OT: which pistol

doggystyle

Redshirt
Sep 12, 2012
84
0
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Gonna get a pistol to put in my car. Which one should I get? I’ve been around rifles and shotguns but pistols not as much.
 

57stratdawg

Heisman
Dec 1, 2004
148,739
24,625
113
 

deadheaddawg

Redshirt
Sep 3, 2012
860
0
0
Do you want an external safety or not? Do you have preference for a striker fired or hammer?

If you ask this question to enough people you will get a lot of answers for Glocks, 1911s, and Sig's.....all completely different trigger systems and pulls from each other (striker, SA, DA (sig makes them all though)

I'm a revolver guy, which is a whole nother thing

I'd recommend trying to narrow down the pistol type you want first. Then the caliber. Once you get that you can have much more informed suggestions.
 
Nov 14, 2010
830
85
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Great post - looking for one myself. Don’t want a tiny toy. Looking at a Sig P320 or perhaps a Heckler and Koch VP9. Looking like 9MM
 

karlchilders.sixpack

All-American
Jun 5, 2008
21,266
5,015
113
What size pistol do you want?

Large
Medium
Small
Tiny

?

I'd focus on the 9's, for reasons, already stated.

AND Edited to say, what is your budget on this?
 
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T-TownDawgg

All-Conference
Nov 4, 2015
4,820
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Yep, I've got the older version Ruger SR9C Compact. Love it. Very accurate, reliable, has the smaller clip for carry and the extended clip for backup if you need it. Eats through any round you put in it, after cleaning out the factory grease, of course.
 

She Mate Me

Heisman
Dec 7, 2008
15,387
15,026
113
I'll let others suggest specifics, but I agree with the 9MM sentiment. You can catch great deals on ammo and you need to shoot and handle a pistol a lot to get safe and proficient with it.
 

M R DAWGS

All-Conference
Apr 13, 2018
2,313
2,223
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HK VP9 or a Glock 19

I own both, and the HK is by far my favorite.
 
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tired

All-Conference
Sep 16, 2013
3,765
1,562
113
I've got a few nice pistols, but I bought a Hi-point to keep in my truck. It was $175 new & a lifetime warranty. I had a Glock stolen from my truck & will never keep anything but a less expensive gun in it. There are some good suggestions here, but I'm a Glock man.
 

o_dawgnabit

All-American
Oct 13, 2016
5,037
8,138
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Look at the Springfield XDS 9mm. That’s what I have. Great carrying gun also. I love the grip on it
 

karlchilders.sixpack

All-American
Jun 5, 2008
21,266
5,015
113
I agree,

but I'm not a Glock fan.

Plus, if you shoot a gun in self defense, it Will be taken for evidence. (no heir looms)
 

catvet

All-American
May 11, 2009
4,279
5,671
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For smaller areas Glock 19 which is the compact 9mm. If you want a bigger pistol, Glock 17 in 9mm. Glock or Sig. There are cheaper models but money means nothing when you have only one shot.
 

AlSwearengen

Redshirt
Aug 22, 2012
1,237
0
0
Sig P938. Your welcome

That is a carry pistol, and a small one at that. Why would you want to limit yourself on rounds and gun size when you aren’t carrying it on your body?

OP, if you are leaving it in your car, find the Best Buy you can on a used glock g17 or Smith and Wesson MP 9mm. You will probably get a lower price on the Smith.
 

Dawgbite

Heisman
Nov 1, 2011
10,022
11,502
113
I’m a hardcore 1911 guy but that’s not what I keep in my truck. You want something reliable, conceal ability really isn’t a concern for a car gun. A safety is a personal preference and most of the new striker fired guns can be had with or without a safety. Polymer frame is better for durability. I personally carry a Kahr C series full size 45 acp, if you aren’t familiar with this gun, think a single stack Glock with a better barrel and a better trigger. Ruger is an inexpensive option and I’ve been impressed with the Cannik for the price. I don’t know where you are located but find a gun range that rents guns, most ranges will let you shoot multiple guns for one rental price and will apply the rent cost to the price of the gun.
 

karlchilders.sixpack

All-American
Jun 5, 2008
21,266
5,015
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I'll go with that, for a truck pistol!

& and pair it with a Pro Mag 10 round mag.

With ammo that is sure to function. (got to test it)
 
Aug 26, 2015
4,071
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+1
For the SR9. Mine works like a charm & I can use the same SR9 magazines I already have for my soon to be procured PC carbine...going to give myself an early Christmas gift.
 

Uncle Ruckus

All-American
Apr 1, 2011
15,448
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I’d get the vp9. Ergonomically the best handgun I’ve ever held/shot. Fire excellent as well.
 

Uncle Ruckus

All-American
Apr 1, 2011
15,448
6,969
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some People are suggesting something cheap since it’s a pistol truck, but don’t forget what it’s for.
It’s to save your life if needed.
Don’t go cheap. Get something that’s going to work. Glock is the most dependable semi auto you can get. However, you have to be comfortable with the gun too, and I am not comfortable with glock so I don’t have one in my truck even though they’re considered tops.
Go to a gun store and ask to hold every gun you’re considering and get what’s best for you. Don’t get something because someone said it’s the best. Get something because it’s a good, dependable firearm and it feels comfortable in your hand. But....when you’re in there make sure to hold a hk vp9
 

Hanmudog

Redshirt
Apr 30, 2006
5,853
0
0
Glock 19 with night sights in case you ever need to use it in the dark. I have put thousands of rounds through mine with every brand 9mm you can think of and it goes bang every single time.
 

msstatelp1

All-Conference
Aug 21, 2012
2,126
1,343
113
10mm is best mm but it's hard to turn down the 9mm because of the price of ammo.

I've got a full size M&P .40 and a 9mm Shield. I'd recommend either of them.
 

kb549

Sophomore
Oct 6, 2014
835
141
43
Look at the Springfield XDS 9mm. That’s what I have. Great carrying gun also. I love the grip on it
DO NOT get a XDS. I got the .45 not long after they came out. A great carry gun in theory. Light and compact. I was a huge fan. The problem is the tolerances are so tight because of the compactness of it that if you limp wrist it at all or don’t hard rack it, it will jam. I was stuck on the side of I65 one evening and realized I didn’t have a round chambered. Someone pulled over to “help.” Even though I wasn’t in a situation where I was threatened, I was trying to rack a round under my steering wheel. It jammed because of the awkward unpracticed posture I was in. Then I did panic. Luckily, I was able to quickly clear it and rack the next one, but I had a round on the floor in an already low capacity mag. Maybe the XDS9s are better now. They initially had the same issues I heard, though.
 

triton28

Freshman
Dec 18, 2009
1,359
69
43
That sig 9 is a ***** to load. So much so that there is a tool u can buy to help load the clip. I wouldn’t recommend it.
 

GloryDawg

Heisman
Mar 3, 2005
20,837
20,061
113
Gonna get a pistol to put in my car. Which one should I get? I’ve been around rifles and shotguns but pistols not as much.


Buy a 32 revolver. Easy to use, safe and easy to maintain. Not much thinking or having to do to much in emergencies. It is a really simple weapon to use.
 

blacklistedbully

All-Conference
Sep 8, 2008
4,248
1,047
113
Just curious to hear from experts here, my home protection arms include a Mosburg .410 shotgun (inherited), though I've yet to buy shells or slugs, a S&W .38 Special loaded with 5 PCM Starfire +P hollow points and a little old Marlin Model 60 .22 rifle.

Obviously, the way things are right now, the revolver is my go-to. .22 rifle not enough stopping power. Shotgun without ammo, and has the long barrel. Don't have a speed-loader for my revolver, but for protection against home invasion do I really need one?

I realize it's better to have too much than too little, but do y'all really think I should have more than what I've got? The revolver is simple, reliable, not subject to jams, etc. I don't have the energy of a comparable 9 mm, but am pretty sure if somebody comes up against the wrong end of my rounds, they are in for a bad day.

Still, I do wonder if I should be holding more than 5 or 6 shots max in my pistol, and quicker, easier access to more rounds.
 

kb549

Sophomore
Oct 6, 2014
835
141
43
Just curious to hear from experts here, my home protection arms include a Mosburg .410 shotgun (inherited), though I've yet to buy shells or slugs, a S&W .38 Special loaded with 5 PCM Starfire +P hollow points and a little old Marlin Model 60 .22 rifle.

Obviously, the way things are right now, the revolver is my go-to. .22 rifle not enough stopping power. Shotgun without ammo, and has the long barrel. Don't have a speed-loader for my revolver, but for protection against home invasion do I really need one?

I realize it's better to have too much than too little, but do y'all really think I should have more than what I've got? The revolver is simple, reliable, not subject to jams, etc. I don't have the energy of a comparable 9 mm, but am pretty sure if somebody comes up against the wrong end of my rounds, they are in for a bad day.

Still, I do wonder if I should be holding more than 5 or 6 shots max in my pistol, and quicker, easier access to more rounds.

5 or 6 isn’t going to stop a cracked out methhead. Some of these dudes are like zombies. There’s plenty of cop stories you can find where they are putting 15-20 rounds or more center mass and they keep coming. Forget what you see in the movies. If your shot doesn’t hit an artery that makes them pump out their blood in a few seconds, all bets are off.

Great read
https://www.policeone.com/police-he...ne-cop-carries-145-rounds-of-ammo-on-the-job/

I had to start carrying a 9mm Kimber Micro9 and a 9mm Glock 43. The .45 Kimber Ultra Carry II was too heavy for my back problems. I normally carry at least one extra mag in my pocket. I hope I never have to use it, but if I do, and it’s against a crackhead, they’re going to need dental records to identify his body.
 

Joe Schmedlap

Redshirt
Aug 11, 2010
1,334
33
48
A good revolver. In the heat of the moment, it won't jam. I keep a .38 special loaded with +P ammo in my console along with one speed loader. Unless I encounter a herd of zombies, I do not feel unprepared for an emergency which fortunately, has not arrived yet.
 

MaxwellSmart

All-Conference
May 28, 2007
2,623
1,077
113
My recommendation is a Glock 17 or 19 with 124gr +p+ or 147gr HST. The best gun will be whatever you are most comfortable shooting accurately but if the **** ever really hits the fan, Glock magazines will be laying everywhere.
 

xxxWalkTheDawg

Redshirt
Oct 21, 2005
4,262
0
25
That is a carry pistol, and a small one at that. Why would you want to limit yourself on rounds and gun size when you aren’t carrying it on your body?

OP, if you are leaving it in your car, find the Best Buy you can on a used glock g17 or Smith and Wesson MP 9mm. You will probably get a lower price on the Smith.

it holds 8 rounds. 7 in the mag and one in the pipe. If you can’t get the point across in 8 rounds, you have skipped out on range time. If 8 rounds is not enough, an extra mag pops into it in seconds.

I prefer a carry pistol for the vehicle. It makes it, in a word, modular. The pistol follows me around unless I’m going somewhere it’s not permitted. It makes no sense to carry one in your vehicle and another on you. You should have one tool for the job.

I’m not a striker fired fan. I just don’t like them. But that’s solely personal preference. I grew up shooting DA/SA and SA pistols and that’s my comfort zone. With that said people truly have a love hate relationship with the M&P pistols. The trigger just doesn’t feel right to me. I have also shot the small M&P 380 pistol and really really do not like it. I always tell people that ask me about them that my opinion is biased, but if you are considering one (an M&P) put 50 rounds through one and then make the decision.

The P938 has a silky smooth trigger. The trigger reset is easy to get used to even for beginners. And I just like having the thumb safety. In an unfortunate situation where it would have to be used, the safety would remain on until the decision is made to shoot.

People snarl their nose a little at the price, but there is a reason a 5 series BMW costs more than a Chevy Impala.
 
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Dawgbite

Heisman
Nov 1, 2011
10,022
11,502
113
Blacklisted, since you are already familiar with revolvers I would suggest you look at a Taurus Judge or S&W Governor Both will shoot 410 shotgun shells or 45 Long Colt ammunition. When these guns first came out The was a lot of 410 ammo developed just for these pistols just for home protection. If I could only have one gun by my bedside, this would be it.
 

josebrown

All-Conference
Aug 4, 2008
3,254
1,390
113
Look at the Springfield XDS 9mm. That’s what I have. Great carrying gun also. I love the grip on it

Another XDS owner. I carry an XDS .45. Just love that pistol. Put new springs in it and don't have a negative to mention and I've put hundreds of rounds thru it. From range practicing to drill practicing. I also have an older S&W .40 for larger cap and laser that's nice car keeper. But for my person it's the XDS and multiple ext mags...

As for the OP. When looking for a pistol start with feel, then fire many different ones and see which you prefer. Of course knowledge and safety. Familiarize yourself with operations and safe handling first. I've always carried new folks to range with bag of selections. I'd go somewhere with a large selection and just handle or hand fit as many as you can. Find the pistol or revolver that fits you and works for you. Start with the ones that fit what you are looking for, then rank them on comfort n balance n your hands, then go fire them if you can. You want the pistol to perform for you, example after you fire it how quickly it returns to the target. Have fun and good luck and be safe...
 
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