Choosing the right pistol

Someone we know (but not close to) recently passed away. This guy had a wide range of guns and i’ve got the chance to buy 1 or more of his pistols.

I will mostly keep the gun at home but once i get my CC, it’ll travel in the Tundra from time-to-time.

I own other guns, shotguns/rifles for hunting and shooting traps. I have one other pistol but frankly don’t shoot pistols b/c i don’t have one i like and i’m really not that knowledgeable about them in general.

I want the G42 but i’m a little freaked out that the saftey is on the trigger. Is this true with all Glocks? Why is that? Seems like a tricky location.

I’m able to chose between these models and i’m not sure on price yet. I should know prices later this week:

1. Glock 42 .380 automatic
2. Smith & Wesson 9mm revolver, stainless steel
3. Smith & Wesson 38 special, lightweight alloy ‘Lady Smith’
4. High Standard Inc. .22 magnum cal. ‘Derringer’, hold 2 rnds

The former owner was very responsible gun owner and was an active reloader of all types of ammo. And i mean, reloaded many thousands of rounds, with stacks and stacks of bullets everywhere in his basement.

So, i believe the guns are in good working condition but maybe i should have them inspected or something to be sure. Not sure how to do that.

Welcome your comments and feedback.

 

Safety's suck. Buy a glock. It will fire every time.

 

Yeah, i read on the Glock’s site they’ve sold over 5 million units. Say they’re the best selling pistol of all time. Not sure if that’s true but do know it’s popular

 

But seriously, get the Glock. I have a G19 and love it. Stays at my bedside in a Quick Draw safe.

 

Glock all day...no time for a safety....

 

All of those pistols are worth their weight. That Baby Glock is a bit small for my hand but makes a great CC pistol and that Lady Smith makes a great backup piece for the ankle holster. The Derringer though, i think is just down right cool.

 

Can't go wrong with a glock. The S&W 9mm revolver would be a nice gun too.

 

You need to take a few lessons and shoot a few to see which is best for you.

Dont go on the "I own these which one should I carry"

The rule to a dropped gun is dont try to catch it is for a good reason.
They wont go off without someones finger on the trigger. It is better to let it hit the ground than it is to catch it wrong.

Find a place that offers lessons and take some. Bring what you want to carry and have them go over it with you. How to clean it, etc..

You will have a better understanding of not only how to use it but when to use it.

 

I have multiple Glocks. Had a Glock as a duty weapon for many years. My EDC is a G43.

Get the Glock.

 

Glock 42 .380 automatic- yes the “safety”is in the trigger, but your FINGER is the safety in all guns. Keep it out of the trigger until you are ready to fire! Great compact weapon, tons of extra stuff in the market for them and plenty of holster options. Plenty of articles on glocks to help you decide, I love glocks, but some purist hate them. I also love S&W m&P’s and Sig’s!

2. Smith & Wesson 9mm revolver, stainless steel
Another great compact weapon, 9mm is great round with plenty of ammo options, typically very safe weapon to carry.
3. Smith & Wesson 38 special, lightweight alloy ‘Lady Smith’
Also a great weapon, I have several of these light weight guns, they have a little extra kick.No exposed hammer makes this a slick carry gun.

Most revolvers have a heavy trigger pull and some people have trouble shooting them because of the trigger pull. With practice it becomes easier.

Remember, these are short barrel pistols, made for CC , they are accurate for short distance, many people are disappointed that it they can’t hit a target at 25 yards, that takes skill and talent, I call little guns like this “gut” guns... they are made for close combat situations, to get the bad guy off you and or create space.

I don’t think you could go wrong with the top three, take some time to learn how to be safe with each and they are on even playing ground for CC. They all have a similar carry profile and capacity, the edge goes to the Glock. They all have a similar price if they were new, revolvers are not cheap guns.

4. High Standard Inc. .22 magnum cal.
Not a great choice for CC because of the .22, but many people carry them. I won’t.

I’m have been shooting pistols for 30 years, and certified instructor for the last 25+, but I don’t get to shoot much and I’m certainly not a weapons expert,be safe and have fun with whatever gun you get.! Hope this helps!

 

Yes, totally agree. One of our tenants is ex-military and teaches lessons at our local indoor range. Thinking to hire him for a series of lessons.

I got kids in the house now too so i need a good (but small) gun safe for the pistols.

 

Good idea on lessons. Don’t be this guy:

 

If it helps your decision at all, Glock announced Chuck Norris as a spokesman on Monday

 

This is exactly what i wanted to say in my original post but you said it way better. Very helpful

 

LOL....omg. that's exactly what i'm talking about the safety on the trigger!!

 

Decision made. End of discussion!

 

I know this is true but maybe i don't handle pistols often enough. Plus, i don't do any range time with handguns so maybe over time i'll get more comfy with this idea. But, good reminder

 

He probably drew his weapon with his finger on the trigger. Never put your finger on the trigger until you are ready to shoot.

 

I have a glock, and although I enjoy it, I don't care for the safety personally for an EDC. the S&W 9mm revolver would be my suggestion for a 1st time CC handgun.

 

ok, but stupid question - what do you do with your finger?? when i'm shooting traps and rifles (deer, hogs, etc), i'm doing the exact opposite. putting finger on trigger, deep breath...hold it, remove safety, then fire. that's my go-to sequence for large game. and with shotguns (over/unders) you're always loading so it 'seems' way safer

 

Of the four you've listed, I'd go with the Glock. Glocks are very reliable and very safe. They are also very unforgiving to people who are complacent or careless. The 42 is the smallest Glock made and is very concealable.

 

That's what my Dad is telling me. he's trying to talk me out of the G42 for my first CC.

 

Are you talking about the safety on the trigger issue? or something else?

 

Not a stupid question at all. Your trainer will probably tell you the same.

 

Sort of. Glocks absolutely will not fire unless the trigger is pulled. But you have to be mindful when reholstering, especially if you carry AIWB (appendix inside the wasteband). Though unlikely, if the trigger is somehow snagged while reholstering in this position, you're going to either blow your genitals off or send a round into your leg and possibly femoral artery. Because the Glock is striker fired, you don't have a hammer to press on while reholstering to make sure the gun doesn't go off. This said, once the gun is in the holster, it's completely safe. You just have to be mindful of what you're doing and can't be on auto-pilot.

Also, to break down a Glock and clean it, once the gun is empty, you have to pull the trigger before the gun can be taken apart. I've heard more than one story about someone racking the slide, then dropping the magazine, and not realizing there is still a round in the chamber, then pulling the trigger and having a negligent discharge. So again, you have to be very mindful while handling it.

These are the reasons why I say it's very unforgiving. But they are some of my favorite guns, and I'd definitely trust my life with one.

 

Finger is off the trigger until you're ready to fire. Same with rifles and shotguns. Its so engrained in me that i hold power tools the same way. I shoot a M&P9 which is striker fire like the Glock. Never concerned about a ND since my finger doesnt enter the trigger guard until I'm on target.

Having a finger on the trigger while flipping off the safety isnt safe. An ounce of pressure too much and the gun goes off. For rifle shooting, I get on target, flip off safety control breathing, finger on trigger, fire at the bottom or top of a breath (was taught by a Canadian forces sniper not hold my breath).

 

This is heavy dude. But, glad you're saying it. I prolly won't forget it now that just had the visual. But, i take all safety precautions very seriously so this is good.

Speaking on this issue of where you carry your weapon, how do i know if you are allow to carry inside or outside the wasteband? Law enforcement seems to always carry outside but is that just for them or State/Federal law around this issue? i know, it's "concealed" carry but what if you prefer outside the wasteband? always wondered why more folks don't do this. maybe it just freaks people out too much..

 

Yes, i've heard this too. Definitely not saying i'm using the correct method(s). why not hold your breath? what reasons do they give for not doing that?

 

Yes, keep it along the rail...

 

Trigger discipline is so ingrained I yell at my kids when they are walking around with squirt guns, but they get it when we go to the range.