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Handgun in the 4R
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This.
GrantK
New member
I'll go with recommendations of people like John Farnam, the USSS, Texas DPS and many, many more.
Yes, the 357Sig is louder, it's basically got the same specs as a 357 Magnum round. That's why you practice so you become used to it. Once you're used to the round the louder report works in the favor of the shooter by intimidating the assailant(s). Yes it costs more but what is your life worth? The 357Sig just doesn't have any feed problems like the 9mm or any straight walled case does and if I every have to fire my carry weapon in anger I want every advantage possible regardless of cost. Yes, it's a little tricky to reload but it does not suck unless you are a sloppy reloader. Besides, if you talk to a lawyer they will advise you to not use reloads for carry as it can be used against you in the ensuing legal issues you are going to have to address. I only use reloads for practice shooting and haven't had any problems after over 10 yrs and at least 10K rounds.
jbstrd
New member
For pocket guns, I really enjoy my Kahr PM9 with Crimson Trace Laser Guard and my Sig P238. They are both easily concealed in a pocket or on the waistband. Both are a bit pricey, but nice guns.
You can't go wrong with a Glock as many have mentioned. When people say they do not have a safety, they are referring to an external safety. Glocks do have internal safeties so they are not going to magically go off. Learn handgun discipline and follow the safety rules, then they will never go off when you don't want them to.
You can't go wrong with a Glock as many have mentioned. When people say they do not have a safety, they are referring to an external safety. Glocks do have internal safeties so they are not going to magically go off. Learn handgun discipline and follow the safety rules, then they will never go off when you don't want them to.
TNRunner99
New member
You can't go wrong with a Glock. I have a 27 and did have a 23 for the past 7 years. Not one single misfire or jam, ever. The 27 is probably one of the most carried/concealed pistols out there. I have a +1 mag for the full 3 finger grip.
I love the .40 but for a beginner the 9mm would be a great starting point.
Again, see what you like for yourself, though. You can't beat the price for the Glock or the fact that its weight is much lighter than a comparable all steel gun.
Good luck with your search.
I love the .40 but for a beginner the 9mm would be a great starting point.
Again, see what you like for yourself, though. You can't beat the price for the Glock or the fact that its weight is much lighter than a comparable all steel gun.
Good luck with your search.
My first & only handgun is an XD .45. I love it because it just feels comfortable in my hands. It has never failed to fire.
mikebontoft
New member
I'm just being stubborn about not buying a glock and I'm not sure why.
FatTiresRollin
New member
So glad I stumbled upon this thread today. I am going to a gun show on Saturday for my first gun purchase and to take a CCW course. I have been researhcing for some time now and just can't decide G19, 23, 26 or 27.
Primary use for the gun will be mostly home defense and once I can ease my wife into being more comfortable around guns it will be my daily carry. My wife has always been 100% against having any fire arms in the house, but has had a change in heart with the most recent shootings. I think she just finally dropped the "that won't/can't happen to me" attitude and realizes that it could happen to anyone. God forbid we should ever have to defend ourselves...but being prepared is becoming more and more important these days if not necessary!
Anyway...I have been given the green light from the boss for one and only one gun. We are both going to put time/money into courses and range time. I realize I probably can't go wrong with any of the above selections, but any input is appreciated.
Primary use for the gun will be mostly home defense and once I can ease my wife into being more comfortable around guns it will be my daily carry. My wife has always been 100% against having any fire arms in the house, but has had a change in heart with the most recent shootings. I think she just finally dropped the "that won't/can't happen to me" attitude and realizes that it could happen to anyone. God forbid we should ever have to defend ourselves...but being prepared is becoming more and more important these days if not necessary!
Anyway...I have been given the green light from the boss for one and only one gun. We are both going to put time/money into courses and range time. I realize I probably can't go wrong with any of the above selections, but any input is appreciated.
downpour11
New member
I've owned each one of those glocks (19, 23, 26, and 27). My absolute favorite was the Glock 23 (.40). If you want something more compact, go for the 26 (9mm). I wanted something different this time and switched to a Springfield XD subcompact 9mm and I love it, much more than the 26.
mikebontoft
New member
big things for me, being a first time legal gun buyer in a few months (I own a handgun and rifle, but one was a gift and the rifle I was of purchasing age.) :
-ask around, see what ones people generally stay away from
-figure out the right caliber and biggest intention of use (range toy, ccw, sporting, occupation)
-comfort/feel. Which means going to that gun show or a local shop and trying out every single one you're interested in.
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-ask around, see what ones people generally stay away from
-figure out the right caliber and biggest intention of use (range toy, ccw, sporting, occupation)
-comfort/feel. Which means going to that gun show or a local shop and trying out every single one you're interested in.
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As has been said, try out as many different guns as you can, before deciding. Then practice, practice, practice.
My CCW is a Glock 21. It's certainly not the smallest, but it fits my hand perfectly, and I can shoot it more quickly and accurately, then any other handgun I've tried.
My best friend was involved in a shooting years ago, and was carrying a Sig P226 at the time. Several 9mm rounds didn't stop the guy in a timely manner. After that he started carrying a .45 ACP. That also weighed heavily in my decision to go with the .45 ACP.
Having 13+1 rounds of 230g JHP Golden Saber, is reassuring. I only pray that I never need it for more than putting holes in paper targets.
My CCW is a Glock 21. It's certainly not the smallest, but it fits my hand perfectly, and I can shoot it more quickly and accurately, then any other handgun I've tried.
My best friend was involved in a shooting years ago, and was carrying a Sig P226 at the time. Several 9mm rounds didn't stop the guy in a timely manner. After that he started carrying a .45 ACP. That also weighed heavily in my decision to go with the .45 ACP.
Having 13+1 rounds of 230g JHP Golden Saber, is reassuring. I only pray that I never need it for more than putting holes in paper targets.
I have the Glock 26 and I'm also a Glock armorer. I love the 26, very comfortable and stable to shoot, a breeze to work on and clean too. Remember a gun is not supposed to be comfortable it's supposed to be comforting. There ate tons of guns to choose from, you should handle and shoot as many as possible before making any descision. Good luck.
SgnDen
New member
Solid list from Stifler. I would most def toss-in the Springfield XD Compact .45 (a little beastly off the bat but this frame handles the .45 ACP nicely believe it or not - STOPPING power is a good thing of course) and maybe Glock 23 vs 19. Certainly depends on what fits and feels best to YOU.
Oh, of course for HOME defense, the only choice IMHO is either the Mossberg 500 series or Remington 870 (either one with the short 18" barrels). Get the right loads to give you the highest terminal energy, pattern density and stopping power and a reduced chance of over-penetration. Big topic, as you might imagine.
A good shotty with an 18" barrel is 100% THE right tool for home defense. Just the sound of the pump action is known to scare-off the bad guys. Hope you never need to find-out. So many reasons to go shotgun over handgun for HD though. Just my .02 of course.
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The above can happen with ANY pistol and caliber. I shot an Al Q'aida guy four times with a M-4 (223/5.56) center mass and he still kept coming at me. Another deployment had to use the Beretta M-9 with 9mm NATO on a booger eater, one shot-one KIA. Now, if you manage to get a head shot (doubtful) with almost any caliber you'll stop MOST humans immediately. All of my friends that poo poo the 9mm round have been offered this bet:
I get my Sig 228, and with just ONE (1) round of Speer Gold Dot, 124 grain, JHP +P in the gun, and allow me to shoot them center mass. Then we see if the 9mm can stop a human. Nobody has ever taken the bet.
The 9mm is NOT the largest pistol round out there, but it is effective if aimed properly and using the right ammo. Remember, a well placed shot with a non-premium round is better than a peripheral hit with a premium bullet.
Here's some data/reviews on the 9mm...
Speer Gold Dot Ammunition, Ordnance Gelatin Calibration, Anatomically Correct Targets
9 mm 124 gr testing - M4Carbine.net Forums
Speer Gold Dot 9mm 124 gr +P - YouTube
Speer Gold Dot 9mm +P 124 gr JHP SIM-TEST w/denim - YouTube
Dave Spaulding on The Speer Gold Dot | Handgun Combatives
mattleegee
New member
+9mm is good for extra shots per clip
and easily resupplied off bodies in a SHTF situation
i have two 9mm and when i buy another it will probably be another 9mm
keep the rifle for going through multiple zombies (crowd situation)
and easily resupplied off bodies in a SHTF situation
i have two 9mm and when i buy another it will probably be another 9mm
keep the rifle for going through multiple zombies (crowd situation)
Matteblack
Member
As a firearms Instructor certified with the WA St. Criminal Justice training Commission, we see a lot of guns in many caliburs and a lot of rounds down range. The short of it- buy a quality 9mm and train. Plenty of stopping power, higher capacity and an inherently more reliable cartridge . The 9mm has a tapered case making it extremely feed reliable.
Suggestions that we see work and are the choices by the folks that forget far more than I know:
All 9mm:
Glock 19/17
s&W M&P full size
Sig M11, M12
Beretta M9
Stay safe and good luck!
MB
Suggestions that we see work and are the choices by the folks that forget far more than I know:
All 9mm:
Glock 19/17
s&W M&P full size
Sig M11, M12
Beretta M9
Stay safe and good luck!
MB
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You have to use "enough" gun and 9mm qualifies. Beyond that, the key is hitting your target in the right place. Practice practice practice. I've hit deer with many different calibers and as long as it's on-target, I'll be damned if either the deer or I could tell the difference.
Gerdo
New member
The caliber debate will live on for ever.
Is 9mm big enough?
Is the .45 hard to handle?
Blah blah blah.
Get a caliber that you can handle and get back on target after the first shot. Also something that you don't anticipate the recoil and always pull the shot.
Sorry to say but you probably won't be buying just one gun in your life.
Start with a 9mm. Easy to handle and easy to get back on target. Not much recoil so there is nothing to brace yourself for. Least expensive (other than 22LR) to shoot. One of the easiest to find ammo. The 9mm is going to stop an intruder (with proper shot placement). A .22 will take someone down with proper placement.
Someone mentioned that a gun doesn't need to feel comfortable. I disagree. Some of the guns that I have used, don't fit my hand. Glocks are great guns and people love them. They feel like a 2x4 in my hand. I shoot a M&P9.
Also, key points, learn you gun. Take some safety clinics. Do dry fire drills. Be familiar with your weapon. Find somewhere that will teach live fire drills too. Standing in front of a static target is fine but IF you need your gun, it won't be standing still and your adrenalin will be pumping.
ALWAYS remember the big three rules:
Always assume that the gun is loaded (check and check again).
Never point the gun at anything you don't want to destroy.
Never put your finger on the trigger till you are ready to destroy your target.
Is 9mm big enough?
Is the .45 hard to handle?
Blah blah blah.
Get a caliber that you can handle and get back on target after the first shot. Also something that you don't anticipate the recoil and always pull the shot.
Sorry to say but you probably won't be buying just one gun in your life.
Start with a 9mm. Easy to handle and easy to get back on target. Not much recoil so there is nothing to brace yourself for. Least expensive (other than 22LR) to shoot. One of the easiest to find ammo. The 9mm is going to stop an intruder (with proper shot placement). A .22 will take someone down with proper placement.
Someone mentioned that a gun doesn't need to feel comfortable. I disagree. Some of the guns that I have used, don't fit my hand. Glocks are great guns and people love them. They feel like a 2x4 in my hand. I shoot a M&P9.
Also, key points, learn you gun. Take some safety clinics. Do dry fire drills. Be familiar with your weapon. Find somewhere that will teach live fire drills too. Standing in front of a static target is fine but IF you need your gun, it won't be standing still and your adrenalin will be pumping.
ALWAYS remember the big three rules:
Always assume that the gun is loaded (check and check again).
Never point the gun at anything you don't want to destroy.
Never put your finger on the trigger till you are ready to destroy your target.
First, far more agencies (including many high profile ones) use .40, .45, and 9mm than .357.
Second, the OP is a BEGINNER. Starting with .357 will not help him learn. It will hinder his learning marksmanship.
Third, the difference in terminal performance between .357 and 9mm is pointless if he can't hit his target, and he can get more 9mm per dollar than .357 SIG.
Fourth, he can find 9mm in any gun shop in the country. .357 SIG? Not so much.
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