Considering a new sidearm

Yup, I agree that the purpose will play a role. With that I can tell you that I want to get a G20. A couple things I like is I can swap out the barrel and shoot .40S&W which should be a little cheaper and less painful will still shooting the same gun. I can also get a .22 conversion and have fun with it or even carry the .22 slide for small game should I feel the need. Also, as justin alludes, what about a revolver. You might be surprised at how comparable a "heavy" 6-shot .44 Magnum is to a fully loaded G20.
 
I started with a Taurus Titanium Tracker in 41 mag, moved to a G20 and now have a G29. I have used the 29 now for 5 years and love it. I shot a black bear with it at about 5 feet in the chest. The blackie didn't like it.... I will say the 20 is much easier to shoot accurately than the 29.
 
I switched back to revolvers, either a 4" model 58 or a 6" model 57.
It's a little heavier but I like the platform, ballistics of the round, and the simplicity of the revolver for backwoods carry.
 
Can't go wrong with a glock if they fit your hand. Personally I hate the grips on them. I love my springfield xdm .45 4". Shoots well, fits my hand well and holds a hell of a lot of 45 acp.
 
I just don't care for revolver style pistols. I know they are more reliable and can generally be lighter but they just aren't my cup of tea. My intended purpose is primarily self defense vs. Humans but also want it for defense against animal attacks in the woods (I know it is unlikely but helps me sleep a little easier). I doubt it will ever be serviced as a primary hunting weapon, though we do have an alternative weapons season here I always use my bow or black powder.
 
If you're only changing because of weight, you may be disappointed with the G20. Mine weighs 48oz with 15 rounds.

If you go the G20 route, you definitely want to be reloading for it. Component wise it's pretty cheap to load for, and you can load it down to .40cal loads or all the way up. My G20 has less felt recoil with medium loads than my Beretta 9mm does.
 
If your primary consideration is for an EDC carry gun where two legged animals are the threat, then I would look into a semi-auto 9mm. I'd rather not spark the caliber debate, but I've done alot of research on handgun calibers for self defense, and the most practical is 9mm. If you want to shoot a different caliber because you like it, then more power to you. But I do have my reasons for 9mm.

If your primary consideration is defense from animals in the woods, then I would jump to the Glock 29 or 20 like Ryan said. The reason the G29 is harder to shoot accurately is the smaller frame and shorter sight radius, and the extra felt recoil, but you gain a more compact and lighter package. Personally, the subcompact Glocks don't feel good to me, so I'd go with the G20.

Bottom line, I wouldn't suggest one of these to do both jobs. They are two different guns for two different "missions".
 
I used to be a firearms dealer and was able to shoot many different handguns on a regular basis. I have never found anything that feels better and shoots as reliably as a Glock. Not exotic, but they go bang every time no matter what. 4 pound trigger and not too heavy. They are the only handguns I own because I never want to have to worry will it work?
 
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Ironman8 said:
If your primary consideration is for an EDC carry gun where two legged animals are the threat, then I would look into a semi-auto 9mm. I'd rather not spark the caliber debate, but I've done alot of research on handgun calibers for self defense, and the most practical is 9mm. If you want to shoot a different caliber because you like it, then more power to you. But I do have my reasons for 9mm.

If your primary consideration is defense from animals in the woods, then I would jump to the Glock 29 or 20 like Ryan said. The reason the G29 is harder to shoot accurately is the smaller frame and shorter sight radius, and the extra felt recoil, but you gain a more compact and lighter package. Personally, the subcompact Glocks don't feel good to me, so I'd go with the G20.

Bottom line, I wouldn't suggest one of these to do both jobs. They are two different guns for two different "missions".
Click to expand...

This^^^


hflier said:
I used to be a firearms dealer and was able to shoot many different handguns on a regular basis. I have never found anything that feels better and shoots as reliably as a Glock. Not exotic, but they go bang every time no matter what. 4 pound trigger and not too heavy. They are the only handguns I own because I never want to have to worry will it work?
Click to expand...

And if they fit you, this^^^
 
I carry a Glock 29. Small enough for CC, pretty decent for woods protection and light enough and small enough that I will actually carry it every time I go out. I really enjoy shooting and have every confidence in its reliability.
 
Is it going to be for self defense at home or a carry gun? Most carry guns you will find are not the best shooting guns at the range. This was brought up before being there size. I will agree with what was said before about the 9mm. There are guns for each intended pelurpose and a few that can do both. My personal favorite for a fairly inexpensive home protection and a really easy gun to shoot is a glock 19. It's a little big to carry but it is possible. I think a little more info on your intended purpose would help with suggestions.
 
Yup. I carry a G19 daily. Best carry gun ever made in my opinion.

I've also carried a full size M&P with no problem before I switched to the G19. So depending on body type, carrying a larger framed gun can be done.
 
Beastmode said:
Is it going to be for self defense at home or a carry gun? Most carry guns you will find are not the best shooting guns at the range. This was brought up before being there size. I will agree with what was said before about the 9mm. There are guns for each intended pelurpose and a few that can do both. My personal favorite for a fairly inexpensive home protection and a really easy gun to shoot is a glock 19. It's a little big to carry but it is possible. I think a little more info on your intended purpose would help with suggestions.
Click to expand...
Carry
 
The s&w m&p shield is a good sized carry gun Imo. This is my current carry gun. Sig has a few really good options out there. As I stated before the glock 19 is a great gun. I personally think it's too big for me but that is strictly personal. The shield is a great smaller frame gun if the glocks don't fit your hand. I just picked up a kimber solo carry and I am in the process of shooting it to see if it is a good option as well.
 
I
Ironman8 said:
If your primary consideration is for an EDC carry gun where two legged animals are the threat, then I would look into a semi-auto 9mm. I'd rather not spark the caliber debate, but I've done alot of research on handgun calibers for self defense, and the most practical is 9mm. If you want to shoot a different caliber because you like it, then more power to you. But I do have my reasons for 9mm.

If your primary consideration is defense from animals in the woods, then I would jump to the Glock 29 or 20 like Ryan said. The reason the G29 is harder to shoot accurately is the smaller frame and shorter sight radius, and the extra felt recoil, but you gain a more compact and lighter package. Personally, the subcompact Glocks don't feel good to me, so I'd go with the G20.

Bottom line, I wouldn't suggest one of these to do both jobs. They are two different guns for two different "missions".
Click to expand...

I agree with everything everything except the 9mm thought. I'll just leave it at that.
 
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