Help me choose the right gun...

[Limited2K]

If I carried concealed (which I don't), I think I'd go for the S&W M&P .40. A friend of mine has one and I really like shooting it. I've also shot the Springfield XD .40 a few times. Both are very nice and IMO they are very similar, but I was more accurate with the M&P. I prefer .40 over 9 but I don't think it matters very much with those 2 sizes.

Since I don't carry concealed though, I'll take my Yankee fist over either one in a heartbeat..
(US Navy Colt 1911 - manuf. in 1912, rebuilt and converted to a 1911/A1 in 1944 for WWII). This gun was carried in 2 world wars, and then another 40 years by a bail bondsman before his son sold it to me a few years ago. It came with the handcuffs he was issued in WWII (as an MP officer) and the wooden case he made that still has his drawings from the 1940s glued inside of it. Sorry for getting off topic, but I thought maybe some of you are interested in this stuff like me..

It's actually one of the most accurate 1911s I've shot too. Even after 99 years! Colt FTW!

Man, I'm a sucker for Colt 1911s. I don't have one yet but every time I consider getting a handgun, I can't help but want one of these. I agree, Colt is the way to go!

 

[brian2sun]

I heard that the new AZ concealed carry only allows it if it's unloaded. I know, it sounds ridiculous to me too, but that's what I heard. Can anyone confirm this is a rumor or is the law that stupid? That would be like sure... you can drive your car all you want here, but you're not allowed to put gas in it.

 

[downpour11]

no thats not true - i took the CCW class a couple years back and carried for a while but then last August they made it so you don't need a CCW. You can carry concealed (loaded) anywhere and everywhere in Arizona without any permit whatsoever and you don't have to tell police if you're carrying anymore when you get pulled over. But if they ask it might be a good idea to do so.

 

[Thai]

no thats not true - i took the CCW class a couple years back and carried for a while but then last August they made it so you don't need a CCW. You can carry concealed (loaded) anywhere and everywhere in Arizona without any permit whatsoever and you don't have to tell police if you're carrying anymore when you get pulled over. But if they ask it might be a good idea to do so.

Never happened yet, but i do plan on telling the police officer my state of armament and hand over my CHL along with my DL at the same time when asked to hand over DL. I don't need the policeman to be apprehensive or suspicious during tense times, even with a routine traffic stop. I am sure that anyone with CHL will be flagged in the police computer...so, why run the risk of the officer having to come back to your vehicle to question you if you are armed or not...thus, worsening the tense situation. I am a chickensh!t...my goal is not to act like Rambo, but to get home to my family everyday.

 

[brian2sun]

I am a chickensh!t...my goal is not to act like Rambo, but to get home to my family everyday.

That's being smart and a good father and husband! Cops are on edge every time they approach a vehicle. It's always best to be upfront with them like you said. Much better chances of a good experience.

I've been pulled over for a taillight out on the way home from the range before. I was lazy and didn't lock my shotgun up, it was just laying on the back seat (unloaded) which is a no no in CA. When he came up to the window he didn't even notice it because I had a bunch of crap back there and it was getting dark. I told him about it immediately and that I didn't lock it because my house is only a few miles from the range. He said he appreciated me telling him, he told me to get a new bulb for my taillight and he left. As long as you're not dressed like a gang member, they are almost always pretty cool. I figure they have enough people constantly lying to them, when someone is honest, it's probably a breath of fresh air.

 

[Trevloc]

Downpour is right, it can be loaded. You just can't take it into any gov buildings or bars. Or where a no firearm sign is posted.

The only law that is "new", and I'm not sure if it passed yet or not, but they are trying to make extended clips illegal (thank you jare

d loughner) but I need to read up on that.

 

[downpour11]

Downpour is right, it can be loaded. You just can't take it into any gov buildings or bars. Or where a no firearm sign is posted.

The only law that is "new", and I'm not sure if it passed yet or not, but they are trying to make extended clips illegal (thank you jare

d loughner) but I need to read up on that.

yeah my bad- except airports and bars or where it's posted.

 

[Johnny Utah]

did you pickup a piece yet? I've got a full size glock 22 (which is the .40) It's what the majority of Police departments issue. I love it. I've had it for about 2 years. Maybe 2.5 years now. My buddy has..

glock 21 (.45 auto) full size
glock 30 (.45 auto) sub compact

glock 19 (9mm) compact.

the full size and the compact, don't feel too different, but, you should definitely feel both just to compare.

I've shot all types of handguns, sigs, berettas, ruger, etc, etc

I dont know any other model that is as reliable and easy to take apart/clean than a glock. It's not a pretty gun, but, it will shoot when you pull the trigger. Just follow the basic gun rules and you should be fine. Also, taking a gun safety course is a good idea.

Glocktalk.com is a huge site, i've been active over there for years(different Screen name though) you can learn a lot of stuff about glocks over there, hell, just about any type of gun, handgun or long gun is talked about over there. check it out.

so that is pretty much it.

good luck man. I've got my concealed carry permit too, but, i never carry my piece around. Having your concealed carry in my state makes it easier to transport guns around town, and i'm able to buy more guns at 1 time then having to wait, since i have all my information in the virginia state police background check..


i've also got a mossberg 500 mariner with the knoxx stock

and a CMMG M4 with eotech 512 holographic sight...

all my stuff stays locked up when not being used at the range...

good luck bro

 

[Johnny Utah]

Trevloc
a couple of things: what are your reasons for wanting to carry concealed? Some people just want to carry a firearm because they think it is "cool". I am not at all opposed to carrying concealed (I am a police officer/SWAT officer and firearms instructor), but a gun in the hands of anyone who does not have proper training and the ability to make solid, quick decisions can be very problematic. That being said, I believe everyone has the right to adequately protect themselves and loved ones. Going to the range and trying various weapons is a good idea, although could be a little expensive. In the end, you want a weapon that you are comfortable with. As far as caliber, it doesn't matter much to me. I prefer .40, but shot placement is what really matters. I don't know what the laws are in AZ, but please go to a reputable CCW training firm and continue to practice, practice, practice. Shooting is a very perishable skill and even I can tell if I don't get to the range at least twice a month. I am not a gun enthusiast, and I only carry one firearm off duty, a Glock 27. In my opinion, and after seeing many different types of firearms, Glocks are the most dependable and reliable pistols out there. But everyone has their own preference. Please do yourself and everyone else a favor and research the hell out of this before making a decision. And again, I cannot stress the importance of training. Good luck in making your decision and eventual move into law enforcement!

If anyone is looking for a REALLY GOOD concealed carry holster, check out Crossbreed Holsters > Home. I have found no better off-duty/concealed carry holster on the market. (I have no financial interest in this company, but just think they make a great product).

just wanted to quote this again, since it's good information. Having a gun is a HUGE responsibility. You just need to be aware of that.

 

[Johnny Utah]

Downpour is right, it can be loaded. You just can't take it into any gov buildings or bars. Or where a no firearm sign is posted.

The only law that is "new", and I'm not sure if it passed yet or not, but they are trying to make extended clips illegal (thank you jare

d loughner) but I need to read up on that.

make sure you call them "magazines" instead of "clips" otherwise you will look like a NOOB when you are buying/discussing/handling guns.....


this topic is discussed non stop over at glocktalk


thank me later!

 

[Trevloc]

no i havnt picked one up yet. but soon. about a week or so. i have cruised glocktalk as well. very good site.

and as for the glock not looking pretty... well, i personally like it over most. i like the square type look. saweeeeet. :guitar3:

 

[ant-ny]

Good posts here everyone. Trevloc: I am also a Glock armorer (certified through Glock) and know of the minor problems they have been having with the Gen 4 springs. My Glocks are all Gen 3's and have had no problems with them. The departments I train are starting to trade in their Gen 3's for 4's (these are ALL G22's, not G19's, but the spring is essentially the same), and I have not seen a huge spike in problems with these weapons. I have shot the Gen 4's and actually prefer the Gen 3. I have found a very simple remedy for anyone who has complained about the grip on the Gen 3--wrap some racketball or tennis racket tape around it, it does wonders. Either way you go, Gen 3 or 4, I think you have made a wise decision. Glock is a very good product and they have amazing customer service that stand behind their weapons. I am glad to hear you have put a lot of time and thought into this decision and wish you the best. Last thing: if you are thinking of buying a used firearm (any firearm), don't. If this weapon is going to be used to protect your life, spend a few extra dollars and buy new. That way, there is NO question about what the previous owner did with it or how it was maintained. Of course, if you are looking at buying a gun only for target practice, that is a different story.

 

[Thai]

I agree...when it comes to firearms, I don't buy used. I traded in my problematic Kahr...I feel bad for it's next owner.

 

[Trevloc]

haha yeah i will definitely be buying new.

and as for my different view on the gen 3 and gen 4, i like them both. and i like both grips, but the gen 3 is bigger, as the gen 4 is smaller, with the option to make it bigger. but the smaller grip is what i like, it fits my small hands better i cant make the grip on the gen 3 smaller.

also, i was fidling with the clip release. i find that on the gen 3 i have to reposition my thumb inorder to release it, as on the gen 4 i dont. its faster for me to release the mag in a gen 4. could be that its a bigger release. not sure.

:biggrin2:

 

[ant-ny]

yes, you are correct. All the Gen 3's in the same caliber are the exact same distance from the backstrap to the trigger (i.e. all 9mm Glocks regardless of whether they are a mini or full size have the same dimensions. What makes them a smaller pistol are basically the barrel size and length of magazine. Same goes for all 40's and 45's). The Gen 4 does allow you to slightly modify the backstrap so you do not have to reach as far for the trigger when you grip the weapon. A 3rd Gen magazine will fit into a 4th Gen weapon and vice versa. If you go with a Gen 4, I would NOT recommend getting one with a dual magazine release. When they first came out, they had dual mag releases and a lot of shooters were dropping mags while firing due to the way they were gripping the weapon. They have since gone back to the single mag release on the left side.

 

[ant-ny]

Also, Glock does make a magazine extender that makes it easier to eject the mag. I don't see many people running this type of equipment. I have to slightly reposition my hand in order to hit the mag release, and most other Glock shooters I know have to do the same thing. I don't find it to be a problem because I am used to it and do quite a bit of shooting.

 

[brian2sun]

Also, Glock does make a magazine extender that makes it easier to eject the mag. I don't see many people running this type of equipment. I have to slightly reposition my hand in order to hit the mag release, and most other Glock shooters I know have to do the same thing. I don't find it to be a problem because I am used to it and do quite a bit of shooting.

I actually like it if I have to move my hand a little to hit the mag release. I've hit it unintentionally with some guns and it just lessens the chance of it falling out at the wrong time. Since I normally bring the gun down and tilt it sideways a little to reload anyways, my hand ends up in the right spot on my gen 1 19 anyways.

That said, the Glock isn't my favorite gun, but it's been in the family for over 20 years so I wouldn't sell it. I don't know if it's more of an earlier gen thing, but mine jams a lot. Even after polishing the bore and feed ramp. It's really my Dad's gun so I haven't tried too hard to get it functioning perfectly, but it also has 10s of thousands of rounds through it and the first barrel was replaced at some point.

 

[Johnny Utah]

I actually like it if I have to move my hand a little to hit the mag release. I've hit it unintentionally with some guns and it just lessens the chance of it falling out at the wrong time. Since I normally bring the gun down and tilt it sideways a little to reload anyways, my hand ends up in the right spot on my gen 1 19 anyways.

That said, the Glock isn't my favorite gun, but it's been in the family for over 20 years so I wouldn't sell it. I don't know if it's more of an earlier gen thing, but mine jams a lot. Even after polishing the bore and feed ramp. It's really my Dad's gun so I haven't tried too hard to get it functioning perfectly, but it also has 10s of thousands of rounds through it and the first barrel was replaced at some point.

could also depend on what ammo you are shooting through it to get it to jam.

 

[ant-ny]

yeah, it could be just about anything with a firearm that old and with that many rounds through it.

 

[brian2sun]

could also depend on what ammo you are shooting through it to get it to jam.

yeah, it could be just about anything with a firearm that old and with that many rounds through it.

It has pretty much always had that problem, I remember it doing it when it was new too (I was in Jr. high). Ammo doesn't seem to matter (although some brands are worse than others), it jams with anything. At least one per mag.