Any of you guys own a handgun?

[tkim]

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This is my CCW:

-copro

I used to have the Kel-Tec in a 9mm with a drop-in conversion barrel for .40S&W. Loved the size, but mine was an early production 20XXX and it suffered from a lot of failure to feeds. I suppose I could have polished the ramp or even gone as far as chamfering, but I got it rd of it.

I lusted after the .32, but it was hard to find early on, and now that I live in New York, I'd probably get my permit to purchase if I applied now and wait until residency is over.

I'm a mousegun fan. There, I admit it.

 

[Salt Creep]

I agree that a single action only would require more trigger time to be comfortable and competent with it.

I did mention a .45, just didn't emphasize it. Mine is the Para-Ordinance P12. Holds 12 rounds of 45, which is plenty of stopping power, even in a "target-rich environment". I have pretty big hands, so the fat double-stack mags fit my hands well.

And I agree that a double/single action would probably be best, depending on what it's intended for.

 

[rn29306]

First gun was a Ruger 357. Wonderful gun with substantial stopping power but a high pitched report to match. Just wear your ear protection. Cops say that when a homeowner fires a 357, ESP in a hallway, you can forget taking a report for a while.

I've moved onto shooting .40s. Have had a Glock 22 and 27 both. 22 was a bit big, the 27 was perfect with the pinkie extender like someone posted above. 27 was the perfect concealment gun. Someone decided they liked them more than me....stolen. Got a model 23 now, the midsized one. LOVE IT. Never a misfeed or other mechanical issue with the gun make.

Agree with what the other posters said about the .40 being a great compromise between the velocity of the 9 and the stopping power of the 'flying ashcan' .45.

Not trying to highjack vent's thread, but how many people on here have had to brandish a handgun for various reasons?

 

[Hernandez]

I dont think SA is the right choice for a first time handgun owner. Thats why I didnt mention a 1911 or a browning hi power. Both are great guns but I think for a first time gun owner he should opt for a revolver or a DA pistol. just my opinion.

There are tons of great guns out there but whatever you choose take it to the range and get very familiar with it.

yup, cause once you go with a firearm designed by the benevolent John Moses Browning, you won't go back.

I'm up to 4 1911's and counting.....

 

[VentdependenT]

yup, cause once you go with a firearm designed by the benevolent John Moses Browning, you won't go back.

I'm up to 4 1911's and counting.....

So right now its between the Springfield XD .40, the H&K USP .40 (in the lead, but a bit pricey), Beretta PX4, and the GLOCK 23.

I checked Sigarms P229 .40SW and its just too damn expensive.

What do you recommend? I don't think that 1911 is for me...not yet.

 

[usnavdoc]

First gun was a Ruger 357. Wonderful gun with substantial stopping power but a high pitched report to match. Just wear your ear protection. Cops say that when a homeowner fires a 357, ESP in a hallway, you can forget taking a report for a while.

I've moved onto shooting .40s. Have had a Glock 22 and 27 both. 22 was a bit big, the 27 was perfect with the pinkie extender like someone posted above. 27 was the perfect concealment gun. Someone decided they liked them more than me....stolen. Got a model 23 now, the midsized one. LOVE IT. Never a misfeed or other mechanical issue with the gun make.

Agree with what the other posters said about the .40 being a great compromise between the velocity of the 9 and the stopping power of the 'flying ashcan' .45.

Not trying to highjack vent's thread, but how many people on here have had to brandish a handgun for various reasons?

I try to brandish once a week...Just for the hell of it. lol

I think its funny that this thread is going to get more response than many of our clinical threads. We should open another section entitled toys(where we can talk about cars, guns, and xbox)lol

 

[rn29306]

So right now its between the Springfield XD .40, the H&K USP .40 (in the lead), Beretta PX4, and the GLOCK 23.

What do you recommend? I don't think that 1911 is for me...not yet.

Size of your hand will determine the model Glock you will probably like. I can just barely palm a basketball and the 23 fits me perfect.

Dunno, I just like the Glock mechanics, esp the 'safety'....Which is located on the trigger of all places. Couple internal mechanisms, but bottom line...you pull trigger - gun goes boom. Nice for me, but then again I don't have little children or older peeps around my place.

 

[rn29306]

I try to brandish once a week...Just for the hell of it. lol

I meant in defense. It changed the way I evaluate situations now.

 

[militarymd]

I don't think the SA only type guns like the 1911 are good ccw guns....guns that are carried around with little likelihood of being used in anger.

I think they're great for going into a gunfight ....like what swat guys do.

I prefer the DA/SA type guns. They're always ready to fire, but requires extra pull of the DA to get the first round off, but have the option of SA fire if careful aiming is required.

 

[militarymd]

seems like a good thread to post this link


http://www.usatoday.com/news/quickquestion/2007/november/popup5895.htm

 

[Hernandez]

So right now its between the Springfield XD .40, the H&K USP .40 (in the lead, but a bit pricey), Beretta PX4, and the GLOCK 23.

I checked Sigarms P229 .40SW and its just too damn expensive.

What do you recommend? I don't think that 1911 is for me...not yet.

I've not handled the XD, but I have heard alot of good things about it. H&K's are pricey. Beretta's PX, like the XD, I've not handled, I've heard mostly good things about it. Nothing wrong with a G-23.

If you like the p229, you might want to think about the SIG CPO lines, which means, that it is pre-owned, but factory refurbished with a 1 year warranty and a discounted price. I personally have only purchased one handgun which was brand new and do not have any issues with purchasing used, I know some people do. Click the pic for an example of how much a CPO 229 in 40s&w costs.




other firearms to consider. CZ-75, FNP-40, or a browning High power. CDNN has High powers in 40s&w for less than $500.

 

[Hernandez]

I don't think the SA only type guns like the 1911 are good ccw guns....guns that are carried around with little likelihood of being used in anger.

I've heard many people who say that, but I whole heartily disagree, and do in fact CCW with a 1911. I'm familiar enough with my 1911 that I know the safety won't come off until I click it off.

 

[militarymd]

I've heard many people who say that, but I whole heartily disagree, and do in fact CCW with a 1911. I'm familiar enough with my 1911 that I know the safety won't come off until I click it off.

so you walk around "cocked and locked" all the time?

For me, a mere mortal, who's never been in a "real" gunfight...just simulated ones on IDPA style courses with live fire on either side of me and pepper poppers.....I like my hammer down and trigger covered in the holster as my mode of CCW.

 

[VentdependenT]

I've not handled the XD, but I have heard alot of good things about it. H&K's are pricey. Beretta's PX, like the XD, I've not handled, I've heard mostly good things about it. Nothing wrong with a G-23.

If you like the p229, you might want to think about the SIG CPO lines, which means, that it is pre-owned, but factory refurbished with a 1 year warranty and a discounted price. I personally have only purchased one handgun which was brand new and do not have any issues with purchasing used, I know some people do. Click the pic for an example of how much a CPO 229 in 40s&w costs.




other firearms to consider. CZ-75, FNP-40, or a browning High power. CDNN has High powers in 40s&w for less than $500.

That brings the gun into Glock cost territory. That gun may be the one.

 

[Hernandez]

so you walk around "cocked and locked" all the time?

For me, a mere mortal, who's never been in a "real" gunfight...just simulated ones on IDPA style courses with live fire on either side of me and pepper poppers.....I like my hammer down and trigger covered in the holster as my mode of CCW.

It's condition 1 all the time, (at least in 1911's) condition 2 is just asking for a negligent discharge, condition 3 is not conducive to emergent use. The 1911 at least was designed for condition 1 carry and has two safeties to prevent accidental discharged. and I've not been in a real gunfight either, just IDPA/ISPC events as well. That being said, I wouldn't do that in any gun, 1911 or otherwise, without putting more than a thousand rounds through it at the range first.

 

[militarymd]

It's condition 1 all the time, (at least in 1911's) condition 2 is just asking for a negligent discharge, condition 3 is not conducive to emergent use. The 1911 at least was designed for condition 1 carry and has two safeties to prevent accidental discharged. and I've not been in a real gunfight either, just IDPA/ISPC events as well. That being said, I wouldn't do that in any gun, 1911 or otherwise, without putting more than a thousand rounds through it at the range first.

• Condition 0 - A round is in the chamber, the hammer is cocked, and the safety is off.
• Condition 1 - Also called "cocked and locked", this means that a round is in the chamber, the hammer is cocked, and the manual thumb safety is on.
• Condition 2 - A round is in the chamber, the hammer is uncocked.
• Condition 3 - There is no round in the chamber, the hammer is uncocked but a fully loaded magazine is inserted in the mag well.
• Condition 4 - The chamber is empty, the hammer is uncocked and there is no magazine inserted in the mag well

Why is condition 2 condusive to neglient discharge? ...Hammer's down

Like I said....I'm not comfortable with "locked and cocked"....you still have to deal with the safety...and if it is inadvertently flipped...well..

I carry my pistols with round in chamber...hammer at half cock....(all of mine have firing pin locks)...if I ever need them, they are just a simple DA sqeeze of the trigger.

 

[VentdependenT]

Found a used HK USP for 600 bones

 

[Salt Creep]

I've heard many people who say that, but I whole heartily disagree, and do in fact CCW with a 1911. I'm familiar enough with my 1911 that I know the safety won't come off until I click it off.

One could also carry a 1911 style without one in the chamber, which is as safe as any weapon could possibly be. With practice, racking the slide and drawing at the same time really is not difficult. But I agree that overall, the 1911 style pistols require more practice to depend on well.

I was looking at a sig or a beretta for a 2nd CCW.

Check out the Beretta Cougar - comes in 9mm or .40. I love the way my cougar feels.

And since we're on the subject of guns and someone mentioned left shooter/left eye dominant ... anyone out there right shooter/left eye dominant? I'm not a bad shot by any means but its frustrating at times. 😳 I'm probably going to have to learn to shoot left handed. I can shoot left handed one hand (weak but its not bad) but two hand is a little weird for me. Guess getting to the range more would help.

I taught my wife to shoot handguns, and the first thing I do with people is test eye dominance. She's left eye-dominant (but right handed), so I had her shoot left handed from the beginning. Hardest part for her is shooting a rifle.... (I don't own a leftie rifle)

 

[Salt Creep]

Found a used HK USP for 600 bones

An HK is a fine weapon - just be sure it fits you & you actually like it as much as you expect to. German engineering is tough to beat.

 

[Hernandez]

Why is condition 2 condusive to neglient discharge? ...Hammer's down

I thought I had added the clarifier that I was talking about 1911s. Think about the mechanics of a 1911, unlike many of the DA/SA firearms, the 1911 does not have a decocker, which means to place a 1911 in condition 2, you much manually lower the hammer on a firearm with a round in the chamber. any mistake or slip will likely result in a ND. It seems foolish to me to carry a 1911 in condition 2 when it's more of a recipe for an accident than condition 1.

my humble opinion of course.

Like I said....I'm not comfortable with "locked and cocked"....you still have to deal with the safety...and if it is inadvertently flipped...well..

I carry my pistols with round in chamber...hammer at half cock....(all of mine have firing pin locks)...if I ever need them, they are just a simple DA sqeeze of the trigger.

I wasn't trying to imply that you were, just trying to say that you need to be comfortable with what every firearm you carry, if you don't trust carrying in condition 1, then you shouldn't carry a firearm which mandates that it be in condition 1 to carry in a ready state. IMHO of course.

One could also carry a 1911 style without one in the chamber, which is as safe as any weapon could possibly be. With practice, racking the slide and drawing at the same time really is not difficult. But I agree that overall, the 1911 style pistols require more practice to depend on well.

I have had to pull my firearm once, and I'm glad I wasn't in the position where I needed to have to load the thing to get it into ready condition. My reasoning is that you can not predict the conditions you will encounter where you will need your weapon and you can not assure that you will have both hands free to load the firearm.

I taught my wife to shoot handguns, and the first thing I do with people is test eye dominance. She's left eye-dominant (but right handed), so I had her shoot left handed from the beginning.

I taught Mshheaddoc to fire, we did check her eye dominance, I'm of the opinion that strong hand firing is better than strong eye, for self defense at least, and at least when introducing those who have never been shooting, it makes it much easier to start out. I will freely admit that I've not had the chance to really work with her on non-dominant hand firing in the last 6 months.

Found a used HK USP for 600 bones

Not bad, You'll probably be pleased, H&K's are nice.

 

[VA Hopeful Dr]

And since we're on the subject of guns and someone mentioned left shooter/left eye dominant ... anyone out there right shooter/left eye dominant? I'm not a bad shot by any means but its frustrating at times. 😳 I'm probably going to have to learn to shoot left handed. I can shoot left handed one hand (weak but its not bad) but two hand is a little weird for me. Guess getting to the range more would help.

My little brother is right hand/left eye. Sadly, we didn't realize this until after we got him a right handed bow...

 

[bne_12mne]

I've been a lurker here for quite a while. I post a bit from time to time but mainly enjoy reading threads where others discuss things. I'm a CA-1 which means I know a very little bit about anesthesia (as you can see by my few previous posts where I've been humbled by mil and others), but I can say with confidence that I know quite a bit about firearms. Not anymore than some of those whohave already contributed, but it has been one of my main hobbies for 20 years, and I regularly (ie daily) read several firearms forums.

Here are some good ones if you are truly interested:
thehighroad.org
thefiringline.com
sigforum.com
glocktalk.com
packing.org

Anyway, your interest sounds like many new shooters I know and I have helped. So I strongly would have you consider the advice of those that tell you to start with a 22lr for your first purchase. I highly recommend a Ruger 22/45 as a nice place to start. It is accurate, reliable and cheap. And while it may be a pain to clean and reassemble the first time it will actually do quite well with very little maintenance. I have the 5.5" bull barrel model, I think it's the model 512, which to me seems like an ideal size. It cost me $239 and is a whole lot of fun. (Check out budsgunshop.com for great service and pricing in my opinion.)

With practice you will be able to hit a 8inch steel plate at 40-50 yards consistently offhand, and I can tell you that is a lot more fun, challenging and satisfying than blasting, flinching and missing at 20 yards with a centerfire that costs upwards of $25 per 100 rounds to feed. This can get quite frustrating for a newbie, I can assure you.

As your second purchase, since you are set on a centerfire handgun, I would recommend something in 9mm, as it is a great all-purpose round and the cheapest of the handguns to find ammo for. You can get WWB (winchester white box) ammo at Walmart all day long for $15 per 100 which is pretty darn good in this day and age with the war on. It used to be $10/100 about 3 years ago.

My favorite is a browning hi-power, but when you get to the point of graduating to the centerfire, you will have your own opinions regarding all of this.

I hope this was helpful.

BNE

 

[UTSouthwestern]

Found a used HK USP for 600 bones

Always bargain Venty. May save you $100-$150.

 

[militarymd]

I've been a lurker here for quite a while. I post a bit from time to time but mainly enjoy reading threads where others discuss things. I'm a CA-1 which means I know a very little bit about anesthesia (as you can see by my few previous posts where I've been humbled by mil and others), but I can say with confidence that I know quite a bit about firearms. Not anymore than some of those whohave already contributed, but it has been one of my main hobbies for 20 years, and I regularly (ie daily) read several firearms forums.

Here are some good ones if you are truly interested:
thehighroad.org
thefiringline.com
sigforum.com
glocktalk.com
packing.org

Anyway, your interest sounds like many new shooters I know and I have helped. So I strongly would have you consider the advice of those that tell you to start with a 22lr for your first purchase. I highly recommend a Ruger 22/45 as a nice place to start. It is accurate, reliable and cheap. And while it may be a pain to clean and reassemble the first time it will actually do quite well with very little maintenance. I have the 5.5" bull barrel model, I think it's the model 512, which to me seems like an ideal size. It cost me $239 and is a whole lot of fun. (Check out budsgunshop.com for great service and pricing in my opinion.)

With practice you will be able to hit a 8inch steel plate at 40-50 yards consistently offhand, and I can tell you that is a lot more fun, challenging and satisfying than blasting, flinching and missing at 20 yards with a centerfire that costs upwards of $25 per 100 rounds to feed. This can get quite frustrating for a newbie, I can assure you.

As your second purchase, since you are set on a centerfire handgun, I would recommend something in 9mm, as it is a great all-purpose round and the cheapest of the handguns to find ammo for. You can get WWB (winchester white box) ammo at Walmart all day long for $15 per 100 which is pretty darn good in this day and age with the war on. It used to be $10/100 about 3 years ago.

My favorite is a browning hi-power, but when you get to the point of graduating to the centerfire, you will have your own opinions regarding all of this.

I hope this was helpful.

BNE

venty ...this is sound advice...my favorite part is that you will then wind up with TWO guns.

 

[mshheaddoc]

packing.org is no longer a site, try http://www.handgunlaw.us/ which is now the "new" packing.org.

ar15.com is also one of the largest sites out there (with lots of pretty pictures) and not just about rifles. Also have product reviews and a long list of people selling handguns.

 

[-Goose-]

I'm no firearms freak but I would like to start practicing at the gun range. Something cathartic about blasting your hand cannon. No I won't carry it around with me dirty harry style or get a NRA tat on my chest.

Anyways, I'm currently interested in a Glock 20, standard, 10mm rounds. Concerned that 10mm round may be tough to find.

Any advice, does this sound like a good pistola? Its about 580 bones.

For those against firearms, thats cool, please don't read into this too much.

I know an FP who practices in a shady part of memphis & carries a .44 6-shooter.

In his white coat.



I would NOT get a 10-mm. Go with a .40 or a .45 in the Glock (if you must). The gun will cost the same & the ammo will be easier (and proabably cheaper to find). 9mm is too soft, imo. Not enough stopping power.

IMO, Glocks are overrated guns. I much prefer H&K USP.

http://www.hecklerkoch-usa.com/usp_general.html

 

[Frank Rizzo]

No, mine has been flawless...otherwise I would not make it my carry gun. However, I've only shot high velocity ammo with it.

go to rimfirecentral.com and check out the walther forum.

There are a number of known issues with regards to jamming...some of it is related to the type of magazine you have.

I've had no problems with the high-velocity stuff either, just the cheap crap. Thanks for the link. I love this gun a lot. Light, small, and very accurate. I love the fact that it pretty much fits in the palm of my hand.

 

[coprolalia]

IMO, Glocks are overrated guns. I much prefer H&K USP.

Don't get me wrong with what I'm about to say. After all, I own a HK USP (.45 ACP). It's just not good for a first gun. Neither are Glocks. Both are great guns, no doubt. But you can get a fine, reliable, fun, and (most importantly) safe gun for a whole lot cheaper.

I already made my suggestions to Venty in private, and I know how hard it is to choose. What I would do, though, is go to a gun range and shoot a bunch of the different ones discussed here. Many gun ranges will let you do that, and I'm sure there are more than a few in Chi town. That's the best way you can get a feel for what you like, and even if you like shooting at all.

-copro

 

[VentdependenT]

Just picked up the glock 23.

Thanks for the rec's dudes n' dudettes!

 

[TheEleventhReel]

Just picked up the glock 23.

Thanks for the rec's dudes n' dudettes!

Great choice (sorry if you guys don't know me, but I'm a newbie to the forum). You'll really like the 23. I don't know if anyone else posted this yet, but you can interchange the .40 barrel with the .357 barrel in the 23 model.

 

[kraphtymac]

As the owner of many handguns, I can say this thread has had some sound advice. However, the thing I can't overemphasize enough is to not try to buy a "bargain" handgun. Save up until you can afford the gun YOU like, and fits you well. Settle for nothing less. You also need to think about the use of the gun. If you're rocking it for concealed carry, you don't have to pick a revolver, a .380, or a .22, just for size issues. I personally carry a XD sub-compact .45, and love it. I also own a Springfield tactical .45ACP. Great guns.

As usual, the people in here who are really unfamiliar with guns, and just think bigger number = bigger recoil are wrong. The polymer .45s of today are actually more comfortable guns that many of the 9mm and .40s&w... reason? The two latter guns produce more TORQUE, equalling greater PERCEIVED recoil. While the .45 has great stopping power, it isn't as good as penetrating objects (walls, cars) as rounds like 9mm and .40. Just something to think about.

As far as ranging a gun, you really should look into ammo costs if you think you'll be shooting thousands of rounds... I'd much rather take my Sig P229 to the range and be shooting 9mm rounds that shooting .45 ACP, due to the cost difference.

Regardless of what round you choose, the most effective defensive use of a pistol is pointing and cocking it... usually tends to be a good motivator. Even more convincing is racking a 12 gauge pump, from personal experience.

 

[militarymd]

I thought I had added the clarifier that I was talking about 1911s. Think about the mechanics of a 1911, unlike many of the DA/SA firearms, the 1911 does not have a decocker, which means to place a 1911 in condition 2, you much manually lower the hammer on a firearm with a round in the chamber. any mistake or slip will likely result in a ND. It seems foolish to me to carry a 1911 in condition 2 when it's more of a recipe for an accident than condition 1.
.

I misunderstood what you were saying....I thought you meant CARRYING in condition 2 could result in accidental discharge........

The way you feel about "manually lower the hammer" is how I feel about "locked and cocked"....ie

"any mistake or slip will likely result in a ND" more so than DA carry.

 

[VentdependenT]

I ain't gonna pack this thing. However I do appreciate all the advice from all my peeps on the forums. I'll let you know how the Glock works out.

For 500 bones it was a hard deal to pass up. Sounds like the .40 is a good round to get used too.

 

[ryandote]

.

 

[coprolalia]

I ain't gonna pack this thing. However I do appreciate all the advice from all my peeps on the forums. I'll let you know how the Glock works out.

For 500 bones it was a hard deal to pass up. Sounds like the .40 is a good round to get used too.

Venty, excellent choice. I've shot this particular model numerous times, and it is a great, very accurate, easy-to-shoot pistol. And, you got it at a fair price. Now, just make sure you get at least one high-cap magazine. That thing will hold a boatload.

-copro

 

[deezballas]

VentdependenT, I highly recommend the Taurus Millenium pro 145. Great value for the money. Awesome gun! Google it. Also, check out this safe. http://www.buyasafe.com/Gun_Safes_p/gv1000std.htm
I had to get this after hearing about the California night stalker.

 

[oudoc08]

Go to a range that lets you rent, and try different ones.
I personally have a Glock 19 that fits well, I shoot it well, and it doesn't require constant practice to be able to pick up and shoot.

I also like the SIG P229, either 9mm or .40/.357 SIG. The only problem w/ it, is the let down and slide release are not intuitive, and for me require a bit of muscle memory adjustment. That can be dangerous in a bad situation, where you need to not have to think about what lever does what, and where it is.

All in all, if I had to pick, I'd say the 9mm, while maybe not quite as superior ballistically as a few other rounds, is
A: MUCH cheaper to shoot
B: Easier to place tight groups for most new shooters

Being able to hit something is more important that being able to add a bit more knockdown, IMO.

Lastly, definitely think about doing a concealed-carry class, or at least basic handgun training. Whether or not you plan on actually carrying, it's a great way to go over the specific legalities of your area, as well as learning some interesting stats.
And practice often. It's been my experience as a mere med student, that anesthesiologists are by far the most likely out of any specialty, to own a handgun, and carry concealed. Some surgeons and ER docs also seem to have an affinnty, but not like the gassers.

 

[chillindrdude]

nice purchase VentD!

my first gun was a Glock G17. shot it for about 2000rds, did ok with it, but i never did like the grip or how it fit in my hand. i just got a USP 9mm and i'm very pleased with the accuracy and grip.

if you use JHP ammo (typical for home/self defense), per ballistic gelatin tests, the penetration is about the same for all calibers, with only slight differences in wound cavity.

i think the 9mm round is an excellent caliber to start out on. recoil is very manageable, and ammo is cheap.

that being said, my next gun will be a 1911 or HK45!😀

 

[kraphtymac]

Vent-One more thing. Don't forget to check out Cabela's bulk ammo prices... pretty hard to beat! And, as you've probably figured out, Illinois is weird. You have to have a permit to even purchase ammo. Crazy.

 

[Hernandez]

Vent-One more thing. Don't forget to check out Cabela's bulk ammo prices... pretty hard to beat! And, as you've probably figured out, Illinois is weird. You have to have a permit to even purchase ammo. Crazy.

It is pretty easy to beat. Walmart's WWB ammo is about the best deal around. Unless you reload like me. Cabela's bulk stuff is reloaded ammo and is selling for ~$22/hundred for 9mm, 28.25/hundred for 40sw, and 37/hundred for 45acp, you can buy brand new winchester from walmart for that price.

 

[Salt Creep]

Reloading is definitely the cheapest way to go - and you can make significantly more accurate rifle ammo than you can buy also, for anyone with long-distance servers.

Vent probably isn't going to start making reloads in the next few months though. 🙂

Personally I just won't buy from Walmart. I don't really care if it is 40% more (it's not), I'd rather support my local gun shop, or a dealer at a show.

 

[kraphtymac]

Not to be too defensive, but you have to order 500-1,000 rounds for it to be cheaper. Last time I bought 500 .45 ACP, and they were 2.9 cents per rounds cheaper than the equivalent from Wal-Mart. And Winchester rounds are FAR from good ammo. Sorry.

 

[kraphtymac]

Oh, and it's not all reloaded. Yes, you can buy the reloaded stuff, or new stuff in bulk. My last 500 were all brand new.

 

[Hernandez]

Not to be too defensive, but you have to order 500-1,000 rounds for it to be cheaper. Last time I bought 500 .45 ACP, and they were 2.9 cents per rounds cheaper than the equivalent from Wal-Mart. And Winchester rounds are FAR from good ammo. Sorry.

the calculations I gave above were based on current 1,200 round bulk prices divided by 12 to give a fair comparisons between that and WWB. listed on cabelas's website.

Winchester white box may not be top tier ammo but it is good ammo, I've shot more than 3000 of it in various calibers, but I tell you what it is, consistent, and made of quality components, I saved every bit of my .45acp brass when I was shooting WWB for $15/100 and I have many brass going on 10 reloads now. I have a hard time buying that Cabela's (if it's the same stuff I've used before) is really in any way worth the same amount as WWB. Especially when the "new" stuff I've handled was nothing more than Wolf ammo.

This of course is with the disclaimer, that I've not bought anything but components since the 2008 price increase. Last time I looked at WWB in 45 acp it was $30/100.

 

[Playmakur42]

.

 

[oudoc08]

I've got a really good video of a guy shooting at a metal plate 100 yards away, but its too large to upload here. The bullet ricochets back (and makes a whizzing sound the whole way), bounces off the ground, and hits him in his ear protectors. The guy is extremely lucky to be alive & not hurt!


Since the OP made his purchase, perhaps I can extend the thread with another question:
I'm looking for a hunting rifle that I will also use for target shooting (200-400 yard range). Does anyone have any recommendations of a good caliber and model that they have used? I am leaning towards a stainless steel Browning 30-06 with a Leupold scope. I shot one before & could hit a quarter at 100 yards easily.

What are you wanting to hunt? For long flat shots with alot of knockdown, I favor the 7mm Rem mag, or the 300 Weatherby short mag.
Although, if you're looking for something with a less smack, the .22-250 is accurate as hell. Fun to hit big rodents with too.
Nothing wrong with the 30-06 though. Cheaper to shoot, and a hella lot of dead bad guys will tell you it's pretty accurate and feels like a sledgehammer.

 

[core0]

What are you wanting to hunt? For long flat shots with alot of knockdown, I favor the 7mm Rem mag, or the 300 Weatherby short mag.
Although, if you're looking for something with a less smack, the .22-250 is accurate as hell. Fun to hit big rodents with too.
Nothing wrong with the 30-06 though. Cheaper to shoot, and a hella lot of dead bad guys will tell you it's pretty accurate and feels like a sledgehammer.

7.62 is a nice round also. Essentially a 30-06 with better ballistics. I agree with you it depends on what you want to hunt. 22-250 is good for everything from ground hogs to small (eastern) deer. There is little in the lower 48 that needs a 7mm remington mag. The nice thing about the 7.62 is there is a lot of cheap surplus ammo out there to practice with.

David Carpenter, PA-C

 

[coprolalia]

7.62 is a nice round also. Essentially a 30-06 with better ballistics.

Umm... sort of, but no. There are several different 7.62mm rounds.

The 7.62x39mm is what is fired from an AK-47 (and others). This is, for all intents and purposes, similar in hitting power, velocity, and distance to the 30-30 round fired from a cowboy rifle like a Marlin 336 or a Winchester 1892. Furthermore, the bullet in the 7.62x39mm round typically fires a 123gr Spitzer round, which is a relatively light bullet.

The 7.62x51mm (NATO) is also the same as the Winchester 308. This is a much heavier, harder hitting round than the 7.62x39. It fires a 150gr (average) bullet. This is a favorite choice for sniper rifles because it has good terminal ballistics as well as a slight weight and recoil advantage over other larger sniper rounds like .300 WinMag or .50 BMG (i.e., you don't get a whole lot of additional benefit from the bigger rounds for most non-military applications, such as police force snipers, etc.).

A 30-06 round is more akin to the 7.62x54R round, which is fired out of the older Moisin-Nagant rifles. Of the three main "7.62mm" rounds (which, again, is just the international for .30 caliber), this is clearly the highest compression, flatter trajectory, hardest-hitting round. It fires a 150 or 180gr Spitzer round.

So, just being pedantic here, but there are many different "flavors" to the 7.62 round (even the Tokarev, which is a necked 7.62x25mm pistol round).

-copro

 

[coprolalia]

that being said, my next gun will be a 1911 or HK45!😀

I have one of each. If you want any advice/recs, just PM me.

-copro

 

[militarymd]

I have one of each. If you want any advice/recs, just PM me.

-copro

What's wrong with the sig p220?

I've been thinking about a 1911 style 45...but I can't seem to get myself to get on board with a single action only pistol.