handgun opinions and info

F

FutureFNWO

New member
so once i turn 18 this summer i plan on getting my restricted firearms license(Canada) and i want to get a handgun for shooting in competitions and what not. now so you all know incase you dont already up here we cant carry it as a concealed weapon like some of the states(I think mainly the southern states not sure)
any ways what would be a good inexpensive handgun to pick up? im looking for the best bang for my buck (haha get it) :p what i was looking at was a standard police issue glock but whats yalls thoughts???
 
For the price & all nothing wrong with a Glock model 22 in 40 s&w. You will be able to do a lot more shooting with a 22 rimfire of course.
 
Originally Posted By: FutureFNWOgood inexpensive handgun

My suggestion is to look at a few and see which feels
best in your hands. Work the controls, and the slide,
and see which one seems easy to handle for safe, comfortable,
and ultimately accurate shooting. I would suggest the
polymer pistols, such as Springfield XDs/XDMs, Glocks, and S&W
M&Ps, as "good inexpensive handguns". Sigs, and H&Ks, if you
find more money to spend, would be good values at a higher
price point. If you are into the more classic pistols, like
the Model 1911 variants, then Springfield, and Kimber, would
be good places to start looking. You really do want to shop
around for price, feature, and fit.

With that said, if I had to recommend one "good inexpensive
handgun", it would be a Springfield XD. They are reasonably
priced, are very reliable, and are as accurate as other
pistol in this class. Of a number of pistols I own,
two XDs stand ready to protect me and my family.

Squeeze
 
I just bought a Springfield XD Essentials in 9MM yesterday for $399, same gun it just doesnt come with the holster or loader, it does come with the plastic case, 2 high capacity mags, bore brush, and cable lock, I went in there with a Glock 19 in mind..but all that for $399 was to much to pass on.
 
You will never know which handgun you should buy until you shoot it and only then you will know what you like. I shot most of my guns before I buy just depends on where I'm buying it from.
 
Originally Posted By: GCBest bang for the buck for a new handgun owner means one thing - .22 Long Rifle.
Wise words GC, learn to shoot with a 22. You can still buy a brickof.22 ammo for a really reasonable price. If you have to start with a centerfire I'd opt for an XD. You didn't specify what type of competition you wanted to compete in.
 
Originally Posted By: FutureFNWOso once i turn 18 this summer i plan on getting my restricted firearms license(Canada) and i want to get a handgun for shooting in competitions and what not. now so you all know incase you dont already up here we cant carry it as a concealed weapon like some of the states(I think mainly the southern states not sure)
any ways what would be a good inexpensive handgun to pick up? im looking for the best bang for my buck (haha get it) :p what i was looking at was a standard police issue glock but whats yalls thoughts???

48 of our states issue some form of concealed carry license. The majority of them are shall issue states.
 
EAA Witness. Great gun starting at under $500, and for $200 you can change out the barrel and mainspring to 38super, 9mm, 40S&W. 10mm, or 45acp. Also they come in many different configurations from carry to full blown race guns right from the factory. The witness is common in many IPSC, USPSA, IDPA matches. Only downside is the availability of holsters and parts is limited, but there are some pretty good dealers around that can get you what you need.
 
FutureFWNO, It really depends on what type of competition you are planning to shoot...

Some competitions have different scoring, based on a power factor...and in that case, a .45acp is the most common as you are slinging a large caliber/weight bullet and it will meet most qualifications....ammo is usually available and they are easy to reload...

If no power factor is involved, then a 9mm has less recoil, with good ammo availability at a reasonable cost,,a little more difficult to reload.

There are "steel" and 'bowling pin' competitions that require a fast, hard hitting round and a .40 or 10mm will fill the bill, but the ammo is more expensive and harder to come by on a general basis..A lot of competitors will also use .45acp or .38 super for these as well..

I also shoot some .22lr steel competitions, but they are far and few between around here..

Steel silhouette competitions can be shot with any kind of high power handgun from revolvers to Thompson Contenders..

You have a lot of choices, but need to match the handgun to the competition..
 
Thanks for all the info all this has definately given some clarification on what i should look for now snowshoe i have no idea what you meant lol all i know is that in canada i need to attain my restricted firearms license if i wanted something like a fully automatic desert eagle or something like that i would need my prohibited license whi doesnt matter cuz i cant own either of those guna legally anyways haha and im looking into more of a accuracy shoot OldTurtle rather than a power shoot
 
If you want some good bang for you buck I would look into something in a Taurus. They make everything from snub nose revolvers to 1911 clones. I have owned a PT 24/7 9mm a Millenium 40sw and a 1911 in 45 ACP and they are all nice guns for the money. I know some people think they suck but honestly they were all good shooters and nicely priced. Heck I own a couple of kimbers and the taurus although not as nice was comprable and half the price. Also one of my favorite guns In a taurus is my 44 magnum model 444. Hope it helps buddy. Good luck
 
What are gun prices like in Calgary? Something reasonable in the U.S. may be outragous in Canada or vice versa. You cant by handguns in the U.S. unless you are at least 21 years of age, unless things have changed. I would say a Glock 34 or maybe a 35 depending on ammo price and availablity where you at.
 
I suggest you careful read OldTurtle's response. There is a HUGE difference in selecting a handgun for competition versus messing around or target shooting just for fun. You might want to take a look at what competitors are using in the competitions you made reference to. That alone could restrict or give you greater directiuon in the weapon you want to buy.
 
Originally Posted By: SqueezeOriginally Posted By: FutureFNWOgood inexpensive handgun

My suggestion is to look at a few and see which feels
best in your hands. Work the controls, and the slide,
and see which one seems easy to handle for safe, comfortable,
and ultimately accurate shooting. I would suggest the
polymer pistols, such as Springfield XDs/XDMs, Glocks, and S&W
M&Ps, as "good inexpensive handguns". Sigs, and H&Ks, if you
find more money to spend, would be good values at a higher
price point. If you are into the more classic pistols, like
the Model 1911 variants, then Springfield, and Kimber, would
be good places to start looking. You really do want to shop
around for price, feature, and fit.




That is the best advice. Remember when youre purchasing the gun they, the people on the other side of the counter, are working for you. It's alright to listen, but dont let them make up your mind. What ever feels best in your hand and when you lift it up to see how the sights line up. That and price should be ultimate deciding factors.
 
Originally Posted By: john007 You cant by handguns in the U.S. unless you are at least 21 years of age, unless things have changed. It's 18 here as well. 21 if buying from an FFL, 18 for private party purchases. 18 to carry as well.
 
I just went through what you are talking about I decided to go with the S&W M&P in 40s&w. I tried the Glocks but they felt like a brick in my hand I personally did not like the feel of it. The S&W has has changeable back straps which allows it to be customized it to your taste to a degree. Felt recoil is quite minimal for the caliber and it is a excellent shooter and have had 0 jams in the over 250rnds I have shot so far. Overall I am very happy and would recommend it to anyone without hesitation. But like other posters said go handle them see what fits you the best as everyone is different and what I did not like about the Glock may not be a issue to you. I bought mine with the intention of using it in production class IPSC shooting. Cost in Canada was $635 it came with 2 mags and 3 different back straps to customize the grip.

The 40 can be converted to 9mm and 357 sig as well in the S&W M&P with barrel and spring changes.
 
Last edited:
Back
Top