Buying my first guns soon, need info in BERETTAS

[eckstein88]

I'm currently 20 years old and living in CA. I will be 21 in January and am planning to buy my first guns then.

I am from a pretty "liberal" household so I have very little knowledge about firearms other than what I learned in the Boy Scouts (limited, but something), and from going to ranges a few times with friends.


I was pretty set on getting the 92/96 series Beretta pistol and the Cx4 Storm Carbine.


My reasoning for the pistol is mostly aesthetic. I want a "full" size pistol and the 92/96 models are my personal favorite looking. My reasoning for the Cx4 is a combination of aesthetics, ammo compatibility with the 92/96 (9mm), and the fact that it is able to switch from right handed to left handed easily. I am left handed so this is kind of a big deal for me.





My question basically is making sure that these would be good choices in terms of ease of use/learning curve, usefulness for practicing marksmanship, and that im not being ripped off.

Also, any information about where I can go to learn gun safety/maintenance and a place to practice in my area (San Diego and Inland Empire during the Summer) would be greatly appreciated.



Any other pointers are also appreciated. Thanks

 

[wv@SC]

Any military personnel here might want to comment on the Beretta 92, but I would suggest that you get a Glock. In CA, I think you are (I'm sorry to say) restricted to 10-round capacity anyway, and some soldiers in Afganistan and the ME had some problems with the 92s due to the sand and the open slide style.
Another good full size pistol is a Springfield 1911, some of which only run around $500. I think they now come new in box with holster, mag holder, and extra mag. Not a bad deal and a style that been proven for almost a hundred years. And it's a 45!

 

[CJLauderdale4]

Any military personnel here might want to comment on the Beretta 92, but I would suggest that you get a Glock. In CA, I think you are (I'm sorry to say) restricted to 10-round capacity anyway, and some soldiers in Afganistan and the ME had some problems with the 92s due to the sand and the open slide style.
Another good full size pistol is a Springfield 1911, some of which only run around $500. I think they now come new in box with holster, mag holder, and extra mag. Not a bad deal and a style that been proven for almost a hundred years. And it's a 45!

Agreed. Glock is the way to go, yet a little more pricey than the rest (but well worth it). If it's the first time you've used a firearm, please take the cheap firearm safety courses they provide when you go get a concealed carry license. Also, you may want to start with a cheap smaller caliber to take to the range and get accustomed to prior to moving up to a .45...

My 2 cents...

 

[FortWorth38]

To The OP : What will be your Primary Use ?

Home Protection-Self Defense
Shooting Range-Sport​

 

[eckstein88]

Agreed. Glock is the way to go, yet a little more pricey than the rest (but well worth it). If it's the first time you've used a firearm, please take the cheap firearm safety courses they provide when you go get a concealed carry license. Also, you may want to start with a cheap smaller caliber to take to the range and get accustomed to prior to moving up to a .45...

My 2 cents...

How hard is it to get a concealed carry license in California if I'm 20 and in college?

Also, I've fired .22s and shotguns while in the Boy Scouts, and I've gone to the range and used my friends Mossburg shotgun and Russian Mosin Nagant sniper rifle, so I have a little experience.

Never shot a pistol though...

 

[eckstein88]

To The OP : What will be your Primary Use ?

Home Protection-Self Defense
Shooting Range-Sport​

All of the above basically, except I probably won't be shooting any animals. Not unless I'm eating them at least.




Oh, and to look cool

 

[sam1952]

I think there is nothing wrong with your choice. Lots of people own pistol caliber carbines. The Berreta line is as good as any and your idea of sharing ammunition is fine for your intent. Another plus is the pistol and carbine share the same magazines I believe.

I have a RugerPC9 carbine and a P89DC pistol, they share the same magazines which is a big plus. Going to the range for plinking is great fun with this setup.

The real question is what you want to acheive. CD, plinking, shtf ?

Glocks are great guns, lots of companies make great guns and if you want a beretta PX series there is nothing wrong with that.

And by all means take a gun course. Your local range or firearms dealer should be able to point you to one.

 

[maeqFREEDOMfree]

personally i'm not a glock guy simply because of the significant weight change in the gun as you empty the magazine. If i were you, i'd shoot a couple different guns between now and then. If you have someone over 21 that would take you shooting they can rent guns at the range. that way you can practice shooting before you buy. The coolest looking gun in the world will do you no good if you can't shoot straight.

also, what makes you want to chose the 9mm? i would recommend shooting something larger. If you start with a 9mm and want to later go to a larger round like the .45, it's going to be a big jump. It's much easier to get used to shooting a higher caliber and then down sizing. if you start with a .45, being that you'd be used to more kick, you shouldn't have too much of a problem getting a feel for any 9mm, .40, .380, etc.

 

[Kacela]

Go to a gun store and handle them before you decide on something - you want something that feels comfortable in your hands, also be aware that many pistols (like my favorite the Heckler & Koch (HK) P2000 - the one "Jack Bauer" uses ), have interchangeable backstraps that will make the gun almost a custom fit.

My wife has an HK P2000sk (sub-compact) .40S&W that fits her hand perfectly - but in my wide hands, my pinkie actually goes beneath the magazine. Bottom line - You need to actually handle the firearm to find the one that "fits" you in terms of comfort and ergonomics.

 

[Cowlesy]

Take a pistol safety course before you buy one.

 

[wv@SC]

personally i'm not a glock guy simply because of the significant weight change in the gun as you empty the magazine. If i were you, i'd shoot a couple different guns between now and then. If you have someone over 21 that would take you shooting they can rent guns at the range. that way you can practice shooting before you buy. The coolest looking gun in the world will do you no good if you can't shoot straight.

also, what makes you want to chose the 9mm? i would recommend shooting something larger. If you start with a 9mm and want to later go to a larger round like the .45, it's going to be a big jump. It's much easier to get used to shooting a higher caliber and then down sizing. if you start with a .45, being that you'd be used to more kick, you shouldn't have too much of a problem getting a feel for any 9mm, .40, .380, etc.

I agree (not the Glock statement, though!) - if you can, get out and shoot some guns. You want something that's reliable and you can hit what you're aiming at. The only way to find out which one is you is to take the time and do some shooting with different guns.

 

[mortepa]

If you love the Beretta style, as I do, you should also checkout the Taurus line. I owned a Taurus 357 revolver for 10 years and it has been flawless over 1000's of rounds fired. However, recently I felt it was time to buy a semi-auto pistol. I have always loved the Beretta 92/96 and feel they are some of the best all around options for a good reliable gun. They are proven and solid and very good looking.

From what I understand the Taurus factory in Brazil was tooled for production of Berettas, and that is why they are so similar. Just something I heard at the gun shop.

Well, I decided to look into Taurus and was very impressed with the PT-92/99 and PT-100/101 lines. The 92's and 99's are 9 MM and the 100 and 101's are 40 SW. The gun's fit and finish is great and I absolutely love to hold it. They are essentially the same basic gun as the Beretta, but just cheaper. I ended up going with the 9mm because of cost of ammo, it is a NATO round, and I want my wife to not fear the gun. Otherwise I would actually prefer the 40SW.

So I got the PT-92 (fixed sight model), and love it. A very straight forward, simple construction, and quality of course. I am very pleased with my Taurus and find it impossible for another stock gun to be much better in any area. I mean this is a GREAT pistol.

Went to the range and fired off 100 rounds of cheap ammo. No problems what so ever. So if you are big on Berretta's, you owe it to yourself to checkout Taurus's line too...

 

[charger]

I'm currently 20 years old and living in CA. I will be 21 in January and am planning to buy my first guns then.

I am from a pretty "liberal" household so I have very little knowledge about firearms other than what I learned in the Boy Scouts (limited, but something), and from going to ranges a few times with friends.


I was pretty set on getting the 92/96 series Beretta pistol and the Cx4 Storm Carbine.


My reasoning for the pistol is mostly aesthetic. I want a "full" size pistol and the 92/96 models are my personal favorite looking. My reasoning for the Cx4 is a combination of aesthetics, ammo compatibility with the 92/96 (9mm), and the fact that it is able to switch from right handed to left handed easily. I am left handed so this is kind of a big deal for me.





My question basically is making sure that these would be good choices in terms of ease of use/learning curve, usefulness for practicing marksmanship, and that im not being ripped off.

Also, any information about where I can go to learn gun safety/maintenance and a place to practice in my area (San Diego and Inland Empire during the Summer) would be greatly appreciated.



Any other pointers are also appreciated. Thanks

I have a Beretta 92. It is a good gun but for concealled carry it is a little heavy and big.
I like 9mm's because they are a good compramise betwen firepower and capacity of rounds.
I currently carry a Taurus PT 111 Pro. all the time. The gun is half the weight of the Beretta and holds 12 rounds in the clip.
I found that carrying the Beretta was a chore but I don't even remember I'm carrying when carrying the Taurus.
The reason I went with the Taurus over a Glock is because the Glock doesn't have a manual safety.

 

[Nyte]

For your pistol, go with a 9mm with as much mag capacity as you can get.

Why?
9mm is the cheapest and most commonly used round.
There is no such thing as "stopping power" when it comes to a pistol round. It's a myth. Pistols are terrible for effectively dropping an aggressor.
Get maximum mag capacity, because studies have shown that you're lucky to hit your target once with one clip. People are terribly inaccurate with pistols in a gunfight.

That being said, it's more important for your to get practice time with your new gun. That means putting a lot of ammo through it. If you go with a 9mm, you'll save yourself a lot of money.

Also, go with gun that has a lot of accessories. The more common the gun, the cheaper and easier it will be to get accessories.

 

[pcosmar]

Beretta?
That's my style. They carry a few items I would like.
Stampede Buntline Carbine

Stampede Old West Marshall

http://www.berettausa.com/product/product_pistols_main.htm

 

[Matt]

Another good full size pistol is a Springfield 1911, some of which only run around $500. I think they now come new in box with holster, mag holder, and extra mag. Not a bad deal and a style that been proven for almost a hundred years. And it's a 45!

+1 If I was limited to ten rounds or less and couldn't carry I would definitely go for a 45. Get a 1911 but don't buy a cheap ass one. You could get a decent one for the price of a Glock.

I shot a custom Wilson Combat 1911 at the range one time and it was sweet but they're $$$$.

 

[pedzola]

Berettas are excellent guns. My first pistol was a Beretta 92 and I couldn't be happier with it.

9mm is the cheapest centerfire caliber to shoot, and 92 magazines and accessories are cheap and plentiful. The Beretta 92 not only looks nice, but is extremely reliable, and is easy to shoot.

The biggest drawback is that it is too large/heavy for concealed carry. For that, I would recommend a G26.


The capacity restrictions in Cali do suck, but don't get a .45 just because they hold fewer rounds of ammo! Shooting .45 is going to be probably about twice as expensive as shooting 9mm, and with the prices of ammo continually rising, you're going to spend a lot more money on ammo than on a gun.

Speaking of $$, what is all this about Glocks being more expensive? Around here the Glock and Beretta run roughly the same price - $500 for a 92 Police Special, or the same for a G26/G19/G17.

$500 is on the low end of what you can expect to spend for a really good semi-auto. But keep in mind, 2500 rounds of 9mm these days runs about $500 as well.

I'd recommend the Beretta over a Glock for your first gun, but the best answer of course is to get both. Get a 92 to learn and shoot at the range, and a G26 to carry (you're limited to 10 rounds already so you might as well get the subcompact!)

 

[eckstein88]

Thanks for all of the responses guys.


Couple followup questions though: Is the 10 round limit for the magazine or how many rounds I can have on my person at one time?

Also, if it is the magazine, is there a way in California that I could get a magazine that held more and just keep it at home/in the ground for an "emergency".

Finally, what kind of magazine capacities are there for the 92 or cx4? How much bigger than 10 rounds does it get?


Thanks again

 

[pdavis]

I'm currently 20 years old and living in CA. I will be 21 in January and am planning to buy my first guns then.

I am from a pretty "liberal" household so I have very little knowledge about firearms other than what I learned in the Boy Scouts (limited, but something), and from going to ranges a few times with friends.


I was pretty set on getting the 92/96 series Beretta pistol and the Cx4 Storm Carbine.


My reasoning for the pistol is mostly aesthetic. I want a "full" size pistol and the 92/96 models are my personal favorite looking. My reasoning for the Cx4 is a combination of aesthetics, ammo compatibility with the 92/96 (9mm), and the fact that it is able to switch from right handed to left handed easily. I am left handed so this is kind of a big deal for me.





My question basically is making sure that these would be good choices in terms of ease of use/learning curve, usefulness for practicing marksmanship, and that im not being ripped off.

Also, any information about where I can go to learn gun safety/maintenance and a place to practice in my area (San Diego and Inland Empire during the Summer) would be greatly appreciated.



Any other pointers are also appreciated. Thanks

How hard is it to get a concealed carry license in California if I'm 20 and in college?

Also, I've fired .22s and shotguns while in the Boy Scouts, and I've gone to the range and used my friends Mossburg shotgun and Russian Mosin Nagant sniper rifle, so I have a little experience.

Never shot a pistol though...

Thanks for all of the responses guys.


Couple followup questions though: Is the 10 round limit for the magazine or how many rounds I can have on my person at one time?

Also, if it is the magazine, is there a way in California that I could get a magazine that held more and just keep it at home/in the ground for an "emergency".

Finally, what kind of magazine capacities are there for the 92 or cx4? How much bigger than 10 rounds does it get?


Thanks again

Hello fellow San Diegan.
1. Here in California the Beretta Cx4 is considered an assault weapon making it illegal to own.

2. In order to purchase a handgun you must have a Handgun Safety Certificate. To obtain one you must pass a written exam at any gun shop.

3. The ten round limit applies to the magazine of all firearms. The only way around it is to obtain an assault weapons permit and to register your firearm with the CA DOJ.

4. You must be 21 years old to purchase a handgun, 18 to purchase a long gun.

5. All government buildings (including schools, colleges, and universities) are gun free zones, even if one has a concealed carry permit.

6. Sorry but the only way you or any average California citizen are going to obtain a concealed carry permit in California is if you were raped and maimed by Jack the Ripper's ghost, Freddy Krueger, Jason, and Michael Myers in a tag team caged death match against you on the corner of Elm Street, were put on life support, and on the verge of death. Even then your chances are extremely low.

As for your other questions I have no answers because I too am a 20 year old college student who lives in a household full of anti-gun liberals.

 

[phill4paul]

Personally, If this is your first sidearm I would get a revolver.
If you've not shot much you will tend to anticipate the kick. This will cause inaccuracies in grouping.
My 2 cents, get a low caliber revolver (cheap on ammo). Practice often and in the beginning leave one chamber empty to teach you not to anticipate the "kick".