Help me pick some guns

[Justincase]

So I've talked to two people now who crushed my pipe dream that maybe my town doesn't bother to call their applicants nor their references and just submits the application after a cursory check of the individual. Both of these people said that a permit application in my particular township results in a two year turnaround. Stellar. So, with another whole fucking year to save up, I'll be able to get more of the guns for the different things they'd be used for. So I'm enlisting the help of you guys to put in your ¢2 as to what I should be considering for each use... or you could just tell me to eff off and go you're own damn research. Keep in mind I have smallish hands, so full size anything would have to be considered a staple for any self respecting gun owner to have. This is what I need preferably 9mm:

- range/primary home defense gun that also comes in a 22lr variant
- EDC gun (likely a Glock 43)
- compact 1911 (92fs compact?)
- 22 variant of 1911
- backup home defense gun for the basement

I have no preference for hammer or striker fired, but lean toward a da/sa trigger vs solely da trigger

Thanks for humoring me.

 

[prambo]

I'll wade in on an EDC handgun, with the caveat that there 2 "types" of EDC, IMHO - 1) in and around the house/apt and 2) out-and-about. Lastly, there are no children in our apt, usually, unless we have visitors. In the latter case I keep my 5 shot DA-only revolver in my pocket and lock the 9 mm in the safe.

Around the apt - inside, taking the dog out to pee, out for a cigarette, etc I always have a S&W 340PD in a deSantis pocket holster. It will shot .357 mag, but it is so light that even with Pachmyr Decelerator grips it's painful. So I load .38 +P Hornady Critical Duty. It has a tritium front sight and lower power main and rebound springs to get a manageable trigger pull. I also always carry 2 knives and, at night, a strong LED flashlight. I'm always armed with something(s).

Outside the home I also carry the knives and switch to a Springfield XD 9mm subcompact. I actually prefer .45 ACP, but sold my XD service in .45. Bad move, but I needed to reduce the weight and size of what I carry.

As an aside, both XDs have fantastic ergonomics. I have small hands and the XD .45 Service and the 9mm are both very natural pointing, at least for me. Also they are stone cold flawless as far as function goes. The .45 only jammed twice in well over 2K rounds during training, and that was on reloads with crappy brass. Had a Glock 36 - .45 ACP - awful for me - felt like I was holding a potato, plus it's a beast to shoot.

I carry the 9mm in a CompTac IWB holster with 2 extra mags in a support side CompTac mag holder. I load Federal HST 147 gr +P which has excellent terminal ballistics. The weapon has tritium sights and grip tape made for that model.

Anything else you want to know about my personal preferences, and that is what they are, justt ask.

Hope this helps.

 

[kev74]

Not really a direct answer, but I usually just save my pennies until I see something I like for a good deal, then jump on it.

I like the S&W Shield to carry, and it would work well for home use.

I'm not crazy about the 1911 22s. If I needed to have one, I'd probably get a 22 conversion for a regular 1911. I prefer a dedicated, reliable 22 - I have a Buckmark, but would be just as happy with a Ruger or Smith & Wesson.

Also, there's nothing wrong with a "safe ok" AR, Mini 14 or a shotgun for around the house. Then you'll have something to keep you warm at night until your permit clears.

 

[Frankly]

Start with a full sized pistol, not a compact. Learn how to shoot the big gun halfway decently before playing with the smaller, harder to handle guns. You don't want to develop a flinch.

Think of it as a journey, try a lot of different types of guns and spend a few months with them, learn them... think of it as dating.

Most people end up getting married later. There are good reasons that S&W .357s, Glock 19s, and mid-level or higher 1911s are so popular.

 

[prambo]

Start with a full sized pistol, not a compact. Learn how to shoot the big gun halfway decently before playing with the smaller, harder to handle guns. You don't want to develop a flinch.

Think of it as a journey, try a lot of different types of guns and spend a few months with them, learn them... think of it as dating.

Most people end up getting married later. There are good reasons that S&W .357s, Glock 19s, and mid-level or higher 1911s are so popular.

Good advice, now that you mention it.

 

[Frankly]

Thanks. Also you pretty much want to stick with the calibers the original guns were designed for. 1911s work best with .45 or 38 Super... 22lr conversions can work but not perfectly. Heck even my 9mm 2011 is fussier because the rounds are shorter.

If you want a cheap 22lr to shoot there are a lot of them but many of the semi-autos are hard to break down and clean; I'd probably start with a revolver for simplicity's sake.

In terms of cleaning, disassembly, etc. it's hard to beat Glocks and similar plastic pistols to start with because you can field strip them in seconds. If you're scared to break it down then you won't take care of it and it will discourage you from shooting. So start with something that is simple to take care of and you'll keep in good ready-to-go condition rather than dreading having to clean it. (At the same time, a lot of good guns can go quite a while between cleaning cycles without issue.)

 

[dsdmmat]

Find a gun that feels comfortable in your hands. If it doesn't feel comfortable you won't shoot it well or even want to practice with it. The 92FS and the 1911 have two different feeling grips but they are both hard to hold comfortably with small hands. The 1911 is longer while the 92 is fatter.

Go see what fits your hands the best then look at your options. My daughter liked the Springfield XD she has pretty small hands. She does not care for the 1911 or the 92FS.

 

[bo99]

i am a Glock guy die hard
but i just fired Smith and Wesson MP shiels in .40 cal and man was i surprised. it handled very well and was fairly accurate. if you get the chance to shoot one do. the grip is slim and felt very nice in the hand. they also make it in .45 acp and 9mm
good luck

 

[Mr. terzmo]

in a frame type house a mini 14 can take your neighbor out from the comfort of your bedroom...Shotgun with 00 buck is my favorite. 357 or 40 cal handgun.

 

[Justincase]

I'll wade in on an EDC handgun, with the caveat that there 2 "types" of EDC, IMHO - 1) in and around the house/apt and 2) out-and-about.

That's what I was thinking too. The out and about would be the 43, maybe around the house could be a Compact revolver of some sort like you mentioned. Definitely da around the house just to be safe

 

[Justincase]

Not really a direct answer, but I usually just save my pennies until I see something I like for a good deal, then jump on it.

I like the S&W Shield to carry, and it would work well for home use.

I'm not crazy about the 1911 22s. If I needed to have one, I'd probably get a 22 conversion for a regular 1911. I prefer a dedicated, reliable 22 - I have a Buckmark, but would be just as happy with a Ruger or Smith & Wesson.

Also, there's nothing wrong with a "safe ok" AR, Mini 14 or a shotgun for around the house. Then you'll have something to keep you warm at night until your permit clears.

The performance center shield is high on my list. I've fired that before and it felt nice. Probably too big for me for edc as I'm rather small and would not conceal it well.

I use a Mossberg 930 for the house until I get the permit.

 

[prambo]

The performance center shield is high on my list. I've fired that before and it felt nice. Probably too big for me for edc as I'm rather small and would not conceal it well.

I use a Mossberg 930 for the house until I get the permit.

Nothing has more authority at close quarters than a 12 gauge shottie.

Have the barrel Vang Comp'ed, totally worth it - Home

 

[Justincase]

Nothing has more authority at close quarters than a 12 gauge shottie.

Have the barrel Vang Comp'ed, totally worth it - Home

Now, what did you go and do that for? Like I need to spend more money on that gun. Lol

 

[squib]

Another vote for the shotty for the home, unfortunately they don't have a .22 variant and kick like a mule.

 

[prambo]

Now, what did you go and do that for? Like I need to spend more money on that gun. Lol

Had the full job - porting and back boring - done on my 870 barrel. At 25 yards 8/9 pellets of 9 in the torso of an NRA half size silhouette target using Federal tactical low recoil 00 buck.

Recoil is noticeably reduced.

 

[Bananabandit]

Eff off, do your own research.

Eating, will be back with serious reply.

 

[Justincase]

Start with a full sized pistol, not a compact. Learn how to shoot the big gun halfway decently before playing with the smaller, harder to handle guns. You don't want to develop a flinch.

Think of it as a journey, try a lot of different types of guns and spend a few months with them, learn them... think of it as dating.

Most people end up getting married later. There are good reasons that S&W .357s, Glock 19s, and mid-level or higher 1911s are so popular.

That's good advice. I was debating getting a full size to start off with. Specifically a VP9. I've never used one, but it felt great in my hands even though it's a full size pistol. I reconsidered that after seeing the video someone posted of the VP9 torture test and it didn't fare nearly as well as I would've hoped. What would be a good alternative to the VP9? The P30 felt good too, but I'd be weary of it as well. Perhaps a Sig P320?

 

[Bananabandit]

Short and sweet. Its my opinion based on guns Ive used/owned.

Full sized Glock in your favorite cal. 17 20 21 22.
Kahr CM9 is tiny for 9mm.
Pick a 1911 that tickles your fancy. RIA seems to be a good affordable brand.
Revolver in 357

Eff off for making me scroll back and forth.

 

[Shoots100]

38 spcl hammerless revolver (no evidence left behind and can be fired from a coat pocket) and CZ P-07 for EDC options.
The CZ can be customized to your needs, if needed.
20 gauge pump, 18" open choke barrel and steel #2 shot for the bedside.
Ruger MK whatever Semi auto .22 pistol and a 10/22 rifle. The rugers can be customized to fit you and they are everywhere.
Your welcome.

 

[Podmonkey]

What do you already own? Select something the opposite of it, diversify I say. I heartily recommend the PPQ as an outstanding all round gun equally adept on the nightstand or the belt or having fun on the range. A .22 version is also available.

 

[Koz]

For a mid-sized hammer fired DA/SA gun, look at the FNX9. They are light, soft shooting, quick pointing, easy to conceal carry, dependable as hell and reasonably priced. I have the predecessor FNP9. It's my favorite all-around bottom feeder.
Another vote for getting a platform designed for .22 like the Browning Buckmark, Ruger MKs or S&W Victory. Even the small Ruger SR22 is a cool little guy that is a blast to shoot and fairly accurate.
A splatter gun makes for a great HD gun. Something like an Rem 870 or Mossberg 500 pumps are excellent.
In Wheel guns, S&Ws are great and make a gun for every application. The Airweights like the 642/442 are super little .38s J frames for CC. Ruger makes some beefy revolvers. Both will last a lifetime and beyond. Used revolvers shouldn't be overlooked and can get you into a nice or historic gun reasonably.
With any gun, understand it's operation, capabilities and limitations and most importantly.... practice, practice, practice!

 

[Frankly]

View attachment 6701

That's good advice. I was debating getting a full size to start off with. Specifically a VP9. I've never used one, but it felt great in my hands even though it's a full size pistol. I reconsidered that after seeing the video someone posted of the VP9 torture test and it didn't fare nearly as well as I would've hoped. What would be a good alternative to the VP9? The P30 felt good too, but I'd be weary of it as well. Perhaps a Sig P320?

VP9 or PPQ are really nice all around pistols imho. A bit nicer than a stock Glock if you aren't tweaking things. 9mm is also the least expensive round to shoot (other than 22lr).

I wouldn't worry about lame gun reviewers....

 

[VietnamEraVet]

Long guns: a 12 ga. pump with an extended capacity mag and pistol grip for close quarters in home. I like a Remington 870 or Mossberg.

Also like a Remington 1100 or 1187 semi auto, and extended magazine, - but of course no pistol grip is allowed here in New Yorkistan.

Handguns: a .357 revolver is desirable. A Smith Model 60, or 66, or a Ruger SP101 are my choices. For semi auto, I love a full size 1911 for home, or a S&W full size M&P 45. Both fit my hand perfectly. For concealed carry, I love the Shield in 9mm and .45, as well as the SP101.

For plinking, a .22 like the Ruger SR22 are nice.

Definitely agree with training with full size, and developing good habits first. When shooting revolver, practicing using .38 special in .357 revolver is much easier at first. Also, I think comfort is huge,- which is one reason I am not a Glock fan.

 

[Justincase]

Short and sweet. Its my opinion based on guns Ive used/owned.

Full sized Glock in your favorite cal. 17 20 21 22.
Kahr CM9 is tiny for 9mm.
Pick a 1911 that tickles your fancy. RIA seems to be a good affordable brand.
Revolver in 357

Eff off for making me scroll back and forth.

Oh yeah, forgot that I gotta have a revolver eventually. They are spendy though. I like the looks of the GP100 I think it is, but have never handled one.

 

[Justincase]

38 spcl hammerless revolver (no evidence left behind and can be fired from a coat pocket) and CZ P-07 for EDC options.
The CZ can be customized to your needs, if needed.
20 gauge pump, 18" open choke barrel and steel #2 shot for the bedside.
Ruger MK whatever Semi auto .22 pistol and a 10/22 rifle. The rugers can be customized to fit you and they are everywhere.
Your welcome.

I like the cz. Not sure how it feels though. There's a knock off that looks promising, maybe the TriStar something or other. Would most likely be too big for me for edc though. May work for the range/home gun though

 

[Justincase]

What do you already own? Select something the opposite of it, diversify I say. I heartily recommend the PPQ as an outstanding all round gun equally adept on the nightstand or the belt or having fun on the range. A .22 version is also available.

I will make it a point to check out all the Walthers. PPS I assume is a single stack, but I don't know the difference between the PPQ, PPX, and CCP (concealed carry pistol). I didn't know they made the PPQ in a 22. Is that one made by Umarex or Walther? Oh, and what about the P99? Darth?

 

[MikeyCNY]

It's nearly impossible in this state without your government-provided permission slip, but the best thing to do would be to make a trip to a gun rental place out of state and try different models. Some models have replaceable backstraps to adjust for different hands.

Another thing to keep in mind is that since we are limited to 10 round magazines, a full-size gun may not be necessary. The M&P 9mm Compact holds 12 rounds (obviously 10 in this state), and with the 'pinky extender' mags it fits just right in my hands. (although you need to be careful when reloading, have pinched myself during reloading drills in a training class) My EDC is now an M&P Shield in 9mm; extremely reliable, very slim and easy to shoot.

As for .22cal variants.. you can get a 1911 and then a .22 conversion kit, or you can get a .22-only gun. One of my purchases in 2016 was the new S&W Victory 22 - it shoots great, and is meant to compete with Ruger's Mark III series. Takes a hex screw to disassemble then is super easy to clean. Then of course Ruger came out with a Mark IV that disassembles without ANY tools.

 

[Podmonkey]

I will make it a point to check out all the Walthers. PPS I assume is a single stack, but I don't know the difference between the PPQ, PPX, and CCP (concealed carry pistol). I didn't know they made the PPQ in a 22. Is that one made by Umarex or Walther? Oh, and what about the P99? Darth?

Yup, PPS is the single stack subcompact model, PPQ is a Glock 19 sized(slightly larger actually) duty gun. The CCP is also a subcompact single stack but uses the uncommon gas delayed blowback action with a rotating barrel like the HK P7. Chief advantages of the CCP over the PPS are supposedly reduced recoil and an easier to rack slide. There is also the PPX which is Walthers budget gun, using a shrouded DAO hammer mechanism. The PPQ is derived from the P99, specifically it is a rebranded P99 RAD. The PPQ .22 is indeed made by Umarex. Frankly for an inexpensive but quality .22 pistol I am also inclined toward purchasing a Ruger SR 22.

 

[Justincase]

It's nearly impossible in this state without your government-provided permission slip, but the best thing to do would be to make a trip to a gun rental place out of state and try different models. Some models have replaceable backstraps to adjust for different hands.

Another thing to keep in mind is that since we are limited to 10 round magazines, a full-size gun may not be necessary. The M&P 9mm Compact holds 12 rounds (obviously 10 in this state), and with the 'pinky extender' mags it fits just right in my hands. (although you need to be careful when reloading, have pinched myself during reloading drills in a training class) My EDC is now an M&P Shield in 9mm; extremely reliable, very slim and easy to shoot.

As for .22cal variants.. you can get a 1911 and then a .22 conversion kit, or you can get a .22-only gun. One of my purchases in 2016 was the new S&W Victory 22 - it shoots great, and is meant to compete with Ruger's Mark III series. Takes a hex screw to disassemble then is super easy to clean. Then of course Ruger came out with a Mark IV that disassembles without ANY tools.

I think the M&P 9 shield is a definite. I've only heard good things about them and I was able to manipulate all the controls without removing my hand from it which is not very easy for me sometimes.

I have gone to P.A.twice so far and fired lots of different guns. Some I liked some not so much. The sig p226 and the Glock 21 just felt too big. I don't remember how the G19 compares in size though.

I'll most likely get a Mark IV once I accrue some of the other 22 versions. I'm sure the victory is nice, but man is it ugly.

 

[Mk44]

9mm EDC... M&P shield, XD MOD 2, XDs, or Springfield 1911 Range Officer compact 9mm.
.22LR.. Ruger SR22, Walther p22, Ruger Mark IV