Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Guns and Ammo => Topic started by: D-Rock425 on October 30, 2009, 11:13:48 AM

Title: looking to buy new handgun
Post by: D-Rock425 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?
Title: Re: looking to buy new handgun
Post by: Bofire on October 30, 2009, 11:35:22 AM: 4 inch 357 mag revolver. probably the most versatile handgun around.
Carl
Title: Re: looking to buy new handgun
Post by: huntnphool on October 30, 2009, 11:38:30 AM: FN FiveSeven
Title: Re: looking to buy new handgun
Post by: carpsniperg2 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
Title: Re: looking to buy new handgun
Post by: chrisb 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.
Title: Re: looking to buy new handgun
Post by: Rgrady35 on October 30, 2009, 12:23:43 PM: How much money are ya thinking to spend?
Title: Re: looking to buy new handgun
Post by: D-Rock425 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
Title: Re: looking to buy new handgun
Post by: Rgrady35 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)
Title: Re: looking to buy new handgun
Post by: uncoolperson on October 30, 2009, 01:16:06 PM: I'm pretty happy with my springfield micro compact 1911, nice and small, and 45.
Title: Re: looking to buy new handgun
Post by: JackOfAllTrades 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
Title: Re: looking to buy new handgun
Post by: JackOfAllTrades 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
Title: Re: looking to buy new handgun
Post by: snagglepants 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.
Title: Re: looking to buy new handgun
Post by: Buckmark on October 30, 2009, 01:36:27 PM: Go to the indoor ranges and rent/shoot a few different ones before you buy.
Title: Re: looking to buy new handgun
Post by: JackOfAllTrades 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
Title: Re: looking to buy new handgun
Post by: coop2424 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.
Title: Re: looking to buy new handgun
Post by: HardCorpsHuntr on October 30, 2009, 02:43:58 PM: http://hunting-washington.com/classifieds/showproduct.php?product=969 (http://hunting-washington.com/classifieds/showproduct.php?product=969)
Title: Re: looking to buy new handgun
Post by: rasbo 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
Title: Re: looking to buy new handgun
Post by: Bofire 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
Title: Re: looking to buy new handgun
Post by: ebusa on October 30, 2009, 04:58:59 PM: Taurus Millennnium Pro PT145, $389. Love mine!
Title: Re: looking to buy new handgun
Post by: D-Rock425 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
Title: Re: looking to buy new handgun
Post by: GUHunter on October 30, 2009, 07:44:11 PM: Quote from: Bofire on October 30, 2009, 11:35:22 AM
4 inch 357 mag revolver. probably the most versatile handgun around.
Carl

I feel exactly the same way
Title: Re: looking to buy new handgun
Post by: superdown on October 30, 2009, 09:44:15 PM: Taurus :puke:
Title: Re: looking to buy new handgun
Post by: carpsniperg2 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
Title: Re: looking to buy new handgun
Post by: satchel3006 on October 30, 2009, 10:07:36 PM: get yourself a ruger gp100 with a 4" barrel its a fantastic gun
Title: Re: looking to buy new handgun
Post by: yorketransport 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
Title: Re: looking to buy new handgun
Post by: River on October 31, 2009, 04:09:12 PM: Mine are all Heckler & Koch, Sigarms, Walther, Springfield, SW.
Title: Re: looking to buy new handgun
Post by: PWN Kurt 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
Title: Re: looking to buy new handgun
Post by: superdown 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.
Title: Re: looking to buy new handgun
Post by: carpsniperg2 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:
Title: Re: looking to buy new handgun
Post by: Jburke 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:
Title: Re: looking to buy new handgun
Post by: addicted on November 03, 2009, 02:55:35 AM: Get a dan wesson .445 super magnum. :rolleyes:
Title: Re: looking to buy new handgun
Post by: KillBilly on November 03, 2009, 04:01:42 AM: Quote from: addicted on November 03, 2009, 02:55:35 AM
Get a dan wesson .445 super magnum. :rolleyes:

Good luck finding one of these.
Title: Re: looking to buy new handgun
Post by: superdown 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.
Title: Re: looking to buy new handgun
Post by: carpsniperg2 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.
Title: Re: looking to buy new handgun
Post by: addicted on November 03, 2009, 10:25:57 AM: Quote from: KillBilly on November 03, 2009, 04:01:42 AM
Quote from: addicted on November 03, 2009, 02:55:35 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
Title: Re: looking to buy new handgun
Post by: robescc 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.