collapse

Advertisement


Author Topic: looking to buy new handgun  (Read 6234 times)

Offline D-Rock425

  • Washington For Wildlife
  • Trade Count: (+12)
  • Explorer
  • ******
  • Join Date: Jun 2009
  • Posts: 13262
  • Location: Lake stevens
looking to buy new handgun
« on: October 30, 2009, 11:13:48 AM »
I'm thinking about buying a handgun that I can use for everyday carry and as a good side arm in the feild any sugestions? 

Offline Bofire

  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (+5)
  • Old Salt
  • ******
  • Join Date: Oct 2007
  • Posts: 5524
  • Location: Yelm
  • Harley YAR YAR YAR!
Re: looking to buy new handgun
« Reply #1 on: October 30, 2009, 11:35:22 AM »
4 inch 357 mag revolver. probably the most versatile handgun around.
Carl
When the chips are down..... the buffalo is empty!!

I do not shop at Amazon

Offline huntnphool

  • Chance favors the prepared mind!
  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (+15)
  • Legend
  • ******
  • Join Date: Apr 2007
  • Posts: 32898
  • Location: Pacific NorthWest
Re: looking to buy new handgun
« Reply #2 on: October 30, 2009, 11:38:30 AM »
FN FiveSeven
The things that come to those who wait, may be the things left by those who got there first!

Offline carpsniperg2

  • Site Sponsor
  • Global Moderator
  • Trade Count: (+126)
  • Legend
  • *****
  • Join Date: Sep 2009
  • Posts: 31528
  • Location: Goldendale,WA
Re: looking to buy new handgun
« Reply #3 on: October 30, 2009, 11:51:27 AM »
i have always been a wheel gun guy all my life i just bought a xdm by springfield in 40 SW 16+1 round 17 180g jhp that's some fire power for sure great accuracy great trigger i bought it to play with but find myself carrying it almost ever day as my main gun take a look at them easy to maintain and a great gun good stopping power if not a semi look at a Taurus 357 mag tracker with a 4 inch barrel 7 shots also very good i have the 7 inch model but its hard to carry concealed so i use it out hunting and fixin fence
Owner: SPLIT DIAMOND TACTICAL
Firearms/Transfers/Parts/Optics
2011 HW Head Competition Winner

Offline chrisb

  • Washington For Wildlife
  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Longhunter
  • *****
  • Join Date: Jul 2009
  • Posts: 912
  • Location: Monroe
Re: looking to buy new handgun
« Reply #4 on: October 30, 2009, 11:59:09 AM »
I bought a springfield XD 9mm the first year they hit the market. I LOVE THIS GUN. I have the full size and i carry it with no problems. It is a 9mm though so it doesnt make it out to the woods with me. I would suggest the newer versions in 45 acp. they are great reliable guns and have a higher capacity now than the original versions.

Offline Rgrady35

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Scout
  • ****
  • Join Date: Jan 2009
  • Posts: 271
  • Location: Spokane Valley
Re: looking to buy new handgun
« Reply #5 on: October 30, 2009, 12:23:43 PM »
How much money are ya thinking to spend?
"Beer is proof that God loves us."
Ben Franklin

Offline D-Rock425

  • Washington For Wildlife
  • Trade Count: (+12)
  • Explorer
  • ******
  • Join Date: Jun 2009
  • Posts: 13262
  • Location: Lake stevens
Re: looking to buy new handgun
« Reply #6 on: October 30, 2009, 12:47:42 PM »
money doesn't matter much i would rather spend more and find the right gun that feels good to me. I'm more concerned with finding the right caliber or if i should get an auto or revolver

Offline Rgrady35

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Scout
  • ****
  • Join Date: Jan 2009
  • Posts: 271
  • Location: Spokane Valley
Re: looking to buy new handgun
« Reply #7 on: October 30, 2009, 01:12:38 PM »
One gun for CCW and out in the woods. I think that I would look for a Colt Python with a 4" barrel. It should handle about anything in town or the woods.  8)
« Last Edit: October 30, 2009, 01:19:04 PM by Rgrady35 »
"Beer is proof that God loves us."
Ben Franklin

Offline uncoolperson

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Oct 2007
  • Posts: 1052
  • Location: Juneau, AK
Re: looking to buy new handgun
« Reply #8 on: October 30, 2009, 01:16:06 PM »
I'm pretty happy with my springfield micro compact 1911, nice and small, and 45.

Offline JackOfAllTrades

  • Rasbo said I Ain't Right.
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Old Salt
  • ******
  • Join Date: Feb 2009
  • Posts: 6509
  • Location: Lynden, WA.
  • Μολὼν λαβέ
Re: looking to buy new handgun
« Reply #9 on: October 30, 2009, 01:17:07 PM »
I'll agree that the 4" .357 mag is probably the move virsital. Maybe a 3" SP101, but what really stands out is what you shoot the best. Carry guns are meant to be small. Guns in the field, if even thought of for hunting are usually of larger calibers with longer barrels. Your body size is a factor for CCW if you don't want to display that you're packin concealed. In the field it matters a lot less. I carry a snubbie revolver, sub/1911, or even up to a full sized 1911 for CCW for certain situations but leave the big 44mags home unless I'm going in the woods.

So, First determine whether you prefer a semi-auto or a revolver. Then coupled with that, determine 80% use with what you're most proficient at shooting.

Confused yet?  A hunter / civilian that wants to protect his/her own, most likely needs two hand guns, (preferably more ;))

Hundreds of us can say what we prefer as a hand gun. You need to shoot all of your friends guns to figure out what you like the best. Don't go by what the guy at the sales counter is trying to sell that day.

I like 1911's for the superb single action trigger, ultimate reliablity of a proven platform for more than 100 years, and the accuracy. But I also like small revolvers for concealability and bigger revolvers that I can hand load to the hilt for hunting.

That said, for a first revolver, a 4" Ruger GP100 or Security Six, (used), is great entry point. If you don't like it, they sell quickly and you move to something different. If you're loaded with money, then Colt and Smith & Wesson also have comparable offerings. Stay away from the junk. -Don't get me wrong, I've owned Taurus and others. I don't now.  

Plastic guns are for kids.  Buy something that's bloody 'metal' and made in the USA. You'll thank yourself down the road.

-Steve
The NRA says I'm a Master!
Colt's, Ruger's, Dan Wesson, & Kimber are my friends!
Proud to be a U.S. Navy Veteran.

If you never follow your dreams, you'll never go anywhere.

Critical thinking keeps people from freaking the hell out every time some half baked blogger forgets his meds. Unlike some of you, I do not have TawkethOutOfAnus© syndrome.

Offline JackOfAllTrades

  • Rasbo said I Ain't Right.
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Old Salt
  • ******
  • Join Date: Feb 2009
  • Posts: 6509
  • Location: Lynden, WA.
  • Μολὼν λαβέ
Re: looking to buy new handgun
« Reply #10 on: October 30, 2009, 01:26:29 PM »
Quote
Colt Diamondback 4" barrel. Imho a .357 will do the job in the woods here in Wa.

I own a Colt Diamondback. Nice revolver. But you won't find one in .357mag.  They go up to .38spl. Last produced in 1988, you'll be able to buy two fine Rugers for the price of that Colt and not get a choice to have one in stainless steel.

I see the edit of your post Rgrady35. Now you mean a Colt Python. 

A FINE revolver. One of the best trigger/actions ever produced in North America. Accurate by all standards. But not a beginner gun. Not one for a person with limited budget. Not one for anyone to 'learn' how to clean a revolver on.

-Steve
« Last Edit: October 30, 2009, 02:12:33 PM by JackOfAllTrades »
The NRA says I'm a Master!
Colt's, Ruger's, Dan Wesson, & Kimber are my friends!
Proud to be a U.S. Navy Veteran.

If you never follow your dreams, you'll never go anywhere.

Critical thinking keeps people from freaking the hell out every time some half baked blogger forgets his meds. Unlike some of you, I do not have TawkethOutOfAnus© syndrome.

Offline snagglepants

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Hunter
  • ***
  • Join Date: Oct 2007
  • Posts: 147
  • Location: Ellensburg
Re: looking to buy new handgun
« Reply #11 on: October 30, 2009, 01:30:40 PM »
Here's my  :twocents::
I have a 4" .357 that I love, but it is way too big for me to conceal as I am pretty short.  I carry a Kel Tec .32 that basically disappears when I wear it.  I would recommend 2 guns as a daily carry piece and a hunting sidearm seem to have 2 distinct functions and limitations.
"Guns aren't toys!  They're for family protection, hunting dangerous or delicious animals, and keeping the King of England out of your face!" -Krusty the Clown

Offline Buckmark

  • Washington For Wildlife
  • Trade Count: (+16)
  • Old Salt
  • ******
  • Join Date: Oct 2008
  • Posts: 5445
  • Location: GPS is searching
Re: looking to buy new handgun
« Reply #12 on: October 30, 2009, 01:36:27 PM »
Go to the indoor ranges and rent/shoot a few different ones before you buy.
To hunt and butcher an animal is to recognize that meat is not some abstract form of protein that springs into existence tightly wrapped in cellophane and styrofoam.

Offline JackOfAllTrades

  • Rasbo said I Ain't Right.
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Old Salt
  • ******
  • Join Date: Feb 2009
  • Posts: 6509
  • Location: Lynden, WA.
  • Μολὼν λαβέ
Re: looking to buy new handgun
« Reply #13 on: October 30, 2009, 02:18:41 PM »
I'll ad one more thing. If you're not a hand loader... (OK, I love 45acp, .44mag and .357mag) But ammunition is not cheap. .38spl is a little cheaper to buy and can be shot in a .357mag gun for practice.  No viable alternative for the others. 9mm is still relatively cheap, but too weak against a wounded cat or bear in the field. I'm not really a .40S&W fan, but at least it's an improvement over a 9mm.

-Steve
The NRA says I'm a Master!
Colt's, Ruger's, Dan Wesson, & Kimber are my friends!
Proud to be a U.S. Navy Veteran.

If you never follow your dreams, you'll never go anywhere.

Critical thinking keeps people from freaking the hell out every time some half baked blogger forgets his meds. Unlike some of you, I do not have TawkethOutOfAnus© syndrome.

Offline coop2424

  • Site Sponsor
  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Dec 2008
  • Posts: 1483
  • Location: Spirit Lake, ID
Re: looking to buy new handgun
« Reply #14 on: October 30, 2009, 02:39:01 PM »
I personally have the Springfield XD compact 45  and I love it.   It comes with two clips one that is 9 shots I think and another that is 13.  When I am carrying it I use the smaller clip but when out shooting sometime it is nice to have the larger clip.  I can carry it concealed very easy but I am a little bigger than the average person. It is also a very accurate gun.

Offline HardCorpsHuntr

  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Longhunter
  • *****
  • Join Date: Nov 2007
  • Posts: 803
  • Location: Chelan County
  • Semper Fi
"Fast is fine. Accuracy is final. You need to learn to shoot slow, real fast." -Wyatt Earp

Offline rasbo

  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Legend
  • ******
  • Join Date: Aug 2008
  • Posts: 20144
  • Location: Grant county
  • In God I trust...Try taking that away from me!
Re: looking to buy new handgun
« Reply #16 on: October 30, 2009, 02:57:25 PM »
the sp 101 2inch is a great carry piece .357,I dont take it hunting...buy what you will use it the most for..smith and wesson 586 or 686 are good and well balanced..I carry a smith and wesson 629 classic 6inch 44 mag for bears and tweekers in the woods

Offline Bofire

  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (+5)
  • Old Salt
  • ******
  • Join Date: Oct 2007
  • Posts: 5524
  • Location: Yelm
  • Harley YAR YAR YAR!
Re: looking to buy new handgun
« Reply #17 on: October 30, 2009, 03:42:04 PM »
My personal choice is a 1911 45, mine are Kimbers. But for a first timer and an "all around pistol" I stick with what I said. a good 4 inch 357 mag. revolver. it hits hard, is easy to carry, works every time and is accurate.
Carl
When the chips are down..... the buffalo is empty!!

I do not shop at Amazon

Offline ebusa

  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Hunter
  • ***
  • Join Date: Jul 2008
  • Posts: 182
  • Location: Covington
Re: looking to buy new handgun
« Reply #18 on: October 30, 2009, 04:58:59 PM »
Taurus Millennnium Pro PT145, $389.  Love mine!
-Evan
USMC 1994-1998 E5/SGT
Semper Fi!

Offline D-Rock425

  • Washington For Wildlife
  • Trade Count: (+12)
  • Explorer
  • ******
  • Join Date: Jun 2009
  • Posts: 13262
  • Location: Lake stevens
Re: looking to buy new handgun
« Reply #19 on: October 30, 2009, 06:37:32 PM »
thanks for the input guys.  My dad told me to buy a 357 as well seems like most people are pointimg me in that direction

Offline GUHunter

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Hunter
  • ***
  • Join Date: Feb 2009
  • Posts: 145
  • Location: Greybull, Wy ......formerly Spokane, WA
Re: looking to buy new handgun
« Reply #20 on: October 30, 2009, 07:44:11 PM »
4 inch 357 mag revolver. probably the most versatile handgun around.
Carl

I feel exactly the same way
Everyone has something to teach, so listen up

Offline superdown

  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Oct 2008
  • Posts: 2045
  • Location: Sumner
Re: looking to buy new handgun
« Reply #21 on: October 30, 2009, 09:44:15 PM »
Taurus :puke:

Offline carpsniperg2

  • Site Sponsor
  • Global Moderator
  • Trade Count: (+126)
  • Legend
  • *****
  • Join Date: Sep 2009
  • Posts: 31528
  • Location: Goldendale,WA
Re: looking to buy new handgun
« Reply #22 on: October 30, 2009, 09:59:19 PM »
superdown :pee:

taurus is $ i own 3 and they are all great guns no one will argue with my 454 casull in the raging bull platform
Owner: SPLIT DIAMOND TACTICAL
Firearms/Transfers/Parts/Optics
2011 HW Head Competition Winner

Offline satchel3006

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Scout
  • ****
  • Join Date: Sep 2008
  • Posts: 280
  • Location: Tricities
Re: looking to buy new handgun
« Reply #23 on: October 30, 2009, 10:07:36 PM »
get yourself a ruger gp100 with a 4" barrel its a fantastic gun

Offline yorketransport

  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (+12)
  • Frontiersman
  • *****
  • Join Date: Apr 2009
  • Posts: 3310
  • Location: Yelm
  • Preferred pronouns: were/was
Re: looking to buy new handgun
« Reply #24 on: October 31, 2009, 04:00:07 PM »
Check out one of the ultra lite 357 revolvers from S&W or Taurus. I have a Ti Tracker in 41 mag and I love it. The scandium S&W revolvers would be nice as well. They're easy to carry all day either in the field or concealed.

Andrew

Offline River

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Hunter
  • ***
  • Join Date: Jun 2008
  • Posts: 173
  • Location: Washougal
Re: looking to buy new handgun
« Reply #25 on: October 31, 2009, 04:09:12 PM »
Mine are all Heckler & Koch, Sigarms, Walther, Springfield, SW.
"Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go..."   -t.s.eliot
Martin Moab, Easton Axis Nanos, Trophy Taker, Copper John Supreme, Muzzy, Leica Optics, Badlands Packs

Offline PWN Kurt

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Hunter
  • ***
  • Join Date: Jul 2008
  • Posts: 186
  • Location: Vancouver, WA
Re: looking to buy new handgun
« Reply #26 on: November 01, 2009, 05:45:26 PM »
Stainless 357 mag with adjustable sights.  Rugers are my favorites.
Plenty of punch and easy to use.  I like to carry extra rounds in Bianchi speed strips.

Kurt

Offline superdown

  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Oct 2008
  • Posts: 2045
  • Location: Sumner
Re: looking to buy new handgun
« Reply #27 on: November 02, 2009, 09:59:02 PM »
Quote
superdown

Taurus is $ i own 3 and they are all great guns no one will argue with my 454 casull in the raging bull platform
Having owned several Taurus products i would say the only redeeming value they have is the raging bull line but having handled multiple of their fire arms broken on the shelf brand new I'm not a fan of those or the ones i have owned i could not recommend a worse product.

Offline carpsniperg2

  • Site Sponsor
  • Global Moderator
  • Trade Count: (+126)
  • Legend
  • *****
  • Join Date: Sep 2009
  • Posts: 31528
  • Location: Goldendale,WA
Re: looking to buy new handgun
« Reply #28 on: November 02, 2009, 10:04:35 PM »
were they autos :dunno: broken on the shelf  :dunno: brand new :dunno: have a great track record other than your reports i own alot of guns and more handguns than most and i am not afraid to trust my life to any one of my taurus's but just my :twocents:
Owner: SPLIT DIAMOND TACTICAL
Firearms/Transfers/Parts/Optics
2011 HW Head Competition Winner

Offline Jburke

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+3)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Mar 2008
  • Posts: 1387
  • Location: Spokane
Re: looking to buy new handgun
« Reply #29 on: November 03, 2009, 02:08:49 AM »
I have never had any problems with either of the taurus guns that I have owned.  I had a 1911 and still have my 24/7 pro in 40.  It and my s&w 686 with the power ported barrel are two of the best guns I own, and I have never had any problems with either.  The .357 is a good all around choice for most situations, whether it be in the field or not.  Find one that fits in your hand comfortably and practice.  No gun is better than the shooter, and accuracy is more important that power.   :twocents:

Offline addicted

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Old Salt
  • ******
  • Join Date: Jul 2007
  • Posts: 5300
  • Location: A forest near you
  • The famous FootDog
Re: looking to buy new handgun
« Reply #30 on: November 03, 2009, 02:55:35 AM »
Get a dan wesson .445 super magnum.  :rolleyes:
"Right now, I am thinking that If my grandmother was here, she would be lecturing me about how there are poor people in Africa, that would just love to have a Ruger, I would just say "Great, granny, lets just ship all the Rugers to Africa!"


Loving life in the Great Northwest one day at a time.

It sounds like it's time to get a new gun.

Offline KillBilly

  • Trade Count: (+2)
  • Frontiersman
  • *****
  • Join Date: May 2007
  • Posts: 3667
  • Location: OLY, WA.
  • I kill therefore I Am
Re: looking to buy new handgun
« Reply #31 on: November 03, 2009, 04:01:42 AM »
Get a dan wesson .445 super magnum.  :rolleyes:

Good luck finding one of these.
Some people spend their entire life wondering if they made a difference. Marines don't have that problem.
He who shed blood with me shall forever be my brother.

Offline superdown

  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Oct 2008
  • Posts: 2045
  • Location: Sumner
Re: looking to buy new handgun
« Reply #32 on: November 03, 2009, 09:53:59 AM »
the most recent one was sportco in fife was a judge and the cylinder lock was broken and would not engage. it was like a free spin pawl in a tricked out single action. My first encounter with Taurus was with my pt92 which was a good gun to begin with but when the slide stop broke and my experience with their so called customer service was enough for me. then my dad had a Taurus 44 revolver that shaved lead so you couldn't shoot it accurately. All i can say from personal experience is i would never spend my money on them again if you have a good one than keep it and enjoy it i have allways wanted a judge and a couple their other guns that i think are pretty neat but my confidence in them is completely gone. as for my recommendation if your on a budget i would say look at a CZ-P07 if you have a bit of money to spend than look at the Kimber eclipse i own both and they have been great to me.
« Last Edit: November 03, 2009, 10:02:50 AM by superdown »

Offline carpsniperg2

  • Site Sponsor
  • Global Moderator
  • Trade Count: (+126)
  • Legend
  • *****
  • Join Date: Sep 2009
  • Posts: 31528
  • Location: Goldendale,WA
Re: looking to buy new handgun
« Reply #33 on: November 03, 2009, 10:02:30 AM »
i has that problem with my bull one time but it was shavin copper they used 458 " i pulled bullets and calipered them" instead of 452 bullets it was a company out of yakima valley thats no longer in business needless to say they got a very unkind call pulled all the bullets and reloaded them my self with the right bullets there hot line i have heard is a pain but the thing is it does not matter how many owners the gun has had it has a life time garuntee on them not many firearm companys will fix a gun that has been sold 10 times in 10 years but they will.
Owner: SPLIT DIAMOND TACTICAL
Firearms/Transfers/Parts/Optics
2011 HW Head Competition Winner

Offline addicted

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Old Salt
  • ******
  • Join Date: Jul 2007
  • Posts: 5300
  • Location: A forest near you
  • The famous FootDog
Re: looking to buy new handgun
« Reply #34 on: November 03, 2009, 10:25:57 AM »
Get a dan wesson .445 super magnum.  :rolleyes:

Good luck finding one of these.

I know a guy who has one but there is no way in hell it's up for sale. lol

just gotta keep an eye on the DW classifieds.
http://www.danwessonforum.com/?page_id=339
"Right now, I am thinking that If my grandmother was here, she would be lecturing me about how there are poor people in Africa, that would just love to have a Ruger, I would just say "Great, granny, lets just ship all the Rugers to Africa!"


Loving life in the Great Northwest one day at a time.

It sounds like it's time to get a new gun.

Offline robescc

  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (+4)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Sep 2009
  • Posts: 1288
  • Location: Marysville, Wa
Re: looking to buy new handgun
« Reply #35 on: November 04, 2009, 08:10:49 PM »
I finaly broke down and bought the gun of my dreams.  I bought a Kimber Pro CDP II.  I love it.  I was torn between the crimson carry and the cdp.  I think you get more for your money with the cdp.  200 rounds so far and no hangups :IBCOOL:

Get a kimber.
I hunt therefore I am.

 


* Advertisement

* Recent Topics

KODIAK06 2025 trail cam and personal pics thread by kodiak06
[Today at 06:03:49 AM]


Yard bucks by Boss .300 winmag
[Yesterday at 11:20:39 PM]


Yard babies by Feathernfurr
[Yesterday at 10:04:54 PM]


Pocket Carry by bb76
[Yesterday at 08:44:00 PM]


Seeking recommendations on a new scope by coachg
[Yesterday at 08:10:21 PM]


Sauk Unit Youth Elk Tips by high_hunter
[Yesterday at 08:06:05 PM]


Jupiter Mountain Rayonier Permit- 621 Bull Tag by HntnFsh
[Yesterday at 07:58:22 PM]


MOVED: Seekins Element 7PRC for sale by Bob33
[Yesterday at 06:57:10 PM]


3 pintails by metlhead
[Yesterday at 04:44:03 PM]


1993 Merc issues getting up on plane by Happy Gilmore
[Yesterday at 04:37:55 PM]


A lonely Job... by AL WORRELLS KID
[Yesterday at 03:21:14 PM]


Unit 364 Archery Tag by buglebuster
[Yesterday at 12:16:59 PM]


In the background by zwickeyman
[Yesterday at 12:10:13 PM]


A. Cole Lockback in AEB-L and Micarta by A. Cole
[Yesterday at 09:15:34 AM]


Willapa Hills 1 Bear by hunter399
[Yesterday at 08:24:48 AM]


Bearpaw Outfitters Annual July 4th Hunt Sale by Threewolves
[Yesterday at 06:35:57 AM]


Sockeye Numbers by Southpole
[July 03, 2025, 09:02:04 PM]


Selkirk bull moose. by moose40
[July 03, 2025, 05:42:19 PM]

SimplePortal 2.3.7 © 2008-2025, SimplePortal