My wife wants to get me a new handgun for our anniversary. I want it for home protection and target shooting. I know there are many shooters here so what are your favorites? I'm leaning towards an automatic as I already have a DA revolver. ($500.00 limit)

My wife wants to get me a new handgun for our anniversary. I want it for home protection and target shooting. I know there are many shooters here so what are your favorites? I'm leaning towards an automatic as I already have a DA revolver. ($500.00 limit)

Kind of impossible to answer.

You have to find a gun that fits your hand, that you find comfortable and controllable.

A gun that fits my gorilla hands, you may not even be able to get your hands around.

Now caliber wise, I LOVE LOVE LOVE the .45.

.45 is kind of expensive for a plinker, but if you want to start a new re-loading hobby you can't go wrong!

My wife wants to get me a new handgun for our anniversary. I want it for home protection and target shooting. I know there are many shooters here so what are your favorites? I'm leaning towards an automatic as I already have a DA revolver. ($500.00 limit)

That's not realistic, in my view, $500.

That's not realistic, in my view, $500.

Sure it is.

I'd sell him my slightly modified S&W 645 for $500..

You're a Democrat. You're not allowed to have guns. Only your masters are allowed.

Sure it is.

I'd sell him my slightly modified S&W 645 for $500..

Slightly?

You're a Democrat. You're not allowed to have guns. Only your masters are allowed.

:lol:

Between $600 and $1000 for a decent .45 ACP.

Kind of impossible to answer.

You have to find a gun that fits your hand, that you find comfortable and controllable.

A gun that fits my gorilla hands, you may not even be able to get your hands around.

Now caliber wise, I LOVE LOVE LOVE the .45.

.45 is kind of expensive for a plinker, but if you want to start a new re-loading hobby you can't go wrong!

I've shot a lot of other peoples guns and I do like the 45. I've never found one I couldn't fit my hands around.

Between $600 and $1000 for a decent .45 ACP.

I got a new Springfield XD 45 Compact for just over $500. Of course, that was last year...before Obama was elected. Good luck finding anything right now.

Slightly?

The serial number fell off.

Slightly?

Bo Mar Adjustable sights, Barsto Barrel.. Top end was blued.. That's all.

I got a new Springfield XD 45 Compact for just over $500. Of course, that was last year...before Obama was elected. Good luck finding anything right now.I like the Springfield, but was thinking more along the lines of the 1911A1 full size .45ACP long slide

My wife wants to get me a new handgun for our anniversary. I want it for home protection and target shooting. I know there are many shooters here so what are your favorites? I'm leaning towards an automatic as I already have a DA revolver. ($500.00 limit)

Glock? (http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=83053)

My wife wants to get me a new handgun for our anniversary. I want it for home protection and target shooting. I know there are many shooters here so what are your favorites? I'm leaning towards an automatic as I already have a DA revolver. ($500.00 limit)

Well...FWIW, my favorite is the Glock 34, and in a 9mm it is fairly affordable for target shooting, and has a 5 in barrel length for inproved aim. Stock, it is roughly $450 to $600. GREAT GUN! My husband swore he would never shoot a Glock until one weekend we were at a match and his gun had problems, so he shot mine that day...he now has a Glock 34 of his own! They flat out run. Easy to clean, reliable and a great home gun. ALSO, not sure if you have heard of IDPA (International Defensive Pistol Association) but they have monthly matches at Sanners Lake, and it is a ton of fun! The Glock falls into the "stock service pistol in IDPA and "production" class of guns for the super fun USPSA matches. I like the Glock better than the Sigs because of the single action...makes it much easier to get a good first shot off when you aren't dealing with double action. And really, what is the difference at 20 ft between a well placed 9mm and a well placed 45? I think the end result is still a very nuetralized target! Good Luck!:howdy:

I have a S&W 5904, bought it used. Nice pistol.... i love it!

that said, my brother has a Glock 27 and I really like his too. Plus on some Glocks you can get .22 conversion kits (1911 style pistols have .22 conversion kits too).... so you can have your home protection caliber, and then switch to .22 if you just want to burn through some rounds. of course the conversion kits are around 300 bucks so that would be something you get down the road...

Between $600 and $1000 for a decent .45 ACP.

I can find a Glock 21, SA XD45, and S&W M&P .45 all for under $600. All more than capable of what should be considered "decent".

Bo Mar Adjustable sights, Barsto Barrel.. Top end was blued.. That's all.

I've been checking it out. You can get them for well under $500. Wow.

I had no idea you could buy a decent firearm for less than a case of ammo for the damn thing.

:lol:

Well...FWIW, my favorite is the Glock 34, and in a 9mm it is fairly affordable for target shooting, and has a 5 in barrel length for inproved aim. Stock, it is roughly $450 to $600. GREAT GUN! My husband swore he would never shoot a Glock until one weekend we were at a match and his gun had problems, so he shot mine that day...he now has a Glock 34 of his own! They flat out run. Easy to clean, reliable and a great home gun. ALSO, not sure if you have heard of IDPA (International Defensive Pistol Association) but they have monthly matches at Sanners Lake, and it is a ton of fun! The Glock falls into the "stock service pistol in IDPA and "production" class of guns for the super fun USPSA matches. I like the Glock better than the Sigs because of the single action...makes it much easier to get a good first shot off when you aren't dealing with double action. And really, what is the difference at 20 ft between a well placed 9mm and a well placed 45? I think the end result is still a very nuetralized target! Good Luck!:howdy:


This is actually a very good post. Although, I would just run the 17 unless I was doing sometime of competition shooting. 9mm is more than capable especially with a good HP expanding round like the Winchester Ranger T's or Federal HST's. O and Sig makes a couple different trigger actions now besides the DA/SA trigger that is the old standby.

If I was to go with a Glock, how much difference is there between the 9mm and the .40 S&W?

Well, the recoil is a huge difference, and then there is the cost of ammo. Like AK posted, Winchester is a great round, for 9mm it is about $20 for a box of 100 at WalMart. I priced the Winchester 45s on line and it runs about $46 per 100 rounds. Makes for expensive target practice! :)

If I was to go with a Glock, how much difference is there between the 9mm and the .40 S&W?

Are you talking about the price of ammo, or the gun itself? A G19 and the G23 for example are the same gun just different caliber and can be had for the same price.

If I was to go with a Glock, how much difference is there between the 9mm and the .40 S&W?

Glocks 9mm are their bread and butter, with 9 you get a little higher compacity, lighter recoil (faster follow up shots), cheaper ammo. 40 is slightly larger and therefore well make a slighlty larger hole in a human.

I love my G17.

For home protection, I would suggest investing in some night sights.

I love my G17.

For home protection, I would suggest investing in some night sights.

Nobody is aiming at night, groggy, scared. Point shooting time.

Officers in the line of duty, awake, aware, deliberate, sure. The rest of us ain't taking the time to aim after taking a dump in our union suits.

:buddies:

OOPS, I just realized the Glock isn't made in USA. I do have a choice on guns unlike most other things.

OOPS, I just realized the Glock isn't made in USA. I do have a choice on guns unlike most other things.

The Springfield XD line is a major competitor to the Glocks (I think that was the main driver for them) and made in the US :patriot:

The big differences between them are the safety systems and the angle of the grips (XD's have a more vertical grip).

If I was to go with a Glock, how much difference is there between the 9mm and the .40 S&W?

About a mm..

If I was to go with a Glock, how much difference is there between the 9mm and the .40 S&W?

Price is about the same.

.40 is harder hitting and faster.

9mm 147g=985fps, 317ftlb

.40 155g=1200fps, 496ftlb

Price is about the same.

.40 is harder hitting and faster.

9mm 147g=985fps, 317ftlb

.40 155g=1200fps, 496ftlb

We should start a company so that this argument never happens again, .45 v. .40. 9mm.

People are looking for work, right? So...


"*BAM*...OK, Jim, that's 9 mil, hp, 140 grain, how'd that feel? Ready for the
.40 or do you need a minute?"

:evil:

We should start a company so that this argument never happens again, .45 v. .40. 9mm.

People are looking for work, right? So...


"*BAM*...OK, Jim, that's 9 mil, hp, 140 grain, how'd that feel? Ready for the
.40 or do you need a minute?"

:evil:

:killingme On a scale of 1 to ten....

:killingme On a scale of 1 to ten....

"...1 being kinda paint ball-ish and ten being you'll tell us when you come to..."

:lol:

Whaddya figure to get good help? Higher pay or maybe REAL good medical plan?

We should start a company so that this argument never happens again, .45 v. .40. 9mm.

People are looking for work, right? So...


"*BAM*...OK, Jim, that's 9 mil, hp, 140 grain, how'd that feel? Ready for the
.40 or do you need a minute?"

:evil:

LiveLeak.com - drunk guy shoots himself on purpose! (http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=591_1250131811)

This guy would be perfect for the job

LiveLeak.com - drunk guy shoots himself on purpose! (http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=591_1250131811)

This guy would be perfect for the job

Granted, bad video quality but, that is NOT Plaxico!

Point taken; plenty of potential employees!

...

Nobody is aiming at night, groggy, scared. Point shooting time.

Officers in the line of duty, awake, aware, deliberate, sure. The rest of us ain't taking the time to aim after taking a dump in our union suits.

:buddies:


:yeahthat:

You would be better off with a good tactical light mounted under the barrel. Or a 12ga. shotgun.

Granted, bad video quality but, that is NOT Plaxico!

Point taken; plenty of potential employees!

No Kidding... :lol:

.454 casull or .50 express

A little off topic here, but I think that those who have responded in this thread would be able to best answer this question.

I've been seriously considering getting a gun for home protection. Never having owned a gun, I obviously have a lot to learn. Please feel free to direct me toward any websites that would be helpful.

Here's my major concern - from what I understand, in the state of Maryland I'd probably be thrown in jail for defending my home/family even if I shot the thug in his face/front. True or not? I had always thought that if I shot a punk in the back, I could possibly find myself in some legal trouble but if I shot him in the front, it would be viewed as self defense.

A little off topic here, but I think that those who have responded in this thread would be able to best answer this question.

I've been seriously considering getting a gun for home protection. Never having owned a gun, I obviously have a lot to learn. Please feel free to direct me toward any websites that would be helpful.

Here's my major concern - from what I understand, in the state of Maryland I'd probably be thrown in jail for defending my home/family even if I shot the thug in his face/front. True or not? I had always thought that if I shot a punk in the back, I could possibly find myself in some legal trouble but if I shot him in the front, it would be viewed as self defense.

Read post 3 in here.

Forums (http://www.mdshooters.com/showthread.php?t=22646&highlight=intruder)

The rest is interesting too, but I think this guy is probably right.

Read post 3 in here.

Forums (http://www.mdshooters.com/showthread.php?t=22646&highlight=intruder)

The rest is interesting too, but I think this guy is probably right.

Definitely some interesting reading, thanks so much. I'll read the rest later but the few posts I read so far give me a lot to think about. Basically, if I shoot some thug in my own home I better break out the drama, claim to be absolutely distraught from the whole incident & get a really good lawyer. Well, anything still beats some punk possibly hurting/killing my little boy.

It's just disgusting that some pos can enter my home, threaten my family and possibly screw me over in the end. Welcome to Maryland, I guess. :frown:

Definitely some interesting reading, thanks so much. I'll read the rest later but the few posts I read so far give me a lot to think about. Basically, if I shoot some thug in my own home I better break out the drama, claim to be absolutely distraught from the whole incident & get a really good lawyer. Well, anything still beats some punk possibly hurting/killing my little boy.

It's just disgusting that some pos can enter my home, threaten my family and possibly screw me over in the end. Welcome to Maryland, I guess. :frown:

The one thing he stressed was say nothing.

With all that info though if someone were threaten my family I'd still try to pop 'em. Do society a favor in the meantime.

Old saying again, "it's better to be tried by 12 than to be buried by 6".

Definitely some interesting reading, thanks so much. I'll read the rest later but the few posts I read so far give me a lot to think about. Basically, if I shoot some thug in my own home I better break out the drama, claim to be absolutely distraught from the whole incident & get a really good lawyer. Well, anything still beats some punk possibly hurting/killing my little boy.

It's just disgusting that some pos can enter my home, threaten my family and possibly screw me over in the end. Welcome to Maryland, I guess. :frown:

FYI, one of the things you must do before getting anything (it's the law :rolleyes:) is take the Firearms Safety Training:
MD Firearms Safety Training (http://www.mdgunsafety.com/)

The training tells you when you are legal to defend yourself :rolleyes:

Oh, and that is only required if you are getting a "regulated" firearm (handguns and "assault weapons"). If you're going for a shotgun, you don't need to take the training.

The one thing he stressed was say nothing.

With all that info though if someone were threaten my family I'd still try to pop 'em. Do society a favor in the meantime.

Old saying again, "it's better to be tried by 12 than to be buried by 6".

Yep, agree completely. If you're gonna shoot the punk, go for the gold! It looks like the only smart thing to say is that you thought you and your family were about to be killed, then keep your mouth shut. Some tears probably wouldn't hurt either.

I better break out the drama...

What you better do is take ownership of a firearm dead flat serious.

Learn how to handle it like it can kill your or someone else if handled wrong or accidentally. Because it can and it will. Understand that if you present a weapon in self defense that you have EVERY right to save your own life and protect your family but, also you are holding someone(s) else's lives, literally, in your hands. Once a bullet leaves your weapon, it has no conscience, no idea where it is supposed to go, what it is supposed to do nor does it care even a little bit what it runs into. You don't wanna be having these thoughts for the first time at 2 am, terrified.

You may well need to shoot to kill someone who is threatening you. You may well only need to whip it out. There may well be someone innocent on the other side of that wall or next door. That bullet does not care. YOU need to be in as much control of your weapon in some terrifying situation as you can. Train. Get comfortable handling it. Loading, unloading, deliberate controlled firing, cleaning, etc. Think about possible situations. Some drunk friend of your kids? Your own kid? Burglar? Rapist?

You can't be 'ready' for a sudden and shocking and terrifying life or death situation but, you can think about it, think it through. Better to know in your mind that you just may not need to pull the trigger than to have the mindset of just start blasting. Some clueless people are cool under shock and pressure. Some trained people crap their pants the first time and shoot themselves in the foot.

A firearm is only a tool but it is a damn effective one for what it was made to do.

What you better do is take ownership of a firearm dead flat serious.

Learn how to handle it like it can kill your or someone else if handled wrong or accidentally. Because it can and it will. Understand that if you present a weapon in self defense that you have EVERY right to save your own life and protect your family but, also you are holding someone(s) else's lives, literally, in your hands. Once a bullet leaves your weapon, it has no conscience, no idea where it is supposed to go, what it is supposed to do nor does it care even a little bit what it runs into. You don't wanna be having these thoughts for the first time at 2 am, terrified.

You may well need to shoot to kill someone who is threatening you. You may well only need to whip it out. There may well be someone innocent on the other side of that wall or next door. That bullet does not care. YOU need to be in as much control of your weapon in some terrifying situation as you can. Train. Get comfortable handling it. Loading, unloading, deliberate controlled firing, cleaning, etc. Think about possible situations. Some drunk friend of your kids? Your own kid? Burglar? Rapist?

You can't be 'ready' for a sudden and shocking and terrifying life or death situation but, you can think about it, think it through. Better to know in your mind that you just may not need to pull the trigger than to have the mindset of just start blasting. Some clueless people are cool under shock and pressure. Some trained people crap their pants the first time and shoot themselves in the foot.

A firearm is only a tool but it is a damn effective one for what it was made to do.

Well said.

Well said.

:buddies:

Hand guns are NOT the best choice for home defense. Way too much penetration. Check out the web site theboxoftruth.com

What you better do is take ownership of a firearm dead flat serious.

Learn how to handle it like it can kill your or someone else if handled wrong or accidentally. Because it can and it will. Understand that if you present a weapon in self defense that you have EVERY right to save your own life and protect your family but, also you are holding someone(s) else's lives, literally, in your hands. Once a bullet leaves your weapon, it has no conscience, no idea where it is supposed to go, what it is supposed to do nor does it care even a little bit what it runs into. You don't wanna be having these thoughts for the first time at 2 am, terrified.

You may well need to shoot to kill someone who is threatening you. You may well only need to whip it out. There may well be someone innocent on the other side of that wall or next door. That bullet does not care. YOU need to be in as much control of your weapon in some terrifying situation as you can. Train. Get comfortable handling it. Loading, unloading, deliberate controlled firing, cleaning, etc. Think about possible situations. Some drunk friend of your kids? Your own kid? Burglar? Rapist?

You can't be 'ready' for a sudden and shocking and terrifying life or death situation but, you can think about it, think it through. Better to know in your mind that you just may not need to pull the trigger than to have the mindset of just start blasting. Some clueless people are cool under shock and pressure. Some trained people crap their pants the first time and shoot themselves in the foot.

A firearm is only a tool but it is a damn effective one for what it was made to do.

I couldn't agree more, you're right. Although I would take the responsibility of owning a gun very seriously, there's no telling how I'd react if the time ever came to use it. Sure, I'd go through all the required training & then some. I generally handle stressful situations very calmly. However, who knows what would happen at 2 am when someone was breaking onto my house? Like you said, people often don't react as they'd like to.

A lot to think about, not a decision I take lightly. I ask myself....what good will a gun do me locked in a box out of my son's reach when I hear someone breaking down the door? By the time I get to it, it's too late.

More concerning.....I obviously wouldn't leave a loaded gun within arms reach with a child in the house, which is where it would need to be in order for me to use it quickly. That's why I haven't gone this route yet & why I'm unsure at this point if I want to.

More concerning.....I obviously wouldn't leave a loaded gun within arms reach with a child in the house, which is where it would need to be in order for me to use it quickly. That's why I haven't gone this route yet & why I'm unsure at this point if I want to.

They make safes with pushbutton combinations or even fingerprint scanners for that.

They make safes with pushbutton combinations or even fingerprint scanners for that.

Wow, fingerprint scanners? Didn't know that, which shows you how much I've really looked into this. Thanks for the info.

Well, sorry I hijacked this thread. Hope the recommendations keep coming for OP so he can get his anniversary gift. :yay:

I couldn't agree more, you're right. Although I would take the responsibility of owning a gun very seriously, there's no telling how I'd react if the time ever came to use it. Sure, I'd go through all the required training & then some. I generally handle stressful situations very calmly. However, who knows what would happen at 2 am when someone was breaking onto my house? Like you said, people often don't react as they'd like to.

A lot to think about, not a decision I take lightly. I ask myself....what good will a gun do me locked in a box out of my son's reach when I hear someone breaking down the door? By the time I get to it, it's too late.

More concerning.....I obviously wouldn't leave a loaded gun within arms reach with a child in the house, which is where it would need to be in order for me to use it quickly. That's why I haven't gone this route yet & why I'm unsure at this point if I want to.


You need one of these then

You need one of these then

Good idea, that dog would certainly be a lot more intimidating than our black lab is! At least he barks to let us know if anyone is around. He's a good watchdog but that's where it ends. :lol:

The previous owners had two pits & they left their "beware of dog" signs up on the gate. We just left the signs up, next to the Brinks security sign. The propane guy & I had a good laugh about it when he first delivered to us.

However, who knows what would happen at 2 am when someone was breaking onto my house? Like you said, people often don't react as they'd like to.

Ah, but, most of us know how we react under stress; fight or flight, because we've all lived long enough to know. That is, at least, a starting point. :buddies:

Good idea, that dog would certainly be a lot more intimidating than our black lab is! At least he barks to let us know if anyone is around. He's a good watchdog but that's where it ends. :lol:

The previous owners had two pits & they left their "beware of dog" signs up on the gate. We just left the signs up, next to the Brinks security sign. The propane guy & I had a good laugh about it when he first delivered to us.

Dogs and lights. A home intruders worst enemies.

Price is about the same.

.40 is harder hitting and faster.

9mm 147g=985fps, 317ftlb

.40 155g=1200fps, 496ftlb

Energy means next to nothing in projectiles traveling at handgun round speeds. Google Dr. Fackler and look at some of his research. Two things matter with a handgun round, of course, like always the most important is hitting something vital. CNS is best, followed by heart, lungs ect.. so I don't really count that. But what does matter is hole size, caliber or expandable projectile width(making them bleed out). The other consideration would be penetration, does the projectile penetrate far enough to hit vital organs?

Penetration is a weird thing in handgun rounds, too fast and too light penetrate terribly, too heavy and slow does not penetrate great either. Although I will say, I'd rather have heavy and slow over too fast and light.

I posted some charts here before illustrating some different caliber/weight projectiles and how they perform as far as expanstion and penetration.

Ah, but, most of us know how we react under stress; fight or flight, because we've all lived long enough to know. That is, at least, a starting point. :buddies:

For me, it's always been fight not flight. I have a big mouth/attitude, no patience for freeloading punks. So far it's worked well for me. I've been in a few situations where I've had to defend myself & that's just what I've done. Of course, never with a weapon.

But....I've noticed that having a baby makes me think differently. For instance, if someone came up to me in a parking lot in the past & tried to take my purse, I fought back & kept my belongings. Now if someone approaches me when I'm with my son, they can have my damn purse. Not worth it. I'd like to assume that I'd remain cool under pressure. I have no doubt that I'd shoot someone to defend my family. Hopefully I'd miss my foot! :lol:

Nobody is aiming at night, groggy, scared. Point shooting time.

Officers in the line of duty, awake, aware, deliberate, sure. The rest of us ain't taking the time to aim after taking a dump in our union suits.

:buddies:

I have these sights on my concealed carry piece, G19, these things look light a lit beer can on the end of oyur gun and are perfect for an HD handgun or concealed carry handgun imo.

There is a youtube vid of the designer shooting small steal targets at 50 yds with them too, so they can be precise if needed.

XS Sight Systems - Handgun Sights - 24/7 Express (http://www.xssights.com/store/handgun.html)

get a desert eagle! :yahoo: :whistle:

get a desert eagle! :yahoo: :whistle:

Yeah a big gold plated one so you can look cool, you won't be able to hit sh!t
but you'll look cool......... to the ghetto thugs that are brain dead.

My wife wants to get me a new handgun for our anniversary. I want it for home protection and target shooting. I know there are many shooters here so what are your favorites? I'm leaning towards an automatic as I already have a DA revolver. ($500.00 limit)
Get a Taurus Judge .45/410 revolver and load it up with buckshot.

R Lee Ermy had the whole spectrum on tonight. The shockwave from the 500 smith going up his arm in slo mo was IMPRESIVE:popcorn:

Interesting comments made on this post. Its funny to read the same old arguments...especially the "knock down power" of the 45.

Home defense - if you can't hit what your aiming at...whats the point? Size, recoil control, sights, etc etc go a long way.

Do yourself a favor, attend an organized shoot. A Sanners Lake IDPA event is a good start. There you will find a handfull of individuals more than willing to let you handle and fire their guns. Only you will know what feels right and what doesn't. Trust me, my wife and I have tried/owned them all. She found the Glock works for her only by trying what I just mentioned. Besides, this approach is easier on the pocket book.

I would also stress a shooting course or participation in an organized event such as IDPA or USPSA. (I would suggest IDPA first if this is your first time as it is more regimented...and less "running and gunning")

I can swear to you, my wife and I gun awareness increased 100 times over by shooting in these events. Other that an LE professional that handles a firearm on a daily basis, the normal everyday citizen does not have an opportunity to become familiar enough with their weapon. Shooting is half the battle. Clearing malfunctions, shooting from odd positions, reloads, etc is what seperates a casual shooter from a seasoned shooter.

In short I would pitty the person that attempted to break into our house now. Not meant as a joke or bragging, it is a fact. No night sights or lasers needed, our experience and gun skills have increased to a point that our shots will go where intended.

This got way longer than I planned. If you want to PM me feel free. If I don't own what you want to try chances are I know someone who does.

As mentioned earlier, this is serious stuff. You need to be informed and prepared.

Other that an LE professional that handles a firearm on a daily basis, the normal everyday citizen does not have an opportunity to become familiar enough with their weapon. .

I agree with you on everything you said except for this, yes some cops are very familar with the firearms they carry, others on the other hand only do the minimum to get by and qualify every year. I have heard and seen lots of things from other LEO's that is quite unbelieveable when it comes to their lack of knowledge with one of the most important tools they carry.

LEO or average citizen, anyone that owns a firearm and intends to use it should atleast be familar enough with it to operate it proficeintly and clear malfunctions in a somewhat rapid fasion.

Recent interaction with the State police at the barracks in PF proved to me this. By the cops own admission he hated to see me coming with a firearm to do a transfer because he "hates guns and only carries one because they make him". Now he could be a crack shot, I don't know, but in my experience very few cops are really "gun people".

Your 100% corrrect. I typed too fast and I did not want to offend. Now I will! :)

Some of the biggest violators of basic safety rules I have seen have been from LEO's. (ie gun pointed straight in the air during a mag change, finger within trigger guard during movement or reloads, etc)

Also some of the worst shots. Funding seems to be a major issue.

For me...I find it hard to except that you would not be throughly familiar with your weapon. Especially if your life depended on it.

Perhaps I should start a new thread...but I have been looking for a ladies pistol...like the antique ones that have a hidden safety..very ornate, very small...I am not really sure the best place to look...I was thinking maybe a gun show, but not sure how to find those either...any ideas?

Perhaps I should start a new thread...but I have been looking for a ladies pistol...like the antique ones that have a hidden safety..very ornate, very small...I am not really sure the best place to look...I was thinking maybe a gun show, but not sure how to find those either...any ideas?
Like a derringer? Cobra makes them in .22, .32, .38, and 9mm

Like a derringer? Cobra makes them in .22, .32, .38, and 9mm

yes something like that..in the victorian era they had these decorated lavishly for ladies something like this..only not a replica

yes something like that..in the victorian era they had these decorated lavishly for ladies something like this..only not a replica
Try http://www.amderringer.com/ladyguns.html

Perhaps I should start a new thread...but I have been looking for a ladies pistol...like the antique ones that have a hidden safety..very ornate, very small...I am not really sure the best place to look...I was thinking maybe a gun show, but not sure how to find those either...any ideas?

Do you want this gun just to have or do you intend to use as a self defense/home defense handgun?

Try http://www.amderringer.com/ladyguns.html

Oh man those are beautiful!!

Do you want this gun just to have or do you intend to use as a self defense/home defense handgun?

Well at first I was simply looking for an antique. but the more I consider it the more I would really like a new one like those above...of course i have some safety courses and such to do first...

I have a glock 19 and love shooting it. I would go to a range such as the one by Andrews air force base, and rent a few guns that you think you would like to try out.

I know this is pretty much off topic here, but as a newbie to this forum and S. MD., I was surprised to learn that Benelli makes many of their beautiful shotguns in a local factory near Indian Head. This revelation probably comes as no surprise to you local gunners. I think it's pretty cool.

I have a glock 19 and love shooting it. I would go to a range such as the one by Andrews air force base, and rent a few guns that you think you would like to try out.

Glock 19 is the perfect 9mm to me, and your suggestion to renting as many guns as you can is spot on, find a gun that is comfortable you first, then worry about caliber ect... If you can't rent to actually shoot, handling it is the next best thing. Ask the clerk to take it out so you can get a feel for it there in the store.

I know this is pretty much off topic here, but as a newbie to this forum and S. MD., I was surprised to learn that Benelli makes many of their beautiful shotguns in a local factory near Indian Head. This revelation probably comes as no surprise to you local gunners. I think it's pretty cool.

I lived next to TC Arms in Rochester NH..

Always loved their guns, and some of them are just plain BEAUTIFUL.. Moved there and their operation looked like a junk yard, running out of an old aluminum quonset hut.. It's burned down and been re-built since, but haven't seen it since the rebuild.

S.W...38 snubnose is all one needs...............or a .32...........:whistle:

I'm 5th generation Scots from Springfield, Mass (MA) and thought the Benelli news tid-bit might prompt a bit of local pride and introspection. Obviously, there's no chance of that happening in "Drag-Racing"country! Eeeee--Haw!!
Gents, Start 'Yer Quonset Huts!!!! (...After DOD moves out and leaves the region in a crumbling shambles...ENJOY;-)

Well sorry we all didn't bow to your news tid bit that anyone in the area that is into firearms probably knows about. Berreta US headquarters is there too along with Benelli/Stoeger. Frankly if I were them I'd pull up roots in leave this communist state, not gun friendly and not tax friendly for their type of business.

While we are on the topic of handguns, I am considering purchasing another .45 for primarily concealed carry. My present CCW handgun is a Taurus PT-145without night sites. I would keep it as a home defence weapon and use the new one for CCW.
I am looking at the Para Ordinance NiteHawg .45 acp. Does anyone own one or have any experience with the Para Ordinance line? They are not inexpensive and I would really like to get some feedback before I lay some money out for one.

I have a glock 19 and love shooting it. I would go to a range such as the one by Andrews air force base, and rent a few guns that you think you would like to try out.
Do you know if the Andrews range is open to all active duty military? Or only classes/groups for qualification purposes?

Do you know if the Andrews range is open to all active duty military? Or only classes/groups for qualification purposes?

I think he is talking about Maryland Small Arms Range located in Upper Marlboro which has an indoor range.

Find out what kind of gun Plaxico owns..










DON'T BUY THAT ONE!!

I think he is talking about Maryland Small Arms Range located in Upper Marlboro which has an indoor range.

Correct. It is a public range.