School me on handguns
 

I thought with as many shooters we have here we might have a gun section, but I'd like to get a handgun to go to the range and maybe home security.

I just learned that I get a military discount on Glocks, not sure how much but 2 products per year.

I still need to get my permit to carry and go thru whatever classes are necessary.

Thanks

Re: School me on handguns
 

Glocks are good but whatever you choose, pick one that fits your hands and train with it. Do you want a carry gun or strictly just range and home defense?
I personally like hammer fired pistols so my opinion is different from others.

For EDC(Everyday Carry), get something slim and small that you can efficiently hit targets with and have the option to conceal or even just stick in your pocket and go.(IE: S&W shield, glock 43,etc in the holster. Bodyguard, LCP380,etc for pocket.) You can carry larger compact pistols but you are limited and could have the potential of printing. Also, if you carry in the holster, I want to mention that pooping in public places becomes a hassle. When peeing, just pull your wang through the zipper(un zip of course)

For range home defense, find a pistol or rifle or shotgun that would best suite your layout of your home. You have children in the home so be aware where you bullets could go and make a plan. Also a safe(you know this already). Maybe get something smaller that your wife could possibly use as well if you are not home.

As far as holsters, I really like my alien gear holster but I also like the looks of stealth. I carry IWB(inside the waist band) and i would love to AIWB(Appendix inside the waistband) but I'm too fat still.

I'm sure others will chime in who have carried longer than I have.

Re: School me on handguns
 

I definitely recommend MN Firearms Training for a place to get your permit to carry. Takes only like 2 hours and they're super friendly/ small classes. Glocks seem to be very popular and are very reasonably priced. Plus you can do lots of "mods" to them.
I also agree with Alien Gear being a very good holster, though I haven't used many others as I instantly liked the one.

Re: School me on handguns
 

I agree with Pat. Get a gun that fits your hand and that your most comfortable and accurate with. For home defense a good old shot gun works great. Get one that you can install a flashlight and laser on. Works great since you don't have to turn on any lights and the laser for easy point and shoot. I got mine set up with ever other she'll is different bird shot, double 0 buck shot and some nasty slugs.

Re: School me on handguns
 

I'd recommend a DA/SA decocker for carry. Hammer fired ftw

As said go hold & shoot a lot of different handguns before you run out & buy

Re: School me on handguns
 

I love my ruger lc9 for everyday use

Re: School me on handguns
 

I carry a springfield xd9 compact and love it. Shoots great and is small enough to carry.

Re: School me on handguns
 

so can I go to a range and try some of these?
Thanks for the recommendations

Re: School me on handguns
 

Bills gun range, you can rent an assortment of firearms.

https://www.billsgs.com/

Re: School me on handguns
 

Stop by stock and barrel in chanhassen as well.

Re: School me on handguns
 

A lot of this. I personally carry IWB at 5:30 on my waistband but use a level 2 holster reffering to a snap that gives me 1 level of gun retention should it even become visible enough for somebody to try and take. I also would add that you should get carry insurance from CCW or similar companies that cover things like the actual defense case, and, the civil suit that can follow even if you were justified. That can be as much as $150 per year and include your spouse who may be with you and need to use your firearm or their own in the event of emergency.

I always choose to have holsters custom made for me, or to at least try them on first. I would also suggest renting several. I love my CZ's but slimmer cheaper options work great when you do need that extra level of compact for visiting places like the State Fair.

Super small side note on the gun, don't focus too much on the caliber, just make sure the capacity, and recoil are in touch for the weight and fit of the gun. I choose guns with DA/SA features allowing my first shot to be a heavier and very intentional first trigger pull, while NEVER needing to use fine motor skills to disengage a manual safety if I needed to quickly. I hope this helps Aaron, and I have a library of glocks, and many other guns for you to try out ;) my friend and I have quick a diverse collection if you can't find a sample at your local range. You're welcome to come with sometime! Congrats on the decision! You'll look back wondering why you left yourself without the peace of mind.

-Adam

Re: School me on handguns
 

Side note by the way, Springfield xd series come with holster, two mag holder and two magazines loader and gun lock if i remember correctly. Just something to think about.


Won't get much into other details as Adam and Pat both have made very good points to the other aspects of carrying. Home defense is different and should always look into those laws as well if you decide not to carry.

Re: School me on handguns
 

This is why I love my CZ and the DA/SA. It took me about a 2 days before I realized I should carry in condition 2.

This guy has good videos:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trv7-sFZcCE&hd=1

For gun reviews, I like the following:
https://www.youtube.com/user/hickok45
https://www.youtube.com/user/sootch00
https://www.youtube.com/user/nutnfancy
https://www.youtube.com/user/Iraqveteran8888
and of course
https://www.youtube.com/user/FPSRussia

Re: School me on handguns
 

I'm the same way.

DA/SA, safety off & hammer down

Re: School me on handguns
 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTalnzcO0xk&hd=1

Since we are on the subject already; what insurance do you guys recommend?
USCCA seems to pop up on my FB feed a lot but I also looked at CCWSafe.

USCCA: https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/mem...page#sds-chart
CCWSafe: https://ccwsafe.com/shop/

Re: School me on handguns
 

Hmm interesting never thought somebody else would feel similarly, but be able to put into words so well. Im still on the fence or more or less thinking about climbing the fence. I remember when i went to bills gun range for the first time boy i sure did not like that place took a bit to get use to..going underground and into range like you just left one world and into another. Aaron youve been in the military tho so guns arent foreign to you if i may ask why now decide to make a switch?

Re: School me on handguns
 

I personally like CCW Safe just for their broad coverage in many categories of the litigation and witness support etc, it's a very well rounded, nationwide, and extremely proven company. Though no matter what, get something.
https://ccwsafe.com/product/dual/ - This is the membership I have.

PS Aaron, I put up your old tree again for year 2!

Re: School me on handguns
 

Wow everyone pretty much covered anything. Here's to the post count haha.

I carry an XDS .45 - I'd recommend something with higher capacity, but I just carry an extra mag :)