layneman's Blog

Wow - alot to think about.
First, the $700 figure was an average price. The Kimber I looked at (and extremely liked) was $960. The XD 45 was $460.
As for the extra stuff listed above, I plan to purchase that over time. Main idea first is the big purchase.
Being new to this aspect of firearms, I chose the .45 due TO the simplification that bigger is better, mostly because I am NOT trained or experienced to shoot fast and accurate. Does that make sense? I do plan to practice, as I do plan to carry. More importantly I want to feel "natural" in a worst case scenario. As mentioned before, I want to feel as though my firearm is an extension of my hand.
Your advice about using burst fire makes great sense to me. Of course reliable burst fire can only be achieved through practice.

Which leads me to a question...

The store salesman, in describing and detailing the Kimber 1911 I was looking at today, mentioned that there was a conversion kit to .22 long rifle. His point was that practice and initial training could be done with the same model and features for less money. I assume at a certain point, I would need to switch back to the .45 setup to finish/contiue training.

Does this sound like a good idea? Why or why not?

Thanks for the great info.

Thanks for the link - will check it out...

Locally I have a friend urging me to check out a Kimber 1911 with laser-grip for $960. I think it is a Commander model, but havent made it to the gunshop yet.
Also found a SA XD45 for $470 - NIB with clip holder, case, loader, and belt holster.

Still shopping though...

OK - have been doing research/ handling different pieces and find myself leaning towards 1911 models. I like the slimness, the safety features, short trigger-pull. Dont like mag capacaties.
Question - How many out there carry 1911's locked and loaded? From a rookies standpoint this seems a bit risky.
Also, anyone have problems concealing the polymer frame pistols (Glock, Sig, SA)?
Thanks!!

My first pistol was a Makarov 9mm. Great little gun untill I tried to disassemble and reassemble it myself... Seems like ammo wasnt very plentiful either. Probably wasnt looking in the right places.

Just read the link on magic bullets. Sorry I am not up to date on your site, but I just found it a few weeks ago, plus 4kids doesnt leave much time for pc time...

Anyway, just wanted to say thanks to everyone. I am beginning research on several models listed above, and learning more every day.

The High-point link was funny. Didnt know you could buy a gun for $186.oo

Oh - also, I want one that isnt very large (easy to conceal),
AND
Have been told and read that 9mm just doesnt have enough stopping power. Now I dont mean to open a can of worms here, so let me say I figure that a 9 is plenty for an experienced shooter, experienced tactically and in high pressure situations. While I am a fair shot, in a panic situation I am not sure how ACCURATE I might be.
Hope this helps.

Wow - Thanks for all the quick responses.
OK -
Johnnyboy83 - Prefer semiauto for higher mag capacaties (good or bad?)
- Probably moderate usage
- Definitly plan to practice
BigJake------ Plan to carry it as soon as permit is aquired
- Looking for .40 or .45 (dont want overkill at this point)

Sorry for the lack of info; here's a bit of background...
Currently own Remington 1100,Marlin model 60 .22, Marlin 30-30 Win, and a .50 muzzleloader. In the past have owned a 9mm Makarov and a Glock 9mm. I have had plenty of experience shooting all these guns, just dont know too much about them. Idoknow that the city I live near and WORK in, is violent and crime-filled. This is the reason that I am pursuing a permit, protection first, pleasure second. My 12 gauge is my house protection, along with my German Shepherd and German Rott.
Also have been through hunters safety course (years ago) if that makes a difference.
Thanks again guys for the responses.

Newbie first post:
I want opinions on the best handgun for the money. Due to family size and other reasons, I cant afford to spend too much... for the sake of this thread lets say under $700.
Plan to get carry permit as soon as purchase is made.
Good to be here.