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Cars & Coffee Killer
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: State of Failure
Posts: 32,246
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First Handgun
I thought I would get the brain trust's opinion on a first handgun.
I have the following requirements: -Semi-Auto Pistol -New or used -Must use a commonly available ammunition (9mm parabellum preferable) -Ideally priced between $100 and $300 -Will be used primarily for target practice -Must be able to get spare parts (I don't want to buy something that becomes worthless if it breaks) Does anything exist that meets these requirements? I've found a Charles Daly that seems to meet most of these requirements, though I'm unsure about the availability of parts.
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Some Porsches long ago...then a wankle... 5 liters of VVT fury now -Chris "There is freedom in risk, just as there is oppression in security." |
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Registered
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 70
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I would say the Sig Sauer 239 in 9mm is an extremely reliable and accurate gun. It is used by many law enforcement agencies. I am sure it would be easy to find a great used one, maybe near the high-end of your budget. I put close to 2,000 rounds through this model and it always worked great. The 239 is very easy to take apart and since they are used by law enforcement I would imagine spare parts are readily available.
It also depends on you hand size. The 239 may be to small if you have big hands. I am not sure about the price difference and I have never used it, but the 229 model is larger. |
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least common denominator
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: San Pedro,CA
Posts: 22,506
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I'm no where the gun expert some of the guys here are but Ruger and Taurus make some reliable handguns in the low price range and with the shear volume they crank out I would guess parts are plentiful.
I bet a donut that by tomorrow afternoon the gun nuts will suggest you double your budget, i. e. they will start recommending $500-$1000 handguns. Not that there is anything wrong with that. ![]() ![]() ![]()
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Gary Fisher 29er 2019 Kia Stinger 2.0t gone ![]() 1995 Miata Sold 1984 944 Sold ![]() I am not lost for I know where I am, however where I am is lost. - Winnie the poo. |
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Registered
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 10,336
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A little more will get you an EAA Witness in 9, 40, 10, 45 or 22, with a conversion kit to one of the ones you didn't get for an extra 200. If you do this, get the all steel model, not the plastic one. A Rock Island 1911 (45 ACP usually) could be had new for a little more than your 300 as well. Finally, a High Power (or clone) would also do well in your price range - but on all of them, you are gonna be looking at closer to 350.. it will really open a lot more possibilities.
Get to a large local shop, see what they have, what feels comfortable. If possible, go to a range where pistols are rented and try a few.
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“IN MY EXPERIENCE, SUSAN, WITHIN THEIR HEADS TOO MANY HUMANS SPEND A LOT OF TIME IN THE MIDDLE OF WARS THAT HAPPENED CENTURIES AGO.” |
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Cars & Coffee Killer
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: State of Failure
Posts: 32,246
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Quote:
I figure if I work my way up, I appreciate a better made gun more. ![]()
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Some Porsches long ago...then a wankle... 5 liters of VVT fury now -Chris "There is freedom in risk, just as there is oppression in security." |
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Slackerous Maximus
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Columbus, OH
Posts: 18,177
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In keeping with your cost requirements, I think you should look at a Ruger. They make nice, low cost semi-auto pistols.
I guess I would recommend a used Sig as well, but even used its probably going to cost you more than $300. I have a Sig myself. It was my first handgun, and I bought it after extensive research.
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2022 Royal Enfield Interceptor. 2012 Harley Davidson Road King 2014 Triumph Bonneville T100. 2014 Cayman S, PDK. Mercedes E350 family truckster. |
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Banned
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: South of Heaven
Posts: 21,159
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Re: First Handgun
Quote:
![]() Ruger ![]() Smith and Wesson |
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Slackerous Maximus
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Columbus, OH
Posts: 18,177
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2022 Royal Enfield Interceptor. 2012 Harley Davidson Road King 2014 Triumph Bonneville T100. 2014 Cayman S, PDK. Mercedes E350 family truckster. |
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Banned
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: South of Heaven
Posts: 21,159
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Those rugers arent bad either HardDrive. My cousin had an early P85, and he loved it. Definitely have to go used to get one in legion's price range though.
Some of the taurus's aint too bad either. |
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I'm with Bill
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Scottsville Va
Posts: 24,186
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I realy like my Ruger KP90. It is .45acp, has a de-cocker (My requirement) and fairly cheep. I think about $350. I carry it with me wherever I go. It has never let me down, and I have run countless rounds through it. It also likes to handle my dads "custom" loads. ( he loads some hot stuff)
Not a good choice for target shooting, expensive. BANG.........$.60...........BANG.........$.60. IMO If you are thinking of personal defence you should stay away from the 9mm stuff. It has issues with car doors and things like that. For simple target shooting you can't beat a .22. I have several and I like shooting them, cheep, accurate.
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Electrical problems on a pick-up will do that to a guy- 1990C4S |
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Banned
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: South of Heaven
Posts: 21,159
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A .22 is a much, much better gun to learn to shoot with, and much, much cheaper to become truly proficient with. Also, if his primary purpose is target practice, it will be far more rewarding to own because the results of his practice will be much more impressive. A decent .22 target pistol will almost make 1 hole patterns at 25 yards, whereas the typical economy auto will be more likely to achieve no more than 3-4" groups even in the hands of an accomplished shooter.
If his intended use was primarily defense id agree a .45 is best, but for a target shooter? .22 is a much more logical choice IMO. Some 9mm penetrates very deeply, but then, deep penetration is also typically anathema to excellent expansion. I am a 9mm guy myself, and use 115gr Cor-bon(which does not penetrate car doors but does match the muzzle energy of most factory 110gr .357 magnum loads, and is a very flat shooting and accurate cartrdige). Last edited by m21sniper; 01-05-2007 at 04:30 PM.. |
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Registered
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+1 Sig P226 9mm
+1 Ruger 22/45 Mk III .22
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Ken Justice 1985 Carrera (Ruby II) 1973.5 911T CIS (Ruby, gone but not forgotten) 2004 Buell Lightning (aka Elbow-Crusher, crashed) |
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Banned
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,930
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.22 A Browning buckmark would be a good choice.
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Registered
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Fort Collins, CO
Posts: 631
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My first (and only so far) is a .45 ACP. I liked it at first, but it's too big and heavy... and the ammunition isn't cheap.
But a .22 ?! C'mon, the guy wants a HANDGUN, not a firecracker. (Flame suit on.…yea, I know a well-shot .22 is better than a, blah, blah, blah) ![]() If I were to do it over again, I'd have gone 9mm. For crying out loud, did I just join a gun thread? Need to get out more. ![]()
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Sheena is a punk rocker Suzy Is A Headbanger Heidi Is A Headcase Judy Is A Punk The Ramones' earliest titles included 'I Don't Wanna Walk Around with You,' 'I Don't Wanna Go Down to the Basement,' and 'I Don't Wanna Get Involved with You.' Dee Dee later said, "We didn't write a positive song until 'Now I Wanna Sniff Some Glue'." |
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Banned
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: South of Heaven
Posts: 21,159
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Registered
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Seattle--->ShangHai
Posts: 2,837
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Get a Sig and call it a day 228 is my fav. CPO for about $500.
Or you could get a $300 gun and then get a Sig later, which will end up costing you $300 more than if you just got a Sig in the first place ![]() Check out www.sigforum.com
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Registered
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Higgs Field
Posts: 22,623
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Always start with a .22; end of discussion. Try several before deciding. When you have mastered that, start renting centerfire guns at your local range. You will quickly start to learn your preferences. Don't simply run out and get what anyone else recommends without trying one out for yourself. Like the women in our lives, handguns are a very personal choice.
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Jeff '72 911T 3.0 MFI '93 Ducati 900 Super Sport "God invented whiskey so the Irish wouldn't rule the world" |
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#29 SCWDP (muhaahhh!!)
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Jupiter Florida
Posts: 1,747
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Glock 40 caliber is the ticket! Only metal part is the barrel and man what a sweet gun this is!!!
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IslandmanFL SOLD...78 911SC (ROW) cabriolet/widebody hear BEBE purr!! 92 325is Now living in Sunny West Palm Beach FL! |
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Registered
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Rancho Cucamonga Ca
Posts: 361
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Quote:
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A Man of Wealth and Taste
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Out there somewhere beyond the doors of perception
Posts: 51,063
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I look at a lot of guns..$100 to $300 doesn't buy U much in the Center Fire catagory..In 22 LR U can get a DECENT QUALITY gun in that price range. Check out the Walther 22 auto for about $220.
Check your prices on Beligum Browning HPs, out the door they are $650 up for New in Browning Vinyl Gunrug. Hammer prices at auction is $475 to $525 plus all the closing costs I've been at this endevor for well over 25 years now. One thing has served me well. ALWAYS BUY THE BEST QUALITY GUN U CAN AFFORD, stay with name makers. These items hold value the best, appreciate the most and are the easiest to sell. I talked to an old time collector yesterday of Smiths, English Rifles and Shotguns. He has moved on to High Standard 22 Autos..he said, "I've learned my lesson and now will only buy the best conditon guns." My recommendation is to ONLY buy USED guns, like new cars they depreciate when bought new, and it takes a coupla years for them to recover. This is also a way to get a better quality gun for your money. I bought a new Ruger Mark 1 22 LR Auto with 5" Bull Barrel back in 1982 for $187.00 I sold it NIB in 2005 for $225.00..thats one he11 of a profit for nearly 25 years, considering I had a $20 advertising expense against it.
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Copyright "Some Observer" Last edited by tabs; 01-05-2007 at 06:55 PM.. |
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