Gun chit chat again (getting a handgun)

[MoeMag]

[punkncat]

I am looking into the HK USP .45. I like the higher capacity than the Colt, and better price.

[bornl33t]

a sig isn't 1000$ it's not even 700$ infact if you watch gunbroker.com they are usually between 300$ for a used one to 650$ish for a new one.

[Lohman446]

You can buy new Kimber 1911 for the $700 to $800 range.

I caution you on its intended use - the .40 and 9MM are great man stoppers, but a horse is a big animal, you might want to consider something with better penetration or stopping power, I'm thinking a 357 Sig in an Autoloader or a large bore revolver.

If I was buying a large bore revolver I would look into a 454 Cassul - it is my understanding (research it first) that it will also fire 45 rounds. The S+W 460 will fire 45LC + 454 Cassul as well as the .460 round (by memory only, please research before doing)

[Crighton]

If I was buying a large bore revolver I would look into a 454 Cassul - it is my understanding (research it first) that it will also fire 45 rounds. The S+W 460 will fire 45LC + 454 Cassul as well as the .460 round (by memory only, please research before doing)

Yeah the Ruger Super Red Hawk Alaskan in .454 cassull is a nice revolver. Like you said you can use .45 in it.

[Steelrat]

I'm a bit confused about what you want a pistol for. If you want one to finish off injured horses, you'll probably need a large caliber one, like a .44, 454 Cassul, or a 500 S&W. I would caution you, however, that there are probably legal issues involved with killing an animal, as well as discharging a weapon in public.

If you want one for self defense, I rather like the Springfield Armory XD series right now. Cheap and built like glocks. I also like the way it feels as compared to glocks. Not sure why it's off your list.

I have 3 Sigs, but they are the ones made in W Germany. The new Sigs just aren't built as well. I think the new HK stuff is higher quality, and more dependable.

I've mentioned it before, but I do not recommend a 1911 for a carry weapon unless you train with it constantly, and really don't shoot a lot of other pistol types. The operation of a 1911 is different than most pistols, and can be a bit confusing in a panic situation. I like simple weapons, like the Sig DAK, H&K LEM, and the glock/XD triggers for a self defense weapon, because there are no safeties, hammers to cock, or anything else. It's just point and shoot.

As for caliber, I think 9mm and 357 sig are good. I'm having real issues with 40 S&W right now, not sure if it is because of the crappy sig I am shooting it through, but the rounds get forced back into their casings after being rechambered a few times, something that NEVER happened with my P228 9mm. Still unsure if it is a Sig issue or a problem with the fat 40 round.

[Lohman446]

I've mentioned it before, but I do not recommend a 1911 for a carry weapon unless you train with it constantly, and really don't shoot a lot of other pistol types. The operation of a 1911 is different than most pistols, and can be a bit confusing in a panic situation. I like simple weapons, like the Sig DAK, H&K LEM, and the glock/XD triggers for a self defense weapon, because there are no safeties, hammers to cock, or anything else. It's just point and shoot.
.

He's right, though I love my 1911 I also practice and train with it very often. Its not a great choice if you are not going to. Short of a .45 or .357 Sig I do not know many rounds that I would depend on to cleanly kill a horse, and the .45 is a stretch (there is no doubt the 357 Sig has better penetration). Although I favor the .45 to stop a man... we are discussing horses. If you favor revolvers I would recommend a heavier weapon.

The use of it concerns me though, be aware that bullets have a tendency to overpenetrate, the use of one in a crowded area is likely to not go well, even if noone is hurt you probably violate a lot of laws.

[MoeMag]

I caution you on its intended use - the .40 and 9MM are great man stoppers, but a horse is a big animal, you might want to consider something with better penetration or stopping power, I'm thinking a 357 Sig in an Autoloader or a large bore revolver.

[Recon by Fire]

I'm confused as to to "just in case a horse goes down" is the main reasoning here...

Assuming so; definitely get the 357 Sig 45ACP or like others I think the Ruger Super Redhawk in 454 casual or above is the choice here. I would also assume it would be no big deal to have a long gun in a wagon/carriage so why not go with a Winchester lever action?

Personal defense wise, your options are limitless and it's pretty much open to your preference. But just for comparison, my next pistol purchase is likely either a Kimber TLE R/L II in stainless or the Springfield MC Operator (both 1911 type pistols). Worried about a 7/8 round mag capacity? You can carry extra mags and besides how many rounds do you think that downed equestrian will take? Most shooting engagements are only about 3 rounds anyway and take place less than 5 feet away.

Get what you like and are comfortable with

[Pneumagger]

You need a nice glock 10mm. I've oftern hear of those as the ideal hunting carry protection for running across various larger animals in the woods.

They do have a bit of kick to them, but are aimed at brining down some beefy animals in the wild. Perhaps that is what you're looking for?

[Mind'sEye]

My primary home defense pistol is a Glock 22. At the time I bought it I liked it because it chambers the reasonable powerful 40 SW round and 15rd magazines were still available. I have no reason to get another semi. This a pistol you want to train with on a regular basis to retain safety and proficiency. I've dropped a .357 SIG barrel in my Glock and it is a VERY accurate round. I'd say the main drawbacks to .357 SIG are less availabilty in many areas and more muzzle flash. On the trail I prefer a revolver. I'm not a rider but from horseback I would think the simple and safe one handed operation of a revolver might be a plus. The .357 magnum might be a good enough compromise for trail and home, but it's louder, has more penetration (like through walls) and produces a godawful muzzle flash. On the other hand, it has pretty good stopping power. Chances are you're going to use this pistol more outdoors anyway.

[kruger]

I was about to suggest a 10mm myself. It was developed primarily as an FBI round, but was rejected because of the possibility of over penetration. Thus, the .40 was born. The .40 is essentially a 10mm short. They are not that common, but def. a man stopper. And, 15 rds are great for wars and movies, but, as already stated, 7 or eight is enough in reality. And real gunfights are almost at knife range anyway. And, being in Arizona, I would go for one of the composite frame guns. Simply for the fact that I am guessing that you (everybody) has a tendency to sweat. Less maintenance on a composite gun. My 2 cents.

[SCpoloRicker]

Hk Usp .45

[rikgao]

Why not a shotgun?

[Target Practice]

Why not a shotgun?

Not what he wants.

Why not a Taurus? They are great guns. I'm not saying you should get one, I'm just curious as to why you wouldn't want a Taurus.

Have you ever owned a handgun before?

I know you want something that sounds all big and manly like .45, but for you, I would suggest a Glock 17 in 9mm, or a Glock 19, which is the size down, still in 9mm.