Handguns

[Martinjmpr]

I'm not a fan of Taurus. I own an older Taurus revolver - meh, not that great.

I would pay more for a used name-brand gun than for a new off-brand one.

For used guns, check out http://www.jgsales.com.

They have a good deal on S&W M64 .38 cal revolvers. I bought one for my wife, she loves it. Easy to shoot, accurate enough for home defense use, and absolutely bulletproof. You can't do much better than a S&W stainless steel K-frame revolver. Under $300 shipped to my FFL.

They also have good deals on used semi-autos if that's your thing. I bought a factory-reconditioned Glock 23 (Compact .40 cal) from a local dealer in 2005, it was as good as new but only $425 (when a new one at that time was over $500.) Even came with the tupperware box, cleaning kit and all the paperwork.

People either love Glocks or hate them. I love mine but the .40 recoil was a bit too stout for me in the compact frame so I dropped a Storm Lake 9mm barrel into it. If I had to do it all over again I would have skipped the G23 altogether and just gotten the G19 (9mm compact) from the beginning. 9mm ammo is dirt cheap if you order it online (from http://www.cheaperthandirt.com )

To sum up, I would say don't be dazzled by that "new gun smell." Used guns are just as good and cost a lot less. For the price of a new Taurus you can get a decent used S&W or Ruger that will be much better guns. For just a little more you can get a Glock and the thing about Glocks is they're damn near indestructible. Plus there's a huge aftermarket for them so finding magazines, holsters, etc, is very easy.

[RH]

You fuckin spoons. Trying to be high speed. I wouldn't trust you shooting a BB gun.Buy this, and call it good.


wrist rocket.jpg

This Wrist Rocket is Compact and Folds for storage. Sleeved protected tubular bands & self centering pouch. Only costs 17-31 dollars, and is Made in the U.S.A.



BTW...JK

[Mcgyver]

The other thing that you might consider prior to buying a handgun, is to see if there is a range in your area that rents different pistols...and see if there is one that you like.

All the guns mentioned here are good pieces.

But if you buy one that doesn't "fit" your hand well, with a good natural point and controllable recoil for example...you won't be happy with it...even if it's a $1600 custom Kimber.

My recommendation would be to develop a "short list"...and then try to find a way to shoot them prior to purchase.

The other thing is to remember that the only way to become proficient is to shoot...so ammo cost is another factor you might want to look at, as well as the "stopping power" depending on the intended application (i.e home defense, target shooting, concealed carry, etc.)

Not as overwhelming as it might seem...just got to eat the elephant one bite at a time.

[Jumpmaster_AJ]

Glock 26 (9mm) or Glock 27 (.40 cal).

[IEDmagnet]

Gen IV Glock 21 (.45).... adjustable back strap and double-recoil spring.

[d3sc3n7]

I will be doing some testing prior to buying. There are a few ranges here.


No sweat RH, this spoon can usually shoot the nuts off a gnat.

[Jeff82]

Glock 19. You'll thank me.

[Grouchy Hippo]

http://www.christiangunowner.com/taurus_reviews.html

Taurus handguns used to be the scourge of the gun world. But not now. That means a place for Taurus reviews on this web site is in order. There was a time when the company was known to make some of the poorest quality firearms to be found. Reports of failures of all kinds were rampant and the mention of the name “Taurus” brought sneers to the face of gun enthusiasts. But not today.
From its beginnings 64 years ago in Brazil, until now, the company has undergone many transitions, trades, acquisitions and changes in technology. In 1980 the company purchased Beretta's Sao Paulo manufacturing plant along with the tooling, technical drawings, and work force necessary to produce several different pistol designs. In 1984, to effectively take advantage of the U.S. market, the company created a subsidiary, Taurus International Manufacturing Incorporated, also known as Taurus USA. Thus began a real turning point in the history of the company when one of their most popular semi auto pistols was developed; the PT92. The gun was and is a Beretta clone with some minor improvements over the original design. The gun quickly became a favorite and today remains one of Taurus’s most popular pistols.

As a bonus it accepts most accessories of its popular Beretta cousin. Read the PT92 review.

As anybody who surfs the web knows, there is a multitude of mindless criticism distributors without experience of any kind. Gun forums are no exception.

I belong to a couple of gun forums and throughout the threads there is a constant criticism and cursing of these pistols and revolvers by people who have never owned or shot them.At this writing (August 07) I have owned three of their pistols in the last 12 months.

Of the 13 handguns I have bought, tested and sold over that year, Taurus guns have performed flawlessly in their operation. Of the 3 that I owned, from 800 to over 1000 rounds were fired through each.

There is more but this was enough. Taurus are good firearms and relatively inexpensive.

[mainiac]

I have a glock 22, new in the box, two mags cleaning kit, I took it to qualifying once. I'd sell for 550. also have a wrist rocket, sell for ten bucks. bwahahahah. No seriously I'd sell the glock.

[gunsmittys]

One of the worst mistakes made is to give a woman the "perfect" pistol/revolver....the small snub nose or compact anything. Being proficient with and snubby requires a lot of shooting and practice. The LC series while great for carry are a bitch to shoot; even with mild double ended wad cutters the recoil is stout. Your wife will not want to shoot it; and you will find it unpleasant.

The trigger pull on most snubbies is 8-10 as high as 12 lbs in double action. This means you most likely throw shots. The sights on snubs suck, the grip is generally small even if you change the stocks. The snubby is a not a point and shoot revolver no matter what they show on TV or in the movies.

Most 380 pistols are difficult for small statured folks to operate because of the blow back operation. They use a stiff recoil spring, whcih makes racking the slide tough.

1911s are not a novice firearm. They require the operator to have both a proper grip to ensure the grip safety is depressed and then be able to take off the safety at the same time as you present the weapon.

The practically perfect size pistol for general all round use is the Glock 19. The Springfield XD is another good choice. You will find them to be available and they won't break the bank. The pistols are reliable, accurate and are fairly easy to shoot.

You will find the 9mm is a good choice for protection or range use. Mess Daddy, I would strongly suggest against any small 38 snubby for a primary weapon. If some one at the local gun shops suggest otherwise ignore them. If you can freight a few more bucks the Smith MP9...if you can opt for the fullsize--longer sight radius, extra weight reduces any recoil. The other pistols I might suggest are the Stoeger 8000 and the Beretta PX4--both in 9.

[VoTrooper99]

There is nothing wrong with a quality used gun. Make sure you tear it down and inspect the guts before you buy though. My first gun was an H&K USP gently used. It was in near new condition but about $350 cheaper than if I bought it new. 10 years later it still shoots great.

[Bell]

There is nothing wrong with a quality used gun. Make sure you tear it down and inspect the guts before you buy though. My first gun was an H&K USP gently used. It was in near new condition but about $350 cheaper than if I bought it new. 10 years later it still shoots great.

Note: Buying used guns is like buying used cars. You see one you like and take it to YOUR mechanic and he lets ya know what's up with it. You like a gun you take it to YOUR gunsmith and he lets ya know what's up with it. Done deal.

[d3sc3n7]

I like the smaller carry pistols, but I think a full size is going to be the first one I get. 9MIL I'm pretty sure is the way I'll go also. I've fired .22/9mil/.38...40, etc...I liked all of them. I think I'd prefer a 9 to start though. Maybe Monday, the first day I have available to go look around, I will see what the pawn shop has laying around. I know it's not the best place to pick one up, but as smitty said, if the guts are ok...the gun is ok.

It's going to be alot of looking around, and research...so it might be a bit till I pick it up.

[d3sc3n7]

Note: Buying used guns is like buying used cars. You see one you like and take it to YOUR mechanic and he lets ya know what's up with it. You like a gun you take it to YOUR gunsmith and he lets ya know what's up with it. Done deal.

And I have the perfect one! One of those guys who is about 90, still a SPC but been military off and on since '84 (no, really!). He also houses an arsenal at the house, large enough to stay safe from the zombie apocalypse for about 2 years.

[d3sc3n7]

Well, checked the pawn shops. Makes no sense not to buy new. Nothing worth buying under 450.