For all handgun newbies - here's how I invested $1200+ to get into sport/defense

[triplebike]

Here’s how I invested my $1250 for handguns. All were purchased within the last 10 months. I’m very satisfied for the amount invested.

1st hand gun purchased - BuckMark Stainless Camper .22 – price paid $250 – 1000’s of rds fired with maybe 3 hiccups – taught me how to shoot a handgun accurately – very inexpensive to shoot
http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/firearms/detail.asp?value=006B&cat_id=051&type_id=442

2nd hand gun purchased – Ruger Security Six .357 with 4” barrel – price paid $239 (nearly NIB condition) – 100’s of .357 & .38 rds fired with no problems whatsoever – carry & 1st home defense handgun – very simple , very effective, very reliable
http://www.imfdb.org/images/thumb/7/7e/Ruger_Sec_6_1.jpg/400px-Ruger_Sec_6_1.jpg

3rd handgun purchased – Stoeger Cougar 8000 9MM – price paid $369 NIB – almost 1000 rds fired with no problems whatsoever – carry & 2nd home defense handgun – my favorite rd to shoot is the 9MM – reliable, accurate, hi cap (15 rds) & fun fun fun to shoot
http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/popup_image.php?pID=97126

4th handgun purchased – CZ 75B 9MM – price paid $399 (nearly NIB condition) – about 500 rds fired with no problems whatsoever – home defense full sized – most accurate semi auto handgun I have ever shot - reliable , most accurate , hi cap (16 rds) & more fun fun fun to shoot
http://www.gunsinternational.com/popup.cfm?id=100121782&num=1&pic=100121782-1-L.JPG

(Photos are for images only)

 

[bannockburn]

triplebike

Sounds like you did just fine; nothing there I wouldn't mind owning myself. Actually I would love to have the Ruger Security Six; in that condition, and at that price. The only thing I might do differently would be to have one 9mm. pistol and one .45ACP pistol. Would always want to have at least one M1911 on hand.

 

[triplebike]

Can't disagree with ya on the M1911 45ACP. After the Stoeger , I wanted a full sized 9MM & couldn't pass up the deal on the CZ. I do have my heart set on a Beretta 92FS, just something about that gun, but.... if the right deal comes along for a 1911 it may very well be next.

 

[Kingofthehill]

Although a decent, pretty well rounded collection you have there.

1 of those guns should have never been purchased, and in turn you should take a local training course for self/home defense from a reputable instructor.

If you already did that, i apologize for assuming. I think when anyone new to the hobby/sport/lifestyle More important than more guns is Training, a Safe, joining the NRA, and ammo for a lot of practice... then acquire more and more of everything

 

[wlewisiii]

Eh, I'd have stopped after number 2 unless I traded up to a proper S&W instead. Stop buying toys and get some training and a **** huge pile of ammo instead.

No, I'm not joking or anything else. You own a pile of toys that won't help you in the long run and you still need to feed them. Deal with it if the silly **** this site endorses is your thing. If it isn't then the game changes it's rules but you're still ok...



William

 

[mnrivrat]

No, I'm not joking or anything else. You own a pile of toys that won't help you in the long run and you still need to feed them. Deal with it if the silly **** this site endorses is your thing. If it isn't then the game changes it's rules but you're still ok...

 

[triplebike]

Man, tough crowd here. To kingofthehill & “especially” wlewisiii. I was just listing what I invested in handguns. But since you brought it up. I became a member of my range before I purchased any of the handguns. I was an NRA member before I joined my range. I have spent over $450 on firearm training , all by NRA approved instructors. My 1st home defense weapon is a 12 gauge, had one on one NRA approved instructor on that gun. I have taken & completed the NRA basic pistol class & when I purchased the Ruger I had the same one on one as the shotgun. When I purchased the Stoeger I had the same one on one as the shotgun & Ruger. To give you an idea how much I shoot, I’ve owned the CZ less than two weeks, owned the Stoeger about 5 weeks. I also own & shoot three .22 caliber rifles that I’ve owned for years. I have on hand at the moment close to 6,000 rds of .22, 1000 rds of 9MM , 300 rds of .38 special, 150 rds of .38 + P, & 100 rds of .357. I shoot the .22’s the most (about 400 rds per range visit) The 9MM next (about 300 rds per range visit) & the .357 / .38 the least ( about 150 rds per range visit). I shoot at least twice a week.

PS. S&W revolvers are very nice (better trigger) BUT I would never give up my Ruger over one. To each their own I guess, but I prefer the ruggedness of the Ruger as well as the fact that I was able to get a mint condition .357 that will outlast me no matter how much I fire it for under $250. Also I don’t consider any of my weapons “toys” I take each one very seriously. I just happen to like shooting the 9MM round the most & the two handguns I purchased shoot it very very well..

You guys should lighten up a bit. Night all

 

[Kingofthehill]

I had no intention of coming of like a jerk. Your post will appeal to someone new just starting out. I was just hoping they would read my suggestion as well taht they should invest into proper training, securing your firearm in a safe place, joining the NRA to protect our rights and then build up their collection from there.

It was not a dig at you at all. You didn't bring any of that up so i just wanted to throw that out there.

and just because you throw a lot of rounds down range doesn't mean anything. SURE that could help with trigger control and firearm familiarity but true actual training is really all that matters in the end.

Take it how you want, from the "you guys should lighten up a bit", i think i catch your tone. Thats cool too.

Cya

 

[Bovice]

wlewisii-

I don't know of ANY firearms that are toys. The CZ is a very serious firearm and I wouldn't consider it only as a "fun gun". You're a fool.

 

[goon]

Personally, I'd have probably skipped one of the 9mm's but that's just me. I can't argue the logic of having two in the same caliber in case one breaks. Seems like you're off to a decent start and figuring out what works for you. I also agree though that if you haven't put any money into ammo or magazines, you should do that before you buy more handguns. At least fill a 50 caliber can for each caliber.


And personally, I also wonder what's so great about a S&W?.
I've had five S&W revolvers and an M&P 9mm. The M&P was a disappointment and both the 686 and M-28 were shot out of time eventually. But the Model 36, 60, and 48 were all fine revolvers. Overall though, they're just like anyone else. I'd still probably choose the Security Six over a K-frame S&W .357 just because it's about the same size but built more stoutly (owned one of them too).
And I've owned 3 CZ's - two 75's and a PCR.
All were totally reliable and accurate with every round of ammunition I put through them. I've learned that there is something I don't like about the ergonomics but in terms of price and even reliability, they all beat SIG's I've owned that cost hundreds more. They've been used by militaries all over the world and keep working. So I also wonder what classifies them as "toys".

 

[triplebike]

Personally, I'd have probably skipped one of the 9mm's but that's just me. I can't argue the logic of having two in the same caliber in case one breaks. Seems like you're off to a decent start and figuring out what works for you. I also agree though that if you haven't put any money into ammo or magazines, you should do that before you buy more handguns. At least fill a 50 caliber can for each caliber.


And personally, I also wonder what's so great about a S&W?.
I've had five S&W revolvers and an M&P 9mm. The M&P was a disappointment and both the 686 and M-28 were shot out of time eventually. But the Model 36, 60, and 48 were all fine revolvers. Overall though, they're just like anyone else. I'd still probably choose the Security Six over a K-frame S&W .357 just because it's about the same size but built more stoutly (owned one of them too).
And I've owned 3 CZ's - two 75's and a PCR.
All were totally reliable and accurate with every round of ammunition I put through them. I've learned that there is something I don't like about the ergonomics but in terms of price and even reliability, they all beat SIG's I've owned that cost hundreds more. They've been used by militaries all over the world and keep working. So I also wonder what classifies them as "toys".

I did purchase extra mags for the semi auto's, I have 3 mags for the BuckMark & 5 each for the Stoeger & CZ. I wanted both a compact & full sized 9mm which is why I went with two & as I said before 9MM is my favorite rd to shoot. I also prefer a "all metal gun", I like the extra weight. I also agree about stocking up on ammo & I'm working on it.

 

[LiveLife]

triplebike, as long as you enjoy shooting your guns, that's all that matters. I have gotten flamed by many of my good intentioned friends/match shooters for buying the "wrong" guns: 1911s, Sig 226, Makarov (Russian), CZ75, Ruger P95, Sigma, Glocks (all calibers), M&P and latest PT145Pro. And boy did I get flamed for the Taurus ... although now they are converts.

Personally, I think you did good.

 

[Phydeaux642]

You done good. Buy what you like and to heck with the naysayers if it is reliable and you enjoy shooting it. I'd own anything you mentioned and feel good about it.

On a side note - some folks here would do well to lay off the training for a while and learn how to put a sentence together.

 

[Kingofthehill]

On a side note - some folks here would do well to lay off the training for a while and learn how to put a sentence together.

I promise to articulate my sentences better when someone breaks into my house ok? Grammar Nazi's are a funny breed. I didn't know talking about firearms on an internet forum was equivalent of the Sat's. give me a freaking break. Last i checked, this is a gun forum and not a English 101 or a creative writing course.

 

[shiftyer1]

9mm was my favorite round to shoot also until I found a 1911, now .45 has become my favorite round to shoot followed by .38's shot out of my blackhawk. The security-six was an excellant investment, I can't speak for the others because I have not owned any of them although i've held a cz75b and it fit my hand well. No matter what you have someone will always have an opinion as to why you should have their favorite instead.

 

[Phydeaux642]

I promise to articulate my sentences better when someone breaks into my house ok? Grammar Nazi's are a funny breed. I didn't know talking about firearms on an internet forum was equivalent of the Sat's. give me a freaking break. Last i checked, this is a gun forum and not a English 101 or a creative writing course.

First, I wasn't referring to you. Second, if someone is trying to get an idea or point across it would help if you could understand what the heck they are talking about.

 

[Shopping A Round]

With the text you type being the only way to express yourself, why shouldn't it be as grammatically correct as possible?

I too had a difficult time understanding what the heck you were talking about.

 

[walksbyhimself]

Triplebike-

That's fairly similar to the pistol collection I am working towards myself. I started off with a Buckmark .22 as well, and then bought a Cz-82 (9x18). Next up is a Ruger Six revolver, preferably a Speed Six, and either a Cz-75 or Witness 9mm.

When I worked at a gun shop I got a lot of ribbing from the other guys for liking cheap guns...

 

[bri]

Nice collection and I'm sure your post will help some newbs that may be looking for ideas.

Ignore the naysayers, just like any other sport/hobby/activity, there's always the crowd that thinks they know the best, last, end-all answer and unfortunately, feel they have to share it at every turn.

 

[Lakeshore]

Triplebike, very nice 4 gun assortment (esp. that Ruger Security Six). You did well for $1200. Every one of those is a high quality handgun that will hold its value and provide years of shooting enjoyment.

 

[Baba Louie]

Excellent beginning triplebike. All good shooters should have a .22, a wheelgun in .36 (or thereabouts, AKA .38 and/or .357) and maybe a semi-auto in an appropriate caliber.

With an eye towards newbies in the sport/hobby, I agree with those who preach training classes ("software over hardware"). More ammo is always good.

Very easy to acquire new guns and overlook the little things a newb might need, e.g., holster, belt, eyes/ears, spare mags or speedloaders, safe or lockbox, range time, etc. all of which cost $$.

As of late, ammo cost and simple acquisition can be... challenging at times, something a newb might want to take into consideration when selecting a handgun for sport/SD nowadays.

Good post, good thread, good advice, even those who preach sentence structure (which I violate like crazy what with parenthetic comment, the ... ellipsis disjoint, etc).

 

[dovedescending]

No fighting, no biting!

Nice collection you got there, triplebike. I couldn't help thinking though, how much have you spent TOTAL, on ammo, training, etc, not just your delightful firearms?

Also, this thread is useless without pictures. I for one would like to see this collection, preferably in suggestive poses.

 

[gwnorth]

Nice start - keep going How do you like the Cougar? I was tempted to buy a Beretta Cougar in .45acp, but passed since I have no experience with the gun and would want to shoot one of those rotating lockup pistols before buying one.

I say you should buy whatever you want, and whatever you can afford. As many people and their collections on this board can attest, not every gun is purchased with the intent of using it for personal or home defense. Many are purchased with no intent at all, other then the owner just wanted it. I have a single 1911 in my small collection. While it would make a great SD or HD weapon, it lives in the safe in between range trips. I already had several guns to fill the personal defense role - I only have a 1911 because I wanted one, and if I was to have only one, it was to be a Colt (1991a1 stainless combat commander).

And your security six is one I'm sure you'll keep forever. I have a pair of stainless service sixes (4" and 3"), and I cannot see myself ever parting with either - they are truly that good a wheel gun, IMO.

Happy shooting.

 

[searcher451]

You did quite well; congratulations on what appears to be a great start. The thing about guns is that the issues that might trip your trigger won't necessarily trip the next guy's, but it really doesn't matter. So long as you are happy, and get the pieces that you want to get, and get them at what you consider to be a decent price, then you can't lose -- in the long run, or even in the short. Way to go. As the great man said, keep it going.

 

[triplebike]

No fighting, no biting!

Nice collection you got there, triplebike. I couldn't help thinking though, how much have you spent TOTAL, on ammo, training, etc, not just your delightful firearms?

Also, this thread is useless without pictures. I for one would like to see this collection, preferably in suggestive poses.

Thanks dovedescending.

To answer your question See post # 7, then add at least another 3-4 hundred

I have such a hard time trying to figure out how to post actual photo's on forums like this one, that's the reason I just pulled images from the web with a link.