New Handgun Advice Needed

[Hilltop Kyle]

I'm looking at getting a new handgun and I'm up in the air on what cal. I think I want an HK .45 but some say it's too big and bulky. A buddy has an HK .45 that I've shot and I really liked it. Others are telling me to go with 9mm but I think I want something with more "knock down" power. I have very limited knowledge with handguns. My experience is with long guns. Any suggestions?

[MahopacMarine]

I'm looking at getting a new handgun and I'm up in the air on what cal. I think I want an HK .45 but some say it's too big and bulky. A buddy has an HK .45 that I've shot and I really liked it. Others are telling me to go with 9mm but I think I want something with more "knock down" power. I have very limited knowledge with handguns. My experience is with long guns. Any suggestions?

Knowing that you are married...... keep them locked up
Please see other post. http://seriousoffshore.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5279

Sorry Kyle, I had to!

[Hilltop Kyle]

Damn man...That's just wrong!!!

[MattBMiller]

I picked up a Springfield XD45 a little while back. Shoot one if you get a chance. Very nice for the money.

If you're going for a carry gun, the Para-Ordnance Warthog is a great fun. I should have one ina week or two.

[Chris]

It depends what you're goingto do with it. You mention "knock down power" so I assume you're thinking about personal defense. If so, an autoloading pistol is a poor choice for a first handgun. While they're more reliable that they used to be, unless you possess a significant proficiency at clearing drills, in the dark, while being accosted or fired upon, that failure-to-feed might cost you your life. A revolver is a much better choice. 38 special with a +P load is the ballistic equivalent to a .40 S&W and a .357 Magnum is going to have a distinct margin over the 45ACP. Plus, a pistol you don't have with you isn't really of much use. If you're going to carry, the HK45/USP is a large, cumbersome piece designed to be a military sidearm, not a conceald carry weapon. If it's not comfortable, it will likely get left at home.

I tell EVERYONE this same thing about a first handgun. Make the commitment to become proficient in its use. Take some lessons. Most CCW instructors offer advanced training. Then shoot often. If you're not shooting at least 3 or 4 times a month, you have no business carrying a weapon.

[Tempest38]

Keep in mind more knock down power is non discretionary... In other words going through a wall or two to a loved ones bedroom or even the house next door... One reason my CCW instructor said hollow points to cut down penetration is as much a consideration to get the right ammo in home defense as the gun itslef.

[Sydwayz]

http://seriousoffshore.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4910

You probably saw my above thread. The nice thing about the Sig pistols is with a rail and clip swap, you can have several guns in one.

[MattBMiller]

Keep in mind more knock down power is non discretionary... In other words going through a wall or two to a loved ones bedroom or even the house next door... One reason my CCW instructor said hollow points to cut down penetration is as much a consideration to get the right ammo in home defense as the gun itslef.

A 12 Ga with 00 buck is still the best home defense gun.

[Tony]

Go to a range with a large rental department, rent several makes and calibers and buy the one that feels the most natural.

[jmeng]

Good advice from everyone else. Just to add, knockdown power doesn't do you much good if you miss. Most people can shoot a 9mm (or .38) way better than they can shoot a .45.

[Sea-Dated]

Good advice from everyone else. Just to add, knockdown power doesn't do you much good if you miss. Most people can shoot a 9mm (or .38) way better than they can shoot a .45.

I went with the .40 because I saw it as great compromise between the stopping power of a .45 withouth the kick and it is easier to shoot than the .45.

[gerritm]

Go to a range with a large rental department, rent several makes and calibers and buy the one that feels the most natural.

Good advice. Get comfortable and try out a few before buying. I have the HK USP in .40. It would not make a good concealed carry weapon. .40 caliber ammo is a little cheaper and easier to find than .45 Keep that in mind. I carry a Ruger 9mm with self defense hollow points. It is a fairly large frame pistol also, but I feel comfortable with it. Not one you can hide under a t-shirt with shorts. If I was going to carry at all times I would go with Chris's suggestion and get a S&W 38 revolver.

[Chris]

The comment oabout shotguns for home defense is right on. Compared to a 12ga pump, handguns are toys. Virtually all indoor confrontations happen at ranges of less than 9 feet. Why not use something absolutely foolproof?

The other issue is is overshoot and over-penetration. You own each projectile you fire. If you kill the neighbor's kid in the process, there's not going to really be any way out of it. Big magnum calibers penetrate- they'll go through walls and doors. )) buck doesn't. And back to the 9 foot thing- you don't need magnum stopping power at those ranges. .40S&W was mentioned- a good compromise caliber. More power than the 9mm/38 Special but controllable, even in a smaller pistol. The hollowpoints are a benefit on over-penetration but at the same time, they're more jam-prone in all but the most expensive handguns. If over-penetration is a concern, there's an ammo available called "frangible". It's made to work well on human tarets but shatter when striking hard objects.

[Hilltop Kyle]

Thanks for all the input. Some things I had not considered. Here is a little more background on me. I have been handling firearms for 20+ years. I have been hunting since I was 7yrs old. I have several shotguns and have lots of experience with them. I have a S&W airweight .38 that I keep under the bed with hydra-shock bullets. I do like the idea of some 00 buck shot in my Rem. 870 as an additional option. It's just my wife and I and the dog in our house and we live in the country with no neighbors homes that could possibly be hit with a handgun round. Maybe with my .338. Like I said earlier, I shot a friend's HK 45 and I really liked the feel and accuracy. I was able to shoot a good group at about 15yds. If I do any concealed carry it will be with the 38 because of its small size. The 45 or maybe 40 would be a side arm if carried. I have no experience with a 40 cal, I thougt it's ammo would be more difficult than the 45 to buy. Should I be giving more thought to the 40?

[Hilltop Kyle]

Our accountant's husband has a S&W 9mm SW9VE that she brought in and it's practically brand new. Only 5 rounds fired through it. I can buy it for $300 with 3 clips, is that a good gun? It is one to add to my collection, I still want either a 45 or 40.

[ZBODaytona]

Love my 40.....have a 9 as well.. Looking to get a 45 one day.. But like stated the 40 is a good little round.. My 40 is also some what compact..it stays near me all the time.

[Knot 4 Me]

Kyle, remind me not to pi$$ you off if I see you in July/August at Cumberland for the Formula get together! I'm a SA 1911-A1 fan. The XD is nice as well.

[Sea-Dated]

I have an SA 4" XD .40 and love it. It is a large gun but with the right holster you can carry it wearing anything. I am looking at stepping up to SA 1911 .45 3" sometime this year but I really love my XD .40

[jmeng]

Our accountant's husband has a S&W 9mm SW9VE that she brought in and it's practically brand new. Only 5 rounds fired through it. I can buy it for $300 with 3 clips, is that a good gun? It is one to add to my collection, I still want either a 45 or 40.

Is that a Sigma model? If so the price seems a little high. Seems like they are around $300 new? I could be wrong on that though. Never really cared for the S&W Sigmas. Seemed very entry level to me. If you're looking for a polymer frame auto, the S&W MP is nice and the Springfield XD is popular too.

[Hilltop Kyle]

Kyle, remind me not to pi$$ you off if I see you in July/August at Cumberland for the Formula get together! I'm a SA 1911-A1 fan. The XD is nice as well.

He He... Better watch out. Thanks for the info on the SA.