Newbie: handgun questions...
- Thread starter StylinMike
- Start date
After looking at marstar's site and comparing prices/reviews, I got in to the Norinco's. They seem to be alot cheaper, which would probably be good for a starter pistol. The ones that caught my eye were the 1911 commander and the sig p226 copy. This ones fairly decent? Plus 350 new seems very reasonable. Is there anyone closer to edmonton that deals these or will I have to order from marstar?
So, I wanted to know what the difference between a 9 mil and a 45 was, as well as what ACP means. I did a little research, lemme know if this is right, and feel free to add in. Is the main difference between them is that a 45 is .45 inches whereas a 9 is roughly .355 inch diameters? So basically the 45 is a bigger bullet. What is the difference in accuracy, etc. For a beginner am I better going with the 9? Also, from what ive read, ACP means automatic colt pistol. Heres where im a little confused and excuse my ignorance. I thought I knew the difference between semi-auto and auto. With a regular semi-auto pistol (say, a 1911) would you have to 'recock'(for lack of a better word?) after each shot? And then some pistols are auto where its just point and squeeze until you mag runs out? Forgive me lack of intelligence in this area haha.
ACP= Automatic Colt Pistol
.45acp usually has 185-230gr bullet 9mm is around 115-147gr, but 9mm is BIT faster so the energy is about the same
9mm is also a LOT cheaper and is a better choice for a first gun IMO. it also had less recoil.
.45acp usually has 185-230gr bullet 9mm is around 115-147gr, but 9mm is BIT faster so the energy is about the same
9mm is also a LOT cheaper and is a better choice for a first gun IMO. it also had less recoil.
there are semi-auto and full auto guns...anything full auto in illigal in Canada.
Also there are Single action gun (1911's, 'cowboy' revolvers) and Double Action/Single Action guns (Sig, Beretta, modern revolvers). With a SA revolver you need to #### the hammer each time before you want to fire it. With SA automatic (1911) you only need to #### the first round (usually done by racking the slide) every other round will be cocked by the slide
DA/SA gun both revolvers and automatics don't require you to #### the hammer; if you pull the trigger the hammer will 'lift' and 'fall' with one trigger pull. You can also manually #### a DA/SA gun. again after first shot the slide will ckock the hammer and every other shot/pull will be in SA mode.
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- Location
- Lower Mainland B.C.
I would start by getting your restricted and non restricted at the same time. Afterwards, (if you have a smaller budget) go for a .22 since they're reasonably priced brand new, and they are super cheap to feed! Also, if you do both of the licenses at the same time, you may not have to pay the firearms center a second processing fee for the restricted. (I may be wrong about that. someone correct me if I am) You're probably going to end up getting your restricted eventually anyways-it's inevitable IMO!
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Okay so my understanding is this. The Norinco 1911 clone is a semi-automatic Single Action pistol. Meaning that before shooting I need to rack the slide once, then I can subsequently fire off as many shots as the mag holds by simply pressing the trigger and the gun will expel used shells and reload on its own basically right? And any DA pistols you just pick up, and pull the trigger. And then for revolvers there is the DA kind where you just grab the gun, pull the trigger and it cocks the hammer, releases it, and spins the drum. Or there is the SA revolvers (like in most western movies) where the hammer must be cocked by hand before every shot (thus leading to the cinematic 'opposite hand hammer slaps' that you always see in the movies). Is all this correct? It all had me kind of worried because I was starting to think that with the 1911 you had rack the slide by hand before every shot.
IM_Lugger said:there are semi-auto and full auto guns...anything full auto in illigal in Canada.
Also there are Single action gun (1911's, 'cowboy' revolvers) and Double Action/Single Action guns (Sig, Beretta, modern revolvers). With a SA revolver you need to #### the hammer each time before you want to fire it. With SA automatic (1911) you only need to #### the first round (usually done by racking the slide) every other round will be cocked by the slide
DA/SA gun both revolvers and automatics don't require you to #### the hammer; if you pull the trigger the hammer will 'lift' and 'fall' with one trigger pull. You can also manually #### a DA/SA gun. again after first shot the slide will ckock the hammer and every other shot/pull will be in SA mode.
I ma in Edmonton also and would strongly recommend going to Phoenix over Wildwest. They are alot more friendly to new shooters and will help you out more. When shopping for guns I had an idea what I wanted. While waiting for my rpal to come in I have been doing research and handling what I can. When we went to wildwest I wanted to check out the xd9 I was interested in and shoot a few different pistols while we were there. I was treated like crap and the lady there wouldn't even take the xd out to show me. Phoenix was awesome. They showed us different guns, had recommendations, and let us handle them. They have a decent selection you can try on their range too. P+D is also excellent for checking stuff out too. I ended up getting my xd9 there. Just waiting on my rpal to come in now.
Another option for you is to look at used guns. For example last time I was in P+D they had an used cz75b for $450. It is a decent gun is cheaper. I have used it and liked it. 9mm is a good place to start and is much cheaper.
Another option for you is to look at used guns. For example last time I was in P+D they had an used cz75b for $450. It is a decent gun is cheaper. I have used it and liked it. 9mm is a good place to start and is much cheaper.
You still have to rack the slide of a DA pistol to get the first round into the firing chamber. After that you can lower the hammer ... but be VERY careful. If your hand slips, it is possible for the gun to go off while your hand/thumb/whatever is directly behind the slide.StylinMike said:
That is why many DAs come with a decocker lever in place of the thumb safety.I have two DA/SA pistols and I've never had the nerve to fire either one in double-action mode.
Hi Mike, and welcome. I agree with the suggestion that you get a Ruger .22 Mk.2 as a first handgun, mainly because they are very cheap to feed, and believe me, you'll blow through a LOT of ammunition. The .22 pistol is great fun, you feel the recoil, whereas a .22 rifle has almost none. I've been trying out my Ruger Mk.1 lately and 100 rounds is gone in no time, and I'm working on improving my accuracy, so I'm taking my time between shots.
And consider any of the Ruger P series 9mm semi-auto pistols. They aren't the prettiest, maybe not the most accurate, but they're tough. And they'll eat any brand of ammo quite happily. Now I say this as a P-85 owner who hasn't even fired it yet- I'm still working on technique, and I just can't afford to practice with 9mm rounds: 100 rounds of 9mm recently cost me $29.00, whereas a "brick" of 500 .22 rounds works out to around $18.00 or so. Huge difference in cost.
And yeah, use some of that money to join CSSA. Worth every penny to know you're actively supporting a growing organization that is fighting for your rights.
Glad you found us
And consider any of the Ruger P series 9mm semi-auto pistols. They aren't the prettiest, maybe not the most accurate, but they're tough. And they'll eat any brand of ammo quite happily. Now I say this as a P-85 owner who hasn't even fired it yet- I'm still working on technique, and I just can't afford to practice with 9mm rounds: 100 rounds of 9mm recently cost me $29.00, whereas a "brick" of 500 .22 rounds works out to around $18.00 or so. Huge difference in cost.
And yeah, use some of that money to join CSSA. Worth every penny to know you're actively supporting a growing organization that is fighting for your rights.
Glad you found us
Well, we went to Wild West here in Edmonton. Shot a 9mm beretta, cx4 storm, and a .357 revolver. The revolver was pretty intense, so much fun. Im gonna take my restricted/non restricted in a couple weeks. I know you can bring your own gun to the shooting range, but are you allowed to bring your own bullets?
Also, I had another question. This in no way is meant to be an illegal question, or result in illegal actions with its answer, but I was wondering if private sales can be made before I get my PAL in the mail? I have seen a few good deals that I would like to jump on it but wasnt sure if the sellers would be able to do this. Legally I realize I need to have my PAL to accquire firearms and license them, but does a seller legally need to see the PAL to sell it? Could I just buy them and claim them to the government once my PAL comes in?
StylinMike said:
IMS, If you bring your own firearm to Phoenix, you can shoot your own ammo.
At Wild West, you have to shoot their ammo. This will quickly become rather expensive.
I'm still just sitting around waiting for my RPAL to show up as well, but I'd imagine that Phoenix is your best bet.
I haven't been there, but have heard good things.
I was unimpressed with the service and setup at Wild West. I used to go to TSE as often as possible when I lived in Calgary, and that's how a range should be set up, IMHO. Excellent service and atmosphere.
$0.02
Kris
Keep in mind the primary function of WW is "entertainment facility", and at that it succeeds rather well. - dan
