Newbie from Wisconsin

[mike johnson]

Hey folks, new to the forum and have always had rifles and shotguns. I have one Ruger revolver in a .45 and want to buy a semi-auto. I"ve been looking at different ones and it just gets darn confusing to figure out what brand and caliber I should buy for my first one. I stumbled across this forum when looking and thought I would hang out and learn a few things before I make a decision. Any suggestions just let me know, I guess it would be for home defense but mainly for target shooting and having fun.

Thanks
Mike

[Freedom1911]

Welcome to the forum, from SaintLouis Mo.

Pull up a chair and join in.

Gun question.?????? That needs to go in another thread under another post under another name. They're here.

Or I could give an answer.....

If you are looking for a semi that you can shoot a lot and it not cost an arm or a leg. You basically have two choices, 9mm or 22lr.

They are the two least expensive rounds on the market, all brands of ammo considered.

If you are also thinking of HD for this weapon I would recommend 9mm. You can get the cheap range ammo and then get Hi Performance Defensive rounds for HD or CCW.

As for the actual guns? there are mountains of different pistols to look at.
It depends on what you want to spend.
Does it matter if it is polymer frame or metal, striker fired or hammer, single stack magazine or double stack magazine on and on.

So before we go much further, tell us a little more about what you might be looking for.
Like price range and the other things mentioned, if they matter or not.
And when you plan on buying, because the new guns are coming out in January, and some very interesting things are coming our way.

[mike johnson]

thanks for the response, I'm not sure what HD or CCD is so I have some research ahead of me. As far as the type of gun I guess i'm open to anything and qould like to spend some time learning before I buy something. I'm thinking of an all metal gun but not sure why one would choose one over the other. I was thinking of spending 700 or less.

The one thing i'm pretty sure about is the caliber, it seems like the 9mm is not only a cheaper round but a pretty good caliber for all around use.

As you can see I have much to learn and absorb.

Mike

[buck32]

Welcome from Big Sky Country.

[sliponby]

Welcome from Alabama. $700 price range opens you up to a lot of different guns. Have fun and good luck!

[mike johnson]

Thanks guys....yeah....it's a little stressfull trying to decide. It seems most are great guns though. It should be a fun process but for some reason I'm worried i'll make a bad choice. Kind of crazy, I guess i want them all.....is that possible????

Mike

[dondavis3]

Mike welcome to the forum from North Central Texas - I think you'll like it here.

I would suggest that you go to a local range that rents guns and shoot several different brands and calibers. The more you shoot them the better you'll be able to make your decision.

Someday it will just come to you - hey I like the way this gun feels in my hand and I seem to shoot this one better too - wa la you've just found your gun.

You didn't mention your shooting experience level, so if your new, find a NRA beginners course and attend it .

If there isn't one close, then find a range that has courses for new shooters and attend a class. Most of us have.

I agree with Freedom 1911's advise.

Don't stress yourself about this decision, it should be fun.

In the end you only have to please yourself, so buy the gun that you just fall in love with.

Good luck with your hunt!

[mike johnson]

Thanks Don, I plan on visiting a range next week if I can.

Mike

[Handgun World]

Glad to see another Wisconsinite. I live in DFW but originally from Seymour, WI. (13 miles W. of Green Bay.)

Go Packers!

[banjar]

Welcome from North Carolina.

[Todd]

Welcome to the forum!

All members are encouraged to be familiar with the Forum Guidelines , so please take a few minutes to review them if you have not done so already.

[HogMan87]

A BIG welcome from
Tennessee

[BeefyBeefo]

Welcome to the forum!