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910

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[–] • 4 pts

Most people don't want (or have enough ammo) to practice enough to get proficient with a 45. They are also larger and harder to conceal. Regarding anything less powerful than a 9x19 I'll quote Blazing Saddles "Don't shoot him--you'll just make him mad". Read up on the reliability of the various 9mms and shoot some if there is a shop where you are able to do that. It should point naturally in your hand, have a good reputation for reliability, and be within what you consider affordable. For reference, if you can test a Glock 19 you will know a little about what direction you want to take.

[–] • 2 pts

How would being proficient with a .45 ACP be any different than other calibers? It has a lower recoil impulse than 9mm so for a lot of people with the increased mass and weight of the gun it is actually easier to shoot.

[–] [deleted] • 0 pt

I find this to be the case as well. At 15 feet I stack rounds to the point I can target repair stickers from greater ranges.

[–] • 0 pt

A lot depends on the load of course. The people I have trained are generally more comfortable with a 9, even a lighter one, than a 45. It's all very subjective. I think they are more comfortable with the 9 and thus shoot better earlier. Just one guy's opinion and what I suggest to students initially.

[–] • 4 pts

Get one the 'feels good' and points straight in YOUR hand. You do not use the sights in the spilt second that you are defending your life.

[–] • 1 pt

2 people have mentioned it pointing straight in my hand. Yet that never came up in searches

[–] • 0 pt

It's very important. I have to have a very specific stance to shoot a glock accurately. OTOH I can whip a SW J-frame out of my pocket and be centered on an eyeball. The 1911 is almost as good. As far as plastic guns go I like Walther personally at your budget level.

[–] • 0 pt

Look at different makes and models, they are all 'different' angles from handle to sights. You want one that fits your arm and wrist angle, when you quickly throw your hand up, without a large 'adjustment' to the sights. For self defense, the sights actually mean very little, it is hitting center mass by feel, just like pointing your finger. PS. After owning 15 pistols and revolvers, in 7 different Cal. i carry a Springfield XD40. It holds 12+1 and the 40 is easy to handle and easy to find ammo. Whatever you find, GL.

[–] • 1 pt

I have an XD9 9mm. 19+1. It's very accurate as well.

[–] • 1 pt

For getting such a high recommendation that xd40 is cheap as hell. That's at the top of the list over the Taurus as of this minute. Just on the strength of how you ranked it

[–] • 2 pts

See if you can find out if there's a gun range that rents guns in your area. That way you can show up, cash in hand and talk to the guy behind the counter about what you're asking here. If not just go to a gun store and handle some firearms. Tell them what you're looking for, personal defense, home defense, etc. Don't let anybody sell you on something you don't want. Look to the internet to see if you can buy ammo in bulk, it's $$$, but it's worth it.

If you are ever in a situation that you were forced to shoot someone, here's the only word you need to know. I was in fear for my life. Then shut the fuck up and get an attorney.

[–] • 1 pt

Don't even say that. Just tell them you will fully cooperate with their investigation and answer any questions once your attorney is present. Say that and absolutely nothing else. Not even small talk.

[–] • 0 pt

I would like to have maximum rounds available in the event I have to use it. That is why I went with the bersa. Feel may end up deciding it but I havent shopped in person yet.

[–] • 1 pt

There's a thing called a mag dump. Revolver or magazine doesn't matter. In the event you have to use your firearm to defend yourself, you'll most likely empty it into your targets direction. After you pick up your firearm, order snap caps. They are non-fireable bullets with a piece of rubber where the primer should be. Practice clearing jams (double feeds and stove pipes) and reloading. Speed loaders or spare mags help, but you just want to practice to stay sharp.

[–] • 0 pt

This is getting more and more bonkers.

[–] • 1 pt

Shot placement is more important than round count.

[–] • 0 pt

I was hoping to place one in their face if it comes to it. Which guns are best at face shots lol. Seriously this thread is great for someone bewildered by buying a gun for the first time.

[–] • 0 pt

Adrenaline is a helluva drug. Accuracy at the range doesn't necessarily mean accuracy in a real situation. I'm not saying don't train, but a bigger magazine helps.

[–] • 2 pts (edited )

Take a look at the CZ 75B. Then put it your hand. You will know right away.

Another interesting piece is the M&P BG 38 revolver.

[–] • 2 pts

I owned a CZ P-01 and that was great little pistol. Felt like it was made for my hand and as accurate as I could be with it. Hated that I was stupid enough to sell it.

[–] • 0 pt

I've gotten rid of guitars I felt that good about

[–] • 0 pt (edited )

Really sucks. Sold my silver not long ago too. Kicking myself for that as well but when you need money bad, ya gotta do something.

[–] • 1 pt

Looks serious but a couple hundred above budget.

[–] • 2 pts

Now is not the time to complain about gun prices...

[–] • 2 pts (edited )

Get a common caliber, 9mm/.45ACP/.40/.357/.22. Don't get a .380. A .380 is basically a 9mm-short. A glock 43 in 9mm might be a good place to start. Only 6 round mags but Taran Tactical sells 3-round extensions. If you can afford it and if you can find one, I really like my Walther PPQ subcompact in 9mm. 10/15/17 round mags and extremely accurate. Get whatever the gun shop has ammo for.

[–] • 2 pts

This. 9mm or 45ACP. Taurus makes inexpensive but good 9's. If you got a little bit more cash Springfield Armory is good too.

[–] • 0 pt

Im liable to narrow it down to the two of them. Asking you guys is very different from asking the internet at random

[–] • 2 pts

I'd go with 9mm, it has a lot more stopping power than a 22 but it won't take down a wall like a 45. The G2C is great starter 9: https://www.taurususa.com/pistols/see-all-pistols?view=category&id=92

After you load it and field strip it a few times you should find a range and practice, practice, practice. am I forgetting anything?

[–] • 2 pts

Taurus makes crap guns.

[–] • 1 pt

See that's eye opening. Get whatever they have ammo for. If you ask the internet you want the ideal gun

[–] • 1 pt

If it's within your means, it'd be wise to eventually have at least one handgun in each of those calibers.

[–] • 1 pt

From personal experience, don't get anything over +1 unless there's a new spring involved (or one of those that has an extra spring in the new plate). If you're going to get a +3, just buy a 10rd mag.

[–] • 1 pt

Those Taran Tactical extensions do come with new springs. I haven't had any problems yet but I can see the potential for issues.

[–] • 2 pts

I'm sure those work fine. The options when it first came out relied on the stock spring. The only failures I ever experienced were with a +2 with the stock spring. Back before the boating accident...

[–] • 0 pt

See what the hell does that mean. This stuff is far out

[–] • 2 pts

Just talking about the glock 43. You can remove the baseplate of the magazine and replace it with deeper options. A +1 just looks like a pinky extension which makes the gun easier to hold. Every extra round (+1 or +2 or +3) makes the grip a little longer. A +1 doesn't really affect how it prints on your waistband.

Does that make sense?

[–] • 0 pt

That walther was amazing looking for 500. Very solid

[–] • 1 pt

They're excellent pistols. I've heard very few negative things about them. No safety on them, so if you're going to carry with a round in the chamber you'll need a quality holster with positive retention.

[–] • 0 pt

Ha that's scary as fuck

[–] • 2 pts

1911's are awesome. 45acp.

[–] • 1 pt

Let me tell you about the bersa thunder. It's inexpensive, and it fires every time I pull the trigger. I think it's a nice little piece.

I don't carry it, but a loved one has several times. After a little carrying in an iwb holster getting a little sweat on it, the mag release button rusted inside the frame. I'm still working on getting it loose. I have everything stripped in a bag with solvent. I've pissed with it on and off for a couple weeks, and I can't get it to release the mag. Jewtube hasn't helped.

[–] • 0 pt

See that is some unforeseeable shit.

[–] • 1 pt

Until that happened, I loved it. Especially for the $200 I had in it.

[–] • 0 pt

So because you didn’t lube the gun properly it’s a bad choice?

[–] • 1 pt

What's lube? All I did was take it scuba diving in the ocean a few dozen times, and it failed for no reason, smartfag.

[–] • 0 pt

Random people on the internet telling you what gun to buy is like us telling you what shoes to buy. Go to a range, rent some guns and shoot them. See what feels good and your hand and has proper ergonomics for you.

[–] • 0 pt

Try some out at the range. Some gun ranges have rental guns you can try out. Depends on your age, if you have arthritis, etc. Personally I used to have a 357 magnum and a 38 special airweight. I don't have them anymore. If I had to do it again I would probably get a 9mm kurtz or perhaps something smaller?

[–] • 0 pt

I like the S&W M&P 40 cal, but whatever fits you. Find a range and see if you can test fire a few (dozen) rounds.

[–] • 0 pt

By firearms license do you mean concealed carry or are you somewhere you need a license just to own a firearm period? I ask because if you can't have it on you all of the time a pistol probably isn't the best choice.

As for what you should get, try before you buy. Look for ranges that rent, join a club, ask folks at the range about what they're shooting.

Also It's Bersa not Bertha

[–] • 0 pt

Lol Bertha

Yeah I have to have a license to own one. Conceal carry requires a class.

[–] • 0 pt (edited )

Check this out

https://youtu.be/nycYxb-zNwc

Sorry for the youtube link, shitty cowboy voice, and prepper spin but the the study slighted is interesting.

[–] • 0 pt

That was pretty good. Wouldnt mind firing a 410

[–] • 0 pt

In free states we require neither...

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