Semi-auto Suggestions?

[Ginger Doll]

I've been collecting guns for about a year now, ever since I got my CCL... and I've felt a lot more comfortable with revolvers, as a beginner. So far, I've purchased the Ruger .357 snub nose with Crimson Trace laser grips, and the lightweight Taurus Judge with Crimson Trace laser grips. I also recently bought the Mossberg pump-action 12-gauge, too...but I'm having trouble fitting that one in my purse. Hehe, kidding.

I recently went to the range with a friend, who let me shoot his Taurus PT-101 P .40 caliber, semi-auto. I loved it, and now I really want to purchase a semi-auto, myself. It will more than likely be my new carry gun.

I've been comparing a lot of different brands and models, and I would appreciate y'all's input and recommendations! Feel free to post pictures of models that you suggest...I'm a chick, so aesthetics are also a big factor.

Quality and reliability are a lot more important to me than cost. I have heard some bad things about Taurus' quality, so I've also been looking at Kimber's and Sig Sauers. The one thing I really liked about the Taurus was that it held 16 rounds. I've noticed that most of the Kimber's I like only hold about 8 rounds, which isn't really much of an advantage over the Ruger .357 that I have now.

Help!

[cabox70]

sig 1911 ultra compact 45acp. great for people with small hands and easy to conceal without printing under clothes. downside is it only holds 7rounds.upside is it makes really big holes!

[jmgorilla]

There are LOTS of options that you could go with. 1911-style v. Striker style, double stack mag v. single stack, pink v. gold, etc. etc. :-)

The main thing is finding something that FITS your hand and that you are comfortable shooting. Kimbers and Sigs are both outstanding, as are Glock, Springfield Armory, Ruger, S&W, etc. etc. etc.

That being said, Kahr makes several nice CC-size guns. What caliber are you looking for? If you intend to use it for defense, I wouldn't choose anything smaller than a .380.

For what I am imagining you want, I would suggest either a Kahr PM9 or perhaps a Ruger SR9c. Both are small but large enough to handle easily, are reliable, and not horribly expensive.

As an interesting story, I used to have a Taurus PT101 exactly like you are describing -- until it malfunctioned and almost took my hand off. Not sure what caused the failure, but I have shied away from Taurus ever since...

[Ginger Doll]

I do have larger hands than most girls...& I so I like a full-sized gun better. It just feels more comfortable to me.

That's one of the reasons I opted for the .357 instead of the .38 for my first revolver.

[jon5150]

Originally Posted by Ginger Doll

I do have larger hands than most girls...& I so I like a full-sized gun better. It just feels more comfortable to me. That's the reason I opted for the .357 instead of the .38 for my first revolver.

Well, I've got a full sized gun for ya(sorry, couldn't resist)!!

[Ginger Doll]

Originally Posted by jon5150

Well, I've got a full sized gun for ya(sorry, couldn't resist)!!

Talk is cheap, Jon. I need you to show me...

Don't be shy... I big guns!

[cgrman]

springfield xd 9mm subcompact. 16 in the clip and one in the chamber. 17 shots. cant go wrong. or the kahr 9mm in the cw series. Ruger also has a couple of new models out there. will pm you some other info that might help you out.

[MacTheKnife]

Originally Posted by cgrman

..Ruger also has a couple of new models out there. ...

I love my 40 caliber Ruger.

I also have 40 caliber Glock.

And many others.

http://www.ruger.com/products/sr40c/...eets/3477.html

[TechOne]

The whole reason to own a gun...accuracy.

Kimber Gold Match 2 Stainless – 45 caliber

Colt Gold Cup .45 national match – 45 caliber ACP

Smith & Wesson 945 match – 45 caliber

CZ-97B – 45 caliber – This is a true "match grade" semi-automatic

Heckler and Koch- HK Mark 23 – 45 caliber (my favorite carry piece)

Remington XP-100 – 221 caliber

Smith & Wesson Model 52 – 38 caliber

Wilson supergrade: available in 45, 9mm, 38, and 40 caliber

Magnum Research 50 AE desert eagle

Just a small sampling of my inventory, hidden in an underground vault!

[jon5150]

Originally Posted by Ginger Doll

Talk is cheap, Jon. I need you to show me...

Don't be shy... I big guns!

Soon dear, very soon

[Ginger Doll]

Originally Posted by giteneny

...Heckler and Koch- HK Mark 23 – 45 caliber (my favorite carry piece)...

Very pretty gun! $2k. Ouch! But leave it to me to gravitate towards the most expensive thing out there...

[jmgorilla]

Git mentioned Wilson -- if you want an awesome firearm AND want to support the Arkansas economy, check them out.

http://www.wilsoncombat.com/new/

From Berryville, AR.

[jim1995]

Originally Posted by giteneny

The whole reason to own a gun...accuracy.

Heckler and Koch- HK Mark 23 – 45 caliber (my favorite carry piece)

it's the one that says bad mutha F'r on it! Nice gun.

[ddallen20795]

Have the dealer lay out guns on the counter. Start picking up each one, if it feels good to you put it to one side, if not have it put back. Once you narrow it down to what feels good to you, then look for the caliber you prefer. I prefer Sig, or H and K, I have both and don't have anything bad to say about either. Just a suggestion though.... its personal choice.

[tuckahoe]

Can't argue with any of the suggestions already made. There are so many great guns to choose from. I love both revolvers and semi-auto. A revolver was good enough for G Gordon Liddy. The revolver is easier for most people to shoot with less practice. The best thing about the revolver is that it doesn't leave shell casings on the ground. It is also less likely to jamb. You can always shoot 38's in the 357 for practice. Can even get rat shot and have fun shooting cans tossed in the air! If you get a semi-auto, run a couple hundred rounds through it to make sure it functions flawlessly. You have to try different brands of ammo to see which is the most accurate and determine which won't jamb. Even with identical guns, one may prefer different ammo than the other. I like the good ole 45. For home, get some WolfEars. They will muffle the report, but will amplify noises of someone moving, which gives you a definite advantage over the intruder. Gunfire will deafen you outside, but try firing inside! You won't be hearing anything for a long time.