Training or Handgun?

[RancidSumo]

Ive only got room in the budget this summer for one major purchase (ammo not included). It has come down to either a training course (carbine with some handgun) or a handgun. I have never taken a class so I know I need to and I can borrow a handgun to use for it but it seems like that hole left by not having a good pistol needs filled pretty badly too. If you were in my situation, would you take the class or put it off for a year and buy the gun?

[uwe1]

You don't currently own any handguns? Have you practiced at the range at all? I was going to tell you to take the class, but it would be less than ideal to be shooting a gun other than what you own or plan to own. On the bright side, maybe you can borrow a few different handguns and ultimately decide what you like after taking the class.

[RancidSumo]

I own a handgun and I've shot it a lot at the range but I have doubts about it's ability to hold up under heavy fire (Its a Taurus 24/7 PRO) . Also, the class I'd be taking is a carbine class, no handgun class

[parishioner]

I would do the training and take a handgun course before a carbine course as you are far more likely to have to use a handgun in a defensive situation. Carbine courses are flashier/more appealing and do have their place but as a civilian, you would benefit more from being proficient with the handgun first. Unless of course you are planning to join the military.

ETA: I assumed you had your own pistol. In that case, it makes little sense to take a class before you have the gun.

[RancidSumo]

So you'd take a handgun class with a someone else's gun? It would be a Beretta 92 9mm.

[TOrrock]

I'd consider selling the Taurus 24/7 and using the proceeds to help fund a Glock 17/19, S&W M&P, or a used SIG P226/228/229, or Beretta 92FS.

After that, I'd look a at a class.

[lethal dose]

Sell the 24/7 and put the $ towards a glock 19. Once you have the pistol and some ammo, get together with local m4c guys. I'm hosting the ohio/pa/wv spring m4c meet and we had to cap the attendance at 24. Awesome. It is a great way to train at low cost. I wouldn't recommend joining a hackathorn/buckets/disres/whoever class until you're realitively proficient on your weapons. Where are you located?

Edit to say: templar typed faster than me.

[RancidSumo]

I'd consider selling the Taurus 24/7 and using the proceeds to help fund a Glock 17/19, S&W M&P, or a used SIG P226/228/229, or Beretta 92FS.

After that, I'd look a at a class.

Now there's a thought. I can get at least $200 for the Taurus which brings the cost of the others to around $350. I could probably swing that.

[RancidSumo]

Sell the 24/7 and put the $ towards a glock 19. Once you have the pistol and some ammo, get together with local m4c guys. I'm hosting the ohio/pa/wv spring m4c meet. It is a great way to train at low cost. I wouldn't recommend joining a hackathorn/buckets/disres/whoever class until you're realitively proficient on your weapons. Where are you located?

Edit to say: templar typed faster than me.

I'm in Wyoming. Not too many M4C folks around here I don't think.

[lethal dose]

Look at the regional training groups section. Dono if there's any around you or not. If not, START ONE!