Handguns

Leavenworth said:
It’s not the first time I have heard the .22 LR reply in this thread . Let’s just say I buy a new Roger M1V that’s quite a bit of money on a 22 if I want to hopefully own a 9mm . I guess I could sell it later. Or as mentioned I could buy a used quality 22 .

Wendall I would want this gun to be reliable , shoot straight , parts availability , cheaper ammo even if it is good stuff . I would want to shoot targets hopefully get into some sort of a shooting sport with it and finally it would be a SHTF gun IF needed
Leavenworth
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My first post on CGN was asking the question "how many handguns can a guy get before he begins to draw attention to himself?" The logical answer I got was "you already have a gun... you are already under consideration." I couldn't settle on just one or two... when I take handguns to the range I always shoot a 22lr most. Most often it's a revolver, but pistols as well. My first 22lr was a Ruger Mk1: people gripe about how difficult they are to strip and clean, but they aren't really. Subsequently, these and the Mk2 are not that expensive...

The shooting sport you select will determine what handgun you should get: some will dictate a semi auto. If you can only afford one, then you'll probably be most interested in 9mm as it is also cheapest of the centerfires to shoot. Until you establish good proficiency and technique, you'd be wise to avoid heavy recoiling rounds as this will only impose a flinch. I bought a Glock 21 just to give them a try: I still don't see the cult following... also, mine turned out to be a jamomatic like fanboys say 1911s are: given the same break in period as one would give a 1911, the G21 became just as reliable. It still feels and looks like a brick, but my big hands permit me to shoot all but the smallest frames in comfort. You can test for that fit/feel just by holding a gun in the shop. I do not have one, but like the PPQ: whatever Walther did with their striker system, it's smoother and does not stack like the Glock striker... even the cheaper PPX is slicker.

If finances are tight both can be found used: a 22 of your choice and 9mm or DA/SA 357 (shooting sport dictating). As for SHTF: adequate stopping power, a few thousand rounds prior training with a familiar (and proven reliable handgun)... defend with confidence.
 
I've been dwelling on the same questions myself.

22lr pistol
9mm pistol
.357/38sp revolver

All for being excellent calibers but also with ammo cost in mind as well as using the same caliber for pistol caliber carbines in 9mm or a 357 lever gun.
The 22lr pistol like a Ruger mkiv for real cheap fun and to learn on. Handguns are a whole different animal from long guns. This way cost of ammunition wont cut into range use. (again same caliber as many 22lr rifles as a bonus)


from there if you feel the need for anything larger then move onto larger calibers.
 
Leavenworth said:
...reliable, shoot straight, parts availability, cheaper ammo... I would want to shoot targets hopefully get into some sort of a shooting sport with it and finally it would be a SHTF gun IF needed...
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1. 9mm Parabellum (in a)
2. a contemporary service pistol

In broad strokes, it could be polymer, or aluminum alloy, or steel alloy. It could be hammer-fired or striker-fired. It could have a heavy-then-light- trigger mechanism, or a constant-weight trigger mechanism.

I suggest that you consider a polymer, striker-fired, constant-action... such as the most popular service pistol in existence:

https://www.wolverinesupplies.com/ProductDetail/GLKG19GEN4FXD106_-Glock-19-Gen-4-9x19mm-106mm-Barrel-Fixed-Sights-Black-

http://www.theshootingedge.com/cproduct/5642/glk-19-gen-4-canadian-edition

https://www.firearmsoutletcanada.com/glock-19-gen-4-canadian-edition-9mm-4-17.html

https://store.theshootingcentre.com/glock-g19-gen4-canadian-9mm-black-handgun

https://www.gotenda.com/shop/firearms/handguns/glock-19-gen4-9mm-pistol-maple-leaf-engraving-glock-19-gen-4/

https://alflahertys.com/glock-19-gen4-9mm-pistol-canadian-106mm-variant-with-glock-factory-barrel/

http://www.nordicmarksman.com/GLOCK-Parts.html
 
Keep in mind that there are a few 9mm handguns that have the availability of a .22 upper to give you options lol. The CZ75 and Sig 226 both have slide options in .22 as well as the excellent Advantage Arms .22 kits for the Glock G19 and G17/22 frames, effectively giving you two calibers in one gun.
Personally I like .22 a lot in a handgun, others have absolutely no use for it and find it boring but to each his own. I do know that for myself, if it was only going to be one handgun in my safe there is absolutely no doubt it would be a 9mm.
I see you are in the lower mainland, send me a pm if you want to run out to Chilliwack some weekend and try a few out
Edgy
 
MkivSupra said:
I've been dwelling on the same questions myself.

22lr pistol
9mm pistol
.357/38sp revolver

All for being excellent calibers but also with ammo cost in mind as well as using the same caliber for pistol caliber carbines in 9mm or a 357 lever gun.
The 22lr pistol like a Ruger mkiv for real cheap fun and to learn on. Handguns are a whole different animal from long guns. This way cost of ammunition wont cut into range use. (again same caliber as many 22lr rifles as a bonus)


from there if you feel the need for anything larger then move onto larger calibers.
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That has been my logical step so far, 22lr pistol. 9mm pistol. 357/38 revolver (future purchase)
 
I traded my last .22 handgun, a SW 17-3, 9 years ago. I didn’t regret it until a few months ago.

OP, get a good quality revolver, and always fight the urge to sell or trade it off. A SW or RUGER will serve you for a lifetime and more. Personally I like SW. A revolver is perfect for teaching, learning and practicing trigger control...which is the key to proper shooting technique. Of course there’s a bunch of other stuff you need to learn, but if you can’t comtrol your trigger and flinch, you’ll be stuck in beginner mode a long time.

I now deeply regret not keeping at least one .22 revolver.


Or if you must get a semi-auto, that’s still ok.
 
edgy said:
Keep in mind that there are a few 9mm handguns that have the availability of a .22 upper to give you options lol. The CZ75 and Sig 226 both have slide options in .22 as well as the excellent Advantage Arms .22 kits for the Glock G19 and G17/22 frames, effectively giving you two calibers in one gun.
Personally I like .22 a lot in a handgun, others have absolutely no use for it and find it boring but to each his own. I do know that for myself, if it was only going to be one handgun in my safe there is absolutely no doubt it would be a 9mm.
I see you are in the lower mainland, send me a pm if you want to run out to Chilliwack some weekend and try a few out
Edgy
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Yeah.... The thing about handguns is they are all restricted firearms. I would love to shoot .22 pistols at the cottage, on crown land, or at the gravel pit, but unfortunately the gov't has determined it's not legally possible.

I would have more fun with this:
https://www.cabelas.com/product/Colt-reg-Defender-C-Pistol/1256625.uts
Shredding pop cans on private property, or a safe space, then I would shooting a .22 "handgun" at a range.

Each to their own I guess.

ADDED:

To the OP: Buy yourself a M&P 2.0 9mm, with the whole kit. It is ultra-reliable, and will likely outlast you. You will thoroughly enjoy the first handgun you buy!:cool:
 
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Just to mention I will take the advice to handle quite a few handguns and hopefully shoot before I buy.

As far as pistols go what is the major differences between a steel framed pistol and a polymer pistol besides the obvious to me , weight .
Leavenworth
 
I see you’re in the Lower Mainland.
After this Corona issue is resolved, if you wanna go to DVC in PoCo on a Monday evening, let me know. I’ll get you in as my guest for free. You can try the guns they have for rent. I can bring a couple you can try. G19 or 17. FNS9. Alfa Proj revolver in 9mm or other revolvers in 38/357. I got 1911s in .45acp. Don’t worry bout ammo because I roll my own.

Leavenworth said:
Just to mention I will take the advice to handle quite a few handguns and hopefully shoot before I buy.

As far as pistols go what is the major differences between a steel framed pistol and a polymer pistol besides the obvious to me , weight .
Leavenworth
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Weight can have its advantages..as can different firing systems...but as always it’s a feel thing..easyriders offer is one you should take up..enjoy the search..
 
Sorry for the late reply ! Thanks for the offer very good of you ! I will be in touch !Let’s see what happens with Covid !
Leavenworth
easyrider604 said:
I see you’re in the Lower Mainland.
After this Corona issue is resolved, if you wanna go to DVC in PoCo on a Monday evening, let me know. I’ll get you in as my guest for free. You can try the guns they have for rent. I can bring a couple you can try. G19 or 17. FNS9. Alfa Proj revolver in 9mm or other revolvers in 38/357. I got 1911s in .45acp. Don’t worry bout ammo because I roll my own.
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Leavenworth said:
I don't own a handgun but thinking about it . #1 Would you buy a pistol or a revolver and why ? #2 What caliber would you buy in a pistol and what caliber in a revolver ?
Thanks
Leavenworth
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Alright I don't know how your set up for money . a 22 either a revolver or a good semi is nice . cheap to shoot . I get bored with them quick . but they are as I said cheaper to shoot. next either a smith or a Ruger revolver . 686 or a GP 100 . your choice in barrel length. if your going to shoot the 357 learn to reload . it's easy to do for a revolver a semiauto well you have to be a little more patient . next they say Glocks are great and I know a lot of people who love them . say a model 17 0r a 19 in 9mm . reasonable to shoot . next a CZ 75 or model 85. they feel great in your hand . and I have always found them easier to shoot than a Glock . as for the semiauto 22 I'd say an older Ruger mark 2 and for a revolver either a Ruger single six or a smith model 17 . good luck in your choice.
 
When my RPAL came through I bought a S&W M&P 9mm, a .22LR in 1911, a .45 ACP, and a S&W 686-3 which is .357 and 38 spl in a wheel gun. There may have been a rifle in the mix too...

I'm not sure that my thinking at the time was spot on but I wanted a revolver and the 686 with a 4.25" barrel seemed about right. I enjoy reloading for it and shooting it to this day. I bought a 617 because I liked the 686. It is awesome although it needs a better front sight and the 6" barrel doesn't provide the best balance especially in .22 LR.

I have put so many rounds through the M&P, used it for courses and competing. The range kit is a plain ol' smokin' deal! Does it make my socks go up and down when I see it? Not so much but it is a high value workhorse!

The.45 ACP makes my socks go up and down! Didn't shoot it tonnes until I had saved and scrounged up brass and began to reload. It is a special occasion gun as the rounds are more expensive but I wouldn't be without it. Ever!

Now the .22LR pistol saw plenty of use at the beginning and I now use it to introduce new folks to the hobby. Otherwise I'd never touch it again.

I will say that 9mm is well represented in my posse. Lots of brass to scavenge, good $/pill, and you can load them with three different projectiles that can imitate missiles all the way to a slow .45 feeling round at 147 grain.

How you get to where you're going is up to you just read plenty, look for the information that rings true for you and spend your money. I am not a horse trader for the most part so I buy right and hold. I hope this helps a bit. Have fun, 'cause it sure is!
 
Thanks again for the replies !I do have my non restricted and restricted . I will do some research and do some reading . Just so there is no misunderstanding I use firearms to hunt .I know what a revolver is both double action and single action . But I’m not sure that I totally get what makes a 1911 a 1911 ? Could someone chime in please ? Also anyone care to post some YouTube links to good handgun learning channels !
Thank You !
Leavenworth
 
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