OT: Handgun purchase suggestions

newell138

Heisman
Aug 1, 2001
38,708
51,435
112
I just purchased a Ruger 357 basically just to have one when the end of days comes. Easy to use for the Mrs, powerful enough to stop a zombie. It took about 4 months to get my permit here in NJ

 

RU09FOOTBALL

Senior
Jun 26, 2009
1,318
414
0
When just starting out, it's important to learn the "in's and out's" of a firearm and how to shoot accurately. My first pistol was a Ruger 22/45. Great for beginners. I still use it a lot. One caveat: you'll need to find .22 ammo.

For something in a higher caliber, Glocks are solid. In that same price range, have a look at CZ. I own a CZ-75 and prefer it over the Glock 17.
 
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JRZEER

All-American
Oct 23, 2007
10,538
6,505
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glock 27 in .40 cal. Compact and has all the stopping power you will need. Reliable and easy to field dress and clean.
 
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JRZEER

All-American
Oct 23, 2007
10,538
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When just starting out, it's important to learn the "in's and out's" of a firearm and how to shoot accurately. My first pistol was a Ruger 22/45. Great for beginners. I still use it a lot. One caveat: you'll need to find .22 ammo.

For something in a higher caliber, Glocks are solid. In that same price range, have a look at CZ. I own a CZ-75 and prefer it over the Glock 17.
.22 is a good plinker but I wouldn't trust my and my families safety w any handgun and or rifle in .22lr. Very prone to jamming and zero stopping power. Ammunition is very unreliable.
 

mikeinsec127

Junior
Feb 24, 2003
438
328
0
You need to provide information on how you plan on using your gun and how much training you plan on doing to get a really good answer on what to by. All of the guns mentioned above are solid choices. Very often choosing comes down to your personal preferences on price/calibre/kick etc. I recommend that you find a firearms instructor who can teach you to shoot on several different weapons platforms. That way you can decide first hand what you like and don't like.
 

mktman

Freshman
Jan 31, 2012
300
55
0
I love my Glock 19 Gen 4. I also looked at the Walther PPQ M2 because the trigger is amazing. Also take a look at the H&K VP9 before buying.

Also, you need to take NJ's gun laws into consideration. Magazine capacity is 15 rounds. For example, a Glock 17 typically comes with a 17 round magazine but not in NJ. You can only buy one with a 10 round magazine.
 

RUBlueLot

Junior
Dec 4, 2002
7,829
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Kid end of June first kid. Sport shooting and just to have one.

I didn't think you can conceal carry in NJ
 

RBNY87

All-Conference
Dec 24, 2004
10,366
2,082
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Go to a gun shop that allows you to test the guns before you purchase.
 

newell138

Heisman
Aug 1, 2001
38,708
51,435
112
Go to a gun shop that allows you to test the guns before you purchase.

exactly this. They will also help you select a gun based on what you want to do with it, most of them also sell used guns. We went to Shooters in Little Egg Harbor
 

Roy_Faulker

All-Conference
Feb 7, 2002
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4 month waiting period just to own a gun??? Not concealed carry??? Wow glad I live in Ohio.
 
Sep 27, 2006
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I second the suggestion to find a shop that will rent you a gun to try out. I used Ready, Aim Fire in Bristol, Pa. After trying out a bunch of different guns I ended up with a Sig p239.
 
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TreyA

Sophomore
Oct 18, 2006
225
138
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I like Smith & Wesson's M&P line. Like someone else said, try some different guns before you purchase one. They all fit and feel a little differently.
 
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RUScrew85

Heisman
Nov 7, 2003
30,054
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Every man should own a 9mm, 12GA and an AR-15. Or they S C by choice. ; )

Beretta 92 is a good option too. Really there are so many go shoot a couple different one and then chose based on how they feel. I personally don't like the Glocks but that's just me.
 
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RU4Real

Heisman
Jul 25, 2001
50,955
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Every man should own a 9mm, 12GA and an AR-15. Or they S C by choice. ; )

Beretta 92 is a good option too. Really there are so many go shoot a couple different one and then chose based on how they feel. I personally don't like the Glocks but that's just me.

The AR I'll give you.

I'll let you have the 9mm, just because.

I disagree on the 12 ga. There's no use for that kind of 'oomph' in most close combat situations. Go lighter, like I did, and you get more utility and no risk of overpenetration.

Also you left out a couple of things.

Every collection requires a .22 semi, probably a Ruger 10-22.

Every collection also requires at least one medium caliber, heavy-barreled bolt-action rifle with a scope that costs as much as the gun. You can eliminate a lot of grief when you have the ability to reach out and touch someone at 500 yards.
 

RUScrew85

Heisman
Nov 7, 2003
30,054
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The AR I'll give you.

I'll let you have the 9mm, just because.

I disagree on the 12 ga. There's no use for that kind of 'oomph' in most close combat situations. Go lighter, like I did, and you get more utility and no risk of overpenetration.

Also you left out a couple of things.

Every collection requires a .22 semi, probably a Ruger 10-22.

Every collection also requires at least one medium caliber, heavy-barreled bolt-action rifle with a scope that costs as much as the gun. You can eliminate a lot of grief when you have the ability to reach out and touch someone at 500 yards.
Agree on all. My point was that they are the most common configurations and parts and ammo will be around even after the Zombies attack.
 

RUinPinehurst

All-American
Aug 27, 2011
8,434
7,953
113
Kid end of June first kid. Sport shooting and just to have one.

I didn't think you can conceal carry in NJ

I'd recommend you look at a .357 Mag revolver with a 4-inch barrel, with a double- and single-action capability. My personal fav remains a S&W Model 66, and I believe S&W is bringing back or has brought back this popular stainless steel model. Switch to Pachmayr grips and you'll be set. It's a terrific, versatile weapon to learn with, allowing you to use inexpensive .38 Special target cartridges for practicing. And you can work in some .357 124-gr JHP once you get fit; this is a proven "man-stopper" load, if that is important to you.

If a semi-auto is your thing, look at a .45 ACP vs a 9 mm. 9 mm semis are adequate, but a.45 is more "adequate." Not a Glock fan, though. I do carry a semi-plastic S&W M&P Shield very often. But its 3-inch barrel will not serve you well, as a novice shooter.

Bottomline: try a few out and purchase the weapon that suits you and your needs. Get with a qualified instructor from the very start. Safety first. Build good habits. And then practice.
 

BigRnj

All-American
Nov 20, 2012
5,031
6,806
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Heritage guild in Easton has a try before you buy program... 4 pistols, ammo and 30 mins of range time. If you buy one of the guns the range/rental cost applies to the purchase.

A few recommendations for nice pistols that aren't crazy expensive: H&K V9 (shops sell em as soon as they come in) and the Bereta M9A1 (US armed forces issue). I would also get a second "plinking" pistol. A rimfire .22 can be great fun. Smith & Wesson's new SW22 Victory is a nice little pistol at only about $400 (a nice alt to a Ruger Mark III)... Right now the ammo is a bit hard to find.

PS - if it takes 4 mos to get your permit either your local PD sat on it, your references sat on it, or you have a past. If folks move it along it should be 3 weeks tops.
 
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Roy_Faulker

All-Conference
Feb 7, 2002
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Glock 17 all the way - they are super reliable.

I agree in the 12ga shotty as well - I wish I went with a 20ga but damn it's fun at the range. If I could do the shotgun again here's where I would go...

 

RUScrew85

Heisman
Nov 7, 2003
30,054
16,939
0
Heritage guild in Easton has a try before you buy program... 4 pistols, ammo and 30 mins of range time. If you buy one of the guns the range/rental cost applies to the purchase.

A few recommendations for nice pistols that aren't crazy expensive: H&K V9 (shops sell em as soon as they come in) and the Bereta M9A1 (US armed forces issue). I would also get a second "plinking" pistol. A rimfire .22 can be great fun. Smith & Wesson's new SW22 Victory is a nice little pistol at only about $400 (a nice alt to a Ruger Mark III)... Right now the ammo is a bit hard to find.

PS - if it takes 4 mos to get your permit either your local PD sat on it, your references sat on it, or you have a past. If folks move it along it should be 3 weeks tops.

Yeah it's illegal to take more than 30 days but the Local and State NJ Police often put themselves above the law. What a surprise. Contact the NJ Second Amendment Society next time you are delayed they can recommned steps to take to speed up the process. (Like nicely put threats)
 

zoby

All-Conference
Jul 17, 2007
2,406
1,109
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My everyday carry is a Smith and Wesson, M & P, 9mm Shield. Corbon +P 125 grain JHP. Nine rounds with one in the chamber. Bought it 9 months ago, have put 1800 rounds thru it . not one misfire. Any weapon you choose, learn how to use it. You don't know your *** from first base until you have fired it thousands of times. Carried a Colt Trooper III 357 magnum for thirty years. Love this revolver, but a little too large. The best pistol to have is the one that's in your hands when you need it, AND THAT YOU KNOW HOW TO USE IT.

Also, 9mm is easier to get and cheaper. About $.25 a round at walmart for FMJ.
 
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#1 RUFan

Senior
Nov 30, 2003
1,056
631
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I second the suggestion to find a shop that will rent you a gun to try out. I used Ready, Aim Fire in Bristol, Pa. After trying out a bunch of different guns I ended up with a Sig p239.

Excellent choice on the Sig P239 Mrs. Screw. This is what I carry. A mini version of my duty Sig P229.
 
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