Buying my first gun

Plague · Mar 13, 2008

I'm planning on picking up my first gun for range use and eventually as a CCW. I'm not sure as to what gun I want to get but I'm leaning towards the PT100/101, a 24/7 .40, or a Glock 22.

I'm currently going through the selection process to become a police officer for Metro-Dade and City of Miami and might get the Glock 22 to become familiar with what is probably going to be the gun I'll be issued, but I think I might get a Taurus instead because they just appeal to me more.

I'll be going to the range on Monday to try out all 3 guns if possible. And I'll be making the final decision in the next couple of weeks. The PT100 I've found for $410 and the Glock for $485, how do these prices stack up? Which would you guys recommend? What are the major differences between the 24/7 and the PT100? Should I just wait for the 800 series to come out?

Any replies are greatly appreciated.

rwcreigh · Mar 13, 2008

24/7 pro 9mm

Qwiks draw · Mar 13, 2008

Ace · Mar 13, 2008

I've been told by a few lawmen that they always carry the same type of issue piece, and in the same spot as they do on duty. The reason being is at the first sign of trouble they instinctively go for their duty weapon, they are programmed to reach for it. If you are unfamiliar with handguns, and you are training to be a police officer, then I highly recommend to you that you get the same weapon as your duty weapon as your first pistol, just to avoid confusion. Short answer, in the beginning you should keep it simple, then down the road as you get more familiar, you will want other guns. I'll not fault the 24-7, If you were not going to be a cop then either piece will serve you well, but if you are selected for training you're going to have your hands full learning about more than just guns, and there is only so much your brain can learn before it short circuits. Your instructors will tell you as much, if you bring it up with them.

NYPD · Mar 13, 2008

Plague said:
I'm currently going through the selection process to become a police officer for Metro-Dade and City of Miami and might get the Glock 22 to become familiar with what is probably going to be the gun I'll be issued

Chief John Timoney of the City of Miami PD worked with my uncle in the 44th precinct in the NYPD. He's a class act and very knowledgeable person. Sorry I took it off topic. If you're getting issued the Glock 22 then don't buy one. A Glock is the simplest pistol to learn to use...period. In the Academy, your instructors will train you well on the use and functionality of the Glock.

Basically go with what feels good in your hands and what you feel most comfortable shooting.

Funshooter · Mar 13, 2008

I have to agree with NYPD in AZ and Ace on this one. As Ace says, many LEOs use the same gun style for off duty or back up as their duty weapon. The main advantange of this is that they don't have as much to remember when both weapon opporate the same. Also, some of the magazines may be inner-changable, like Glocks. So buying a compct version of a duty weapon has merit. There are alot of officers that still carry a semi-auto duty and a revolver back up or off duty gun too, though.
But if you are buying your own gun for personal use NYPD is right.. get what feels good in your hands and what you are most comfortable shooting.

joe sixpack · Mar 13, 2008

i'd also recommend the glock if thats what you'll be issued, on the other hand the pt92 is similar to the beretta 92 except the location of the safety, and some deparments are still using the 92.

92 is a large full size combat hand gun.. it can be CC'ed but it does take a little extra will power and effort, the 24/7 and most glocks are smaller.

i dont know about the 24/7, glocks i generally dont like the design nor grip on them.. the 92 i love but i can't recommend for you because it sounds like you'ed be better served with the glock in all honesty.

most glocks go for about 500 in my area.. 485 dont sound bad.

Qwiks draw · Mar 13, 2008

I agree with these guys. That's why there are many different links dealing with the various types of guns. Kind of pick and choose

What fits you and your needs is more important than what we could think is appropriate.

If your familiar with either traditional DA/SA pistols or DAO type pistols then those are the way to go for the most part.

Different types of trigger action demand different mindsets and training skills.

Glocks are fine, but with my hand and finger size the PT111 series fits better than the Glocks do. Even the 24/7 longslide OSS model that's about to be introduced has a better grip for me personally.
Have to include that I have short stubby fingers and medium sized hands.

Plague · Mar 13, 2008

Looks like I've got a lot more reading ahead of me.

Thanks for the quick responses, guys.

paulrabe78 · Mar 13, 2008

Go with what feels best. I personally like my Kel-Tec P11 for conceal carry. It is a lot smaller than the guns you listed. I carry in IWBs and the P11 is much more comfortable.

45 Forever · Mar 14, 2008

Wow I'll try not to be long winded on this but I agree with NYPD then practice like crazy because your life depends on it. Draw from the ground upside down if you can. a short barreled gun either an auto or revolver are vary hard to become good at, sure at 7yrds standing still you can hit the man size target but do 50 jumping jacks the try you'll see what I mean. Just a fraction of an inch off at even 7 yrds and you miss completly. The media ran a piece about an enraged guy who went after his attorney he was a few feet from him and there was a tree between the too I mean the guy could have reached out and grabed the guy he shot a 38 snubbie at the attorney and grazed him after five shots he walked away untill some good guys tackled him. I would only carry 4" to 5" if I've got my 38 its just when I'm walking the dogs and its a front pocket carry. With a good holster and belt combination you can carry full sized guns concelled varry well and comfortable. just my $.02, and congrats and thank you for your service to help the ones that can't help themselves.

pozner · Mar 17, 2008

Plague said:
snip
I'll be going to the range on Monday to try out all 3 guns if possible. And I'll be making the final decision in the next couple of weeks. The PT100 I've found for $410 and the Glock for $485, how do these prices stack up? Which would you guys recommend? What are the major differences between the 24/7 and the PT100? Should I just wait for the 800 series to come out?

Any replies are greatly appreciated.

Sometime during training, you'll get a letter that will allow you to buy a new Glock from Lou's for $400(give or take). If you want a Glock, you could wait for the price break.

45 Forever · Mar 17, 2008

Another thing to consider I know a lot of LEO and people carry the same type back up but don't get comfortable with just one gun type. Here's why if your in a fight and you loose your wepon and the BG gun becomes available you better know how to yo use it. How many times have you seen on cops were the BG got the LEO's gun but could not make it work.

My point is some guns safeties work by pushing up and some down practice with every gun you can get your hands on from friends at the range, rent a few if you can. There's some import handguns that just don't fallow normal rules,
Example HK P-7 squeeze cocker that trips people up all the time.

When I go to the range I always bring several types of handguns with me wheelguns and auto hold and point different
learn to transition quickly it could save your life. My $.02

dbsoundguy · Mar 17, 2008

Plague ...I did a similar post in here for my friend also..

It was so helpful, the replies were right on :clap:
http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/index.php?topic=3930.0

You definitly asked about this on the right forum..The replies from all in here are very equal and non-bashing, and from the looks of Qwiks reply...you have homework.. :bang: :fart:

We also have quite a few of L.E.O.s in here... with a lot of experience on this

I also agree with getting the same gun for CC that you are going to use on duty...
(lol.. learned that from my thread in here)
Might even get a compact version of any gun for CC and then you have your full size for duty..( not sure if that is right, but sounds good..lol)

Good Luck and keep us posted

Plague · Apr 16, 2008

It's been more than a month since I started this topic and I ended up picking up a Glock 17 not long after. I just fell in love with it as a range rental and got my own. An officer I talked to recently said they used 9mms, so I guess I'm practicing with the right kind of weapon.

I've been going to Ace's because Trail Glade is closed on my days off and maybe I'll see some of you there. The selection process has been moving along pretty well for MDPD; psych evaluation is next week.

But never fear my Taurus friends, I'm not out of the family just yet. I might be picking up a used Rossi 972 soon. The price is right and the gun appeals to me. Who knows what might be coming down the line, I still like Taurus guns and I might still get a Taurur semi-auto down the line.

Thanks for all the replies.

Steelheart · Apr 16, 2008

A Taurus section to keep in mind is the small frame revolvers for a back-up gun.

Steelheart

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