Thinking of buying my first firearm- opinions?

Im taking a beginner class tonite. I am really looking forward to it too!!

 

So the class went great! Shot a ruger 22 and a glock 17. Took my handgun safety certificate exam, passed with a 29 out of 30. Missed question on transfer of firearms between brother and sister. Oh well!

Going to look into gun safes, then decide on what handgun and purchase my first one!

 

..was starting to think you didn't make it out alive!

congrats! sounds like things went well and you enjoyed it!

 

Silly JHP's, Glaser's are where its at

 

...not enough penetration depth, ...i'll stick to JHPs

 

I Agree with this message.^^^^^

 

THIS^^HYDrOS

 

You could alternate rounds in the mag, but no other round causes this much trauma.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAgC6B5yiyQ

 

You can kill a person with a pellet gun...don't go for the big calibers, go with what you are most comfortable and profecient.

 

how much "trauma" would it cause if it had to go through a windshield first?.. thanks, but i'll stick to good old JHPs..

 

Luckily I came in educated thanks to you guys.

I had SUCH a good time. GF did too!
It was a little hard to get used to silence, then a huge BLAM! next you you that you are not expecting. It made me flinch, but I will get used to it. I really liked the glock 17 so I think I am going to go with that. They had a USP there that was really nice as well, but I am told they were a bit touchy and also a solid 300$ more off the bat.

It felt great in my hand, and my instructor told me that my grip was really good. It felt really comfortable to hold it the way he showed us, and I found it easy to squeeze harder with my left while keeping my right relaxed and following through with the trigger pull.

 

if the ergonomics work for you and your GF, the glock 17 should be a solid reliable platform... ...sounds like you and your GF are off to a great start!

 

... and you can shoot 38 specials with it!

Don't forget to clean often, it will make you more familiar with your firearm.

 

I'm not going to read all the other opinions right now but I will say you must be comfortable with whatever you choose. Sure, everyone wants to have a big 'ol Ruger Redhawk Alaskan .454 Casull as their defensive weapon, but's entirely unrealistic.

My recommendation is to start out with a smaller caliber (cheaper ammo) and build your skills/confidence. Ruger has a nice new rimfire pistol called the SR22. Looks very nice and has some great features for the buck. And a well-placed .22 will kill. You can always pick up a nice used Glock in 9mm like a 17 or 19, although Glock 22's are in better supply (numerous LEO trade-ins). Glock performance is reliable as a sunrise, hold their value, a synch to maintain, and are very easy to shoot.

Best of luck.

 

I just clean mine well after plinking with 38s - just like I do for my 454 after shooting 45 colts (or my 44 rems after shooting 44 sw). If you measure your brass after shooting, you might be suprised how much room you really have to work with though. Most firearms have suprisingly loose tolerances, which is pretty hard on the brass for those of us who roll our own.

 

Nice to know another peninsula couple are enjoying firearms! I used to shoot at Reeds indoors, and the Los Altos Rod and Gun Club has a well run public range.
In terms of hand gun self-defense:
1. Definitely get the Gun Vault if you really think you want quick access to a loaded firearm in your home. Wonderful device.
2. Purchase the weapon you are most accurate with under pressure, that has at least a modicum of stopping power.
3. If you are going to use it for home protection, spend the time and money to be trained to do so. Practice practice practice. Consider joining something like IDPA to become proficient and safe with your rig under pressure. Plus it's fun!

 

remember, before squeezing that trigger, try an identify your target in your house. I have heard many a story where a family member came home, and the spouse didnt identify who it was, and then blindly fired at thier signifigant other, child, or other family. Get a flashlight. Like a surfire, or a Streamlight(trl1-2-3). I have one on the rail of my glock and and i depress the light switch multiple times causing it to strobe, witch WILL disorient your target long enough for you to positivly id friend or foe. Just my 02.

 

I have a 1911 45 acp and an Xd45 service and a beretta 92sb 9mm and a tactical shotty. If its for home defense get the xd but go with the 45acp. if your new at the sport i strongly advise you to take a firearms course. Im a weapons instructor and see many people who are in my classes that seem to think they know more then they do. its humbling to them to find out that their not where they think they are. the course is only going to benefit you.

 

so....you are agreeing with me? right?

 

You should ask that hippy in your class this question: is the criminal's life worth more than your familys life? If he says yes to that question, then you are speak with someone who's moral compass is completely disorted, and someone who is never wrong.

Ever since i have been able to own a weapon, i have been of the feeling that it is better to have, and not need, than to need, and not have.

Also tell him without firearms, America and his right to open his dam mouth about guns wouldnt even exist.