Need help with gun choice

[lee-enfeild]

have a friend who has decided to purchase new pistol and has asked my advice on what he should get, he has narrowed down his choices to these three kinds. Smith & Wesson Sigma .40
Beretta 92
Ruger 9mm P series. I don't know which one of these is the better pistol but i have heard a lot of good comments about the Ruger. What would you recommend?

[eddiedeverell]

They are all good, I like the Ruger myself, but dont forget the new XD line I just got one and love it. My wife has a Ruger 40cal. It is very reliable, just tell him to get one that fits and feels right! What is he using it for? Home defence? Has he shot a gun before? What caliber?

[nathangdad]

Best advice is to take some time, handle all of them, shoot them if possible, and find the one
that "fits" the best in terms of weight, balance,
pointability, trigger pull, etc. This is an individual experience and what is right for one person may
not be right for another. Just do not rush into anything as they are all good quality firearms.

[utahvarminter]

Sigma kinda sucks...

I'd go Beretta.

[lee-enfeild]

Yes he has shot a gun before he is ex-military. He is planning on using the gun for home and personal defense. How are you able to try out the guns before you purchase them?

[neophyte]

Many gun ranges have some or many different models that are rentals. Do a Goggle search of your area and check.
Ex Military have unique experiences. Thinking about assisting in the general populace. That is tough.
Consider these thoughts.
22's cheapest to shoot
9mm next cheapest
.40 expensive to shoot
.45 expensive to shoot
Any of the major company's have good models. Favoritism here will get specific answers from particular likes and dislikes. Model that I like
Glock 17-22
Ruger SR9
Ruger 95DC
Stoeger Cougar 8000
XD 9 of course
Tell him thanks for his 'service'

[SCGuy]

Personally, I'd go to the local range and see if they have one of each of the pistols available for rent. That way he can shoot each and see which one he likes better.

As for me, I'd go with the Beretta 92FS hands down. I'm retired Air Force Security Police and was so impressed with the Beretta that I bought one for myself; that pistol is now my main CC pistol and is the one I'm best with at the range. It's a tough, durable, reliable pistol that is very easy to shoot - the open top slide makes a "stovepipe" jam absolutely impossible! I've been shooting the 92FS since 1986 and I've never - NEVER - had a misfeed or a jam in either the military weapons or my own personal weapon.

I'm a 100% dyed-in-the-wool Beretta fan, with Taurus being a very close second!

[neophyte]

SCGuy: Sir; being the 'Beretta' guy; have you seen the Stoeger Cougar 8000;
I am interested in any "Beretta" owners opinion. Basically, any differences

Thanks

[two-70]

its hard to beat the rugers for the money, sigmas are not bad but the triggers are stiff, got to get used to them, Beretta is a fine gun but big and bulky

[GlockMeister]

Originally Posted by two-70

its hard to beat the rugers for the money, sigmas are not bad but the triggers are stiff, got to get used to them, Beretta is a fine gun but big and bulky

Just posting my disagreement that Beretta's are "BULKY".. I've got a good sized above average grip, and the Ruger is bigger in the grip then most Berettas. Suppose it depends on the model and all is just a matter of opinion.

I do however agree with renting what you'd like to own, if possible and shooting them, get familiar with them that way. Maybe go with a friend or two, shoot what they have. Both are good ways to get an idea as to what will work for you.

However, if you are not familiar with guns or it has been a while since you've handled one, might I suggest going with a revolver, a good .38? Less chance of a misfire. No chance of a stove pipe. If it doesn't go off, you can just pull the trigger again and again until it does. Great for those under distress conditions, most rarely prepare for. One can always buy a semi-auto down the road.

Another thought to the revolver is, if you're married, it is something, if need be and god forbid, the spouse could also use without being to much to handle.

Also, consider where you live if for home/personal defense. Don't get something too powerful that will wind up going through your walls and a neighbors walls, especially if in an apt. building.

Might I for home/personal defense also suggest a tactical shotgun? Remington, Charles Daly and Mossberg make reasonably priced ones. In fact, Mossberg has those JIC (Just In Case) units for about 300 bucks or so. check out GunBroker.com Online Gun Auction search Mossberg just in case in description. Local dealers can also get.

Anyhow, as for the Beretta-Ruger disagreement, let's just agree to disagree. We all have our own opinions and like buttholes, we all have one and they can most often stink...

GlcokMeister

[evilblackrifle]

Originally Posted by lee-enfeild

have a friend who has decided to purchase new pistol and has asked my advice on what he should get, he has narrowed down his choices to these three kinds. Smith & Wesson Sigma .40
Beretta 92
Ruger 9mm P series. I don't know which one of these is the better pistol but i have heard a lot of good comments about the Ruger. What would you recommend?

Sigmas have a reputation for sucking. Friends don't recommend Sigmas to friends.

Berettas are good. But, I'd rather have the...

Ruger P Series. Built like a tank. Well know for firing whatever ammo you feed it. Not real pretty to look at.... but they work.

[Doctor Larry K]

I would go with the Ruger too. Pass on the Sigma even if it was free.


Doc