Picking out my first gun..

[PalmerGA]

Originally Posted by AdamZ

If you are looking into LE look at a Glock 23 (.40cal) (what I use) FN Five Seven (5.7mm) (coolest gun I have ever seen. I am trying to get the dept. to switch to these), or a sig p226 9mm (probably the nicest gun out there).

The FN 5.7 may be cool looking, but I don't think it's right for someone's first experience with a gun (especially a handgun). First, it feels too much like a toy (although it is certainly not). Second, it would be very expensive to fire being an odd caliber. Lastly, it isn't like "other handguns" which I think a first gun should be - for instance, the safety is up on the side of the gun.

Don't get me wrong... it's a nice gun and all, but consider we are trying to help someone who has never owned (or probably even held) a firearm. Let's get him started and he can go exotic on his own later on, once he knows what he's doing.

[Milk 1027]

I may be the crazy one here. But my suggestion is the complete opposite of anyone's here.

If you are serious about law enforcement, don't buy a gun. Actually don't even shoot. Trust me, you will be much better off learning from scratch from the one on one instruction you get when you go through an academy. You will learn everything you need to learn about shooting and safety. At the end you will be able to shoot better than most people here and best thing is, at the end you get a free gun. How cool is that! It will also give you a good feeling for what kind of gun you like and whether you can handle a bigger round or would like to go smaller and pretty much anything else that comes with the decision of buying a weapon.

I know, I know. People may not like my idea but it's a serious suggestion and one that I think you should take seriously. Best of all, you won't have to worry about CCW permits or any of that once you are in law enforcement.

So my suggestion is, if you are truly serious. Don't buy your first weapon. Instead buy your second one

[Mr_Draco]

Originally Posted by Milk 1027

I may be the crazy one here. But my suggestion is the complete opposite of anyone's here.

If you are serious about law enforcement, don't buy a gun. Actually don't even shoot. Trust me, you will be much better off learning from scratch from the one on one instruction you get when you go through an academy. You will learn everything you need to learn about shooting and safety. At the end you will be able to shoot better than most people here and best thing is, at the end you get a free gun. How cool is that! It will also give you a good feeling for what kind of gun you like and whether you can handle a bigger round or would like to go smaller and pretty much anything else that comes with the decision of buying a weapon.

If you've never shot and intended on being a LE do exactly this. LE has access to some of the best trainers and teachers and will teach you how to shoot and handle a gun correctly. If you just go out and try to teach yourself how to shoot you will start doing bad habits that will be very hard to break and will be dangerous to yourself and others around you and may jeopardize your chance of ever becoming a LE. You're much better of letting a professional train you then try to learn yourself.

Best of all, you won't have to worry about CCW permits or any of that once you are in law enforcement.

This depends on the state. In NC, being a officer does NOT give you the same rights and privileges as a CC does.

[SimpleGreen]

Meh. Buy a gun. I doubt your going to complete ingrain terrible habits into into your mind that can't be undone. Many people get adjusted later on. Learn a good, proper, grip and that's a good part of the battle. No sense waiting.

If you want a handgun, simply hit a firearms store and try a molest a few. Perhaps see if a local range rents some (they do here). I have had Springfield XD's, Smith & Wesson MP, and shot Glocks. They all work great. A 357 revolver is also a FANTASTIC starter gun. You can shoot light and easy loads or heavy and powerful ones that will surpass any normal auto loader (9MM, 40 or 45). They are extremely simple to use and are good looking, too.

[11BEE]

I may be way off here, but it sounds like you ware wanting a first gun as something fun to shoot. Get a .22 LR and start shooting - A LOT! .22 LR ammo is cheap, it does not have a massive kick and they are just plain fun. I have ton's of guns, and when I go to the range, I am always gravitating towards the .22 LR.

You will be able to buy 500 rounds for the same price of 50 rounds of .45 or 9 MM. This is a way to learn to shoot in an economical way. Plus the guns are much less expensive as a whole. You can buy a Beretta NEOS (handgun) and a Ruger 10/22 (rifle) for the same prices as one Glock 19. Now you have a handgun and a rifle to play with. BTW... I have both all three of these guns, and my first was the Glock. I wish it had been one of the 22's as they are more fun to shoot and I have built better firearm control techniques with them than a larger caliber gun.

Also, don't fall into the trap of bigger bullet it better for defense. Here is a very interesting study that shows the average number of bullets fired until incapacitation of the subject. Of all handgun rounds, the small .22 LR is the most effective. Part of this is most people with a .22 LR wait and shoot when they know they have a great shot, so you will naturally be more effective. http://cheaperthandirt.com/blog/?p=2...+Vol+1+Issue+1

[Jay23]

Originally Posted by SimpleGreen

Meh. Buy a gun. I doubt your going to complete ingrain terrible habits into into your mind that can't be undone. Many people get adjusted later on. Learn a good, proper, grip and that's a good part of the battle. No sense waiting.

If you want a handgun, simply hit a firearms store and try a molest a few. Perhaps see if a local range rents some (they do here). I have had Springfield XD's, Smith & Wesson MP, and shot Glocks. They all work great. A 357 revolver is also a FANTASTIC starter gun. You can shoot light and easy loads or heavy and powerful ones that will surpass any normal auto loader (9MM, 40 or 45). They are extremely simple to use and are good looking, too.

I agree, go try a bunch out and see what feels good, you can even rent them from most ranges to see which one feels the best while shooting. I have had glocks, an xd and a sw mp, for me the mp feels the best, so its good to try them all out.

[HondaPowered]

Originally Posted by 11BEE

I may be way off here, but it sounds like you ware wanting a first gun as something fun to shoot. Get a .22 LR and start shooting - A LOT! .22 LR ammo is cheap, it does not have a massive kick and they are just plain fun. I have ton's of guns, and when I go to the range, I am always gravitating towards the .22 LR.

You will be able to buy 500 rounds for the same price of 50 rounds of .45 or 9 MM. This is a way to learn to shoot in an economical way. Plus the guns are much less expensive as a whole. You can buy a Beretta NEOS (handgun) and a Ruger 10/22 (rifle) for the same prices as one Glock 19. Now you have a handgun and a rifle to play with. BTW... I have both all three of these guns, and my first was the Glock. I wish it had been one of the 22's as they are more fun to shoot and I have built better firearm control techniques with them than a larger caliber gun.

Also, don't fall into the trap of bigger bullet it better for defense. Here is a very interesting study that shows the average number of bullets fired until incapacitation of the subject. Of all handgun rounds, the small .22 LR is the most effective. Part of this is most people with a .22 LR wait and shoot when they know they have a great shot, so you will naturally be more effective. http://cheaperthandirt.com/blog/?p=2...+Vol+1+Issue+1

I understand your point that it is economical, but it does not equate for the recoil in a larger round. 9mm rounds are not crazy expensive, you can find places for 11$ for 50 of them. Unlike my .45's, they are crazy expensive(17$ for 50 was the cheapest without going steel).

I said before and I'll recommend it again, start with at least a 9. As others said, when you get on, the force supplies you with a gun and training, but depending on where you go, the training is limited. I know the county officers around Knoxville get only 1-2 boxes of 50 rounds for training every 3 months. Whereas others gladly supply ammo.

As to the person I quoted, interesting article, but if I was trying to incapacitate with 1 bullet or so, I wouldn't have 13+1 rounds of .45 in my Glock.

Also, to the OP, RESEARCH! Use the interwebz. It is your friend

[Milk 1027]

Originally Posted by SimpleGreen

Meh. Buy a gun. I doubt your going to complete ingrain terrible habits into into your mind that can't be undone. Many people get adjusted later on. Learn a good, proper, grip and that's a good part of the battle. No sense waiting.

If you want a handgun, simply hit a firearms store and try a molest a few. Perhaps see if a local range rents some (they do here). I have had Springfield XD's, Smith & Wesson MP, and shot Glocks. They all work great. A 357 revolver is also a FANTASTIC starter gun. You can shoot light and easy loads or heavy and powerful ones that will surpass any normal auto loader (9MM, 40 or 45). They are extremely simple to use and are good looking, too.

It makes perfect sense to wait. Why spend money on something when he'll get it free. Plus the instruction to use it properly.

How does spending money make more sense than not? He's 21. There's better things to spend money on. Mostly all that gas money he'll be spending in applying to departments if he wants to be in law enforcement.

[Hammer St. James]

Originally Posted by Milk 1027

It makes perfect sense to wait. Why spend money on something when he'll get it free. Plus the instruction to use it properly.

How does spending money make more sense than not? He's 21. There's better things to spend money on. Mostly all that gas money he'll be spending in applying to departments if he wants to be in law enforcement.

I don't know about other forces but the one I'm most familiar with does not supply firearms to their officers; they must buy their own. Also, they all carry HK so that's about a grand not including belt, holster, etc.

[AdamZ]

Originally Posted by PalmerGA

The FN 5.7 may be cool looking, but I don't think it's right for someone's first experience with a gun (especially a handgun). First, it feels too much like a toy (although it is certainly not). Second, it would be very expensive to fire being an odd caliber. Lastly, it isn't like "other handguns" which I think a first gun should be - for instance, the safety is up on the side of the gun.

Don't get me wrong... it's a nice gun and all, but consider we are trying to help someone who has never owned (or probably even held) a firearm. Let's get him started and he can go exotic on his own later on, once he knows what he's doing.

Ahhh yes good points for sure. Wasn't thinking. Listen to this guy OP

[SimpleGreen]

Originally Posted by Milk 1027

It makes perfect sense to wait. Why spend money on something when he'll get it free. Plus the instruction to use it properly.

How does spending money make more sense than not? He's 21. There's better things to spend money on. Mostly all that gas money he'll be spending in applying to departments if he wants to be in law enforcement.

I'm still not following the argument

But I own 5 firearms with more coming. I enjoy them. Even if I was going to eventually become a cop I would still buy one.

Maybe its hard to find GOOD gun training in Commiefornia but in Louisiana we are falling over people that know what they are doing. Anyone can get a handgun and be taught how to properly, safely, and effectively operate it with minimal investment, typically under $200, usually in the $150 range, for a several hour, one on one course. Typically with a state certified instructor. Generally these guys shoot competition on the side and offer concealed handgun courses.

As for the expense, I consider it and investment. Thankfully I have a decent enough job that I can buy a toy now and then.

[AGENT-006]

i think im going to be going to my local gun range and trying some guns out..as of right now im leaning to a 9mm. Now the question is which ones to look into..and which ones to avoid? What to look for when buying one or shooting one?

And there is a Safety test needed here in california before buying a gun (Thank God people need to know the safety of a gun before purchasing lol) Do any of you know what this test consists of? I heard its a breeze but still curious.

[AGENT-006]

man you guys are great lol..really helping me out on this one.

[AdamZ]

OP a sig p226 is, I believe, the best 9mm out there. Very accurate and not much recoil. Many departments use these. A little on the expensive side but week worth it.

[AGENT-006]

Originally Posted by AdamZ

OP a sig p226 is, I believe, the best 9mm out there. Very accurate and not much recoil. Many departments use these. A little on the expensive side but week worth it.

yea i was just looking at that one..definitely seems nice. A bit pricey but seems really nice.

[vafinest25]

Originally Posted by AdamZ

If you are looking into LE look at a Glock 23 (.40cal) (what I use) FN Five Seven (5.7mm) (coolest gun I have ever seen. I am trying to get the dept. to switch to these), or a sig p226 9mm (probably the nicest gun out there).

I second your thoughts on the 5.7, also the FNX40 is nice also, I alternate between both when I CC, I am a bigger guy so it's easier to conceal full size. The one thing I would point out about the 5.7 is that yes it's easy to shoot like a .22, it is not. The velocity of the round is like shooting a rifle. What I mean is that if you ever have I pull your gun to fire and do discharge a round, it's a high probability he round is gonna go through who or what you shoot and keep going until hitting something hard. This was evident in the FT Hood shooting by MAJ Hassan. Other than that they are both good firearms. Which ever you choose the major factor is Safety. Safety Safety... Good luck with your choice and becoming an officer of the law.

http://www.fnhusa.com/le/products/fi...060&gid=FNG001

http://www.fnhusa.com/le/products/fi...003&gid=FNG001


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[AGENT-006]

So I went to another local gun shop in Fresno (A&A Firearms) they were EXTREMELY HELPFUL. I got to hold a few guns and get more info about 9mm. As of now I'm really liking the Glock 17 and Glock 19.

[PoorMansCamaro]

Originally Posted by AGENT-006

So I went to another local gun shop in Fresno (A&A Firearms) they were EXTREMELY HELPFUL. I got to hold a few guns and get more info about 9mm. As of now I'm really liking the Glock 17 and Glock 19.

if you like glocks, check out the springfield XD and XDM's.

[11BEE]

Glock 19 is my daily carry weapon and have it with me all of the time. I LOVE IT!!!!! I have never had a single feed issue or misfire. The clock 17 is slightly bigger, but the 19 I think is pistol perfection.

[AirManFL]

I chose a Springfield Armory XD 9MM subcompact. It also comes in 40 cal as well.

The shorter grip allows me to carry concealed comfortably and if I want a full length grip, the extended magazine allows that as well.

I love the grip safety too. It won't go bang unless you grip it and pull the trigger.

Good Luck.

Rob

[AdamZ]

Never shot the 19 but I heard it is pretty nice.

[AGENT-006]

Ya I like the full length grip on em
And the mags sit flush in em. Very nicely sized also and that's what the pd use here so definitely win win. Reasonably priced and not bad on ammo either

[Atlas]

Definitely shoot the firearms you picked out. The Range in Fresno, allows you to rent their guns on site. I have a 1st gen Glock 17 (smooth frame cuz I'm an OG triple OG like that) and it shoots great. My 3rd gen Glock 19 on the other hand, has extraction problems. On many occasions sending brass right at my head. My XD9 has had no issues thus far and personally, I like the ergonomics of the Springfield over Glocks -stock for stock. I prefer 1911's anyway, but for a polymer gun, you can't beat the price point and durability of a Glock or a Springfield. Check out what the Sheriff's around here carry, S&W 4506 with leather holsters, like a bawws.

[bigd1276]

Originally Posted by 11BEE

Glock 19 is my daily carry weapon and have it with me all of the time. I LOVE IT!!!!! I have never had a single feed issue or misfire. The clock 17 is slightly bigger, but the 19 I think is pistol perfection.

Just bought a Glock 17 this spring. Haven't had an opportunity to take it out yet.

[11BEE]

Originally Posted by Atlas

Definitely shoot the firearms you picked out. The Range in Fresno, allows you to rent their guns on site. I have a 1st gen Glock 17 (smooth frame cuz I'm an OG triple OG like that) and it shoots great. My 3rd gen Glock 19 on the other hand, has extraction problems. On many occasions sending brass right at my head. My XD9 has had no issues thus far and personally, I like the ergonomics of the Springfield over Glocks -stock for stock. I prefer 1911's anyway, but for a polymer gun, you can't beat the price point and durability of a Glock or a Springfield. Check out what the Sheriff's around here carry, S&W 4506 with leather holsters, like a bawws.

WOW. I have never seen a Glock with Extraction issues. Sorry to hear that.