The Mannings Are Getting A Handgun
Lisa and I are complete noobs when it comes to shooting and purchasing handguns. We’ll be taking a class this week that includes some range time and use of several different handguns. Hopefully that should get us off to a good start. If any readers have good advice on purchasing firearms it would be much appreciated.
Here are the handguns I’m most interested in right now. They’re all 9mm. My wife and I will both be practicing with this gun and I want to buy something she’ll be completely comfortable shooting.
H&K P2000 I haven’t fired this yet but respect H&K’s reputation. We want a reliable weapon so this is currently my first choice.
Walther PPS This is a brand new model. That concerns me. My bro-in-law has one we’ll likely be trying out at the range before we make a final decision.
Sig P239 A small gripped gun with a single stack magazine. I’m assuming that will be easier for a woman with small hands to use and easy to conceal if necessary. Am I wrong? I’m tempted to go with the model that shoots .357 sig ammo (also available on the p2000) but that could get expensive.
If anyone has ideas on how I can help make shooting enjoyable for Lisa I’d appreciate hearing them. She’s been very ambivalent about guns as long as I’ve known her. She does want to get one now though so I want to ensure we do things correctly.
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Jeremy,
I need to put you in touch with my brother-in-law and sister in Logan. They recently got into handguns and I believe my sister now has a concealed-carry permit. I’ll email you with more information.
Daniel
Comment by Daniel Simmons — April 1, 2008 @ 1:27 pm
Thanks Daniel. At the very least it would be fun to have someone to go shooting with after we get our first piece!
Comment by Jeremy Manning — April 1, 2008 @ 3:22 pm
OK. First off, sorry my response will be obviously biased, (coming from the webmaster of www.fnhusa.com who works at Browning/Winchester Arms), but if you are concerned with making the experience a nice one for the wife, you may want to consider the FN five-seven pistol. It shoots a smaller 5.7×28mm round for a smooth shot with very little kick. This round is also being looked at by military because of its high penetration/lethality.
FN makes 70% of the US Military’s small arms, and has been contracted with the US Military for around 100 years, so they’re a reliable manufacturer.
See all of the FNH USA handguns here.
I wish I could have my own firearm, but will not be able to until my special needs children are out of the house or old enough to understand rules about these things.
May I also suggest a fingerprint activated lock box. If I had a firearm in the house for protection, this is how I would store it. Very secure, and instant access.
Comment by cody — April 2, 2008 @ 3:38 pm
Oh, and also there is a current promotion through April 30th. Buy a five-seven and get 200 rounds of ammo free.
Also, the five-seven has a rail under the barrel for mounting a flashlight or laser.
Comment by cody — April 2, 2008 @ 3:42 pm
Cody,
I was hoping to hear from you
I’ll check out the links you posted now! I hadn’t considered a five-seven…how expensive is the ammo?
Comment by Jeremy Manning — April 2, 2008 @ 4:52 pm
Not sure locally. On gunbroker.com the ammo is $180 for 500 rounds. The gun will be a bit pricier too at around $900+ new. (-$90 for 200 rounds of free ammo) You get what you pay for. It’s a nice gun and is flying off the shelves. …if it can fit into your pocketbook.
FNH also makes the FNP9 and FNP40 in the $300-400 range and the FNP45 and FN357 at around $500.
Browning makes a ton of .22 cal pistols in the $300-400 range.
There’s a ton of handgun choices out there. Make sure you test shoot some different calibers (and the wife) before making your decision… good luck choosing!
Comment by cody — April 2, 2008 @ 5:16 pm
Jerm,
With my apologies, if you’d allow me to, I’d like to retract some previous words in this post.
For lethal throw down, you’ll want a 40 or 45. 9mm might do too. The 5.7 may not be your best fit.
And remember the keyless entry box. Let me know what you get! I wish I could get a handgun before elections at year end, but I’ll have to wait for some time.
Comment by cody — April 14, 2008 @ 10:04 am