Handgun choice...

[AggieDave 6]

Is it new? A few years ago Kimber tried using external extractors on some models. They had serious problems with them. They went back to the internal extractors on most of those models.

A 5" barrel works very well, very quite accurate and a pain in the ass in a IWB holster. A 4" barrel works wonders, but then Kimber uses a brushingless barrel on the 4" models. I'm running one and it works like a champ. The only problem I had was that I needed to polish the ramp so it would run better with my carry ammo.

Other then that, go to the shop and dry fire it a couple of times. You'll probably wet yourself...see if a local range has one you can rent. You'll probably buy one before you leave.

Kimber is a high production "custom" style 1911, so you can get some that have some quirks. I had a serious external extractor issue, sent it back to Kimber and they replaced the slide with a, then, custom piece for the model with an internal extractor, a new barrel and matched fit it all for me. They didn't even charge me for shipping.

Take a hard look at other higher end modern 1911 manufactures as well. Nighthawk, Les Baer, STI, Wilson Combat, and similar. Get your hands on them if you can and see the differences. You'll see what options you like and may want to look for.

Oh, Larue makes a really cool .45 dillo break down tool...

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[millertime24 8]

Thats what I was thinking, but all the experience Ive had with any 1911's has been the more you pay for one the more picky they seem to be on what ammo they like. The cheaper ones always seemed to not give a crap what you put in the mag. Although, I hand load so I could just make the rounds that the gun likes and is accurate with.

Muff #5048

[mnealtx 0]

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Thats what I was thinking, but all the experience Ive had with any 1911's has been the more you pay for one the more picky they seem to be on what ammo they like. The cheaper ones always seemed to not give a crap what you put in the mag. Although, I hand load so I could just make the rounds that the gun likes and is accurate with.

Absent a bunch of smithing work, high accuracy and high reliability are bitter enemies. For most folks, a 'stock' 1911 will still shoot beyond their ability to hold a steady aim.

Look at the bright side - you get to have some fun burning ammo and seeing what make and bullet weight shoots best for that gun!!

Mike
I love you, Shannon and Jim.
POPS 9708 , SCR 14706

[millertime24 8]

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Look at the bright side - you get to have some fun burning ammo and seeing what make and bullet weight shoots best for that gun!!

Well thats a given. And seeing how Ill be using this gun for potential CQB situations, super good accuracy really isnt too big of a deal. Center mass at 50 yds is plenty good enough for me.

Muff #5048

[mnealtx 0]

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Look at the bright side - you get to have some fun burning ammo and seeing what make and bullet weight shoots best for that gun!!

Well thats a given. And seeing how Ill be using this gun for potential CQB situations, super good accuracy really isnt too big of a deal. Center mass at 50 yds is plenty good enough for me.

Trying for 'minute of paper plate' at 50 yds is good practice. Then you can go for 'minute of dessert plate'.

Mike
I love you, Shannon and Jim.
POPS 9708 , SCR 14706

[steve1 5]

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At my local range they banned a customer until he went through a firearm safety course..again...after his first shot at the range since getting his concealed carry permit.
Why?
It may have something to do with the fact that his first round took out the light above the shooting table.
RO said it caused quite the stir around the range. He said one guy found the bullet by his feet, another found a wet spot in his drawers, and two found Jesus!

That's a funny story! There's some scary shooters out there....

[diablopilot 2]

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Thats what I was thinking, but all the experience Ive had with any 1911's has been the more you pay for one the more picky they seem to be on what ammo they like. The cheaper ones always seemed to not give a crap what you put in the mag. Although, I hand load so I could just make the rounds that the gun likes and is accurate with.

Just a thought, If I were going to carry a weapon for self defense I would load it with a mass produced reliable ammunition that most closely matches the ammunition that the local Law Enforcement uses.

I would avoid a hand load because if I am ever forced to use it in the cause of self defense it will be difficult for anyone to suggest I was using excessive force. A hand load could pretty easily be explained to an ignorant jury as a pretty bad thing.

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You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously.

[mnealtx 0]

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Thats what I was thinking, but all the experience Ive had with any 1911's has been the more you pay for one the more picky they seem to be on what ammo they like. The cheaper ones always seemed to not give a crap what you put in the mag. Although, I hand load so I could just make the rounds that the gun likes and is accurate with.

Just a thought, If I were going to carry a weapon for self defense I would load it with a mass produced reliable ammunition that most closely matches the ammunition that the local Law Enforcement uses.

I would avoid a hand load because if I am ever forced to use it in the cause of self defense it will be difficult for anyone to suggest I was using excessive force. A hand load could pretty easily be explained to an ignorant jury as a pretty bad thing.

While I don't think there's been any cases successfully prosecuted on that evidence, I still agree with your point. I wouldn't use +P for the same reasons.

Mike
I love you, Shannon and Jim.
POPS 9708 , SCR 14706

[millertime24 8]

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Just a thought, If I were going to carry a weapon for self defense I would load it with a mass produced reliable ammunition that most closely matches the ammunition that the local Law Enforcement uses.

I would avoid a hand load because if I am ever forced to use it in the cause of self defense it will be difficult for anyone to suggest I was using excessive force. A hand load could pretty easily be explained to an ignorant jury as a pretty bad thing.

My dad told me the same thing. Maybe Ill just buy a box of LE type ammo to avoid that very problem.

Muff #5048

[Halfpastniner 0]

ok I have a question for you gun experts. Im looking at getting a carry gun as well, but I don't think I would like to carry some of the guns listed here. They just seem to big to be comfortable inside of pants.

My rigger has a Kel-Tec .380 which is tiny, and seems like it wouldn't be too cumbersome to carry. http://www.impactguns.com/store/640832000696.html

And he told me about the ruger version (LCP) which looks about the same size as the kel tec, and looks a little sharper as well.
http://www.impactguns.com/store/736676037018.html

You guys have any insight on either of these guns?

BASE 1384

[millertime24 8]

Problem with the smaller caliburs is stopping power. A .45 ranges from 350-500 lb/ft of energy translation to the target. A .380 is about 190 lb/ft. Muzzle energy is key when trying to stop 220lbs of meat coming after you. I personally wouldn't go any smaller than say a .40 S&W.

Muff #5048

[diablopilot 2]

How does it fit your hand and how well can you shoot it?

I am very much a fan of the Springfield XD's (and XDM although it's not available in California yet) for the above two reasons.

The XD is available in at least 3 calibers (9mm, .40, and .45ACP) and comes in at least 3 different sizes (4", 5", and subcompact 3" with shortened grip)

http://www.springfield-armory.com/

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You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously.

[Halfpastniner 0]

The Kel Tec fits ok in my hand, although it is a bit small. Havent got to hold the Ruger yet, hopeufully will get to a gun show this month and look for one. I havent fired either of them.

Im not seriously worried about the stopping power of .380, especially with a hydra shock or similar round. I have a bigger handgun that I could carry if it was all about the stopping power, but carrying it would just be uncomfortable.

I will look into the xd subcompacts as well. I have fired the bigger versions before, and I like the design.

BASE 1384

[rhaig 0]

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What do you think about this one Dave? It seems to fit in my price range and doesnt look too bad either.

http://www.impactguns.com/store/669278320021.html

I carry the generation one version of that. Love it.

--
Rob

[AggieDave 6]

You will have a lot of posts following talking about stopping power and how the .380 doesn't have enough. That you need a .40 or larger.

The thing is, I honestly think that it is an invalid argument. If you found and bought a .46ACP but it was cumbersome to carry so you didn't carry it, what good is it?

I like the Kel-Tec, I own one and I carry it. I put the "knife clip" on it and it is so very convenient to carry. Especially in something like a pair of gym shorts and t-shirt.

The best thing to carry would obviously be a FULL sized handgun in a large defense caliber, like a .40 or .45 for increased handling ability, muzzle velocity, accuracy and reliability. You will also find that many of the people saying you should only carry a .40 or larger are also suggesting small framed and short barrel versions. The moral of the story is that CCW is a compromise. Compromise between size, stopping power, conceal-ability and commitment to your personal safety.

So what is actually best for you? The weapon that you practice with enough to be proficient and also important, the one you will ACTUALLY carry!

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[mnealtx 0]

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Problem with the smaller caliburs is stopping power. A .45 ranges from 350-500 lb/ft of energy translation to the target. A .380 is about 190 lb/ft. Muzzle energy is key when trying to stop 220lbs of meat coming after you. I personally wouldn't go any smaller than say a .40 S&W.

Shot placement is king. A hit with a .22 beats a miss with a T-Rex.

Mike
I love you, Shannon and Jim.
POPS 9708 , SCR 14706

[mnealtx 0]

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ok I have a question for you gun experts. Im looking at getting a carry gun as well, but I don't think I would like to carry some of the guns listed here. They just seem to big to be comfortable inside of pants.

My rigger has a Kel-Tec .380 which is tiny, and seems like it wouldn't be too cumbersome to carry. http://www.impactguns.com/store/640832000696.html

And he told me about the ruger version (LCP) which looks about the same size as the kel tec, and looks a little sharper as well.
http://www.impactguns.com/store/736676037018.html

You guys have any insight on either of these guns?

I've heard some good things about the LCP as a pocket gun.

Mike
I love you, Shannon and Jim.
POPS 9708 , SCR 14706

[mnealtx 0]

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So what is actually best for you? The weapon that you practice with enough to be proficient and also important, the one you will ACTUALLY carry!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Mike
I love you, Shannon and Jim.
POPS 9708 , SCR 14706

[Halfpastniner 0]

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So what is actually best for you? The weapon that you practice with enough to be proficient and also important, the one you will ACTUALLY carry!

Good post, this was my thinking as well, just wanted to see what other opinions were out there. I know I wont carry a full size pistol, even if thats why I bought it.. Gun show is in a few weeks I will go shop around.

Thanks!

BASE 1384

[rhaig 0]

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The best thing to carry would obviously be a FULL sized handgun in a large defense caliber, like a .40 or .45 for increased handling ability, muzzle velocity, accuracy and reliability. You will also find that many of the people saying you should only carry a .40 or larger are also suggesting small framed and short barrel versions. The moral of the story is that CCW is a compromise. Compromise between size, stopping power, conceal-ability and commitment to your personal safety.

So what is actually best for you? The weapon that you practice with enough to be proficient and also important, the one you will ACTUALLY carry!

sound advice.

I've always been told "big enough to stop what you're aiming at, comfortable enough to wear daily and enjoyable enough to shoot frequently." The above advice encompasses all those points.

--
Rob

[mnealtx 0]

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The best thing to carry would obviously be a FULL sized handgun in a large defense caliber, like a .40 or .45 for increased handling ability, muzzle velocity, accuracy and reliability. You will also find that many of the people saying you should only carry a .40 or larger are also suggesting small framed and short barrel versions. The moral of the story is that CCW is a compromise. Compromise between size, stopping power, conceal-ability and commitment to your personal safety.

So what is actually best for you? The weapon that you practice with enough to be proficient and also important, the one you will ACTUALLY carry!

sound advice.

I've always been told "big enough to stop what you're aiming at, comfortable enough to wear daily and enjoyable enough to shoot frequently." The above advice encompasses all those points.

Spending the extra dosh for a REAL gun belt makes all the difference in the world, comfort-wise.

Mike
I love you, Shannon and Jim.
POPS 9708 , SCR 14706

[rhaig 0]

I can highly recommend the wilderness instructor belt

http://store.thewilderness.com/product_info.php?cPath=43&products_id=2007&osCsid=ngi4n10dc3667p9ff7nnufspm5

most secure belt I've ever worn. with or without a weapon.

--
Rob

[AggieDave 6]

Yup, that is a favorite of mine that I wear often! The Maxpedition Ligar belt is a good choice as well, but I like the Instructor belt.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[377 22]

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The ruger for sure!! It's a tack driver. My brother owned the walther and neither of us were impressed. He sold it to buy a ruger!!

I second Ruger but go simple, get a revolver, super tough, stainless, SIMPLE, reliable and a lot cheaper than other higher tech pistols. If you just own a Ruger revolver you will probably never be paying any gunsmiths. Ammo is cheap and widely available. Cleaning and maintenance is dirt simple.

A revolver isnt easily concealed, but I am not going to be carrying a concealed weapon so it doesnt concern me.

I like Glocks a lot, but they are pricey and complex. I can splash some salt water or dirt on my Ruger and not get all worried about it. I could probably run it through my dishwasher with no ill effects.

A Ruger revolver is like a moderately loaded Triathlon canopy. Some of the other pistol choices are like small crossbraced swoop canopies.

Take your choice, but mine is a Ruger Security Six (and Triathlon 190).

377

2018 marks half a century as a skydiver. Trained by the late Perry Stevens D-51 in 1968.

[AggieDave 6]

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I like Glocks a lot, but they are pricey and complex. I can splash some salt water or dirt on my Ruger and not get all worried about it. I could probably run it through my dishwasher with no ill effects.

Dude, wait, what?

The Glock field strips into 4 parts if you don't count ejecting the magazine.

Strangely enough, since you brought it up, I have run one of my Glocks through the dishwasher, just with out the drying/heat cycle. I was dead broke, just finished firearm quals and had to have the gun perfect clean when I got back the next day. I was out of all but just a little BreakFree, had no Hobbs, Gun Scrubber or anything else. I looked at the dishwasher in the duplex I was renting and thought "aw, what the hell..."

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."