[QUOTE]Originally posted by jmc1971
Now what would you guys suggest if your significant other wanted a dependable gun? I already have a nice little revolver that I keep in the house "just in case", but would like something a bit smaller and that isn't a revolver.

Have fired a .45 Sig (don't know the model) and it was a bit much. Got to fire a really nice little Glock once, but can't recall which one...?

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by wdavis

 

Well I went to the gun store today and I took a look at a couple models. The Sig seemed to me like it either weighed more or balanced funny in my hand. It seems like theres alot of Glock fans in here, so I really wanted to like the Glock, but the HK just felt sooo much better in my hands. One thing I didn't like about the glock was its slide release. Its just a little button, so I am afraid if i wouldn't have any leverage if something got jammed in there. The one thing glock has me second guessing my decision is reliability: how much more durable is the glock than the hk? Anyone have problems with their hks?

This has been some awsome feedback!

AutoAviat: Thanks for the offer, it sounds like a good deal, but I prefere to buy a brand new gun.

I'm sticking to the slightly more compact models because I want to keep CCW as an option (even though its dam near impossible to get where I live now, I won't live here forever) but the glock 27 was just too small; I think it might diminish the pleasure of shooting at the range.

 

Go with the HK, but you can't go wrong with Glock either. I don't recommend the P7 for a first-timer. It has a unique manual of arms that may interfere with your training if you decide to buy other guns later. If you want to learn more about the HK P7/PSP, start here:

http://www.parkcitiestactical.com/ubb/ulti...?ubb=forum;f=10

I have several HK's myself, but I suggest trying out a 9 mm USP a few times. Without getting into the de rigeur shouting match over calibers, 9 mm is just as effective as .40 S&W for all intents and purposes and can be found for absurdly cheap prices. For self-defense, I use 9 mm +P+ "9BPLE" in my rock-solid vanilla USP 9. The USP 9 is made from the same parts as the USP 40, so it is a little 'overbuilt', and probably the toughest 9 in the world. It's as least as tough as any Glock, period.

http://www.ammoman.com/webstore_9mm.htm

If you are serious about someday shooting an attacker (and let's face it, most gun owners are not), you must practice to the maximum extent possible in your ability to quickly draw and fire an accurate shot. So you must exercise good judgement in your presentation of the weapon and if you want the HK you must also master the (heavier) double action trigger. You will want to practice several thousand rounds with this thing, IMO don't buy a gun unless you are prepared to do so (keep the police on your speed dial). By the time you master the basics, you will be a hopeless gun nut like the rest of us. Then you can fawn over beautiful pieces like my next toy, the Pardini PC45 (as accurate as a SIG P210 but in .45 ACP):



Also, don't take offense, but once you get the gun PLEASE, PLEASE, resist the urge to show it to everyone and brandish it carelessly. I have seen so many first timers do this. Treat it like your birth certificate, keep it handy but well out of sight. Never let someone play around with it even if it is unloaded. Keep your head on straight and be a responsible gun owner. Soon you will be like me and start cringing whenever you see unsafe gun handing in movies and TV shows (take your frickin' finger off the trigger!!!!).

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by protokultur
...If you are serious about someday shooting an attacker (and let's face it, most gun owners are not), you must practice to the maximum extent possible in your ability to quickly draw and fire an accurate shot.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by protokultur
Go with the HK, but you can't go wrong with Glock either.

 

Walther P99 .40 S&W (James Bond's new sidearm).

Interchangable grips (to custom fit to your hand), ambidextrous clip release.
Cocking & loaded chamber indicators. Double action safety.
Light weight, well balanced. Laser sight can be integrated (see pic in seung's post).

http://www.carl-walther.info/Ersatzteil/P99E.pdf

I've been told the internals are similar to a Glock.
Look at the Walther before making a final decision.

 

i never thought my double-action 92fs was a wussy again...


until i read this thread

 

A few more points to consider:

How it "feels" in your hand in the gunstore is important, but how it feels when you are firing it is far more of an issue. If at all possible, see if you can fire a box or so of ammo through your two top choices.

The slide release on my 23 seems to be easy to find with your thumb with out looking. Almost a swiping action that releases the slide back down.

One of the things I appreciate most about the Glock is that it is so simple & reliable, it can stay in the gun safe for a year or two, and still be 100% instinctual and ready to fire if needed, especially in a high-adrenaline situation. No safety levers (now which way was off?), just rack the slide, sight, fire.

 

A few more points to consider:

How it "feels" in your hand in the gunstore is important, but how it feels when you are firing it is far more of an issue. If at all possible, see if you can fire a box or so of ammo through your two top choices.

True, many pistol ranges have rental guns, try as many out as you can.


The slide release on my 23 seems to be easy to find with your thumb with out looking. Almost a swiping action that releases the slide back down.


Remember that there are glock mfg extended slide releases available that are cheap and can be installed in seconds.


One of the things I appreciate most about the Glock is that it is so simple & reliable, it can stay in the gun safe for a year or two, and still be 100% instinctual and ready to fire if needed, especially in a high-adrenaline situation. No safety levers (now which way was off?), just rack the slide, sight, fire.


Very true, but you shouldnt need to rack the slide IMHO....just front site>squeeze