First Handgun

[Chris M]

I have several long guns. I reload 30-06, 12ga, & 20ga. I shoot occasionally, and I hunt. I don't yet have any handguns, but would like to buy one mainly for use as a side arm while hunting, but hopefully it'll spend a lot of time at the range.

I'm not quite sure what I want just yet, but I haven't really shot a whole lot of handguns, either. Three, actually - Ruger Mark III .22lr, S&W 629 (44mag), and a 44cal cap & ball revolver.

I've been leaning toward a Taurus 44mag revolver, or a Glock 20 (10mm), but the Springfield XD 40s&w recently caught my eye. I don't want to spend a fortune on the gun ($500-$600 is OK), and whatever caliber I choose, I'll be handloading.

Help sway me toward a decision.

[Cochise82]

All I can tell you is that I own a Springfield XD9 and it's a terrific gun. If you're looking at the XD series guns make sure you note that there are XD's and XD(m)'s. The XD(m) series guns have different grips and also a manual safety.

[davhed]

[dkthree]

It's all preference. I went to a gun show to buy a Ruger GP100 and came home with a Sig P220.... Think of it as starting a collection, it will make it easier to choose.

[Ricky-Ray]

I think a little more info would help. You say you wanna carry it with you when hunting. Do you want it as a backup gun or to hunt with? Bear protection? More as a self protection gun?

[Smithereens]

all i can say is that my impression of handguns changed tremendously after shooting them. I started going to the range and renting one or two pistols at a time, I got an idea quickly about what I liked and disliked.

[RedDawn]

If it's going to be a field gun, get the Glock G20.

[Chris M]

I think a little more info would help. You say you wanna carry it with you when hunting. Do you want it as a backup gun or to hunt with? Bear protection? More as a self protection gun?

Side-arm...non-hunting weapon. Used for self protection and/or finishing shot on a wounded animal.

Weight and size are definitely a consideration. I don't want an 8"+ 'Dirty Harry'. Eventually, I may get into handgun hunting, but I will purchase a dedicated handgun for the job if/when that time comes.

[Z ME FLY]

I would skip the Taurus.. Yeah you might get a good one but chances are you will get a bad one and it will need some repair work. If you want a .44 maybe one of those single action blackhawks might work?

[usctrojan]

Glock 17... great gun and a piece of history in how it changed the gun world. Berreta 92 has no shortage of great history and is a solid performer. Either of these two guns you can bet your life on. 9mm means you can practice a ton at a reasonable price. Which since you are newer to handguns is good. Lets face it chances are you are the limiting factor in a defense situation... not your bullet.

If you want self protection consider a Glock 21SF (45 caliber). If you want a gun that is so good you will think you are cheating get a 1911. My personal vote is the SA Loaded... but that is going to ask for around 900.

I know you said you are reloading but seriously... spend money on ammo/range fees/training.. forget the 44mag and the 10mm. The cost of your gun is negligible in the life of the firearm.

[sonico]

You know what sucks about a hunting sidearm? If you're in the condor zone, i.e. most of california, you must have it loaded with lead-free bullets.

[orangeusa]

Yup, really think about ammo costs (see my sigline!!)

Advice above is very good. Rent at a range. Try other guys guns. Since you have long guns, you MUST have buddies who can let you try theirs. Is this for defense while hunting (i.e. humans or ferile dogs?) or just hunting?

Stay away from the SA revolver - just my opinion. They take forever to load, shoot fast, and forever to unload. And if a magnum round or Long Colt, cubic $$. I sold a very desirable Single Six for this exact reason. Fun to look at, not fun to load and unload.

If hunting, a DA revolver would be really nice (S&W 686). I know I said ammo costs, but was thinking this was for target and as sidearm while hunting.

If defensive sidearm, with occasional target:
....Ruger centerfires get no respect but are very very strong, and inexpensive. A P90 is for sale (on CG) for $350!! (.45 cal) and it'll out last YOU!!
...Wondernine - Sig/Beretta/CZ/Browning many more... Get stainless if you can. Or Glock...

And I have to put in my obligatory, self indulging - 'Getta Beretta'. 92/96 series..

Man, this is a FUN problem, eh?
.

[OneSevenDeuce]

You might consider the Ruger .480 Alaskan revolver. It packs a punch, and is perfect as a defensive sidearm for hunters.

[Chris M]

Yup, really think about ammo costs (see my sigline!!)

Advice above is very good. Rent at a range. Try other guys guns. Since you have long guns, you MUST have buddies who can let you try theirs. Is this for defense while hunting (i.e. humans or ferile dogs?) or just hunting?

I got into hunting with my brother. He doesn't have any handguns either. My father has a very, very large collection of guns....but he lives in Virginia. None of my friends are into shooting, although I've taken many of them to the range to bust some clays.

Stay away from the SA revolver - just my opinion. They take forever to load, shoot fast, and forever to unload. And if a magnum round or Long Colt, cubic $$. I sold a very desirable Single Six for this exact reason. Fun to look at, not fun to load and unload.

If hunting, a DA revolver would be really nice (S&W 686). I know I said ammo costs, but was thinking this was for target and as sidearm while hunting.

Yeah, I definitely was not leaning toward Single Action revolvers for the purpose of a hunting side arm.

If defensive sidearm, with occasional target:
....Ruger centerfires get no respect but are very very strong, and inexpensive. A P90 is for sale (on CG) for $350!! (.45 cal) and it'll out last YOU!!
...Wondernine - Sig/Beretta/CZ/Browning many more... Get stainless if you can. Or Glock...

And I have to put in my obligatory, self indulging - 'Getta Beretta'. 92/96 series..

Man, this is a FUN problem, eh?
.

Thanks for the info...and yes, this is definitely one of the few good problems to have.

[usctrojan]

I am sorry, I misread personal protection. I am really thinking wheel gun 44mag or .45colt ... here is my reason. cheaper to practice and enjoy at the range when compared to the 480, 454, 500, etc (albeit these calibers are a ton of fun!)

Maybe you want to hit up the hunter forum?