I have just started looking into getting a larger caliber handgun. At first I thought I should just go all out and go for the .45 ACP, but now after talking to a guy at a local gunshop, i am maybe steering towards a 9mm or a .40. I have a half dozen rifles, a half dozen shotguns, a .22 revolver and a .22 semi-auto pistol. What would be a good beginner handgun on a lower budget? I'm not planning on going out shooting all of the time, so I'm not worried about ammo price.
The local gun shop has a S&W sigma .40 barely used that he said he would let go at $300, and I think Cabela's has a taurus 24/7 .45 on sale for $360.
Just trying to get a handle on what I should be looking at.

Josh

 

I shoot either a cheap .380 or a S&W 9mm both are cheap to either reload or get shells off the shelf for.

The 9mm is always at my side and the .380 is never too far away.

My next purchase will be either a .45 auto or a .454 just haven't made up my mind yet.

 

The Sigma and Taurus are both crap, stay away from em and get a good quality pistola like the XD or the Glock 19 (in 9mm) or the G21SF (45 auto)

 

Well I got a Berreta 92 FS 9MM and I love it people who says it doesnt do anything but tickle them are stupid with the right rounds cuase enough damage. I also have a S&W MP 40 I love it 40 cal. has some more knock down power. But for a overall good caliber you just can't beat the 9mm it's a cheap ammo with enough firepower.

My next purchase will be a Magnum Research BFR in 45/70

 

Lower priced ammo, but oh so boring .38/.40/9mm
Range, accuracy, power and fun with minimal recoil. .357
Defensive, close range knockdown power with recoil, no range and minimal fun .45
Guaranteed to put a smile on your face (once) .454 / .44 mag
Cheap, no recoil, shoot all day for 20 bucks fun .22

I'll take one of each please ...........or I should say one more of each

 

I think a 1911 45 will do it all, you can target shoot, if used for self-defense you have a frame-mounted safety, so you can keep the gun on C O C K E D-N- L O C K E D !!

 

I doubt I'd ever want to use a big bore for home defense, I'd prefer to empty a clip from my 22 inside a house relative to losing my hearing from the big guns. Unlike in the movies, you shoot a gun inside a building and you lose an eardrum.

I'd put my money on the 357 revolver for longer range and overall fun. I shoot every weekend and it's still my favorite. If you worry about defense, you can throw some 38s in it when it's stored. They are less likely to go through the boogeyman and a couple of walls than the 357. A revolver can also fire faster than an auto, no chance of stove piping when the wife limp wrists it, can be stored fully loaded without weakening the magazine springs, has no safety to worry about when you're half asleep and it's quick and easy to clean.

 

I like revovlers, but a child can grab it & use it, unless it's one of the newer one with a lockable key, Like the fact that it carrys more ammo (never know when you mite need more ammo).

 

Safety is our responsibilty, not the gun manufacturer. No gun should be grabbable by anybody not authorized to use it. Loaded, unloaded, safety on, safety off, all the same.

Careful with that kind of thinking or we'll all end up with this:

Flickr Photo Download: Offensive Weapons

 

They are not crap, they may not be top tier quality but they are not crap.

First what are you wanting the handgun for, what are you wanting to do with it? If you are wanting something to carry for personal protection, I would recommend the the .40 S&W or .45 ACP in caliber choice. The next thing you to look at quality makers and choose several you like, choose a gun that fits your hand and points well for you. Another thing if this is CC gun you want one that is not a heavy gun and size should be considered as well. I carry a Glock 23 in .40S&W and like it very much. I bought it 7 years ago and when I bought it the Springfield Armory XD pistol was not yet made or that is the one I would carry. Springfield Amory, Glock, Sig Sauer , heckler koch, are probablly as good as you can get in quality. Smith&Wesson, Tarus, and Beretta are good manufactures as well. If a 1911 is what you are after Kimber, STI and Springfield Armory and Para ordinance would be the ones I would choose from. Make sure its a good fit for you and your wallet, with so many options to choose from, you should be able to find a good fit. Good Luck!

Just bought the wife a Taurus Millennium Pro 9mm, sweet little gun. http://www.taurususa.com/products/pr...ategory=Pistol