turning 21 and looking for a good pistol
Not having the knowledge base in handguns that i would like, i was wondering if i could gt some advise. I have been to the shooting range several times and enjoyed most guns that i have shot. Turning 21 at the end of this week, and living in Ga I intend to carry and apply for my ccw asap. Being on a limited budget (student) the price of the gun and ammunition is a big factor. I want to go to the range at least once a week so will be shooting often.
One of the guns i have been looking into is the Walther P22. It doest have the power of some other caliburs, but it fits nice in my price range ($300), and has the ability to change out the barrels, for regular use and target.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated
One of the guns i have been looking into is the Walther P22. It doest have the power of some other caliburs, but it fits nice in my price range ($300), and has the ability to change out the barrels, for regular use and target.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated
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My Walther P22 has consistently been problematic--I've got it working "pretty good" but it is nothing I'd plan on keeping for any type of "defensive" gun (it's the consistent occassional jamming which is of more concern than the meager 22lr performance which would cause me concern). It feels/fits my hand wonderfully (which is why I keep it) and is great to plink with.
My first handgun was a Ruger Mark-2. The idea of a 22 is nice if you're on a limited budget--it's cheap to shoot, but I wouldn't consider it a very "effective" carry firearm--although it's better than nothing.
I'd suggest thinking in terms of your first handgun (a 22 is a good choice here), then looking at a "carry gun" as a separate decision and another gun. (Soon you'll be addicted![;)][:D])
I'm sure someone will suggest a revolver as an option too. Something small, like an SP101 in 38/357, can be fun and cheap to shoot, and still be an effective carry gun.0 -
Wingnut,
The.22 in any configuration is(IMHO)the best
to start with(Ruger Mark II getting my vote),
but in Texas,you can't get a carry permit with
a .22cal.(.38 being the minimum,I think)Someone
please correct me if I'm wrong.GA I don't know
about.
Welcome to the forum.
BW
IT'S WHAT PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT THEMSELVES THAT MAKES THEM AFRAID.0 -
many thnx for your response. Im not a big fan of revolvers looks wise, and looks are important. I've seen some lesser known names on the auctions page in 9mm and up that price at or arround the same as the P22. im just not sure about the quality. Im tring to get my first gun to function as my "carry gun" as well, so 22 probably isnt going to be the best idea. I liked the Colt .45 i shot alot, but the prices are up there, and round copacity isnt that high of a number, not that many situations would call for more than 9 rounds[:D]. 0 -
If you would be willing to look at revolvers, the Smith and Wesson Airlight is a very good gun, very light, quite accurate considering. If you want to stay with semi autos, I would advise a Walther PPK/S. If you would consider a used one, both of the guns would be in your price range... take it from a 24 year old who was 21 not long ago.
"...hit your enemy in the belly, and kick him when he is down, and boil his prisoners in oil- if you take any- and torture his women and children. Then people will keep clear of you..." -Admiral of the Fleet Lord Fisher, speaking at the Hague Peace Conf0 -
My experience with ccw firearms include Charter Arms Undercover (GOOD), Astra Constable (reliable, accuate), Sig 230 (accurate beyond belief but jammed)and Bersa Thunder ( very reliable, ok accuracy) For what it costs, about $200, the Bersa is an outstanding choice for carry and range time. $300 will get you the weapon, holster, spare magazine and a cup of coffee at the range... what a deal! Happy shopping--Applegrove 0 -
quote:looks are important
Why? If this is going to be your CCW then why do looks matter? You going to whip it out and show your friends?
Go Army Beat Navy
IF you wanna have fun join the cavalry0 -
Check out EAA Witness. $310.
http://www.gunbroker.com/auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=12770223
Now there is a classy 10mm.
Or go for the 9mm.
http://www.gunbroker.com/auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=12570935
Also check out IMI
http://www.gunbroker.com/auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=12776357
Regards,0 -
Ruger MKII for a .22 pistol which can serve as a plinker and is a decent target pistol out of the box. Purchase a CZ75/85 if you want to go with a 9mm and this is a far better choice for a defense pistol than a .22. I'm not sold on the Walther P22 because I've seen and heard of too many problems and while these are supposed to have been corrected I remain a skeptic.
Mark T. Christian0 -
If you are going to get a self defense pistol, in the $300 range, I'd suggest you look at used irons. At the $300 level there are many, many viable alternatives.
It's a shame the the looks of the weapon are a priority to you, above practicality.
It is a fact, in my judgement, that a young individual about to carry a firearm to defend his life and possibly kill people with, is better served by a revolver, until you feel you have reached an expert shooter level. With a revolver, you pull it out of your pocket(or holster), point it, and pull the trigger. If it doesn't shoot, you pull the trigger, again. This is NOT true of ANY semi-auto.
If you are carrying concealed, you want to be CERTAIN that your weapon will have the ability to kill someone when it's presented.
I would recommend a small frame Taurus 5 shooter in .38 Special or .357 Magnum (the .357 will also fire .38 Spl.), or the same in an S&W "J" frame.
Without intending any disrespect to you as an individual, it tends to mark you as a "wannabe" gunslinger when the looks of the firearm outweigh the reason that you're carrying.
I'd suggest that you do some more looking around, reading, and bs'ing with some cops to get a better insight into where you're headed with this.
You can always get an auto into your life. If you screw things up on your first need to use your firearm (because of lack of experience - not because of lack of intellect or will) you will lose your life.
Welcome to gunbroker, and I sincerely hope you live beyond the first day that you carry.
God Bless America and...
NEVER Forget WACO
NEVER, EVER Forget 9110 -
All great advice, and here is another opinion. Browning Buckmark Standard for the .22
I also want a firearm to "look good" as well as shoot good. The Browning has been trouble free from day one, and 3000+ rounds have gone through it; in addition, I have been told it is easier to clean than the Ruger. I never cared for the "cross bar" at the end of the Ruger slide, but it will make it easy to get a round into the chamber.
For carry, I am considering shelving the PPK/S for a while...
...and trying the Sig P239 in 40 S&W.
The Smith and Wesson 908 with the finger-rest grip also fits my hand nicely (and the gun is wonderfully slim).
Here is a link to a post which, in turn, has links to many gun manufacturers. Some of
http://forums.gunbroker.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=76736
If you want links to any specific handgun, just e-mail me.0 -
I'd like to add to my previous post...
I live quite far out in the country. I have been a shooter for a little over 50 years. I have carried a firearm concealed (both legally and illegally) nearly every day for 40 years. I have raised 4 Sons and 2 Daughters (well, Deanna is only 13, so not raised yet)who all love shooting and all carry concealed (not Deanna). When I'm at home or go into our town of 2500, I carry a Berreta .32ACP with 2 spare mags. When I go into the next largest town - 25,000 - I carry the Beretta and a Star FireStar ..40 S&W semi auto with one spare mag. When I go to any town larger than that, I carry those two weapons, as well as a Springfield Armory 1911 Commander size with one spare mag AND a short barrelled 12 guage pump in the car.
I'm not trying to be pompous, or impress you with my talent and gun collection. All I'm trying to get at is that, if nothing else, I'm an experienced shooter, and I have been in "deadly force" confrontations. PLEASE, reconsider your motives in carrying concealed. Be SURE that you are prepared to take the life of another human being. When you've done that, then select the best weapon for YOUR purpose.
We here will all give you the best information we can.
Again, welcome to this community of very bright, very experienced folks. I only found it recently, and it's been a boon to me. Wish I was one of the "bright" ones!
God Bless America and...
NEVER Forget WACO
NEVER, EVER Forget 9110 -
looks are by far not the most important thing, nor will it ever be. As far as markmanship goes, having been a scout for 7+ years, i can shoot a rifle with the best of them, and my training in gun saftey and use has carried over quite well to handguns, atleas it has the fiew range sessions i have had. I am by no means an expert, and the range being alot different than a real life situation would be, any help i would get from the firearm would be much needed. That being either accuracy, reliability, or a handfull of otherthings. I will be talking with my uncle later tonight and see what his opinion is. He has been a police officer for 20+ years and will probably share the same thoughts as many of you.
thanks again for your responses.
Wingnut0 -
Being a long-term scout makes you "aces" in my book. Good show. Don't forget that your Oath is a life-long commitment.
I'm glad to hear you're going to discuss this with someone you love and have confidence in. He will give you the absolutely best possible advice.
You might want to print this thread out and let him read it.
Do whatever he says.
God Bless America and...
NEVER Forget WACO
NEVER, EVER Forget 9110
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