My first gun thread

[hanoverphist]

Originally posted by: KillerCharlie

Originally posted by: adairusmc
Glock 19 9mm, then pick up a .22 LR conversion kit for it.

I was actually thinking about that for a 1911, but how much are the kits? The ones I saw were more than a brand new Ruger.

i have a ruger P89 and its a ton o fun to plink with. there is also a ruger model that wass designed for different barrels, but i cant think of the model number. my dad has a colt that does 22, 9mm, 40cal and 45 with barrel conversions as well.

 

[JDMnAR1]

Originally posted by: Scarpozzi

Originally posted by: JDMnAR1
I have always liked the Ruger .22 pistols, but I much prefer my Browning Buckmark.

My cousin is about to get one of those. I think it definitely looks cooler than the Ruger. I just had trouble coming to terms with spending $419 on such a low-calibur weapon.

I can think of 5 other guns I'd rather have for the money....unless I wanted to compete wiht it.

Agreed, which is why I waited until I found a deal on a used one ($160) to pick it up. At that price, I couldn't leave it in the store. I don't compete with it, but do hunt with it.

 

[spacejamz]

Originally posted by: Mackie2k

Originally posted by: TallBill

Originally posted by: spacejamz
Isn't this like the 4th or 5th 'i am a gun newb so what should I buy?' thread recently??

Maybe we should have one official gun thread so the same stuff doesn't get repeatedly hashed over and over again?

No, because people have different needs. That'd be like saying just to have one "what car should I buy" thread.

Yep, agreed.

Honestly, a first gun should be bought for what you like.

My first gun was a Ruger 10/22 Rifle. Cheap, you can get 25 round clips for them, easy to clean and service. Having a cheaper weapon as your first allows you to learn the basics of gun safety and care without learning that you really hate that .45 cal hand gun the hard way.

EVERYONE loves shooting a .22 rifle for plunking pretty much, and anyone can shoot it.

Get a .22 Rifle for $200, a .22 handgun for $300 and be done. You'll be able to share the ammo and pretty much shoot it anywhere you want.

No matter what the OP is asking for , it seems that the only recommendations here are for Glock, Rueger, Springfield, S&W, Taurus in a .40???

Noticed that there is not much love for Berettas here either...

 

[TallBill]

Originally posted by: spacejamz

No matter what the OP is asking for , it seems that the only recommendations here are for Glock, Rueger, Springfield, S&W, Taurus in a .40???

Noticed that there is not much love for Berettas here either...

I didn't mind my M9 while I was in the service. If it wasn't Army owned and abused it would have been a lot better. Plus the fact that the Army issued the super cheap mags which got real dirty and jammed up.

I personally recommend owning a Sig. I love the way my p226 feels and shoots. The p220 is real close behind, and once I get hogue grips and control the 45 recoil a little better I'm sure I'll love it just as much.

 

[OnePingOnly]

I recommend the Heckler & Koch USP Compact 9mm. This was my first foray into the world of H&K and I will never go back. Used ones are around the $500 - $600 range. After getting one, you probably won't really see a purpose in getting pistols from any other brand as H&K is regarded as the best. I can't argue with a 1911 in .45, though. These are probably the best mass produced 1911s you can buy but out of your price range: http://www.wilsoncombat.com/handgun-index.asp

 

[robisc]

As already has been posted, the 9mm is gonna be the cheapest to shoot, second only to the .22 cal, that is a good choice if you want more firepower than the little .22 as for the guns themselves, these are all personal opinions but the P-series Rugers can be found at pretty good deals and are great guns. If you want to spend a little more you can find a good deal on a Springfield model XD, these come in different sizes and calibers, but they do have a 9mm and these are IMO superior to the Glocks for a similar type and price range weapon that is very durable, accurate and is very naturally fitting and easy to shoot pistol. Don't just take my word for it, see if your local range has rentals and compare the XD to others then decide.

 

[BladeVenom]

My favorite .22 is the Colt Woodsman Match Target model.

 

[Kirby]

Originally posted by: spacejamz
Noticed that there is not much love for Berettas here either...

Berettas are a little high for a first gun.

 

[robisc]

Originally posted by: nkgreen

Originally posted by: spacejamz
Noticed that there is not much love for Berettas here either...

Berettas are a little high for a first gun.

I think the Beretta model 92's were the hottest thing out for a while thanks due to the Lethal Weapon movies that came out but after all the bad press they got from breaking slides hitting people in the heads a lot of people were scared of them from a safety/durability standpoint.

 

[KillerCharlie]

Originally posted by: DayLaPaul
Post some pics of your grandfather's 1911.

I can do that soon... it feels amazing in the hand.

 

[jlee]

must-haves:

Ruger 10/22
Remington 870 / Mossberg 500

 

[KillerCharlie]

Originally posted by: JLee
must-haves:

Ruger 10/22
Remington 870 / Mossberg 500

That's great, but if you would've bothered reading the original post, it's pretty obvious I'm looking for a pistol.

 

[knightc2]

First off you won't find a more economical handgun to shoot than something in .22LR. I have a Beretta Model 70 Jaguar and it is fun to shoot and easy to maintain. My Dad has a Bersa .22 and he really likes it. I have not fired it but I wouldn't expect it to disappoint. I also own a Bersa Firestorm Mini 9mm that I enjoy very much. 9mm is probably the second cheapest option as far as ammo goes.

You can get a nice used .22 handgun for $200 - $250 and even a new Bersa for around $270. A new Bersa Firestorm 9mm can be had for just over $300 and I firmly believe it is one of the best values in the handgun world. I love mine.

I think the Ruger .22 you mentioned would be a fine choice as well. Every gun owner needs a .22 pistol IMHO. For 9mm on a budget check out the Bersa Thunder UC/Firestorm Mini in 9mm (they are both manufactured in the same facility and are almost identical). You could almost buy the Firestorm 9mm and a .22 for not much over $500 if you found a decent used .22.

If money is really tight you could go with marvdmartian's advice and get a Hi-Point C9. I own one and while it did have some feed issues at first, you can't beat the lifetime warranty and low price. It has turned into a nice handgun and since I only paid $129 new it has been well worth it. Makes a great backup, beat on, spare, etc. gun.

There are lots of online sellers (Buds Gun Shop, Impact Guns, Gun Broker) but so far the best values I have come across were in local shops. Remember, you'll pay shipping and FFL transfer fees when buying online and in many cases the initially savings is offset by these fees.

As far as handguns holding their values, that will depend on how rare the piece is, how in demand it is and how well it was taken care of. I find that used pistol prices, at least around me, are around 60% - 75% the cost of new.