So, I turned 21 today.

[Exdc]

Not a huge fan of alcohol, and I have work and school during the week, so I'll probably not drink for a while. Not while I have a job AND exams.

Anyway that's not the point. I went to my local gun store, and did the Hand Gun Safety Certification test. It was common sense stuff of course, and I got 30/30.

Now I can legally purchase a handgun, assuming I have the money... So I start my fund. I also have my CCW appointment set for January 26.

Anyway I went to the gun store today, excited to hold a few different guns (Apparently I've got to be 21 to hold them... But that's not an issue anymore). I've had a very limited experience shooting pistols, though I very much enjoyed shooting the few that I have. My experiences have been positive, and my marksmanship is better than I thought it would be. I can easily hit a man sized target at 100 yards with a 1911, and I imagine a 9mm would not be much different.

I've decided on 9MM because the price for the ammunition is reasonable, yet it still serves as a useful and capable self defensive round. You can of course put in your thoughts on that choice, though unless there is some substantial reason to use something different, I probably won't change my mind.

I had thought (and done much research) and pretty much come to the conclusion (before today) that I would get a Glock 19. Reliable, median priced, and it was supposed to be pretty comfortable for most people. Well, out of the guns that I felt today, I was surprised that the Glock 19 was the least comfortable. The Colt 1911 was nice, but it quite a bit out of my price range for the foreseeable future. The Beretta PX4 Storm felt nice in my hand, but the trigger pull was almost unbearable. Then I felt the Glock 17. It was obviously larger than the 19, but it fit my hand almost perfectly (I guess I have reasonably large hands), and felt great.

I'm still open to trying out different guns, and I'd like to feel how the gun shoots before buying it, but it definitely felt comfortable in my hand, and I'm confident I could use it to defend myself or my family, if the need arose.

Any input for other potential guns to try (Please DO include other calibers (45, .40, etc), as long as they are reasonably priced). I'm looking in the $300-$500 range (out the door) for the gun, and I would definitely consider buying used, assuming the model has a good track record.

I would also appreciate tips to reasonably priced guns (particularly of the Glock 17 flavor).

If you have any particular experiences with the Glock 17 that you would like to share, feel free.

I'm just happy to be 21.

[erik_26]

Happy Birthday.

Now you have the 'freedom' to buy a handgun and have all the California restrictions that go with it.

[Exdc]

Thanks. I will gladly accept any freedom that is currently available.

[bishop2queen's6]

RIA 1911 GI was $490 OTD for me

[Dead*Reckoned]

Get yourself an AOW, or an m2 or something. Why go small with a handgun...

[jonc]

happy b day!!!

[Virus55]

Well i dont think you will get a G17 out the door for less than $500 unless you get a used one maybe. but if your on a budget between 3-5 id say try the Sig Sauer SP2022 in 9mm. ive heard they go from $409 and maybe just a little under and ive seen alot of reviews on them and they seem to be pretty positive. i have one in .40 and i love it.

[donny douchebag]

Why is it important to buy a handgun so quickly after turning 21? Just because you can?

[Dead*Reckoned]

Why is it important to buy a handgun so quickly after turning 21? Just because you can?

Do you have any experience with being a gun owner under the age of 21? If you did, you would understand ....

[Exdc]

Not simply because I can, though I am excited to have that right now. I don't simply wish to exercise *any* right "just because I can". I see purpose in my rights, and that's why I choose to exercise them. I currently live in a somewhat bad part of town (Del Paso Heights, if that means anything to anyone) and there have been numerous shootings in my area in the 3 years that I have lived here. While I have an AR-15, and I'm confident using it, I would prefer to have a weapon that's easier to keep close, should the need arise. I'm also seriously considering getting my guard card, and becoming an armed security guard (I have a potential "in"), to supplement my current minimum wage income. Hope that answers your questions. Thanks for all the birthday wishes guys (: and I'll take a look at the SP2022.

[jeremy69]

Take a look at CZ75's too. They used to be a good deal, but prices have gone up a bit.

[BHPFan]

First of all, Happy BDay!!!

Now about a handgun in your price range, $300 - $500.

There are quite a few good ones that you can look in the Marketplace or the used/consignment sections of the LGS.

Caliber recommendation: 9mm is as you found out the most affordable for range practice time among defensive calibers. There plenty of models for that caliber at that price range: check out the Springfield XD, S&W M&P and Sigma series or the SIG P2022 (their polymer P series). If you want metal, you cannot go wrong with a used Beretta 92 or a used CZ 75 series of pistols or Ruger P89. There are also pistols that are discontinued, but they are affordable in your price range like the S&W 2nd and 3rd Generation semiautos, S&W 99 series. It's a matter of looking for and holding them. If you can a gun range that rents them, then you can try shooting them.

Good luck in your search.

[hundreddollarman]

Happy birthday. Have you tried out the XD or the M&P? Those are also solid choices and on par with Glock as far as price, reliability and ease of use.

[air0n'03]

For that price range you can get a Rock Island Armory 1911 GI. JUST dros'd one today. Since you're going to school I'd suggest a 9mm, ammo is a little cheaper than a 45. I think you may find a glock for a little over 600.

[Mossy Man]

if you don't mind used, you can get a used G19 with night sights for $399 in sacramento.