Posted: 3/13/2007 10:17:47 AM EDT
| I am looking for a new handgun. I really love AR's but I think it is time for a handgun. I am open to any and all brands. I have looked in the local shop and really like the Sig and the Glock. Are these good choices or would another route be better. I am mainly going to use it for home protection and maybe put it in the car for long trips (just in case). I want a caliber in the 9mm to .45 range. I really like the .40 and I am leaning that way at this point. So which maker does a good job in this caliber. Oh yeah, I will be getting my carry license in the near future. Sorry about the long post. Just want to have good suggestions on what people like about certain brands ect. Thanks in advance for any help you can provide. |
Have you had the opportunity to handle a Smith & Wesson M&P yet? They come in 9mm, .40, and soon they're coming out with a .45! The only catch is that you can't just buy one! |
| You cant go wrong with either the Sig or the Glock. Two big differences in these guns are the triggers do you like the DA/SA of the Sig or the SA only of the Glock. How about grip angle. Which one feels better in your hand. One issue with the Glocks, the .40 has a partially unsupported chamber, so no reloads. |
By mentioning the carry license, are you thinking that this handgun eventually might be carried? Your post referenced home protection and the car for long trips, but no carry. Just asking. FWIW, you'll probably not stop at one handgun, so it's kind of a useless question on my part.  Anyway, IMO, I think a handgun mounted light is a great idea. With a weapon mounted light, you can illuminate with one hand and use the other hand for help with balance, navigation, checking locks, windows and doors, dialing the phone, etc. Also, I'm a huge proponent of night sights. I have them on an AR, an 870 (both have white lights too), and several handguns, particularly anything used for home defense or carry. 1911 Model - Great choice. Many makers. Some great, some crap. Great ones are gonna cost $$$'s. Glock - Don't like them. Good guns. Just don't fit my hands. H/K - USPf .45 w/Surefire is next to my bed. SIG - P220 w/rail for light. New out is the P220 SAO w/rail and a "match" barrel. Looks promising. Might have to get one. Springfield - Carry a service size XD-9 near every day that clothing permits. Otherwise, I carry a SIG P239, or a Star Firestar, or even smaller, a Kel-Tec P32. S&W - Fondled one of the M&P's. Really like that pistol. If I did not already have the Springfield XD-9, I'd buy one of these in a heartbeat. If a .40 S&W is what you're after, that's about all I can think of that would be full-size and have a way to mount a light. If you see no need for a weapon light, I'd suggest an all-steel Baby Eagle in .40 S&W. I shoot it better than almost any handgun I've ever shot. I think it has to do with the way it fits my hand. Of course, YMMV. My $ .02 (and that's about all it's worth) The ABSOLUTE BEST THING YOU CAN DO before you decide on one is to try the ones on your list. People will usually let you shoot theirs if you pay for the ammo. You can also rent them. Whatever way you choose, try to make sure you try before you buy. We're living in good times and you have many to choose from. There's absolutely no reason to just plunk down your hard earned cash on a "guess" or someone else's opinion. Find what works for you. |
| Thanks guys, I am going back to the gunshop and he has told me he is going to put as many in my hand as I need to see which feels the best to me. I am going to take all the recommendations here and see what comes up. I really don't think I am going to carry this handgun so I am going to stick with home defense for right now. I see the Smith and Wesson has come up multiple times. That is one that wasn't on my list but will be now. Thanks for all the good info. I am pleased everyone isn't getting into-this guns sucks and the like. Good to get constructive posts instead of crap. I feel better informed of what I need now. |
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Since you are still deciding, let me suggest a few more to look at. 1. Browning High Power. It is a damn fine pistol and one of the most ergonomic handguns. 2. CZ 75B. Another great pistol. 3. FN FNP. A polymer gun that is a good handgun. 4. Beretta 92 or ninety-two. Another great gun. Finally, don't rule out the S&W third gen. handguns. I have a 4563 TSW .45. It is an accurate gun and is at my bedside everynight. Don't forget one of the fine revolvers from S&W, Ruger or Colt. These are a few more to consider. Good luck! Buy one from a reputable gun maker that fits your hand. |
Home defense pistol = Glock 34 (9mm) or 35 (.40). Add night sights and light of your choice. Both are reasonably accurate, balance well, have high capacities and are among the most reliable pistols out there. The triggers are what they should be (for a Glock), and even the wife can operate them well. If you will not conceal there is no reason to use a shorter-barreled weapon, IMO. The Springfield XD tacticals are also good for home defense. |
| Well I am going back to get the handgun in the morning. I was in the shop and I tried almost every different manufacture they had and finally found one that I really liked. It was between a Sig 229 and a S&W M&P. I picked the S&W because of the feel of it and the employee told me for the money that is what he would go with. I am going to get some practice rounds and some good rounds with it. I am not sure if it is a good deal at $350 but it doesn't seem that bad. It is a used gun, but it looks brand new no scratches or anything on the gun or the mags. It still has the factory grease on it. So I hope this isn't too bad a price. Thanks again for the help everyone. |
Cool, I think you made the right choice with the M&P! Did you get the 9mm or .40? Either one is a good deal for $350 IMHO! I haven't seen a used one around here yet, but new they're $479 and if I would have bought a $399 special from bud's online, it would have come out to about $445, so I would drop $350 for a used one in a heartbeat! Post some pics if you can. Not like we all haven't seen an M&P, but I never get tired of good ol' gun porn. lol. |
I will try and get some pics up soon. It is a .40 which is what I was looking for. |
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IMI imports the Baby Desert Eagle. These come in several calibers from 9mm up to .45 ACP. I have a 9mm Compact and love it! I'm looking for a .45. My only complaint (so far) is that the newer ones all have slide-mounted safeties, and I VASTLY prefer the frame mounted safety (like the .45 colt has). |