stoppage then having to empty a clip.

But the ammo for those calibers isn't cheap.

Before I had shot one I would NEVER recommend a revolver but after shooting them......hard to argue. People will debate the ammo capacity but you tell me how many shots it takes with a .44 magnum before "your target" stops doing what he/she/it is doing? Probably one, and it probably doesn't need to be placed in any particular area either. A .357 is right there as well with one, maybe two shots and that's all she wrote.

It's easy to get an airweight .357 that will fit inside your pocket in a holster won't break the bank either. Don't kid yourself either I was surprised how far a .357 2 inch barrel would shoot accurately.

You'll notice a huge different in shooting metal guns and polymer. Personally I don't shoot too well with polymer. They are usually big, boxy and bulky. You'll save a bit of weight but eh...

To date (5 years of shooting guns) my favorites were Browning 9mm, S&W .38/.357 airweight, and a Dan Wesson 1911. The ones I hated the most, Glock .45 full size, Sig polymer .40, and a kel tec polymer. Some guns that were OKAY Taurus 9mm, baby desert eagle, .38 taurus, and a .40 glock (smaller but still had those $hitty sites ).

oh and DON'T buy Glock. They are made for full size gorillas to shoot and unless you have leather hands they aren't comfortable either. The only gun to ever give me blisters and wear down on your skin while shooting......a glock.

[jjirons69]

You guys are awesome! Thanks for all the great suggestions. All I need - another slippery slope.

[floydpink]

Based on your desire for quality and longevity, I'd give Smith and Wesson a serious look.

They've been around a while and, personally, I found the Airweight 38 and me to be a perfect fit.

[neoflex]

Originally Posted by jjirons69

You guys are awesome! Thanks for all the great suggestions. All I need - another slippery slope.

It can be a slippery slope if you let it.