Knowing what you know now...

pichon · January 1, 2010, 08:37 PM

Knowing what you know now, if you didn't own a firearm what would you choose as your first purchase?

Just curious. I've seen a few people and posts here lately about deciding on a first gun and wanted to see what everyone who "knows" would do.

HFD · January 1, 2010, 09:29 PM

H&K P2000 LEM 40 S&W... followed by the same thing in an SK...

Tamara · January 1, 2010, 09:47 PM

A Glock 19 and an Advantage Arms .22 conversion kit.

FyredUp · January 1, 2010, 09:56 PM

The best 1911-A1 I could afford.

If I hadn't listen to so many idiots tell me the recoil would be punishing it very well could have been my first firearm purchase.

The Great Mahoo · January 1, 2010, 10:42 PM

That's a tough call. I would want something for personal carry, so it would have to be small, but I am also a big fan of versatility and compatibility with other guns. Then again, its hard to beat a classic.

I suspect it would have to be a 1911, probably a Commander variant of some sort. Loads of fun to shoot, still comfortable for carry, and reliable as the day is long.

Runners up:
1. A DA .45 Colt revolver cut for .45ACP moons. S&W 625MG or Redhawk.
2. A .357 w/ 3-4 inch barrel.
3. Revolver in .327. A Ruger Sp101, most likely.

A rifle would be a quick secondary purchase. Perhaps a lever-carbine in either .357 or .45colt, which would alter my handgun choice to one of the same caliber.

Shadi Khalil · January 1, 2010, 10:47 PM

My first handgun was a snub nose .357, not the best thing to learn on. If I could do it over I would have chosen something in a full size .9mm

Tucker 1371 · January 1, 2010, 10:47 PM

Well a Mosin 91/30 was/is my first gun bought with my own money (i.e. not a gift) and I'm pretty happy with it.

My first handgun is going to be a $500 to $650 1911 when I finish boot... providing that uniforms and taxes don't gobble up all my pay

.

Sport45 · January 1, 2010, 10:58 PM

This is an easy one. I'd would have started buying Garands, Carbines, and 03's from the CMP the first day I was eligible.

Jim Downey · January 1, 2010, 11:07 PM

Hmm. Thinking of this as "if I had to start my collection from scratch, what gun would I get first?"

Handgun: double-stack .45 of the 1911 variety, Commander size.

Long gun (shotgun): 12 ga shotgun, either a Mossberg 500 or Remington 870.

Long gun (rifle): 10/22.

But I would probably end up with something akin to the collection I currently have, in the end.

Jim D.

kraigwy · January 1, 2010, 11:13 PM

Model 70 Winchester

NavyLT · January 1, 2010, 11:14 PM

Taurus PT-92, 9mm full size semi-auto. It was my first gun and, knowing what I know now, would be again.

SilentHitz · January 1, 2010, 11:20 PM

Easy, back in the 70s the market was still full of milsurp 1911s...I would have bought a pair of rare beauties!

katana8869 · January 1, 2010, 11:51 PM

Glock 19

Kyo · January 2, 2010, 12:23 AM

same one I have.

J.Netto · January 2, 2010, 12:38 AM

I don't think I would change anything. I learned a lot buying and trying different guns. I still think my first choice and handgun purchase was the right choice.

I just wish I still had it.

Sixer · January 2, 2010, 12:42 AM

I'd still go with my original choice of a Glock 23... or maybe a G19.

Lee Lapin · January 2, 2010, 01:11 AM

Started out carrying a J frame Smith several decades ago, and carry a J frame Smith now. Guess I haven't learned very much...

lpl (the 'now' gun is an Airweight with CT grips though)

FrankenMauser · January 2, 2010, 03:40 AM

Knowing what I know now....

Rifle: SKS of whatever country of origin was available. (Cheap, cheap ammo, reliable, effective.)

Pistol: Ruger P-series 9mm. (Cheap, cheap ammo, reliable, effective.)

Hmmm... recurring theme....
Reliability of the SKS could be argued, since some nations' rifles don't perform as well as others. However, it is generally a good rifle.

RockyMtnTactical · January 2, 2010, 05:23 AM

Glock 26.

KenpoTex · January 2, 2010, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tamara

A Glock 19 and an Advantage Arms .22 conversion kit.

Ditto

m1thumb · January 2, 2010, 08:53 AM

Handgun- Beretta 92FS 9mm
Rifle- Springfield M1A1 .308
Shotgun- Remington 870 Exp Mag 12g

Pahoo · January 2, 2010, 11:36 AM

Marlin 39A Mountie ....

Be Safe !!!

KingEdward · January 7, 2010, 01:43 PM

If today all of them were gone then my first purchase tomorrow would

be a Smith and Wesson prelock Model 19 or Model 66 in 4" .357 magnum.

lomaxanderson · January 7, 2010, 02:37 PM

4" 66 or 19 ...was and I still have a few..but I got 45itis somewhere...but now it has been treated with another dose of Smith & Wessons...

Nate1778 · January 7, 2010, 02:40 PM

I got to throw in the Glock 19 as well.

Nothing like a .357 either, lots of ammo options.

January 1, 2010, 08:37 PM	#1
pichon Senior Member Join Date: January 26, 2009 Posts: 439	Knowing what you know now... Knowing what you know now, if you didn't own a firearm what would you choose as your first purchase? Just curious. I've seen a few people and posts here lately about deciding on a first gun and wanted to see what everyone who "knows" would do.

January 1, 2010, 09:47 PM	#3
Tamara Moderator Emeritus Join Date: March 11, 2000 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 16,002	A Glock 19 and an Advantage Arms .22 conversion kit. __________________ MOLON LABE! 2% Unobtainium, 98% Hypetanium. The Arms Room: An Online Museum.

January 1, 2010, 10:42 PM	#5
The Great Mahoo Senior Member Join Date: June 3, 2008 Location: Pennsylvania, USA Posts: 1,269	That's a tough call. I would want something for personal carry, so it would have to be small, but I am also a big fan of versatility and compatibility with other guns. Then again, its hard to beat a classic. I suspect it would have to be a 1911, probably a Commander variant of some sort. Loads of fun to shoot, still comfortable for carry, and reliable as the day is long. Runners up: 1. A DA .45 Colt revolver cut for .45ACP moons. S&W 625MG or Redhawk. 2. A .357 w/ 3-4 inch barrel. 3. Revolver in .327. A Ruger Sp101, most likely. A rifle would be a quick secondary purchase. Perhaps a lever-carbine in either .357 or .45colt, which would alter my handgun choice to one of the same caliber. __________________ “There are three reasons to own a gun. To protect yourself and your family, to hunt dangerous and delicious animals, and to keep the King of England out of your face.” - Krusty the Clown

January 1, 2010, 10:47 PM	#7
Tucker 1371 Senior Member Join Date: December 29, 2008 Location: East TN Posts: 2,649	Well a Mosin 91/30 was/is my first gun bought with my own money (i.e. not a gift) and I'm pretty happy with it. My first handgun is going to be a $500 to $650 1911 when I finish boot... providing that uniforms and taxes don't gobble up all my pay . __________________ Sgt. of Marines, 5th Award Expert Rifle, 237/250 Expert Pistol, 382/400. D Co, 4th CEB, Engineers UP!! If you start a thread, be active in it. Don't leave us hanging. OEF 2011 Sangin, Afg. Molon Labe

January 1, 2010, 10:58 PM	#8
Sport45 Senior Member Join Date: May 25, 1999 Location: Too close to Houston Posts: 4,196	This is an easy one. I'd would have started buying Garands, Carbines, and 03's from the CMP the first day I was eligible. __________________ Proud member of the NRA and Texas State Rifle Association. Registered and active voter.

January 1, 2010, 09:29 PM	#2
HFD Junior Member Join Date: May 22, 2004 Location: 9th circle of Hell Posts: 10	H&K P2000 LEM 40 S&W... followed by the same thing in an SK...

January 1, 2010, 09:56 PM	#4
FyredUp Junior member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 673	The best 1911-A1 I could afford. If I hadn't listen to so many idiots tell me the recoil would be punishing it very well could have been my first firearm purchase.

January 1, 2010, 10:47 PM	#6
Shadi Khalil Senior Member Join Date: September 23, 2006 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 5,210	My first handgun was a snub nose .357, not the best thing to learn on. If I could do it over I would have chosen something in a full size .9mm

January 1, 2010, 11:07 PM	#9
Jim Downey Senior Member Join Date: March 5, 2009 Posts: 206	Hmm. Thinking of this as "if I had to start my collection from scratch, what gun would I get first?" Handgun: double-stack .45 of the 1911 variety, Commander size. Long gun (shotgun): 12 ga shotgun, either a Mossberg 500 or Remington 870. Long gun (rifle): 10/22. But I would probably end up with something akin to the collection I currently have, in the end. Jim D. __________________ James Downey http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/ - BBTI handgun cartridge research http://www.guns.com/author/jim-downey/ - Guns.com where I'm a features/review writer http://www.communionofdreams.com/ Communion of Dreams - my current novel.

January 1, 2010, 11:13 PM	#10
kraigwy Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2008 Location: Wyoming Posts: 11,061	Model 70 Winchester __________________ Kraig Stuart CPT USAR Ret USAMU Sniper School Distinguished Rifle Badge 1071

January 1, 2010, 11:14 PM	#11
NavyLT Junior member Join Date: January 25, 2006 Location: Oak Harbor, WA Posts: 1,719	Taurus PT-92, 9mm full size semi-auto. It was my first gun and, knowing what I know now, would be again.

January 1, 2010, 11:20 PM	#12
SilentHitz Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2008 Location: Ms. Posts: 1,984	Easy, back in the 70s the market was still full of milsurp 1911s...I would have bought a pair of rare beauties! __________________ Guns don't kill people, husbands who come home early do. http://k5fv.com/

January 1, 2010, 11:51 PM	#13
katana8869 Senior Member Join Date: December 26, 2005 Posts: 355	Glock 19

January 2, 2010, 12:23 AM	#14
Kyo Senior Member Join Date: April 14, 2009 Posts: 897	same one I have. __________________ 1. The gun is *always* loaded. 2. Never let the muzzle cover anything you are not willing to destroy. 3. Keep your finger off the trigger unless you are ready to shoot. 4. Be be sure of your target and what is beyond it.

January 2, 2010, 12:38 AM	#15
J.Netto Senior Member Join Date: April 26, 2009 Location: Elizabethtown, KY Posts: 713	I don't think I would change anything. I learned a lot buying and trying different guns. I still think my first choice and handgun purchase was the right choice. I just wish I still had it.

January 2, 2010, 12:42 AM	#16
Sixer Senior Member Join Date: April 16, 2008 Location: Missouri Posts: 1,891	I'd still go with my original choice of a Glock 23... or maybe a G19. __________________ Hopp Custom Leather <------ click for HOLSTER awesomeness!! -There is no theory of evolution... Just a list of creatures Chuck Norris has allowed to live.

January 2, 2010, 01:11 AM	#17
Lee Lapin Senior Member Join Date: September 7, 2004 Location: SE NC Posts: 1,239	Started out carrying a J frame Smith several decades ago, and carry a J frame Smith now. Guess I haven't learned very much... lpl (the 'now' gun is an Airweight with CT grips though) __________________ Mindset - Skillset - Toolset. In that order! Attitude and skill will get you through times of no gear, better than gear will get you through times of no attitude and no skill.

January 2, 2010, 03:40 AM	#18
FrankenMauser Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2008 Location: In the valley above the plain Posts: 13,427	Knowing what I know now.... Rifle: SKS of whatever country of origin was available. (Cheap, cheap ammo, reliable, effective.) Pistol: Ruger P-series 9mm. (Cheap, cheap ammo, reliable, effective.) Hmmm... recurring theme.... Reliability of the SKS could be argued, since some nations' rifles don't perform as well as others. However, it is generally a good rifle. __________________ Don't even try it. It's even worse than the internet would lead you to believe.

January 2, 2010, 05:23 AM	#19
RockyMtnTactical Senior Member Join Date: October 21, 2006 Location: Western US Posts: 1,961	Glock 26. __________________ https://battlebornreview.com/

January 2, 2010, 08:53 AM	#21
m1thumb Member Join Date: April 15, 2009 Posts: 31	Handgun- Beretta 92FS 9mm Rifle- Springfield M1A1 .308 Shotgun- Remington 870 Exp Mag 12g

January 2, 2010, 11:36 AM	#22
Pahoo Senior Member Join Date: February 16, 2006 Location: IOWA Posts: 8,783	Marlin 39A Mountie .... Be Safe !!!

January 7, 2010, 01:43 PM	#23
KingEdward Senior Member Join Date: April 22, 2009 Location: The Volunteer State Posts: 439	If today all of them were gone then my first purchase tomorrow would be a Smith and Wesson prelock Model 19 or Model 66 in 4" .357 magnum. __________________ "It'll happen fast once I start" - Charlie Waite

January 7, 2010, 02:37 PM	#24
lomaxanderson Senior Member Join Date: March 12, 2006 Location: La. Posts: 349	4" 66 or 19 ...was and I still have a few..but I got 45itis somewhere...but now it has been treated with another dose of Smith & Wessons... __________________ All I want to do is live in peace...for that I'm willing to die STOLEN COLT NIGHT DEFENDER sn NDF0311 Mason Rhea Gsd

January 7, 2010, 02:40 PM	#25
Nate1778 Senior Member Join Date: January 21, 2009 Location: Louisville Ky Posts: 312	I got to throw in the Glock 19 as well. Nothing like a .357 either, lots of ammo options. __________________ "And finally, the Baby Bear looked and he said, "Somebody's sleeping in my bed, and the bastard's still there!" But Goldylocks had a Remington semi-automatic, with a scope and a hair-trigger!"