pistol recomendations...

[kenzmad]

Okay, how important is it for this gun to function as a concealed carry gun in the future?  If you don't care about concealed, a Glock 26 in a .40 gives you a lot of firepower in a pretty compact package.

Glock 27 is the 40cal version of the baby Glock. I carry a G26 in stock configuration. when out in the woods I carry it with the +3 magazine extension. spare mag gives me 26 rounds. I like to have multi use weapons. 9mm may not be the best for stopping power on a bear but 26 holes does make em leak a little

[300rum]

If you want a good and fairly inexpensive starter pistol, I would look for a police trade in Glock 17.  You should be able to find one in the $350 range with a mag or two.  9mm is cheap and sufficient.  I haven’t' checked on it in awhile but GSSF used to allow you to buy a new Glock for around $425?  I would check that out.

[Gutpile]

Id recommend a Glock 20. 15 rounds of 10mm is hard to beat.

 

[Bigluke1981]

I carry a Springfield XD in 45. I have put a lot of rounds through it and never had a problem. As mentioned earlier, I would recommend going to a range that rents pistols and trying a few out.

[fish vacuum]

For a semi-auto, I'm a big fan of the 10mm as a woods gun. Power, capacity, and pretty dang reliable if you go with Glock. 10mm is well above the standard self defense rounds of 9mm, .40, and .45. For revolvers, I'd go .357 or bigger.

[Wazukie]

Price of ammo isn't much of a concern as i really plan on shooting only when needed, aside from getting aquainted with it.  Ive never purchased a pistol so im open to all suggestions and recommendations.  Thanks to all.

Really bad idea here.  Whatever you decide to buy, shoot it A LOT.  Become very familiar with it.  If you are out in the woods or in the hood and need to draw your weapon, it needs to be an instinctive move.  If you have to think about it you might find yourself hurt real bad or worse, dead.  When you become so familiar with the weapon that you don't have to think about it anymore, shoot some more.  For a revolver, Id go with nothing less than a .357 and for an auto, like's been said, the 10mm is hard to beat.

[wraithen]

One thing about the 10mm to be aware of is most of the commercial ammo you encounter for 10mm isn't much better than .40 S&W. They want you to pay more for it though. Find a brand that loads the 10mm to actual 10mm specs and then give it a go. A lot of companies won't load it as hot as it should be due to the snappy recoil that some folks don't like.

[Button Nubbs]

Buffalo bore or double tap for the 10mm

[C-Money]

Kieth Warren shot a bull elk with a glock in .45acp on his show the other night, Crazy!

When I am in the woods, I usually wear a Ruger Blackhawk in .357mag. I somethimes wear a Beretta M9, 15+1 is nice.

[KillZ 4 Thrilz]

You guys are loads of help.  Its been some while since Ive even shot a pistol so a local range wouldnt be a bad idea.  The Glock has always been a favorite of my brothers over the years.  First thing out of my dads mouth was a .357mag.  It seems as if these are also some of the favorites on here.  Im gonna head down to a local dealer and do alittle bsing with him. Again, thanks all.

[Dirty Mike]

glock 29 10mm stop anything

[pianoman9701]

You say you want it only to take shed hunting and protection in the woods. I would say you might also then want something with which you can effectively hunt. The need for compact isn't there unless the difference of a lb or so is going to make that big of a difference. Cost is the only other issue you mentioned.

I would say to keep an eye out for something bigger than compact and a revolver. Go in with the goal of buying a hunting pistol and you've got a much more versatile piece. You don't have to buy new. Start going through classifieds and look into pawn shops. I'd wait until i could afford and nice hunting revolver. A good gun that is versatile and serves multiple functions will give you far more enjoyment. I'd get a .44 mag.

[KillZ 4 Thrilz]

I got a brand new '12 Hoyt hanging on the wall, and a safe full of rifles and muzzys for all my hunting needs.  I have never been the one to be into pistols, thus is why i have never bought one.  I plan on using this pistol strictly for shed hunting or packing while bow hunting when that time comes.  As for cost, of course I don't wanna spend over the top, but i will spend whatever amount necessary to feel protected.

[Bofire]

I think a novice might be better served with a revolver for this use. A 4 inch 357 stainless revolver might be the most versitile combo around. 38 special wadcutters/shot shells/180 grain HP magnum rounds/hardcast, quite a wide range of uses, and easy to shoot well, get adjustable sights. Leave it loaded for 30 years and it'll fire 6 times when you pick it up.
my 2
Carl

[Huntbear]

I would go with a Ruger revolver in either .357 or .44 mag.  Practice a lot.  Find a comfortable holster.

In the gun world, revolvers are considered idiot proof.  They will always go bang when the trigger is pulled.  No worries about jams or twigs or a leaf....