• DCRC 2024

First gun ideas

Cascadia

Cascadia

Undecided
Location
Orem, Utah
I've been wanting to get a gun for quite a while now and my wife has given me the ok. I want something that is small enough to carry, has big enough power, and would be mostly used as home defense, camping defense, and shooting out on the trails(where it's legal). I'm thinking something like a 9 mm and I would like something that holds more than 5-6 rounds. Is this a good idea and which brand and models are good. I want to keep it under $400.
 
jeeper

jeeper

I live my life 1 dumpster at a time
Location
So Jo, Ut
For small and light I enjoy my Keltec PF-9- Holds 7 rounds? nice for conceal, light, basic, I added laser. $250ish
For a little more comfortable I highly recommend my Taurus 24/7 pro comp. hold 11-15 rounds I think depending on clip. Very comfortable to handle and shoot, I use it concealed also, has light rails, Dependable, nice rubber grip. under $300 (avoid taurus millenium pro comp-plastic awkward handle)
Both in 9mm
 
TJDukit

TJDukit

I.Y.A.A.Y.A.S.
Location
Clearfield
I am a big fan of Glocks. Almost as dependable as a revolver and affordable. 9mm is a good choice, good capacity and easy to handle.
 
sixstringsteve

sixstringsteve

Well-Known Member
Location
UT
RockMonkey said:
If you can, shoot some of the guns you are interested in.
Click to expand...

x2

I've got a 9mm and a few .22's. I feel like the 9mm has way more stopping power, but I end up carrying the .22 a lot more (and I find it more fun to shoot). Are you planning on concealed carry, or can it be a bigger gun that you won't carry on your person? If you plan on carrying a lot, my opinion would be to focus on something you can carry easily, then focus on caliber after that. When I need it, a .22 on my person is a lot more effective than a 9mm sitting at home.

But when I'm at home or camping, I've got the 9mm with me.
 
Last edited:
benjy

benjy

Rarely wrenches
Supporting Member
Location
Moab
First handgun? Get a 22. No, I'm not kidding.

I was in your boat a few years ago, got a 3" XD9. I bought it to carry. I learned quickly that handguns suck. I didn't anticipate how heavy and wide it would be on my waist. Planned on shooting it a lot to practice, didn't shoot it enough because it cost me $40 every time I took it out of the case.

I picked up a Ruger 22 45 and everything changed for me. I put a few hundred rounds through it when I go out, and don't sweat because it cost me less than $10. I actually have fun shooting. No, I wouldn't carry it, and no I wouldn't get it out in a home defense situation. But, IMO it's the best place to start.

There is no one size fits all guns. The best carry gun won't be one that is fun, easy and cheap to shoot. You're more than welcome to come out to my place and shoot the XD if that's the route you want to go. I have a nice IWB holster so you can also feel what its like to wear it.
 
Cascadia

Cascadia

Undecided
Location
Orem, Utah
I might have to come out and do that Ben. I've been out there doing a job a mile or so from your house. I have nothing against a .22. It would actually be nice to go out and shoot for cheap, and make a lot less noise while doing it.
 
Venture13

Venture13

Active Member
Location
Layton
22LR cheap to shoot, no recoil, light.. Use a torque wrench for self defense.. Once you start buying guns, it does not end. I have a gun for every activity and hunt species.
 
Rot Box

Rot Box

Diesel and Dust
Location
Smithfield Utah
My first handgun was a Ruger Blackhawk .357 Mag. Simple, reliable, accurate (very) and forgiving sums that one up ;) To this day I LOVE it and would recommend it to anyone.

As for semi-auto's I'm a fan of the 1911 series pistols. A friend let me shoot his Kimber 1911 recently and I still have google eyes :chris: I'd love to own one some day.

Men and guns are like women and shoes. Best thing you can do is go shooting with someone and try some different models out. In the day I used to loose sleep over wanting certain handguns. Most had great reviews online and by word of mouth, but when I actually got out and shot it I found I didn't really care for them personally... That might have a lot to do with me being south paw though :rofl:
 
cruiseroutfit

cruiseroutfit

Cruizah!
Moderator
Vendor
Location
Sandy, Ut
Cascadia said:
Kurt, your inbox is full.
Click to expand...

Fixed.

Forgot to mention, the front sight is missing from the Taurus, I will absolutely credit for the replacement which is available direct from Taurus. I tried to order it and they sent one for a different model. I've been meaning to get the right one from them (its a 15 second install) but never remember during the workday when they are open. I'm actually going to try to remember to do it tomorrow.
 
R

rholbrook

Well-Known Member
Location
Kaysville, Ut
Impact Guns in Roy lets you shoot them all. I am sure there is a place in Ut County that will let you do the same. For carrying, I have a 45 Glock. For all around fun to shoot, cheap shells, size and weight, a 22 fits that bill. I have guns of all shapes and sizes and it never fails that my kids love to shoot the 22s. My kids and wife will not shoot my 45. It may be important to get a gun your wife will shoot so you have her blessing on future buys. If she is afraid to shoot it because it is noisy and has some kick to it, you will loose her interest in it real fast.
 
Cascadia

Cascadia

Undecided
Location
Orem, Utah
It sounds like for recreational shooting a 22 will be the way to go. I still want a 9 mm or something along those lines though. What is some good makes and models of 22 to get? And then I will narrow it down to feel from there.
 
sixstringsteve

sixstringsteve

Well-Known Member
Location
UT
For some reason, I prefer shooting revolvers over semis. I recommend you shoot a few different styles to see which feels good in your hand, and see what your preferences are... for now.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top