Getting a Handgun

Head to detroit. They'll hook you up.

9mm ruger, it what i have. its not to bad, can take down lizards, and maby(if it needs to) take someone out.

merc wrote: glock makes a new .45 with a slim handle. i havent herd anything bad about the XD pistols.

Yeah, but that's chambered for .45 GAP, not .45 ACP. GAP ammo is expensive.

Well...

My weapons handling > Your skill at the internet

Rottergotterdam wrote: Well... My weapons handling > Your skill at the internet

my weapons skills > your weapons skills 

pwned

ammolord wrote: Rottergotterdam wrote: Well... My weapons handling > Your skill at the internet my weapons skills > your weapons skills  pwned

My penis skills > your penis skills

pwned

xXK1CK1NVV1NGXx wrote: ammolord wrote: Rottergotterdam wrote: Well... My weapons handling > Your skill at the internet my weapons skills > your weapons skills  pwned My skill with your mom > than your skill with your mom.

thats just not right.

HO... same spot as you... small hands.

Beretta 92 (M9) and Sig P228 (M11) were both a bit too big for my mitts.

I'm not a fan of Glocks... not saying they're bad choices... just not my personal choice. Glock 36, being single-stack, would probably fit your hands just fine. Have no experiences with Walthers.

We got into the caliber-choice discussion maybe 6 months ago when someone else was looking for a handgun. All depends on what your intended purpose is... and what your overall budget is.

I will say this though:
Don't base your caliber choice on your perception of recoil. This has less to do with caliber and more to do with your particular weapon.
The felt recoil on my 9x19 CZ P01 is more than that of my 45ACP 1911... and the felt recoil of my 9x18 CZ-82 is significantly more than either.
A lightweight/short-barrel 9 will have more kick than a heavier .40. I can imagine that sub-compact PPS having a little bite to it.

There are a lot of great choices out there. Everyone has their opinion as to what's the best. I won't say what is best, because there are too many variables. I will say, as always, that you should get your mitts around as many choices as possible... and pick one that is naturally comfortable in your hands.

I went with a CZ P-01. Based on the CZ-75 series, it's a lightweight compact. Alloy frame, steel slide. 14rd standard capacity, in 9x19mm. Accessory rail. It fit my hands like it was made just for me, and it naturally points very well. It does have some kick to it, but it drops back on target effortlessly.
Along with the feel of the weapon... I chose 9x19mm due to availability and cost.

Also have a 5" 1911 in 45ACP that I'm shooting more, now that I'm reloading. Might look into a compact 3-1/2" barrel model before too long.

Caliber choice economics:
Just an example of the *cheapest* brass-cased ammo around my area (currently CCI Blazer Brass at Walmart).
9x19mm, 115gr FMJ: $0.19c/rd
45ACP, 230gr FMJ: $0.31c/rd (prices after sales tax, 5%)
Might be able to find cheaper online, but then factor in shipping costs.
40S&W will fall in closer to the 45ACP price-range.
My personal opinion is to steer clear of the 45GAP. Cost and availability are not in your favor, and there still isn't any guarantee that this won't be another fad-round and go the way of the 10mm.

Takedown ability: comes down to shot placement above all else.
I have complete confidence in my 9x19 defensive choice (Speer 124gr +P). As well as the ability of a standard 230gr 45ACP FMJ or JHP doing the job.
There are a slew of good JHP choices in 9x19 available today with excellent terminal performance. Don't base your opinion of 9x19 on the performance of ball rounds.

Rottergotterdam wrote: Hey, I'm a small guy, 5'6" 150lbs.

You obviously need a Desert Eagle .50 cal.
No one will even notice how short you are when you pull that baby out.

*Edit: Double post FTW.

Edited by Bunkered - 23 March 2008 at 10:52pm

Get a Beretta 92 or a Springfield compact.