Learning about guns

[Bull]

Karen, I have an HK P30, and it is really nice. It feels pretty small in my hand, compared to other guns I've shot, but for a lady, that is probably a good thing, because you want something that feels good in your hand, and not too big. I don't know about the slide issue. I have put about 400 rounds through mine, and it still feels great. It is very ergonomic. It still feels solid and operates smoothly. It is not hard to operate the slide release, and that, as well as the magazine release, can be operated from either side of the weapon. It has no safety, but it has a safe de-cocking lever, which is a button on the rear, next to the hammer, which allows the hammer to return to normal position, without firing a shot. Don't know if that matters to you, but some folks don't like to use their thumb to hold the hammer back, and pull the trigger, and allow the hammer to return. I was at the range yesterday, with my neighbor, his wife, and two daughters. We all took turns shooting each other's guns, and my neighbor's wife and 14 year old daughter both shot my P30, and liked it. They found it fit well in their hands, and was easy to operate, reload, and shoot. I will say that the Springfield's mentioned above are nice, as well as Glocks. Also, my neighbor's wife carries a Sig P229, and that is a very nice gun. You may want to look at those as well.

[VINCENT]

i second the XD. love that gun.

heres something for you to try. go to your Local Gun Store(LGS) and pick out several of the models you are looking at. close your eyes and handle all of them. you will shoot best with which ever gun fits your hand best. thats how i make my final decission once i narrowed the playing field.

[Klayton]

Well I love my XD and wife loves hers, but they all have grip safeties.

Gonna have to do some research on Glock, might be a back up choice...
Thanks for the 411 guys...

[Matt In Oklahoma]

Try the Glock 26, aka "the baby Glock." I love it. The wife loves it.

It takes all the 9mm Glock mags, 10, 15, 17, happy stick, etc.

Very durable and reliable even with 7K rounds with no lube and no cleaning...

We covered the Glock 9s with the 26,19 and 17 and I have shown them the interchanging mags as well :)
didnt break out the happy stick though, maybe next time

[Grand58742]

About the only problem with Sig or H&K is the price. While you pay for quality, it certainly costs. With Glock or Springfield you get good quality and a decent price to include after market items. But pretty much any of the firearms mentioned will be fine.

[ridgerunner]

You could buy a Glock 19 right now and never have to buy another handgun the rest of your life. Of course that's no fun, so I would get a G26 after that. Then when you get some experience, go for a G34 and run and gun with the IPSC crowd. Once you get used to shooting a Glock, they all feel very similar to shoot. Parts are available anywhere gun parts are sold. There are thousands of them (if not more) in the US. Go for it!

[Bull]

About the only problem with Sig or H&K is the price. While you pay for quality, it certainly costs. With Glock or Springfield you get good quality and a decent price to include after market items. But pretty much any of the firearms mentioned will be fine.

That is the truth. A Glock or Springfield is great and much cheaper. A Glock 17 or a Springfield XDM is will probably be my next handgun purchase, unless I just happen to get crazy and get the Sig. I will have at least one of each, but it sure is hard to beat a Glock 17. I have a Sig P220 in 45ACP, which is a really great gun, and I love it, but I didn't have to pay full price, because I got it used, and in good condition, but it was a pretty good deal. Anyway, Karen, if a Glock feels good in your hands, you definitely aren't making any mistakes by getting one of those.

[monkeybird]

I recently a S&M Bodyguard 380 and I love it. My original gun was a Ruger SP 101 357, which I also love. When I got my concealed carry permit, I found that the Ruger was HEAVY. Carrying it in my purse became annoying. That was why I bought the Bodyguard. It's light and compact, got excellent reviews and I love it.