New shooter/gun owner - looking for advice

by **swizzin** » Sun Aug 26, 2007 8:23 pm

Forgive me if I sound ignorant, but looking for some suggestions from the experienced gun owners here. My wife and I just started shooting at the local range - 0.22 revolver, 0.45 auto (1911 style), and a 0.44 magnum revolver (fun to shoot, but not for me).

Now we are considering buying our own pistols (not looking at revolvers) but honestly don't know too much about gun manufacturers or models. We don't want to buy used, but don't want to break the bank either. Looking for something that can be used for both target/range shooting and home protection. We also want something easy to maintain, that doesn't need to be babied, must be accurate, and fun to shoot (of course!)

My dad recommended Ruger and a friend I know said I couldn't go wrong with a Glock. Any suggestions would be highly appreciated.

by **agonist** » Sun Aug 26, 2007 9:00 pm

I love my Taurus PT1911 .45acp. ($575)

If you are looking for a lighter caliber check out the CZ 75.

Yuo can get it in 9mm or .40S&W for under $500. Target accuracy and a DA/SA trigger so it can be left hammer down on a loaded chamber and still be fired quickly with the double action pull and for target/range shooting simply cock the hammer for single action.

There are MANY good options out there. What's your price range and what caliber are you looking for?

by **S&W910** » Mon Aug 27, 2007 9:09 am

i agree with everything except when he said taurus lmfao

by **agonist** » Mon Aug 27, 2007 9:27 pm

I'll put my under $600 Taurus 1911 up against any high priced version for performance and construction. I've heard some iffy things about their poly guns but I'm overjoyed with mine.

by **S&W910** » Mon Aug 27, 2007 9:39 pm

lol i'm just really choosy Ag i don't care for Taurus which is my right granted it could be a downfall but like i said it's my right.

by **agonist** » Mon Aug 27, 2007 9:44 pm

I'm choosy too, that's why I didn't spend a ton of extra money for another brand that doesn't perform any better.

by **S&W910** » Mon Aug 27, 2007 9:47 pm

lol i traded my old Ruger Revolver which was worth about 2-300 for my Smith And Wesson 910 i tend to favor i got the better end of the deal, the guy i traded knew what he was doing he'd wanted that old SAA 30 carbine revolver forever i called him up said hey whatcha got that you'll trade for the revolver and i told him i was looking for a 9mm and hey i got a badass firearm.

by **agonist** » Mon Aug 27, 2007 9:59 pm

You did. About $100 better. Those .30 carbine revolvers are few and far between though, sometimes you find somebody who just really wants one.

by **S&W910** » Mon Aug 27, 2007 10:10 pm

cosidering it costs 648 brand new and it was barely used i think i got a bit more then 100 bucks better, but hey thats me hell he also bought previous to the 30 carbine the 44 mag Redhawk i had both with 7.5 barrels the 44 kicked like a 9mm though it was magnaported and i shot some damn hot ammo thu that thing.

by **swizzin** » Mon Aug 27, 2007 10:28 pm

agonist - thanks for your reply. I'd like to spend less than $500, if possible. And I really had fun shooting the 0.45 at the local range, but am wondering (especially for my small-framed wife) if a 0.40 or 9mm might be better accuracy/handling wise. I also read somewhere in this forum that the Sprinfield XD was a good gun (no idea on price) and also the Smith & Wesson M&P (no idea on price).

If I stick with a 0.45, what do you think of the Springfield 1911 EMP?

(Why do I have the feeling all of these pistols are high-priced?)

Like any customer I want the best value - great gun, cheap price.