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Post by Remmy on Feb 25, 2003 14:10:23 GMT -5
 Hey everyone, I have small problem. I enjoy shooting and hunting. And have grown up around firearms, I've shot many revolvers and autos, but now it has come time for me to purchase my own and stop freeloading. I'm on a college budget and I'm not looking to spend much more than $400. I would like an auto for all around use at the range or in the back woods. What would you suggest. I've looked at the Rugar P95 and P97 and also the Browning Buckmark 5.5. Should I go with a lower caliber? Or should I jump up and get what everyone else has, a 9mm? Remember I'm on a college budget here. Thanks!
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Post by kjrupp on Feb 25, 2003 15:11:06 GMT -5
Check out the Springfield Armory line of Xtreme Duty auto's before purchasing the Rugers. You can get them for around $400.00 and in my opinion are a far superior gun. Check them out at www.Springfield-Armory.com |
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Post by brian54 on Feb 25, 2003 15:12:47 GMT -5
Yeah definitely a XD,or you can get a sigpro for about $480.
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Post by kjrupp on Feb 25, 2003 15:13:54 GMT -5
Forgot to tell you that I would recommend the 4 inch service model in .40 caliber
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Post by DoubleAction on Feb 25, 2003 15:32:09 GMT -5
Remmy;I am not very successful at convincing others as what to look for in choices of handguns, because somewhere, lurking in the shadows , is an army of salesmen whose mission is to convince you otherwise.I would not base my own choices on what is perceived to be "What Everyone Else Has",instead I would base my decision on what I've already handled,what I prefer,what I can afford to shoot,and what I plan on using it for.I have a Buckmark 5.5 Target that is a fun plinker in .22 rimfire but it doesn't holster because of the full length sight rib and sight hoods.The standard Buck Mark would be a better choice with these Buck Marks.The last time I had $400 dollars to spend on a handgun I bought a previously owned NIB condition S&W 686 with a 4" that cost me $300;found it at the used counter section at my local range.The previous owner fired it one time and decided the .357 magnum was not for him.Revolvers are far better investments in the $400. price range.There will be others that will advise you on your options for the semi-autos that are currently offered within your budget.
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Post by kmad61 on Feb 25, 2003 23:08:35 GMT -5
I have the Ruger P95 and the Springfield Armory XD9.They are in the $400 range and are 2 of the best modern day autos out there,you simply can't go wrong.
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Post by kevin20 on Feb 25, 2003 23:13:07 GMT -5
I have been spending a lot of time lately researching handguns and I've heard a lot of great stuff about the Ruger P97. I'd very stronger consider that one if I was you.
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Post by XavierBreath on Feb 26, 2003 8:38:10 GMT -5
If it has to be an auto, and a fullsize, I'd go with a Magnum Research Baby Eagle in 9mm. It might be a bit hard to find, but you would be hard pressed to find a better pistol for the money. I got mine in .40 for $350. 9mm would definitely be the cheapest centerfire to shoot.
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Post by Former MP on Feb 26, 2003 11:51:41 GMT -5
I have to agree with Dubbleakshun on this one. For the money you could get a heck of a nice revolver.
However when working for the Idaho Department of Corrections I took the NRA Law Enforcement Instructors course using the Department's standard issue Ruger P89 in 9mm. It is a fairly difficult test (Remember though, the object is to PASS trained instructors). Many rounds are fired over a variety of ranges. I was a little hestitant to take the course using the Ruger as other Agencies were also involved, using what I consider to be finer weapons. But the Ruger came through like a champ. Nothing fancy but entirely adequate. I have also had occasion to carry and fire both the Security and Speed Six revolvers by Ruger, again nothing fancy but they get the job done. They are solid weapons.
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Post by Remmy on Feb 26, 2003 16:04:45 GMT -5
 Thanks guys you're opinions have opened my eyes a little bit to look more and research more. I think I will take a look at some revolvers. If anyone has anymore ideas please keep on feeding them in. Thanks again!
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Post by Mike on Feb 26, 2003 17:00:20 GMT -5
You've gotten some good advice so far and I'll throw in my .02 as well. Since you stated that you are on a college budget, I would definitely stick with 9mm in an auto. I buy 100 rounds of Winchester fmj at Walmart for $10.95 which you can't come close to, as far as I have found, with any other centerfire caliber. I personally don't like the .22 if that is your only gun, I want something with a little more punch. I would also consider a 4" .357 if you are going to look at revolvers, either a Ruger GP100 or S&W 686. The Smith is going to be more than $400 if you buy it new but maybe you could find a slightly used one if you were so inclined. In the $400 range for autos I think the Ruger P95 is a great bargain and I am one of those few people that actually likes the way they look with the stainless slide. The CZ pistols are also very nice and I am particularly fond of their compact model. The ones I have looked at have had very nice triggers. You can also get a Glock 19 for around $400 and a few of the other polymer pistols out there. You really do have quite a few choices particularly if you are able to get in the $450 to $500 range. Good luck and keep us posted. Regards, Mike
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Post by flashpoint on Mar 10, 2003 15:27:39 GMT -5
I would recomend the Rugers as well. My first handgun was a Ruger p89 special with Hogue grips. It's a very comfortable gun and fun to shoot. I puchased it in the 9mm b/c the rounds were cheaper than the 40 and the 45cal b about half. For $345 I couldn't find a more solid and reliable piece. I reciently bought a Steyr m40 for around $425 it's a polymer with lots of safties and very good reviews(check them out on this site). I've put close to 500 rounds through mine with out a complaint. The way it feels is extremely comfy, but then again I can palm a basketball. I would recomend the m9 version of the Styer, again b/c the rounds are much cheaper. I've heard alot of good things about the Springfield XD and I seen one at a gun show for about $450. Baby eagles are worth looking at also. Your best bet is to go to a trustworthy dealer tell him your price rang and ask to see all his 9mm hand guns. Let us know what you decide.
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Post by trapper on Mar 10, 2003 19:15:33 GMT -5
Remmy: Rugers are great guns. Look for a Smith and Wesson, too. As dubbleakshun mentioned, some good buys show up from time to time at ranges and estate sales. I recommend a Colt Woodsman .22 if you can find one. Some get rather spendy, but I have a friend who picked one up at a sale for 150 bucks. A .357/.38 special is a good combination to consider if you want a revolver. Take care
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Post by Remmy on Mar 11, 2003 21:29:34 GMT -5
Well everyone, I've decided. I took in all the advice I've been given here and I went to a couple of dealers. I think I've found a good deal as well. I decided on a Sig (Hammerli) Trailside. It may not pack as much punch as a 9mm, but is consistantly more accurate and doesn't punch as much in my wallet when i need some more shells. I have a friend who is willing to give me an UltraDot red dot scope and I found the gun in a 6" bbl for 400. Thanks again for all your advice! And Happy Hunting!
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snafu
New Member
Posts: 2
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Post by snafu on Mar 12, 2003 18:37:36 GMT -5
Remmy: I own a sig trailside 4 1\2 inch barrel. Love the gun. I put ultra 4 dot scope on it. I got the gun for $289 used but like new with case and papers and target shot with the gun. Its a great gun for target shooting.
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