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Handgun selection 101 questions
- Thread starter rsgillmd
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It's a personal decision, which gun you feel most comfortable with? Personally I'm a HK fanboy, they also make a compact version. These are top line and known for reliability, which counts for a lot. You point it, it shoots.
Also, a revolver may not be a bad option for you. They have thinner handgrips and also are very reliable. In 357, you can also shoot 38 special bullets as well as 357. 38 special is "light", usually popular with the ladies because of it's lighter recoil.
Enjoy.
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Everyone out there has an opinion. You have to figure out what you like. I spent the cost of a new Glock renting different handguns and trying them. I found what I like and in what caliber. Try a wide variety and try guns that you don't think you actually want. Try different calibers. There is more out there than 9x19 and .40 S&W.
Two things to keep in mind prior to buying. Make certain that you have a proper grip and stance before trying things out. The gun you think you want might become a PITA to shoot if you have to change your grip. Second, the number one thing you need in a gun is that you like shooting it. Shooting is a skill and it needs to be practiced. If you don't like shooting the gun you bought, you probably won't shoot very well with it.
Every gun out there is a symphony of design compromises: Single stack guns are lighter and thinner, but have lower capacity. Steel guns are heavier and harder to carry, but have less felt recoil and are easier to shoot. Longer barrels give a better sight radius and thus improve accuracy, but are harder to conceal.
This is likely a technique issue. Most adult males shouldn't have a lot of difficulty racking the slide if done properly. If it is a problem, look for guns with a longer barrel. The recoil spring has to stop the rearward slide movement before the slide runs out of frame. On shorter barrel guns, the recoil spring must be much more stout than on longer frame guns as the slide has much less travel distance. You may want to look at revolvers. I like the S&W 686 plus (as much as S&W, their ILS, and politics, kill me).
I'm not a fan of the double action/single action guns. I would like it to be one of the other only. The reason is that trigger pull changes. Shooting is about consistency. While there are plenty of people out there that do just fine with a DA/SA trigger, I have never liked the change in trigger pull. Ultimately, it is up to you. You have to try out a boat load of guns and see what you think.
This is my choice. All steel. Shorter barrel, but in between barrel size to keep the longer sight radius but still have ease of carrying. Single stack, with a slightly shorter grip frame for easier carrying. Many compromises, but it is wicked fun to shoot (even my wife likes it). It is also in .45 ACP, 'cause a 9mm might expand, but a .45 won't shrink. 😉
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Why Kimber and why .40 S&W?
In the Kimber price range, there are quite a few makers of 1911 pattern pistols.
STI, Dan Wesson, or even genuine Colt. You can also consider Fusion Firearms and they will make you one in .40 S&W.
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This is a great point, Doc. There is a part on the pistol qualification course in the USMC (or at least there was when I was in) that requires you to engage the target starting with a round in the chamber, hammer down, and a follow up round. This means the first shot is a DA trigger pull, and the second shot is a SA pull. This part of the pistol qual. course is the only one that ever made me sweat my Expert badge.
Those of you with SA/DA pistols like the M9 really ought to practice this in a bunch of different ways. Start off with shooting for accuracy (plenty of time between shots) and then move on to double tap/hammer pair/Mozambique drill. Especially at ranges out past 15 feet, this really takes some getting used to. Hint: Grip, stance, and smooth trigger finger are key!
Here's an ad you might want to send to people who are for gun control, by the way. .
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I have shot quite a few different guns for target practice but for self defense I carry S&W semiautomatics.
I used to have a .44 revolver which was an awesome gun for target practice. Since it was a heavy gun with a long barrel there was little recoil and it was fun to shoot. On the other hand I had a .357 with a short barrel. That gun had more kick than any other gun I have ever shot (not counting 12 ga shotgun) and shooting it for any length of time tore my hand up. I hated that gun.
The reason I carry S&W semi auto as my concealed gun is they are very good guns, are reliable plus I like having a safety on a gun that has a bullet in the chamber. I prefer ambidextrous safety because I shoot with my left hand. Plus you have more ammunition in a semi auto than a revolver. When I found myself in a bad situation several years ago and flight to safety was not possible I fired two warning shots into the ground and the remaining eight I shot into my assailant. Horrible experience that has changed my life forever but at least I have a life now.
People assume that a bigger gun means more stopping power but it isn't as simple as that. I thought that too after I killed my assailant with a 9mm and I purchased a .40 handgun. This reference explains it better than I can. Also consider type of ammunition. I only use jacket hollow point, my current fav is Hydra-Shok.
I presume that you are learning the rules of gun safety in your classes. Nevertheless let me recap for you.
1 Always assume a gun is loaded until you pick it up and check it yourself. When you set it down and pick it up again recheck it.
2 Never point the muzzle toward anything you don't want to shoot.
3 Never put your finger on the trigger until you are prepared to shoot the gun. This is a very important rule and not following this is how "accidents" occur.
4 Always know the location of your target and know what is behind your target. For example shooting when visibility is limited or when you are in an area such as a mall where innocent people are behind your target.
It can be useful to have a small caliber gun to teach gun safety to your children or significant other before allowing them to shoot a gun with more recoil. I suggest when a person is shooting a powerful gun for the first time that you only put a single bullet in the gun. The following video demonstrates why. If a person does not know how to handle a gun that has multiple bullets it is possible that the second bullet will accidentally strike an unintended target. I know of a man that got shot in the head when teaching another person to shoot a powerful gun for the first time.
Notice that the girl does not have hands in proper position for shooting.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OYc4393JVE
Also here is an example of stupidity of somebody handling a gun that "should" have known better. Scary.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DS9JiPSXwwc
ETA Learn how to shoot your gun with either hand. When I was taking class for concealed carry our instructor required this because you never know when your assailant might shoot your "good" arm and you will need to shoot with the other.
Also be aware of desired target when shooting assailant. "Shot placement simply means putting the bullet(s) where the most damage will be done to the attacker. The primary target is what we call the thoracic triangle. The points of the triangle are the throat and two nipples. Shots to this area tend to make people FDGB ("fall down go boom"). Shots outside this area tend to have less immediate effects".
I used to have a .44 revolver which was an awesome gun for target practice. Since it was a heavy gun with a long barrel there was little recoil and it was fun to shoot. On the other hand I had a .357 with a short barrel. That gun had more kick than any other gun I have ever shot (not counting 12 ga shotgun) and shooting it for any length of time tore my hand up. I hated that gun.
The reason I carry S&W semi auto as my concealed gun is they are very good guns, are reliable plus I like having a safety on a gun that has a bullet in the chamber. I prefer ambidextrous safety because I shoot with my left hand. Plus you have more ammunition in a semi auto than a revolver. When I found myself in a bad situation several years ago and flight to safety was not possible I fired two warning shots into the ground and the remaining eight I shot into my assailant. Horrible experience that has changed my life forever but at least I have a life now.
People assume that a bigger gun means more stopping power but it isn't as simple as that. I thought that too after I killed my assailant with a 9mm and I purchased a .40 handgun. This reference explains it better than I can. Also consider type of ammunition. I only use jacket hollow point, my current fav is Hydra-Shok.
I presume that you are learning the rules of gun safety in your classes. Nevertheless let me recap for you.
1 Always assume a gun is loaded until you pick it up and check it yourself. When you set it down and pick it up again recheck it.
2 Never point the muzzle toward anything you don't want to shoot.
3 Never put your finger on the trigger until you are prepared to shoot the gun. This is a very important rule and not following this is how "accidents" occur.
4 Always know the location of your target and know what is behind your target. For example shooting when visibility is limited or when you are in an area such as a mall where innocent people are behind your target.
It can be useful to have a small caliber gun to teach gun safety to your children or significant other before allowing them to shoot a gun with more recoil. I suggest when a person is shooting a powerful gun for the first time that you only put a single bullet in the gun. The following video demonstrates why. If a person does not know how to handle a gun that has multiple bullets it is possible that the second bullet will accidentally strike an unintended target. I know of a man that got shot in the head when teaching another person to shoot a powerful gun for the first time.
Notice that the girl does not have hands in proper position for shooting.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OYc4393JVE
Also here is an example of stupidity of somebody handling a gun that "should" have known better. Scary.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DS9JiPSXwwc
ETA Learn how to shoot your gun with either hand. When I was taking class for concealed carry our instructor required this because you never know when your assailant might shoot your "good" arm and you will need to shoot with the other.
Also be aware of desired target when shooting assailant. "Shot placement simply means putting the bullet(s) where the most damage will be done to the attacker. The primary target is what we call the thoracic triangle. The points of the triangle are the throat and two nipples. Shots to this area tend to make people FDGB ("fall down go boom"). Shots outside this area tend to have less immediate effects".
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The best gun video ever IMHO
[YOUTUBE]xB7iz1HTh9U[/YOUTUBE]
"I said um, if he draws on me again, first again I am gonna shoot him in his toodles!"
😍
Don't mess with grandma.
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[YOUTUBE]xB7iz1HTh9U[/YOUTUBE]
"I said um, if he draws on me again, first again I am gonna shoot him in his toodles!"
😍Don't mess with grandma.
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Hello,
There is a lot of practical wisdom in this thread. Unfortunately, I have not started with guns early enough in life, and at my age I am not comfortable getting one now.
However, from what I have seen among my friends, I can tell you that whatever you buy will not be your only gun, but merely your first gun. So in the final analysis, it doesn't matter that much what you buy as a first gun, because soon you will buy another one, with more knowledge and more experience, with more to come, and you will feel very proud of every fine specimen you own.
Just make sure you always stay in good shape and in touch with your instructors and gun societies (NRA, JPFO, etc).
There is a lot of practical wisdom in this thread. Unfortunately, I have not started with guns early enough in life, and at my age I am not comfortable getting one now.
However, from what I have seen among my friends, I can tell you that whatever you buy will not be your only gun, but merely your first gun. So in the final analysis, it doesn't matter that much what you buy as a first gun, because soon you will buy another one, with more knowledge and more experience, with more to come, and you will feel very proud of every fine specimen you own.
Just make sure you always stay in good shape and in touch with your instructors and gun societies (NRA, JPFO, etc).
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Guess I'm a little late to the party.
I'll throw in my one cent for what its worth.
Not having read the entire thread I would first say that you need to be aware of your states CCW law regarding revolver vs semi. In Texas if you take the course with a revolver you cannot carry a semi, but if you pass with a semi you can carry either. Food for thought if you do ever want to consider carrying a semi-auto.
As far as specifics I personally love these:
Glock 19
Springfield XD
My wife has the Glock 26 and so I chose the 19 so we can share ammo and if needed she could fire mine as well. Absolutely love Glocks but had a really hard time between the Glock and XD when deciding.
I'll throw in my one cent for what its worth.
Not having read the entire thread I would first say that you need to be aware of your states CCW law regarding revolver vs semi. In Texas if you take the course with a revolver you cannot carry a semi, but if you pass with a semi you can carry either. Food for thought if you do ever want to consider carrying a semi-auto.
As far as specifics I personally love these:
Glock 19
Springfield XD
My wife has the Glock 26 and so I chose the 19 so we can share ammo and if needed she could fire mine as well. Absolutely love Glocks but had a really hard time between the Glock and XD when deciding.
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Hi 7starmantis. Thanks for your post. I'm surprised a state like Texas would have such a strange rule. Thankfully nothing like that in TN. Apparently we have to get a certain score to qualify in TN, but that isn't very strict either because I was able to pass on the second day of the class. I didn't even realize it was a test until we got back to the classroom and the instructor said we had all passed the state qualifying test.
As an update a range/gun store owner showed me an easier way to retract the slide on a gun. So that is no longer an issue for me. I subsequently test fired a series of different weapons. It came down to a Springfield XD .40 or a Sig P229. Both really fit my hand well.
My colleague's recommendation had been a Sig P229. The deciding factor for me was the love of the ease of the single action trigger after the first shot.
So I got a Sig P229 a couple of weeks ago and have shot it several times since then and have gotten comfortable with it. It's nice because it came with night sights standard -- my colleague had recommended getting those. My handgun carry permit was waiting for me when I got home yesterday morning. 😀 I had bought a Galco N3 IWB holster about a week ago and wore the gun outside the apartment for the first tiem when I went to a Subway to get dinner. It's funny -- it looked OK in the mirror before I left, but when I was waiting in line I felt like the grip was printing. However, nobody noticed. Probably just jitters over doing an unfamiliar task.
I ordered the nylon Wilderness Instructor's gun belt becaues it is adjustable. My thought process was it would easy to adjust it for use in the winter when I wear thicker/more layers of clothes, rather than getting a different size belt. It is apparently on back order, but should likely ship sometime this week. Once I get the belt, I'm going to take the next level class.
Now to look for a magazine pouch/carrier. I just found out those come in all styles also.
As an update a range/gun store owner showed me an easier way to retract the slide on a gun. So that is no longer an issue for me. I subsequently test fired a series of different weapons. It came down to a Springfield XD .40 or a Sig P229. Both really fit my hand well.
My colleague's recommendation had been a Sig P229. The deciding factor for me was the love of the ease of the single action trigger after the first shot.
So I got a Sig P229 a couple of weeks ago and have shot it several times since then and have gotten comfortable with it. It's nice because it came with night sights standard -- my colleague had recommended getting those. My handgun carry permit was waiting for me when I got home yesterday morning. 😀 I had bought a Galco N3 IWB holster about a week ago and wore the gun outside the apartment for the first tiem when I went to a Subway to get dinner. It's funny -- it looked OK in the mirror before I left, but when I was waiting in line I felt like the grip was printing. However, nobody noticed. Probably just jitters over doing an unfamiliar task.
I ordered the nylon Wilderness Instructor's gun belt becaues it is adjustable. My thought process was it would easy to adjust it for use in the winter when I wear thicker/more layers of clothes, rather than getting a different size belt. It is apparently on back order, but should likely ship sometime this week. Once I get the belt, I'm going to take the next level class.
Now to look for a magazine pouch/carrier. I just found out those come in all styles also.
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Your best bet would be to go to a store and lay hands on them. Local hunting and gun shops. Academy sports maybe, Bass Pro, Gander Mountain, Cabellas perhaps (never been to one of their stores), police supply stores.
You really should go handle some weapons before you start researching them. That'll give you a basis for comparison with size, weight, etc. Maybe you can even find a shop that'll let you test fire them.
I just found this thread and am sorry I missed it when it first began, but alas I'm not really qualified to be on the anesthesia forum I guess.
PM me if you have any specific questions. I love handguns, and I always carry one even when I'm off-duty.
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Wow, I can't believe I missed out on this great post!
rsgillmd, you did well purchasing a P229. I own one myself as does my brother who is a police officer and carries his when off duty.
This is the same firearm issued to DOD agents in addition to other government agencies. The night sights are a nice bonus. While I agree with a previous post that a revolver is a great learning weapon, if used in close quarters there's the technique a trained assailant can use: by gripping the cylinder and preventing it from turning you can prevent the gun from discharging.
With regards to CCW: visit MiltSparks.com. IMHO, they make THE BEST inside the waistband holsters. I own one for my P229 in a addition to one for my 1911 commander .45 which I usually carry due to its slimmer profile. You'll most likely have to wait about 4-5 months to receive you holster since they're handmade and made to order, but it's the best money I've EVER spent on a holster. I own 4 different brands on IWB holsters and the Versa Max 2 is by Milt Sparks takes the cheese.
Congratulations on your purchase and enjoy your right to carry in a responsible manner.
Shadowfax8
Colt Combat Commander 1911
Remington Rand 1911
S&W .357 magnum
S&W .44 magnum
Colt Anaconda .44 magnum
MPA 30 9mm
Sig Sauer .40/.357
IWI Jericho .40 (Baby Eagle)
IWI Desert Eagle .50cal AE
S&W MP full Tactical AR-15 .556
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1) I like my Galco IWB holster.
2) The sheep never notice (and if they do, they'll assume you're a cop).
3) Subway is OK, but the traditional first carry is to WalMart. Ammunition must be purchased, and nachos must be eaten in the store. 🙂
ArkansasRanger said:
Everyone who's not a nurse with a shoulder chip is welcome here. 🙂
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Thanks.
Usually when I'm off I carry my .40 S&W Glock 23 in a Galco pancake holster with 165 gr. Remington Golden Sabers loaded. Of course, I have Tritium night sights. 😉 Those are a must.
I'm glad to see so many physicians are into concealed carry, and I was happy to see a reference to sheep dogs. Even when I first got into law enforcement, despite having previously obtained a CCW, I downplayed the need to carry off-duty, but eventually I got to where I carry everywhere.
Where do you guys hide it in your scrubs? 😛
Usually when I'm off I carry my .40 S&W Glock 23 in a Galco pancake holster with 165 gr. Remington Golden Sabers loaded. Of course, I have Tritium night sights. 😉 Those are a must.
I'm glad to see so many physicians are into concealed carry, and I was happy to see a reference to sheep dogs. Even when I first got into law enforcement, despite having previously obtained a CCW, I downplayed the need to carry off-duty, but eventually I got to where I carry everywhere.
Where do you guys hide it in your scrubs? 😛
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Many hospitals specifically prohibit carry on their premises, no exception for CCW permit holders. Anyway, a holster in scrubs is just ridiculous and inappropriate on a bunch of levels. I guess you'd have to be secure enough in your manhood to start wearing a fanny pack. 🙂
One of the stumbling blocks I faced in the insane cluster**** that was my California CCW application was explaining to the issuing authority why I wanted one even though my place of employment prohibited carry. CA's discretionary issue policies usually require a work-related "good cause" declaration. Even though I live in a red part of the state I was surprised they approved my application. Took them most of a year ... but it's CA.
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A few people have spoken poorly of the Taurus Judge and rightly so. It is a gimmick gun, kind of a cool gimmick, but still a gimmick.
However, Taurus does deserve a second look. Go to www.taurus.com and look in the concealed carry section for the Millenium Pro 45 cal. IMHO 9mm hasn't enough stopping power. It is a sweet, relatively inexpensive, small, and powerful weapon with a pretty good magazine capacity compared to a typical 1911.
Check it out.
However, Taurus does deserve a second look. Go to www.taurus.com and look in the concealed carry section for the Millenium Pro 45 cal. IMHO 9mm hasn't enough stopping power. It is a sweet, relatively inexpensive, small, and powerful weapon with a pretty good magazine capacity compared to a typical 1911.
Check it out.
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I was thinking a belly band might be the way to go in the scrubs, but I was only teasing. Fanny packs are silly looking, but down south you know not to **** with a man in a fanny pack. It's a given there's a pistol in there, lol.
Most hospitals do post the sign preventing the carry of concealed handguns, etc. Technically, that even would prohibit me, when off-duty, from doing so too, but it's concealed so 1) they won't notice and 2) if they call the cops they're just calling people I work with so they're not going to do anything. 😛
Now, when I quit and go back to school full-time to endure physics and o-chem (wish me luck) I'll have to revisit this idea, lol. I have a concealed handgun license, but we all know how limiting that is. The good part is that in Arkansas you don't have to explain to anybody why you want it. You just fill out the forms, pay your fees of course, attend the eight hour class which is easy, and go through the background check.
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I work with a guy that got approved to carry a Judge as a backup gun. This was of course before he bought it so when he finally went down to the store to pick it up he decided he didn't want it, lol. He said it was too big and heavy. I tried to explain that a revolver that can shoot a .410 shotgun shell isn't going to be like his S&W Airweight. 🙄
On the 9mm note, for the average Joe it's probably not a bad concealed carry gun. Bullets are cheaper. The gun is lighter, and you're more likely to carry it. I fondled a Walther PPS 9mm a while back, and I loved it. It'd make a good little pocket gun I think.
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While technically the worst that would happen if you carried on private property that prohibited weapons is that you'd be asked to leave ...
... there's enough FUD and fear of CCW among the general populace that we should always try to be above reproach. We're allowed to carry because others respect the Constitution and the law; the least we can do is respect their lawful decision to prohibit weapons on their own property. However misguided they may be. 🙂
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Come on down here. We're all for concealed carry. In fact, as a whole with my experience, people with a CHL get a little more respect and street credibility from the cops (including me) if they have their own lawful weapon. I hope we never go towards open carry. That is just weird. I wouldn't do it if it were allowed.
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Out here, we have this bizarre open carry activist movement. Since loaded open carry is illegal, and CCW is impossible to obtain in most of the state, there's this pseudo-organized group going around doing unloaded open carry.
They hang out at Starbucks or other places, with unloaded guns. (It's legal to carry ammo with you, but the gun has to be unloaded.) What they want is CCW but they live in counties or cities that refuse to issue permits. So the idea is to draw attention to how arbitrary and ridiculous the CCW discretionary issue policies are. Kind of a loud "hey, I'd love to carry concealed and not freak people out, but these dumb laws only let me carry openly, so here I am, why dontcha change the law, become a shall issue state" ...
Which is crazy. We might get shall-issue through the federal courts after McDonald, but there's no way in hell the state legislature is going to look at these yahoos carrying unloaded guns in Starbucks and suddenly pass gun-friendly legislation.
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I've come across someone on another forum I frequently visit (officer.com), that perpetuated all of that B.S. He wasn't an officer. People like that certainly don't help your cause. One guy had the disbelief that if he ever got into trouble he could readily unholster his weapon and load it in response to danger. Good luck with that one. Action beats reaction.
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Got a link? Sounds interesting.
Was a little concerned about this myself. Thanks!
I'm really thinking about getting a S&W Airweight or something for lighter carrying.
I carry a 9mm basically for those exact reasons and my wife has the baby glock so we share ammo. I'm not convinced (but am moving that way) to get a .40 for regular carry. Guess I'm not convinced of the difference in stopping power. Another discussion I'm sure though. Would love to hear some advice on it though.
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Given quality ammo, I think once you get past 9mm the caliber debate is mostly moot.
I also think the military - which is obligated to use FMJ rounds - made a mistake going from .45 to 9mm, and THAT segment of the caliber debate is alive and well. But as long as you're carrying a good hollow point, not some $.20/round FMJ paper-punching range round like the cheapo Walmart Winchester White Box, 9mm is fine for a carry gun.
And to go off on another tangent, it's interesting to me that some argue that for small caliber pocket guns (eg .380 out of a Ruger LCP) ball ammo might be better than hollow points, because .380 HPs out of a short barrel may only get you 4-6" of penetration, which isn't enough.
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+1 on the ammo deal. Try Federal Hydra Shocks, Remington Golden Sabers, or Winchester Rangers maybe.
All the guys I know that raved about their LCPs didn't have them too long before they put them back in the drawer. Finding .380 ammo around here is like playing Where's Waldo. It's doable, but it's a PITA.
I've got a little KelTec I carry in my front left pocket when I'm on the job to get the attention of those who feel like they may want to take my Glock .45 out of my holster. I haven't shot it in a long time though due to the ammo thing. BUG ammo comes out of our personal pockets. The .45 I shoot all the time as well as my .40.
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link
It's not that adjustable, if you gain/loose more than an inch it won't fit. And unless you get the 5 stitch polymer lined, it will eventually loose it's stiffness and sag under the weight of any decent sized handgun. don't get me wrong, it's a fantastic belt, but I've transitioned over to stiffer leather carry belts for IWB carry and use the Wilderness instructor belt for boar hunting leg holster....
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Obviously NOT a speed holster, but what do you guys think of this shirt holster? Might solve the scrub question asked earlier (not the legality of carrying in a hospital but the idea of how to conceal).
http://magills.com/pgroup_descrip/3...nt+Shirt+-+FREE+Belly+Band+Offer/?mode=custom
http://magills.com/pgroup_descrip/3...nt+Shirt+-+FREE+Belly+Band+Offer/?mode=custom
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I know a couple of guys who have got one of those. I don't know if it's that brand. They seem to like it, but I think it'd be akward.
I'm perfectly happy with a pancake holster on a good, sturdy belt covered by a shirt tail. If I've got to dress up and tuck in my shirt then I just go with a mouse gun in a pocket holster.
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I carry my handgun in my purse. People will pick it up and ask, what are you carrying in there, rocks?
Ammo is heavy!
Ammo is heavy!
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👍
You anesthesiologists are a good lot, maybe I should reconsider my (way to early) specialty ideas. 😀
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way too early, I take it you meant to say 😉
Anesthesia is the bomb! (no pun intended)
AbbyNormal is an awesome nurse, too.
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I've been seeing a lot of talk about the Sig P229. So, what do you guys like about it above things Glocks?
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For me it seemed to fit my hand better than some of the Glocks I tried.
The first trigger pull (unless you decide to manually cock the hammer) is stiff, just like the Glock, but the rest are very light. I like that light trigger pull. I figure that first trigger pull is like a safety of sorts, but if I'm in a situation where I've already pulled the trigger, I want subsequent trigger pulls to be as easy as possible. This not to say there is anything wrong with Glocks. I'm sure if I had bought a Glock I would have adjusted to it. This is just a personal preference. That and I know from my colleague and others that Sigs, just like Glocks, are very reliable.
As others have said, the best safety is the one between our ears. I don't want purchase any gun with a side safety out of concern that I'll forget to flip it in a stressful situation.
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Thats interesting I've never shot one. Do you worry at all about the hammer being exposed?
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I've never shot the Sigs. I'd like to, but I honestly don't know anyone that owns one. I've never really had the motivation to buy one, however, with the number of federal and military agencies sporting a P229 it's bound to be a good gun. I wouldn't have any hesitation about getting one, yet it's not anywhere near the top of my list of wants, lol. I'm not a fan of the hammers on concealed carry even though people carried guns with hammers for years. It's the same reason I've never invested in a Colt Commander flatty for concealed carry.
I agree with the anesthesiology career choice. They do give the appearance of a fun bunch. I guess it'd be a job to let one get caught up on his reading. 😉
I agree with the anesthesiology career choice. They do give the appearance of a fun bunch. I guess it'd be a job to let one get caught up on his reading. 😉
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To be honest, I'm too new to handguns to be worried about too many things. I'm still on the steep portion of the learning curve.
My colleague has two Sigs (P226 and P229), both for a good length of time (I don't remember the exact number of years right now). If he hasn't had a problem, I'm not worried about it.
I'm not worried about exposure to the elements because it will always be carried concealed, so I doubt rust should be an issue.
In one of my t-shirts the hammer and one of the rear sights print slightly, but a slightly thicker shirt should solve the problem. Also I'm beginning to notice that many people don't pay much attention to details. If someone is talking to me hopefully they are looking at my face, not my clothes. From a slight distance the slight printing is not appreciable.
1911 type guns, to my knowledge, are carried with the hammer cocked and a side safety locked. More of the hammer is exposed in those guns than in my uncocked Sig. However 1911 guns seem to have good reputations as well, so I doubt the exposed hammer is a big deal in general.
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The first time I shot a Sig was when I rented one at a range. So if you really want to shoot one, go ahead and rent one.
Can you expand on your hammer comment?
I love my career choice, and I think I work with a good bunch of people. My current hospital is resource strapped compared to where I came from, but the people I work with really make it an enjoyable experience.
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I've been thinking of doing just that, guess I will.
I think he was addressing the same thing I was attempting to. Having a movable part so integral to function only adds possible problems. There has been a debate for years on hammers on concealed carry (hope I'm not pulling him into something he didn't mean to address) weapons. The hammer can get caught in clothing, jam, etc causing a misfire or no fire. I personally dont like hammered weapons semi-auto or revolver for these reasons but doubt in reality it would cause any real issues. It obviously hasn't for those who carry them. Just a personal choice I guess. Just seems like adding unnecessary risk in my mind, but I'm neurotic 🙂 I've been teaching self defense and survival for the last 10 years.....neurotic.
How did you find residency? Is it as malignant as surgery or etc?
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Well, there's always the old "hammer gets snagged in the clothes" debate. It's possible. However, PLENTY of people carry Sigs and 1911 frames, and a variety of other weapons without getting hung up too bad. I just don't care that much for double action pistols although Sig isn't limited specifically do DAs. I've never had seen a DAK laying around in a gun shop so I've never tested that trigger pull. It's supposedly much better than a DAO. I like the Glocks for example. They're single action. I'm considered a good shot with a handgun, and I like being able to throw my pistol up, gingerly squeeze it's trigger and hit true. If I got plenty of time on the range or in the shoot house with double actions I'm sure it wouldn't be a problem.
Ok, the Glock isn't "technically" a single action, but that's another debate in itself.
Another note, when I was about six years old I was running out of this 12' x 10' log cabin that was was out in the backyard for me and the neighborhood kids to play in. I was wearing a revolver cap gun, and there was a lot of shooting going on, lol. I don't know if I was wearing a shirt or what, but somehow in the process of it all the hammger on the cap gun tore a chunk out of my right side. I had a scar for years. Maybe that's why I don't like hammers. I do recall it hurting enough that after I felt the initial sting I must have passed out. That's kind of weird I know, yet the next memory I have was me waking up on my little bed.
Ok, the Glock isn't "technically" a single action, but that's another debate in itself.
Another note, when I was about six years old I was running out of this 12' x 10' log cabin that was was out in the backyard for me and the neighborhood kids to play in. I was wearing a revolver cap gun, and there was a lot of shooting going on, lol. I don't know if I was wearing a shirt or what, but somehow in the process of it all the hammger on the cap gun tore a chunk out of my right side. I had a scar for years. Maybe that's why I don't like hammers. I do recall it hurting enough that after I felt the initial sting I must have passed out. That's kind of weird I know, yet the next memory I have was me waking up on my little bed.
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I'm in the market for a .32ACP LWS Seecamp. I want something small and lightweight that I will actually carry with me on a daily basis. These fit perfectly in a pocket. There are also .380ACP in the exact same .32 frame, but the .380's require a waiting list and cost a minimum of $800. The .32 costs about $400. Both can carry 6+1. It is a Double Action Only (DAO). Although, their fine engineering and tight design only allows certain ammo, usually winchester.
I've looked at other "mouseguns" and this is the creme of the crop. Rugers' LCP .380 comes close, but the barrel length is markedly shorter on the Seecamp, which for me means I'll carry it more and be able to draw faster. This gun is designed for Concealed carry. No sights either. They recognize that you aren't going to be lining up your target when you need it like at the range.
I plan to get the .32 first, and get myself on the waiting list for the .380. Here is one picture of it in a pocket holster. You can also get flat back holster that mimick the silhuette of a wallet and are met to be carried in your back pocket.
I've looked at other "mouseguns" and this is the creme of the crop. Rugers' LCP .380 comes close, but the barrel length is markedly shorter on the Seecamp, which for me means I'll carry it more and be able to draw faster. This gun is designed for Concealed carry. No sights either. They recognize that you aren't going to be lining up your target when you need it like at the range.
I plan to get the .32 first, and get myself on the waiting list for the .380. Here is one picture of it in a pocket holster. You can also get flat back holster that mimick the silhuette of a wallet and are met to be carried in your back pocket.
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Thinking of buying the Walther P99 in 9mm. I have thousands of 9mm rounds, and I only punch holes in paper. Currently have a Walther PP (32 auto, so small but incredibly accurate and well built), and a Sig p228. Any personal experiences with the P99? Also interested on thoughts on the new Walther PPS.
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👍👍 Rather expensive subcompact but Walther makes some nice small guns. Did you look at the Walther PK380? The PK380 sells for $350 or so while the P99 is more expensive (around $570)
http://forum.pafoa.org/general-2/9149-walther-p99-review.html
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I can't believe I'm getting involved in another gun thread here lol
Anyhow, the bolded is absolutely not true. Ballistic tables, ATK testing, and real world results show that .40 is really not that much better than 9mm. With that being said, if both rounds are essentially equal, I go with the one with higher mag capacity, and lower recoil for faster followup shots.
The .40S&W round evolved like this. The FBI created the 10mm round (who knows why) that was a freaking mankiller. the case/bullet overall length was as long as a .45 with velocities and muzzle energy that far exceeded much of the other rounds on the market at the time. The problem, .45/10mm grip frames are large, and 10mm guns are uncomfortable to shoot for many shooters. The "solution" was to take a 10mm case, shorten it, put less powder in it, and call it a .40.. They still tried to tout it as "the power of a .45 with the capacity and recoil of a 9mm", it is none of these things.
/soapbox
