First Handgun

[legion]

I stopped by a local FFL today. I'm curious to hear what the peanut gallery thinks of their selection:

http://www.gunsnstuff.com/default.asp

I'm going to the range tomorrow to see what they have (and shoot).

[Rick Lee]

They have some serious junk guns and the good ones are pretty pricey. I'd try the classifieds at www.sigforum.com and www.glocktalk.com.

[fastpat]

Originally posted by Rick Lee
They have some serious junk guns and the good ones are pretty pricey. I'd try the classifieds at www.sigforum.com and www.glocktalk.com.

+1

[azasadny]

Their prices seem a little high... but it's good to support your local gun shops.

[Rick Lee]

Yes, I should have added that. You live in a state that is very tough on gun dealers, so if they're a good shop, you should support them if you can within reason. Sorry, but a $200 price difference will get me to buy online though.

[legion]

I was curious what the thoughts on their S&W 39-2 were, though I am somewhat leery of a 30 year old semi-auto.

[Rick Lee]

I don't know about the safety mechanisms in a 30 yr. old gun. It all depends on what you want it for. You WILL buy plenty more handguns in the future.

[legion]

Originally posted by Rick Lee
I don't know about the safety mechanisms in a 30 yr. old gun. It all depends on what you want it for. You WILL buy plenty more handguns in the future.

No I won't. I'll buy only one, ever.

[legion]

Okay....wife is no longer over shoulder.

Yes, I will most likely buy many, many more.

[Rick Lee]

I'm up to about eight handguns and really feel like my wish list is complete. But I know I will get more. You always have more than you need, but never as many as you want.

[fastpat]

Originally posted by legion
I was curious what the thoughts on their S&W 39-2 were, though I am somewhat leery of a 30 year old semi-auto.

The S&W model 39 had a very poor reputation during it's production life. Very high rate of failure to feed occurances, and generally poor workmanship.

[legion]

Thank you Pat. I will pass on that one.

[competentone]

Originally posted by legion
What is the difference between the P89 and P89D?

I just skimmed the other replies and didn't see an answer to this question.

Ruger's P89 has a manual safety, when activated it decocks the hammer (if cocked at the time) and engages the safety -- the safety has to be manually rotated before the gun will fire.

The P89D has a decocker only. When you sweep the "safety-looking" lever at the rear of the slide, the gun is decocked, but the lever returns to its original position. The gun will fire anytime the trigger is pulled and there is a round in the chamber.

The decocker only guns make the semi-auto more like a revolver -- there is no manual safety one has to disengage to fire the gun.

Details on Ruger's P89 models:

http://www.ruger.com/Firearms/FAProdResults?function=famid&famid=3&variation=P89&bct=Yes&type=Pistol

Handle Ruger's guns before you consider buying one; they are super tough (I own a P94 in 9mm), but have always felt "bulky" to me. The do represent an excellent value, but aren't as "refined" as other handguns.

[legion]

I shot a P95 at the range today. Considering I've only shot a .22 handgun before, I think I did pretty good with 3" groups at 5 yards (5 groups of 10 shots).

I like it, but I'm going to try a Sig the next time I go to the range.

[snowman]

Your kidding, right?? or was it rapid fire in the dark?

[legion]

Thanks.

[fastpat]

Originally posted by legion
I shot a P95 at the range today. Considering I've only shot a .22 handgun before, I think I did pretty good with 3" groups at 5 yards (5 groups of 10 shots).

I like it, but I'm going to try a Sig the next time I go to the range.

Considering your experience, that's not bad. I've see folks that couldn't keep them all on the paper.

You'll get better the more you shoot.

[legion]

Second time shooting a handgun, ever. My first shot from a clip was dead-on, but they tended to drop after that.

[fastpat]

Originally posted by legion
Second time shooting a handgun, ever. My first shot from a clip was dead-on, but they tended to drop after that.

When you're looking over the sights, keep the front sight just under the black, that is let the black appear to sit on the front sight blade. Worry less about where the rear sight is, as long as it's in the neighborhood of where the front sight is. See what happens.

[HardDrive]

3" at 15' is excellent. When I am in 'target' shooting mode, I usually shoot from 20 feet. I would happy with 3 inch groups.

Don't be suprised if you shoot dead on for a clip or so, then get really sloppy. Your hands are not used to the movements, and they tire.

Have you shot any revolvers? The S&W 686 .357 is one of favorite weapons. Definitely on my list of future aquisitions.