first handgun questions

[jpparker88]

So, where I work, the 2 owners are all about tactical training and are huge members of Front Site in Nevada. This has prompted me to finally do something I have been mulling over a while, buying my first handgun. I am 22 years old, and have about $450 to spend out the door for this gun. I was really looking at the ruger p95 and then my uncle showed my the taurus 24/7 line. I would buy a glock or something along those lines but I don't shoot that much and right now it's totally out of the budget with college and everything. So, basically I am looking for ideas. I want a California legal handgun, in either 9mm or .45, somewhat reliable and accurate, all for about $450-$500 out the door including my HSC and fees. Any ideas? Once i get a list of potentials I'll go to the local gun store and feel them etc.

[OneSevenDeuce]

Oh my god, there are sooo many options. You can actually find Glocks in your price range if you look. Used Glocks are a great value. Check the Calguns private firearms sales section. If you don't want a Glock you can get a bare bones RIA 1911 for around that price. Want a compact pistol? Check out Kahr arms. You have so many options it's mind bottling.

[In_this_city]

if your looking for a compact Im selling an SR9c and its in your price range. The link is in my signature.

[robcoe]

In that price range, in a reliable gun your looking at a used glock(maybe) or a new Ruger. Rugers may not be the best looking guns in the world, but they always work, and I have never managed to break one of them.

For a first gun, I would recomend the Ruger. Tarus has been to hit or miss with its quality control for me to recomed it as a first gun.

Also consider the cost of ammo for the gun. If your not looking at this as a defensive gun you may want to consider a .22lr for lots of cheap practice. Ruger MKIII's and 22/45's are a good value here, with tax, dros, and HSC fees you would be looking at around $350 leaving plenty of money for cleaning supplies and ammo. In a centerfire round the 9mm is probably the best value around while rounds like .45 acp cost $0.50 per round.

You also might want to consider spending some of the money you have saved on range fee's and rentals and try out some different weapons and calibers at your local shooting range. Find a gun you really like shooting and then save up the money(as a former college student I can vouch for the fact you can live on top ramen for a long time) to buy the one you really like.

[jpparker88]

I held the Ruger, and it felt right. A little larger, but I have larger hands and it was ambi gripped, which is good because I'm left handed. I have a couple rifles and I was kind of left a couple .22 revolvers, but this is for protection and tactical training purposes and they require semi-auto. And, since I was looking at semi-auto I figured I might as well get something for home protection as well.

[jpparker88]

and I wasn't really looking for a compact, I wanted something full framed, but if the deal on a compact is good, I'll snap on it. My love of a good deal outweighs my want of something big.

[OneSevenDeuce]

I take it that for now at least you are going to be a practical one gun type of guy. Make sure you know whatever gun you go with. Shoot it a lot, learn all you can about it. And have fun! If I were to be allowed only one gun it would be a Glock 19.

[rubber duckie]

i say just keep an eye out in the classifieds, not too long ago was a cherry baby desert eagle that went for 375. for your price i don't see why you can't find a nice one. i say wait and decide one that you really want, sooner or later it will come up at the price you want.

[FNH5-7]

OP post your location we might be able to help you.

In my personal opinion, stay clear of LLama, Kel-tec, Taurus and Hi-Point.

[OneSevenDeuce]

My advise is to NOT go cheap on your first gun. Save and buy the one you REALLY want.

Glock 19 would be a great first gun, IF it feels right to you. Shop, save, wait a bit the right deal will come along.

I agree with this, but I also think practicality is a concern. I don't know the OP's situation but if I were in a situation where I felt that I NEEDED a self defense gun and I didn't have a lot of money to spend I definitely wouldn't wait to get my ideal gun. I would get something that I could afford for practical reasons. On the other hand if he wants the gun for fun and doesn't feel that he needs it right away then it would definitely be worth it to get a quality weapon.

[robcoe]

I held the Ruger, and it felt right. A little larger, but I have larger hands and it was ambi gripped, which is good because I'm left handed. I have a couple rifles and I was kind of left a couple .22 revolvers, but this is for protection and tactical training purposes and they require semi-auto. And, since I was looking at semi-auto I figured I might as well get something for home protection as well.

In that case, of the 2 you mentioned the P95 is the better choice. Not real sexy but it goes bang every time.

[jpparker88]

I'm stuck in lancaster california. I want it for fun, and also defense. The crime rate in my area has been going up ever since the economy went down. I own quite a few guns, I love them, but I've always been more of a long gun person. All rifles and an old .410. All of those not very practical for defense.

[foxtrotuniformlima]

Eat Top Ramen for another couple of weeks and get a Glock or SA XD.

[OneSevenDeuce]

I'm stuck in lancaster california. I want it for fun, and also defense. The crime rate in my area has been going up ever since the economy went down. I own quite a few guns, I love them, but I've always been more of a long gun person. All rifles and an old .410. All of those not very practical for defense.

Actually long guns can be just what the doctor ordered for self defense. Depends on if you are going to be staying in a house or dorms during college I suppose. Then again, most college campuses ban all guns. For home defense it's all about the 12 gauge. Several highly regarded writers are advocating semi auto rifles for home defense also. It's all about your needs though. You want a pistol? Get a pistol.

[KaTooM]

I would stick with a 9mm if your on a tight budget because the ammo is cheaper than most other calibers.

I would start browsing the forum classified section for a used one.

GLOCK 19

The all-round talent
The GLOCK 19 is ideal for versatile use
through reduced dimensions compared with
the standard pistol size. With the proven caliber
of 9x19, it has found worldwide distribution in
security services. In addition to being used as a
conventional service weapon, it is suitable for concealed carry or as a backup weapon. For instance, many of the elite pilots of the USAF for instance trust the GLOCK 19 for their efficient defense in emergency situations.