Gun Enthusiasts... what to buy?
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I'm not interested in discussing my reasons for this, but a friend and former Navy SEAL told me to get this (Beretta 92FS): http://www.ozarkguns.com/Beretta/Pistols/beretta92.htm[^] They are familiar with my shooting ability and thought this would be the best choice for me because of safety reasons and ease of use. I have never owned a handgun before, but I have owned rifles and shotguns. So, if you own this gun, what do you like about it and what don't you like. If you prefer another type, tell me why. I am not interested in target shooting or any of that, I just want to be able to protect myself within my house, which is maybe 30 yards max. I would like to know if anyone is in the Denver area, if you know of a good place to train, where I can have someone show me the basics, how to make sure it shoots properly (disassembly and cleaning), how to make sure it doesn't shoot when it's not supposed to, how to aim and fire with good accuracy. I want personal training, not simply a firing range which I could do on my own - if you know of a place like that, let me know. There are many issues with this, but I don't want to discuss any gun rights or any of that. Please stick to the technical/user interface issues. One "UI" issue I had with my friend's "government-issue" Beretta was that it's kind of heavy. Much heavier than I expected (the specs said 2.5lbs, but feels like more). Talk to me about things like that. Internet searches for this information turned up a lot of crap that wasn't very useful... also, I don't trust the person selling things to necessarily give me the correct information if it's going to affect the sale. I want to be informed before I ask a salesperson anything.
"Quality Software since 1983!"
http://www.smoothjazzy.com/ - see the "Programming" section for (freeware) JazzySiteMaps, a simple application to generate .Net and Google-style sitemaps!My dad has a 9mm Glock. Light and well balance with a good punch at the business end. I prefer it to his 357 Mag (but the 357 can kill cars).
"Why don't you tie a kerosene-soaked rag around your ankles so the ants won't climb up and eat your candy ass..." - Dale Earnhardt, 1997
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"...the staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - Jason Jystad, 10/26/2001 -
I'm not interested in discussing my reasons for this, but a friend and former Navy SEAL told me to get this (Beretta 92FS): http://www.ozarkguns.com/Beretta/Pistols/beretta92.htm[^] They are familiar with my shooting ability and thought this would be the best choice for me because of safety reasons and ease of use. I have never owned a handgun before, but I have owned rifles and shotguns. So, if you own this gun, what do you like about it and what don't you like. If you prefer another type, tell me why. I am not interested in target shooting or any of that, I just want to be able to protect myself within my house, which is maybe 30 yards max. I would like to know if anyone is in the Denver area, if you know of a good place to train, where I can have someone show me the basics, how to make sure it shoots properly (disassembly and cleaning), how to make sure it doesn't shoot when it's not supposed to, how to aim and fire with good accuracy. I want personal training, not simply a firing range which I could do on my own - if you know of a place like that, let me know. There are many issues with this, but I don't want to discuss any gun rights or any of that. Please stick to the technical/user interface issues. One "UI" issue I had with my friend's "government-issue" Beretta was that it's kind of heavy. Much heavier than I expected (the specs said 2.5lbs, but feels like more). Talk to me about things like that. Internet searches for this information turned up a lot of crap that wasn't very useful... also, I don't trust the person selling things to necessarily give me the correct information if it's going to affect the sale. I want to be informed before I ask a salesperson anything.
"Quality Software since 1983!"
http://www.smoothjazzy.com/ - see the "Programming" section for (freeware) JazzySiteMaps, a simple application to generate .Net and Google-style sitemaps!I'd stay away from an automatic and get a revolver, fewer headaches. I've a couple of Airweight 38's, loaded and within reach by each outside doorway.
Mike Dear NYT - the fact is, the founding fathers hung traitors. Dear NYT - Thanks for being the house organ of the Democrat Party. dennisd45: My view of the world is slightly more nuanced dennisd45 (the NAMBLA supporter) wrote: I know exactly what it means. So shut up you mother killing baby raper.
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http://www.chuckhawks.com/first_handgun.htm[^] My mother used to carry a small .22 caliber handgun as well. It wasn't a revolver (don't know the brand), but the kick back wasn't bad at all and well I thought it was light at least, of course it may be heavier for some to hold. Regarding safety, the obvious has been the best way. Make sure every adult that lives with you that you trust knows about it and its location, keep the safety switch on, locked up, etc. Just don't get a 357 unless you want to knock your arm off while shooting it. :laugh:
Jeremy Falcon "It's a good thing to do and a tasty way to do it." - Wilford Brimley[^]
Jeremy Falcon wrote:
Just don't get a 357 unless you want to knock your arm off while shooting it.
<myth-buster-mode>It will not knock your arm off. At the most, it'll kick the gun back and up an inch or two. The kick back of a Magnum .357 feels like hitting a hammer on a nail. Magnum .45 feels like hitting a slightly larger nail.</myth-buster-mode> If you really want kick backs, try converting a rifle to hand gun. Preferably of Magnum .300 caliber. It will make your hand hurt. For the crazy people, well, there's always .700 Nitro Express ammunition... (No need to convert such rifles into handguns, if you're in it for the pain)
-- -= Proudly Made on Earth =-
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Jeremy Falcon wrote:
Just don't get a 357 unless you want to knock your arm off while shooting it.
<myth-buster-mode>It will not knock your arm off. At the most, it'll kick the gun back and up an inch or two. The kick back of a Magnum .357 feels like hitting a hammer on a nail. Magnum .45 feels like hitting a slightly larger nail.</myth-buster-mode> If you really want kick backs, try converting a rifle to hand gun. Preferably of Magnum .300 caliber. It will make your hand hurt. For the crazy people, well, there's always .700 Nitro Express ammunition... (No need to convert such rifles into handguns, if you're in it for the pain)
-- -= Proudly Made on Earth =-
Joergen Sigvardsson wrote:
It will not knock your arm off. At the most, it'll kick the gun back and up an inch or two. The kick back of a Magnum .357 feels like hitting a hammer on a nail. Magnum .45 feels like hitting a slightly larger nail.
I was being tongue in check yo because they said a .22 felt heavy. Dude, like I grew up with a redneck, we did have a .357 ya know. ;P That being said, I suck at shooting it, but I never really did enjoy guns that much.
Jeremy Falcon "It's a good thing to do and a tasty way to do it." - Wilford Brimley[^]
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My dad has a 9mm Glock. Light and well balance with a good punch at the business end. I prefer it to his 357 Mag (but the 357 can kill cars).
"Why don't you tie a kerosene-soaked rag around your ankles so the ants won't climb up and eat your candy ass..." - Dale Earnhardt, 1997
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"...the staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - Jason Jystad, 10/26/2001John Simmons / outlaw programmer wrote:
I prefer it to his 357 Mag (but the 357 can kill cars).
I guess it's just me, but I was never too crazy about guns. I enjoyed using my compound bow more than I ever did a gun.
Jeremy Falcon "It's a good thing to do and a tasty way to do it." - Wilford Brimley[^]
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I'd stay away from an automatic and get a revolver, fewer headaches. I've a couple of Airweight 38's, loaded and within reach by each outside doorway.
Mike Dear NYT - the fact is, the founding fathers hung traitors. Dear NYT - Thanks for being the house organ of the Democrat Party. dennisd45: My view of the world is slightly more nuanced dennisd45 (the NAMBLA supporter) wrote: I know exactly what it means. So shut up you mother killing baby raper.
We have a problem with hme invasions, so... I have a Browning 9mm in a home-made couch holster with nine in the mag and one in the pipe 24/7, and my wife has a S&W Model 637 .38 revolver (the Airweights are nice, but kinda pricey). Both of us have a c/c license. For longer range stuff, I have a Model 700 Remington with a fluted barrel and chambered for .308 with what I call "reach-out-and-touch-someone" optics - and I'm good out to about 300 yards - nobody gets away. :)
"Why don't you tie a kerosene-soaked rag around your ankles so the ants won't climb up and eat your candy ass..." - Dale Earnhardt, 1997
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"...the staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - Jason Jystad, 10/26/2001 -
MP (2) wrote:
Tough luck! That is how the SoapBox works !!!!
I suppose so, although I find that retarded when people look for arguments. But, then I tend to lean towards intelligent discussion (well ok, until I get brawled up and then it's out the window). ;P
Jeremy Falcon "It's a good thing to do and a tasty way to do it." - Wilford Brimley[^]
Jeremy Falcon wrote:
tend to learn lean towards intelligent discussion
In the Soapbox? That is like trying to find a date in a gay bar when you are a straight guy.
If you decide to become a software engineer, you are signing up to have a 1/2" piece of silicon tell you exactly how stupid you really are for 8 hours a day, 5 days a week Zac
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John Simmons / outlaw programmer wrote:
I prefer it to his 357 Mag (but the 357 can kill cars).
I guess it's just me, but I was never too crazy about guns. I enjoyed using my compound bow more than I ever did a gun.
Jeremy Falcon "It's a good thing to do and a tasty way to do it." - Wilford Brimley[^]
I have one of those, too, but arrows are really way to easy to track back to their previous owners. :)
"Why don't you tie a kerosene-soaked rag around your ankles so the ants won't climb up and eat your candy ass..." - Dale Earnhardt, 1997
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"...the staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - Jason Jystad, 10/26/2001 -
I'm not interested in discussing my reasons for this, but a friend and former Navy SEAL told me to get this (Beretta 92FS): http://www.ozarkguns.com/Beretta/Pistols/beretta92.htm[^] They are familiar with my shooting ability and thought this would be the best choice for me because of safety reasons and ease of use. I have never owned a handgun before, but I have owned rifles and shotguns. So, if you own this gun, what do you like about it and what don't you like. If you prefer another type, tell me why. I am not interested in target shooting or any of that, I just want to be able to protect myself within my house, which is maybe 30 yards max. I would like to know if anyone is in the Denver area, if you know of a good place to train, where I can have someone show me the basics, how to make sure it shoots properly (disassembly and cleaning), how to make sure it doesn't shoot when it's not supposed to, how to aim and fire with good accuracy. I want personal training, not simply a firing range which I could do on my own - if you know of a place like that, let me know. There are many issues with this, but I don't want to discuss any gun rights or any of that. Please stick to the technical/user interface issues. One "UI" issue I had with my friend's "government-issue" Beretta was that it's kind of heavy. Much heavier than I expected (the specs said 2.5lbs, but feels like more). Talk to me about things like that. Internet searches for this information turned up a lot of crap that wasn't very useful... also, I don't trust the person selling things to necessarily give me the correct information if it's going to affect the sale. I want to be informed before I ask a salesperson anything.
"Quality Software since 1983!"
http://www.smoothjazzy.com/ - see the "Programming" section for (freeware) JazzySiteMaps, a simple application to generate .Net and Google-style sitemaps!I can certainly understand *why* you want to own a handgun, and I'm not steering you one way or the other, but the only question I'd have is are you seriously prepared to use it? In other words, are you capable of handling the weapon in such a fashion that it could not be used against you? On a semi-related note, you might want to check with your local law enforceent to familarize yourself with the rules regarding owning *and* using a handgun, even if it is in self-defense (e.g., even though you feel your life is in danger, firing a gun within city limits could potentially be used against you). Three members of my immediate family were in law enforcement, thus story time abounds with tales of women, and sometimes men, acting in self-defense only to have some legality work against them. It's a shame when a person canot protect themself.
"Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed" - 2 Timothy 2:15
"Judge not by the eye but by the heart." - Native American Proverb
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Get yourself a nice laser site with it - if they think you can hit 'em, they're more likely to think twice.
Laser sights are just a gimmick on handguns in close quarters. Let's say you're sitting on the couch watching TV and someone bashes your door down. Chances are, they are less than 20 feet away (and more likely just 10 feet away). By the time you get the laser sight turned on, they're kicking your ass and taking your gun away from you. This reply was for the Osmosian Goofball, but CP is up to its old tricks again.
"Why don't you tie a kerosene-soaked rag around your ankles so the ants won't climb up and eat your candy ass..." - Dale Earnhardt, 1997
-----
"...the staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - Jason Jystad, 10/26/2001 -
I'm not interested in discussing my reasons for this, but a friend and former Navy SEAL told me to get this (Beretta 92FS): http://www.ozarkguns.com/Beretta/Pistols/beretta92.htm[^] They are familiar with my shooting ability and thought this would be the best choice for me because of safety reasons and ease of use. I have never owned a handgun before, but I have owned rifles and shotguns. So, if you own this gun, what do you like about it and what don't you like. If you prefer another type, tell me why. I am not interested in target shooting or any of that, I just want to be able to protect myself within my house, which is maybe 30 yards max. I would like to know if anyone is in the Denver area, if you know of a good place to train, where I can have someone show me the basics, how to make sure it shoots properly (disassembly and cleaning), how to make sure it doesn't shoot when it's not supposed to, how to aim and fire with good accuracy. I want personal training, not simply a firing range which I could do on my own - if you know of a place like that, let me know. There are many issues with this, but I don't want to discuss any gun rights or any of that. Please stick to the technical/user interface issues. One "UI" issue I had with my friend's "government-issue" Beretta was that it's kind of heavy. Much heavier than I expected (the specs said 2.5lbs, but feels like more). Talk to me about things like that. Internet searches for this information turned up a lot of crap that wasn't very useful... also, I don't trust the person selling things to necessarily give me the correct information if it's going to affect the sale. I want to be informed before I ask a salesperson anything.
"Quality Software since 1983!"
http://www.smoothjazzy.com/ - see the "Programming" section for (freeware) JazzySiteMaps, a simple application to generate .Net and Google-style sitemaps!Glock 17 (9mm/.40) - they're rugged, easy to handle, reliable, doesn't jam easily*, and are not expensive. Some people don't like how the aim looks/works. I like it, but your mileage may vary. If you learn to shoot with it (see footnote), double taps are easy as pie, as the kick back of the Glock is very light (compared to other guns in that group). Glock is a big brand, hence you will always be able to get standard spare parts, but also extra bells and whistles such as smoother triggers. Reassembling Glocks is almost as easy as taking them apart. The Glock is, unlike the Beretta, very light as it's made mostly of composite materials. A Beretta is pretty darn heavy. Makes quick handling of the gun a lot easier. There's also a drawback with a light gun - your aim will be affected negatively. The heavier gun (up to a point) - the more steady your aim is. Of course, I've only practiced target shooting. On the other hand, shooting is shooting. If you can't hit a card board, you sure won't hit a moving target. Even though you're getting personal training, I still advise you to practice often on the firing range. Practice makes perfect! The trainer can only teach you - you're the one that has to learn. If you want to have fun while practicing, here's something you might want to try: http://www.ipsc.org/[^]. Make sure you try several guns on a firing range before you buy. *Casings will get stuck in the ejector if you don't lock your wrist (letting the gun kick "up"). It's not a biggie - you'll adapt very quickly. You'd have to be very weak to make it jam, if you grip the gun with both hands. So, even if you don't learn how to lock your wrist - just make sure to use both hands! :)
-- In Hypno-Vision
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I have one of those, too, but arrows are really way to easy to track back to their previous owners. :)
"Why don't you tie a kerosene-soaked rag around your ankles so the ants won't climb up and eat your candy ass..." - Dale Earnhardt, 1997
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"...the staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - Jason Jystad, 10/26/2001John Simmons / outlaw programmer wrote:
but arrows are really way to easy to track back to their previous owners.
I thought guns did that too? Special markings inside the chamber to engrave a bullet as it's fired to help it be identified? :confused: Keep in mind, I'm not a gun hobbyist, so I don't know for sure if this is the case or not.
Jeremy Falcon "It's a good thing to do and a tasty way to do it." - Wilford Brimley[^]
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I can certainly understand *why* you want to own a handgun, and I'm not steering you one way or the other, but the only question I'd have is are you seriously prepared to use it? In other words, are you capable of handling the weapon in such a fashion that it could not be used against you? On a semi-related note, you might want to check with your local law enforceent to familarize yourself with the rules regarding owning *and* using a handgun, even if it is in self-defense (e.g., even though you feel your life is in danger, firing a gun within city limits could potentially be used against you). Three members of my immediate family were in law enforcement, thus story time abounds with tales of women, and sometimes men, acting in self-defense only to have some legality work against them. It's a shame when a person canot protect themself.
"Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed" - 2 Timothy 2:15
"Judge not by the eye but by the heart." - Native American Proverb
In Texas, we don't have such encumbrances. We don't even have to drag 'em back into the house. :)
"Why don't you tie a kerosene-soaked rag around your ankles so the ants won't climb up and eat your candy ass..." - Dale Earnhardt, 1997
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"...the staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - Jason Jystad, 10/26/2001 -
Laser sights are just a gimmick on handguns in close quarters. Let's say you're sitting on the couch watching TV and someone bashes your door down. Chances are, they are less than 20 feet away (and more likely just 10 feet away). By the time you get the laser sight turned on, they're kicking your ass and taking your gun away from you. This reply was for the Osmosian Goofball, but CP is up to its old tricks again.
"Why don't you tie a kerosene-soaked rag around your ankles so the ants won't climb up and eat your candy ass..." - Dale Earnhardt, 1997
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"...the staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - Jason Jystad, 10/26/2001John Simmons / outlaw programmer wrote:
Let's say you're sitting on the couch watching TV and someone bashes your door down. Chances are, they are less than 20 feet away (and more likely just 10 feet away). By the time you get the laser sight turned on, they're kicking your ass and taking your gun away from you.
"Excuse me sir, could you please hold on a minute while I turn my target on to properly shoot you?" Although, laser targets do look cool
Jeremy Falcon "It's a good thing to do and a tasty way to do it." - Wilford Brimley[^]
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I'd stay away from an automatic and get a revolver, fewer headaches. I've a couple of Airweight 38's, loaded and within reach by each outside doorway.
Mike Dear NYT - the fact is, the founding fathers hung traitors. Dear NYT - Thanks for being the house organ of the Democrat Party. dennisd45: My view of the world is slightly more nuanced dennisd45 (the NAMBLA supporter) wrote: I know exactly what it means. So shut up you mother killing baby raper.
Revolvers are not good for amateurs. The single action makes aiming horrible, unless you're really good at it. If you're fighting for your life, then having to cock the damn thing is way to stressful. Semi-automatic is the way to go...
-- Larva-Tested, Pupa-Approved
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Glock 17 (9mm/.40) - they're rugged, easy to handle, reliable, doesn't jam easily*, and are not expensive. Some people don't like how the aim looks/works. I like it, but your mileage may vary. If you learn to shoot with it (see footnote), double taps are easy as pie, as the kick back of the Glock is very light (compared to other guns in that group). Glock is a big brand, hence you will always be able to get standard spare parts, but also extra bells and whistles such as smoother triggers. Reassembling Glocks is almost as easy as taking them apart. The Glock is, unlike the Beretta, very light as it's made mostly of composite materials. A Beretta is pretty darn heavy. Makes quick handling of the gun a lot easier. There's also a drawback with a light gun - your aim will be affected negatively. The heavier gun (up to a point) - the more steady your aim is. Of course, I've only practiced target shooting. On the other hand, shooting is shooting. If you can't hit a card board, you sure won't hit a moving target. Even though you're getting personal training, I still advise you to practice often on the firing range. Practice makes perfect! The trainer can only teach you - you're the one that has to learn. If you want to have fun while practicing, here's something you might want to try: http://www.ipsc.org/[^]. Make sure you try several guns on a firing range before you buy. *Casings will get stuck in the ejector if you don't lock your wrist (letting the gun kick "up"). It's not a biggie - you'll adapt very quickly. You'd have to be very weak to make it jam, if you grip the gun with both hands. So, even if you don't learn how to lock your wrist - just make sure to use both hands! :)
-- In Hypno-Vision
Can you legally own a gun in Sweden as well? I'm kinda curious to how many countries there are that allow this.
Jeremy Falcon "It's a good thing to do and a tasty way to do it." - Wilford Brimley[^]
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John Simmons / outlaw programmer wrote:
but arrows are really way to easy to track back to their previous owners.
I thought guns did that too? Special markings inside the chamber to engrave a bullet as it's fired to help it be identified? :confused: Keep in mind, I'm not a gun hobbyist, so I don't know for sure if this is the case or not.
Jeremy Falcon "It's a good thing to do and a tasty way to do it." - Wilford Brimley[^]
Identification of bullets are made by test firing the suspected gun and comparing the bullet with ones found at the crim scene. The gun barrel makes scratch marks on the bullet, comparable to human finger prints. Casings are identified with the "finger print" left by the hammer pin.
-- Made From Meat By-Products
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Identification of bullets are made by test firing the suspected gun and comparing the bullet with ones found at the crim scene. The gun barrel makes scratch marks on the bullet, comparable to human finger prints. Casings are identified with the "finger print" left by the hammer pin.
-- Made From Meat By-Products
Joergen Sigvardsson wrote:
The gun barrel makes scratch marks on the bullet
That's what I was under the impression of. For that reason I always thought arrows were less identifiable. Although if someone is in your living room with an arrow through them I'm sure the cops can put two and two together. :laugh:
Jeremy Falcon "It's a good thing to do and a tasty way to do it." - Wilford Brimley[^]
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Laser sights are just a gimmick on handguns in close quarters. Let's say you're sitting on the couch watching TV and someone bashes your door down. Chances are, they are less than 20 feet away (and more likely just 10 feet away). By the time you get the laser sight turned on, they're kicking your ass and taking your gun away from you. This reply was for the Osmosian Goofball, but CP is up to its old tricks again.
"Why don't you tie a kerosene-soaked rag around your ankles so the ants won't climb up and eat your candy ass..." - Dale Earnhardt, 1997
-----
"...the staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - Jason Jystad, 10/26/2001John Simmons / outlaw programmer wrote:
Laser sights are just a gimmick on handguns in close quarters. Let's say you're sitting on the couch watching TV and someone bashes your door down. Chances are, they are less than 20 feet away (and more likely just 10 feet away). By the time you get the laser sight turned on, they're kicking your ass and taking your gun away from you.
That depends on the situation. If you're in the same room that they just smashed in a window you won't have time to turn it on, otoh if they're kicking down your front door while you're in the bedroom you've got a bit more time to react.
-- Rules of thumb should not be taken for the whole hand.
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Joergen Sigvardsson wrote:
The gun barrel makes scratch marks on the bullet
That's what I was under the impression of. For that reason I always thought arrows were less identifiable. Although if someone is in your living room with an arrow through them I'm sure the cops can put two and two together. :laugh:
Jeremy Falcon "It's a good thing to do and a tasty way to do it." - Wilford Brimley[^]
Jeremy Falcon wrote:
For that reason I always thought arrows were less identifiable.
Yeah, but try tucking that compound bow into your pocket... You may as well just wear green tights and a funny little hat with a feather in it... :)
"Why don't you tie a kerosene-soaked rag around your ankles so the ants won't climb up and eat your candy ass..." - Dale Earnhardt, 1997
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"...the staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - Jason Jystad, 10/26/2001
