Looking for new pistol - your input needed!

[Lancear15]

If you have time and a range that rent guns, I would recommend spending time shooting all of the guns mentioned before making a purchase.

My friends have bought the XDs and Glocks because that is what they could afford. Once they shot my 1911s they wished they would have saved up money for a 1911.

If you have $1K to spend on a gun, I dont think you will be disappointed with a nice 1911.

glock > 1911 as far as "tactical abilities", which is what the OP is concerned with. Less parts to fail, less maintenance, no safety to fumble with, etc...

GLOCK FTW thank you.

[punisheryayarea]

This sig right here http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...d.php?t=306907 I'll give u a better deal then what it say's

[themailman]

For starters Id say a Sig P226 or P229.

[dstiltner]

glock > 1911 as far as "tactical abilities", which is what the OP is concerned with. Less parts to fail, less maintenance, no safety to fumble with, etc...

GLOCK FTW thank you.

I have yet to have any of my 1911s fail anytime that I have shot them, either practice or competitions. Any gun can fail if not properly maintained or operated. Whatever the OP is comfortable with will be the best gun for him in a "tactical" situation. My feeling is most people buy what they can afford which is usually a tupperware gun. Once they have practiced enough with any gun, it will be the gun they are most comfortable with. If they are not going to practice, I would recommend a revolver.

[wsmc27]

If you have time and a range that rent guns, I would recommend spending time shooting all of the guns mentioned before making a purchase.

^^^ EXCELLENT idea.

[manuelcardenas77]

Or if your in socal. You can buy my Sig P229

[Stealth]

9mm is the ammo you want.

XD9, Glock 17, M&P 9mm, HK, CZ, Sig 226, Berreta 92, Ruger SR9

All good. The best suggestion is find the one that feels best in your hand. Reseach the design of the pistol in regards to operation. Do you want safeties, you want less safeties, do you want a de-cocker, Double Action Only?

[tacticalcity]

Glock. Same trigger pull every single time means you will master it in no time, and be smooth and fast when you do. It is a proven weapon system, known for reliability, dependability, and simplicity. No safeties to flip on or off. No decockers to deal with. No first super hard trigger pull followed by light trigger pulls that cause you to miss completely.

Draw, point in, hard focus on the front sight, and squeeze, reset, quick sight picture, squeeze, re-assess, aim at the head if he's still coming, hard focus on the front sight, squeeze. All in under a second or two. Quick check right and left, scan your environment, reholster and call 911.

What's the difference between that and say a CZ or Sig?

Draw, point in, flip off the safety (except on the sig) hard focus on the front sight, and squeeze hard this time (but not too hard or too fast you'll jerk the gun and miss), reset, quick sight picture, squeeze light this time (hope you remembered not to squeeze hard or you'll miss), re-assess, aim at the head if he's still coming, hard focus on the front sight, squeeze (hope you remembered not to squeeze hard or you'll miss). All in under a second or two. Quick check right and left, scan your environment, reholster (remembering to decock or engage the safety or you'll risk shooting your foot off) and call 911.

..in other words the Glock requires a lot less effort to do the exact same task, and does it quicker...which in my mind is better.

Another advantage is you'll lots of money left over for magazine rebuild kits and ammo.

If you cannot stand the looks of the Glock, something bothers a lot of firts time gun buyers, try out the S&W M&P...I've heard good things but have yet to field test one myself. If you really need to spend every penny of that money, checkout a Springfield 1911 Loaded (stay away from GI models as they do not have the features you want). The 1911 has a safety to deal with, which is a con, but it also has the same trigger pull every single time which is a major plus.

[fifthward]

Get something versatile...that you could use for HD, or even if you had to tow that thing around.

For versatility, I chose the HK P2000, V2 LEM in .40 s&w

I have no worries with it loaded w/ 140 gr corbon dpx, and like that it's compact enough for close quarter shooting, which is a high probability within a home.

LEM trigger allows same, consistent trigger pull each time, no safeties, no decocker, and the gun is light enough when I hike around.

Quality build is there, the HK name speaks for itself.

[sleepr66]

I bought a new M&P9 couple of weeks ago as my first gun and home defense. Put about 250 rounds through it so far.
Not even a hiccup from the thing, sent all the bullets down range like it should. Feels great while shooting, and im a small framed guy.
Plus I like that it is an American Company with a lifetime garauntee.
Of course people will shout out glock's and sig's, can't argue with their track record. However i have heard some pretty ugly things from the XD series (especially xd40).

[jdewolf]

GLOCK!

Goto the range and rent a variety of firearms. If you let them know you will be purchasing from them and if they're cool they'll give you a discount. Find the caliber you are most comfortable with and then start working on different manufacturers as you go along.

[Dhena81]

I like Glocks, Sigs, and 1911's funny to if you wanted a 1911 I'd buy a Sig GSR personally I think it's the best 1911 you can buy for under a 1000.

Like others said go to a shooting range that has lots of selection that also sells the same pistols and shoot them. Figure out what caliber and model works the best for you.

For the Sigs I would buy any of their pistols that are legal in CA and be ok with it and the same goes for the Glocks. I don't really dig sub compact models much unless you really have small hands. Go with a compact or a full size and make sure to buy some defensive loads from Speer, Federal, Hornady, Cor-Bon, or Black hills and see how your gun feeds them and make your choice. Don't forget to have a dedicated flash light that never leaves the same spot so if you ever need it you know exactly were it is preferably a weapon mounted one.

Also if you decide what you want is a Glock 21 I'm selling a brand new in box for really cheap message me if your interested its posted with price in these forums Good luck.

[BunnySlayer]

If you were to ask a hundred different people you would likely get a hundred different answers. In the end, beg, borrow, or rent all the guns you can and pick what suits you best. I would agree with OGHL888 who recommended a full size service weapon. I would not go smaller than .38 or larger than .44 spcl. I would also keep i mind the money you spend on training is more important even than your choice of gun. What good does it do to have a great computer if the software is inadequate.?

[fifthward]

Not to take this thread off topic, but instead to help spread some knowledge...what is the pros to having a full size weapon as HD over a compact (i.e. 226 vs. 229, G17 vs G19, USPf vs. USPc ??)

I have heard this argument more than once, and it seems like the main advantages if full size is longer barrel, longer sight radius....advantages that come into play with longer distance accuracy, not 5-7 yards which is typical home room distances.

[Federalist]

Be prepared to get advice that is all over the map. The advice will range from choices of caliber, revolver/semi-automatic, manufacturer, and of course model. Rather than recommending a specific gun, here are a few thoughts on how to make your decision:

1. You already have set a budget. $1k gives you many options. Have fun looking at, and trying out, lots of guns

2. I know you said you want it for HD, but think a but into the future. Is this the only handgun you intend to purchase? For what else will you use this gun? That will have a big effect your decision.

3. What other variables are going into your decision? Are you worried about a semi-automatic jamming or failing to feed? Do you want 10 rounds or is six enough? Do you live in a place where bullet overpenetration is an issue? This will help you determine choices of caliber, and revolver/semi-automatic.

4. How much time to you have to practice with it? If not, consider a revolver.

5. How large a caliber do you feel comfortable shooting a well-placed follow up shot? It will take some time at the range to determine this.

6. What gun feels good in your hand, has a nice trigger pull, has other ergonomics that works for you, and handles the recoil well for you? This will help you determine choices of manufacturer and model.

Take your time making your selection. Do some thinking, then some researching. Spend some time at the local gun shop. Then try out a few at the range. That way, you will end up making a great decision.