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BARF Militia

Hi ALL!
I want to see whats everyone recommendation on a 9mm handgun. Do you have one you love or hate? Lets hear it so I can go test those out before buying! I'm in a market for one :) First gun.
Also you guys have any recommend dealer I should go too? Since I'm dropping some money, I should at least drop it to a good dealer.

Thanks!
 
Mr10 said:
Hi ALL!
I want to see whats everyone recommendation on a 9mm handgun. Do you have one you love or hate? Lets hear it so I can go test those out before buying! I'm in a market for one :) First gun.
Also you guys have any recommend dealer I should go too? Since I'm dropping some money, I should at least drop it to a good dealer.

Thanks!
Click to expand...
Are you sure you want to go that small a caliber? Thought about .40 or .45?

The .40 is a nice mid-range caliber, good stopping power, not too much recoil. The .45 is the hand-cannon with real stopping power. Too many bad folks have survived with 9mm plinks that would be taking dirt naps after a .45. Of course, it matters where you place the bullet, too... Sternum shots always stop better than gut shots. :laughing
 
XJ650RJ said:
Are you sure you want to go that small a caliber? Thought about .40 or .45?

The .40 is a nice mid-range caliber, good stopping power, not too much recoil. The .45 is the hand-cannon with real stopping power. Too many bad folks have survived with 9mm plinks that would be taking dirt naps after a .45. Of course, it matters where you place the bullet, too... Sternum shots always stop better than gut shots. :laughing
Click to expand...

The counterpoint is that 9mm ammo is about half the cost of .45 so if you plan on shooting regularly you might want to consider this aspect. The caliber doesn't matter if you don't hit what you're aiming at ;)

We'll have lots of questions for you, Mr10 before we can make a good recommendation. What are you going to use it for? How big are your hands? Have you shot pistols before?

Bullseye in San Rafael is a good dealer with a range. They have a great staff and their rental fleet allows you the chance to shoot almost any pistol out there (at least the more common ones).

Like motorcycles, there's lot of different opinions but only one matters - yours.
 
uhmeebuh said:
The counterpoint is that 9mm ammo is about half the cost of .45 so if you plan on shooting regularly you might want to consider this aspect. The caliber doesn't matter if you don't hit what you're aiming at ;)

We'll have lots of questions for you, Mr10 before we can make a good recommendation. What are you going to use it for? How big are your hands? Have you shot pistols before?

Bullseye in San Rafael is a good dealer with a range. They have a great staff and their rental fleet allows you the chance to shoot almost any pistol out there (at least the more common ones).

Like motorcycles, there's lot of different opinions but only one matters - yours.
Click to expand...

cheap ammo was one of the reason i was going toward a 9mm. As for stopping power it's not really on top of my list. But of course it does matter to a certain sense since it is intended for home protection also.
I have shot pistol before and my hand size is about a Lg in my motor glove.
I dont really like the feel of a glock (too bulky) but im leaning toward maybe a SIG P220 or something around that model.
 
uhmeebuh said:
The counterpoint is that 9mm ammo is about half the cost of .45 so if you plan on shooting regularly you might want to consider this aspect. The caliber doesn't matter if you don't hit what you're aiming at ;)
Click to expand...
Not trying to start a war, here, but... Yes, cost of ammo is one consideration, but so is why you buy a gun. For the fun of shooting, the 9mm is fine, and will cost less in ammo. For home defense or personal protection, the .45 is the preferred round, IF you can learn to handle the gun. Of course, you can also go with a shotgun (yes, lots of opinions on that topic).

We'll have lots of questions for you, Mr10 before we can make a good recommendation. What are you going to use it for? How big are your hands? Have you shot pistols before?
Click to expand...
All good questions, best answered by Mr10. Time to make a list of goals and options...

Bullseye in San Rafael is a good dealer with a range. They have a great staff and their rental fleet allows you the chance to shoot almost any pistol out there (at least the more common ones).
Click to expand...
Same with TargetMasters in Milpitas. I haven't been to Bullseye yet. Any good range wants to keep its customers happy. If you go to TargetMasters and want to rent a gun, you must bring a fellow shooter (one of their renters use a lane to commit suicide).

Like motorcycles, there's lot of different opinions but only one matters - yours.
Click to expand...
But we'll try to keep you from buying junk or Hondas... :laughing

Good idea, I own a Sig P220 with Hogue grips, want to hit a range & try it?
 
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Mr10 said:
cheap ammo was one of the reason i was going toward a 9mm. As for stopping power it's not really on top of my list. But of course it does matter to a certain sense since it is intended for home protection also.
I have shot pistol before and my hand size is about a Lg in my motor glove.
I dont really like the feel of a glock (too bulky) but im leaning toward maybe a SIG P220 or something around that model.
Click to expand...

I went with the 9mm for the same reason. I hope to never have to use it on a "bad guy" but I do try to shoot regularly so the 9mm makes sense for me. If I had the $$$ I'd have a few of each caliber!

Lots of Sig fans here so you'll get plenty of support for that purchase! There is no right answer but a few that might not have a lot of support (like my Springfield XD, for example). I'd focus on finding a pistol that feels good in your hand and then rent it. If you like it, buy it!

Some of the popular pistols you might want to consider:
HK USP 9mm
HK P2000
Sig P220
Sig P226
CZ 75 9mm (probably my next purchase)
Springfield XD-9 (I'm the only one on here that likes it!)
Kimber 1911 Custom Carry
Glock 17 (but you said you didn't like it much)

Of course, this list varies depending on the person creating it ;)

How much were you planning on spending?

On a side note, do you have your paperwork in order for the DOJ (proof of residency and HSC)?

Edit - as mentioned by XJ650 above, TargetMasters is a great place to try out some of the pistols. It's the range I frequent most but I live a few miles away. Bullseye is just 10 miles northof you in SF and they have a stellar reputation. They have their own feedback section on calguns.net (http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=84985)
 
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uhmeebuh said:
I went with the 9mm for the same reason. I hope to never have to use it on a "bad guy" but I do try to shoot regularly so the 9mm makes sense for me. If I had the $$$ I'd have a few of each caliber!

Lots of Sig fans here so you'll get plenty of support for that purchase! There is no right answer but a few that might not have a lot of support (like my Springfield XD, for example). I'd focus on finding a pistol that feels good in your hand and then rent it. If you like it, buy it!

Some of the popular pistols you might want to consider:
HK USP 9mm
HK P2000
Sig P220
Sig P226
CZ 75 9mm (probably my next purchase)
Springfield XD-9 (I'm the only one on here that likes it!)
Kimber 1911 Custom Carry
Glock 17 (but you said you didn't like it much)

Of course, this list varies depending on the person creating it ;)

How much were you planning on spending?

On a side note, do you have your paperwork in order for the DOJ (proof of residency and HSC)?

Edit - as mentioned by XJ650 above, TargetMasters is a great place to try out some of the pistols. It's the range I frequent most but I live a few miles away. Bullseye is just 10 miles northof you in SF and they have a stellar reputation. They have their own feedback section on calguns.net (http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=84985)
Click to expand...

Thanks for all the help guys!
I'm planning to spend somewhere around 800-900 dollars for my first.
Can you explain a little bit more on what paperwork i need to give? I know from my buddy that i need to go take a quick test to get a cert before I can purchase. Is there anything more I would need? I will be looking up course in the future to get more training in handling a firearm, So i would like my pistol to be reliable and comfortable to shoot. I am planning on going to try out the pistol you just listed to see how I feel on those.
How are the XDs anyways? It looks like they are giving out alot of extra for that gun. Got any pic's?
ANyone else wany to share there 9mm pic's? :)
 
slomustang/scorpio....

im already a knife owner with LOTS of knives...1 even being a "show-piece" for "at-home-use only" :p :teeth :shhh

ahaha but yeah...dont wanna post them....so wo0t wo0t! im in the Militia yes? :teeth
 
Mike T said:
slomustang/scorpio....

im already a knife owner with LOTS of knives...1 even being a "show-piece" for "at-home-use only" :p :teeth :shhh

ahaha but yeah...dont wanna post them....so wo0t wo0t! im in the Militia yes? :teeth
Click to expand...


Um, I guess, if you want to be in a militia a thousand years ago.



:twofinger
 
Ratters said:
Um, I guess, if you want to be in a militia a thousand years ago.



:twofinger
Click to expand...
:twofinger right back at you... :laughing

Just try to find a military guy/gal (present, past, or prior service) who doesn't carry a blade. Or anybody that has discovered that a blade doesn't run out of ammo, can be carried concealed, and is utilitarian.

That doesn't include those POS D&D/fantasy or Bowie/Rambo monsters, however... :laughing

I'm prior service Army, got back in, now in the Army Reserves. I carry a nice Browning-branded folding blade, nonserrated, plus a Gerber multi-tool with a blade and a Saws-all. Gets the job done.
 
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uhmeebuh said:
I wanted to get used to the features on it (that aren't on the XD) like a SA/DA trigger, decocker, and manual safety. I think might want a Sig P226 or a CZ 75 BD or a Hi-Point or....shit, I want a lotta guns!
Click to expand...

(singing) Brandon's got gun buying disease...


I'm just hoping you meant Hi-Power and not Hi-Point, or I'll be convinced you only like ugly guns. :laughing

Functionally, though, Hi-Points are just fine, and Meter Man really likes his, and they are dirt cheap.
 
Anyone want to go to Panoche this coming Sun 3/30? My house caught on fire and these guns are the only things I have to entertain myself.
 
XJ650RJ said:
:twofinger right back at you... :laughing

Just try to find a military guy/gal (present, past, or prior service) who doesn't carry a blade. Or anybody that has discovered that a blade doesn't run out of ammo, can be carried concealed, and is utilitarian.

That doesn't include those POS D&D/fantasy or Bowie/Rambo monsters, however... :laughing

I'm prior service Army, got back in, now in the Army Reserves. I carry a nice Browning-branded folding blade, nonserrated, plus a Gerber multi-tool with a blade and a Saws-all. Gets the job done.
Click to expand...

OK, but find me a serviceman the goes into battle with ONLY a blade.

Well, besides Brock Samson.

:twofinger
 
+1 Mike_T is Militia. :thumbup

You never know when a skirmish will start up against a Steak. Hmm hmm :teeth
 
zefflyn said:
(singing) Brandon's got gun buying disease...


I'm just hoping you meant Hi-Power and not Hi-Point, or I'll be convinced you only like ugly guns. :laughing

Functionally, though, Hi-Points are just fine, and Meter Man really likes his, and they are dirt cheap.
Click to expand...

Ya - I meant Hi-Power. :blush

I hung out with a buddy that's really into Airsoft yesterday and it was my first time shooting any of the high end pistols. They're *really* cool -- for a BB gun :laughing I'm thinking about getting one so I can go plinking with my little cousins. [You'll shoot yer eye out!]

I know there's a handful of the Airsoft fans here - any recommendations? The KJW and Tokyo Marui seems the most realistic but I'm sure my cousins won't care. Are they even accurate?

Oooh - the only way I'll be able to afford an HK :laughing
http://www.handhelditems.com/airsoft-blowback-pistol-p-8364.html
 
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Mr10 said:
Thanks for all the help guys!
I'm planning to spend somewhere around 800-900 dollars for my first.
Can you explain a little bit more on what paperwork i need to give? I know from my buddy that i need to go take a quick test to get a cert before I can purchase. Is there anything more I would need? I will be looking up course in the future to get more training in handling a firearm, So i would like my pistol to be reliable and comfortable to shoot. I am planning on going to try out the pistol you just listed to see how I feel on those.
How are the XDs anyways? It looks like they are giving out alot of extra for that gun. Got any pic's?
ANyone else wany to share there 9mm pic's? :)
Click to expand...

You'll need the following to purchase a handgun in California:

1) Photo Drivers license or photo Identification Card issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, with current residential address printed on card (**If, however, address is not current, client must provide a DMV printout of change of address, PLUS a federal or state approved proof of residency). Make sure your addresses match with the DMV!
2) Copy of proof of residency that meets both Federal and State requirements
3) Copy of Handgun Safety Certificate or HSC (multiple choice test taken at time of purchase). http://ag.ca.gov/firearms/forms/pdf/hscsg.pdf

If you're not a US citizen you have a couple more hoops to jump through...

Training is good - there are a number of classes out there but I would really determine what you want traning on (marksmanship, home-defense, tactical training, etc). I'm looking into it myself...maybe some of the SF and Northbayers can point you to training up in your neighborhood.

This will probably start a war on here but...in my newbie opinion, all of those guns listed above are reliable (but they'll all need some routine cleaning/maintenance).

I really like my XD (at this point) and it met all of my objectives (not too much money, comfortable in the hand, and easy to disassemble). There are some...ok LOTS...of folks on here that think it's ugly and don't like the grip safety. I think it's OK looking (it's no HK USP IMO) and I like the additional safety. But those are my needs and you might find it too ugly to purchase and hate the grip safety.

I think you get a lot for your money with the XD. Here are a fwe resources if you want to look into them.
http://www.xdtalk.com/ - largest XD forum with LOTS of info
http://xdguys.com/new_page_5l.htm - XD manuals and a million articles

It's not a Glock but the XD stood up to this torture test: http://springfield-armory.primediaoutdoors.com/SPstory11.php

All the pics you could want :teeth
http://www.xdtalk.com/forums/photo-gallery/29773-xds-post-em-up-everyone.html
 
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