What Are Some Popular Handguns?

[Scorcher214]

I'm only 19 right now so I'm not going to be purchasing one too soon. But I'm going to a gun and knife show just to maybe get a feel for some pistols. What do you reccomend I check out? I've looked at some m1911s as those seem to be pretty popular. What else?

[slonezp]

There's a ton of them. My advice to you when looking to purchase a handgun is to find one that is comfortable in your hands. There are different guns for different purposes. Target, CC, home protection, competition etc. Ammunition varies as well. You can get 22 rounds for next to nothing. The .454 casull rounds for my Ruger are 2 bucks a piece on sale. Are you allowed to buy a handgun in Michigan at 19? In IL it's 18 for a long gun and 21 for a hand gun.

[Scorcher214]

Michigans laws are the same. I was just going to the show to check some out so when I do turn 21 I can make my decision quicker

[Highhawk1948]

My main gun right now is a Colt Commander 1911, .45 ACP. I also like and shoot revolvers. Love the Ruger Blackhawks, carryed one for years.

Go in with an open mind and you have to know what you will use it for as said above. Hard to beat a good revolver for a truck and trail gun.

Have fun, haven't been to a gun show in a couple of years. Need to go just for the entertainment.

[endless]

I like Springfield Armory. Taurus not bad either for an inexpensive brand. I own a Springfield XDM 40cal. and a Taurus 4" 357mag revolver stainless steel that will also shoot 38 specials. My cousin owns the Taurus 3"Judge stainless steel which shoots either 410guage or 45 long. Smith & Wesson has the Governor that is similar to the Judge.

[whittler1]

For a first handgun I always reccomend a .22. Cheaper ammo = more shooting, easier to control for a new shooter and develope their ability. While I'm at it a Ruger auto with bull barrel is a good choice, they are accurate, reliable and they can be had with the 45 grip frame so when your ready to move up to the 1911 your familiar already.

[Capt.Bob]

For a first gun, get you a 4 or 6 inch barrled .22 rimfire or 357, if you choose the 357, use 38 spcl. ammo till get familiar with it and can hit what you are aiming at, if you can't hit your mark with the 38's forget trying 357. When you get familiar with one of those you can grow from there.

[aavery2]

Glock 17 and 19, Sig Sauer 226, 2022, Springfield XD, XDM, EMP. I prefer 9MM guns, many others like larger caliber.

[Glenn]

Odd I don't see Baretta mentioned in threads like these. Why is that? What about Colt?

[Capt.Bob]

Odd I don't see Baretta mentioned in threads like these. Why is that? What about Colt?

Well glen for the most part today Colt is just a name, it has been sold and traded off so many times who knows what it is today, plus there are Manufacturers that were willing to update weapons with much more modern materials, manufacturing processes and that sells. Kind of like the plastic guns???? a fad that the younger gun owners see as better than something that will last a life time and superior to the less expensive black guns.

As for the Barrette I will just say, if you need 19 rounds, well maybe there is a better choice. I have 2 nephews over seas that are carrying 1911's they purchased in favor of the 9mm they were issued, and they tell me a lot of their buddies are doing the same, they want something that will defend their lives and the 45 acp. is a better cartridge if you are willing to practice and master it. I think the fad for large capacity is winding down also, and one shot stopping power is easier to attain with a slightly questionable shot with the bigger slug. The new plastic trend does concern me though as I am afraid we are going to see the firearms industry build what sells, whether it as reliable and durable as guns that were in operation a century ago and still are or not. Yes I know a lot of police are going 9mm 40 cal, and plastic.

But I am the range officer at our county conservation club, and a lot of LEO's that use our range tell me they have no choice and have to use what the dept. requires, against their better judgement. A lot to do with political correct, and little to be what is best. There is the fact that most young shooters don't want real world experience or time practicing, and like fads, they are told its good so they think it is. Plus I think the cost of cheap ammo makes them like it better weather it is or not, you can by 9mm and 38 ammo for 1/2 the price or less than 40 or 45 cal ammo, the want noise over results, JMO. But I know what works better if you can spend the time to be proficient with it. I watch many young shooters use their gun at 20 feet and think they will be as calm and have as much time to react in real world situations as they do with their budies shooting a piece of paper. You should know Glenn, as Bob Dillon warned us, "THE TIMES THEY ARE A CHANGING" and not always for the better!

[Glenn]

Are Colt and Baretta made of plastic? Because if they're not, then conversation just went sideways.

[aavery2]

Are Colt and Baretta made of plastic? Because if they're not, then conversation just went sideways.

Both, models like the 92FS and M9 are still metal guns, but they also have composite models that are popular now like the PX4 Storm and the Nano,

Colt has kinda been on the downslide since about 1984 when the Military decided to replace the 1911 as the standard issue sidearm, then in 1988 they lost the contract for the M-16.

[KU_Bassmaster.]

I shot a Beretta M9 for the first time last weekend. I am in love. What a gun!!!

[MrSwimJig]

I have a Beretta PX4 9mm, Kimber Tactical Pro II 45 and a Stoeger Cougar in 9mm and 45. For price wise you can't beat the Stoeger Cougar. Price wise they are very well made guns and function very well. They are still made on the machines from Beretta and to Beretta specifications.

For stopping power a 45 is tough to beat.

Its best to just find a gun that fits your hands and feels very comfortable. You will know when you pick it up and hold it.

[Al Wolbach]

For a first handgun I always reccomend a .22. Cheaper ammo = more shooting, easier to control for a new shooter and develope their ability. While I'm at it a Ruger auto with bull barrel is a good choice, they are accurate, reliable and they can be had with the 45 grip frame so when your ready to move up to the 1911 your familiar already.

This would be my advice also and is exactly what I did with my wife and sons..............Al

[SPEEDBEAD.]

S&W M&P 9 full size on order right now.

I am a fan of the XD as well.

For a cheap "beater" pistol that has served me well through many 45 rounds, the Taurus Millenium Pro 145 is tough to beat.

[jbsoonerfan]

For fun shooting, I prefer my Ruger MK III in .22. My carry pistol is a Ruger LC9 in 9mm of course and I also have a Kimber Ultra Carry II Stainless 1911 that is chambered in 9mm.

Whatever you do, it is important that you become very familiar with your weapon.

Good luck! Buying guns is fun.

[FD.]

I have the Ruger SR9c which is a good compromise for me. Compact but still large enough to be comfortable in my hand.

[Maico1]

Odd I don't see Baretta mentioned in threads like these. Why is that? What about Colt?

No Sig Sauer either...

[Glenn]

I noticed that. Same with Kahr.

[aavery2]

No Sig Sauer either...

I did mention the Sig 226 and P2022 in an earlier post