Newbie in need of help

JamesR · 12-16-2007, 06:40 PM

Hi,

I'm James. I've saved up some money and am now deciding on what I should get. In my research I've set my sights on a USP .45 ACP standard. I'm not sure whether I should buy a used one, if thats possible or a new one. I've never owned a firearm before, but have shot plenty on many occasions so I am no stranger to them, what advise if any would you guys give to someone in my position? I like shooting for recreation at my local range but would also like a bit of personal protection.

any help will be appreciated

neophyte · 12-17-2007, 10:21 AM

JamesR: Sir; your question is tough. You'll get plenty of quality answers. My answers are "my thoughts" only. Give consideration as warranted.
Have you shot many .45's
have you considered cost per shot
have you considered carrying or CC
have you considered other 'brands'
has your friends been pointing you?
Do you have a safe place to keep any unit?
Do you plan home defensive thinking?
Sir; our abilities are alway limited in giving open ended answers; that the reason I blab on about thinking.
If and I say 'IF' you are not stuck with one caliber.
Cost of shooting a 9mm versus the .45 is less than 1/2. Starting out and maybe for the rest of your shooting life that will take some of the joy. You and we need to practice and practice until we get somewhat competent and the practice until we are 'better'. My vote without knowing 'squat' a 9mm. If you are interested; brands can be named not in any particular order.
Researching is fun for me. I'll come to G&G often and read others thinking. They are good. Doesn't mean we have to agree. The points of the thinking is part of good sound research.
Follow up with your Thoughts and experiences

Thanks

eddiedeverell · 12-17-2007, 10:24 AM

Welcome to the forum! I would have to tell you to take a lok at a few guns you like than just go frome there, its really up to you.The USP is a great gun, so are the glocks, I prefer the 1911 models. But all that is up to you. A used gun can save you lots of money, but you always have to be careful, make sure you buy it from a reputable dealer. Another thing to consider is the companies warranty. I hope that helps a little.

Bravo · 12-17-2007, 11:57 AM

James,

The USP is a great gun. It's been proven time after time around the world, but, you pay for the H&K name.

I'm not going to try to talk you out of the .45acp cartridge. I drool over that cartridge too, and will someday get one once I further improve my handgun skills with the 9mm.

Here is my opinion...don't take it too seriously, since it is just an opinion;
I'd go for a gun that is a little cheaper, which means, no H&K.

1st Recommendation: S&W M&P .45 (seen here in desert brown, available in black also):
Product: Smith & Wesson M&P45 - Dark Earth Brown

2nd: Springfield 1911-A1 Mil-Spec:
Springfield Armory

I wouldn't get a Glock, but that's just because I don't like the grips.

But, I would get what you want the most. Go to a shop and hold a few handguns. The grip and trigger are what determine if I like the gun or not.

ArkansasHunter · 12-17-2007, 12:13 PM

JamesR WELCOME to GUN and GAME feller and I'm delighted your interested in buying pistol you do need one.
Picking the right pistol is work and I'm guessing from the shooting you've done you've handled a USP 45.
I'm not familar with it and my only suggestion is find something you can conceal comfortably on your person if you decide to get a concealed carry permit in the caliber you decide on.
You said you've saved up some money and by judgeing what the others say the H&K must be pretty pricecy so that tells me you can buy a high quality pistol.
Theres many to choose from so hang around and the recomendation will come.
The Glocks are outstanding weapons and while your looking check out the CZ line of semi-auto pistols too. My favorite one is a model 75 compact in 40 S & W.
Good Luck...A.H

JamesR · 12-17-2007, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by neophyte

JamesR: Sir; your question is tough. You'll get plenty of quality answers. My answers are "my thoughts" only. Give consideration as warranted.
Have you shot many .45's
have you considered cost per shot
have you considered carrying or CC
have you considered other 'brands'
has your friends been pointing you?
Do you have a safe place to keep any unit?
Do you plan home defensive thinking?
Sir; our abilities are alway limited in giving open ended answers; that the reason I blab on about thinking.
If and I say 'IF' you are not stuck with one caliber.
Cost of shooting a 9mm versus the .45 is less than 1/2. Starting out and maybe for the rest of your shooting life that will take some of the joy. You and we need to practice and practice until we get somewhat competent and the practice until we are 'better'. My vote without knowing 'squat' a 9mm. If you are interested; brands can be named not in any particular order.
Researching is fun for me. I'll come to G&G often and read others thinking. They are good. Doesn't mean we have to agree. The points of the thinking is part of good sound research.
Follow up with your Thoughts and experiences

Thanks

well first thanks for the reply.

my decision is entirely mine as to which pistol to purchase, so none of my friends have been pushing on one vs the other. I am going to get my CC before I make a purchase as well. I have fired, well just about any weapon there is save a SMAW (shoulder Mounted Attack Weapon) and such. A 9mm is cost effective vs the 45acp but from a protection stand point I prefer a .45 (not that I hope to use it, but rather if I do I'll know that I'll be safe)

I have also been looking at domicile gun safes and am looking for pointers on Home Defense. Also it doesn't have to be H&K and I am open to other models, it could have been just me but the three separate glochs I've fired have ALL jammed on me, though the barrttas I've used were very fluid in their operation and I have considered them several times though to be honest I don't know which other brands would bring good quality to the table as I haven't found a reliable source of reviews yet.

However I could always either hold on the .45acp (which I have shot loads of times) and get a 9mm, or just buy both? Use the 9mm as my CC and the .45 as a omg last resort hope I never use it home defense. I'm still looking and by no means will I be close minded to irrational in this acquisition, I want to be safe and certain before I spend money.

Cyrano · 12-17-2007, 03:39 PM

Welcome to the forum, James. You've come to the right place to get no-nonsense answers to your shooting questions.

I agree with the other posters: start off with a used .45 ACP if you have your heart set on one. (I'm presuming you have experience with the .45. If you don't, you might want to work up to it by starting with a 9mm US Pistol clone. Star, Taurus and Llama all have M1911A1 clones in 9mm you might like.) Find one that feels right to you - it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks, you're the one shooting it - and have it checked by a competent gunsmith. If it checks out okay, buy it and take it to the range and get acquainted with it.

Don't overlook a pistol just because of its finish. Mechanical functioning is more important than finish, especially when you're just learning the class of pistol. For instance, my .45 Llama Model IX looks like some nut took it to a hotrod speed shop and had a two-tone paint job done to it; I've never seen another .45 with the same kind of look the FEG PA-63 has! But that doesn't affect how well it shoots, and I got it for a ridiculously low price. I'm very happy with it.

As far as makers of affordable USP clones go, look at Rock Island Arsenal (aka RIA), Llama, and Star. And remember that replacement parts for the .45 are plentiful and easy to find, so one that has some wear to it might be easily brought back to good shooting condition affordably. If you can't break one down for cleaning, you probably shouldn't be buying it; so replacing parts ought not to be too big an issue.

If you don't already have Cheaper Than Dirt, Graf & Sons, Natchez Shooters Supplies, and J&G Sales bookmarked on your computer, you should pay the sites a visit. You can frequently find affordable .45 ammo there.

There's my 2 cents, for what it's worth. Let us know how you get on; we like to hear how things come out on this forum.

neophyte · 12-17-2007, 07:34 PM

JamesR: Sir; still tough
In most of my postings I offer thinking. Shot placement versus caliber. I shoot Glock 9mm-.40, Ruger .38-.357-.44, SW .38, XD 9mm-.45, Khar .40, Colt .38, and some others on a semi regular basis. I have a want list too. SR9, Cougar 8000, Single Six .17hmr. My experiences with these. If they didn't work to suite me; in the can they would go. What would I use should shtf. .38 wheel gun always loaded.
My ego suggest that I can and will hit. My follow up with the 638 will be on top of the first. In reality I say my prayers there will never be a need.
Sir; I do not post historically my little bit of mess. My point at this juncture; background. Not bragging just background.
Practicing will give you the best protection, regardless of the caliber. It sounds as if you may be set with a .45 for home defense.
Consider this: you get both; hypothetical of course. You practice your behind off with a XYA 9mm to the point; knocking flies out of the air regularly aint no deal. Home defense AAA .45; practice a few times to get a feel for it. Set it aside because ammo pricing and the 9mm is more fun to shoot. Personal opinion: Problem in the heat of a moment; familiarity; 9mm said heated situation will be less stressful. .45 may cause more of a ruckus; but without the same effort; the 9mm will and can serve you well.
In reality I do not believe one unit or major manufacture is 'better' than the other. I have a tendency to pick and choose for my perceived needs

yeah right

. Regularly shooting all of them. What is meant by this. when shooting; knowing my comfort level, my understanding my limitations, and my desire.
From the military side: these folks sleep with said units, they tear them down, clean, reassembly after each outing or if the DI got a burr. Reasonably thought out; investing the energy to know the units inside out. Life may depend on the ability to repair in the heat of conflict.They use primarily the same unit style for the duration. Weapon change; back to the maintenance learning drill. We as the rule aint gonna get to that 30sec tear down put together drill. At least not me.

Diatribe over.
Home defensive thinking: Shotgun 12 gauge #6 shot.
Home preparedness: shotgun 12 gauge #6 shot
I prefer a PUMP
.40sw 165grn traveling companion
.45 225grn car truck traveling companion
.38 115grn goes where I go legally no matter what else is ridding along.
Find a good ballistic table; spend a few minutes and give consideration to a most simple.
Ballistic's mean nothing if you miss your target in conflict. Wrong answer; the innocent are around all the time. Practice means practicing placement at any time.
You folks stress me out. I shouldn't have to think. I appreciate your time and consideration with asking such complicated questions.
Thanks

JamesR · 12-18-2007, 01:48 AM

So the consensus is pretty much identical which is good. I have started looking at 9mm again and well am most likely going to get a Baretta 92fs then the .45acp since I've done some looking around and asking the local range their opinion on used firearms as well. Everyone has literally repeated near verbatim cost vs use etc so I'd like to say thanks again for the good bit of help and I'm glad I found the right place to ask questions. You all are a tremendous help thanks !

ArkansasHunter · 12-18-2007, 01:53 AM

James take a look at the CZ line of pistols they have 9mm and 40 S&W and probably the best on the planet as far as I.m concerned...A.H

Bravo · 12-18-2007, 09:24 AM

CZ makes an incredible handgun. The CZ-75 (9mm) is considered by some to be the best handgun ever made.

When I was getting ready to buy my first handgun, I was in the same boat as you, James. I had my heart set on a .45, and always told myself that a 9mm won't do the job in self defense.

I've since smartened up a bit, realizing that I can practice more than twice as much with a 9mm, and that a .45 is useless if I'm not good enough with the gun to hit my target.

If you're looking at the 9mm, I would recommend one of these guns:

The Best Nines - Who makes the best 9mm pistol? Mini test handgun review gun dealer auction

I own the S&W M&P-9 (#4), and can say that it is an incredible machine. 800 rounds thus far with the cheapest ammo that I can find, no jams, no failures to feed or eject. I know of people that are at 20,000+ right now, also with no failures.

The Springfield XD9 is also an awesome weapon that is supposed to be very reliable. Lots of people here own them.

As for single action, you can't go wrong with a Beretta 92, but I would look into the CZ-75b if you like that type of trigger/action.

Deersniper · 12-18-2007, 10:14 AM

Go to a range and rent some to find out what fits you. The only way to try em is to fire em.

neophyte · 12-18-2007, 12:41 PM

Whew!!

Thought there for a minute we had lost you.
Sir; now to business at hand.
Glocks
XD's
Stoeger Cougar 8000; a true Beretta
Ruger SR9
CZ
Kids in the candy stores, add to the list.
For me; Ruger SR9; Cougar 8000 price plus quality.
Both are accurate.
With most of the Major manufacturers you'll not go wrong.
Follow up

and thanks

Bravo · 12-18-2007, 12:42 PM

Not sure about James, but I don't know of a range in my state that lets you rent out firearms...

JamesR · 12-19-2007, 12:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bravo

Not sure about James, but I don't know of a range in my state that lets you rent out firearms...

my local range has a "rental wall" you go to the range and rent ear/eye protection and SEVERAL different firearms. The crowd favorites are the fully auto MP5 and Uzi, but there are tons there. I really really like the 1911 (first pistol I ever shot) they have a Springfield armory wwII 1911 a2 in addition to the 1911 I've fired Colt, glock, kimber, h&k, sig, and so forth literally I have lots of shooting experience under my belt. I can fire a .45 very well from 75 feet and closer, as my shot grouping is wonderful. With a 9mm I can shoot slightly better, I have grip,stance, posture, and breathing down. For a while I considered competition shooting but never got the guts to do it.

However of all the pistols I have fired I really like Colt, H&K, Sig, and Baretta. I am not fond of Glock, I have never like their feel, the trigger squeeze was odd at first and even with repeated use I find it uncomfortable; also the three I've fired have jammed in rapid fire use, and I was quite tame even. It wasn't a immature haha look I'm shooting way fast, it was a "I wonder if i had too, how fast could I shoot and maintain accuracy?" overall I was unimpressed. I've fired the Glock .40 .45 and 9mm. The reason I've started looking at the 92FS again is, I can take it apart easily and know how to maintain it well and I have alot of time in use of it. Its one of the more comfortable firearms I've used and I know it well. Now this CZ-75 I'll have to look into, initial searching has yielded nothing but praise, save its not made for the lefties or the ambidextrous, but I'm a righty so it matters not.

Don357 · 12-19-2007, 07:11 PM

Quote:

However I could always either hold on the .45acp (which I have shot loads of times) and get a 9mm, or just buy both? Use the 9mm as my CC and the .45 as a omg last resort hope I never use it home defense. I'm still looking and by no means will I be close minded to irrational in this acquisition, I want to be safe and certain before I spend money.[/

quote]

This was A GREAT IDEA!!!

madcratebuilder · 12-20-2007, 09:51 AM

JamesR
It seems to me you really like the 1911 style pistol. If you are serious about concealed carry, you should look at a commander size in 45acp. I carry a full size at times and it does get heavy and you aren't going to conceal it with a tee shirt. They have some very small 1911 pistols on the market now. I am not a 9mm fan, but it's a fine round, I would go with the acp myself.

The Colt is much more fun to shoot, but the Smith is much easier to carry concealed. It is also quite mild to shoot loaded with 38spl, still carries a punch with 158gr 357's.

Bottom line, it's your money, buy what YOU like. Guns are like potato chips, you can't have just one.

oldjarhead · 12-20-2007, 10:22 AM

James, you've received some pretty good advice and recommendations to your question. The bottom line is, however, it is your choice. If you prefer the .45ACP then that is what to get; believe me if you don't get what you prefer most,you will ultimately be disappointed. The price of ammo is of great concern as the prices keep going up BUT is ending up with a pistol you are not happy with worth the off-set? I have a range of pistols from .22LR to .45ACP including an IAI AutoMag III in .30 Carbine and I am happy with all of them. So pick your pistol according to your wants. You can always buy that next one later but your first one should be what you want in the caliber of your dreams.

LefthandShooter · 12-20-2007, 01:20 PM

[quote=Bravo;381241]James,

1st Recommendation: S&W M&P .45 (seen here in desert brown, available in black also):
Product: Smith & Wesson M&P45 - Dark Earth Brown

Here! Here! I LOVE the M&P .45ACP. It is cheaper to shoot the 9mm though. I have both and with the M&P you have the interchangable grips and they are left-hand friendly.

CHEF MIKE · 12-20-2007, 01:45 PM

I agree with oldjarhead, get what you want!! I have shot them all and own most calibres. I bought an Ed Brown Special Forces and have found it to be the BEST .45 I have ever owned. It was not cheap but it outguns my Kimbers by and large! Being happy with what you get is the thing.

12-16-2007, 06:40 PM	#1
JamesR Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 9 Trader Rating: (0)	Newbie in need of help Hi, I'm James. I've saved up some money and am now deciding on what I should get. In my research I've set my sights on a USP .45 ACP standard. I'm not sure whether I should buy a used one, if thats possible or a new one. I've never owned a firearm before, but have shot plenty on many occasions so I am no stranger to them, what advise if any would you guys give to someone in my position? I like shooting for recreation at my local range but would also like a bit of personal protection. any help will be appreciated

12-17-2007, 10:21 AM	#2
neophyte Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 3,198 Trader Rating: (0)	competent JamesR: Sir; your question is tough. You'll get plenty of quality answers. My answers are "my thoughts" only. Give consideration as warranted. Have you shot many .45's have you considered cost per shot have you considered carrying or CC have you considered other 'brands' has your friends been pointing you? Do you have a safe place to keep any unit? Do you plan home defensive thinking? Sir; our abilities are alway limited in giving open ended answers; that the reason I blab on about thinking. If and I say 'IF' you are not stuck with one caliber. Cost of shooting a 9mm versus the .45 is less than 1/2. Starting out and maybe for the rest of your shooting life that will take some of the joy. You and we need to practice and practice until we get somewhat competent and the practice until we are 'better'. My vote without knowing 'squat' a 9mm. If you are interested; brands can be named not in any particular order. Researching is fun for me. I'll come to G&G often and read others thinking. They are good. Doesn't mean we have to agree. The points of the thinking is part of good sound research. Follow up with your Thoughts and experiences Thanks __________________ Craig By the standards of most

12-17-2007, 07:34 PM	#8
neophyte Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 3,198 Trader Rating: (0)	serve JamesR: Sir; still tough In most of my postings I offer thinking. Shot placement versus caliber. I shoot Glock 9mm-.40, Ruger .38-.357-.44, SW .38, XD 9mm-.45, Khar .40, Colt .38, and some others on a semi regular basis. I have a want list too. SR9, Cougar 8000, Single Six .17hmr. My experiences with these. If they didn't work to suite me; in the can they would go. What would I use should shtf. .38 wheel gun always loaded. My ego suggest that I can and will hit. My follow up with the 638 will be on top of the first. In reality I say my prayers there will never be a need. Sir; I do not post historically my little bit of mess. My point at this juncture; background. Not bragging just background. Practicing will give you the best protection, regardless of the caliber. It sounds as if you may be set with a .45 for home defense. Consider this: you get both; hypothetical of course. You practice your behind off with a XYA 9mm to the point; knocking flies out of the air regularly aint no deal. Home defense AAA .45; practice a few times to get a feel for it. Set it aside because ammo pricing and the 9mm is more fun to shoot. Personal opinion: Problem in the heat of a moment; familiarity; 9mm said heated situation will be less stressful. .45 may cause more of a ruckus; but without the same effort; the 9mm will and can serve you well. In reality I do not believe one unit or major manufacture is 'better' than the other. I have a tendency to pick and choose for my perceived needs yeah right. Regularly shooting all of them. What is meant by this. when shooting; knowing my comfort level, my understanding my limitations, and my desire. From the military side: these folks sleep with said units, they tear them down, clean, reassembly after each outing or if the DI got a burr. Reasonably thought out; investing the energy to know the units inside out. Life may depend on the ability to repair in the heat of conflict.They use primarily the same unit style for the duration. Weapon change; back to the maintenance learning drill. We as the rule aint gonna get to that 30sec tear down put together drill. At least not me. Diatribe over. Home defensive thinking: Shotgun 12 gauge #6 shot. Home preparedness: shotgun 12 gauge #6 shot I prefer a PUMP .40sw 165grn traveling companion .45 225grn car truck traveling companion .38 115grn goes where I go legally no matter what else is ridding along. Find a good ballistic table; spend a few minutes and give consideration to a most simple. Ballistic's mean nothing if you miss your target in conflict. Wrong answer; the innocent are around all the time. Practice means practicing placement at any time. You folks stress me out. I shouldn't have to think. I appreciate your time and consideration with asking such complicated questions. Thanks __________________ Craig By the standards of most

12-18-2007, 12:41 PM	#13
neophyte Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 3,198 Trader Rating: (0)	whew Whew!! Thought there for a minute we had lost you. Sir; now to business at hand. Glocks XD's Stoeger Cougar 8000; a true Beretta Ruger SR9 CZ Kids in the candy stores, add to the list. For me; Ruger SR9; Cougar 8000 price plus quality. Both are accurate. With most of the Major manufacturers you'll not go wrong. Follow up and thanks __________________ Craig By the standards of most

12-20-2007, 09:51 AM	#17
madcratebuilder Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Northern Orygun Posts: 498 Trader Rating: (0)	JamesR It seems to me you really like the 1911 style pistol. If you are serious about concealed carry, you should look at a commander size in 45acp. I carry a full size at times and it does get heavy and you aren't going to conceal it with a tee shirt. They have some very small 1911 pistols on the market now. I am not a 9mm fan, but it's a fine round, I would go with the acp myself. The Colt is much more fun to shoot, but the Smith is much easier to carry concealed. It is also quite mild to shoot loaded with 38spl, still carries a punch with 158gr 357's. Bottom line, it's your money, buy what YOU like. Guns are like potato chips, you can't have just one. __________________ The difference between a hot dog and a weenie is a fine line.....

12-17-2007, 10:24 AM	#3
eddiedeverell Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Aurora, CO. Posts: 241 Trader Rating: (0)	Welcome to the forum! I would have to tell you to take a lok at a few guns you like than just go frome there, its really up to you.The USP is a great gun, so are the glocks, I prefer the 1911 models. But all that is up to you. A used gun can save you lots of money, but you always have to be careful, make sure you buy it from a reputable dealer. Another thing to consider is the companies warranty. I hope that helps a little.

12-17-2007, 11:57 AM	#4
Bravo Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Maine, USA Posts: 1,775 Trader Rating: (0)	James, The USP is a great gun. It's been proven time after time around the world, but, you pay for the H&K name. I'm not going to try to talk you out of the .45acp cartridge. I drool over that cartridge too, and will someday get one once I further improve my handgun skills with the 9mm. Here is my opinion...don't take it too seriously, since it is just an opinion; I'd go for a gun that is a little cheaper, which means, no H&K. 1st Recommendation: S&W M&P .45 (seen here in desert brown, available in black also): Product: Smith & Wesson M&P45 - Dark Earth Brown 2nd: Springfield 1911-A1 Mil-Spec: Springfield Armory I wouldn't get a Glock, but that's just because I don't like the grips. But, I would get what you want the most. Go to a shop and hold a few handguns. The grip and trigger are what determine if I like the gun or not.

12-17-2007, 12:13 PM	#5
ArkansasHunter Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: South Arkansas Posts: 10,504 Trader Rating: (0)	JamesR WELCOME to GUN and GAME feller and I'm delighted your interested in buying pistol you do need one. Picking the right pistol is work and I'm guessing from the shooting you've done you've handled a USP 45. I'm not familar with it and my only suggestion is find something you can conceal comfortably on your person if you decide to get a concealed carry permit in the caliber you decide on. You said you've saved up some money and by judgeing what the others say the H&K must be pretty pricecy so that tells me you can buy a high quality pistol. Theres many to choose from so hang around and the recomendation will come. The Glocks are outstanding weapons and while your looking check out the CZ line of semi-auto pistols too. My favorite one is a model 75 compact in 40 S & W. Good Luck...A.H

12-17-2007, 03:39 PM	#7
Cyrano Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: New York Posts: 1,952 Trader Rating: (0)	Welcome to the forum, James. You've come to the right place to get no-nonsense answers to your shooting questions. I agree with the other posters: start off with a used .45 ACP if you have your heart set on one. (I'm presuming you have experience with the .45. If you don't, you might want to work up to it by starting with a 9mm US Pistol clone. Star, Taurus and Llama all have M1911A1 clones in 9mm you might like.) Find one that feels right to you - it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks, you're the one shooting it - and have it checked by a competent gunsmith. If it checks out okay, buy it and take it to the range and get acquainted with it. Don't overlook a pistol just because of its finish. Mechanical functioning is more important than finish, especially when you're just learning the class of pistol. For instance, my .45 Llama Model IX looks like some nut took it to a hotrod speed shop and had a two-tone paint job done to it; I've never seen another .45 with the same kind of look the FEG PA-63 has! But that doesn't affect how well it shoots, and I got it for a ridiculously low price. I'm very happy with it. As far as makers of affordable USP clones go, look at Rock Island Arsenal (aka RIA), Llama, and Star. And remember that replacement parts for the .45 are plentiful and easy to find, so one that has some wear to it might be easily brought back to good shooting condition affordably. If you can't break one down for cleaning, you probably shouldn't be buying it; so replacing parts ought not to be too big an issue. If you don't already have Cheaper Than Dirt, Graf & Sons, Natchez Shooters Supplies, and J&G Sales bookmarked on your computer, you should pay the sites a visit. You can frequently find affordable .45 ammo there. There's my 2 cents, for what it's worth. Let us know how you get on; we like to hear how things come out on this forum.

12-18-2007, 01:48 AM	#9
JamesR Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 9 Trader Rating: (0)	So the consensus is pretty much identical which is good. I have started looking at 9mm again and well am most likely going to get a Baretta 92fs then the .45acp since I've done some looking around and asking the local range their opinion on used firearms as well. Everyone has literally repeated near verbatim cost vs use etc so I'd like to say thanks again for the good bit of help and I'm glad I found the right place to ask questions. You all are a tremendous help thanks !

12-18-2007, 01:53 AM	#10
ArkansasHunter Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: South Arkansas Posts: 10,504 Trader Rating: (0)	James take a look at the CZ line of pistols they have 9mm and 40 S&W and probably the best on the planet as far as I.m concerned...A.H

12-18-2007, 09:24 AM	#11
Bravo Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Maine, USA Posts: 1,775 Trader Rating: (0)	CZ makes an incredible handgun. The CZ-75 (9mm) is considered by some to be the best handgun ever made. When I was getting ready to buy my first handgun, I was in the same boat as you, James. I had my heart set on a .45, and always told myself that a 9mm won't do the job in self defense. I've since smartened up a bit, realizing that I can practice more than twice as much with a 9mm, and that a .45 is useless if I'm not good enough with the gun to hit my target. If you're looking at the 9mm, I would recommend one of these guns: The Best Nines - Who makes the best 9mm pistol? Mini test handgun review gun dealer auction I own the S&W M&P-9 (#4), and can say that it is an incredible machine. 800 rounds thus far with the cheapest ammo that I can find, no jams, no failures to feed or eject. I know of people that are at 20,000+ right now, also with no failures. The Springfield XD9 is also an awesome weapon that is supposed to be very reliable. Lots of people here own them. As for single action, you can't go wrong with a Beretta 92, but I would look into the CZ-75b if you like that type of trigger/action.

12-18-2007, 10:14 AM	#12
Deersniper Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 1,333 Trader Rating: (0)	Go to a range and rent some to find out what fits you. The only way to try em is to fire em.

12-18-2007, 12:42 PM	#14
Bravo Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Maine, USA Posts: 1,775 Trader Rating: (0)	Not sure about James, but I don't know of a range in my state that lets you rent out firearms...

12-20-2007, 10:22 AM	#18
oldjarhead Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Pottersville, MO Posts: 680 Trader Rating: (0)	James, you've received some pretty good advice and recommendations to your question. The bottom line is, however, it is your choice. If you prefer the .45ACP then that is what to get; believe me if you don't get what you prefer most,you will ultimately be disappointed. The price of ammo is of great concern as the prices keep going up BUT is ending up with a pistol you are not happy with worth the off-set? I have a range of pistols from .22LR to .45ACP including an IAI AutoMag III in .30 Carbine and I am happy with all of them. So pick your pistol according to your wants. You can always buy that next one later but your first one should be what you want in the caliber of your dreams.

12-20-2007, 01:20 PM	#19
LefthandShooter Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: In A House in NE Ohio! Posts: 1,180 Trader Rating: (0)	[quote=Bravo;381241]James, 1st Recommendation: S&W M&P .45 (seen here in desert brown, available in black also): Product: Smith & Wesson M&P45 - Dark Earth Brown Here! Here! I LOVE the M&P .45ACP. It is cheaper to shoot the 9mm though. I have both and with the M&P you have the interchangable grips and they are left-hand friendly.

12-20-2007, 01:45 PM	#20
CHEF MIKE Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: In the Blue Ridge Mts. of VA Posts: 13 Trader Rating: (0)	I agree with oldjarhead, get what you want!! I have shot them all and own most calibres. I bought an Ed Brown Special Forces and have found it to be the BEST .45 I have ever owned. It was not cheap but it outguns my Kimbers by and large! Being happy with what you get is the thing.