Post by: RavensdaleYoungBuck on February 16, 2015, 10:28:38 AM
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!!
Post by: h20hunter on February 16, 2015, 10:37:38 AM
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.
Post by: jrebel on February 16, 2015, 10:43:02 AM
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.
:yeah: :yeah:
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. :tup:
Post by: magnanimous_j on February 16, 2015, 10:46:30 AM
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.
Post by: h20hunter on February 16, 2015, 10:47:24 AM
This member currently has some very nice choices for sale.
Post by: RavensdaleYoungBuck on February 16, 2015, 10:50:48 AM
Post by: ghosthunter on February 16, 2015, 11:03:30 AM
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. :twocents:
Post by: carpsniperg2 on February 16, 2015, 12:06:06 PM
Post by: CAMPMEAT on February 16, 2015, 12:43:20 PM
Post by: ribka on February 16, 2015, 01:29:52 PM
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 :IBCOOL:
Post by: CAMPMEAT on February 16, 2015, 01:39:18 PM
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 :IBCOOL:
Ruger SP101 in 357 is a very nice wheel gun. I think mine has a 2 inch barrel on 'er.
Post by: netcoyote on February 16, 2015, 01:42:03 PM
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 :IBCOOL:
:yeah:
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.
Post by: Bofire on February 16, 2015, 03:00:25 PM
Carl
Post by: TheSkyBuster on February 16, 2015, 03:40:57 PM
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 (http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product4_750001_750051_764931_-1_757767_757751_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y)
Post by: Windwalker on February 16, 2015, 03:57:17 PM
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 :IBCOOL:
:yeah:
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.
Post by: HighlandLofts on February 16, 2015, 08:50:31 PM
For a first handgun I'd reccommend a four inch stainless Ruger GP100 in 357 magnum. For plinking and target shooting use the 38 special ammo for less felt recoil, for carrying I'd reccommend Hornady Critical Defence loads.
I just took my 4" GP100 out shooting yesterday, They are built like a tank and generally run a couple of hundred bucks less then a comparable Smith & Wesson. They are with in your buget of $500, Pawnfathers Pawn Shop up in Everett has two of them in stainless, The 4" model is $549 and the 6" modelis $599. They have the lay-away program 30% down and two months to pay. You can buy one and have them hold it until your birthday.
The Ruger SP101s are nice and built to last a lifetime, But are smaller in design then the GP100 and you'll have more felt recoil from them. That's why I reccommend the GP100.
I'm up in Arlington, If you want to take a trip up here I'll take you out shooting, I have a bunch of handguns that you can try out so you can actually feel the difference in how they feel in your hand and the actual recoil.
If you want to do the Range Guns Norpoint Shooting rance is just two miles away from my place and then there is the shooting range up in Mount Vernon. They charge $25 for the use of thier handguns and you have to buy range ammo to use in thier guns. For the $25 you can shoot every gun in thier display case as long as you buy thier ammo.
The shooting ranges have about 50 handguns for you to use. It's a good cheap way to try all kinds of handguns to see what you actually like.
Post by: ribka on February 17, 2015, 07:30:18 AM
:tup:
1911s are nice guns, I have a full size Kimber and a Commander size Colt.They are great shooting guns and are up in the $1'000 range.
For a first handgun I'd reccommend a four inch stainless Ruger GP100 in 357 magnum. For plinking and target shooting use the 38 special ammo for less felt recoil, for carrying I'd reccommend Hornady Critical Defence loads.
I just took my 4" GP100 out shooting yesterday, They are built like a tank and generally run a couple of hundred bucks less then a comparable Smith & Wesson. They are with in your buget of $500, Pawnfathers Pawn Shop up in Everett has two of them in stainless, The 4" model is $549 and the 6" modelis $599. They have the lay-away program 30% down and two months to pay. You can buy one and have them hold it until your birthday.
The Ruger SP101s are nice and built to last a lifetime, But are smaller in design then the GP100 and you'll have more felt recoil from them. That's why I reccommend the GP100.
I'm up in Arlington, If you want to take a trip up here I'll take you out shooting, I have a bunch of handguns that you can try out so you can actually feel the difference in how they feel in your hand and the actual recoil.
If you want to do the Range Guns Norpoint Shooting rance is just two miles away from my place and then there is the shooting range up in Mount Vernon. They charge $25 for the use of thier handguns and you have to buy range ammo to use in thier guns. For the $25 you can shoot every gun in thier display case as long as you buy thier ammo.
The shooting ranges have about 50 handguns for you to use. It's a good cheap way to try all kinds of handguns to see what you actually like.
Post by: splitshot on February 17, 2015, 11:34:54 AM
Post by: Smokepole on February 17, 2015, 08:08:51 PM
Post by: fish vacuum on February 20, 2015, 06:52:22 PM
Post by: ibigfoot on February 27, 2015, 06:54:40 PM
Post by: Biggerhammer on February 27, 2015, 07:32:50 PM
Best thing to do is not to engage in any in depth conversation with the guy behind the counter other than the basic "Can I look at that please". That's if your "Counter Monkey" warning radar is going off. Once you have a handgun that you like in general. Go do the research on it and ignore the monkey behind the counters sales pitch.
If you can find friends that have the same handgun to shoot or post here to see if there are members with the handgun your interested in. Most of us would be more than willing to help a guy sort a firearm out for himself by letting him shoot one of ours. Rather than be violated three ways to Sunday by some clown trying to make points to get another gold star by his name on the break room wall.
Post by: sled on February 27, 2015, 08:06:03 PM
Best thing to do is to find a shop or several shops with a selection of handguns in the chambering your looking for. The secret to this is to use your basic instincts to figure out if the guy behind the counter is a complete babbling monkey or not. Don't get me wrong babbling monkeys behind the gun counter can serve a purpose. As in handing you the handgun so you can get a basic feel for grip, control points and general all around feel. The counter monkeys can also. Take your money or run your credit card, they also can perform such mundane simple tasks. Such as finish basic paper work and make the call to the Feds for the back ground check.:yeah: I love my g29! G 20 was great but a little big and heavy for back up in the field. 10 mm is awesome but spendy on ammo.
Best thing to do is not to engage in any in depth conversation with the guy behind the counter other than the basic "Can I look at that please". That's if your "Counter Monkey" warning radar is going off. Once you have a handgun that you like in general. Go do the research on it and ignore the monkey behind the counters sales pitch.
If you can find friends that have the same handgun to shoot or post here to see if there are members with the handgun your interested in. Most of us would be more than willing to help a guy sort a firearm out for himself by letting him shoot one of ours. Rather than be violated three ways to Sunday by some clown trying to make points to get another gold star by his name on the break room wall.
Post by: mountainman on February 27, 2015, 09:19:28 PM
As for advice, listen to those that live it by experience, rather then vicariously behind a keyboard. The guys who shoot a lot of different guns, rather then one who has biases to 1 or 2 brand's only..there are many more than that! ;) YOU need to decide what is best in your hand :tup:
Post by: Spawnstar on February 27, 2015, 09:46:06 PM
Post by: Mongo Hunter on April 27, 2015, 07:37:40 AM
Post by: magnumb on April 27, 2015, 11:30:58 AM
Some good advise, some whining, and some good options in all the comments above. Also consider a defensive handgun class. Most are more then affordable, especially if you can narrow your decision before you lay out your hard earned cash on a new handgun. Most classes will have a variety of weapons to learn with. Classes of some sort are available in most areas through out the state. Plus, being new to handguns, you can acquire some good basic knowledge a lot easier and faster from a trained professional rather then on your own, foremost being basic safety in a safe training atmosphere.
As for advice, listen to those that live it by experience, rather then vicariously behind a keyboard. The guys who shoot a lot of different guns, rather then one who has biases to 1 or 2 brand's only..there are many more than that! ;) YOU need to decide what is best in your hand :tup:
:yeah:. But if absolutely forced to make a suggestion, a 4" revolver in .44 Mag is in your price range, can be loaded down for comfort (practice) or up for hunting and/or personal defense purposes. It's easy enough to match .357 energies/recoil if that's your choice especially for practice (gun weight and configuration, not aside), but it can clearly shine in the 'enough power/terminal capabilities' with full loads to effectively and responsibly take all NA game animals.
No matter your choice or anyone's, for that matter (experienced or not so much), the 3 'P's' apply. Practice, patience and placement........... :tup:..
Good luck and enjoy your quest! Post up your new purchase when you have a moment. I'm sure that most everyone would enjoy the gun porn..... ;).