Trusty Sidearm, looking for suggestions!

Hey all!

Without giving TO much away I'm looking for advice or reviews of any handguns you own or have owned. I'm in the market and pretty close to pulling the trigger (pun intended). Primary use will be recreation/target shooting, but truth be told this will be my security system on our future travels. I own plenty of long rifles and shotguns, but this will be my first handgun purchase. In the interest of full disclosure, I did work for a local sporting goods retailer some years back and I was partial to the Beretta 92. That's what I'm leaning toward now, but $$ is forcing me to look for a better value.

Any suggestions would be great!

My son and I both purchased a 92FS about five years ago. I purchased the standard FS and he got the Brigadiere. To me they are nice looking and well made guns but the accuracy isn't very good. For myself I could blame it on the shooter but my son is an accomplished marksman. They do have an optional adjustable site that I've been thinking about getting, just didn't get around to it. They also made an optional 22 conversion kit for them that we did purchase. That makes for some cheap shooting. If I purchased again I would probably consider a Kimber or Glock.

KH

Kimber is hands down the gun I want, but WAY out of the budget!!! :) Glock is in the running too along with Beretta. Thanks for the advice!

Depends what you want as far as caliber.

I just picked up a new Ruger KP345 for around $400 from Cabela's. It is a full size .45 Auto.

Shoots very accurately too.

Just remember that all states have different laws regarding transport of handguns, so watch what you are carrying when you leave your home state.

That's the reason I have a pistol gripped home defense 20 gauge in the 'Cat.....

Thinking a 9mm just because of how much more economical it is to shoot. In my heart I want a 40 or 45. I will give the ruger a look see this week! Thanks!

Good recomendation on the 20ga!! I will be making sure my concealed weapon is good for WA upon arrival. I'm thinking the Utah course/liscense should get me by.

I purchased one of these last year in the .40 cal. I didn't break the bank and it serves it's purpose. I bought it mainly for personal protection out camping, hiking, and fishing. I have done some target practice with it and it does handle nice. Comes in multiple calibers. Plenty of nicer hardware out there, but I couldn't justify spending that for what my intended purpose was......to go BOOM when I needed it. Google reviews and you will see it isn't a bad gun and it is made it America!
http://www.hi-pointfirearms.com/handguns/hi_point_handguns.html

No matter which sidearm you buy, I'd like to suggest that you consider taking one of the many defensive firearms courses that are offered. Not only will they teach you the basics of pistol handling, stance, etc., but they will also teach you the law on the use of deadly force and what to expect if you ever have to use the weapon.

The problem for 90% of all gun owners is hesitation. If you've never before in your life pulled the trigger on another human being there will be a moment of hesitation when the "bad guy" has the advantage and the gun owner usually winds up either dead or severly injured; most often by his/her own weapon.

Many sworn officers will tell you this, because they have experienced that "first time" hesitation themselves, even though they've been trained.

If they are honest, servicemen who have been in combat will tell you the same thing.

Most of us have an inbred hesitancy to take another life. It can be overcome, but at great cost to the individual.

I hope you never have to find this out.

JMHO and best of luck.

Schrowang, EXCELLENT points, very much appreciated! I consider myself a fairly educated firearm owner, but I fully intend on attending some self defense training for that very reason.

Thanks again!

Carpe Diem wrote:I purchased one of these last year in the .40 cal. I didn't break the bank and it serves it's purpose. I bought it mainly for personal protection out camping, hiking, and fishing. I have done some target practice with it and it does handle nice. Comes in multiple calibers. Plenty of nicer hardware out there, but I couldn't justify spending that for what my intended purpose was......to go BOOM when I needed it. Google reviews and you will see it isn't a bad gun and it is made it America!
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http://www.hi-pointfirearms.com/handguns/hi_point_handguns.html[/quote[/url]]

Gee, I thought I was the only one that owned a hi-point. It's a reliable weapon with good accuracy. I don't take a handgun with me when travelling though, too many state laws to deal with. Instead I take Mossberg Model 88 pump action 12 gauge shotgun with a black synthetic stock and 18" barrel. Just the sound of a pump action can be very intimating. There has only been one time in our years of RVing that I was glad I had it with me. As things turned out I didn't need it, but it gave me the sense of security that only a gun and provide.

Nothing is more intimidating to some one than looking down the barrel of a shotgun. I vote for a Glock. Some years back, I had a bullet stuck in the barrel and didn't realize it when I made my next shot. Nothing happened to me, but the barrel looked like a snake that just ate. It was replaced at no charge.

Springfield XD-45 or XDM-45. As the saying goes, shooting twice is a waste of ammo!!

I have 1911's....Browning 9mm High Power and others. The Springfield XDM is the best I've seen/shot in years. Also, I love the 45's. Price is around 425.00 here locally and could probably be found cheaper with some searching.

Kimber is an awesome gun if you can afford it, but I like the XD just as well. Good luck and be safe.

http://www.policeone.com/police-products/firearms/articles/1769403-Product-Review-Magnum-Research-Baby-Eagle/

http://www.gunblast.com/RKCampbell_BabyDesertEagle.htm


Those Israelis sure know how to make excellent weapons!!

TC

This probably isn't the weapon for everybody, but the video is interesting. It fires .22 LR and I believe the magazine holds 275 rounds. Very little recoil and a lot of lead.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISDyjQT8CSM

I carry a Glock, but that's just what I happen to have. I've never had any trouble with it.

[quote="Richard Mondavi"]

Carpe Diem wrote: Instead I take Mossberg Model 88 pump action 12 gauge shotgun with a black synthetic stock and 18" barrel. Just the sound of a pump action can be very intimating. There has only been one time in our years of RVing that I was glad I had it with me. As things turned out I didn't need it, but it gave me the sense of security that only a gun and provide.

In a similar situation, I came real close to using a 12ga a number of years ago; but that's another story.

I agree with the 12ga pump and the sound that it makes. A shotgun is the "great equalizer"; makes no difference who is holding it. It is too easy to miss with a hand gun and too easy for someone to take it away from you and use it on you.

This thread reminded me that I will finally be a law abiding citizen when I have the shotgun in the Wildcat when I visit a National Park. That was one law that I was happy to see changed.

You may be able to go to a range and rent some different handguns. Or check with friends to see if you can shoot some of their handguns. You should choose one that you feel comfortable shooting, how it fits your hand, Single action or double action, can you release the saftey quickly. Single stack or double stack mags. make a big differance in hand grips. Or you may want to go with a wheel gun. Are you going to open carry or cc? You may want to look into pawn shops it may save you a few bucks. Also need a good holster, something that is comfortable, and that all depends on how you are going to carry.

I cc a Sig Sauer p220 .45acp.( takes a lickin and keeps on ticken ) most of the time I wear if in a cross draw position. Its easy to draw when driving. Lot of things to think about before you buy. Just take you time and I am sure you will do just fine.

With semi autos its a good idea to run about 250 to 300 rnds. of ball ammo to get things broken in if you you want to use hollow points as defence ammo. Nothing worse than a jam when ya need to rock and roll.