Easy there boss. There are 4 supreme court justices that disagree with you.

Back to topic:

Thanks for the advice jah.

Chances are, I will use the gun for target shooting and whatnot more than anything. When I say I have lots of experience with shotguns, it is ALL skeet shooting (well, maybe a squirrel or two ). Shooting guns: Fun. Killing stuff...not as much

 

i suggest just buying a new gun from a respectable shop (vs gunshow or used). do they have a Sportsman's Warehouse in Oklahoma City? i've had very good experiences with them on two handgun purchases.

if you want a handgun for target shooting AND putting in your car (your original post said putting in the car, now you say target shooting) - i would say a nice .45 ACP 1911, kimber or springfield. if you want a polymer, go glock or HK, but nowadays all the companies are making them. the big differences are caliber, if it's striker or hammer fired, and safety features.

btw, what kind of budget are you on?

 

I typically carry a Kel-Tec PF-9. Lightest, thinnest 9mm ever made. Been dead nuts reliable so far, and it's quite inexpensive. Certainly not a range pistol, but it conceals well and has enough umph to stop a threat. For the range I like my springfield xd .45 acp.

 

also, if you are in fact going to use a handgun for self-defense, the type of ammo is a huge factor. if you go to the range and test out some gun using one type of ammo (usually FMJ with lighter target load), that same gun will feel like an entirely different gun if you start using a self defense round (JHP with more punch). the difference is night and day, even between similar types of ammunition from different manufacturers.

my suggestion: if a gun you are interested in is out there for rent at a range or someone has it, borrow it and cycle different types of ammunition through it. buy the premium defense loads from Federal, CCI, Spear, etc. in different bullet weights and try them all out. you will notice huge differences in felt recoil! but this suggestion will not be cheap. premium factory ammo is ~$1 a round...

 

hahahah x2.

im saving up for a desert eagle .50 cal.

shot my dads .44 and loved it.

i think a basic glock would be fine for what your looking for. i dont like the beretta we have.

 

[QUOTE=Jooboy,Jul 14 2008, 12:46 PM] also, if you are in fact going to use a handgun for self-defense, the type of ammo is a huge factor.

 

Rounds for home protection = Mag Safe for me

range shooting = whatever is decent and cheap

 

for midrange reliabilty and fun...glock 22. parts are interchangeable with the 17. u can shoot 9mm and .40s depending on the barrel. additionally, maintenence is easy/optional with the glock.

the springfield xd is another popular gun. they run about the same prices as glocks and share many similaries...both are polymer guns.

but, personally, if you hate reloading and have the extra cash, i would get a revolver. i am lazy and its way easier to load a revolver than a magazine.

hks,sig...thats all baller stuff. if you get the hks, u will need to buy gloves...but its a nice gun to shoot.

 

good point! i just wanted to stress that there are so many combinations of calibers, loads, gun makes and models; the shooter should try different combos and see what works best for them. too many people offer up canned answers when others ask what gun they should buy...

BTW what's the difference between Hydra-shok and HST (Hydra-shok tactical, right)? i do like the hydra-shok, gold-dots are too much for my USPc.

 

You've been watching too many movies. Absolute J-U-N-K