Newbie

[b_real45]

In so many ways..

I popped my firearm cherry a few weeks ago when I went to a local range to take a look at some compacts. I've always wanted to shoot a firearm but never got up to do it until recently.

My first time shooting was with a Glock 17 rented from the range. What a crazy feeling - never can you fully comprehend the power of a firearm until you actually shoot it! At that point, I was already hooked. I put about 10rds in that 17 and switched over to the 19 because I'm interested only in compacts. I put another 20rds in the 19 and switched over to an S&W M+P (non-compact - I didn't realize until later). The M+P felt a lot better than the 19 when comparing 9mm rounds.. however this was still my first time so I doubt I have the capability of truly dissecting what I liked or did not like. After a box of the 9mm's I switched to .40 S&W. My weapon of choice was the Glock 23. I started shooting and WOW I love this caliber. I loved it so much that I forgot to split the box of 50 with another gun. All of my shots were slow since I wanted to concentrate on my stance, grip, and front sight. My groups were not bad at all for a newbie I think. At about 7 yds, my groups were no wider than a CD disc. I think I'm in love with shooting for sure!

So this week I purchased a box of 500rds Winchester Ranger FMJ's. I'm going to continue renting .40cal guns from the range and test between Glock 23, M+Pc, XDm, and P30s. I want to burn through this 500rd box before I decide on which piece I want. Lurking on this site and a few others has helped me a ton and I'm going to continue learning and practicing.

Regards,

Rob

[JHC]

You know what you need to do right? You've been reading widely.

You need a 9mm (more ammo less $$$) - whatever you prefer, a G19 or M&P FS (its about the size of a 19 right?) and ammo and a good training course to get your fundamentals started right. Enjoy.

I'm as big of a Gen 4 fan as anybody but if you go Glock start Gen 3. Simplify your life. Less variables. M&P fine choice too if you like.

[b_real45]

Thanks for the reply!

Yeah I've been researching a lot on different calibers and their pricing. As from what I can tell now, if I went 9mm, I'd carry 135+gr +P but if I go .40, 180gr Gold Dots will do. I've found range ammo 180gr FMJ for pretty cheap too. Luckygunner.com has some good deals - the 500rd 180gr Winchester Ranger is only $145.

I guess another factor I'm weighing heavily is that I'll want to carry in the future and I'm realizing I'm falling in the "heavier is better" group of thought. As for classes, yes that's something I will definitely do - and that may remove the P30 (or any H&K model) from my choices of firearm. The more I research and the more I think about it, I may just go Glock 23. I appreciate the input on the Gen3 - I do like it and it would be cheaper than the Gen4 - so I can spend that extra savings on a SS guide rod and a 20lb spring.. what do you think?

[JHC]

I should not speak to Glock .40's as I've little time on them except a couple thousand rounds with a G27 long ago. I've heard nothing but pretty good about the Gen 4 in .40 and in that caliber, that is my hands down choice - albeit based on a short 50 round trial.

M&P .40's are also highly regarded if you freakin' must have a .40 and the M&P feels like a tittie in your mitts. (that's the analogy I make to the M&P).

[Business_Casual]

Seek a tactical guru. Guns are just tools.

B_C

[RogerinTPA]

The 40 is my favorite pistol caliber and the M&P40 (full size) with Apex sear is by far the best shooting, accurate, comfortable and recoil managing .40 I've shot and owned. The M&P9c with CT grips is my daily carry weapon and is the cat's ass (also with Apex Sear and Heinie 2 dot night sights). The M&P9 is my training/shoot the piss out of...gun and is great in that capacity. It's a great shooter and 9mm is cheap to train with. M&P45 (F/S) is also a great shooting gun, but with the price of .45 ammo, gets rarely shot. If I had to do it again, I'd get the M&P45 Middy.

[b_real45]

Thanks for the input guys. Yeah I'll be trying out the M+P40c next time I go. Another thing I have to consider in my decision is that I only want one gun. It has to be fun in the range, compact for CC, and pack enough punch for 1 shot stop. I know it's about bullet placement, but when SHTF one's nerves may decrease accuracy.

[CyberM4]

wally world sells the Federal 180 FMJ for $14. Good ammo for the price. I've put close too 2,000 rounds through my USPc SS 40. Also Speer Lawman 180.

[skyugo]

make sure ya factor in 2500 rounds of ammo or so and a class to your budget. This may sway things to 9mm, but in my opinion, if you're going to carry, it's essential.

[Beat Trash]

Thanks for the input guys. Yeah I'll be trying out the M+P40c next time I go. Another thing I have to consider in my decision is that I only want one gun. It has to be fun in the range, compact for CC, and pack enough punch for 1 shot stop. I know it's about bullet placement, but when SHTF one's nerves may decrease accuracy.

Ignore all of the hype about the "one shot stop" BS. Pistol bullets poke holes in things, rifle bullets blow shit up. (I can't take credit for this bit of wisdom)

Go for a 9mm, the ammunition is cheaper. Get some competent training. It is ALL ABOUT SHOT PLACEMENT.

You are the driving force, the gun is merely a tool. You can train more due to cost with a 9mm. There are various 9mm loads that will work effectively if you do your job as it relates to shot placement. (Do a search for Dr. Gary Roberts - check out the terminal effects category on this web site - see what he recommends as far as 9mm carry loads) A .40 caliber is a 10mm round. The extra 1mm isn't that much difference.

Get a good 9mm, either a Glock 19 or an M&P, which ever you prefer as both are good guns. Learn how to shot it effectively. Practice what you have learned on a regular basis. Ignore most of the BS you read on the internet.

Train, practice, repeat as necessary...