Help me choose a handgun!

I will be looking to get used handgun pretty soon, coming April maybe May. I am smaller build 5' 10"and 180lbs. I want to be able to carry it concealed. Me being a smaller build I am leaning towards compact handgun as opposed to full size handgun. I used to own quite a few handguns (Baretta Tomcat .32, Bersa .380 auto, S&W .357magnum revolver). I liked the S&W revolver the best, I have shot 1500+ rounds through it without single misfire or jam, super reliable gun!

I have also shot quite a few polymer handguns (Glock .40, .45, Springfield M+P .40). I didn't like how these handle when I shoot! They are light which is great for carry, however due to their light weight the recoil is quite sever so its hard to keep them pointed on target.

I have also shot S&W .50 revolver, but that's way overkill huge, heavy and loud...

The best handling and my most favorite handgun I have ever shot was Kimber model 1911 .45. Due to its heavy weight it didnt feel like .45. There was hardly any recoil and it was very easy to go through the magazine while keeping it pointed at the target with ease!

I have done quite a bit thinking about this and I am leaning towards;

- Compact pistol (lighter and easy to conceal)
- 9mm round (cheap 1/2 the price of .45)
- Automatic (can handle more bullets)

Now for makes, I do like Glock, just because its super easy to operate and anyone can shoot it. My wife has to be able to shoot the hand gun (I might regret that one day )

I am thinking that even though the 9mm Glock is polymer, 9mm round shouldn't make it recoil so much and "jump" off the target...

I would be getting the gun used to save some cash. Is that a good idea? Where can i shop for used handguns?

Let me know what you guys think about my selection and what would you purchase in my situation... The Glock comes in mind just because its widely known, BUT I am open to other handguns as well...

 

If you wanted something you can conceal easily and you want 9mm, I'd check out the new Ruger LC9. It's something I have my eye on b/c I already have so much 9mm ammo.


http://www.ruger.com/products/lc9/models.html

 

I would prefer to stay within compact pistols. The sub-compacts are GREAT for concealing, BUT the shorter barrel the pistol has the less efficient it is on longer distance. I bet the Ruger would suck past 20-30yards

 

Glock 9 is an excellent choice , for a weapon you want your wife to use as well. Reliable, easy to strip down... ( I think this is important, IMO the first thing you learn on a new weapon ), and there's a lot of em' out there.
380..also a good choice but beware, for some reason recently, there's been a shortage of rounds for this caliber, and when you find em' they're pricey. Don't know why. Just my .02. GL with your purchase.

 

Hey Tony,
PM me I might be able to help you with your decision.
Steve

 

Also it would be great if the hand gun had tactical rail for attachments...

 

Yeah, I'm sure you're right... I haven't tried it yet.

Have you tried the Springfield XD-9mm Sub? I have the 40sub and I love it. Friend has the 9mm and it has a lot less recoil.

If you didn't want to stick with a sub, I'd say also try the Springfield XD-9-M, I loved shooting that thing.

Steve

 

I love mine too -- The only issue I have is I can't seem to shoot with the extended mag in... I some how hit the clip release every 2-3 shoots... with the normal mag I have no issues... go figure

 

s&w model 686, 4-inch barrel, 357 magnum

 

I wish i could test fire the compact Glock 9mm before I buy it, just to make sure that I like how it handles...

 

FIRST OFF NEVER take the information from the internet as GOSPEL!
Even mine with that said......

I highly recommend a Ruger SR9 or the more compact SR9c.
http://www.ruger.com/products/sr9c/models.html
Made right here in Arizona, handles up to 17 rounds, lite shooting and if you go the "c" model can be a every day carry (EDC) gun. Small and light recoil and accurate!!!!
New prices are $375~450 and can be found at your LGS....

I also recommend you check out some gun forums too.

Good Luck,
Yuma Taco,

 

That looks like a fun toy

 

Blah

Oh well, I don't use mine anyways lol.... "Hey Mr. bad guy, please wait while I put my clip back in my gun please"

 

In what world is 5'10 180 pounds considered a small build?

 

I want to try those one day...

 

I work at a gun shop and we just got a display model of Kimber's new 9mm. it's called the kimber solo. seems to be a well made gun as kimber's usually are and also i can personally say it is a smooth shooting gun. it's not that much greater in size than the little 380's either such as the Kel-Tec, Ruger, or I.O. Hellcat. Would be one i would recomend doing some digging on.

 

You can try my Glock 33. It is a sub size Glock but barks pretty loud and snaps with some authority with the .357 sig round.
I need the finger extension to make it comfy to my grip, my pinky feels left out without it.

 

I'm kind of old school. When I carry it's usually a .38 snubbie. Very easy to conceal, especially out here where it's t-shirt weather 10 months out of the year.

 

you can do a glock if you are kinda clumsy.. and drop it it will still work... I have a ruger SR9C 9mm I love it and have my permit to conceal and carry it with me everywhere!