Should I buy an autoloader?

[CorpITGuy]

Before I became a gun nut, I purchased a .357 (S&W Model 66-3, used but in perfect condition... she's beautiful) for home defense. I started going to the range a lot, and really enjoyed it. I'm not any good because I have a genetic disorder that causes my hands to tremble, but I've learned to group within about 8-10 inches at 25 yards. I hope to get better.

Anyway, I then purchased a Bersa .380 for those days when my .357 was just too big (I have clothing requirements from time to time). I like it and don't regret the purchase, but I sometimes want more capacity than my revolver but in a larger caliber than .380.

Am I nuts to buy ANOTHER handgun? I almost bought a S&W .40 cal but it sold before I could email the guy. I'm wondering if maybe I ought to take the hint and say, "okay, God.. I won't buy any more for now".

[Mp7]

Does your trembling lessen if you hold heavy things?


Maybe you should rent autos at the range ... see if a CZ75 or others
work for you.

[PT1911]

you have two handguns.... that definitely isnt too many. guy what you like and what you want.

[CorpITGuy]

I think it's about the same in terms of trembling, but that is a great idea, and one I hadn't thought of (going to the range and renting autos). My gun club does not have a clubhouse and there are no rentals, but I may go to a nearby indoor range that does and try some out. Thanks.

[CorpITGuy]

Originally Posted by PT1911

you have two handguns.... that definitely isnt too many. guy what you like and what you want.

I've heard it said, "if you know how many guns you own, you don't have enough". I own 5. That clearly isn't enough.

[Oro]

A few observations:

1) A vast number of studies show the average number of shots fired in an encounter is between 2 and 2.8. A revolver will pretty reliably get your through two separate armed encounter in a single day before a need to reload.

Buy the gun you shoot well, enjoy shooting, or can carry most easily and make the ammo capacity a lesser consideration.

2) If you already have a S&W 66, is it a 4"? I am thinking it might be as you say it is hard to carry concealed sometimes? Consider a 2.5" round butted version of the 66 or 19. They are very easy to carry and conceal, and will be very familiar since you already have the larger (?) version.

Demo-ing autos at a range is a great idea - you may find one you prefer, or that you shoot them better. You may already have a 2.5" 66, but maybe you aren't aware of that carry option.

[Drail]

You need both types. My feeling is that too many people are drawn to a certain gun based primarily on its magazine capacity. As Oro stated you probably don't need more than what a revolver provides. I think a revolver makes most people a better shooter. There was a famous IPSC shooter back in the olden days when everyone was shooting single stack 1911s who commented upon seeing an early high capacity double stack pistol -"you must plan on missing a lot.."

[CorpITGuy]

My 66-3 is a 2.5".

Thanks. I may still one day buy a larger caliber auto, but for now I'll save my money and use it on ammo.

[Noveldoc]

If that familial tremor is a hassle, your doc probably has some meds to help you.

So far I have held to 3 pistols and 2 rifles. But lusting for a new firearm is a part of the hobby.

I love my Ruger Blackhawk; it's the most accurate handgun I own by far. But it is just so much fun tinkering with an auto.

Don't go too long without scratching that itch.

Tom

[wbwanzer]

Don't beat yourself up about buying another gun. If you can afford it and there is one that you want, then go for it. There is a world of handguns out there to experience.

[RustyHammer]

The damn things are like rabbits ... my wife thought I only had a couple, until she saw me taking them out of the safe. Damn if there were many more than that ....

[notbubba]

I think that if you say to almost any shooter at your club,
"Nice gun, I was thinking about getting one of those, how do you like yours?"

They'll load up the gun and ask if you'd like to shoot a few round, most shooter love to show off their toys.

[Mike J]

If you can afford it & want another gun why not get what you want. I have 3 centerfire auto's & one centerfire revolver. If I were to win the lottery there would be at least one happy gun store owner. I agree with the folks that said try to borrow or rent a few different platforms before you buy. Every time I get a new gun it kinda renews my interest in firearms.

[Walkalong]

Am I nuts to buy ANOTHER handgun?

Absolutely not. 2 is definitely not enough.

An XD in 9MM or .40 would be an excellent next gun. Still not a big gun, so easy to carry, higher capacity, easy to shoot well, easy to break down, accurate, etc. Excellent platform.

[NMGonzo]

When you get to your 9th handgun, let me call you "nuts!!!"

[Shadow 7D]

Well, not having a disorder that makes my hands tremble, just a few meds that can make them start if I get tired at the end of the day. And on that said say shooting a pocket rocket that kicks like a mule. I would go and get a .22 rugar mark or buckmark, or something along those lines. I couldn't hit anything after shooting that gun, so I finished up my range time with my MKIII, and was pleasantly surprised that I kept two mags inside the 3, so even with the sights wavering back an forth I still did pretty good.

[Walkalong]

When you get to your 9th handgun, let me call you "nuts!!!"

Only 9?

[HisSoldier]

I don't know how many I have. I have enough?

[kimberdad]

I dont believe you should limit the guns you own to a number. If you like a gun and really want it, buy it. There are millions of guns out there looking for a good home, lets help them find one.