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Exodus

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Hello:

I joined this most prestigious site just this weekend and I hope that I'm not about to ask a question that has been belabored to death before, but here goes. I'm very new to the gun world and as yet do not own a firearm although I do have experience shooting both small and long arms. To start, I want to buy a handgun and begin practicing at the range with the focus of purchasing one that has the attributes of being extremely reliable, and quick to load.

If I go with a revolver, then I would have to take the time to load the cylinder. On the other hand, if I go with a pistol, I can grab a loaded magazine, shove it in pull the slide and it's a go. On the surface it seems that the pistol is the answer for me, but the reliability still remains a question. Can I ask you fellas to give me any of your comments. I appreciate your input.

My second question has to do with brands. In the revolver, I'm looking at the S&W 686 Plus and in the pistol category I'm looking at the Sig P226 .22lr with the purchase of the .40 X-Change Kit. Also I'm looking at the CZ Combat 85 9mm. For what I'm looking at here and based on the above, are these some good handgun options for me? If you have any other choices for me to consider, I'd really be grateful.

Thanks so much fellas in advance.
 
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Woah Im first? Get a Glock if you dont mind the grip. Easy to shoot,clean and there are no external safety's to worry about. Trigger pull is also consistent first to last shot. A Double action has a heavy than light pull which messes some people up.

And reliabilty? Nothing more reliable than a Glock.
 
Revolver and moon clips
There really isnt such thing as a "****ty gun anymore" its hard to go wrong with most modern pistols just pick the best fit for your hand in your budget.
 
Exodus said:
Hello:

I joined this most prestigious site just this weekend and I hope that I'm not about to ask a question that has been belabored to death before, but here goes. I'm very new to the gun world and as yet do not own a firearm although I do have experience shooting both small and long arms. To start, I want to buy a handgun and begin practicing at the range with the focus of purchasing one that has the attributes of being extremely reliable whenever it is needed and also quick to load and chamber.
Click to expand...

Welcome aboard..... but put your flame suit on and be prepared to be called a troll cuz you certainly sound a bit like one.....

Exodus said:
I understand here in Canada that our firearms must be locked, unloaded and separate from ammo while in the home. Given this, if I go with a revolver, then I would have to take the time to load the cylinder. On the other hand, if I go with a pistol, I can grab a loaded magazine from point A shove it in pull the slide and it's a go. On the surface it seems that the pistol is the answer for me in regards to quickness but I don't know about reliability. Can I ask you fellas to give me any of your comments. I appreciate your input.
Click to expand...

Do a search for "Ian Thompson" and read everything you can on him and his case and then get back to us.......

Exodus said:
My second question has to do with brands. In the revolver I'm looking at the S&W 686 Plus and in the pistol category I'm looking at the Sig P226 .22lr with the purchase of the .40 X-Change Kit. Also I'm looking at the CZ Combat 85 9mm. For what I'm looking at here and based on the above, are these some good handgun options for me? If you have any other choices for me to consider, I'd really be grateful.

Thanks so much fellas in advance.
Click to expand...

I suggest you join a club and spend some time with other club members, most of whom would be more than willing to let you try a myriad of guns. You will then be able to make informed decisions.

Good luck!
 
Can't go wrong with a Sig or CZ. I have a Sig P226 Classic .22lr with a 9mm X-change kit and a CZ 85 Combat 9mm. The CZ is more comfortable to hold depending on the grip (I never handled an E2 grip on a Sig) and handles recoil better due to the lower bore axis. Both are very reliable. You may want to look at the Beretta 92FS/92A1/96A1 as well. Another great pistol.
 
What do you need it for? When your wild paper targets attack? Because that's the only thing our nanny state smiles upon. You use it to defend yourself, you're in bigger crap then whomever you're trying to defend yourself from.
 
Richard, you cut me to the quick saying I sound like a troll. Please tell me how not to sound like one. Give me some anti-troll 101 instruction. Now I have to go and have a drink for alas I am a troll. Oh woe is me for I am now but an outcast. All kidding aside. Thanks all for your suggestions and please keep them coming. What do you think about the pieces I'm looking at?
 
In my opinion, the .22lr is an awesome "emergency" (pack and carry) caliber only for the fact that anyone can shoot it easily and an individual can carry 1000's of rounds comfortably.
However, the .22lr does have some cons; the biggest being the "rimfire-technology." Secondly, the small projectile (for emergency applications?)

Now with that said, I have a Ruger 22/45 and absolutely love it! It also hasn't failed me yet.

For the "quickest and most reliable," that's tough. Luckily we are in Canada so we can overlook things like weight and size in a handgun (big sarcasm there).

Magazines are damn quick to get into action, and a good semi-auto is very reliable.
But revolvers are almost 100% reliable, but no where as quick to load/re-load as a semi (*as mentioned, speed-loaders/moon-clips do make a big difference.)

My very first handgun was a 6" GP100 in .357Magnum.
My second handgun was a 22/45 Mark II.

Ultimately, go with whatever you think you will like more... chances are you will eventually go through several handguns so all of this will end up being moot anyway. :D
Right now I am eyeing those 4.2" 686's as well, but only because they are so ###y. I also reload, and I detest picking up brass now (really kills the fun for me).

In reality it almost always boils down to "What can you afford to shoot?"
I personally have no shooting-friends who could blow through several boxes of retail .44Mag (myself included) and not feel the financial sting of that shooting session.

So here's the best advice: Get either something in .22lr (super cheap, you could be shooting weekly.) or 9x19 (the cheapest retail center-fire ammunition going) and enjoy.

If you want any other caliber, then you really need to get into reloading. Hope this helps.

Your idea on a pistol that has the .22lr conversion swaps is a good idea. I myself have gone this route several times; for the cost though, you could probably pick up a dedicated .22lr pistol and dedicated 9mm.

Cheers~
 
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The handguns you mention in your post are all excellent firearms, however I'd advise you to try as many as you can before spending your money. It may be that the grip on one doesn't suit you, or some similar situation. Don't disdain the polymer-frame guns...the Glock and especially the M&P guns are durable and reliable and very easy to use.

As far as home defense goes... Take the money you'd spend on a home defense gun and spend it on more secure doors and windows, and better locks. Then train yourself and your family to NEVER open the door to a stranger or anybody who isn't a trusted friend or can prove their reliability. Unless your situation is _very_ unusual, the chances of needing a gun in a hurry behind secure walls is minimal.
 
Yes dahs, it is for when my wild paper targets attack. That is exactly the reason. Have you seen those new zombie targets they've got out now? They have got me very concerned. Just yesterday one of them crept up out of the ground behind me. I'm taking them all back to the store. Seriously, it was just a question to have more learned people than myself to comment on so that I get the best piece I can having these attributes.
 
There's no such thing as a need for a "ready" pistol in Canada....it's a safe, modern, western country and the Police/State/Social Workers will be there instantly if you need them should anything go awry.

however...if you are concerned for your safety, please feel free to keep a wet sock filled with tennis balls close at hand. Or popcorn...you could always throw popcorn.
 
Exodus; you'll develop a thick skin here in short order, no worries 'bout that! Welcome! All of the guns you listed are very reliable firearms and will give you years of enjoyment both at home and on the range (fondling and firing respectively). If you can find an older S&W 686 in excellent condition don't hesitate (the rest of us don't!).
I don't own or care for the .40 chamberings so I can't comment. It's 9mm or .45 for a pistol anything else is just a weird pain in the ass IMHO. For revolvers you've got it sorted.

Please be easy with the questions about easy/quick availability...this is a public forum after all, big brother is watching.
Store them safely, shoot them often and watch your blood pressure count drop. :D

Cheers,
Plinker 777
 
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You're not going to get a consensus on anything here. Part of that is because most guns these days are built to fairly good standards. Some people will tell you to buy old quality, others will say new advancement is better, the truth is that most guns are usually dependable if they are maintained as appropriate for your situation.

Then again, there are some legitimately funky guns, like the S&W bodyguard with a polymer frame and design changes. It does fine on the range, until you try rapid fire and the thing jams on you. Yeah, a revolver that jams. Supposedly, at least according to milproakron on YouTube.

Pretty much any choice you make can be a good one, if you put effort in it. Most any of the major brands will do you good, and if you want third party support go for something established like a Glock gen3, that has been proven by thousands.
 
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