Gun Nuts Rejoice!

[SphinxnihpS]

You get to give me your opinions.

I'm buying one semi-automatic pistol. My budget is $1200 max. This includes all accessories, including 1000 rounds of practice ammo and 100 rounds of highest damage to the human body possible ammo.

I want to know which pistol, which caliber, and what accessories YOU would get.

Assume the following:

I have lots of experience with firearms, but no recent experience.
I am male, have large hands, and am fairly strong.
This is for home, never carry.
I do NOT want to purchase any weapons designed prior to 1980 (i.e. no 1911 variants etc.)

 

[bbhaag]

You get to give me your opinions.

I'm buying one semi-automatic pistol. My budget is $1200 max. This includes all accessories, including 1000 rounds of practice ammo and 100 rounds of highest damage to the human body possible ammo

I want to know which pistol, which caliber, and what accessories YOU would get.

Assume the following:

I have lots of experience with firearms, but no recent experience.
I am male, have large hands, and am fairly strong.
This is for home, never carry.
I do NOT want to purchase any weapons designed prior to 1980 (i.e. no 1911 variants etc.)

I'd imagine a 9mm would suffice for this task. I guess a Glock is as good as any brand in this caliber but going to a range that lets you rent could be beneficial for you to find what feels most comfortable in your hands. I don't know much about guns though so take my advice as is.

Just curious but what is your reason for wanting to make this purchase?

 

[Jerem]

I have 2xl hands and prefer a bigger grip. The two that fit me the best are the Sig P226 9mm that I got rid of the plastic one piece grip and put on some nice thick wood ones or my Beretta 92/M9 variants.

The Beretta was designed prior to 1980 and the Sig is on the line at 1980 but both have been upgraded over the years and are still in production to this day.

If you prefer striker fired get a Block 17 and call it good

 

[whm1974]

You get to give me your opinions.

I'm buying one semi-automatic pistol. My budget is $1200 max. This includes all accessories, including 1000 rounds of practice ammo and 100 rounds of highest damage to the human body possible ammo.

I want to know which pistol, which caliber, and what accessories YOU would get.

Assume the following:

I have lots of experience with firearms, but no recent experience.
I am male, have large hands, and am fairly strong.
This is for home, never carry.
I do NOT want to purchase any weapons designed prior to 1980 (i.e. no 1911 variants etc.)

How about a .45 ACP pistol?

 

[deadlyapp]

I'm a fan of the Springfield XD variants, and you can either go with the full size (5") or slightly smaller 4" models if you're not planning on carrying. Even with .45 (they also come in 9mm variants) they handle very well and have a large magazine. You should be able to get the pistol ~$550, a couple of extra mags, and all your ammo under budget and probably throw in a little rail mounted light or laser if you wanted to make it more useful as a "home defense" weapon.

Also - I'd recommend going with a few hundred rounds of home defense ammo, gives you some time to use it at the range and make sure it feeds and handles well. Last thing you need is to buy top of the line hollow points only to find out the gun won't feed them. I've had great luck with the Winchester Rangers and they're a great buy usually (used to be around ~$35 - 50 rds).

 

[BurnItDwn]

If I was going to buy a semiauto for home and range usage, it would probably be a Glock 17.
Those things are reliable, dependable, have a decent magazine size, and are reasonably priced.
The grip is likely the biggest downside.

I believe they came out in the early 80s, but, it's possible the design may have been before 80, I'm not sure.

 

[NesuD]

I'm a fan of the Springfield XD variants, and you can either go with the full size (5") or slightly smaller 4" models if you're not planning on carrying. Even with .45 (they also come in 9mm variants) they handle very well and have a large magazine. You should be able to get the pistol ~$550, a couple of extra mags, and all your ammo under budget and probably throw in a little rail mounted light or laser if you wanted to make it more useful as a "home defense" weapon.

Also - I'd recommend going with a few hundred rounds of home defense ammo, gives you some time to use it at the range and make sure it feeds and handles well. Last thing you need is to buy top of the line hollow points only to find out the gun won't feed them. I've had great luck with the Winchester Rangers and they're a great buy usually (used to be around ~$35 - 50 rds).

Good choice. If you go with an XD use some of that spare budget for a good trigger job. The stock triggers are serviceable but there is room for improvement. Particularly on the XDS.

I have to say though another easy to handle choice is a S&W M&P Shield 380 EZ. I had surgery to reattach my right distal bicep tendon last may and shooting has been tough because of reduced strength in my right hand. I had to requalify my CPL this fall so I needed some range time. When I went in to my local range the instructor there set me up with this 380 knowing that I had limitations that made shooting my 45s difficult. The weapon is not the usual tiny little palm gun 380 like the bodyguard. It is shield sized. shoots smooth as butter. Load it with some black hills honey badgers and it is as lethal as any 9mm. Better for smaller hands so maybe not for you but a nice shooting option for those that prefer a more comfortable weapon or are dealing with physical limitations like me.

 

[spacejamz]

Even with all of the recommendations here, the OP still needs to find out what grip feel best and the most comfortable to hold to him. Best bet is to go to a range that rents pistols and try them to figure it out...

 

[DigDog]

CZ shadow 2.

Find the hickock45 video where he shoots it and look at the expression on his face.

 

[spacejamz]

I have 2xl hands and prefer a bigger grip. The two that fit me the best are the Sig P226 9mm that I got rid of the plastic one piece grip and put on some nice thick wood ones or my Beretta 92/M9 variants.

The Beretta was designed prior to 1980 and the Sig is on the line at 1980 but both have been upgraded over the years and are still in production to this day.

If you prefer striker fired get a Block 17 and call it good

Love my 92FS....have a Crimson Trace grip on it that just melts into my palm....it is the one on the right which I bought in 2004. Ended up getting the one on the left last year when the prices dropped on them to under $500 (haven't even taken the new one to the range yet)...

 

[spacejamz]

damn...the prices on the 92FS have gone up since last year...I got mine for $449 from PSA...looks like they are around $600-$650 (out of stock at PSA, but checked Bass Pro and Academy)...

 

[MrBailey]

To restate what's been mentioned above...go to your local shop and rent a few before you purchase.

If you're new to handguns, then I would think about a revolver...something along the lines of a 357...since you can fire 38s from it.

But if you want a semi, then I would think about a striker-fire (i.e. Glock) in 9mm. While a 45ACP is nice, learn proper grip, stance, control, and aiming with something a little easier to manage (and yes, some 45s out there are easy to control).

Don't believe the hype that you need a big round to put someone down. Google FBI studies on the 9mm and it's penetration. It made them rethink this round.

While single action/double action (SA/DA) pistols are nice (I have a couple), getting the first round off takes some practice. Hence, something like a Glock would be a good start...every trigger pull is the same. They're affordable and shoot well. From there, the world is your oyster.

Everyone here will have their own opinions on what's good/bad. And they're not wrong. But it all comes down to personal experience.

As far as practice rounds. I personally stay away from the cheapest stuff made who knows where. With that said you can still buy good and cheap practice ammo.

As far as the "stop them in their tracks, every day carry (EDC) rounds", don't cheap out and buy more than 100 rounds...but not all at once. Once you get your firearm and have practiced with it, put some of the good stuff through it. For example, if you go with Hornady Critical Defense but it jams or doesn't feed, try a different brand. When that one works, put a significant number of rounds through the pistol (some say at least 100). If no jams, misfeeds, etc...then stick with that. Google to find recommended brands, etc (i.e. best 9mm ammo for home defense).

Stay away from the crazy specialty stuff. They usually aren't as effective...and tend to have feed problems.

Don't be afraid of trying different brands for practice ammo. It's nice to know that your firearm can handle lots of different stuff.

And don't be afraid to either get professional training or ask your local shop for advice, tips, questions.

 

[amish]

I love my 226, but it is going to be at the high end of your price range depending on your location.

 

[SphinxnihpS]

Thanks everyone! I think I'll take the advice on rentals. Kind of expensive from what I've seen looking around since all the ranges I looked at also make you buy their ammo at about double the price, but probably worth it to avoid buying a regret. My grandfather had a closet full of guns, so I have been shooting since I was 5 years old, but mainly hunting rifles and shotguns. He did have a Colt 1911 Govt model .45, a Ruger Mark .22, a S&W .38 snub, and a couple of Bren 10mm semis. I probably have less than 5000 rounds of handgun experience. Since he died in '98 I haven't shot a gun save once with a friend. I think she had a G17 or maybe it was a G21, but I fired maybe 10 rounds, so...

The ammo I mention is just for getting used to and breaking in the gun. Obviously I would use it all and buy more, but to start it's fine. I'm still not sure about caliber. There is very much conflicting info out there, but I am leaning towards bigger (higher energy) is better. Pretty sure I can deal with recoil and weight after some practice time, but more thoughts on this would be help if anyone has experience with more than one.

I have been specifically looking at all the full-sized 9mm, .40 and .45 Gs, the FN509 and FNX, the Sig P220, P226 and P320, the CZ75 P07, P09 and P10, S&W M&Ps, the Walther PPQs, and the HK45, VP9 and USP. I will also check out the Springfields due to the recommendation.

I have held and felt the action on most of these at the local Cabelas, and I definitely prefer the full-sized guns, but except for the Glocks which feel a little strange they are all about the same.

In the end, due to it's purpose, I want something that will work and be accurate if it ever has to.

 

[highland145]

Glock 17 since '91. It works. No jams and easy to clean.
Glock 23 6 or 8 years. It works and I was supplied an decent # of .40 gold dots. Glock 22 would be the full size.

If the recoil and re-acquiring the target aren't a problem, G22. Glocks do not have a manual safety. Pull the trigger and it fires. Plaxico Burress like. Get a good holster. Fobus, imo.


Home defense, Remington 870.

 

[BurnItDwn]

Thanks everyone! I think I'll take the advice on rentals. Kind of expensive from what I've seen looking around since all the ranges I looked at also make you buy their ammo at about double the price, but probably worth it to avoid buying a regret. My grandfather had a closet full of guns, so I have been shooting since I was 5 years old, but mainly hunting rifles and shotguns. He did have a Colt 1911 Govt model .45, a Ruger Mark .22, a S&W .38 snub, and a couple of Bren 10mm semis. I probably have less than 5000 rounds of handgun experience. Since he died in '98 I haven't shot a gun save once with a friend. I think she had a G17 or maybe it was a G21, but I fired maybe 10 rounds, so...

The ammo I mention is just for getting used to and breaking in the gun. Obviously I would use it all and buy more, but to start it's fine. I'm still not sure about caliber. There is very much conflicting info out there, but I am leaning towards bigger (higher energy) is better. Pretty sure I can deal with recoil and weight after some practice time, but more thoughts on this would be help if anyone has experience with more than one.

I have been specifically looking at all the full-sized 9mm, .40 and .45 Gs, the FN509 and FNX, the Sig P220, P226 and P320, the CZ75 P07, P09 and P10, S&W M&Ps, the Walther PPQs, and the HK45, VP9 and USP. I will also check out the Springfields due to the recommendation.

I have held and felt the action on most of these at the local Cabelas, and I definitely prefer the full-sized guns, but except for the Glocks which feel a little strange they are all about the same.

In the end, due to it's purpose, I want something that will work and be accurate if it ever has to.

One of the ranges I used to go to had an annual manufacturer gun show. Essentially, free gun rentals and short range time, they made money like crazy with ammo sales and new gun sales. Might be something worth looking into in your area.

 

[spacejamz]

In the end, due to it's purpose, I want something that will work and be accurate if it ever has to.

You should get the accuracy part down with some 'regular' range time...keeping it properly maintained (cleaned/lubricated, etc) will help sure that it works when you need it too..

Might want to look if they have those tactical classes that put you in some real life simulations in your area...I haven't done it but I would guess that be more beneficial than just shooting paper targets if that is what you are looking for...

 

[MrBailey]

I don't want to derail this thread on a 45ACP vs 9mm debate. There's pros and cons to both. And I like 45s, but I go with 9 for EDC.

I urge you to read up on the FBI studies. They did a thorough re-analysis of 9mm penetration and expansion. (Google something like: FBI 9mm studies).

A key point is that you want to get the gun back on target as quickly as possible for follow on shots. Probably a lot easier with a 9mm than a 45ACP. But then again, it comes down to the user, the gun, and training.

There's a story out there of a cop who fired and hit a suspect 14 times with 45ACP...and the bad guy was still alive (supposedly there was even a head shot). Take that with a grain of salt...it might be just a story with no merit. The officer, as the story goes, now carries 9mm.

Some people go with .40 as a compromise.

Since you're familiar with firearms, you'll be fine in the long run.

I'm fortunate enough to have a range nearby that rents a plethora of firearms. The cost is just the range fee (~$10) and a box of ammo (roughly $10 to $15...it's cheap stuff).

For me, I like the feel of my Glock 19 Gen 5, especially with the interchangeable backstraps. Plus it holds a goodly number of bangs. I like it better than my FNX-9, which is a great gun.

Keep us posted with what you try and what you buy.

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

For this purpose I would personally go with a Glock 21. I think that might be my all around choice in a self-defense pistol where concealment is not an issue.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Not sure why you’re discounting the 1911. I have a Springfield Armory TRP and it has the best trigger of any firearm I’ve ever shot. It feeds every load I’ve put through it, it is accurate and it is a pure joy to shoot. Granted, it’s a little above your price range but man is it worth every penny.

I have a SIG-Sauer P220 and I can’t seem to shoot it accurately when shooting back to back with the Springfield Armory TRP and I think it is the difference in trigger feel. I much prefer the trigger on the 1911. There is no take-up at all and it breaks crisply right at 5 lbs. The SIG is a lot easier to take down for cleaning though, I’ll give it that.

I like the .45 ACP. I shoot .44 magnum revolvers quite a bit, big N frame Smith & Wesson revolvers so the recoil of .45 ACP really doesn’t bother me at all in a full-size pistol. S&W revolvers also have great trigger feel in both SA and DA.

The Beretta 92 is a decent choice. Glocks are good too, easy to shoot accurately. I have a Glock 17 I’ve owned for more than 2 decades and it is super easy to shoot accurately.

 

[DigDog]

..excuse me but

Ok?

 

[gill77]

Not sure why you’re discounting the 1911. I have a Springfield Armory TRP and it has the best trigger of any firearm I’ve ever shot. It feeds every load I’ve put through it, it is accurate and it is a pure joy to shoot. Granted, it’s a little above your price range but man is it worth every penny.

I have a SIG-Sauer P220 and I can’t seem to shoot it accurately when shooting back to back with the Springfield Armory TRP and I think it is the difference in trigger feel. I much prefer the trigger on the 1911. There is no take-up at all and it breaks crisply right at 5 lbs. The SIG is a lot easier to take down for cleaning though, I’ll give it that.

I like the .45 ACP. I shoot .44 magnum revolvers quite a bit, big N frame Smith & Wesson revolvers so the recoil of .45 ACP really doesn’t bother me at all in a full-size pistol. S&W revolvers also have great trigger feel in both SA and DA.

The Beretta 92 is a decent choice. Glocks are good too, easy to shoot accurately. I have a Glock 17 I’ve owned for more than 2 decades and it is super easy to shoot accurately.

I was wondering the same thing. A hundred years of tweaking have made significant improvements to the 1911.

The trigger is the probably the most important practical reason to own one. It is your interface with the weapon.

If we were talking rifles, you might make an agument for the sights.

 

[clamum]

There's tens of possible valid answers to your question but since you say you're a bigger/big guy, I'll recommend a SIG P226 9mm. Honestly I think any of the three main calibers are fine (9 mm/40 S&W/45 ACP), but 9 mm has less recoil and is cheaper so I'd recommend that for most uses.

And since you say it's just for home (defense), I'd absolutely recommend having a light on it. I think almost every defensive firearm should have a light on it, but one used for home defense I think is honestly just about mandatory. Yeah you can hold a flashlight in your hand too but I'd rather have a weaponlight and not have to f*ck with a flashlight in my other hand and only shoot one handed (which you should practice at the range but that's another topic). A couple good ones: Surefire X300, Streamlight TLR- series, Inforce APL, Viridian light/laser combos.

 

[gill77]

Lights can be useful, but not in all situations. A common scenario is waking to a noise in the living room. If you are walking down the hall with a light, the bad guy behind the sofa has plenty of warning and a great target.

Illuminate the room after you have established adequate cover.

 

[BurnItDwn]

Lights can be useful, but not in all situations. A common scenario is waking to a noise in the living room. If you are walking down the hall with a light, the bad guy behind the sofa has plenty of warning and a great target.

Illuminate the room after you have established adequate cover.

And don't shoot until you identify who it is you think might be the burglar.
http://concealednation.org/2018/08/...her-for-intruder-and-doesnt-check-his-target/
https://www.foxnews.com/us/man-shoots-wife-going-to-bathroom-mistaking-her-for-burglar
https://www.apnews.com/04f688669a12202c1f587f9f862f04b3