Handguns
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From: OC
Well, this is a thread I never thought I'd participate in, much less start. I'm too broke now to buy a new car, I've satisfied my watch craze for now. It's still too hot to play golf. Sooooo, thought I'd pick up shootin' guns! 
Been doing some preliminary research. Dropped by the Scottsdale Gun Club this morning. Gonna sign up for a basic handgun safety/use instruction. I'm scared $hitless of firearms, but with proper instruction, I think it'll be fun. I have no intention of carrying a concealed weapon, although from what I gather, it's pretty darn easy to get a permit in Arizona. This is primarily for recreation and in a distant second....god-forbid it should come to this....home/family protection.
What handguns do you have? What do you like/dislike about a particular brand? I'm pretty fixated on H&K, but Glock and Sig Sauer are certainly considerations. Open to constructive discussion about the guns themselves, NOT to a moral/philosophical debate about owning/carrying guns.
Been doing some preliminary research. Dropped by the Scottsdale Gun Club this morning. Gonna sign up for a basic handgun safety/use instruction. I'm scared $hitless of firearms, but with proper instruction, I think it'll be fun. I have no intention of carrying a concealed weapon, although from what I gather, it's pretty darn easy to get a permit in Arizona. This is primarily for recreation and in a distant second....god-forbid it should come to this....home/family protection.
What handguns do you have? What do you like/dislike about a particular brand? I'm pretty fixated on H&K, but Glock and Sig Sauer are certainly considerations. Open to constructive discussion about the guns themselves, NOT to a moral/philosophical debate about owning/carrying guns.
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When I was living in the U.S. I had a Sig Sauer P229 Two Tone and a Glock 19. Used both for recreational shooting at a gun club. Although I had a permit to carry, I never did.
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I prefer 1911's.
Since you asked...unlike car-stuff which is really personal choice, selecting a handgun for more than just "to have" has more to do than what's cool this year. Each handgun has different controls, grip angles, sights, ergonomics, etc.... Are you able to reach the magazine release? Are you left eye dominant, but shoot right handed? What's your natural point of aim? Are you comfortable with multiple safeties?
You probably can't answer the questions you need to ask yourself by standing at the sales counter. If you're serious about handguns, my advice is to seek out a knowledgeable instructor and try before you buy. Look for a range with a good selection of rental handguns and, if possible, go to the range with your instructor.
Then again, if you want the cool-guy gun of the day, look for the sales ads
Best of luck and stay safe.
Since you asked...unlike car-stuff which is really personal choice, selecting a handgun for more than just "to have" has more to do than what's cool this year. Each handgun has different controls, grip angles, sights, ergonomics, etc.... Are you able to reach the magazine release? Are you left eye dominant, but shoot right handed? What's your natural point of aim? Are you comfortable with multiple safeties?
You probably can't answer the questions you need to ask yourself by standing at the sales counter. If you're serious about handguns, my advice is to seek out a knowledgeable instructor and try before you buy. Look for a range with a good selection of rental handguns and, if possible, go to the range with your instructor.
Then again, if you want the cool-guy gun of the day, look for the sales ads
Best of luck and stay safe.
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From: OC
Originally Posted by alexf9496' post='680477' date='Sep 28 2008, 07:25 PM
I prefer 1911's.
Since you asked...unlike car-stuff which is really personal choice, selecting a handgun for more than just "to have" has more to do than what's cool this year. Each handgun has different controls, grip angles, sights, ergonomics, etc.... Are you able to reach the magazine release? Are you left eye dominant, but shoot right handed? What's your natural point of aim? Are you comfortable with multiple safeties?
You probably can't answer the questions you need to ask yourself by standing at the sales counter. If you're serious about handguns, my advice is to seek out a knowledgeable instructor and try before you buy. Look for a range with a good selection of rental handguns and, if possible, go to the range with your instructor.
Then again, if you want the cool-guy gun of the day, look for the sales ads
Best of luck and stay safe.
Since you asked...unlike car-stuff which is really personal choice, selecting a handgun for more than just "to have" has more to do than what's cool this year. Each handgun has different controls, grip angles, sights, ergonomics, etc.... Are you able to reach the magazine release? Are you left eye dominant, but shoot right handed? What's your natural point of aim? Are you comfortable with multiple safeties?
You probably can't answer the questions you need to ask yourself by standing at the sales counter. If you're serious about handguns, my advice is to seek out a knowledgeable instructor and try before you buy. Look for a range with a good selection of rental handguns and, if possible, go to the range with your instructor.
Then again, if you want the cool-guy gun of the day, look for the sales ads
Best of luck and stay safe.
Oh, and BTW, I've seen the reference to '1911'. What exactly does that mean??
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Originally Posted by bonehead' post='680480' date='Sep 28 2008, 07:30 PM
Great advice! As I mentioned, I'm going to sign up for one-on-one instruction as a gun newb. Once I'm 'clear' to start shooting on my own, I'm gonna rent a few pieces and see what's comfortable. All that being said, I see guns as art, similar to watches and cars. So, it does have to 'look cool' too
Oh, and BTW, I've seen the reference to '1911'. What exactly does that mean??
Oh, and BTW, I've seen the reference to '1911'. What exactly does that mean??
Totally different weapons, but I like the challenges of both at the range. GL with your decision.
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Originally Posted by bonehead' post='680480' date='Sep 28 2008, 05:30 PM
Oh, and BTW, I've seen the reference to '1911'. What exactly does that mean??
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Originally Posted by alexf9496' post='680510' date='Sep 28 2008, 08:15 PM
It's a generic term for handguns patterned after John Moses Browning's semi-automatic design, adopted by the Army in 1911 as the M1911 pistol.
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If I had to pick one gun to keep and sell the rest, I'd keep my Sig P229 .40 cal. w/ night sights. I have owned almost all of them at some point, and that is my favorite for carrying and shooting at the range.
My Kimber 1911 is a nice range gun and in-the-nightstand gun, but the 1911's are way too big to carry...the full size ones that is.
I used to be a licensed firearms dealer, fyi.
My Kimber 1911 is a nice range gun and in-the-nightstand gun, but the 1911's are way too big to carry...the full size ones that is.
I used to be a licensed firearms dealer, fyi.