First Pistol Help

[RavensdaleYoungBuck]

Hey y'all,
So I am finally about to turn 21 and will be able to buy my first pistol. I know I for sure want a .45 ACP, but I am still undecided on what gun to get. My main uses are going to be taking it bow hunting and fishing in case of predator trouble. I might carry it around other places, but that is my main reason for getting one. Just wondering if anyone has any suggestions.
Thanks!!

[h20hunter]

Lots of good ones depending on budget and price. There is a Kimber Raptor in the classifieds currently.

Regardless of what anyone suggests....you gotta get out and shoot. Ask around to some buddies, see who has what and if you can get some trigger time. If you have access to a range go do a rental and shoot a few.

[jrebel]

Lots of good ones depending on budget and price. There is a Kimber Raptor in the classifieds currently.

Regardless of what anyone suggests....you gotta get out and shoot. Ask around to some buddies, see who has what and if you can get some trigger time. If you have access to a range go do a rental and shoot a few.

 

Well said....My only advise on top of the above;  Don't buy junk to save a dime.  It will only cost you more in the long run.   

[magnanimous_j]

What’s your budget? There are good options in almost all price points. As far as quality goes, if you’ve heard of the company, you’re probably going to be ok. It will come down to personal preference and what you shoot well. I would start by looking at Springfield XD and SW M&P and go from there. Although there was a sweet FNX-45 in the classifieds recently.

Welcome to a lifelong addiction. Assuming you have firearms experience and know the basics of safe handling, an intermediate pistol course can help develop good shooting habits early. That’s a lot easier than breaking bad habits.

[h20hunter]

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php?action=profile;u=10925

This member currently has some very nice choices for sale.

[RavensdaleYoungBuck]

I've shot my brothers Beretta PX4 .45ACP and I liked it. I like the look of the Remington 1911, but I'm not sure if its the best carry gun. I've been a Remington fan since I've started hunting as I have a 700 and an 870 Express. I'm just not sure what models people really like and have had a good experience with. It sucks that they won't let me hold them in the store to at least look at a couple, but you have to be 21 to hole em at the store too. My budget is around $650.

[ghosthunter]

Lots of guys make the mistake of going big. And than when you ask them out in the woods where the  new cannon is they bought. They mumble something about too heavy.

Buy a gun you will pack when you have all your other gear. It is a waste of money if you are not willing to carry it.

[carpsniperg2]

Your budget if perfect for a xdm in 45 acp. They are solid reliable pistol. You can choose you barrel length and size if you want a little more compact size. You can get the 3.8 compact. It will come with a flush fitting magazine for low profile concealed carry and then a extended magazine for a full size grip and plenty of fire power.

[CAMPMEAT]

Rock Island Armory produce some nice 45's. I have 3 and I really like them. I have a 45, 10mm and a 22TCM flame thrower......

[ribka]

yeh it's cool for a beginning shooter to start off with a 45 auto and I like them.

I always suggest someone with no experience or little experience carrying a sidearm should start off with a revolver. Same with a rifle or shotgun. Single shot or bolt action before an auto which takes IMO takes more awareness. With over 20 years as a firearms instructor teaching, running ranges  I see people who start off with autos have more than their fair share of AD's and they can't clear a a malfunctioning weapon especially under pressure. I see a lot of finger phugging with beginners starting with autos too.

A Ruger or SW revolver  my suggestion in 357, 41 or 44. lUsed is fine. Learn basic shooting skills first, basic firearms safety, local state laws regarding your responsibilties while carrying and using a firearm. Then move up to your auto of choice as long as it is a Glock

[CAMPMEAT]

yeh it's cool for a beginning shooter to start off with a 45 auto and I like them.

I always suggest someone with no experience or little experience carrying a sidearm should start off with a revolver. Same with a rifle or shotgun. Single shot or bolt action before an auto which takes IMO takes more awareness. With over 20 years as a firearms instructor teaching, running ranges  I see people who start off with autos have more than their fair share of AD's and they can't clear a a malfunctioning weapon especially under pressure. I see a lot of finger phugging with beginners starting with autos too.

A Ruger or SW revolver  my suggestion in 357, 41 or 44. lUsed is fine. Learn basic shooting skills first, basic firearms safety, local state laws regarding your responsibilties while carrying and using a firearm. Then move up to your auto of choice as long as it is a Glock

Ruger SP101 in 357 is a very nice wheel gun. I think mine has a 2 inch barrel on 'er.

[netcoyote]

yeh it's cool for a beginning shooter to start off with a 45 auto and I like them.

I always suggest someone with no experience or little experience carrying a sidearm should start off with a revolver. Same with a rifle or shotgun. Single shot or bolt action before an auto which takes IMO takes more awareness. With over 20 years as a firearms instructor teaching, running ranges  I see people who start off with autos have more than their fair share of AD's and they can't clear a a malfunctioning weapon especially under pressure. I see a lot of finger phugging with beginners starting with autos too.

A Ruger or SW revolver  my suggestion in 357, 41 or 44. lUsed is fine. Learn basic shooting skills first, basic firearms safety, local state laws regarding your responsibilties while carrying and using a firearm. Then move up to your auto of choice as long as it is a Glock

 
Good advice. I used to carry a .45 Kimber most of the time in the field but find even the short barrel version is bulky, heavy and hard to holster while carrying a pack. I still use it occasionally but mostly when I don't have a pack or just a light one. I use a .357 Taurus or a S&W revolver that fits snuggly in a Kramer holster most of the time now.
The caution about getting used to the semi-auto should be heeded. They are much more complex than a revolver and need some getting used to for safety and efficiency.
Whatever your choice, make sure you practice using it before you take it to the field. Good luck with whatever you choose.

[Bofire]

first handgun I'd recommend a revolver, a 4 inch 357 is probably the most versitile handgun made. Many loads many bullets, 38 special, etc. If you insist on a .45acp, go 1911. Remington is not the best around. Kimber,Springer are both good. I would suggest steel frame gun in 5 inch for a first 1911.
Carl

[TheSkyBuster]

I will add one more vote for a 4 inch revolver.

how about a smith and Wesson 625 in .45 ACP?


used ones turn up occasionally in your price range:


http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product4_750001_750051_764931_-1_757767_757751_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y

[Windwalker]

yeh it's cool for a beginning shooter to start off with a 45 auto and I like them.

I always suggest someone with no experience or little experience carrying a sidearm should start off with a revolver. Same with a rifle or shotgun. Single shot or bolt action before an auto which takes IMO takes more awareness. With over 20 years as a firearms instructor teaching, running ranges  I see people who start off with autos have more than their fair share of AD's and they can't clear a a malfunctioning weapon especially under pressure. I see a lot of finger phugging with beginners starting with autos too.

A Ruger or SW revolver  my suggestion in 357, 41 or 44. Used is fine. Learn basic shooting skills first, basic firearms safety, local state laws regarding your responsibilities while carrying and using a firearm. Then move up to your auto of choice as long as it is a Glock

 
This is spot on advise - handguns are a different animal. Safety - Training

Taking a class or training with someone knowledgeable will make you safer, save you time & money & good instructor can spot/stop/correct bad habits.
The more you learn, the more you'll realize the need to develop skills for a higher level of proficiency.

Shoot the range rentals. Autos are cool for turning money into noise.
For hunting, my preferences lean to Ruger single actions. 41 Mag, 44 Mag & 45 Colt are all winners.