Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire HELP! I'm buying a handgun.

[quote=Rug3]
Probably small, light, and good trigger will draw my attention.
Probably 9mm


Suggestions, recommendations?

Thanks
Jim[/quote

SCCY, Guaranteed for life. No questions asked. 9mm 10 in the mag 1 in the chamber. Love mine..

http://www.sccy.com/products/cpx-2-cb-9mm

Men, you are being far more helpful than you could realize.
Thanks!

Double Action or SA? Your choice?

When I see trigger pull of 6-9 pounds I tend to turn away.
I know that is because I want all my rifles including turkey shotgun at 2.5 pounds and have spent many an hour getting them there.
A handgun is an entirely different tool so adjusting to an entirely different pull is necessitated.

Thanks
Jim

I take it this is for concealed carry.

Concealed carry rigs are carried way more than they are shot, typically. Personally, I'd go with either a J frame S&W with an inside the waist band holster.

If you want a 9 mm, pretty hard to beat one of the Rugers or even a small Glock. Don't worry about the trigger pull being a little on the heavy side -- you won't be shooting for 1" groupe at 100 yards. My last uniform pistol was a Sigarms P229 DAO in 40 S&W. Because it was DAO, the pull never changed. It was about 10 pounds, but s-m-o-o-t-h as oiled glass. It even got better after the first couple thousand rounds, and it was scary accurate -- 8" 12 shot group at 100 yards with the 3.875" bbl.

Trigger pull is a learned activity.

FWIW, I had a Ruger SR9c for awhile, never could warm up to it, so went back to a G19.

Point being that there is no good substitute for handling various guns, and better yet actually shooting them. Research is OK, even necessary, but mostly to learn about technical and functional issues. Comes down to personal preference.

Shootist is right, a defense handgun's trigger is not the same as a target pistol, let alone a rifle.

Paul

I've no interest in any handgun with a thumb safety unless it's a straight-up single action auto.

Might have a look into a Sig 938. Picked one up a few months ago, and am very happy with it. Seems it might fit your needs.

Might have a look into a Sig 938. Picked one up a few months ago, and am very happy with it. Seems it might fit your needs.

Best suggestion possible, regardless of age.

Browning HP

I have no earthly idea what you mean by small. I like my Kahr PM9 it is real small. If I could own one pistol and one pistol only it would be a Glock 19. I don't care for Keltec, I am sure Ruger, Smith are good. I only buy "toys" when I am going to play with them on the range. In my worthless "opinion" for a basic do it all pistol, the only thing that beats a G19 is a Colt 6920/aimpoint/surefire/30 rounds of 62 grain softpoints.

This is a subject with about as many answers to it as there are responders. It's a highly subjective one with many aspects to it. You should ideally ask yourself, what is it's primary purpose? What might be a secondary use? How will I carry it? And where?

In reference to these questions, one must make many compromises in regard to type (SA, revolver), power, weight, comfort, and cost.

I finally (at least for now ) have settled on an all steel S&W J-frame 3" 357 to be carried in a IWB holster for a right hander. I'm a lefty. But carried IWB in the small of my back, the grip is pointed to the left and works for me.

I can shoot 38 Specials, + P, and 357s as I desire.

This is not THE answer but it is ONE answer.

Part of the reasons I began this thread is that I knew you men would have experiences, views, perspectives, thoughts, ideas, and opinions that I would not.

You have proven that correct. Your input absolutely helps. Appreciated.

Thanks for your help.
Jim

Jim,
I'm curious to know what you decide on. I'm strongly considering a change for my carry gun. It's been interesting to read everyone's responses. Thanks for your thread. ~ Sherri

S&W Shield !

Another vote for a Ruger LC9s. Well made, nicely improved trigger over the LC9, and easier to conceal that a Glock 19.

These two fit the bill:



Springfield XDs 9



Taurus PT109 Slim

There are many reasonable choices. Try some different guns and see what feels good. It's best if you can actually shoot the guns because shooting is quite different than just holding a gun in the store. I mostly carry a Glock 19 in a Rosen OWB holster and sometimes a S&W 442 in a pocket holster. I shoot Glock's in competition regularly so handling them is pretty instinctual for me.

Glocks are extremely reliable and have a low bore axis (reduces muzzle flip) that makes them a favorite of action shooters. And of course there are more cops carrying Glocks than anything else. The new Gen 4's have better ergonomics for different hand sizes. That said, there are many good compact polymer 9mm pistols. I feel better armed with the Glock, but the J frame is very easy to carry and very reliable. Carries great in the back pocket of my 5.11 shorts. I don't have as much confidence in the really small pocket pistols even though I have a couple.

I've owned most of 'em and had to carry them professionally for over thirty years. My two favorites are my Glock 23 and a stainless 1911 (All 1911's are pretty much all the same.).

Edited to add...I don't really like handguns much. I'm a long gun guy.

I stole my wifes Sig 938 and LOVE it! Very easy to conceal, 1911 styling and function. What's not to love?

Get top quality 124's and you'll be all set except for many boxes of practice ammo!

Haven't made a purchase yet but am looking seriously at a Ruger SR9c.