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Post by Jddobkin on Mar 9, 2003 1:45:04 GMT -5
Im looking into buying my first handgun and Im a little confused as what to get. I dont want to spend alot of money right now I just need one to carry because my new job I'll be working with alot of money and transporting it soo you can see my concern.
My question is my friend who is an avid gun owner recomeded a nice little .380. The gun is very inexpesive was only about $150 and is a nice piece. What do you guys think I should go with. I plan on attending classes to train me with the maintenance and such of the gun and I dont want to spend to much money for my first gun. I plan on getting a P99 in the future.
Also I was looking at the gunbroker web trading site and they have some nice looking .380's by CObra and Jennings are these decent or are they junk. Help me out please.
Thanks
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Post by Jddobkin on Mar 9, 2003 1:54:40 GMT -5
No I will be working in the video poker industry. So I will be making all kinds of stops taking money and making deposits.
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Post by shakey jake on Mar 9, 2003 7:02:28 GMT -5
Hi Jd,
In answer to your last question, my experience with a Jennings was horrible! The gun was constantly jamming, even with FMJ rounds, the striker broke every 300 or so rounds, couldn't hold better than 6" groups at 15 yards, in short it was something I would trust with my life. I later sold it for $70 and considered myself lucky to get that.
I never really have seen any handgun in the $150 range that I would consider dependable. Is it possible you could save up at least $250? That would get you a used handgun like a PPK/s, Kel-Tec, Ruger or even a Taurus or S&W revolver.
Some things you might want to consider is what the intended use of the handgun will be. If it's concealed and you plan on having it in condition 1 (ready to fire) mode, most single action blowback type handguns in the price range you mentioned would be a poor choice. If it is constructed out of zinc alloy, it will be relatively heavy and the durability won't be the best. Once you narrow your choice down to a particular model, do a search on it and read what sort of reviews it has generated. Good luck with your search.
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Post by shakey jake on Mar 9, 2003 7:05:43 GMT -5
oops, in my above post I meant to say the Jennings WASN'T something I would trust with my life. Sorry for not proof reading my post.
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Post by Mike on Mar 9, 2003 9:03:27 GMT -5
Hi jd,
I agree with shakey jake that the Jennings is a horrible choice. In the lower priced range I would recommend either a Makarov or Bersa for a .380. They both have good reputations and are in the $200 range. A 9mm KelTec (P11) is about $230 and is also a good choice for the money. These are the only pistols I could recommend in the less than $250 range. You could get a new Ruger P95 9mm for less than $350 or a decent used revolver in .357 for about $300 if you look around and get lucky. Definitely stay away from any of the zinc alloy guns like Jennings or Bryco. Good luck and let us know how you make out. Mike
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Post by DoubleAction on Mar 9, 2003 11:34:10 GMT -5
The handguns that you mentioned are among the less likely recommended choices on the market.If a list were to be given of those to stay away from,those would be on it.For someone with less to spend on a concealed carry firearm, in a higher risk environment,I would recommend one of the Taurus .357 magnum revolvers .I would also look at one with a bobbed hammer because you will be working where deploying the gun could snag on clothing.The revolver has no manual safeties,making it ready for use from the holster.If you look around you can find a used one within your budget;my little brother just sold one just like the one I described for $100.
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Post by trapper on Mar 9, 2003 13:09:10 GMT -5
jddobkin: dubbleakshun has given good advice. from time to time you can pick up a Taurus or Smith for a reasonable price. They are very reliable . Take care
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Post by Misfit on Mar 9, 2003 23:18:27 GMT -5
Jddobkin: If this gun is going to be a potential life-saver, do yourself a favor and save some pennies to get a quality handgun. Less than $300, and I would not trust most guns, and certainly not most autoloaders.
One exception: shakey jake mentioned that $150 guns are usually cheap junk, and that is correct. However, if you are on a very tight budget, where an extra $100 on a gun is enough to give you pause, look into a Makarov. A Makarov is a Russian-designed pistol which, in its original configuration, fires a 9x18mm round, which is less powerful than the 9mm (9x19) we're used to seeing, but more powerful than the .380 (9x17). As far as quality and reliability, these guns really are hard to beat. The Russians are known for the incredible reliability and ruggedness of their small arms, and the Makarov is no exception. Their low price is mostly due to the collapse of the Soviet Empire and as with AK's and SKS's, they are flooding the market, creating a temporary surplus. I own an East German one, and in over 1000 rounds fired, it has not malfunctioned even once. Not bad for a $175 gun.
Whatever you buy, please practice and shoot safe.
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Post by kmad61 on Mar 9, 2003 23:28:46 GMT -5
I have the Kel-tec p11,Bersa 380,and the Ruger p95.All of these pistols are quality weapons.I have put hundreds of rounds thru each of them.I carry the Kel-tec and the Bersa regularly.You don't have to spend a fortune on a brand name gun.There are many reliable pistols out there,just do your research.I recommend each of these guns highly.
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Post by Slick on Mar 10, 2003 0:50:24 GMT -5
I'll echo a lot of what was said earlier. Stick with a QUALITY manufacturer. The brands you mentioned have absolutely horrible reputations. DA has probably the best idea. The best BANG for your buck is in a .357 magnum revolver, but you'll probably pay more than $150 bucks for it. There aren't many (if any) rounds better for self protection than the .357. If you are carrying a gun for protection, don't skimp on the cost. You don't have to spend $800, but probably more like $300. In that price range, I'd say three things:
Revolver
Revolver
Revolver
The .380 is nice, fun and easy to shoot, and comes in a number of nice concealable platforms. But, if I had a choice, I'd pick 9mm or better in an auto, and .357 hands down for a revolver. Your situation seems ideal for a .357 magnum - Smith & Wesson, Ruger, or Taurus.
Slick
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Post by Jddobkin on Mar 10, 2003 1:17:25 GMT -5
OK Ive taken your advice and now Im looking for something a little better quality. It wasnt that I was cheap I just didnt want to spend a fortune just yet. My first gun I want to be decent priced and well built.
So Ive been looking and I dont really want a 9mm, I prefer a 40S&W just my personal prefference.
What do you guys think of the Smith&Wesson SW40VE, and the Ruger P94. They are on a gunbroker.com retailers web site on sale right now for a decent price.
The Ruger is $340, and the S&W is $350. What do you guys think of these choices and which one is the best carry gun. I know the Ruger is a little heavier than the S&W. Let me know what you guys think. Also is the price good and should I buy over the internet or can I find a better deal at my local store.
Thanks
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Post by brian54 on Mar 10, 2003 12:27:55 GMT -5
Ive never bought off the internet so I can't say. But if I was you I would definitely be considering a used gun for right now. So I would goto some gun stores and some shows if they have them around and check out what they have in the used dept. That way you could pick up a reliable gun and not break the bank.
Brian
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Post by shakey jake on Mar 10, 2003 23:20:40 GMT -5
Hi again JD,
I can give you some input on the two choices you listed, I currently own a S&W .40VE and a shooting buddy owns a P94.
My impression of the S&W is that people either hate it or tolerate it, it's not really a handgun anyone is enamored by. Mine has over 5,000 rounds through it, while it was breaking in (first 500 rds) it had stovepipe jams about 6 times and failed to feed another 4 times. It also had a nasty habit of ejecting the spent case straight up and back, sometimes hitting me in the face or on occasion going down the front of my shirt. (ouch)
I sent it back to S&W for adjustment ( only handgun that I ever did that. ) and the turn around time was about 10 days. When it came back the functioning was flawless. Subjectively speaking it's good points are; 1) affordable price 2) very comfortable grip design 3) easy to strip and clean. 4) 2.5" accuracy with Winchester 180gr. SXT @ 25 yards
The bad points; 1) ugly looking 2) trigger pull is on the peculiar
side 3) Lots of plastic where I normaly don't like it (sights, recoil spring guide rod ) 4) initial dependability was less than inspiring
My impression of the Ruger is that it feels a little chunky and as you mentioned is heavier, but to the best of my knowledge has been utterly bulletproof in it's operation. It's accuracy is very close to the S&W, but it 's harder to field strip.
One suggestion, if you have a local gun range, check out their rental guns, chances are good that you can find something close to what your looking for and can have a better idea of what you like about a particular handgun.
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