For you pistol nuts

[Method]

I know, I know - holy crap a thread by Method. I'm a huge lurker these days, but pretty rarely post, much less create a thread.

Way I figure it, a bunch of you guys are huge gun buffs, and I happen to be in the market for advice and a couple of pistols.

I know it's all about personal preference, and I still need to go down to a few ranges and rent the guns I'm interested in, but want to come prepared not only with my selections, but some of your suggestions as well.

I'm looking for a plinker for the range, likely chambered in either 22, 9mm or 25. I'm leaning towards 9mm since it can be a great home defense pistol for my wife and serve as a dual purpose as my (and hers) range plinker.

I'm also in the market for a pistol mainly for home defense, with the option of CC. Not interested in a shotgun, though I know those can be ideal, pending the type of house. I'm looking for something chambered likely in 38, 40 or possibly 45 acp. This will probably vary based on how well the gun shoots and what feels the most comfortable.

What I'm currently planning on shooting and looking at are:

Sig P226 and P229. I like the extra barrel length on the 226, but like the slightly smaller size option for CC with the P229.
Sprinfield XD40
Glock 40

Budget is going to be around 600-800 per pistol, not including accessories.

There are a TON of other guns and gun makers out there. Any suggestions?

[Rangerscott]

Home defense and plinking usually don't mix.

For home defense either get the shortess legal shotty or a .45. For plinking get a 9mm. I don't see .22 a good plinking round for practice since the kick is so much less than a center fired round. Not saying .22 isn't fun to shoot I just wouldn't it would be good to practice with, get used to it, then be a completely different world when it's time to use a bigger round and be thrown off guard by the kick.

[Adeptus_Minor]

If you're getting more than one, you could always go for the 22lr Sig Mosquito.
While it doesn't kick like a larger round, it'd help you develop the necessary comfort with the common Sig frame. They're less than $300.

There are also .22 conversion kits for Glocks, I know... maybe for the XD too.
That would make it economical to shoot regularly but allow you to simply swap some parts to get your defense capability in a weapon you're comfortable with.

[Cutty72]

I love my XD.
Need to get off of all these flood duty's so I can start shooting again.

[Porkchop]

I love my XD.
Need to get off of all these flood duty's so I can start shooting again.

This. Even though mine is the 9 and not the 40.

I generally stay away from Glocks. I have shot 3, have hated 2, and the other was only meh. Even the work issued 17 had multiple mis-feeds. Scary shit. I know you can run them over, sink them in water, and pour sand down the barrel and they say they still shoot, but I'll stick to other brands.

[nhgunnut]

When Elmer Kieth (famous gun journalist ) was asked if a .22 was a good defense weapon he responded "Beats the hell out of your fingernails!" The two strengths of a .22 are ammo costs $.03 per round and ease of use . The minimal recoil and relativity mild report make this a very easy round to practice with. I have a more than a few calibers to choose from when I shoot but the venerable .22 gets the most use for just those reasons. Here in my relatively rural setting (to have a house here you it has to be on 5 acres) I have fired 10 of thousand of .22 with no complaints from my neighbors, including the my next door neighbor who is our police chief. As far as defense goes, with good shot placement a .22 will do, the lack of significant recoil makes a follow up shot much easier in indoor settings over penetration risk is greatly minimized (a round through a wall and into a unintended target)
A good choice in .22 is the good old Ruger Mk 2 there are lots of other choices but the Ruger is well known reasonably priced and reliable.
Personally I would stay away from a .25 the ammo is expensive with no significant improvement of the the .22
The 9mm is a good round with ammo costs reasonable $21 for a box of ball I think. Recoil is easily managed, the report is is significant so firing discreetly without can is difficult and this may limit casual plinking options. Meaning practice sessions may require a trip to the range rather than the back yard. The 9 has a fair record as a man stopper and its big selling point has always been magazine capacity in ban states you get 10 rounds. That's 4 more than the good old reliable .38 revolver ( a weapon with the same stopping power , much more reliable than a semi, generally more accurate and is far less finicky about ammo choice ) When my wife carries a 9 mm she loves her Walther P99 (but she usually has carries her S&W .38 air-weight) when I carry a 9mm is is an XD Sub Compact . Glocks are good and I have carried with good reliability a couple variations of the CZ 75 in 9mm.
I hope this helps, but I will mention yet again if you are going to buy a gun practice with it as often as you can, think about the things that will limit that practice. If it is likely that you practice time is going to be less than once a month , think seriously about a Double Action revolver. Incredibly easy to operate (the original point and click) the don't jam (without a welding torch) more accurate and much less finicky about what you feed it.
Hope this helps

[nhgunnut]

When Elmer Kieth (famous gun journalist ) was asked if a .22 was a good defense weapon he responded "Beats the hell out of your fingernails!" The two strengths of a .22 are ammo costs $.03 per round and ease of use . The minimal recoil and relativity mild report make this a very easy round to practice with. I have a more than a few calibers to choose from when I shoot but the venerable .22 gets the most use for just those reasons. Here in my relatively rural setting (to have a house here you it has to be on 5 acres) I have fired 10 of thousand of .22 with no complaints from my neighbors, including the my next door neighbor who is our police chief. As far as defense goes, with good shot placement a .22 will do, the lack of significant recoil makes a follow up shot much easier in indoor settings over penetration risk is greatly minimized (a round through a wall and into a unintended target)
A good choice in .22 is the good old Ruger Mk 2 there are lots of other choices but the Ruger is well known reasonably priced and reliable.
Personally I would stay away from a .25 the ammo is expensive with no significant improvement of the the .22
The 9mm is a good round with ammo costs reasonable $21 for a box of ball I think. Recoil is easily managed, the report is is significant so firing discreetly without can is difficult and this may limit casual plinking options. Meaning practice sessions may require a trip to the range rather than the back yard. The 9 has a fair record as a man stopper and its big selling point has always been magazine capacity in ban states you get 10 rounds. That's 4 more than the good old reliable .38 revolver ( a weapon with the same stopping power , much more reliable than a semi, generally more accurate and is far less finicky about ammo choice ) When my wife carries a 9 mm she loves her Walther P99 (but she usually has carries her S&W .38 air-weight) when I carry a 9mm is is an XD Sub Compact . Glocks are good and I have carried with good reliability a couple variations of the CZ 75 in 9mm.
I hope this helps, but I will mention yet again if you are going to buy a gun practice with it as often as you can, think about the things that will limit that practice. If it is likely that you practice time is going to be less than once a month , think seriously about a Double Action revolver. Incredibly easy to operate (the original point and click) the don't jam (without a welding torch) more accurate and much less finicky about what you feed it.
Hope this helps

[Dave]

Walther p22 is a blast

[Corey]

Get a hands on with any pistol you're interested in and put rounds through it. I could write page after page after page of what guns I like and recommend and why, and then give you a list of shit I'd love to pick up for various reason. Honestly, it'd mean nothing. Holding and shooting will give you a much better idea of how well a gun will work for you, especially when it counts. Some ergonomics are hit or miss (glock). Some may naturally point better and be easier for you to shoot accurately with less practice. How a gun handles recoil and how reliably it feeds could be the difference between just a rental and a definite purchase.You're going to have to hold them, and possibly shoot them.

That said, I carry a Glock 27. It works, it's accurate, but with the price of .40 and the slightly sharp recoil, I'm not sure I'd use it as a plinker in any sense of the word. When I'm not carrying the Glock, I have a S&W 637. It's easy to conceal and shoots pretty well. Nhgunnut touched on a favorite of mine. A CZ is an underrated, great shooting gun that can be had at a very nice price. I've got a CZ40B that is, without a doubt, my favorite pistol of the group. If it was a touch smaller, I'd conceal it. My father picked up a CZ75D Compact recently. It's a beautiful gun that I'd love to own. It's a gun that just fits incredibly well in my hand. Definitely check out a CZ. They're fantastic guns with a really nice trigger. My next gun will most likely be a CZ in 9mm.

[Homeslice]

You should be able to get a cheap Ruger 22 for only $200

As for home defense, the whole "9mm isn't enough" is so stale. Not only do most burglars not even pack a gun, but if the homeowner defends themself do you really think the burglar is going to go "oh it's only a 9mm". The idea that someone is going to keep charging at you after being shot only applies to doped-out street attackers, not home invaders. Save money and get what is cheaper and more common --- 9mm. Why buy a gun that you're going to feel bad every time you plunk down money for ammo -- it's just going to get on your nerves, especially as a new gun owner.

[marko138]

HD and CC? XD9SC. I've got a XD9 Service model (4" barrel) For conceal I'd rather have the compact or even sub-compact. You get 2 mags with them...one for CC and one for HD that holds more rounds with a grip sleeve on it.

1000 rounds through mine and not a hiccup. It'll shoot anything and everything.

['73 H1 Triple]

Here's more food for thought. Get a Ruger MKII ( semi auto .22lr ) as that will give you plenty of trigger time. Low recoil, extremely inexpensive to shoot and in a pinch, could substitute for home defense ( would not be my first choice but better than a bat or golf club )

I would also suggest a double action revolver in .357 magnum caliber. The .357 is very effective for home defense and it allows you to shoot .38 special rounds for practice. ( 9mm /9x19 and .38 special have almost identical ft lbs of energy for the same bullet weights. .38 special +P are more powerful )

For a revolver, I would recommend a Ruger GP-100 . The clear advantage in a revolver is that if it doesn't go BANG when you pull the trigger, you simply pull the trigger again for the next round in the chamber.

You could purchase both of those weapons for one of your purchase allotment price listed and could still have enough left for a semi auto of your choice.



Gun opinions are like assholes----everybody has one :lol:


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Here's the serious point. If you are considering a weapon for self defense, will you be able to pull the trigger if the need arises? Will you be able to live with the fact you may have to kill someone to protect yourself?

You do NOT have to answer the question here but PLEASE be honest with yourself.

Jeff

[Rangerscott]

I was about to say a revolver. So Ive reathat revolvers can have less recoil since wveryting is blown out the front and less recoil since there is no slide to worry about.

A guy I work withvalled me and said he had a friend selling his Ruger. 357 for $400. I wonder if thats a deal.

[Archren]

I personally have the XDm 40 and love it. If your wife can handle a 9mm, the recoil with the 40 is not nearly as bad as a 45, even with hollow point rounds.

[defector]

Sig P229.
Sprinfield XD40


Have both, carry both (not at the same time), love both. (Although I am preferential to the Sig). Can't go wrong with either, IMO.

[Lamnidae]

I have a SIG 229 w/ the .40 S&W barrel in it. Love it.

Many SIGs have the drop in mod for .22lr, so it could possibly become a double-duty gun (hey, you'd get time on the frame shooting .22 as well, not bad).

The SIG fits my hand well, but still purchased the Hogue grips.



XD's are real nice..... but there's just something about the SIG. Not as big of a fan of the Glocks, they really don't "fit" me well



... but if you just want a standard .22 for plinking, hard to go wrong with a Ruger.

[Method]

These are all fantastic bits of advice, thank you.

The Sig 226 is currently at the top of my list, having handled all of the guns available at the shop. I'm headed out next week to put several rounds through a 226 and a 229 in both 9mm and 40, as well as a few of the other guns on my list.

At this point, I'm likely just going to buy the 1 pistol, go through my training classes and then look at getting another .22 plinker. Ultimately, for the home defense/carry pistol, I want to go for the largest caliber I can shoot comfortably and accurately with. (Be it 9mm, 40, or whatever). It needs to be comfortable enough to be able to take to the range often and be able to practice on a regular basis. I've always enjoyed shooting, but never had the opportunity to be able to go to the range regularly until now, and so have never purchased a gun.

The Sig seemed to fit my hand the best, though of course it's the most expensive. P226 in 40 with nightsights, 4 mags and a couple other bits was priced at 875.

The XD40 also felt nice, though a bit top heavy and didn't fit quite as well as the Sig. Nice gun though.

I handled a Ruger (something in 40, wish I could remember the model, perhaps the SR40?) and that also fit very well. It was surprisingly light (unloaded of course) so I'm curious to see what kind of recoil and shooting experience it will garner.

I also handled a few Glocks, and was not a big fan. They didn't fit my hand well, and I was having issues with the fit and finish of the gun. I know they are incredibly reliable and I plan on shooting one, but it's down there at the bottom of my list.

Marco - good call on the XD9SC. A subcompact is a little small for my hands, but am considering a compact. Initially I'm reviewing full size, but ultimately I would love to have 3: A plinker, an HD pistol, and a CC pistol. All of which should be able to be fired regularly at the range.

Revolvers are also another great alternative. You can't beat the reliability and simplicity of a revolver. I plan on reviewing several, and ultimately will go with my gut feel on what feels the best. I still lean towards a semi-auto, but would be doing myself a disservice if I didn't at least give them a chance.

Jeff - You read my mind. I have considered this exact same question many times. The answer is: to protect my stuff? No. To protect the well being of myself and my family (including my unborn children) Yes, without a second thought.

I'm looking forward to shooting these next week. It'll be interesting to see how it all turns out.

[Krypt Keeper]

I love my XD40 SC, eats whatever I feed it. They are top heavy feeling till you load it up. I keep the shorter mag in my 99% of the time, but the extended mag is normally close by.

They aren't as slim as some other guns and might print easier but that also depends on what type of holster you wear it with.

If you plan on throwing a laser or light on the rail for home defense use, you are limited are the rail is pretty short.

[Dave]

Revolvers are also another great alternative. You can't beat the reliability and simplicity of a revolver. I plan on reviewing several, and ultimately will go with my gut feel on what feels the best. I still lean towards a semi-auto, but would be doing myself a disservice if I didn't at least give them a chance.


Semi auto revolver? Check.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b369/Khajjathefang/IMG_20110702_230844.jpg

I like to call it "my castigator" :lol

My ideal weapon would be a Mateba like my .44 mag above, in .357 with a full moon clipped eight round wheel like whats on the smith trr8. in black with a pachmeyer grip please ;)

[Method]

lol Semi-auto as in not a revolver - but that is a very nice piece.

[Corey]

Mateba is a priceless work of art. Unfortunately, they're priced accordingly and about as easy to find. I believe the designer is involved with the similar (but not as beautiful) Rhino revolvers, though they're not semi-auto, just standard revolver action with a 6 o'clock barrel position.

[Porkchop]

That said, I carry a Glock 27. It works, it's accurate, but with the price of .40 and the slightly sharp recoil, I'm not sure I'd use it as a plinker in any sense of the word. When I'm not carrying the Glock, I have a S&W 637. It's easy to conceal and shoots pretty well. Nhgunnut touched on a favorite of mine. A CZ is an underrated, great shooting gun that can be had at a very nice price. I've got a CZ40B that is, without a doubt, my favorite pistol of the group. If it was a touch smaller, I'd conceal it. My father picked up a CZ75D Compact recently. It's a beautiful gun that I'd love to own. It's a gun that just fits incredibly well in my hand. Definitely check out a CZ. They're fantastic guns with a really nice trigger. My next gun will most likely be a CZ in 9mm.

When I bought my XD I was actually looking to buy a CZ-99. I just caught a deal I couldnt pass up.

I personally have the XDm 40 and love it. If your wife can handle a 9mm, the recoil with the 40 is not nearly as bad as a 45, even with hollow point rounds.

My buddy carries a S&W MMP 40 compact. I wouldnt say the recoil is anything more than my 9. But the slide action is slow and very deliberate. Its one of those feel things. Its weird, you can feel the weight of the slide come all the way back, rock the gun back gently, and then set it right back into place.

[Method]

Interesting - I hadn't considered CZ Usa. I'll have to take a peek - I'm assuming they generally aren't carried very widely by local distributors as I haven't seen any.

[Corey]

Interesting - I hadn't considered CZ Usa. I'll have to take a peek - I'm assuming they generally aren't carried very widely by local distributors as I haven't seen any.

Hit or miss. The gun shops by me don't have them new, but the pawn shop/gun shops tend to get them both new and used. I picked mine up used for 300. It looks like brand spankity new. My father also picked his up used for a good price, also looking unblemished. I know they don't get the same love as an XD or a Glock, but in my very humble opinion, they're superior guns.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-CRhQPOcc7ww/TXMAMZg4siI/AAAAAAAAAwg/4Z9FfI6bDDk/s640/2011-03-05_22-31-12_642.jpg

Mine.

http://www.yothinfirearms.com/images/catalog_images/1262981857.jpg

Will be mine.

[Rangerscott]

There's always the 1911. A good "cheaper" company is Rock Island Armory (RIA). I havent heard anything bad about their 1911's. They range from $400 and up.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZ99NHMM0qI&feature=watch_response

[Corey]

1911's are great guns, great for regular range duty, and iffy on defensive ammo. Mine refuses to feed hollow points. Just a no go. The Rock Island has a similar feed ramp that I'm willing to bet is just as finicky with defensive ammo, just from the nature of the design. It's a fun ass gun to shoot down range, and gave me a true appreciation for metal guns, but I wouldn't trust it with my life for home defense.

[Rangerscott]

You can beat someone to death with a 1911 and not worry about their skull fragments jamming the gun.

[Corey]

You can beat someone to death with a 1911 and not worry about their skull fragments jamming the gun.

If that's the case, you can buy a Hi-Point for under 200 that would be a much more effective and larger bullet holding hammer.

[Dave]

Mateba is a priceless work of art. Unfortunately, they're priced accordingly and about as easy to find. I believe the designer is involved with the similar (but not as beautiful) Rhino revolvers, though they're not semi-auto, just standard revolver action with a 6 o'clock barrel position.

Finding it wasn't that bad, seems to be a few on gunbroker every now and then. Not kidding on the price though, mine was a bit north of 2k. Worth every penny IMO

I was unaware of the rhino and just looked it up, sounds like ghisoni started the project and then passed away before completion. Very attractive piece though, I might have to add that to my list now that I have disposable income :lol: still want a daewoo first though

[goof2]

There's always the 1911. A good "cheaper" company is Rock Island Armory (RIA). I havent heard anything bad about their 1911's. They range from $400 and up.

I was thinking 1911 too (but I'm always thinking 1911:lol:). You can get whatever flavor your budget allows. If capacity is a concern they do have 10 round mags for them. My full size looks pretty dumb with 2 inches of extra mag sticking out the bottom, but it doesn't bother me.

For a plinking gun you could also get a Ruger 22/45. It is a .22 semi-auto pistol similar to their Mark III but the frame has been redesigned to mimic the shape of a 1911. I've never shot one and yes, with .22 it will still be significantly different than a 1911, but it may be worth considering. I've typically seen them for around $300.

[marko138]

These are all fantastic bits of advice, thank you.

The Sig 226 is currently at the top of my list, having handled all of the guns available at the shop. I'm headed out next week to put several rounds through a 226 and a 229 in both 9mm and 40, as well as a few of the other guns on my list.

At this point, I'm likely just going to buy the 1 pistol, go through my training classes and then look at getting another .22 plinker. Ultimately, for the home defense/carry pistol, I want to go for the largest caliber I can shoot comfortably and accurately with. (Be it 9mm, 40, or whatever). It needs to be comfortable enough to be able to take to the range often and be able to practice on a regular basis. I've always enjoyed shooting, but never had the opportunity to be able to go to the range regularly until now, and so have never purchased a gun.

The Sig seemed to fit my hand the best, though of course it's the most expensive. P226 in 40 with nightsights, 4 mags and a couple other bits was priced at 875.

The XD40 also felt nice, though a bit top heavy and didn't fit quite as well as the Sig. Nice gun though.

I handled a Ruger (something in 40, wish I could remember the model, perhaps the SR40?) and that also fit very well. It was surprisingly light (unloaded of course) so I'm curious to see what kind of recoil and shooting experience it will garner.

I also handled a few Glocks, and was not a big fan. They didn't fit my hand well, and I was having issues with the fit and finish of the gun. I know they are incredibly reliable and I plan on shooting one, but it's down there at the bottom of my list.

Marco - good call on the XD9SC. A subcompact is a little small for my hands, but am considering a compact. Initially I'm reviewing full size, but ultimately I would love to have 3: A plinker, an HD pistol, and a CC pistol. All of which should be able to be fired regularly at the range.

Revolvers are also another great alternative. You can't beat the reliability and simplicity of a revolver. I plan on reviewing several, and ultimately will go with my gut feel on what feels the best. I still lean towards a semi-auto, but would be doing myself a disservice if I didn't at least give them a chance.

Jeff - You read my mind. I have considered this exact same question many times. The answer is: to protect my stuff? No. To protect the well being of myself and my family (including my unborn children) Yes, without a second thought.

I'm looking forward to shooting these next week. It'll be interesting to see how it all turns out.
That's where I think you'd like the XDSC or C because they come with a smaller mag for CC use and a larger mag w/ grip sleeve for HD use.

[nhgunnut]

The up side to 45 is that they really don't need to expand hardball 45 at 230 grains at 850 fps makes most of a half inch hole. Slow enough that over penetration is unlikely and that the energy is left in the target. I don't mean to be argumentative but in my mind it is a great home defense round. Since the OP hadn't mentioned I didn't comment bring it up. While I have no experience with Rock River, the 1911 is tried and true gun. If you can live with it limits in capacity and single action trigger cool gun great for defense. On the other hand if it is I will take it out 1x every couple of months I still say get a relolver.

[Rangerscott]

You can get double stacked 1911's.

['73 H1 Triple]

1911's are great guns, great for regular range duty, and iffy on defensive ammo. Mine refuses to feed hollow points. Just a no go. The Rock Island has a similar feed ramp that I'm willing to bet is just as finicky with defensive ammo, just from the nature of the design. It's a fun ass gun to shoot down range, and gave me a true appreciation for metal guns, but I wouldn't trust it with my life for home defense.

Here's my regular carry weapon, a full size Springfield Armory 1911-A1
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/JRD77VET/Seneca%20Arms%20Co/DCP_1637A.jpg

Polished feed ramp, trigger ( set at 4-1/2lbs since it's a carry weapon ), hammer, competition sear and Pachmyr wrap around grips. It'll feed anything I run thru it and I have never had a feed problem. It's been a great gun since day one.

My friend Ray is a gunsmith and his favorite 1911-A1 manufacturer to start with is a Springfield.

[Method]

So hopefully someone can explain the main benfits/differences of the 1911 over a poly/steel pistol for me. I know the 1911's are a full metal gun with different ergos and assume there are large shooting differences but don't have a point of reference to tell how the two will react differently. I have also done some reading and have found that the majority are SA triggers, and thus there are some drawbacks/benefits to how they are carried. Mostly I'm interested in the feel difference betweent he two.

For example, a Sig P226 vs an SA 1911-A1.

I have quite a bit of shooting to do.

[Rangerscott]

If a gun goes bang then it works. All metal or hybrid. Both work and last. Just preference. The 1911 is just a 100 year old design that still works and last a long time.

There may be snow on the old gals head, but there's a fire burning in the basement.


The main reasons for poly is cost and weight reduction.

[nhgunnut]

So hopefully someone can explain the main benfits/differences of the 1911 over a poly/steel pistol for me. I know the 1911's are a full metal gun with different ergos and assume there are large shooting differences but don't have a point of reference to tell how the two will react differently. I have also done some reading and have found that the majority are SA triggers, and thus there are some drawbacks/benefits to how they are carried. Mostly I'm interested in the feel difference betweent he two.

For example, a Sig P226 vs an SA 1911-A1.

I have quite a bit of shooting to do.
For guys like me (those of us with some silver Highlights and voted in 1976,) the main difference is what we are accustomed to. Guys my age came up with the 1911 being the THE pistol to have. A single action trigger with out a decocking system means that your thumb is the De Cocking lever, Lowering the hammer on a loaded chamber is a skill on standard 1911. The standard capacity of 7 with one in the chamber (and truthfully if you can't finish it up with 8 45 acp rounds you need a rifle not a higher cap pistol) The trigger will only fire from a cocked position. Meaning Hammer back. leaving you the option carrying of locked and cocked sweeping the safety off as you clear the holster or carrying camber loaded hammer down and thumbing the hammer or carrying empty chamber and cocking the the slide.
The 226 is a Single / Double action trigger you can carry with the hammer down on a loaded on a loaded chamber and the first pull of the trigger is a bit heavier but it cocks the hammer and the second shot is single action and a lighter trigger pull. The trigger also engages at a lightly different point in the travel of the trigger. Capacity is 10, 15 or 20 rounds in 9mm so they lend themselves to the "spray and pray" school of shooting.
Both are great guns the trigger systems are the real difference. In today's world you will find all kind of different triggers. With some major variations available on the same gun. so look careful and try stuff.

[racedoll]

I'm looking for a plinker for the range, likely chambered in either 22, 9mm or 25. I'm leaning towards 9mm since it can be a great home defense pistol for my wife and serve as a dual purpose as my (and hers) range plinker.

I'd go for the 9mm for plinking just because of the availability of ammo and cost.


What I'm currently planning on shooting and looking at are:

Sig P226 and P229. I like the extra barrel length on the 226, but like the slightly smaller size option for CC with the P229.
Sprinfield XD40
Glock 40

These are all great options, IMO. It would come down to shooting and what feels best to you. Everyone is different.

I'll be interested to hear your range report and what you end up choosing.

[Method]

nhgun Thank you man, all great info. I'm technically aware of the difference between SA vs DA, (or a pistol like the sig that's DA for the first pull and SA once the hammer has been cocked by the slide for subsequent shots, or SA if you manually cock the pistol), but what I'm not familiar with is how the trigger feels differently between the two and what feels better.

Ultimately I imagine a DA only (like the glock) is going to have a longer/heavier pull potentially resulting in a less accurate shot. That's one of the benefits of a SA or DA/SA gun.

Realistically speaking, I have to shoot all of these to determine what fits me the best. Intellectually I'm leaning toward a DA/SA type pistol to remove complications from that initial shot in a true panic shot scenario.

I'm thinking a 1911 would be badass at the range however.

[Rangerscott]

I want an 1911 at least by time I'm old so I can Gran Turino someone's ass.

['73 H1 Triple]

nhgun Thank you man, all great info.

Nice write up and correct

.......

Realistically speaking, I have to shoot all of these to determine what fits me the best. Intellectually I'm leaning toward a DA/SA type pistol to remove complications from that initial shot in a true panic shot scenario.

I'm thinking a 1911 would be badass at the range however.

I carry my 1911 cocked and locked. After clearing the holster, it's a simple movement with the right thumb to come down on the safety, moving it down, making the weapon ready to fire.

[Corey]

Ultimately I imagine a DA only (like the glock) is going to have a longer/heavier pull potentially resulting in a less accurate shot. That's one of the benefits of a SA or DA/SA gun.

Not to be too picky, but Glock isn't double action.

[Method]

Not to be too picky, but Glock isn't double action.

I'm trying to remember the specific term for it, but there was no hammer and nothing to cock so the closest I could equate it to is a DA pistol.

What's the term for it?

[Corey]

I'm trying to remember the specific term for it, but there was no hammer and nothing to cock so the closest I could equate it to is a DA pistol.

What's the term for it?

Good question. I go with striker fire. The guy at the gun shop said it's about a 1.5 action. :lol: Someone smarter than me may know better.

[Dave]

Good question. I go with striker fire. The guy at the gun shop said it's about a 1.5 action. :lol: Someone smarter than me may know better.

Striker. Glocks should be considered single action since you can't restrike. Others are doubles

[Twobanger]

With your budget, also try the HK P30. A gun you can fit to your hand helps with accuracy and follow up shots. The Smith & Wesson M&P comes with s,m,l backstraps and can also be sized to your hand. I have one for steel challenge and action pistol matches and haven't had a malfunction with it after 4,000 plus rounds.

For home defense, a shotgun with 00 buck or an AR with Winchester Power-Points would be a better choice. The 00 will over-penetrate, a 9mm round will go through every wall in your house if you miss. If you live somewhere rural and don't have kids in another room it's not as big a consideration. Whatever you decide to do, get something you can mount a light to and get a light for it. There have been some tragic mistakes that could have been avoided that way.

After getting familiar with your weapon, find a club and shoot a couple of matches. It's amazing how just the stress from doing something unfamiliar and people watching you affects your accuracy.

[wildchild]

So hopefully someone can explain the main benfits/differences of the 1911 over a poly/steel pistol for me. I know the 1911's are a full metal gun with different ergos and assume there are large shooting differences but don't have a point of reference to tell how the two will react differently. I have also done some reading and have found that the majority are SA triggers, and thus there are some drawbacks/benefits to how they are carried. Mostly I'm interested in the feel difference betweent he two.

For example, a Sig P226 vs an SA 1911-A1.

I have quite a bit of shooting to do.

I have the XD 40 and a Kimber 45. I absolutely love both. differences between the two, biggest difference is trigger pull. SA pull on the 45 makes it very easy to aim and fire accurately. that said the XD is very close in accuracy for me.
the 45 is more comfortable to shoot for me except for the "stretch" to release slide forward.
when I take one with just in case, it's usually the 40. I'm not a fan of carrying the 1911 with the hammer cocked.
45 holds fewer rounds, 40 is lighter, 45 recoil is noticably heavier,
if i could only own one, i honestly couldn't decide between the two. I love both.
if I wanted a gun with tactical possibilities, "lights, lasers" etc, that can be tossed in a console and counted on to work always. it would be the 40. it has the rails for accesories and is low cost enough to not worry so much about any character it may develop.
there are low cost 1911's out there, but I have no personal experience with them.


BTW for your wife, mine has a sub compact Taurus 9mm semi and a 38 snub. she likes both but very much prefers the revolver. easier for her to shoot and fewer moving parts.

[Razor]

Taurus Raging Judge. Perfect for home defense with the ability to be a small shotgun (.410), fun at the range with the .45 LC, plenty heavy enough to use as a club with the added benefit of shooting someone breaking into your neighbors house from your own bedroom, through the walls of both houses (.454 Casull)...

[Method]

Taurus Raging Judge. Perfect for home defense with the ability to be a small shotgun (.410), fun at the range with the .45 LC, plenty heavy enough to use as a club with the added benefit of shooting someone breaking into your neighbors house from your own bedroom, through the walls of both houses (.454 Casull)...

lol That was right next to the Rocket Propelled IED I was considering as well.

Range Report Time -

The guns I didn't get to shoot, and I'm a little bummed I wasn't able to, is the Kimber 45 and the CZ 9mm.

What I did shoot:

Colt 1911 chambered in .45 (Not sure of the exact model number)
Great gun - nice smooth trigger pull and was fairly (to me) accurate. I did experience a bit more muzzle flip with the 1911 than I did with the other pistols. I also liked the SA trigger only.

Glock 40 - Decent gun, fairly nice to shoot but didn't really fit my hands well. I shot ok with it, but wasn't very enthused. I handled a glock 27 which was better, but didn't put any rounds through it.

Springfield XD40 - Damn nice gun. Loved the trigger pull on this - smooth, consistent and easy to shoot. The gun also fit me well, though I wasn't excited about the feel of the grip under my hand. Nice ergos but from what I saw the grip couldn't be swapped. Easy to sight and shoot - this was in my top two.

Sig p226 in .40 - Another FANTASTIC pistol. These ergos fit me the best, comfortable to shoot and I enjoyed the SA trigger pulls. The first shot as DA is a little heavy and long (10lbs), but smooth and still easy to stay on target giving it a good squeeze. I also liked the night sights and shot the most accurately with this pistol (once past the DA pull)

So with that said, I am now the proud owner of a Sig Sauer P226 in .40 S&W! After getting an opportunity to put some rounds through each of my top choices the Sig was the clear winner. I was also offered a great deal on a new Sig (night sights, 4 mags, lock) for "minimal" cash so that helped to seal the deal.

Pics to follow soon. I'm looking forward to getting it to the range this weekend with a few of my more experienced shooting friends, and to my classes coming up next month.

[Corey]

Congrats on the purchase! I was hoping you'd update.

[Method]

I forgot to add, I also shot another Glock in 9mm, but don't remember the specific model. It was very similar to the Glock 40.

Anyway, on to the pics!

Side:

http://www.caryandbindhu.com/pictures/side.jpg

Top:

http://www.caryandbindhu.com/pictures/top.jpg

[marko138]

Nice.

[defector]

Can't go wrong with a Sig, IMO. Congrats.

[Method]

Thanks! I'm happy with the purchase and am looking forward to getting to know it well.


I don't plan on carrying this pistol. I'm looking to get in some serious range time over the next 6 months to a year to become very comfortable with it and get the newbishness out of my system. At that point if I'm feeling comfortable with it, I'd like to invest in something like an XD9C for carry.

To carry this early (even with the CCW classes) into gun ownership I feel would be irresponsible.

[Corey]

Thanks! I'm happy with the purchase and am looking forward to getting to know it well.


I don't plan on carrying this pistol. I'm looking to get in some serious range time over the next 6 months to a year to become very comfortable with it and get the newbishness out of my system. At that point if I'm feeling comfortable with it, I'd like to invest in something like an XD9C for carry.

To carry this early (even with the CCW classes) into gun ownership I feel would be irresponsible.

Good plan. Practice with the Sig, carry a Ruger Super Alaskan with a 2.5" barrel. 454 Casull should have enough stopping power. :lol:

[racedoll]

Nice report! It's was nice to read the differences you experienced and that you had a clear winner. I've shot the P229 and P226 Navy, both in 9mm. They are very nice.

The Glock was probably the 17 or 19, depending if it was full or compact. Nice, although I've not shot the Gen 4... only Gen 3 and a RTF.

Congrats on the new purchase!

['73 H1 Triple]

Thanks! I'm happy with the purchase and am looking forward to getting to know it well.


I don't plan on carrying this pistol. I'm looking to get in some serious range time over the next 6 months to a year to become very comfortable with it and get the newbishness out of my system. At that point if I'm feeling comfortable with it, I'd like to invest in something like an XD9C for carry.

To carry this early (even with the CCW classes) into gun ownership I feel would be irresponsible.

Nice pick with the Sig, you will be happy.

Not sure exactly how your CCW works in OR but you could get the permit and then carry when YOU feel your ready.

Congrats.

( I know exactly what you meant when you said the glock didn't "fit". It seems to be one of those weapons you either like or not )

[Method]

Nice pick with the Sig, you will be happy.

Not sure exactly how your CCW works in OR but you could get the permit and then carry when YOU feel your ready.

Congrats.

( I know exactly what you meant when you said the glock didn't "fit". It seems to be one of those weapons you either like or not )
Thanks for prompting me to clarify - I'm still planning on taking the CCW class and applying for the permit, but don't plan to actually carry for quite some time. The way I look at it, the more classes and informed I can be now, the better off I will be in the long run. I'm trying to get a head start on the learning curve.

It was weird about the glock. They seem to be fine pistols, it just didn't quite sit in my hand just right. Didn't have the comfort level of the Springfield or the Sig.

I handled a few revolvers as well, and while those were nice I felt more comfortable with the semi-auto/autoloader/whatever you want to call them pistols.

Now I'm trying to talk my wife into getting a SA XD9SC, though we'll have to wait a while. She's preggo with twins right now, so no hugely loud bangs or lead exposure for her.

[Razor]

Thanks for prompting me to clarify - I'm still planning on taking the CCW class and applying for the permit, but don't plan to actually carry for quite some time. The way I look at it, the more classes and informed I can be now, the better off I will be in the long run. I'm trying to get a head start on the learning curve.

It was weird about the glock. They seem to be fine pistols, it just didn't quite sit in my hand just right. Didn't have the comfort level of the Springfield or the Sig.

I handled a few revolvers as well, and while those were nice I felt more comfortable with the semi-auto/autoloader/whatever you want to call them pistols.

Now I'm trying to talk my wife into getting a SA XD9SC, though we'll have to wait a while. She's preggo with twins right now, so no hugely loud bangs or lead exposure for her.

If she is interested, have her talk to The Chi as she has that exact same model for CC, tho she hasn't made it a priority to get the permit yet...

[askmrjesus]

Nice pistol, I love my Sig.

Now all you need are some Hydra Shok's, and you're in business.

(These are in .45 ACP, 230 grain, but you get the idea...)

JC

[Corey]

Nice pistol, I love my Sig.

Now all you need are some Hydra Shok's, and you're in business.

(These are in .45 ACP, 230 grain, but you get the idea...)

JC

Have you tried out the Winchester Ranger T-Series? It may be a mental thing, but they seem to shoot better for me than the Hydra Shok's out of my Glock, though I'm still running Hydra Shok in my S&W.

[askmrjesus]

Have you tried out the Winchester Ranger T-Series? It may be a mental thing, but they seem to shoot better for me than the Hydra Shok's out of my Glock, though I'm still running Hydra Shok in my S&W.

No, but I have run Speer Gold Dots with good results.

I'll have to try the Rangers, and do a camparo between the three.

JC

[Cutty72]

Nice buy! The P229 was the runner up for the reason only of price. At the time it was $300 more than the XD.

[Method]

Nice pistol, I love my Sig.

Now all you need are some Hydra Shok's, and you're in business.

(These are in .45 ACP, 230 grain, but you get the idea...)

JC

Already ahead of ya - Bought a box of Federal Premium Hydra Shok's with the gun in 180gr.

Field stripped, cleaned and oiled it today. Not too difficult to do, esp with all of the videos that are out there. It's incredibly how little oil it requires. 1 drop for the slide, 1 drop for each rail, 1 drop for barrel and 1 drop for the guide rod/spring.

I didn't oil the hammer spring and action as that appears to still have some factory grease. Not too sure how I feel about that since it may start collecting gunk.

[Method]

Range report number 2-

Took the sig down to the range today and put it's first 150 round through it. (In addition to 50 rounds through a couple 9mm rentals - will get to that in a sec)

In short, it was fantastic! Not a single misfeed or any other shooting problem. Only issue I had is that the slide didn't lock back once on an empty mag, though I hear that's an issue for the first couple hundred rounds till it breaks in a bit.

I was shooting mainly at 5, 7, 10 and 15 yds and shot fairly accurate with it. That the sig is on the heavier side, it made the snappy .40 cal feel like I was shooting a 9mm.

The gun performed just as I remembered, if not better since this was actually my pistol. I enjoyed it thouroughly!

I also shot a couple of glocks in 9mm and did not like either. I believe it was the glock 23 as well as the subcompact glock in 9mm. Trigger pull and actual firing of the gun was fine, just uncomfortable in my hands.

Also shot a Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm which I did like. Nice and accurate, light and would be a great CC weapon. My only complaint was the trigger which lacks a bit of feedback - kind of mushy if you get what I mean.

In the end - 200 rounds downrange, 150 through the Sig and I loved every shot. Now to work on my breathing and accuracy. I was shooting about 2" groups at 5yds, 3" grps at 7, 4-5" grps at 10, and 4-7" grps at 15yds. Not great, but I suppose not bad either.

Now to clean it and looking forward to going back.