I need advice on where to buy a gun or three.
- Thread starter Oldblueone
- Start date
Mine jams a lot and the grip angle is higher than a Glock. I probably need to send it back to Sig to get it looked at. Even if it worked flawlessly, however, I am still fairly lukewarm on it.
It does conceal well and has a ridiculously good capacity and trigger for the size. I'll give it that.
It does conceal well and has a ridiculously good capacity and trigger for the size. I'll give it that.
I just found out that when my dad passed he left 2 revolvers and 1 semi-automatic pistol with my uncle. I’ve been told that the revolvers are a Colt 32 and a S&W 38. Both are old guns. The semi is a Hipoint 45. My uncle told me that Hipoint makes cheap guns. Has anyone ever heard of the Hipoint brand?
Hi-Points are notoriously cheaply made. I would be leery of it but that doesn't necessarily mean it is a bad gun.
https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/gun-review-hi-point-c9-9mm-pistol/
The review is not of a 45, but gives you a generalization of their weapons.
Earlier I suggested plus P ammo if you chose a Bodyguard. An older model 38 may not be made to handle the higher pressure of a plus P round. It should handle it ok for emergency use, but repeated use may wear out the weapon quicker.
Like shaker said, hipoints are cheap. They are better than nothing......but, personally I would rather buy something more reliable that’s well used if I couldn’t afford more.
Recently I rented a Sig MPX 9mm at Buds. My goodness that thing was amazing. You better believe I’ll be looking to buy a PCC before too long. The Scorpion and Stribog seem to be the cheaper gold standards right now. B&T and Sig seem to be the higher priced ones. I am fascinated about CMMGs. I like the thought of a 45 suppressed......or possibly a thumping 10mm.
Just went to the range today, the 4.25 inch .40 cal S&W M&P is my bedside staple, it is a nail driver out of the box and 15+1. Not a personal choice for concealed carry.
I also have the Shield in .40 and ran a box through it today, I cannot imagine a better daily carry (IMHO) though in the summer I also go to the Sig P238 .380, a great pocket pistol.
My fun gun for the day was a Colt Combat Commander, ran a box thru it as well, what an amazing machine.
Came home, cleaned the guns, poured a bourbon, ate homemade tacos and salsa thanks to my youngest daughter and I am on vacation for the rest of the week.
Good times!
I also have the Shield in .40 and ran a box through it today, I cannot imagine a better daily carry (IMHO) though in the summer I also go to the Sig P238 .380, a great pocket pistol.
My fun gun for the day was a Colt Combat Commander, ran a box thru it as well, what an amazing machine.
Came home, cleaned the guns, poured a bourbon, ate homemade tacos and salsa thanks to my youngest daughter and I am on vacation for the rest of the week.
Good times!
I bought my wife a Smith & Wesson shield EZ 380. It was the only gun that fit her hand and that she could rack easily. I probably over paid at 399.00. I bought it from a gun shop in Corbin but Buds in Lexington had it for the same price. I’m currently trying to decide between a Smith & Wesson shield M2 9mm and a S & W shield EZ 9mm. The best price I can find is 465.00. The EZ is a little longer, thicker, and almost 5 ounces heavier but It is so easy to rack. The M2 would be easier to conceal. Has anyone had any experience with either of those 2 guns? I also need to find a place in Lexington that teaches first time gun owners how to shoot safely.
I have a first gen 9mm shield, not the newer 2.0 version you’re talking about, but it’s the same thing. The 2.0 just has a more aggressive grip texture. Current first gen shields are around 350, and seem hard to find.
Academy Sports in midtown Louisville has one for 330 you can buy right now if you want to travel.
https://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/smith-wesson-m-p9-shield-9mm-compact-8-round-pistol
I don’t know anything about the EZ. Like you said, it was designed to be easy to rack for those with weaker hands. Slides will loosen up with use and become a bit easier to rack. Plus, you’re just going to rack the slide to chamber the first round. It’s not a big deal.
Something you’ll learn when you get to shooting these small shields/EZ’s....while the grips are small, and feel nice in your hand, they won’t feel that way when you shoot em. That’s the trade off for a small, easy to carry pistol. They will conceal well, but they won’t shoot like a bigger pistol. That’s why I would recommend something like a Glock 19 which will handle recoil better and be better suited for training and home defense.
The shield is a great gun though, very useful. I definitely recommend it.
I know Bud’s offers private individual classes. They also do large group classes, but looks like they’re not offering those now. Here’s a link to private instruction. You and your wife could go together, and they will teach you the safety basics, and show you some things you can work on at home.
https://www.budsgunshopky.com/private-instruction/
Academy Sports in midtown Louisville has one for 330 you can buy right now if you want to travel.
https://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/smith-wesson-m-p9-shield-9mm-compact-8-round-pistol
I don’t know anything about the EZ. Like you said, it was designed to be easy to rack for those with weaker hands. Slides will loosen up with use and become a bit easier to rack. Plus, you’re just going to rack the slide to chamber the first round. It’s not a big deal.
Something you’ll learn when you get to shooting these small shields/EZ’s....while the grips are small, and feel nice in your hand, they won’t feel that way when you shoot em. That’s the trade off for a small, easy to carry pistol. They will conceal well, but they won’t shoot like a bigger pistol. That’s why I would recommend something like a Glock 19 which will handle recoil better and be better suited for training and home defense.
The shield is a great gun though, very useful. I definitely recommend it.
I know Bud’s offers private individual classes. They also do large group classes, but looks like they’re not offering those now. Here’s a link to private instruction. You and your wife could go together, and they will teach you the safety basics, and show you some things you can work on at home.
https://www.budsgunshopky.com/private-instruction/
It might be helpful to take a 2 hour class without your own gun, just let them show you some different options so you can see how they feel.
I too have been around long enough to understand you know your stuff, so I appreciate your knowledge on the subject.
Thus, I have a question. (Might be a silly one, nevertheless I would like take) Why is it considered easy to miss with a pistol at close range? Is it simply the stress of the moment or are other factors in play here?
I've mostly been a shotgun guy, (hunting), and while I've shot some with pistols I've never understood this take.
Edit to add I have a Ruger SR9.
Thanks in advance, WW.
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I have many guns and my CCL down here in Florida and I love my Glock 43 for every day carry. I am also a much better shot with my Glock 43 than any of my other full size handguns or revolvers. That thing is just a wonderful gun.
That's a great pick for her. Can't wait to hear how she likes it. The 380 will be milder recoiling which will help her if she's fairly new to shooting. If desired, you can always trade it in for a larger caliber later on.
When it comes to operating the slide, it's not a big deal. As you break in the pistol it will get easier. Plus, A BIG THING is technique.
BIG<BIG<BIG<BIG tip. When you are at home, put the ammo purposely far away.......and just practice with your gun. You will NOT cause damage by dry firing or operating the action.
1. Practice racking the slide....and slide lock
2. Practice grip and sight alignment
3. Practice magazine changes - with and without looking
4. Practice trigger pulls
5. Practice breaking down and building it back up
6. Practice drawing and holstering
7. Practice trigger and muzzle discipline
etc, etc.
Concealed carry.
First you have to decide what kind of carry you "think" you'd like to do.
IWB - "Inside the waistband" (let's assume, not appendix carry for now) - This is easily probably the most popular right. And this is what I use 90% of the time. By far what you will notice is the weight and thickness of the firearm. Even a few tenths of an inch with width can be the difference between uncomfortable and comfortable. I carry my Glock 43 most of the time because it's incredibly thin and rather light for this reason. When I step up to my Glock 19/23.....the difference in comfort drops quite a bit.
So, if you have the choice between the M2 and EZ.....and one is heavier and thicker......mmmm, go lighter/thinner.
The length doesn't matter nearly as much. That's why some people love to carry 1911 pistols. You can carry a very thin 1911 with 5" barrels without too much issue.
IWB - "Appendix" - I've got a belly, so I've never felt comfortable carrying this way. I usually carry about the 4:00 position. However, for obvious reasons length now becomes a factor.
Ankle - I carry this on occasion. For this, you're gonna want something very light/small. I carry my SW revolver this way......my brother has a Ruger LCP2 that he carries ankle. You have to find a brace that you cinch down where it doesn't slide down too much.
Pocket - I don't use this much, but I have on occasion. Once again, you want ultra small......unless it's like a winter jacket or something.
Shoulder - I carry this on occasion......during winter with jackets.......or church with suits, etc.
We can also discuss brands and differing holster options as well.
First you have to decide what kind of carry you "think" you'd like to do.
IWB - "Inside the waistband" (let's assume, not appendix carry for now) - This is easily probably the most popular right. And this is what I use 90% of the time. By far what you will notice is the weight and thickness of the firearm. Even a few tenths of an inch with width can be the difference between uncomfortable and comfortable. I carry my Glock 43 most of the time because it's incredibly thin and rather light for this reason. When I step up to my Glock 19/23.....the difference in comfort drops quite a bit.
So, if you have the choice between the M2 and EZ.....and one is heavier and thicker......mmmm, go lighter/thinner.
The length doesn't matter nearly as much. That's why some people love to carry 1911 pistols. You can carry a very thin 1911 with 5" barrels without too much issue.
IWB - "Appendix" - I've got a belly, so I've never felt comfortable carrying this way. I usually carry about the 4:00 position. However, for obvious reasons length now becomes a factor.
Ankle - I carry this on occasion. For this, you're gonna want something very light/small. I carry my SW revolver this way......my brother has a Ruger LCP2 that he carries ankle. You have to find a brace that you cinch down where it doesn't slide down too much.
Pocket - I don't use this much, but I have on occasion. Once again, you want ultra small......unless it's like a winter jacket or something.
Shoulder - I carry this on occasion......during winter with jackets.......or church with suits, etc.
We can also discuss brands and differing holster options as well.
The G43 is my main carry as well. I'm a big believer in the "try before you buy" philosophy.....if you are able to do so. So, that's what I did when I bought my G43. I went to the range and rented about 5-6 different compact pistols (this was before the 43x, Sig 365, Hellcat, etc all came out). Let me start by saying that I'm NOT one of those Glock fanboys where they claim that nothing comes close and will only buy Glock. In fact, I think that compared to most competitors they're actually uncomfortable to grip and have some really annoying traits. But out of all of them, I shot the G43 the best......and it was in the middle of the pack as far as the price point was concerned among the guns I tried. Easy choice.
Like every gun that I own, I made sure to upgrade the sights (if needed......which unfortunately Glocks usually need)......and Talon Grips.
You didn't ask me, but a n 8 year study of NYC police showed a hit rate of 18%. Stress is part of it. Perhaps the officer was wounded, struggling with the foe or just the emotional aspect of are you ready to take a life. I've seen trained soldiers so scared you could hear their teeth chatter from 10-15 foot away.
18% hit rate is mind boggling to me. I've never been in that situation, but I would hope with my son's life, along with mine on the line, I THINK I'd be pissed and ready to blow the intruder's head off. (Obviously I'd shoot for the chest area, I was just using a figure of speech @ blowing his head off)
This makes it clear to me I need to train my son more, and it won't hurt me to train more as well.
Thanks for the response, WW.
Bernie did a good job explaining the stress of it all......and actually, 18% seems fairly decent to me. Hitting a moving target, with life on the line, that's often shooting back, etc.......with most magazines around 15 rds that equates to just about 3 hits. The percentage drops significantly with military/war.
There is quite a bit of science behind it as well. One of the biggest thing is firearm size. If you jerk a trigger on a large, heavy, loaded shotgun, the barrel moves only slightly. While this might cause you to miss on something 30-40 yds away, it likely won't cause you to miss at 10 yds. A pistol is light and small. Jerk the trigger on a pistol and your shot could be off by 1-2 feet at 7-10 yds distance.........or 6-10" inches inside 5 yds.
The other factor is sight radius. A good shotgun barrel is 26-28" inches long......and that often doesn't include the chamber/action length.....or the 3rd point of contact/stabilization in the stock. That's almost 3 ft of sight alignment towards your target. Barrels on most duty sized pistols are about 4" inches.
This is also a HUGE reason why defense firearms often have magazines that hold a large round count. Proposed laws that only allow a small magazine size are NOT helpful.
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Two big thumbs up on the 10mm cartridge. I love my Glock 20.
Agreed. What intrigues me is that there aren't too many pistol rounds out there that fill the niche that the 10mm does.
For example, the 44 mag or .357 mag. Both are great calibers when fired from a longer barrel......say, like a lever action carbine. They make excellent shorter range deer hunting rifles......or can be used in self defense situations. However, in pistol form you're pretty much stuck with revolvers.......which as stated earlier have their pros/cons. You could mention the .50 (Desert Eagle, etc) but now you're entering in to guns so larger their hard to wield.
The 10mm can be used in a pistol with a good round count.......since it's basically a .40 on steroids. And in a PCC, it is stellar at home defense and can be used in hunting.
I also mentioned .45 in a PCC as a suppressor host. Since .45 rounds are often subsonic, they naturally make wonderful suppressor hosts. Rounds retain the same energy because they're not being slowed down. 9mm for example loses a lot of energy when subsonic.
I really like what CMMG is doing.
https://cmmginc.com/product/pistol-banshee-300-mk10-10mm/
Of course, I also really, really, really like the thought of a small .300 blk pistol with a suppressor. Even when shooting subsonic, you have energy that is on par with a .45.......and with the Spitzer bullet coefficient can defeat most body armors.
I'd probably go with Bravo if I went this route.
https://bravocompanyusa.com/bcm-sta...er-receiver-group-w-bcm-mcmr-8-handguard-nfa/
I'd probably go with Bravo if I went this route.
https://bravocompanyusa.com/bcm-sta...er-receiver-group-w-bcm-mcmr-8-handguard-nfa/
I agree completely the Glocks in many cases are overrated. I actually don’t own another Glock besides the 43. I do need to do some upgrades on mine tho Which sights did you get for yours? Even tho I own 8-10 guns/rifles I am still learning a lot of the aspects to gun ownership and upgrading/tweaking my guns is an area I have almost done nothing in.
I think the issue is history......and how long it takes to develop reputations. When Glock started to produce pistols in the 80's, there wasn't really any legit competition in the striker fire market. Their name kept growing and growing and growing as time past and more militaries/law enforcement agencies picked them up. It wasn't till the early 00's when other brands started to fight for the market. The competition took their lumps at first, but things have really caught on. Now, there are many manufacturers who produce fairly equally reliable weapons.......at least the way that most people use them......range, home defense, law enforcement, etc. But very, very few people crawl through mud holes and sand pits on a daily basis. It'll take time, but I think some of the Glock legend will reduce.
There are 2 sights that I typically love. Both are from AmeriGlo.......the Spartan's and the Hackathorn's.
I like a very high visible front sight that catches my eye fast......and I don't like a lot of distraction with the rear sights. Both of these pretty much have the same front sights.........the Hackathorn rear sights don't have any dots.....just ridges to cut down glare. The Spartan rear sights have dots that only show in low light......so, during the day, no dots.......but at night you have a 3 dot system.
Both can be found well under $100 and are very easy to change on Glocks.
I also like Talon grips on most of my pistols. It's really nothing more than $20 worth of rubberized tape (or grip tape if you prefer) that's custom cut to your make/model.
I want one bad...but that $1600 price tag is a little steep.
$399.99 9mm EZ
https://www.rkguns.com/smith-wesson-m-p-9mm-shield-ez-w-safety-12436.html
Month ago they had the 2.0 with a range kit (bag, glasses, hearing protection) for $360
You may want to see if any gun clubs can help with safety.
Went up to a range at Crittenden Lloyd WMA, the members running it. Think they even was doing Conceal Carry classes for a lot less than most charged.
https://www.facebook.com/Northern-KY-Straight-Shooters-Association-340127589378009/
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I got just the thing for you, Mav.
At $300 you almost have to buy this 10mm hi point carbine, right?
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I think the issue is history......and how long it takes to develop reputations. When Glock started to produce pistols in the 80's, there wasn't really any legit competition in the striker fire market. Their name kept growing and growing and growing as time past and more militaries/law enforcement agencies picked them up. It wasn't till the early 00's when other brands started to fight for the market. The competition took their lumps at first, but things have really caught on. Now, there are many manufacturers who produce fairly equally reliable weapons.......at least the way that most people use them......range, home defense, law enforcement, etc. But very, very few people crawl through mud holes and sand pits on a daily basis. It'll take time, but I think some of the Glock legend will reduce.
There are 2 sights that I typically love. Both are from AmeriGlo.......the Spartan's and the Hackathorn's.
I like a very high visible front sight that catches my eye fast......and I don't like a lot of distraction with the rear sights. Both of these pretty much have the same front sights.........the Hackathorn rear sights don't have any dots.....just ridges to cut down glare. The Spartan rear sights have dots that only show in low light......so, during the day, no dots.......but at night you have a 3 dot system.
Both can be found well under $100 and are very easy to change on Glocks.
I also like Talon grips on most of my pistols. It's really nothing more than $20 worth of rubberized tape (or grip tape if you prefer) that's custom cut to your make/model.
Great info thank you
You follow keep up with weapons much more than I do. I don't have the knowledge of current weapons and couldn't make the recommendations you make. I swore off guns of any kind many years ago and only started back fairly recently because someone dear to me said she needed to learn to defend themselves. I saw to many people make careless mistakes and know many people get into it thinking they will train enough to be Rambo, but a lot of them after a brief shot of enthusiasm think they are prepared enough. That's the reason I always ask people how much they will train. For relatively new people, I like the idea of a weapon that allows for the least possible amount of things that can go wrong in a stressful situation. My sister is an RN in a major city where there have been riots and she asked me about concealed carry. I told her the 38 Bodyguard revolver. I know she will train enough to get a carry permit, but I also know she will do little if any follow up training. I think many people will be like her.
Very, very sound advice and ideas. I always say that for people new to firearms that their initial budget should include........firearm, ammo (for training and defense), training. Unfortunately, people buy the firearm and "maybe" a single box of ammo.
I looked at a S & W 9mm shield EZ for about an hour today but couldn’t make myself spend 460.00 for it. I went online and found a 9mm shield 2.0 for 419.00. It’s got a red laser on it. I don’t know if the laser will be useful or not. I guess I will find out. My wife and I are planning on getting some training from Bud’s before we begin shooting. I also have a bid in on a S & W sport 15. I’m sure I will be out bid. The only ones I can find for sale are about 1000 dollars. I’m a bit overwhelmed but I’m trying to figure it out. Thanks for all the insight.