New Permit- First Gun Advice

[Protectin_the_Fam]

Just got my permit to carry in the mail today (took only 2 weeks) and am getting ready to look for a gun. Im not to familiar with all the options. I know how to handle a gun, have shot a lot, but never purchased. Im out to exercise my privilege/right to protect myself from the jackasses out there that want to use me and my family as characters in a video game.

Looking to get a semi auto- that is easy to shoot, carry (conceal), and has decent stopping power.. Doesn’t have to blow holes in the fridge. Any thoughts?

[TonyF]

A Glock 19.

[Rule10b5]

For a first semi-auto, to be used for concealed carry, as well as learning how to shoot?

Glock 19, hands down.

They're cheap, 100% reliable, easy to find accessories for, easy to maintain, durable as hell, small enough to conceal easily -- yet big enough to shoot well, light weight, and chambered in a great caliber -- 9mm. NYPD chose the Glock 19 for a reason.

I, quite honestly, can't think of a better first handgun -- given any amount of money. If I could own only 1 semi-auto, it would be a Glock 19.

[Rule10b5]

Damnit, Tony, that's what I get for taking the time to write out my reasons, rather than just typing "Glock 19."

[dmd08]

You will get many different opinions in answer to your question. I predict that the Glock 19 will be a very common response. I am currently in the market for one myself. It is small but not too small, has good capacity and when loaded with a quality JHP round will perform well.

Good luck with your search.

[dmd08]

Wow, I'm slow......but right.

[TwistedCopper]

Looking to get a semi auto- that is easy to shoot, carry (conceal), and has decent stopping power.. Doesn’t have to blow holes in the fridge. Any thoughts?

Yeah, a Bersa Thunder .380. Under $300, lots of safety features like a decocker, very concealable, and will stop a bad guy with a nice jacketed hollow point like Cor-bon.

Or, if you want something bigger, a Springfield Armory XD .40 Sub Compact. It's like 2 guns in one with a 10 round mag that makes it really concealable, and also a 12 round mag which extends the grip for that "full size" feel and shooting. They have a nearly identical model in the 9mm, which will hold more ammo if you prefer a 9mm. Both come in a nice "XD Gear" kit that includes a case, a holster, 2 mags, a 2 magazine holder (for a belt), and a magazine loader for around $500. Pretty damn good deal and a lifetime warranty from SA.

Whatever you decide, I'd highly recommend trying one out first. Find a place that will rent you one to try. I know http://www.freedomarmory.com/ will do that, but it looks like they are nowhere near you. Hopefully there's something like that place around you where they'll rent or better yet let you try one before committing your money as guns aren'r returnable

[KeithPA]

NYPD chose the Glock 19 for a reason.

Well that wouldn't exactly validate is accuracy (couldn't resist the cheapshot)


I'm partial to my Springfield XD line. They do come in 9mm.

But a glock will do just as well.

Obviously go to you local gunstore and try them out, preferably one with range so you can test fire them.

[Rule10b5]

Well that wouldn't exactly validate is accuracy (couldn't resist the cheapshot)

That's a training issue

And as NYPD has shown, they certainly can throw a lot of lead downrange in a short time.

In any case, the G19 is plenty accurate. I (and I'm not a good shot) can easily keep 25 shots under 3" at 15 yards offhand. A good shot can do that at 25 yards all day long.

[LittleRedToyota]

privilege/right to protect myself

it's a right, not a privilege...even if our government treats it like a privilege. don't let them get you into the habit of calling it a privilege.

i would also recommend a 9mm for your first gun. the ammo is cheap so you can practice a lot.

i also like glocks personally. i prefer the 17 over the 19 (very similar guns...the 17 is just a bit bigger), but they are both great guns. glocks are extremely reliable and easy to use.

there are other great guns out there besides glocks, though.

if you have a range near you that rents different guns, go there and try out as many as you can. find a gun that fits your hand well. what works great for one person may not work at all for someone else.