pistol or cigars?

[Devanmc]

well most of my extra fun money goes toward buying cigars, but ill be leaving the service soon and living on my own. So ive been thinking about and researching buying a pistol. What is every ones thought on this, Holding off on cigars to save for a pistol or just keep buyin cigars :sh

if pistol, what do you guys recommend? So far im looking at a .40

[Darrell]

I would buy a weapon, a weapon can save your life. Cigars won't.

[Springsman]

Springfield XD45... then cigars....it's much funner to have a weapon then smoke cigars...otherwise you're smoking without being able to shoot... = no fun.

[G G]

Get a pistol then you can rob a cigar store. solved. You're welcome.:tu

[pnoon]

Get a pistol then you can rob a cigar store. solved. You're welcome.:tu

Have you been drinking tonight, igmo?

[G G]

Have you been drinking tonight, igmo?
Not so you'd notice. I only drink one glass of wine on the advice of my doctor and that aint enough to impair my judgement.:tu

[G G]

Critical thinking skills aren't something that everyone has Peter.:r

[pnoon]

Not so you'd notice. I only drink one glass of wine on the advice of my doctor and that aint enough to impair my judgement.:tu

igmo-lite. :noon

[MiamiE]

Glock 23 then more cigars!

[G G]

I have a Glock 27 that I love.

[G G]

Glock 23 then more cigars!
I had one of those and wish I hadn't gotten rid of it. Believe it or not I can shoot the 27 better than the 23 though.

[MiamiE]

I have had a 23 for about 5 years now. My first was the 19, but it's way to big. I also have a 27, which is a great CCW, IMO.

[Bill86]

I'm looking into a HK USP Compact, also a P30s. We'll see what I end up with. I don't particularly like glocks I've shot a few ...not for me.

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

Glock 30.

[HollywoodQue]

I have a Glock 27 that I love.

I have a baby Glock that I carry off duty, but we (Detroit Police) were issued the new S&W MP 40 cal. It is so much more accurate than the Glock. I still own two Glocks, the 23 &27, but the SW wins hands down. Much better grouping with night sites. Great weapon, light weight, and deadly accurate.

My last qualifying score was 249 out of 250. Best score yet with the SW MP

[icehog3]

Sig Sauer .45. ;)

[DrDubzz]

I've got an XD40 with the 4inch barrel, I love it. about 500-550 retail. Great gun for the round

[HollywoodQue]

Sig Sauer .45. ;)

Sounds like the standard issue for Illinois PD....My ex is the Deputy Chief in North Chicago PD, that's what they carry.

[Zeuceone]

Buy a proper safe that bolts into the ground. Then get a Glock.

[Ranger_B]

Devan I would look at a 9 or 45. Dont get me wrong I love the 40 but if you are not reloading I would consider the availability of ammo. Knowing you are in the army I am sure you are familiar with the 9mm. I would go to the gun shop and pick up a bunch of pistols and see what feels right. After the feel test then go shoot your top 3 or 4 about a mag each with a few rounds two handed on and off hand and then a few one handed shots in each hand to see how it shoots for you. Then you should be set on your choice. If the .40 is your choice its a good one dont get me wrong I just like knowing I can get ammo when I want it. On a side note I just bought my first revolver and it has opened a whole new world of shooting to me. You can find an XD, Glock, M&P for about the cost of 2 boxes of cigars and the gun will last a lifetime. The gun helps ensure you last a life time as well.

[Superbad]

Have you been drinking tonight, igmo?

Greg, err.. igmo... I think you have earned a new nickname ;)

Pistols are good, but a cigar is less likely to get me in trouble.
Stock up on good smokes, then save for the gun.

[kaisersozei]

but ill be leaving the service soon and living on my own. So ive been thinking about and researching buying a pistol.

Not sure I follow how those are related, but it made me :r

[elderboy02]

Glock 23 :tu

I love mine! :gn

[CoreyD]

I have faith in my local pd and live in a tamed town. and since I'm a felon from a young hairbrained case I can't own a weopan so I say cigars, plus legally in our state you can;t conceal it brings me back to tamed town and little in house gun burglaries so cigars as well

[icehog3]

Sounds like the standard issue for Illinois PD....My ex is the Deputy Chief in North Chicago PD, that's what they carry.

I wish that was my duty carry, Howard, we carry the Glock 17. I am much more comfortable with the Sig Sauer.

[Bill86]

I wish that was my duty carry, Howard, we carry the Glock 17. I am much more comfortable with the Sig Sauer.

Which Sig Sauer Tom?

[icehog3]

I have the P220 DAK, Bill.

[J0eybb]

Pistol

[Bill86]

Ah I can definitely see why you would be more comfortable with that than a Glock :r Didn't like a full size Glock either. Had one, sold it. Frankly I don't think it shot straight worth a crap either or maybe it's just me and I shoot twice as good with a 1911.

[Bruins Fan]

Colt 1911 a tried and true proven stopper :tu

[GTsetGO]

Clock grip angles aren't for everyone.

My advise is to go to a shop with a range and rental pistols. Shoot a few of them and see what suits you.

As for what I have. I have an xd40 subcompact for my carry and a walther p99 40 for target and home protection.
Posted via Mobile Device

[SNKBYT]

I'd vote firearm......when I got off active duty (long ago), I got a Ruger Single Six 22cal.....then when I returned from OEF, I got a Kimber Raptor 45acp.....and now that I'm retiring from the service I'll be getting a rifle......& I still buy cigars..........so you can do both if planning ahead

[floydpink]

I'm a skinny guy who is normally in cargo shorts.

An Airweight S&W 38 special is perfect for me and is always on me.

Crimson Trace laser grips sure help with accuracy.

yeah it only carries 5, but if I need more, that means I am in a long gun battle and should have been gone long ago.

I'd rather have it on me than any cigar.

[Starz26]

I'm a skinny guy who is normally in cargo shorts.

An Airweight S&W 38 special is perfect for me and is always on me.

Crimson Trace laser grips sure help with accuracy.

yeah it only carries 5, but if I need more, that means I am in a long gun battle and should have been gone long ago.

I'd rather have it on me than any cigar.

Love my S&W 340PD (38+P & .357 @ 11oz). icehog I love my sigs as well. So those would be my two choices..

I also agree with the other comments about gun first, cigars next.

Like other said the gun can save your life....

[justonemorestick]

Go with either the M&P or the Sig.

[floydpink]

Love my S&W 340PD (38+P & .357 @ 11oz). icehog I love my sigs as well. So those would be my two choices..

I also agree with the other comments about gun first, cigars next.

Like other said the gun can save your life....

Nice, I love that scandium model.

Mines just the plain old 38. I'll bet yours has quite a kick shooting 357's.

[neoflex]

Devan I would look at a 9 or 45. Dont get me wrong I love the 40 but if you are not reloading I would consider the availability of ammo. Knowing you are in the army I am sure you are familiar with the 9mm. I would go to the gun shop and pick up a bunch of pistols and see what feels right. After the feel test then go shoot your top 3 or 4 about a mag each with a few rounds two handed on and off hand and then a few one handed shots in each hand to see how it shoots for you. Then you should be set on your choice. If the .40 is your choice its a good one dont get me wrong I just like knowing I can get ammo when I want it. On a side note I just bought my first revolver and it has opened a whole new world of shooting to me. You can find an XD, Glock, M&P for about the cost of 2 boxes of cigars and the gun will last a lifetime. The gun helps ensure you last a life time as well.

I also vote for a pistol. Been seeing your recent pick ups and it seems like you have a pretty good stash going anyway.
I own a .45 and .40 and find in my area at least that .40 ammo is by far the easiest to pickup with 9mm slowly becoming more readily available but not as much as the .40 round. Around here at least I can run out and get .40 ammo whenever I want but .45 is just about impossible to find unless I am looking to overpay and when I do find it I am spending more than what I want to stock up. I would just research what ammo is easily accessible for you where you will be living.

[neoflex]

Go with either the M&P or the Sig.

Love my M&P. Solid weapon that is very, very affordable and super reliable. I think when I bought my .40 I payed just a little more than $400 . At the time they were running a rebate for money back and two free mags.
If your looking for a solid deal and have an FFL that won't rake you over the coals check out Budsgunshop.com.

[msayewich]

S&w or beretta and cigars

Need both for the zombie apocalypse. All are welcome at my place to hold down then fort. One must bring one or the other for entry.

[Devanmc]

i suggest full body searchs for bite marks? both for males and females :sh

[Starz26]

Nice, I love that scandium model.

Mines just the plain old 38. I'll bet yours has quite a kick shooting 357's.

You know, I had read that people who shot it said the web by their thimb would bleed and that the recoil was horrible...and that was with .38+p

When I first shot it I did not have the same experience. The way the grip and gun are designed the recoil seems to go straing back instead of lifting the barrel up....

My dad was afraid to shoot it as well but then i bough some .357 to put through it. After he saw me shooting it he gave it a shot. It actually kicked less than his Taurus...YMMV

With that said, I do not think I would be putting 10rds through it at a time....

either way it is a really fun gun to shoot..

To the OP, sorry for the thread jack but to get back on topic...

What have your experiences been up to this point? Make, model, cal...etc

What do you want to accomplish? Home defense, Conceal carry, competition, or just plain plinking....

Knowing your experience etc may help someone provide a most excellent suggestion..

[E.J.]

Sold the only handgun I have ever owned(Ruger P95) when my first son was born. Used that money(+) to pick up a Winston WT3 376 & a Lamson reel. The rod gets far more use....;)


If you are having a hard time deciding between buying a firearm or cigars, my vote would be to get more cigars.

[Sauer Grapes]

Devan,

I say get a gun first. In what state will you be living, and what will you be using the gun for (home protection, carry, recreation, etc.)? That info could affect my recommendations as to which gun.

[Devanmc]

To the OP, sorry for the thread jack but to get back on topic...

What have your experiences been up to this point? Make, model, cal...etc

What do you want to accomplish? Home defense, Conceal carry, competition, or just plain plinking....

Knowing your experience etc may help someone provide a most excellent suggestion..

goals are home defense and conceal carry, Michigan is the state for now

experience has been limited to assault rifles and machine guns(m16,m4,240B, and 249 saw) as enlisted doesn't normally get ahold of pistols, or atleast i didnt. One of these days ill take my buddies colt 45 and sig 22 to the range but its to cold for that currently.

[Starz26]

goals are home defense and conceal carry, Michigan is the state for now

experience has been limited to assault rifles and machine guns(m16,m4,240B, and 249 saw) as enlisted doesn't normally get ahold of pistols, or atleast i didnt. One of these days ill take my buddies colt 45 and sig 22 to the range but its to cold for that currently.

Do not remember if it was this thread or not but the comment about going to the range and renting handguns to try seems a pretty good suggestion.

find one that feel good in your hand and then make sure you can actually shoot it.

Home defense and CC are typically accomplished by two different weapons but with careful consideration of all factors involved you can find a handgun that will accomplish both successfully. (Although, I prefer a shotgun for home defense with a handgun as backup)

Once you get into CC you will find that you need a different gun depending on what you are wearing / seasons, etc...

Basically, BEWARE, guns are a slippery slope as well, just like cigars.....

[Ranger_B]

As far as home defense I stick to an AR or Shotgun. You are already familiar with the AR. Shotguns can be found for cheap. As for CCW again trial and error at a shop with a range. Guns are like cigars there is one for everyone just have to see which one you like. And like cigars guns tend to multiply. Just remember to be responsible. Which ever you choose know that you need to keep shooting it to be good with it. Ammo can be expensive so take the whole package into consideration. Carry method, ammo, magazines, holsters, Range fees ect.

[Bill86]

I agree, I got an AR-15 and a Mossberg for home defense. Anyone further then say 15 feet gets the AR. Both locked and loaded in arms reach.

I also agree you'll probably end up wanting multiple guns for CC. My advice would be to get something in the midsize carry end. Not a snub nose or anything but a Sig or a HK compact. The Springfield XD compact models are also good, or so I hear.

[Knip23]

Pistol, Night hawks custom 9 or 45 both great pistols. Also file for concealed weapons permit while on AD it easyer.

Knip.

[Devanmc]

another question. A CWP in Alabama is good in Michigan. Would it be smart to get a CCW in Alabama and once i leave have it transfered to Michigan or w.e. because it looks like i have to apply in person and that's not possible while im stationed here.

[G G]

Not positive but I doubt that you have it "transferred". You will probably have to go through the permitting process there.

[LostAbbott]

What Ranger said.

[Devanmc]

then id just keep the alabama one till it expires :sh

[floydpink]

another question. A CWP in Alabama is good in Michigan. Would it be smart to get a CCW in Alabama and once i leave have it transfered to Michigan or w.e. because it looks like i have to apply in person and that's not possible while im stationed here.

Double check the recipricocity (sp?) for the states.

I've had my Florida one for a while and recently found out it is good in around 35 other states.

There should be plenty of info on it with a quick search, but I'm too lazy.

Personally, I love revolvers for reliablity to carry and Mossberg shotguns for home defense and reliability to neutralize any home invasion threats in a hurry.

Tried Glocks but none seemed to fit my frame for carry.

[Devanmc]

was looking at my buddies Alabama CCP. it shows Michigan on the back as a state that acknowledges it.

[G G]

Pete is right. there are some states that issue non resident permits and some that don't. some of the one's that do, those nonresident permits aren't recognized as having reciprocity. It's confusing but here is a website that might get you started.

http://www.handgunlaw.us/

[Devanmc]

ill have to look, they also do things alittle different for AD, but ill see what that site has to say

[G G]

was looking at my buddies Alabama CCP. it shows Michigan on the back as a state that acknowledges it.
You also have to hone up on the law in whatever state you are in. My permit from Florida is good in lots of other states but I must follow their law and not Florida's. For instance in Florida the statutes have no requirement how I carry as long as it is concealed, Georgia (which my permit is good in) has a stipulation that you must carry in a holster, granted that can be any kind of holster, belt, pocket, etc. But I must obey their law.

[G G]

Another one is it's perfectly ok to carry in Church in Florida and not so in Georgia.:td

[Superbad]

I had a CCP from Florida, so that I could handgun Hunt in MI. The laws in MI are a bit funky, I would make sure you check the laws before you do things like turn in an out of state DL for a MI one.

[bonjing]

After shooting one today, I'd go with a HK P30 :dr

[Bill86]

After shooting one today, I'd go with a HK P30 :dr

I was looking into those, didn't like that they didn't have a safety. They do have the HK P30s but it's got dual ambidextrous safeties and such. I dunno I'm going to look at them in person and a regular HK USP Compact 40 cal Wednesday.

[floydpink]

Another one is it's perfectly ok to carry in Church in Florida and not so in Georgia.:td

I forget the state they were talking about, and think it was Mass, but last night on talk radio they were talking about trying to overturn a law that says you can point a gun at a home invader but NOT shoot.

Thank goodness Florida doesn't have dumb laws like that.

Very good advice to be sure you know the particular state's laws where you plan to carry as "I didn't know" won't work very well in court.

Oh and here is the complete list of the state you mentioned's recipricocity laws state by state:

http://www.ago.alabama.gov/issue/pistol.htm

[Ranger_B]

Devan as AD you will qualify for a resident CCW. Just keep in mind that while AD you have to worry about transport on and off base. If you live on post it is very difficult to carry.

[Devanmc]

yeah it is not aloud here. but i can work on getting the CCL on my way out. just easier that way. it takes time to get it. so ill save for the weapon in the mean time :sh

[replicant_argent]

Devan as AD you will qualify for a resident CCW. Just keep in mind that while AD you have to worry about transport on and off base. If you live on post it is very difficult to carry.

One of the most ridiculous things ever.

[alley00p]

Devan, in Michigan, any State's CWP is recognized. But as far as I know, an out-of-state permit isn't transferable for a Michigan CWP, so you'll be required to pass all of the requirements here. But I don't see that you should have any trouble in getting one here in Michigan, once you're living here.

When you get here, there are a couple of indoor ranges that rent different styles and models of pistols so you can try them out. A few of my friends have gone that route while trying to decide what to buy.

BTW, my carry gun is a Springfield Armory V-10 Ultra compact .45. I also carry a S&W 915 at times. My competition pistol is a ParaOrdance P14.45. I've seen pretty much every make and model of semi-auto, but I'm partial to John Browning's 1911 design. :D

Charlie
:dance:

[Superbad]

One of the most ridiculous things ever.
You should see all the crap you need to go through to even work around a weapons system on my base.

[Ranger_B]

One of the most ridiculous things ever.

You dont know the half of it. Needless to say one could argue that people have died because of the restriction. I wont go any deeper but it is a pile of garbage!

[rizzle]

Pistol gets my vote.

[captain53]

Sig P-229 .357 Sig is my favorite but another strong consideration in my book would be the H&K USP 45 - Only with High Capacity Magazines if legal in your state.

I have many pistols and luv the .357 Sig Caliber. For a first pistol owner I don't recommend a Glock but rather something with all the bells and whistles including a positive safety.

You might want to consider a 1911 - 45 ACP if in your budget, not a high capacity but sure a great piece to learn to shoot pistols with and will last you forever.

Nothing wrong with the .40 caliber though I am not a fan of the 9mm unless looking for something small and high capacity.

:2

[icehog3]

Pistol gets my vote.

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa73/icehog3/pistol.jpg

Thanks, Man.

[guitar4001]

derringers are pretty handy.

[gettysburgfreak]

Just my .2 but I would look into the compact HK P2000. We use the full size at work and I really like it. Wasn't crazy with it at first but after nearly 4k rounds through it and not a single hick up I love it.

[Nathan King]

Colt 1911 a tried and true proven stopper :tu

I will never part with my Colt 1911 collection.

http://i972.photobucket.com/albums/ae203/NathanAKing/Firearms/IvoryLeft.jpg

http://i972.photobucket.com/albums/ae203/NathanAKing/Firearms/IvoryRight3.jpg

[Bill86]

Sig P-229 .357 Sig is my favorite but another strong consideration in my book would be the H&K USP 45 - Only with High Capacity Magazines if legal in your state.

I have many pistols and luv the .357 Sig Caliber. For a first pistol owner I don't recommend a Glock but rather something with all the bells and whistles including a positive safety.

You might want to consider a 1911 - 45 ACP if in your budget, not a high capacity but sure a great piece to learn to shoot pistols with and will last you forever.

Nothing wrong with the .40 caliber though I am not a fan of the 9mm unless looking for something small and high capacity.

:2

As much as I love 1911's they are heavy as piss to carry. Not to mention they only get 8 rounds. You can trade up with a lighter weight and gain rounds in a polymer gun. They just don't make good carry guns if you're a small(er) guy. Not easy to conceal.

[bigswol2]

sig sauer .45. ;)

church!

[Drez]

get a glock or a spring field xd series. i own both and carry both for work and could not be happier.

[357]

As much as I love 1911's they are heavy as piss to carry. Not to mention they only get 8 rounds. You can trade up with a lighter weight and gain rounds in a polymer gun. They just don't make good carry guns if you're a small(er) guy. Not easy to conceal.

I politely disagree. My 1911 Kimber has an 8 rd mag, but it is carried cocked & locked by design. So, I get 9 rds of .45ACP in a weapon that is only about 1.25 inches wide. For that reason 1911s fit very nicely in "Inside the Waistband" holsters (IWB). The shorter barrel models are even more convenient. Standard is 5 inch, Pro/Officer model is 4.25 inches, and the compact or carry models are 3.5 inches. The frames are offered in blued steel, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, and even polymer. The Kimber compact models are aluminum alloy frame with stainless slides and they weigh in at 25 ounces. The standard and pro sizes have a full size grip and therefore a full 8 rd mag. The compact are usually 1 rd lower capacity.

[Nathan King]

As much as I love 1911's they are heavy as piss to carry. Not to mention they only get 8 rounds. You can trade up with a lighter weight and gain rounds in a polymer gun. They just don't make good carry guns if you're a small(er) guy. Not easy to conceal.

Who ever said they're difficult for a small guy to conceal? They're quite easy as they are thinner than most polymer pistols.

With a good IWB holster a 1911 can disappear under a t-shirt:

http://i637.photobucket.com/albums/uu94/Counterpoint860/IWB.jpg

[357]

That is very similar to my IWB. I carry the 5 inch full size model. I can carry with shorts and a T-shirt without people noticing.

[hscmit]

it is amazing what people do not notice

[357]

it is amazing what people do not notice

True, but I'm including family when I say that. If the people who know you best don't notice, who else is going to?

My holster has a similar "FBI cant" to the one pictured. It causes my pistol lean forward slightly. It helps keep the grip from poking out the back of my shirt and makes it easier to draw from the strong side (as opposed to a cross-draw).

[alley00p]

Who ever said they're difficult for a small guy to conceal? They're quite easy as they are thinner than most polymer pistols.

With a good IWB holster a 1911 can disappear under a t-shirt:

http://i637.photobucket.com/albums/uu94/Counterpoint860/IWB.jpg

I agree!! This is very similar to my IWB, and my S&W 915 and HK USP both print a lot more than any of my 1911's. :tu

[mscales]

I am a firearms dealer so I say, why not have both.

[Devanmc]

second question to add onto this. what kind of safe should be used or how should the weapon be secured at night or other times when not within arms reach. but still reasonably accessible.

something like this..http://www.gunsafes.com/GunVault-Micro-Vault-MVB500.html
a trigger lock or what is recommended?

[Drez]

Since I don't have little ones running around yet and most of my friends are cops or know I'm a cop with a bunch of guns I keep mine somewhat hiden out of sight around the house. Down stairs there is a mossberg 500 and up stairs I have my off duty xd 40 within arms reach. Also depending the day my rem 870 is also close by and my ar is ready to go. However when I go out of town or have people over I remove all ammo except for one hand gun and store it in another room while my weapons go in locked cases in my closet which I put a lockabke door knob. When I buy a house one of the first things I am getting is a floor safe for all the weapons that will be bolted to the floor.

Just remember don't keep the gun where people would expect you to keep it or out in plain sight. Also NEVER leave it in your car.

[docdoty]

If its in a safe how does it protect you. However, they do make a biometric safe that is very fast to open, but not all of them are reliable. I keep mine next to the bed in a holster that hooks on to the bed rail. I also don't have any kids in the house so I dont have to worry about that and I take it with me when I leave the house in the morning.

[docdoty]

I carry an XD40 subcompact. I love it and it is the most reliable gun I have. it will fire any amo without a problem.

[Bill86]

second question to add onto this. what kind of safe should be used or how should the weapon be secured at night or other times when not within arms reach. but still reasonably accessible.

something like this..http://www.gunsafes.com/GunVault-Micro-Vault-MVB500.html
a trigger lock or what is recommended?

Should always be within arms reach. Also skip all the BS storage and locks. Guns usually have a safety, that's more than enough.

[Devanmc]

The reason behind the safe/need for safety is there will be a little one in the house. Also, being from the north. Im having to argue owning guns with my parents, when i return from the army.

[floydpink]

I have a little one in the house who is curious.

Although I have discussed the danger of guns, I keep my pistol in a gunvault on my nightstand.

It has the finger locking device and I can get into it in the dark in about 2 seconds.

It's easily transported and has al ocking cable.

When I travel by car, it comes with me to the hotel and locks to my nightstand there as well and stores my watch and other valuables if I am in the pool.

It gives me peace of mind that a safety wouldn't.

Besides that, I carry a revolver.

[Drez]

The reason behind the safe/need for safety is there will be a little one in the house. Also, being from the north. Im having to argue owning guns with my parents, when i return from the army.

you could keep the magazine separate from the pistol. for example the pistol can be in your night stand in a old cigar box for example and the mag can be under your pillow area between the mattress.

also you can load a spent shell in the chamber of the gun and put it in a good holster by your bed. depending how old the little ones are they most likely cant rack it back to spit the casing and if they pull the trigger nothing will happen.

the best thing to do if i were you is show you kid/s the gun and talk to them about it. tell them if they ever see yours or a gun anywhere that they need to tell you. teach them how dangerous it is and explain the purpose of it. if you can maybe take them to a range so they can see it fire and even let them fire it. the younger you teach them to respect the fire arm the better.

remember kids will be kids if you really wanna get a safe i would just get a small combination style (the ones that have the 3 little wheels like a brief case) you can just leave it a few numbers off so you can access it "quickly"

remember nothing will be quicker that a easy to reach loaded gun but like you said you have to account for the safety of the little ones. if you want a home defense weapon then i would get a 12ga and lock up the pistol.

[357]

The reason behind the safe/need for safety is there will be a little one in the house. Also, being from the north. Im having to argue owning guns with my parents, when i return from the army.

I used to keep my Kimber cocked and locked on my nightstand until I had little ones. Now I have one of these:

http://images.cabelas.com/is/image/cabelas/s7_228135_999_02?rgn=0,0,2000,1503&scl=3.8095238095238093&fmt=jpeg&id=02b2hVMOQ0_pWIMNlyC4G9

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Secure-Vault8482-Select-Medium-Safe/733505.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3D searchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProduc ts%26Ntt%3Dsafe%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%2BProducts&Ntt=safe

For $79 you can't beat it. You can keep more than one pistol or just one and a ton of extra mags, flashlight, etc. It has a 7 digit progammable number combination, and a hard-key backup. It is very quick to open. Not quite as fast as the one you posted, but it is also less than half the price.

[captain53]

second question to add onto this. what kind of safe should be used or how should the weapon be secured at night or other times when not within arms reach. but still reasonably accessible.

something like this..http://www.gunsafes.com/GunVault-Micro-Vault-MVB500.html
a trigger lock or what is recommended?

BE SAFE - and that is a good way to do it when little ones are the risk, you can keep it anywhere that fits your needs without worrying (and in many states it is the law) but it is still quickly accessible. If theft is your risk that has no value.

[357]

Drez makes a good point too. A 12 gauge is actually the best home defense weapon, but they are not easy to keep loaded and locked up. Educating the little one is best, but if you're at your parents place it is not always your choice.

Nice thing about a shotgun is less wall penetration (depending on shot size) . This will help prevent unintended persons from getting shot in the next room or house. Shotguns are also very easy to "point" shoot; where specific aiming is not really required.

[Devanmc]

Let's not get into the shotgun home defense talk. Ill be getting one but once I have my own place.
Posted via Mobile Device

[357]

Let's not get into the shotgun home defense talk. Ill be getting one but once I have my own place.
Posted via Mobile Device

Gotcha. One thing I would avoid is a trigger lock. The instructions say NOT to put one on a loaded weapon. Kind of defeats the point of having a gun in the house if you have to unlock the trigger lock, then load it, then defend yourself. Any small electronic safe would be better than that.

[floydpink]

second question to add onto this. what kind of safe should be used or how should the weapon be secured at night or other times when not within arms reach. but still reasonably accessible.

something like this..http://www.gunsafes.com/GunVault-Micro-Vault-MVB500.html
a trigger lock or what is recommended?

that's the one I have, except mine is a little bigger, has a shelf, and a light.

Got it for about 100 bucks on Ebay

[dogface_313]

What is the purpose of the pistol, home defense, every day carry, sport shooting, or some other desire. What is your budget, how often are you going to shoot?

every day carry I would go with a 1911 style pistol that you can carry condition one cocked and locked. My recomendation would be a Kimber Super Carry Ultra.

Home defense? I wouldn't get a pistol. Get an AR, get Hornady TAP ammunition, mount a weapon light to it. People may disagree but look into "over penetration" the right 5.56 ammo is less likely to over penetrate and hit somebody you don't want it to vs pistol ammunition. When somebody suggests a shotgun with bird shot look at them strange.

Sport shooting? Glock or XD(m). Both are very fun to shoot.

whatever you do get look at your budget that you have for both the weapon and ammo. cut it in half. use half to buy the weapon, the other half to buy ammo. get said weapon and ammo and shoot shoot shoot. if it is for everyday carry practice shooting from varying postions, moving forwards, sideways, backwards, one handed, two handed. if you are going to carry a weapon make sure you know how to use it, but most importantly when to use it.

ok, getting off the soap box now.

[emopunker2004]

Getcha a glock. Get it before you separate and you can get a .40 S&W glock for around 420 give or take.

[gravelman]

Glock 23 then more cigars!

I agree, this was my first pistol, still have it and love it...you cant beat a Glock, and for those on the Springfield XD side, those are very good as well, I'd suggest gripping both several times because the frames have different angles, and some prefer one of another, thats my thoughts... :su haha

[replicant_argent]

Home defense? I wouldn't get a pistol. Get an AR, get Hornady TAP ammunition, mount a weapon light to it. People may disagree but look into "over penetration" the right 5.56 ammo is less likely to over penetrate and hit somebody you don't want it to vs pistol ammunition.

Can you tell me how a rifle cartridge wouldn't overpenetrate compared to a pistol cartridge? I would love to learn more of this.

[floydpink]

Can you tell me how a rifle cartridge wouldn't overpenetrate compared to a pistol cartridge? I would love to learn more of this.

I'm also curious about this.

I use hollowpoints specifically for this reason.

[mpd340]

I would go with a Glock 23 or anything Glock as they are easy to maintain. I have talked to several officers who are carrying the Springfield XD's and love them. Have not shot one myself, but trust those guys enough to say it's probably a pretty good pistol.

[Neens]

I'm also curious about this.

I use hollowpoints specifically for this reason.

http://www.theboxotruth.com/ has some info on this. If you have never checked it out they just set up a box with sheets of dry wall and other things to see how many the round passes through.

[Neens]

Wouldn't let me edit the post.

Devan you should get what ever fire arm you shoot best. That being said I was never a fan of the 40 Short and Weak. For me thats a 1911. They carry a limited number of rounds compared to other models. However seeing as I am not a LEO I don't see my self getting into a prolonged fire fight where 8+1 and 2 extra mags isn't enough. If you have the money take a look at http://www.wilsoncombat.com/ they make some very very nice firearms. Their customer service is top notch and take the time to make sure you get what you want. If your going to get a safe make sure you get one that can't be broken into in a matter of seconds. The american security BF line from Amsec is very popular, if you want something along the same lines in terms of protection but smaller in size check out Sturdy Safe. They are a small shop out of fresno california. They use thicker steel than anyone in their price range.

[357]

Best pistol is as subjective as best cigar. That said the 1911 has been around for 100 years and just about every manufacturer is making at least one version. Anyway, go to a range that rents handguns and try a bunch of them out. It might take some time to try out the ones you like, but it will be worth it when you finally plunk down the cash for the one you want. If you are going to wait until you get back to Michigan, you could always go to the range with some of us locals and try out pistols for free. You're welcome to shoot my Kimber, just provide the ammo. If you just want to squeeze off a mag or two no prob. If you want to really fling some lead pick up a box.

[dogface_313]

Sorry been away for a bit.
http://www.theboxotruth.com/ is a decent site but look at how his test was conducted, not very scientific.
Personally i am more concerned on how round will act after they have penetrated through a human when i am thinking home defense. Hence just shooting into the boards/drywall is not a good test. He also uses ball ammunition, which i would never recommend for home defense to anyone.

http://ammo.ar15.com/project/Self_Defense_Ammo_FAQ/index.htm
this is a very through and well done test that include the use of ballistic gel, also includes adding layers such as denim and analyzes bullet penetration. Proper selection of .223/5.56 ammunition is a great selection for home defense. This is because these rounds tend to fragment and/or yaw/change direction of travel after hitting the target drastically reducing momentum (mass x velocity). Most 5.56 rounds are already lower mass then pistol calibers, now that the velocity is dramatically especially in regards to it's initial direction the round has less likely to over penetrate.

Over penetration also comes back to one of the fundamental firearms rules. Know your target and what is beyond it. You wouldn't shoot the guy with you child standing behind him, so why would you do it if your child is separated by only a small piece of plaster and paper.

Ultimately the choice for home defense is very personal. You say you are in the service then you are probably familiar with the AR platform and the M9. Go with something similar to them but no matter what you choose practice practice practice with it.

[ambientboy]

I'm so glad I found this thread. I've been arguing with myself over a couple box purchases or a handgun. I've been leaning towards the gun, especially because, being in MO, the gun laws are awesome here.

I'm debating between the Glock 26 and the Beretta PX4 SC. I love me some SA/DA with an external hammer!

[Neens]

He tests other ammo also ryan not just ball. I know theres a video of him testing black talon rounds and frangible ammunition.

[dogface_313]

I will admit, I am biased. I love my AR.
What i am most adamant about however is that the weapon is just a tool. The most important thing for defense is to practice with it. Find out what does and does not work for you, then go from there.

[TBone]

Personally, I love my SW1911 more so than my PT145 Millenium Pro. The 1911 is more accurate and target ammo is rather cheap. I use Federal rounds in mine and they pack a punch, and though I haven't had to yet but its a great home defense weapon. Of course if your looking for home defense you should consider a Mosberg 12 gauge...You can always buy cigars later then enjoy one while target practicing...just sayin