Questions about guns

[Lex]

I know if my 1911 is cocked.  And I know if it's loaded, through the simple of expedient of never having it be anything other than loaded (of course, I still check it every time I pick it up, as a matter of habit)...

The "I know it's loaded because I loaded it" argument isn't very reassuring

That's why I still check it every time...

Gotta watch out for those ammunition gremlins... they like to load and unload firearms when you turn your back.

I guess what I'm getting at is that an XD is generally cheaper than a Glock, is just as durable/dependable and yet has some extra features. The XD is basically an improved Glock.

[MaineShark]

I guess what I'm getting at is that an XD is generally cheaper than a Glock, is just as durable/dependable and yet has some extra features. The XD is basically an improved Glock.

Agreed.

Just fulfilling your "I'm sure someone here will point out other guns that have this though" comment

Joe

[Lex]

Just fulfilling your "I'm sure someone here will point out other guns that have this though" comment

You have to purchase and mount the LCI separately on the 1911, all XDs come with one standard.

I'm not picking on the 1911, I think it's a great gun and I know a lot of people that I respect who swear by it. I guess my original post was more sniping at the other plastic pistols. You can't really compare an XD/Glock with a 1911, they are completely different guns.

[MaineShark]

You have to purchase and mount the LCI separately on the 1911, all XDs come with one standard.

I like customization

I'm not picking on the 1911, I think it's a great gun and I know a lot of people that I respect who swear by it. I guess my original post was more sniping at the other plastic pistols. You can't really compare an XD/Glock with a 1911, they are completely different guns.

Oh, I think they can be compared.  But yeah, I would never even consider a Glock, with something like the XD available.

Joe

[KBCraig]

I second the notion of a revolver. I always recommend them for people who aren't "gun people". Mary is competent with any gun, but she's only comfortable with her .38, and being comfortable and confident counts for way more than technical arguments about various features.

I have zero use for loaded chamber indicators. They can get stuck and falsely indicate a loaded chamber, when it's not. If there's anything worse than a bang that should have been a click, it's a click when you really, really needed a bang.

[Lex]

I second the notion of a revolver. I always recommend them for people who aren't "gun people". Mary is competent with any gun, but she's only comfortable with her .38, and being comfortable and confident counts for way more than technical arguments about various features.

I have zero use for loaded chamber indicators. They can get stuck and falsely indicate a loaded chamber, when it's not. If there's anything worse than a bang that should have been a click, it's a click when you really, really needed a bang.

Just to paraphrase. A revolver is inherently more reliable than a pistol. So if you're concerned about the loaded chamber indicator not working then you probably shouldn't be using a pistol in the first place 

[MaineShark]

I second the notion of a revolver. I always recommend them for people who aren't "gun people". Mary is competent with any gun, but she's only comfortable with her .38, and being comfortable and confident counts for way more than technical arguments about various features.

I have zero use for loaded chamber indicators. They can get stuck and falsely indicate a loaded chamber, when it's not. If there's anything worse than a bang that should have been a click, it's a click when you really, really needed a bang.

Indeed.  A .357Mag revolved is probably the best "single" gun.  Load with .38 for practice, and .357 for "social work."

Alternately, my S&W 940 is a nifty little revolver.  It's chambered for 9mm auto, which gives a wide variety in ammunition choices.  Winchester "white box" or similar for practice, since it is inexpensive, and the Federal +P+ 124gr HydraShok's for when it counts...
(mentioned because a-it's cool and b-it's for sale)

Just to paraphrase. A revolver is inherently more reliable than a pistol. So if you're concerned about the loaded chamber indicator not working then you probably shouldn't be using a pistol in the first place 

Of course, when a revolver odes fail, you can't fix it with a "tap-rack-boom" like you can most semi-auto pistol failures.

Joe

[EJinCT]

Try out as many different makes, models & calibers as you can; use what feels best in your hands.

Heres a couple links for expanded info.

http://www.thehighroad.org/

http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/

( also happens to be where I first learned about the FSP. )

[dysurian]

I knew this was the right place to go first for beginner handgun advice!  I know there are some firing ranges near me, so I certainly have the opportunity to try out all sorts of different guns before making my purchase. My initial feeling is that I'd be more likely to gravitate toward one of the semi-autos than a pistol because I just like the solid machinery and gadgetry and clicking noises. However, I also think the preference might just be because that's what I prefer to use in video games, so maybe this is me being a little boy. So I'll take the suggestions toward revolvers seriously, and I'll be sure to check out the resources you've linked in the thread.

I'm not terribly interested in amazing amounts of stopping power, so something at the 9mm level should be sufficient. I'm also not too interested in carrying my first gun concealed, though this may be something I want to do in the future.

[Lex]

My initial feeling is that I'd be more likely to gravitate toward one of the semi-autos than a pistol because I just like the solid machinery and gadgetry and clicking noises.

A 'semi-auto' and a pistol are one and the same.

[dysurian]

My initial feeling is that I'd be more likely to gravitate toward one of the semi-autos than a pistol because I just like the solid machinery and gadgetry and clicking noises.

A 'semi-auto' and a pistol are one and the same.

See, this is why I need to ask questions 

What I think I meant to say was "...semi-autos than a revolver," if that makes more sense.

[Lex]

dysurian,

You'll probably learn this in a class you will take on firearms before handling your first gun, but if not, here are some things I've been taught and have always followed:

1. Always treat the gun as if it is loaded. It's okay to be a little paranoid - even while you're cleaning the gun to some extent. Nice thing about guns is you can't be too cautious. Better safe than sorry.
2. I really like the laser rule which is essentially that your firearm has an always on laser coming out of it and you should imagine it as so, the point is that as you handle your firearm, putting it away, taking it out, holding it, etc. make sure you never cross anything that you don't want to be cut in half by this laser. For example, holstering and unholstering your gun, do it in slow motion a few times and make sure you aren't pointing at your foot or crossing your other hand at any point. It's hard to explain this in a forum but I think if you pretend that your firearm has an always on laser that will cut anything in its path you'll get into the habbit of never pointing it at anything you shouldn't be.
3. When your showing your gun to someone, always have the action open with the empty chamber facing the individual you're handing the gun to so that they can be reassured it's not loaded. This is important especially if the other person doesn't know you well because they may not know how you handle your guns so it's always a good idea to be super-extra careful. But it's a good idea and I think the polite thing to do regardless of how well you know the person. The idea behind this is that you must always assume a gun is loaded untill you've checked the chamber, so by giving someone your gun with the chamber open you're encouraging this practice of caution.
4. Whenever you put your gun down at the range, etc, always leave it with the chamber open. If you're at a range they will most likely tell you this too.
5. Be a little paranoid about checking if the gun is loaded, always check everytime you pull it out of its container. Even if you've pulled your gun out for the hundredth time that day to fondle it and you never loaded it, you should still check if it's loaded. Check if it's loaded even if you don't have a magazine in it. The rule is that anytime the gun is out of your sight you should check to make sure it's unloaded.

If you're doing concealed carry or this is your ready gun than obviously you'll be checking to be sure that your gun IS loaded 

Guns are a lot of fun to play with and very useful tools but they are deadly. Always keep that in mind.

[Lex]

Also, just to add, if you're not going to take a beginner class than at the least get a book on armed self-defense, I think all of those types of books will have a section on gun safety, it's a good idea to read that if you don't read anything else in the book. 

[MaineShark]

The four rules of gun safety:

1. All guns are always loaded.  Aka, there is no such thing as an unloaded firearm.  If there is a firearm, it is loaded.  I don't care if you just checked it and it was empty.  It's loaded.

If you want it to be "unloaded," you must sufficiently disable it mechanically that it cannot be considered a firearm anymore.  For example, by completely removing the bolt assembly from a rifle.  Without that, it is just a gun-shaped piece of wood and metal, but no longer an actual firearm.  This makes cleaning possible.

2. Never point a loaded firearm at anything you aren't willing to shoot.  As Lex mentioned, imagine a laser bean coming out the end of the barrel, and never let it land on something you aren't willing to put a bullet through.

3. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.  See those guys in the movie, running around with their fingers on the triggers of their guns?  Never do that.  You index finger should be pointed straight forward.  Actually, put the tip of it against the side of the frame and keep a slight pressure on it.  That way, you know where it is (your brain works better with actual contact).  Once you are ready to shoot, only then does the finger touch the trigger.  It won't slow you down - getting the whole gun pointed where you want it will take much longer than it takes to move your finger a tiny distance.

4. Always know your target, and what's behind it.  Bullets have a lot of energy, and can go an awful long distance before falling to the ground.  Know what you are shooting at (no shooting at some shadow in the dark, because you think it's a burglar).  Know what's behind it, in case you miss, or your bullet goes through.  That does happen.

The NRA Basic Pistol course is good.  Training is the only use I have for the NRA.  There are several instructors here in NH, myself included.  There is probably one near you, even if you aren't local to NH.

Joe

[Lex]

4. Always know your target, and what's behind it.  Bullets have a lot of energy, and can go an awful long distance before falling to the ground.  Know what you are shooting at (no shooting at some shadow in the dark, because you think it's a burglar).  Know what's behind it, in case you miss, or your bullet goes through.  That does happen.

Here is what happens if you don't follow that rule:

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,292168,00.html