[Phelenwolf]

Originally Posted by Mr. Bluesky

I heard unfortunate things about the 22/45. Something about the positions for the safety and mag release? I've never shot one, or even held it, but the unanimous opinion I heard when I was looking at Rugers was to get the Mark III, not the 22/45.

The mag release and safety are right across from each other. But I have never had a problem with them. I taught my kids how to shoot a semi auto with that pistol. Have had it for over 10yrs if I remember correctly. I never heard anything about a problem with the mag/safety, but if you know where to get the information please send it to me i would appreciate it. Thanks.

[wb_carpenter]

.40 cal is available more often and many people will tell you how its not that much cheaper than 9mm which if you find them side by side at walmart this may be true. If you are forced to buy from anywhere else they will mark the .40 cal up sometimes 2x the price of there already marked up 9mm. In my area this has been my experience at least.

[Phelenwolf]

Originally Posted by wb_carpenter

.40 cal is available more often and many people will tell you how its not that much cheaper than 9mm which if you find them side by side at walmart this may be true. If you are forced to buy from anywhere else they will mark the .40 cal up sometimes 2x the price of there already marked up 9mm. In my area this has been my experience at least.

Same here. There is no 9mm or 45ACP but tons of .40 at the local Wal-Mart. If you get luck enough to be there when the truck comes in and even more luck if they have any they limit the amount that you can purchase to 6 boxes. Which people buy up as fast as it arrives.

[robocop10mm]

I too, must chime in with my obligatory opinion. IMHO the basis of any handgun collection is a 3-4" medium frame .357 Magnum revolver. S&W K or L frame, Ruger GP-100, Speed 6 or Security 6, Colt Trooper series are all good quality general purpose handguns just as a 12 ga pump shotgun is a must have.

[DMac]

Originally Posted by Mark F

For my motor vehicle gun, I keep a Tokarev 7.62x25 and 5 extra mags handy. The reason is... no big loss if someone absconds with it. This pistol is powerful, very reliable, and cheap! At 10 cents a round... I can shoot all day long and it won't break the bank.

Wow, that's smart. Now to see if there's one near me...

[Fleetman]

Carry weight makes a big difference..something to consider if you are planning a CHL in your future.

[Phelenwolf]

You have a good point Fleetman. If you have to keep pulling up your pants or readjusting you holster you will not want to carry your weapon anymore. Then one day you will leave it at the house and then it will become 2 days and so forth and so on.

[jimbobpissypants]

Originally Posted by Phelenwolf

If you are looking for cheap are you looking at brand new or used? The reason being is that J&G in Az is have a great sale on Police trade in Sig P226's good to very good condition $400-$450.
I have not had any first hand experience with the Bersa Thunder. I have owned a couple of Taurus's and never complained about them.

Before you go with your cheapest handguns, you need to remember "How much is your life worth?". If you shop around you can find all kind of good deals on great weapons sometime for the same price you were going to pay for your Bersa or Taurus. You also have to look at the availablty of ammo. I know that around here there is no 9mm or 45ACP but TONS and TONS of .40S&W.

Have you looked at Ruger? I purchased my wife a Ruger P95 that she loved. It was a bit blocky but a decent handgun for a beginner. We sold it a couple of years ago because she did not use it. I just bought her a Glock 19 for Christmas for $550.

I would look on GunBroker.com or GunsAmerica and see what you can find. Just some food for thought. Hope this helps and good luck.

If you can buy a Sig in this price range, and it is not too painful- Do it. I don't think you will find a better mass produced gun than a Sig. The new sigpro line is relatively inexpensive, compared to the traditions Sig lines.
Ruger makes reliable stuff. It is of lesser quality, but if it goes bang when you pull the trigger, and it shoots straight, you'll be o.k.

[Biohazurd]

For a first gun i would suggest a Ruger P95 or other p series ruger can be had mad cheap NIB and are reliable guns...

[Phelenwolf]

I know that you would not regret getting a Ruger. I like the Ruger SR9, but that is me. I know that the P95 is a damn good hand buy for anyone looking for a solid 1st handgun.