Looking to buy my first handgun...would like some advice...

[muh_roads]

I'm leaning towards the glock 17 from what I've been reading. Has fewer parts than most guns and the 9mm is pretty standard around the world and the bullets are inexpensive.

But I heard there is no safety lock on it?

What would you guys recommend? I'd like a used one if possible, not sure where to buy for as cheap as possible...

 

[TruthisTreason]

Look for a gun show coming to your area. You can find used guns there and if you buy one from a local (some people show up to sell or trade their gun), you won't have to fill out any paper work. I'm not that familiar with the Glock 17 but my Glock 27 has a safety mechanism built into the trigger.

P.S. Glock's aren't cheap!

 

[muh_roads]

Look for a gun show coming to your area. You can find used guns there and if you buy one from a local (some people show up to sell or trade their gun), you won't have to fill out any paper work. I'm not that familiar with the Glock 17 but my Glock 27 has a safety mechanism built into the trigger.

P.S. Glock's aren't cheap!

This talks about safety on the trigger of the Glock 17.
http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/Critical Look at the Glock 17.htm

I have no idea how to visualize that working though...

I think brand new the G17 is ~$500. I was going to say that is reasonable to me. But if I could get something cheaper then I am all ears.

 

[ronpaulblogsdotcom]

Well Glocks do not have a traditional safety that you flick on and flick off. But revolvers traditionally have safeties either. Many European guns dont have safeties.

I like guns without safeties more. They are less complicated, easier to understand if you don't shoot much, and a holster will cover the trigger so it doesn't go bang.

You could always keep the chamber empty if you want another method of safety so that you don't make a mistake somehow. And if you needed a gun it would almost be second nature to check that there is a round in the chamber or just rack the slide to be sure.

Make sure to try holding an empty glock. Some people think the grips are too big. Some people dont like the angle of the barrel compared to the handle.

And as far as used guns often they are not much cheaper than a gun store. Sometimes they are exactly the same. Ask around to find what stores are cheap in your area. The difference can be a lot.

 

[newyearsrevolution08]

The glock 19 is a great option, 9mm and pretty common all around

The safety issue is not really an issue if you have your fun "safe". Keep your finger off the trigger.

I would suggest going to a shooting range that allows you to test guns. We have one here in town that lets you test most handguns available atm and it helped me choose the glock 19 over the 17 and smaller set.

Glock is a great gun no matter what model you get, mine didn't like reloads AT ALL not sure if that was just mine but reload ammo was a pain.

Right now I shoot a bp2 kimber .45 that kicks too hard and makes me miss my glock 19. There is one thing to be said from a person who has sold a glock "why the hell did I sell that gun". Once you buy a glock you will keep it because no other handgun offers what it does "for the price". Its a great all around gun.

There are some great smith and wesson that you should check out as well, check out a few gun shops.

 

[SeanEdwards]

The glock has a little plastic dingus built into the trigger that has to be depressed in order for the trigger to move. You can see pictures of it here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glock_17

Here's a funny as hell video of an idiot demonstrating how not to handle a glock:

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=1977143

 

[Ozwest]

Revolver. No litter. Don't jam. More reliable.

 

[Danke]

Revolver. No litter. Don't jam. More reliable.

Revolver: Fewer shots and much slower to reload.

"Jam" Never had one with my H&K. Very reliable.

 

[newyearsrevolution08]

Revolver: Fewer shots and much slower to reload.

"Jam" Never had one with my H&K. Very reliable.

I still follow the whole "If I can't knock down whatever I am shooting at in 5-6 shots then I shouldn't have a gun in my hand" mentality BUT do agree that a magazine is very beneficial and superior in battle scenarios and odds are many others.

Not sure how many speed loaders I could carry or would want to BUT either way, any pistol that is known TO NOT JAM is the one you should have as your protection pistol.

Revolver or mag fed really doesn't matter.

I do think that a revolver is a more "for sure" shot then a mag fed due to less chances of something going wrong whether that be forgetting the safety, cocking the first shot (some need that) among any other jam issues that are possible.

But for your first pistol I doubt you really know exactly what you want yet. I thought I did the first 3 pistols I have owned and still have not landed on something I 100% enjoy but the glock 19 is damn close so far BUT still looking....

Get a glock 19 and you will be more then happy with how she shoots.

 

[Ozwest]

Revolver: Fewer shots and much slower to reload.

"Jam" Never had one with my H&K. Very reliable.

Mine's a .44 mag. I hate those "pesky" shell casings. Might as well leave your fingerprints.

 

[Ozwest]

Mine's a .44 mag. I hate those "pesky" shell casings. Might as well leave your fingerprints.

9mm jam all the time.
Depending on the model.

 

[Danke]

9mm jam all the time.
Depending on the model.

So? Tap and rack.

 

[Ozwest]

So? Tap and rack.

If 6x .44 mags don't do the trick, I haven't done my job.

Time to reach for the shotty.

 

[SeanEdwards]

So? Tap and rack.

Yeah, that sounds like a fun activity to be doing during a defensive handgun use scenario.

Personally, I want one of these. Small, light, easy to use while stressed, and it's going to go bang every freakin time.

 

[Ozwest]

Yeah, that sounds like a fun activity to be doing during a defensive handgun use scenario.

Personally, I want one of these. Small, light, easy to use while stressed, and it's going to go bang every freakin time.

I prefer a .44 mag, cause if I'm stressed I know my bullet will penetrate light armored vehicles. And the noise freaks out your opponents.

 

[Danke]

Yeah, that sounds like a fun activity to be doing during a defensive handgun use scenario.

Second nature with training and practicing at the range once and a while. Or dry fire practice at home if you can't make it to the range.

 

[Uriel999]

Personally my next pistol will probably be the new Tuarus Judge.

http://www.taurususa.com/video/taurus-theJudge-video.cfm


I like the idea of using .410 in a handgun. Too be honest, that would probably become my home defense weapon (live in a one bedroom apartment) over my 12guage. Havn't actually seen on myself, but they seem sweet.

 

[Ozwest]

Second nature with training and practicing at the range once and a while. Or dry fire practice at home if you can't make it to the range.

In order to own a .44 mag in Australia, you are required to shoot Target Silouette 20 weeks a year at the range.

I love it.

Load my own ammo. Too the granular limit. hehe

 

[Cowlesy]

I'm telling you guys, just line a punt-gun up at your door

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kdG2dwNb60

It doubles as a deck-gun too!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fg85k28b_dM

 

[Uriel999]

Yes, I'll take 4 of those please! Guess I don't see the need for a rifle anymore, just don't know how I am gonna mount one to my accord...