Recommend a gun?

[Magnum Banana]

Turned 21 2 days ago and looking to get a handgun. (Is it weird I was excited to buy a handgun and not excited to legally drink?) Anyway...

Here are my requirements

#1 Must be reliable
#2 Must be concealable (business casual at work)
#3 Caliber must be bad-wrist friendly, I'm not sure how bad the 45 kicks as i've never shot one. I've read its like a "push" recoil instead of a slap under the barrel as the 9mm has been described...
#4 I'd prefer if I could tinker with it too...

[RocketFoot]

9mm is not too bad...but in a small frame gun, you may want to look at .380 auto. Kel-tec, Bersa and Ruger all have nice reliable entries in the range you are describing.

[bmxer0122]

you could always go the springfield xd route. i have never heard anything bad about them and they come in 9mm, 40 s&w, and 45 and a variety of sizes and available options such as compensated barrels. I'm most likely going to buy one of these eventually(its been on my wishlist since they came out).

[bmxer0122]

i would also recomend going to your local range and renting different caliper guns to determine what you like b/c to some people a 45 kicks to hard but for me i dont even notice it.

[Coops]

Not sure how you conceal a 45 when you are wearing a golf shirt and khakis. Maybe an ankle holster and a Glock 36.

[Koli01]

Your best bet, since it sound like you have no experience (or very little) in shooting handguns would be to find a range/shop where you can try out several different guns/calibers.
Or posibily hook up with some members here that would let you try some of their guns.
A group shoot is a great place to do this. We are having one this sunday just outside of Pittsburgh.

[Magnum Banana]

Your best bet, since it sound like you have no experience (or very little) in shooting handguns would be to find a range/shop where you can try out several different guns/calibers.
Or posibily hook up with some members here that would let you try some of their guns.
A group shoot is a great place to do this. We are having one this sunday just outside of Pittsburgh.

That sounds like it could be a good idea.

[40 cal]

Dont feel bad man. I turned 21 today. Its my B-day. An while I could be " getting drunk" Id rather be on here. Drinking is not for everyone bro. Just dont mix guns an drinking. But, id get a 9mm of some sort. If you dont got alot of cash to spend. Try a Kel Tec P9. Alot of people recommended me those. An tons of others. Check out my posts

When it comes down to it. Its really Best feel for you. Not really what me or anyone else thinks. But, nice to have a bunch or recommended idea's

[tdyoung58]

Springfield XD45 Compact

#1 Must be reliable, absolutly

#2 Must be concealable (business casual at work) works great in a tuckable Highnoon Tailgate http://highnoonholsters.com/Product_...tail_gate.html

#3 Caliber must be bad-wrist friendly, I'm not sure how bad the 45 kicks as i've never shot one. I've read its like a "push" recoil instead of a slap under the barrel as the 9mm has been described... My 5' tall GF has one and loves it, not bad at all, very soft shooting for a .45, and conceals nicely with the 10 round magazine.

#4 I'd prefer if I could tinker with it too... can be done, some good upgrade parts for it

OR.... A 1911 style Commander size like the Springfield Custom Carry Compact .45acp, basically a Commander size slide on a Officer size frame, got to fondle and shoot one this week... really likes it's feel. 6+1 4.15" barrel

[Chazman321]

Para PXT... It's a 1911 style 9mm, very concealable... The ones I've seen come with 2 - 9 round mags... It's going to cost you, but a great pistol... Happy Birthday, get yourself a gat... lol


-Chaz