[Ryanpowell167]

Im looking at getting a Glock 23 or 19 for my birthday. Im looking for a simple, durable gun that uses a not-to-expensive ammunition. It appears that both the 9mm and .40cal version are about the same price. I dont want a .45. My dad has several and i would like a little bit more accurate pistol. This would be my main ccw pistol once i get my license, when im 21 :. Just wanted to hear some opinions on what to get. I dont feel the need for a manual safety. I do like the idea of a hi-cap magazine, which is another reason to stay away from the lager sizes of ammo. My limit is probably at or right around 600.

[Matt Gertsch]

I had no idea that .45 ACPs were inaccurate. Mine seems to shoot really well. Must be a girly, limp wristing issue.

Since you can't hold on to a .45, I'd recommend getting a Kimber in 9mm.

[Ryanpowell167]

Haha i see how it is. My dad has several .45 kimber custom shop guns that are like 1500 each and i really dont enjoy shooting them as much as some 400 or 500 hundred dollar rugers. They are VERY nice guns and they are great to look at and they perform well, but i enjoy shooting low caliber with more rounds more accurately. I just like the idea of having 17 rounds to play with rather then 8 in say a kimber full size 1911. Do you have a glock 45 cal? Ive never shot a glock in that caliber but i have shot some glock 9mm's. I just want some first hand experience.

[Matt Gertsch]

No, seriously, don't feel bad, my wife can't shoot my Kimber either. I somehow, through a magical power, called "practice" can do this to a target at 50 yards:



That's using a stock, out of the box Kimber Compact. I'm so dialed into the pistol that you can actually see my 3 different groups caused by my 3 different pauses in my breathing.

Also, If I'm not mistaken, you can't legally posses a handgun until you're 21. Spend the next 3 years learn your dad's 1911s. You'll come to revere them.

[default_user]

I used to carry a Glock 17. My mom had a Kimber Pro CDP II that was "too much gun" for her (5'2" 115lbs) so she passed it on to me. Since then I have become a 1911 convert. Not sure how you feel about carrying a full size frame pistol, but Springfield has a few that are close to your budget.

[glockfire]

I have a G19, which is of course a 9mm. I DONT LIKE IT! I really wish I had a .45 acp/gap. If I had gone with a bigger round I wouldve enjoyed it, but the 9mm is not my preffered round. Im really trying to work out a trade for an XD .45, but I dont want to have to add.


BTW, if you get one, dont get a silver slide, I liked it at first, but now Im sick of it.

[Matt Gertsch]

If you have $600, I'd spend $100 of that on a Hipoint 9mm and $500 on ammo to practice with. If you want a middle of the road pistol, I'd look at the XDs.

[pagoda]

I carry a Glock 26 9 mm compact or my Sig 226 9mm. I personally love the glock for reliability. I am not a fan of the huge 45 round myself. However, I know a number of federal agents and deputy marshals that swear by the glock 45 caliber gun line. I generally trust their opinion since they are at the range monthly to practice for qualifying.

[xxxflhrci]

Of your two listed options, I'd get the 23. I'm not a fan of the 9mm. There is a reason that it fell out of favor of LEO's nearly 10 years ago.

[Lcars]

Get the 45. The only reason to get a 9 was capacity. I have the complete line of Glocks and the 45 and 10mm are my favorites

[IAJack]

I'd consider the 23C. It will take a little bit of the snap out of the .40 and the whole load of crap about it blinding you at night is bull.

I carry a 23 and love it. I have had it almost 8years. I just refinished the slide with a Lauer kit and I cut out and wrapped the grip with skateboard /tread tape.

Just be sure to shoot new or jacketed ammo through it and no lead or soft stuff due to the kaboom chance of the unsupported chamber.

[balloo93]

For a carry weapon, .45 is what you want. Yes, you get more rounds with a 9mm, but you get more stopping power with a .45.

Keep in mind that in most cases or self defense, it's not a movie style gun fight. It's a couple of rounds and that's about it. Keep a cool head and you can protect yourself with "only" 8 rounds.

[erickpl]

My 1911 has an 8 round Wilson mag in it now, so I'm 8 +1. If 9 rounds of .45 can't stop whatever I'd need to shoot at, then I've got bigger issues.

I've had my Kimber since July. I'm not quite the shot that Matt seems to be, but this is my target from 30' or so - which would more likely be the range you'd use one for self defense. Practice with a .45 and you'll quickly find your 'weak spots' in your stance, grip, and aim. It WILL make you a better shot for the other pistol calibers.



While I love my .45, my 21 YO daughter prefers the 9MM. She's shot a P239 and wants to shoot the G19 and S&W M&P soon. If I had to choose though, I'd probably opt for .40 for an alternate choice.

I have a .22 rifle for a plinker, but would love a Walther P22 just for the cheap plinking. I know a Browning pistol would be a better way to go, but the Walther's are just FUN!

I'm not going to debate the 1911 vs Glock/XD issues. I enjoy the 1911 as it is a classic design and I love how mine works FOR ME. The polymer guns I've shot have had no issues, but if I had to make a choice, I prefer the metal frames/bodies/slides over the polymers.

[balloo93]

If you want a dual purpose weapon, why not a .357 wheel gun



You can plink with .38 rounds and carry .357.

[xxxflhrci]

Originally Posted by balloo93

If you want a dual purpose weapon, why not a .357 wheel gun



You can plink with .38 rounds and carry .357.

I agree. I have a Ruger SP101 in .357. I've had the gun 13 years, but never had a good holster for a quick draw. Fobus just started making a holster for it this year. I got on in the mail a few days ago. It makes for a nice concealable package.

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