imported post
Interesting and fairly thorough conversation...I'm going to toss in my several cents as I have been down this road and am still on it as my budget just doesn't allow for the types of weapons I would really like to obtain.
My first pistol was a Bryco .380..actually went to look at a Davis derringer and got the Bryco instead. I like the .380 round and the better guns that are chambered in that caliber, but the ammo is not cheap. The Bryco was fineuntil I shot some Glaser rounds through it...the biggest problem I have is thatit bites the web of my hand a lot and I have small hands.
I also have a Jennings/Davis in .25 (actually the wife's gun now)...better than nothing, we don't carry it and I would like to get her something bigger & better, but for now it is what she will shoot. (Her ex gave her a bad taste for guns that I am STILL cleaning up!) About 99% of the people will dismiss this type of gun and round, but won't let you shoot them with it...I would recommend a .22 over it myself even, but it is better than nothing (barely).
My first "real" pistol was a Firestar in 45 acp with the Starvel finish, I bought this as a b-day present to myself withmy first credit card. Someone else recommend these pistols, but even though I really like mine, I wouldn't recommend as a first gun. Why? Single action only, although it does have a good safety that can be used when the hammer is down if one chooses and also has a mag safety. It is HEAVY and in 45 only holds about 6 rounds, 7 in the extended mags I have. I do carry this one a lot, but that is because my other "good" gun is a Beretta 96 (40 cal) which I don't find as easy to conceal and is more my OC gun. I haven't had any failures with it, but I hear parts are hard to find andI know mags are too.
The only way I could afford the Beretta, and the only reason I bought it, was a co-worker sold it to me on payments. It was a decent deal none the less and came with Trijicon night sites, a couple of extra mags, Pachmayr grips and a couple of holsters. (This is one good thing about buying a used pistol, usually the owner is going to be getting rid of everything for it...I missed a chance to by a Kahr in 40 with such extras when I didn't have the money at the time. It didn't stay at thegun shop for long.) The Berettais a good gun, albeit a little big for my hands.
When I was looking for a pistol I was seriously considering the Lady Smith DAO, but I think you pay a little more for the S & W name, although the "name" usually comes with a good reputation.
My next pistol was a 45 colt single action revolver..the Bounty Hunter...made by HWM in Germany and imported by EAA. This, again, was an opportunity purchase. A friend came across it at a good price and bought it for me. Haven't shot it much and need a holster, etc. 45 colt is not cheap either. Based on my post-buy research it seems to have a decent rep.
There are a lot of good guns out there for under 400, bothused and new. I would shy away from the .380s and 9x18 personally as the ammo is not cheap, although 9x18 can be hand in surplus I believe. Go with what most have been saying...try before you buy, get the best you can afford, but don't forget the extras you will need and make sure it is one you can carry with you. And despite not that many suggestions, a revolver is hardly ever a bad choice. I would like to get several, including a stubby with a bobbed hammer.
Please let's stay on topic and not bash on the "sat night specials" I mentioned too much, guns like the High Points (which I would have no problem buying) weren't really around when I went for the Bryco and I can't even remember how I acquired the 25.
Buying a gun is a lot like buying a car....you need to consider what you can afford, what you will be using it for and your personal preference. You will also want to have more than one, will want to get all kinds of goodies for it and use it a lot. Almost everyone will have a different opinion and may or may not have bought the same. At least with guns and good people like are on this board, you can try out the gun more than you can with a car.
Gary
