Pistol Thread

[SCpoloRicker]

Alrighty. I am considering picking up a pistol for range use and home defense.

I'm currently leaning towards an HK USP Compact in 9mm with a stainless slide.



I have put several hundred rounds through a full size USP, and I like the control setup.

I am curious to hear others opinions on pistols. Other models I have thought about are Sig and Glock, which I have some experience with, but not nearly as much as with HK.

So let's hear some thoughts.

[Lohman446]

I lean towards carriable pistols - and to me the HK is too blocky. I tried a Sig P239 and found the accuracy was poor compared to the P229 - which I carried for a few months and found too wide.

I carried a Glock G26 for some time. Simplicity of use it works, but I don't really love the gun. I have tried a few Smith and Wesson snub revolvers and liked them well enough.. Currently on my belt I am carrying a SP101 with 3+" barrel - it fits well and is actually very concealble in a good holster.

I had my "affair" with Kimber 1911s, but the 1911 at best is a bit complex to operate under stress, and I finally quit carrying it one day when the safety was "rubbed" off in my holster.

For range use the HK is probably a splendid gun. I would lean towards 9MM. The 9MM does not lack in stopping power, but the recoil compared to a 40 will be appreciated. Truth be told all reasonable handguns (the 460 S+W, 500 S+W, 454 are likely exceptions) are all VERY anemic in stopping power (9MM, 40, 45, 380, 38, 357, 32). Those who tell you how great of stoppers some are from others have not looked closely at the comparisons when based on a scale that shows realistic stopping power.

HK, Sig, Glock, Smith, Beretta, Ruger etc all make some excellent handguns, and the one you are most comfortable with - or the one you want the most, is the one to buy. Otherwise, you will just buy it later anyways.

[SCpoloRicker]

Ah, should have pointed out that I am in California, so CCW/carry issues are not going to be a factor.

I'm in agreement on the 9/.40/.45 issue.

Somewhat related; I've been researching grip form, and learning more about what I'll call "two thumbs forward" style. Does this shooting style tend to create problems with the slide catch/decock/mag release systems on handguns? HKs in particular, as they seem to have large controls (which is a feature I like)?

[behemoth]

I like to rest my strong hand thumb on my safety, to make sure its off, and to keep my hand highest up on the frame possible.

Then, i extend my weak hand, and break my wrist downward, put the heel of my off-hand where my stronghand doesnt cover on the frame, and then that leaves my thumb pointing forward, and ususally rests along the frame, near the dissassembly lever, OR, if i have my pistol light on, it rests right on the toggle switch.

[sjrtk]

I would not suggest a pistol for in the home, personal opinion, i have a short barrel 12 ga. loaded with #7 or #8 shot. At ranges in the home brutally effective (close range shotgun wounds are often described as bloody rat holes) and will not go through double layer drywall and if it does has next no energy left. Though to each there own.

As far as tow thumbs forward try it at the range see how close your hold gets you to the controls in your situation.

[SCpoloRicker]

sjrtk, I agree that a shotgun is a better option for true home defense. I will probably be picking one up eventually. The debate there is 20 gauge or 12.

I mainly want the pistol for the range.

[Lohman446]

Ah, should have pointed out that I am in California, so CCW/carry issues are not going to be a factor.

I'm in agreement on the 9/.40/.45 issue.

Somewhat related; I've been researching grip form, and learning more about what I'll call "two thumbs forward" style. Does this shooting style tend to create problems with the slide catch/decock/mag release systems on handguns? HKs in particular, as they seem to have large controls (which is a feature I like)?

Once you are used to a handgun you will likely not have any problems with it. There are only a handful of handguns where it would be an issue. Most people will not use a revolver, so I really don't see where it would be an issue, what you are describing that is. The only handgun I have ever had an issue with control placement with is the Tomcat. I really like the gun but I have dropped the magazine twice from draw. It would have been rather inconvenient had I needed it. However, the tried and true methods of stance and grip have been developed and stayed popular in todays era of competition shooting for a reason.

What I have found in buying handguns is simple. Buy what you want. If you really like the HK its the gun to get. If you don't get it you will be looking at it next month or so and buying it anyways. If I never had an intention of carrying it I would likely not go with a compact variant. Shorter site radius will make it harder to shoot well. Compact guns tend to be chopped down variants of full size models, and full size models usually balance better when loaded (I know in the store it feels opposite, but remember the magazine is empty).

The 12/20 issue Get a 12. Field shoot comparable models and you will find the 20 gauges weight reduction causes them to recoil as much as the 12. 12 gauge ammo is easier to find too.

[Frizzle Fry]

I love my 226 Compact... It's not as utilitarian or as durable (when it comes to SERIOUS beatings and environmental wear) as the USP but it's comfier and much easier to carry regularly. it's a lot easier to maintain (in my experience, having owned a USP-M) and though it can't take a gloved hand as well or be set up in as many styles, you really have to ask your self how important those things are for what you're doing (plinking and scaring/shooting intruders/thieves/rapists).

As much as I like the fullsize USP, I've never liked the balance of the compact. I'd also never care one concealed, as they sit well on the hip and waist but are a painful and awkward block shaped reminder of your deadliness when under the shoulder or on the lower back. As great a carry pistol as the USP is, it's just not ergonomically designed for concealed carry... It's uncomfortable to carry, and the oversized slide release, mag release and control arm make it even more uncomfortable (and sometimes dangerously difficult) to draw from standard concealment points (ankle, belt, back, underarm). There seem to be very few non hip/belt holsters that are snug enough to hold USP-Cs without restricting draw.

I'm sure many will disagree, but that's just what I've experienced.

Field shoot comparable models and you will find the 20 gauges weight reduction causes them to recoil as much as the 12. 12 gauge ammo is easier to find too.

I have a matched pair of Remington 1100s in 12 and 20, and the recoil is significantly lighter with the 20. There is slightly more even recoil with some pump models (less so with the m500 I've found) but the nature of pump shotguns when compared to semi-automatic is to have greater recoil. Obviously the same is true of break action and bolt action.

Also, the difference in availability of 20 and 12 gauge ammunition is completely negligible. If you're looking for 16, 10, or 28 gauge, you might be out of luck at many places, but 20 and 12 are stocked en-masse at almost all gun shops, sporting goods shops, WalMarts, K-Marts and Sears (those with sportinggoods/firearms departments). Do not availability be the deciding factor in your choice of a shotgun; think instead about what you're going to use it for and the advantages/disadvantages of each round.

[bornl33t]

What's everyone think about the Taurus pt140 pro? I typically dislike taurus, but I have some friends with this gun and it's actually fun to shoot and seems reliable? That and the price is right. I don't like saftey's but it would easy my wife's mind when I take her to the range.....anyone wanna give me a good reason why not to but it and use it for carry?

[TeamBob]

IMHO, the best carry weapon. Everybody has their opinion, this is mine.

S&W 649 "bodyguard"

First article i found on it. But alot more via google

http://www.snubnose.info/docs/bodyguard.htm

As far as Home defense goes, IMHO Mossberg, Remington or Winchester 12g pumps are the way to go. Esp. if you have kids/family on the other sides of your walls to worry about

And as far as range shooting goes. Get something ya like, get tired of it and move in. Its just for fun anyways. But id recc. something 9mm or smalll as anything bigger tends to get expensive quick, which cuts into your Mag funds

[Lohman446]

What's everyone think about the Taurus pt140 pro? I typically dislike taurus, but I have some friends with this gun and it's actually fun to shoot and seems reliable? That and the price is right. I don't like saftey's but it would easy my wife's mind when I take her to the range.....anyone wanna give me a good reason why not to but it and use it for carry?

Yeh, I once had a Taurus revolver hangfire on me and cause serious burns on my off hand. After waiting awhile I laid it down in my open palm, it promptly discharged. 357 snub nose revolver, cylinder rotating, and lots of fire. Lot of pain. Got my attention right now.

[MANN]

IMHO, the best carry weapon. Everybody has their opinion, this is mine.

S&W 649 "bodyguard"

Those are nice, but bulky. Not something you can conceal. They shoot/feel great.

[Lohman446]

I always thought even with cylinders the 5 shot revolvers concealed well. Better than one would have guessed based on the dimensions. Then again, see above - I'm concealing a SP101 with the 3"+ barrel and a speedloader next to the holster on the belt.

[Frizzle Fry]

I always thought even with cylinders the 5 shot revolvers concealed well. Better than one would have guessed based on the dimensions. Then again, see above - I'm concealing a SP101 with the 3"+ barrel and a speedloader next to the holster on the belt.

I've got a US Revolver in .32 S&W... 5 rounds, break top, and very easy to conceal. Granted the .32 is small and not good for much other than drawing attention and pissing off whatever you're shooting (unless it's a raccoon or a toddler) but it fits in a pocket easily. My 1903 pocket hammerless .32 is much more fun to carry.

[Lohman446]

I've got a US Revolver in .32 S&W... 5 rounds, break top, and very easy to conceal. Granted the .32 is small and not good for much other than drawing attention and pissing off whatever you're shooting (unless it's a raccoon or a toddler) but it fits in a pocket easily. My 1903 pocket hammerless .32 is much more fun to carry.

I have an Iver Johnson similar. :P Pretty neat little gun. Shoots fairly well considering they were the saturday night specials of the day