First Handgun: 1911?

Mimosa Toro · 01-15-2008, 12:03 AM

Alright, y'all...

I'm looking to do lots of things, basically, I'm going to take a concealed carry class, and I would then like to have a handgun that I can carry if I so choose.

We have a couple of handguns in my family, one's a .22 revolver, the other's a .38 Special. Both are S&W. Dad's never been a huge gun collector, or have another one for any reason except personal/business protection.

I want a handgun for the same reason. But I'd also like to have something that also looks good. Maybe a little chrome...I don't know. I don't need something like a Desert Eagle, but I don't want a sub-compact .22. I'm pretty well sold on the 1911, but my mind could be changed.

Just looking for some help! THANKS!!!

nathangdad · 01-15-2008, 07:55 AM

Handle and fire a wide variety of handguns in different calibers to find what fits you the best as this is what you will eventually shoot with the greatest level of confidence and accuracy. Don't rush into a buying decision.

ADDITIONAL COMMENT TO MIMOSA TORO: I would start with the .22 caliber handguns in single action, double action, and semi-auto. Then I move on to the .38 specials and 9mm's. Then the .40 S&W. The important thing is to take time and work your way up. People will push the magnums but, realistically, not many people ever learn to shoot a magnum cartridge well enough to justify
counting on it for hunting or target work. Again, the important thing is to find what is best for you in terms of caliber, balance, pointability, trigger pull, hand to gun fit, etc. . . . . This will be the gun with which you will practice the most, gain confidence in using, and will place the best shot should opportunity or necessity arise.

Mimosa Toro · 01-15-2008, 10:30 AM

Thanks for the reply. I got to thinking about it this morning, and that's the only way to do anything (cars, golf clubs, guns...).

Do you have any suggestions for starting points?

BPierce · 01-15-2008, 11:06 AM

The 1911 is a great gun but I would not recommend it as a carry gun for someone new. If you have a serious 1911 shooter to coach you and you are willing to do the work, I would be willing to back down on that statement. Otherwise, look at some of the more modern offerings. Keep in mind that a 1911 should be "cocked, locked & holstered" and then not messed with. Police officers are advised to leave the gun in the holster when they put it away.

Stay away from the hot magnums but don't forget the .357 shoots 38 Special as well. The .45ACP is not any worse to shoot than the .40 S&W.

The recommendation that you buy nothing until you have some experience with a variety of guns is an excellent one.

SCGirl · 01-15-2008, 12:30 PM

Look into a few of the Taurus pistols, I got an PT111 Pro 9mm, and its a great CCW.

SilverRun · 01-15-2008, 01:04 PM

Try to find a local gun range that has a pistol rental program. Rent a couple different pistol on each trip to you find what fits you and you shoot best. I prefer Glocks, but some people don't like them. Just stick with a high quality pistol that is dependable and you shoot well. If you like 1911's, you may want to look at the Para Ordnance LDA series. I keep one of those in my truck. It is basically a double action 1911 - meaning you get the advantages of a 1911 without the single action cocked and locked carry (I have been around guns my whole life, and it still gives me a little twitch carrying my single action 1911 that way).

Mimosa Toro · 01-15-2008, 01:52 PM

Thanks for the replies. I'll look into finding a range with a rental program, and start from there.

Thanks again!

I've just started looking at the Taurus offerings, and I'm really liking what I see.

Now, to find a range, and about 6 hours.....

ArkansasHunter · 01-15-2008, 02:53 PM

Mimosa Toro when you go to take your concealed carry class you might be shocked to learn that if you take a revolver to do your shooting skills test you'll be limited to only carrying a revolver.
If you take a semi-auto then you can carry either one when you want to.
This may not be the case in your state but it is here in Arkansas and some other states.
I haven't a clue why it's that way but it is, so make sure you check in to it.
This may help you determin what you buy too.

WELCOME to GUN and GAME feller !!! If you don't mind let us know if your state is the same as mine...A.H

Mimosa Toro · 01-15-2008, 03:01 PM

That is quite interesting. Thanks for the information A.H.

I'll probably do it with a semi-auto so that I could carry both, if the law places such a restriction on CCW.

Thanks for the welcome.

01-15-2008, 12:03 AM	#1
Mimosa Toro Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Chas., SC Posts: 13	First Handgun: 1911? Alright, y'all... I'm looking to do lots of things, basically, I'm going to take a concealed carry class, and I would then like to have a handgun that I can carry if I so choose. We have a couple of handguns in my family, one's a .22 revolver, the other's a .38 Special. Both are S&W. Dad's never been a huge gun collector, or have another one for any reason except personal/business protection. I want a handgun for the same reason. But I'd also like to have something that also looks good. Maybe a little chrome...I don't know. I don't need something like a Desert Eagle, but I don't want a sub-compact .22. I'm pretty well sold on the 1911, but my mind could be changed. Just looking for some help! THANKS!!!

01-15-2008, 07:55 AM	#2
nathangdad Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 1,179	Shoot a variety of handguns Handle and fire a wide variety of handguns in different calibers to find what *fits* you the best as this is what you will eventually shoot with the greatest level of confidence and accuracy. Don't rush into a buying decision. ADDITIONAL COMMENT TO MIMOSA TORO: I would start with the .22 caliber handguns in single action, double action, and semi-auto. Then I move on to the .38 specials and 9mm's. Then the .40 S&W. The important thing is to take time and work your way up. People will push the magnums but, realistically, not many people ever learn to shoot a magnum cartridge well enough to justify counting on it for hunting or target work. Again, the important thing is to find what is best for you in terms of caliber, balance, pointability, trigger pull, hand to gun fit, etc. . . . . This will be the gun with which you will practice the most, gain confidence in using, and will place the best shot should opportunity or necessity arise. Last edited by nathangdad; 01-15-2008 at 03:01 PM. Reason: Additional info

01-15-2008, 01:52 PM	#7
Mimosa Toro Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Chas., SC Posts: 13	Thanks for the replies. I'll look into finding a range with a rental program, and start from there. Thanks again! I've just started looking at the Taurus offerings, and I'm really liking what I see. Now, to find a range, and about 6 hours..... Last edited by Mimosa Toro; 01-15-2008 at 02:52 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost

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01-15-2008, 10:30 AM	#3
Mimosa Toro Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Chas., SC Posts: 13	Thanks for the reply. I got to thinking about it this morning, and that's the only way to do anything (cars, golf clubs, guns...). Do you have any suggestions for starting points?

01-15-2008, 11:06 AM	#4
BPierce Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Minnesota (Becker County) Posts: 126	The 1911 is a great gun but I would not recommend it as a carry gun for someone new. If you have a serious 1911 shooter to coach you and you are willing to do the work, I would be willing to back down on that statement. Otherwise, look at some of the more modern offerings. Keep in mind that a 1911 should be "cocked, locked & holstered" and then not messed with. Police officers are advised to leave the gun in the holster when they put it away. Stay away from the hot magnums but don't forget the .357 shoots 38 Special as well. The .45ACP is not any worse to shoot than the .40 S&W. The recommendation that you buy nothing until you have some experience with a variety of guns is an excellent one.

01-15-2008, 12:30 PM	#5
SCGirl Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Lexington, SC Posts: 161	Look into a few of the Taurus pistols, I got an PT111 Pro 9mm, and its a great CCW.

01-15-2008, 01:04 PM	#6
SilverRun Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: AL Posts: 1,591	Try to find a local gun range that has a pistol rental program. Rent a couple different pistol on each trip to you find what fits you and you shoot best. I prefer Glocks, but some people don't like them. Just stick with a high quality pistol that is dependable and you shoot well. If you like 1911's, you may want to look at the Para Ordnance LDA series. I keep one of those in my truck. It is basically a double action 1911 - meaning you get the advantages of a 1911 without the single action cocked and locked carry (I have been around guns my whole life, and it still gives me a little twitch carrying my single action 1911 that way).

01-15-2008, 02:53 PM	#8
ArkansasHunter Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: South Arkansas Posts: 8,717	Mimosa Toro when you go to take your concealed carry class you might be shocked to learn that if you take a revolver to do your shooting skills test you'll be limited to only carrying a revolver. If you take a semi-auto then you can carry either one when you want to. This may not be the case in your state but it is here in Arkansas and some other states. I haven't a clue why it's that way but it is, so make sure you check in to it. This may help you determin what you buy too. WELCOME to GUN and GAME feller !!! If you don't mind let us know if your state is the same as mine...A.H

01-15-2008, 03:01 PM	#9
Mimosa Toro Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Chas., SC Posts: 13	That is quite interesting. Thanks for the information A.H. I'll probably do it with a semi-auto so that I could carry both, if the law places such a restriction on CCW. Thanks for the welcome.