Browsing for handguns...

CeeKay · September 19, 2007, 17:26

I'm starting a new job next week, and the job requires me to travel... I'll be out of town to do the job, and back for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Anyway, I am looking for a handgun, because I'm getting close to a rough area... Not too terribly close to worry, but close enough.

What would you guys suggest? I was looking a bit on GunBroker, and I might head up to my local firearms shop as well...

I was thinking either a Walther P99 in 9mm, or an FN Five-seveN...

Any input on either? Would you trust your lives to this firearm? I'm looking into CCW classes/permits right now, and will probably start scheduling some weekend stuff, as I'm home for Friday-Sunday.

Also, if any DSA representatives are looking at this thread... GIMME A DISCOUNT COUPON!

My job pays $13.00/hr starts, and overtime is time and a half. I plan on first buying a handgun and a CCW/classes/etc. and then devoting the rest of the stacks of cash to the Brazilian Battle Rifle

- CK

DaisyCutter · September 19, 2007, 17:34

For me, I'd go with a Glock, Sig, or other very well regarded auto if funding is available.

If money is tight, I'd recommend a used S&W wheelgun.

I've had poor luck with sub-$400 autopistols.

BTW, get some good defensive ammo and test fire it. It's considered tacky to shoot bad guys with cheap FMJ Wal-Mart whitebox ammo.

bnz42 · September 19, 2007, 18:01

I agree. I would look at a relatively compact Glock(19), SIG(P225 or P239), or S&W(3913). There are others that are just as good but they escape my memory at this moment. Don't ignore a possible small wheel gun. I like the compact S&Ws.

CeeKay · September 19, 2007, 18:54

I just got back from my local firearms dealer, where I was scoping out a few possibilities...

The FN Five-seveN is freakin' SWEET!!!!

Uber lightweight with teeeny little rounds that pack a much better punch than a .22lr...

The only thing I didn't like was the cheap feel of the plastic buttons... The safety feels like it can break VERY easily. It looks like a cut-out piece of ABS plastic, and quite thin at that.

But man, did it look sweeeeet! And it holds 20 rounds!!!

Also, I spotted a 1911 Commando Compact custom job. It was concealably small, and HEAVY! But not heavy like a lead weight... Heavy like it's reliable to the point of defending you even after you're dead!

I don't know about Glocks. I know that they are well trusted and have been tested to rigors and trials that not even a brick of titanium can withstand (and still be fully-functional), but I'm just not into them at all.

- CK

**bykerhd** · September 19, 2007, 19:02

That FN Five-seveN could be a problem if you have to use it. A little too new, cops, prosecutors, etc aren't familiar with it, the original design a bit too military.
Think you might have an "Image" problem.

CeeKay · September 19, 2007, 19:07

Quote:

Originally posted by bykerhd
That FN Five-seveN could be a problem if you have to use it. A little too new, cops, prosecutors, etc aren't familiar with it, the original design a bit too military.
Think you might have an "Image" problem.

And here I am, shopping for picatinny lasers.... :P

- CK

**W.E.G.** · September 19, 2007, 19:42

Glock 26 would be my first choice for CCW.

**K.O.A.M.** · September 19, 2007, 19:58

If concealed is the only criteria, go with a Glock 26,27 or 33. If it's a handgun that you can conceal with a little work, get one of the red box Sigs or a P225. I could have bought 10 P226's at the Lakeland Show, all under $550.

kerplode · September 19, 2007, 20:09

Quote:

Originally posted by bykerhd
That FN Five-seveN could be a problem if you have to use it. A little too new, cops, prosecutors, etc aren't familiar with it, the original design a bit too military.
Think you might have an "Image" problem.

I agree. There just seems to be too much political drama surrounding the Five-seveN and the 5.7x28 round for me to ever feel comfortable using it as a defensive weapon. Just my opinion, of course...Take it for what it's worth.

Besides, for the money you'd spend on the Five-seveN, you could get a Glock, a case of ammo, a bunch of spare mags, and probably have enough left over to take a CCW course.

bigant · September 20, 2007, 15:17

Smith Wesson M&P Compact....9 or 40

CeeKay · September 20, 2007, 19:37

Sad news.

My employer has a no-weapons policy. :'(

So, I'll be buying a handgun just for fun then.

- CK

bakerjw · September 20, 2007, 19:49

I would recommend going to a gun show and handling various handguns. There is nothing better than seeing how they fit.

Although I sometimes carry a 380, my usual gun is a 40 S&W.

Also my Ruger P95 for $350.00 has never failed to function for me.

1stSSPZ · September 21, 2007, 08:25

Can't beat a CPO (Certified, pre-owned) Sig 226 or 229.

**bykerhd** · September 21, 2007, 08:53

The problem with SIGs, Glocks and most of the rest of the full power guns is that they are too wide across the slide. The 1911s, CZ 75B and Browning Hi-Powers are some of the thinnest full power guns and quite frankly, they aren't that slim either.
The Kel-Tec .380 is about the most power and the most compact package around. Ergonomics are kind of sucky though.

Find a shop with a very good selection of handguns and BROWSE.
Handle as many as they'll hand you and ask questions.
Keep in mind how you will be dressed, what kind of carry set-up you plan to use and whether you'll be sitting, standing, driving, etc. most of the time.
Good luck.

CeeKay · September 21, 2007, 17:19

There's a no-weapons policy with my employer. :\

So, I'll be buying one simply for fun. :P

How much should an average 1911 (no modifications, simple black park and checkered wood grips) cost? I saw a few at my local sporting goods store for around 400 bucks...

- CK

mpmax · September 21, 2007, 17:24

Speaking of 45's...

The original lightweight concealed carry piece, the Star PD.

Did I mention it's for sale?

homelandprotector · September 21, 2007, 17:28

Very effective gun >> http://www.aimsurplus.com/acatalog/c...25_Pistol.html

For only $135 and they are reliable, accurate and fun to shoot. A bit heavy though.

ACCURRETT · September 21, 2007, 17:47

If your wanting something fairly priced, check out some makarov's. But if you want a awesome handgun that you never have to worry about just get a cz 75b in 40 smithinwessun. Love me 75's!
I did see a couple norinco 1911's for sale on gunbroker pretty reasonable.
Also just because your employer says you can not have a hand gun on you in the building im pretty positive that there is no law stating you can not have one on you outside the workplace. Isn't that why we have conceal and carry?
Check you local and state laws to be sure and up to date on all the laws and ordinances of the different couties.

There is always the highpoint! Just thought i'de bring that up. lol

**C-ya** · September 21, 2007, 21:31

Quote:

Originally posted by CeeKay

How much should an average 1911 (no modifications, simple black park and checkered wood grips) cost? I saw a few at my local sporting goods store for around 400 bucks...

- CK

Check into a Rock Island Armory 1911. They make a compact version as well as the full-size. They are running around $350 or so for the full-size. Check http://www.sarcoinc.com. Sorry - I can't give you the direct link as I'm at work. If you have an FFL who will order it for you w/o raping you on the mark-up, it can be a good deal. I paid $350 for mine with tax, transfer, shipping and some extra mags about 2 years ago.

Oh, and for the record, I don't feel undergunned with my .380. I have a Bersa Thunder 95. Great gun for the money. I bought mine and haggled 2 others for friends for $200 OTD.

tracyballard · September 22, 2007, 20:26

get a glock 20 before they stop makin em - wish I could afford to. Or get a used for for around $400 like you see in SGNews sometimes.

tracyballard · September 22, 2007, 20:36

mpmax - love that Star, no one built more solid than they did back then. here's a couple of mine that are just sitting at my desk...

Model 30 on bottom available for $400 shipped, fruity number on top not for sale...

September 19, 2007, 17:34	#2
DaisyCutter Registered FALaholic #: 9744 Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: AZ Posts: 731	For me, I'd go with a Glock, Sig, or other very well regarded auto if funding is available. If money is tight, I'd recommend a used S&W wheelgun. I've had poor luck with sub-$400 autopistols. BTW, get some good defensive ammo and test fire it. It's considered tacky to shoot bad guys with cheap FMJ Wal-Mart whitebox ammo. __________________ "In some sort of crude sense which no vulgarity, no humor, no overstatment can quite extinguish, the physicists have known sin; and this is a knowledge which they cannot lose." - J. Robert Oppenheimer

September 19, 2007, 19:42	#7
W.E.G. Administrator Silver Contributor FALaholic #: 1211 Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Virginia Posts: 31,055	Glock 26 would be my first choice for CCW. __________________ . . . Ask me about the Mason-Dixon FAL Collectors Association.

September 20, 2007, 15:17	#10
bigant Registered FALaholic #: 11598 Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Southgate, Michigan Posts: 1,091	Smith Wesson M&P Compact....9 or 40 __________________ Got 6.5 Grendel?! Mi Papa` 1943-2008

September 21, 2007, 17:28	#17
homelandprotector Registered FALaholic #: 16592 Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Reno, Nevada Posts: 6,136	Very effective gun >> http://www.aimsurplus.com/acatalog/c...25_Pistol.html For only $135 and they are reliable, accurate and fun to shoot. A bit heavy though. __________________ We need about 3000 Ron Paul's in Washington.....HLP

September 21, 2007, 17:47	#18
ACCURRETT Registered FALaholic #: 28388 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: missouri Posts: 127	If your wanting something fairly priced, check out some makarov's. But if you want a awesome handgun that you never have to worry about just get a cz 75b in 40 smithinwessun. Love me 75's! I did see a couple norinco 1911's for sale on gunbroker pretty reasonable. Also just because your employer says you can not have a hand gun on you in the building im pretty positive that there is no law stating you can not have one on you outside the workplace. Isn't that why we have conceal and carry? Check you local and state laws to be sure and up to date on all the laws and ordinances of the different couties. There is always the highpoint! Just thought i'de bring that up. lol __________________ We interrupt your daily programming for this late breaking news cheddar is up 67%! ---------------------------------------------- Who's up for a little hoggin'?

September 19, 2007, 18:01	#3
bnz42 Registered FALaholic #: 3813 Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: midwest Posts: 866	I agree. I would look at a relatively compact Glock(19), SIG(P225 or P239), or S&W(3913). There are others that are just as good but they escape my memory at this moment. Don't ignore a possible small wheel gun. I like the compact S&Ws.

September 19, 2007, 19:02	#5
bykerhd Dinosaur Bronze Contributor FALaholic #: 2798 Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Burlington Vermont area Posts: 13,262	That FN Five-seveN could be a problem if you have to use it. A little too new, cops, prosecutors, etc aren't familiar with it, the original design a bit too military. Think you might have an "Image" problem.

September 19, 2007, 19:58	#8
K.O.A.M. Old Fart Silver Contributor FALaholic #: 8025 Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Central Florida Posts: 7,392	If concealed is the only criteria, go with a Glock 26,27 or 33. If it's a handgun that you can conceal with a little work, get one of the red box Sigs or a P225. I could have bought 10 P226's at the Lakeland Show, all under $550.

September 20, 2007, 19:49	#12
bakerjw Registered FALaholic #: 22547 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Eastern Tennessee Posts: 1,450	I would recommend going to a gun show and handling various handguns. There is nothing better than seeing how they fit. Although I sometimes carry a 380, my usual gun is a 40 S&W. Also my Ruger P95 for $350.00 has never failed to function for me.

September 21, 2007, 08:25	#13
1stSSPZ Registered FALaholic #: 13771 Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Lubbock Texas Posts: 679	Can't beat a CPO (Certified, pre-owned) Sig 226 or 229.

September 21, 2007, 08:53	#14
bykerhd Dinosaur Bronze Contributor FALaholic #: 2798 Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Burlington Vermont area Posts: 13,262	The problem with SIGs, Glocks and most of the rest of the full power guns is that they are too wide across the slide. The 1911s, CZ 75B and Browning Hi-Powers are some of the thinnest full power guns and quite frankly, they aren't that slim either. The Kel-Tec .380 is about the most power and the most compact package around. Ergonomics are kind of sucky though. Find a shop with a very good selection of handguns and BROWSE. Handle as many as they'll hand you and ask questions. Keep in mind how you will be dressed, what kind of carry set-up you plan to use and whether you'll be sitting, standing, driving, etc. most of the time. Good luck.

September 21, 2007, 17:24	#16
mpmax Registered FALaholic #: 10190 Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Oregon Posts: 254	Speaking of 45's... The original lightweight concealed carry piece, the Star PD. Did I mention it's for sale?

September 22, 2007, 20:26	#20
tracyballard Registered FALaholic #: 22431 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Amarillo Posts: 3,410	get a glock 20 before they stop makin em - wish I could afford to. Or get a used for for around $400 like you see in SGNews sometimes.

September 22, 2007, 20:36	#21
tracyballard Registered FALaholic #: 22431 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Amarillo Posts: 3,410	mpmax - love that Star, no one built more solid than they did back then. here's a couple of mine that are just sitting at my desk... Model 30 on bottom available for $400 shipped, fruity number on top not for sale...

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