Buy a ruger semi auto .22 pistol.

Develop skills.

Buy a SIG 226.

JMO

 

Homeinoz, I am going to respectfully disagree with that mindset. I would agree if this were a new shooter. And many people will take your side over mine on this subject. From what I can understand he's not even new to shooting pistols. Just owning one. Anyway, he is a experienced shooter and he reloads. So cheap practice anyway without shooting a .22. Although a ruger mark I, II, or III is a great gun. I would personally go with a .357.

 

Check around and see if their is a gun store that has a range inside of it and will rent guns. Figure out your costs to shoot X number of handguns and then go try some. Once you figure out which gun you like to shoot wait a while and then check your feeling by shooting that one type of gun again. If both times you feel comfortable with that gun and if you do well with it, then think about purchasing that type of handgun.

If you can't find a gun store that rents guns, call a local range and see if they have an NRA counselor. Call him and tell him what you are looking to do: test fire some handguns if possible. Tell him which calibers/millimeters you are interested in shooting. He might be able to help you make up your mind.

 

Thought comes to mind,, to get a good quality revolver. Several reasons for this. First it is not going to jam on you when you need it most. Also design is much more simple if it breaks down, very straight forward operation.Maintenance is also easier than on a semi pistol. A good .357 mag revolver would be a good choice. It will do what your looking for and you have two calibers to choose from. I carry a Ruger GP 100 and have had no problems with it even after several thousand rounds put through it.

 

Thought comes to mind,, to get a good quality revolver. Several reasons for this. First it is not going to jam on you when you need it most. Also design is much more simple if it breaks down, very straight forward operation.Maintenance is also easier than on a semi pistol. A good .357 mag revolver would be a good choice. It will do what your looking for and you have two calibers to choose from. I carry a Ruger GP 100 and have had no problems with it even after several thousand rounds put through it.

Not trying to start a fight here, but just a word on the bolded. I own plenty of both, so I'm not just talking fluff.

Yes. a revolver is marginally less likely to "jam," but when a revolver does malfunction, it's often a show stopper. Or worse...
The more powerful the revolver, the more likely a problem is something serious. I've seen revolvers that needed a gunsmith to get them running once they stopped.

Decent modern auto's seldom break, and malf's are usually ammo or mag realted. Both can be easily resolved and usually in the moment.
Many modern semi's are exceedingly easy to break down and clean. Parts are accessible and usually easy to replace. Revolver's are clockwork compared to a Glock or XD.

Honestly, I look at revolvers as low round count guns. I wouldn't expect to put 7, 8, 10 thousand rounds through even a great Smith and Wesson without some serious work. I could see an average Glock doing that with some simple spring replacements, perhaps an extractor, etc... Both can be done on a range bench if necessary.
Not bashing revolvers at all, I love mine, but I think we need to be unbiased in our assessments.

 

G30. You wont be disappointed

 

:thumb: Love mine. Twas my first pistol.

 

I'm not horrible but I don't get out to practice that much I can hit dinner plate groups almost to the back of the indoor range not sure of the distance. I've got reloading down for 9mm just not casting. I haven't shot a 22 pistol nor have I been formally taught anything about pistols I taught myself what I know so far. Soon as I turn 18 I'm gonna be goin to the army ill see if I can take extra marksmanship courses there.

I'm also concerned about the difference between 357 vs 44 out of a levergun.

So votes so far are GP100. No glocks for me I've held them in my hand and they are as un-appealing to ME as a hipoint.

 

If you're set on a revolver, check out the S&W 625's:

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product4_750001_750051_764931_-1_757894_757775_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y

You can find them cheaper than list, gives you a 45 to load for too.

If it's too big, or too expensive, perhaps the Bulldog 44spl:

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/21_203/products_id/38055

Another one that's relatively easy to reload. Of course, a good 357 is never a bad idea, esp in a 7 or 8 shot.

 

Buy a ruger sr9 since you say you already reload 9mm.

 

I wanted to get a gun that uses a cartridge that is more versatile for reloading and casting with a lot of power which is why I'm headin towards revolvers.

 

You've got a good head on your shoulders James, I think you've got it pretty well figured out. I went the 357 revolver levergun route long ago. I did 45s and 44s but the guns that shoot those certridges WELL are bigger and no fun to carry, and unless you handload them down a bit, recoil too much.

The 357 is a boreing middle of the road gun that just gets things done. Guns are mid weight, being heavy enough to shoot well but not a real pain to haul around all day either. Think K frame S&W or Ruger Blackhawk size. The 357 38 special is easy to load unlike autos and very versitile, unlike autos.

And then you have that same versitility available in a lovely little levergun. Marlin is the way to go.

Thank you in advance for being willing to serve the country.

 

Just figured i would be that guy and point out that you aren't old enough to purchase a handgun and wont old enough to purchase one from a store for a while. I say if your going military don't bother trying to get one before you ship out. Learn some skills and shoot as many different handguns as you can get your hands on and eventually you will find exactly what you want.

 

From what I've read thus far you have to be 21 to buy pistol and pistol ammo, but if one is gifted to you it is legal to own and keep in your house or truck in Texas.

 

1st rule:
Do not attend a gun fight with a handgun, the caliber of which does not start with anything smaller than “4″.
That said a .44 Mag in a wheelgun will never let you down, no clips to lose, no fincky ammo that will not feed. Just pull back the hammer and put holes in the target 100 yards down range with more power tha a 9mm has at the muzzle.
Plus if it come downs to hand to hand they make a good club to bash the other guy in the face with.
Warning do not try this with a Glock.

 

I like the no magazine part. When reading up on 1911s and semi autos in general most problems were cheap magazines. I like my mosin for same reason. The chip McCormick mags I was lookin at we'rent cheap I could buy a pump shotgun for the price of a dozen mags.

 

Boom goes the dynamite:

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/...ducts_id/70265/Ruger+GP100+.357+Mag+3"+Satin+Stainless,+Fixed+Sights+(KGPF-331)

 

I agree with Bushmaster.

In the heat of the moment do you really want to rely on a single well placed .44 magnum center mass shot? Personally I would rather have a high capacity 9mm, more rounds and easier follow up shots. Just try to tell me that 1 .44 (assuming you even hit the perp) is more devastating than 3-4 9mm JHP (out of a possible 15 shots). Even a well handled (easy to do) .380 ACP with the correct defense round will be better than a "starts with a 4". Keep in mind I'm talking about a handgun handled by 90% of the population with basic defense training. There is always an exception to the rule.

 

I love shooting, reloading, and casting ill probably be shooting 1-2 times a week when I'm on my own and I thought 95% of the shootings were like 10ft or less. If I get a 357/44 I could use it for hiking and not buy another gun I can get a levergun for it too. I'd rather shoot an enraged animal with a 44 than a 9mm. Plus when I get good with it I could use it for pest control. Another statistic if I remember correctly in most shooting one or two shots are fired by both people.

To each his own but for the power vs capacity debate I choose power. I keep reading stories about cops with high cap 9mm or 40S&W just keep pulling the trigger till the guy dies 4-5 magazines later. It ain't the guns fault it's crappy training. We need to train our cops better just like they made the M-16 with only a 3rd burst instead of training.

 

I agree: Revolver GP 100 or if semi auto Glock. or better do what I did and get both...Not just saying because I have them. I did alot of research before buying these two. The glock torture tests sealed the deal.

 

I agree: Revolver GP 100 or if semi auto Glock. or better do what I did and get both...Not just saying because I have them. I did alot of research before buying these two. The glock torture tests sealed the deal.

Glock 19 vs 1911 Torture Test! - YouTube

I'm "stupider" for having watched that.

...is that a parody, or were they trying to be serious?

 

What are the differences between the GP100 and the SP101?

 

GP100 - 6 shot 357 (built like a tank)
SP101 - 5 shot 357 (little smaller for ccw)

 

If you are looking into a 357 or 44 mag I would definitely choose the 357 because ammo is cheaper, more available and you can shoot the 38 special. I know you can shoot the 44 special out of the 44 mag but I have never even seen it locally. Also, you stated you would like a lever gun too. You could get a 357 lever gun and only have to stock up on one kind of ammo.

 

Can go wrong with a S&W 625 or a Ruger GP100. Get what you think you want. If you don't like it sell it off and get something else you might have thought you wanted. Don't be surprised if, in the end, you end up with what you had in the first place.

 

For what you are looking for it sounds like a Ruger GP100 will fit your bill nicely. They are relatively inexpensive and are probably the most durable double action revolver ever made. You can get them with a 4.2" barrel and even though all the new ones come with Houge Rubber grips there are plenty of after market wood grips out there that aren't that expensive.

Here is a very good review of a very specific GP100, but it gives you a good idea of the reputation that these guns carry.
http://www.gunblast.com/Ruger-GP100WC.htm

 

Later on you can buy your self a nice Marlin 94c to go along with it. Here is a pic of my GP100/Marlin Combo:

 

If youre a beginner, I would NOT do a 44 mag. Even a full power, full size 357.

If you want 45, I'd look at Glock 21 fullsize and Glock 30 compact, 10 rounds of 45 acp. Love them both. If I had to pick one, it would be the 30.

The CZ75 is a good pistol. Its based on the browning hi-power. FEG makes a good lower cost version. Magazines are hard to get and its a 9mm. I would recomend a Glock. No external safeties to fiddle with at the moment you need it. Reliable, accurate, light. High capacity. 9mm and 40 shoot farther than 45, so if youre in open country, maybe consider a 40? Its powerful enough for most anything. Ammo is a tad less expensive.

Whatever you get, practice alot. Drawing and shooting. Malfunction drills. Clearing and stripping, cleaning. Go Glock...

 

.45 doesn't go very far. Is that what you just posted? Well, here's an off hand .45acp commander fired 230 yards with WW white box standard practice loads. How far is a fair test in your mind?

Also, what's wrong with someone choosing a wheelgun, even in magnum calibers? The .357 magnum is arguably the most effective round ever developed for handguns with a single critical zone hit on a human sized mammal. Many of the best shooter on the planet use revolvers for competition and defense. They do work well for both. Just ask Jerry Mucilek. Here's an example.

Please don't state personal preference as facts when giving advice to someone wanting information relevant to their choice. Present it as what it is...opinion. Funny thing about facts...they're provable, unlike opinion.

 

I am no sure why folks are afraid of the kick from a .44mag, the 180gr do not have much kick that said a 300gr will.

The psychological effect on someone shooting a 9mm pop pop pop only to have the return fire go BOOM BOOM is a great deterrent to get them to flee asap.

I carry Two SBH in flap holsters that also is just down right intimidating to anyone. When I come upon trespassers on our property ( usually ATV'ers) seeing a guy with Two Hog Legs it is: ” Yes Sir, No Sir can we leave right now ? We will never come back.”


http://www.survivalistboards.com/showthread.php?t=204577

 

You cant go wrong with a CZ-75 in 9mm, You can also buy a conversion unit to shoot 22LR. Have used both. 1st class unit. Nothing beats a 45 auto. But 9mm and 22 on same frame is a good substitute

 

Thanks didn't know there was a conversion. I was going to get a 1911 first but I don't want to mess with magazines yet and it doesn't carry that much more than revolvers.