[kerensky]

I'm going to be going to Iraq as a civilian contractor. And will be in dangerous situations on occasion. So I would like your guy's help selecting a good handgun for protection. I am smaller guy about 5'10 and 150 lbs. I have never used handguns before but I am failure with rifles. I spent a short time in the Marines, before my medical discharge.

I need something that is Accurate, but also carry some punch too it. I've been looking at a 9mm or something comparable. I’d like a desert eagle however i think the desert eagle would be a little large for me and impractical.

Any advice or help would be great. Also any ideas on good places to purchase them and general prices. I'm looking at around 600 or so i might be able to budget up to 1k. I would also need spare magazines, would like to have plenty of rounds in case something does happens.

Thanks
Steve

[ranger_sxt]

Glock 19. Magazines should be easy to get replacements for on the economy, and you can get ammunition through US Government supply channels.

Just be sure that your employer will allow you to carry weapons.

[notdku]

Which company are you going to work for?

[kerensky]

probably KBR... i havn't finalized everything out specificly. My brother was in the Army in Iraq and he said it was pretty safe. but i'd rather have it and not need it rather than not.

[notdku]

So your going to go to Iraq and once there find a contractor to work for?

[RMTactical]

Glock.

My good friend who worked as a contractor over there said that all of the contractors he knew carried Glocks. They just work! Plus, they are plentiful over there.

[pioneer461]

Lots of opinions. May I suggest you go to a range that has rental guns available and try various kinds. Or, if you know friends with different kinds, see if they will let you shoot them. What works for me, won't necessarily work for you.

Glocks are accurate and reliable, I once owned one, but it didn't fit my hand well and I was nervous about the trigger. I carried it a couple of years, then traded it.

Different strokes for different folks.

[Don Lu]

If you would ask a question like this I have to assume you are not very expirienced w/handguns (or you'd know your own preference/answer)......If you are familiar Id sugest a Hi-cap .45 like glock or XD..If not too familiar I suggest a Glodk or XD in 9mm for lighter recoil...but practice practice ....practice.

[Doc]

Originally Posted by Don Lu

If you would ask a question like this I have to assume you are not very expirienced w/handguns (or you'd know your own preference/answer)......If you are familiar Id sugest a Hi-cap .45 like glock or XD..If not too familiar I suggest a Glodk or XD in 9mm for lighter recoil...but practice practice ....practice.

Get some instruction first or you may become very proficient at doing it WRONG.

Doc

[OSTRANDERJB]

I am also new to handguns. About 2 months ago i got a cz 100 cal. 9mm. I was going to get a glock but, all your paying for is the name($600.00). The cz is "your best bang for your buck!!" i was told by the owner of the gun range i've been going to that... All the recent handgun comps. Have been getting won by ppl with the cz. I got the gun, 2 13 round magz, 3 boxes of bullets, 2 cleaning tools, and the carrying case for $399.00. It's all up to you and how each gun feels to you. Can't let other ppl tell you what to get.