Official HandGun Thread

[bosstones]

Question for a handgun noob:

Would you guys recommend picking up a plinker to learn with or picking up what I am considering eventually getting + a 22LR conversion kit for it?

I've been wanting to learn the art of firing handguns for a while and am finally moving on it (previous experience is only with shotguns). I'm about to pick up a plinker to learn basics and get some range time in but figured I'd get your guys take. Ruger mkIII bull barrel narrowly edged out the Buckmark and SR22.

For down the road, I've been looking at either a Glock 22 or 23 (depending which fits me better) or something out of the Springfield XDm line (also a 40 like the Glocks). The Glocks have 22LR conversion kits but I don't believe the XDm's do.

I'm currently looking into beginner and other relevant training classes/courses at local ranges.

TIA

[spanner1751]

Bosstones, it depends on what grip angle you prefer. The Ruger MK I/II/IIIs have a grip angle like the Luger and my Woodsman that I just posted a picture. I don't think that there are many current centerfire pistols with that grip angle. That said, the Ruger MK I/II/IIIs are very accurate pistols and function well with a variety of ammo, which can't be said for all .22 pistols.
If you are looking at a grip angle more like the 1911 or Glock, you might consider the Ruger 22/45 or Browning Buckmark.
As far as .22 conversion kits, I bought an Advantage Arms conversion kit for my Glock 34, and while it functioned OK with the recommended ammo, it wasn't very accurate. My old Ruger 22/45 was much more accurate than the .22 conversion kit.
You might want to go to rimfirecentral.com and search the forums there for more info on good .22 pistols with the idea of transitioning to a centerfire pistol in the near future.

[MisterSkiMask]

Originally Posted by bosstones

Question for a handgun noob:

Would you guys recommend picking up a plinker to learn with or picking up what I am considering eventually getting + a 22LR conversion kit for it?

I've been wanting to learn the art of firing handguns for a while and am finally moving on it (previous experience is only with shotguns). I'm about to pick up a plinker to learn basics and get some range time in but figured I'd get your guys take. Ruger mkIII bull barrel narrowly edged out the Buckmark and SR22.

For down the road, I've been looking at either a Glock 22 or 23 (depending which fits me better) or something out of the Springfield XDm line (also a 40 like the Glocks). The Glocks have 22LR conversion kits but I don't believe the XDm's do.

I'm currently looking into beginner and other relevant training classes/courses at local ranges.

TIA

To add to spanner

I personally prefer the Buckmark, and I also like Glocks (and most other guns). If you plan on putting some rounds through your Glock it is much cheaper to shoot a 9mm. I was never a fan of the 9mm, but since I bought a Glock in 9mm (G34, and G26 which I have not yet fired) I can tell that the Glock was designed around the 9mm and a 9mm Glock is a nice piece and fun to shoot.

As a side note, I played with a Sig Mosquito this weekend and I hated it. It is nicely made, and it looks good but the shape and angle of the grip do not work for me.

[bosstones]

Thanks, guys. I still have to visit a shop to see how well my choices fit my hand et all. The mkIII I referred to was a mistake by me. The bull barrel is actually a 22/45...I just looked it up again. While this would be my choice over the Buckmark and SR22, these two are, in order of preference based on reading up on them, still options depending on if they are a better fit than the 22/45 bull barrel.

I realize there are different grip angles. In many respects, my first post subtly refers to that in that I was asking if one would better off getting a 22 to learn pistol basics or to go straight to their choice for a pistol so they learn and grow on it instead of a starter gun with different attributes. That said, while it is not at all hard to imagine having to adjust to a different handgun's physical properties and how they can affect accuracy and handling, I can't help but feel that one wouldn't really learn and grow without some, for a lack of a better word, variety.

I was looking at 40's since I figure the Glock or Springfield to serve duty as a home defense weapon. Overkill vs a 9mm? Or too much too soon for a rookie?

[solefald]

Went shooting with my kid and a couple of friends yesterday.
A friend brought his Kimber Custom TLE II. Now i'm thinking of getting one.

The thing is that I am left-handed, so I'll have to drop an ambi safety on it, but
mag release and ejection port are still on the wrong side.

Stock mags and plastic mainspring housing will also need to be replaced, but I think it's a pretty sweet 1911. And my 11 year old kid handled that thing like a boss. It was his first time ever shooting a gun.

Are there any 1911's for lefties that are under $1K? All i can see is custom high dollar unobtainium stuff

[MisterSkiMask]

Originally Posted by bosstones

I was looking at 40's since I figure the Glock or Springfield to serve duty as a home defense weapon. Overkill vs a 9mm? Or too much too soon for a rookie?

You would be just fine with a .40, but imo 9mm would be sufficient (for home defense and more satisfying to shoot then a .22) and cheaper to shoot.

[darwin316]

Originally Posted by solefald

Went shooting with my kid and a couple of friends yesterday.
A friend brought his Kimber Custom TLE II. Now i'm thinking of getting one.

The thing is that I am left-handed, so I'll have to drop an ambi safety on it, but
mag release and ejection port are still on the wrong side.

Stock mags and plastic mainspring housing will also need to be replaced, but I think it's a pretty sweet 1911. And my 11 year old kid handled that thing like a boss. It was his first time ever shooting a gun.

Are there any 1911's for lefties that are under $1K? All i can see is custom high dollar unobtainium stuff

Personally, I would never own a Kimber. For less than 1K, I would go with the Ruger sr1911.

[solefald]

Originally Posted by darwin316

Personally, I would never own a Kimber. For less than 1K, I would go with the Ruger sr1911.

Why not Kimber? I've read lots and lots of good things about it.

Ruger sr1911 is nice, but I am looking for something black and would like to have a front checkered strap. I guess I can always have it machined, but for the same amount of money i can have it factory done.

Oh, and I want one made in US.

[MisterSkiMask]

Originally Posted by solefald

Why not Kimber?

Curious about that myself, I love mine.

[MisterSkiMask]

Ok, family portrait time.

Left side: Glock 34, Glock 31, Glock 26, Browning Buckmark, Browning Hi-Power
Middle: Top Baby Browning .25ACP, Bottom Kimber 1911
Right: S&W 500Mag, S&W .44Mag, S&W .38 Special, Sig P232, Browning Buckmark

Long Guns: Benelli SB2, Daniel Defense M4v4, Ruger 10/22, Browning .22

yes, my 2 year old has destroyed the carpet, new hardwood is coming very soon

[darwin316]

Regarding Kimber, it's just a personal preference, I guess. I dont like MIM parts on any part of the gun and Kimber is notorious for using this method for making most of their small parts. The problem with MIM is that you can get air bubbles between the metals during the process and they tend to break easier than regular casting or machined parts.

Plus the series II Kimbers use the Schwartz-style firing pin block safety (a variation of the series 80 safety in the Colts). The pre-series II is similar to the series 70 colt, just the way John Browning designed, and what most custom 1911 shops use (Ed Brown, Les Baer, Wilson Combat, Nighthawk, etc.)

If I were to chose a production based 1911, I would go with Dan Wesson or an STI. Both have increased their prices and they will be over $1k. STI does use MIM parts, but only in the non-high impact parts of the gun (thumb safety, grip safety). Plus the frame to slide fitment on DWs and STI's are second to none.

The Ruger SR1911 is getting very good reviews for a production gun (it just came out last year).

I would also consider the Springfield guns, like the Range Officer or the TRP.

I've owned several production 1911 guns in the past, and they've work well as a tool. But there is a huge difference in feel and performance between these guns and semi-custom ones (trigger pull, trigger feel, tightness of gun, accuracy, fitted parts, etc). If you can manage to save up $1500, then go get a Les Baer PII...you wont regret it. Contact John at Cj1911heaven.com or George at migunslingers.com

[darwin316]

If you wanna see better pics of my 1911s, here are links to the 1911 forum.

Les Baer TRS - Custom By J. Harrison | Ed Brown Centennial | Nighthawk Custom GRP Recon | Wilson Combat CQB Elite 9mm | Springfield Armory Professional | Springfield Armory EMP | STI Off Duty

[spanner1751]

Originally Posted by MisterSkiMask

Ok, family portrait time.

Left side: Glock 34, Glock 31, Glock 26, Browning Buckmark, Browning Hi-Power
Middle: Top Baby Browning .25ACP, Bottom Kimber 1911
Right: S&W 500Mag, S&W .44Mag, S&W .38 Special, Sig P232, Browning Buckmark

Long Guns: Benelli SB2, Daniel Defense M4v4, Ruger 10/22, Browning .22

yes, my 2 year old has destroyed the carpet, new hardwood is coming very soon

I love the Browning .22 rifle. BTW, your Browning Buckmark Unlimited Match pistol is classified as an "assault pistol" here in Hawaii and is banned

[solefald]

Originally Posted by darwin316

Regarding Kimber, it's just a personal preference, I guess. I dont like MIM parts on any part of the gun and Kimber is notorious for using this method for making most of their small parts. The problem with MIM is that you can get air bubbles between the metals during the process and they tend to break easier than regular casting or machined parts.

Plus the series II Kimbers use the Schwartz-style firing pin block safety (a variation of the series 80 safety in the Colts). The pre-series II is similar to the series 70 colt, just the way John Browning designed, and what most custom 1911 shops use (Ed Brown, Les Baer, Wilson Combat, Nighthawk, etc.)

If I were to chose a production based 1911, I would go with Dan Wesson or an STI. Both have increased their prices and they will be over $1k. STI does use MIM parts, but only in the non-high impact parts of the gun (thumb safety, grip safety). Plus the frame to slide fitment on DWs and STI's are second to none.

The Ruger SR1911 is getting very good reviews for a production gun (it just came out last year).

I would also consider the Springfield guns, like the Range Officer or the TRP.

I've owned several production 1911 guns in the past, and they've work well as a tool. But there is a huge difference in feel and performance between these guns and semi-custom ones (trigger pull, trigger feel, tightness of gun, accuracy, fitted parts, etc). If you can manage to save up $1500, then go get a Les Baer PII...you wont regret it. Contact John at Cj1911heaven.com or George at migunslingers.com

Thanks, man! Really appreciate the explanation.

I am aware of MIM parts in Kimbers, and honestly, I accept those shortcomings. This is going to be my very first gun, and I am already way over my budget (this damn saltwater fish tank is sucking money out of my pocket like crazy). I was originally looking at a CZ 75B, but after shooting a .45, I am convinced that I have to have one. And none other than 1911.

All MIM parts can be easily replaced with after market stuff later, but I am pretty sure it will work quiet well until I decide to upgrade things, plus im not planning on shooting over 200-300 couple of times a month... not yet, anyway. I can also always trade in and get something better.

Plus there is an issue with California not allowing sales of a half of the 1911's on the market.

And damn, your Springfield Professional looks insane!

[darwin316]

Originally Posted by solefald

Thanks, man! Really appreciate the explanation.

I am aware of MIM parts in Kimbers, and honestly, I accept those shortcomings. This is going to be my very first gun, and I am already way over my budget (this damn saltwater fish tank is sucking money out of my pocket like crazy). I was originally looking at a CZ 75B, but after shooting a .45, I am convinced that I have to have one. And none other than 1911.

All MIM parts can be easily replaced with after market stuff later, but I am pretty sure it will work quiet well until I decide to upgrade things, plus im not planning on shooting over 200-300 couple of times a month... not yet, anyway. I can also always trade in and get something better.

Plus there is an issue with California not allowing sales of a half of the 1911's on the market.

And damn, your Springfield Professional looks insane!

I didn't even realize that you lived in CA...you're right about what options you have left.

As I said, it's just a personal preference for me about the Kimber, and it looks like you know what you're getting. One thing about the 1911 is that you can replace every part on that gun with little fitting. Or you can always send in your gun to Chuck Rogers or something once you save enough money to fully customize it. He makes wonders with Kimbers (just google his name and kimber, they're awesome!)

[ken1137]

Originally Posted by darwin316

If you wanna see better pics of my 1911s, here are links to the 1911 forum.

Les Baer TRS - Custom By J. Harrison | Ed Brown Centennial | Nighthawk Custom GRP Recon | Wilson Combat CQB Elite 9mm | Springfield Armory Professional | Springfield Armory EMP | STI Off Duty

Nice! love the Baer, Wilson, and STI. Matter of opinion yes, I do like Kimber 1911's but dont see anything wrong with any of the models. I own the Pro Carry II. Probably will buy a Wilson next

[solefald]

Any opinions on Remington R1 Enhanced?

[solefald]

Originally Posted by solefald

Any opinions on Remington R1 Enhanced?

uhm.... too late

[MisterSkiMask]

Originally Posted by solefald

uhm.... too late

That didn't take long.

[darwin316]

congrats!

[solefald]

thank you, good sirs

I was able to find 1 (one) Kimber Custom TLE II available for sale in the entire continental United States. Called probably 50 different shops all over the place. Found 1 at some place in Kansas, and the only approved FFL dealer they would ship to locally, had some R1E's in stock. I went to check it out and fill up the paperwork for Kimber shipping.

Long story short, Kimber in staying in Kansas
I came. I saw. I bought a gun.

[MisterSkiMask]

Its time for me to end my most recent gun buying binge (not that there are very many guns available to purchase these days), maybe I'll move on to accessorizing the ones I have....maybe I'll even take them to the range and shoot them