What choice for first pistol?

[BRPORSCHE]

Sniper. Please stop! I don't NEED a pistol. Man, do I WANT one though.

[70racing]

Hi Paul - FNUSA Distinguished Service Program - good luck, save me one

[m21sniper]

Glad you're enjoying your P7 bro.

I've really been reading up on the 5.7x28mm and the Five Seven the last few days, particularly the terminal effects of the various 5.7mm cartridges. I think you'd have to say the Five Seven represents the "state of the art" thinking in personal defense.

21rd capacity, high velocity, legitimate 50m+ long range round with dual armor defeat/ dynamic fragmentation anti-personnel capability, minimal over penetration threat, very little recoil, bottle necked case for ease of feeding, integral rail, single action with manual safety. It's even got a magazine safety. 30rd mags that protrude about 3" are also available.

I think you can get used Five Seven's for approx $700ish as well. I like it in all the colors i've seen.

I want one.


30rd magazine shown.

I still absolutely adore my P7 though....it's certainly a much more CCW friendly pistol.

[ZLP]

Originally Posted by 70racing

Hey Snipe - Since you steered me correctly to my P7, pictures to follow, I need to return the favor re the 5 7. For leo's or military personnell with credentials, retired or not, FlN USA is offering a $200 rebate on this model - may be limited time so everyone save one for me when I can recover from P7 purchase. Heads up and eye's right - Bob

Hmm maybe I need to get another one! Maybe this time in FDE.

[70racing]

Find something wrong with it, please! I'm supposed to be grown up now and not give in to these sprees. Trying to think what I can sell to finance a 5 7. Could be my Kimber, but then what's next? The pursuit is as much fun as the purchase. I hope you had a blessed easter with family or friends - thanks again for good advice.

[island911]

I was just going to post about the Five Seven. I was checking out that gun a couple days ago. --I'm no gun fanatic, but can appreciate good engineering. (and looking to buy)

Anyway, it has some smart engineering there. Great trigger feel too. But seems a bit bulky. --not in weight, just in size. Obviously the length has to be there, for the velocity build. But what are the chances that they make a more slender version? ...and what about that amo? ...will it continue to be made? ...not exactly vanilla stuff there.

I'm also considering the Sig 232 and that dear friend of snipe's, the HK P7 ...if I can find one - btw, why aren't those made anymore?

[mossguy]

Island, I've had a Sig 230 (pre-232) for many years and really enjoy it. I haven't tried to buy .380 ammo for awhile and don't know the status. The size is right for me as is the engineering. Check it out.

Best,
Tom

[island911]

Thanks, Tom. The Sig is looking like the smart choice. ...in part because the easy availability of the 380 ammo. ...which I also have on hand.

[island911]

Originally Posted by m21sniper

...

I think you can get used Five Seven's for approx $700ish as well. ...

.. I was seeing well over 1k. Clearly I need a better buying source.

So how does the online buying work? How do they handle the background/waiting period? Seems that I remember reading about needing an intermediary dealer type of person.

[jpachard]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned an HK USP, full size or compact. I have a compact in 9mm and it makes a great carry weapon.

[Talewinds]

Originally Posted by jpachard

I'm surprised no one has mentioned an HK USP, full size or compact. I have a compact in 9mm and it makes a great carry weapon.

I mentioned them recently in another, but similar thread. Those HK's are robust for sure. Me want.

[jpachard]

Originally Posted by Talewinds

I mentioned them recently in another, but similar thread. Those HK's are robust for sure. Me want.

Yes, I have a compact with a stainless slide which they don't make anymore

[m21sniper]

Originally Posted by island911

I was just going to post about the Five Seven. I was checking out that gun a couple days ago. --I'm no gun fanatic, but can appreciate good engineering. (and looking to buy)

Anyway, it has some smart engineering there. Great trigger feel too. But seems a bit bulky. --not in weight, just in size. Obviously the length has to be there, for the velocity build. But what are the chances that they make a more slender version? ...and what about that amo? ...will it continue to be made? ...not exactly vanilla stuff there.

I'm also considering the Sig 232 and that dear friend of snipe's, the HK P7 ...if I can find one - btw, why aren't those made anymore?

I think the 5.7 round will make it and, once it's no longer protected by patents keeping it proprietary, i think it will proliferate. I find myself thinking that in my particular defensive environment that a Five Seven with a green laser and with about a dozen 30rd mags would totally replace my need for an AR. My AR would easily pay for exactly that setup if i sold it.

They are large pistols, but they're intended to be service use. One could also view them as VERY SMALL carbines.

I'm also thinking about selling my P32 and buying a Ruger LCP. I like the little Kel Tec, but IMO the Ruger LCP with the mag extension(to allow for a full grip) and Crimson trace is a step beyond the little .32....plus in .380 i can get Cor Bon DPX (utilizes the solid copper Barnes HP), which in gel tests expands beyond .60 caliber and still gets 10" of penetration.

If i did all that i'd have the 5.7 for zombie/work scenarios, a LCP with crimson trace for daily carry, and my P7 for just plain drooling over.

Normally i'd never consider putting a pistol in a rifle role, but the 5.7 is anything but ordinary. It seems these things will shoot a 8" off-hand group at 100m all day long. Amazing....

I was checking out the one Viridian green laser and it also has a 100lumens light built into it. That light/laser, tritium night sights and about a dozen 30rd mags....again...why do i have an AR?

Originally Posted by island911

.. I was seeing well over 1k. Clearly I need a better buying source.

So how does the online buying work? How do they handle the background/waiting period? Seems that I remember reading about needing an intermediary dealer type of person.

Get it shipped to your local gunshop for a small fee.

Brand new 5.7's are only about $1000.00, even without a military/police discount.

Originally Posted by jpachard

I'm surprised no one has mentioned an HK USP, full size or compact. I have a compact in 9mm and it makes a great carry weapon.

We mentioned them.

Originally Posted by mossguy

Island, I've had a Sig 230 (pre-232) for many years and really enjoy it. I haven't tried to buy .380 ammo for awhile and don't know the status. The size is right for me as is the engineering. Check it out.

Best,
Tom

Right now your top two bets in .380 are IMO the Cor Bon DPX solid copper hollowpoint at about 950fps and the Buffalo Bore .380 JHP+P. That one has about 100fps more muzzle energy than any other .380 round i've seen listed, and nearly achieves 300fpe of muzzle energy....IOW, it's a .38spl for your .380.

IMO the top 2 .380s on the market right now are the Walther PK-380 w/factory laser (full sized grip) and the LCP with crimson trace laser.

But a .380 is NOT a good choice for a single pistol gun owner. The ammo just costs too much to practice with for most of us.

[Geronimo '74]

First handgun??

how about a .60 cal...

[m21sniper]

That's an ouchie moment.

[krystar]

what the....why is his right elbow bent and his left elbow all straight?

reminds me of the story that i've told many a times and still love telling.

Orig told by rangemaster.
This guy comes in with a friend and wants to rent a handgun. Picks a DE. Immediately can tell he's cocky and wants to be a showoff. So instead of giving him a full mag, only gave him a single round. Told him to keep his arms straight and squeeze the trigger. Well he flinched, gun recoiled, hit him square in the forehead, knocked him out cold. Paramedics were called and the customer was transported to the hospital. Nothing serious at hospital. They just checked him for concussion. But instead of an epic story to tell his friends, he's comin home from the ER. heheh

[ZLP]

Just got the top one today, this thread made me do it!

[mossguy]

Originally Posted by m21sniper

Right now your top two bets in .380 are IMO the Cor Bon DPX solid copper hollowpoint at about 950fps and the Buffalo Bore .380 JHP+P. That one has about 100fps more muzzle energy than any other .380 round i've seen listed, and nearly achieves 300fpe of muzzle energy....IOW, it's a .38spl for your .380.

.

Snipe, thanks for this info.

Tom

[targa911S]

Originally Posted by ZLP

Just got the top one today, this thread made me do it!

Nice! You won't regret that..It's an LCP right?

[ZLP]

Originally Posted by targa911S

Nice! You won't regret that..It's an LCP right?

Yep and I already ordered the Kel Tec belt clip for it. Here in the summer I just don't feel like carrying my G19 all the time.