Buying new pistol, need advice

[Racer-X]

And a .357 only puts out from .480 to 570 ft-lbs depending on the load. Thus, I can't see how it's incredibly superior to either the .40 or .45 -- other than that it has the word "magnum" in its name.

I once had a bear take off running when he read "magnum" on the side of my gun.

[Wisha Haddan H3]

I agree with all the comments so far about bullet weight and power. But your best bet is to rent some pistols at a local range and try different ammo. Accuracy depends on the ammo and how it fits your hand.

I like a SA/DA semi-auto pistol with half-moon sights that fits snug in my hand, unsafes easily and doesn't snag on the draw. Don't care for Glocks and Rugers, but give me a full-size Beretta, dehorned model 1911, or my old EEA .45 and I'm good to go.

For bear-stopping power, load ammo you use and trust, .40 caliber +Ps or higher. When I first bought my EAA Witness .45, I loaded it with +P+ JHPs. Even with the ported barrel, it kicked like a mule and ruined my followup shots. I switched to regular +P and my double-taps improved.

[MarK M]

no need for big calibers... just get more magazines... its fun to unload with multiple mags.

they will eventually go down!

BTW, dont wait until he charges. When they stand up start unloading. you get a nice clean shot of the soft side.

[Mr. I - Man]

Fvck it go with a Wildey .475 Mag

[KenP]

I want a bullet that'll bounce around in the criminal's body for a little while.

[Lucifer]

You're best bet for stopping a bear is bear spray. For killing a bear, a .44mag is the minimum you would want. Just aim between the nose and eyes. Anything smaller, and you may have better luck trying to shoot out its teeth so the mauling won't hurt as much.

[Grape Ape]

I would agree that a Glock would be a good choice for your needs. Take a look at the model 30. It is a 45 with 4 inch barrel/10 shot magazine. It weighs in at 24 oz, so it would not be too bad to tote with you.
I have shot thousands of rounds through my duty issue model 22 (40 cal) with no problems. The only time I have seen this weapon misfeed is when the shooter "limp wrists", not having a firm grip on the weapon. I have seen this happen with other autos also.

[GeorgeSSSS]

My friend's son is a Navy seal officer and I'm told he carries a Glock in 45 cal. Since he can choose whatever he wants, enough said about whether Glocks are a good choice.

However, he isn't shooting at bears. Unless you have some experience shooting at moving game (especially dangerous game that is moving AT YOU), it seems to me that stopping power is your most important value. That means at least 44 magnum. Also, I don't think you want a pistol with a safety on it that you need to work when you only have moments to get a shot or two off at a bear. There are no small 44 magnum pistols to my knowledge.

Given all of the above, my humble recommendation would be to buy a Smith & Wesson 329PD. It has a 4" barrel, scandium alloy frame, and a titanium cylinder -- -- making it the lightest 44 Magnum on the planet. That way, you won't be discouraged to carry it in the bush.

Then I would spend another $100 (more or less) and have a first class gunsmith polish the mating surfaces of the revolver's action and take a piece out of the trigger spring -- -- this will lighten up the trigger pull.

I'd also have a ramp front sight installed (if it doesn't already have one) so it pulls from a holster smoothly. Then I'd get a good leather holster (I think you can draw from leather easier than ballistic nylon).

If you're shooting at bear, I'd buy three boxes of PROLOAD .44 Magnum 270 grain "GAME STOPPER" JSP bullets (that's 60 rounds) and I'd shoot two boxes at the range.

Then, I'd practice pulling the gun from the holster and shooting it EMPTY at least 20 or 30 times. Then I'd try it 15 times with live ammo. This will leave you with 5 bullets. Load the gun with an empty chamber under the hammer.

If everything works well and feels good at that point, I'd say you have a gun you can stake your life on for the next 30 to 40 years -- -- provided you shoot it occasionally to stay in practice.

I also recommend getting other opinions, but those are mine.

Good luck and pray you never have to use it against anything but paper.

George SSSS

[evldave]

Originally Posted by GeorgeSSSS

My friend's son is a Navy seal officer and I'm told he carries a Glock in 45 cal. Since he can choose whatever he wants, enough said about whether Glocks are a good choice.

However, he isn't shooting at bears. Unless you have some experience shooting at moving game (especially dangerous game that is moving AT YOU), it seems to me that stopping power is your most important value. That means at least 44 magnum. Also, I don't think you want a pistol with a safety on it that you need to work when you only have moments to get a shot or two off at a bear. There are no small 44 magnum pistols to my knowledge.

Given all of the above, my humble recommendation would be to buy a Smith & Wesson 329PD. It has a 4" barrel, scandium alloy frame, and a titanium cylinder -- -- making it the lightest 44 Magnum on the planet. That way, you won't be discouraged to carry it in the bush.

Then I would spend another $100 (more or less) and have a first class gunsmith polish the mating surfaces of the revolver's action and take a piece out of the trigger spring -- -- this will lighten up the trigger pull.

I'd also have a ramp front sight installed (if it doesn't already have one) so it pulls from a holster smoothly. Then I'd get a good leather holster (I think you can draw from leather easier than ballistic nylon).

If you're shooting at bear, I'd buy three boxes of PROLOAD .44 Magnum 270 grain "GAME STOPPER" JSP bullets (that's 60 rounds) and I'd shoot two boxes at the range.

Then, I'd practice pulling the gun from the holster and shooting it EMPTY at least 20 or 30 times. Then I'd try it 15 times with live ammo. This will leave you with 5 bullets. Load the gun with an empty chamber under the hammer.

If everything works well and feels good at that point, I'd say you have a gun you can stake your life on for the next 30 to 40 years -- -- provided you shoot it occasionally to stay in practice.

I also recommend getting other opinions, but those are mine.

Good luck and pray you never have to use it against anything but paper.

George SSSS

Been hunting birds for almost 20 years - shooting small-moving fast objects doesn't bother me much. I'm moving to a place that's 10 minutes from an area I can shoot anytime I want (forest land), so practice will come regularly. I will try out the 329PD, does it come w/a 4.5" barrel? I prefer something a little longer. Price might become an issue, I've only got about $700 for the gun. Thanks for the input

[Groundpounder]

For a good serviceable, defense, home protection, on and off duty I use a SIG SAUER. The department issued the double stack (12 rounds) SIG 226 in a .40 cal. I carry a single stack (8 rounds) SIG 239 off duty with a .357-Sig round. The Texas highway patrol uses the SIG SAUER with the .357-Sig. The .357-SIG will penetrate a windhield with no problem.
As for the safety, the SIG SAUER has a de-cocker. During transition to "autoloaders" years ago my partner had a Smith & Wesson. During the problem/clearing class i kept messing him up by putting it on "safe". It took to long to find the problem and correct it. In my business I do not have the time. I went with SIG SAUER's. Slightly heavy first pull, to make sure you want to, and a short second or more. If no more threat, then just drop the hammer with the de-cocker and the SIG SAUER is ready to go again if something pops up.
Do not forget night sights!!!!!

John
Dallas
UTPD

[Big Z]

Big Z: Ok, now I get it. The magnums are the tall thin ones. Now are you going to make me go back and read the ballistic treatise or can you tell me again why the magnums are more powerful? Is it because they have more grains? Or is it the cap that is special?

First off, I REALLY thought you were Yankin My Chain! lol Sorry! With this one!

Anyway MarineHawk & Paragon have answered your Question Very well--In a VERY small space--On a subject that can take months to learn and Years to Master!--HandLoading!....So, before you start pumping out bullets, and getting brain fry from ALL the Variables!, On Making the PERFECT Load, (For every Caliber, each gun, for Different application, for..DON'T GET ME STARTED!)----Learning to shoot needs happen first.

I will suggest though , If You----or anyone with limited or No knowledge of guns, hunting, or use----are planning on getting a hand gun----or ANY! gun for that matter--Sport, hunting, Defense, or collecting--TAKE A GUN COURSE!!!....GO TO RANGES AND EVENTS! (You'll get Loads of Knowledge, and EXPERIENCE!)----WARNING Though!: The Sport Can Get As Bad As---GOLD FEVER!--- If your Not Carfull! Be SAFE...And Master Your Sport!

Here IS the EASY WAY!!---Buy a T/C Contender, first barrel-22LR or 22Mag--shoot 1000 rounds---get another Barrel-suggest 38spl/357Mag---shoot 500 rounds---Another Barrel--40 Smith, 45, 44mag, 30-30, 223, 12Guage..............Just about any caliber.....Practice! Practice!, Practice!---MORE BULLETS!.....KEEP YOUR BRASS!...Ya might get the Fever!

..Any Spelling Errors are the fault fo the Key Board!..

These are examples of Different Bullet Types, BIG Of course! The first 5 (left to right) are the 500 Magnum--each load for a different purpose.

PTHP= Platinum Tip Hollow Point 400Gr
JSP = Jacked Soft Point 400Gr
RNFP= Round Nose Flat Point 330Gr---Lead
CAST Bullet 375Gr
CAST Bullet 440Gr

The Rest Are,

JHP= Jacketed Hollow Point
FMJ= Full Metal Jacket or Ball
FJHP= Full Jacket Hollow Point
FMJFP= ???

This Should give you a better understanding of Handgun, Bullets!

[PARAGON]

I think I've been keeping up with this thread.

Did you just get the .500? Are you already loading that many different slugs for it? or are those store bought?

[Big Z]

As for the safety, the SIG SAUER has a de-cocker. During transition to "autoloaders" years ago my partner had a Smith & Wesson. During the problem/clearing class i kept messing him up by putting it on "safe". It took to long to find the problem and correct it. In my business I do not have the time. I went with SIG SAUER's. Slightly heavy first pull, to make sure you want to, and a short second or more. If no more threat, then just drop the hammer with the de-cocker and the SIG SAUER is ready to go again if something pops up.
Do not forget night sights!!!!!

I Agree 100%! Have the Hi-Cap Sig-Pro 40...It Was also, my first suggestion! (Great Minds And Experience! I guess! lol) Very good Balance All the way around!---A Quality Gun, and shooter!

[Mr. I - Man]

Originally Posted by Mr. I - Man

Fvck it go with a Wildey .475 Mag

This will knock down any thing period. Good shooting technique or not!

[evldave]

Originally Posted by Wisha Haddan H3

But your best bet is to rent some pistols at a local range and try different ammo. Accuracy depends on the ammo and how it fits your hand.

That's a good idea, I've got a bunch of target shooting friends. I'll just borrow there's (done it before, but just for goofing around).

[quote=I like a SA/DA semi-auto pistol with half-moon sights that fits snug in my hand, unsafes easily and doesn't snag on the draw. Don't care for Glocks and Rugers, but give me a full-size Beretta, dehorned model 1911, or my old EEA .45 and I'm good to go. [/quote]

Won't get a Glock - too light. I light a heavy gun, the glocks feel a little too plasticy. Might just be me - haven't shot one before, but I've started looking and haven't found one I like.


[quote=For bear-stopping power, load ammo you use and trust, .40 caliber +Ps or higher. When I first bought my EAA Witness .45, I loaded it with +P+ JHPs. Even with the ported barrel, it kicked like a mule and ruined my followup shots. I switched to regular +P and my double-taps improved.[/quote]

don't know what any of that +p+jhp means, but my Karr kicked like a bish and I hated 2 shots in a row, I could never bring it back on target for the 2nd shot. What is a +jhp load?

[Wisha Haddan H3]

Originally Posted by evldave

That's a good idea, I've got a bunch of target shooting friends. I'll just borrow there's (done it before, but just for goofing around).

Won't get a Glock - too light. I light a heavy gun, the glocks feel a little too plasticy. Might just be me - haven't shot one before, but I've started looking and haven't found one I like.

don't know what any of that +p+jhp means, but my Karr kicked like a bish and I hated 2 shots in a row, I could never bring it back on target for the 2nd shot. What is a +jhp load?

Sorry for the late reply .. spent the weekend moving. JHP are jacketed hollow points. +P basically means higher pressure and yields higher velocity (for greater penetration). +P+ is an ultra-high pressure load.

It looks like you're on the right track toward picking a defensive pistol. You need a good size round (.40 or larger) in a pistol you're comfortable with (fits in your hand, easy to unsafe, fits your shooting style), with a recoil that gives you accurate follow-up shots.

I'm a big believer in double-taps. Your first shot has to be on target, but if you can re-acquire and fire again, you're more likely to bring down your assailant ... 2 or 4 legged.

As for hardball v hollow-point ammo, hollow-points are great for the amount of damage they can do once inside you. But they can shatter on bones, whereas hardball has a better chance of breaking the bone (or penetrating the skull) and doing it. Soft points in some ways are the best of both worlds. They will spread out for more damage on impact, but don't shatter or split easily when they hit bone.

I love my semi-autos, but you really should test-fire a few revolvers. They don't jam, there's no safety to forget, and they're very accurate with good recoil control. 357s are cool, cause you can practice with the cheaper .38 special round, but you can carry your higher-powered .357s for defense. As for bullet capacity ... I've been told that if you can't solve your problem with 6 rounds, you're dead anyway.