[Guest]

Greetings all,

I'm gonna make this quick, as I have quite a bit of OIF3 packing to do. My parents (both of them) have expressed interest in getting handguns, and their CHLs (Texas). I'm not sure exactly what to suggest. I'd prefer they qualify with a semi-auto, so as not to close their carry options to revolvers. I have suggested that they go out and become proficient before even taking the class, as I do not believe in using a tool until one KNOWS how to use it. That requires they have their own pistols, as they have expressed hessitation to using my weapons, particularly while I'm deployed.

I'm looking to point them towards a few inexpensive handguns that they can both shoot. My standards are simple, reliable, and practical accuracy. It must go boom when you pull the trigger, and it must be capable of "combat accuracy" - that is I should be able to group it, and they should to with proper training and practice.

It is well known that I am a huge 1911 fan. My Dad likes the BHP design (he's a Mechanical Engineer), he also likes the fact Tom Clancy featured it in a book or 4... I'm not sure what relevance this holds, I don't do well with Glocks - they work perfectly for my Uncle(s) and friends, but not at all for me. What other options are out there. Ruger? CZ? Ya'll have more experience in this than I do in this area.

Thanks,
Anthony

 

[abninftr]

CZ's are good and cheap. Revolvers are also an option too. Personally, I'd get your dad the BHP since he has a "fondness" for it.
As a dad myself I can tell you that it would come with the message, "Dad, I really do listen to what you say, and I love you."

 

[Josh Smith]

Are they shooters?

If not, I would look into the Kahr for qualification since you would rather their options not be limited. They could then carry K-Frames with .38spl. Start looking at the SA after they are proficient with the revolvers.

Just my take, but for not shooters, sometimes all those levers are just a tad confusing. Pull the trigger, it goes boom, and no transition to SA would be a good thing IMO.

Josh <><

 

[Bob Reed]

Hello,

Definitely get your Dad a High Power, especially if cocked-n-locked carry doesn't bother him.

As for your Mom, you might want to take a look at the Smith & Wesson Model 3913LS "LadySmith", it's a compact single-stack 9mm that has a capacity of 8+1, and the barrel is 3.5 inches long, Plus it even has "Lady Smith" writen on the gun in very nice writeing.

I hope this helps, and I wish you a very safe & successful mission & return.

Take Care,
THE SOCKMAN

 

[Guest]

Maybe I'm missing something particular to Texas laws, but why would they be limited to revolvers if take their permit course with a self-loader?

Regardless, if autos are on the agenda I would suggest one of the Kahr 9mm's for both parents. I'm not a terribly huge fan of the 40 S&W overall, but in a smallish pistol like the Kahr I think recoil could be a problem. Particularly so for novices or non-enthusiasts.

I'd suggest the Ruger DA-only family as well, but if concealed carry is anticipated they are rather large compared to other 9's. A great gun line for open carry or home defense though.

 

[Josh Smith]

Bill,

IIRC, in Texas, if you qualify with a revolver, you must carry a revolver.

If you qualify with an automatic, you're assumed to have the capability to operate a revolver as well.

I believe they call these limited and unlimited permits... but that could be my memory going...

Josh <><

 

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello. I am a licensed CHL instructor in Texas:

Qualify with a "non-semi-auto" and you must carry a a NSA gun, ie. revolver.

Qualify with a semiauto and carry either semiauto or NSA.

Best.

 

[anguspodgorney]

All good suggestions but make sure they (and especially mom) can rack the slide on an automatic. Some older folks with arthritis, etc., may find that difficult.

Ed

 

[Guest]

Here's my couple of cents....

I've shot a K40 and a P9 for kahr's. The trigger was much better on the P9. Just keep in mind that there is noticable recoil with a sub 16oz 9mm. Not bad but it's there.

Recently I've come to like the springfield Xd series. I've got one in 9m that's easy to carry. The trigger is similar to a 1911 but has a longer light take-up. And the prices are reasonable. I do love the simplicity of the design. I field stripped it for the first time in less than 15 seconds. I'd recommend the service or 4" model.

I've owned two ruger 9mm decockers and liked them both. They were both absolutely reliable.

I have seen some real good prices up here on used med. frame revolvers recently. But there is that condition in the Texas carry law.

I'd also recommend that they get guns in the same caliber to allow them to purchase practice ammo in bulk.

Good luck,
Steelheart

PS, watch you back and come home safe!

 

[Chris Stephens]

Hi there,

Assuming that both of your parents have very limited to no practical shooting experience with a handgun, I would suggest that they visit a shooting range with a wide selection of rental guns, to determine where their comfort lies with a particular firearm, i.e. action type, grip, ergonomics, mechanical complexity and practical self-defense calibre vs. percieved recoil.
They should also assess how much time that they will devote to practicing with a particular firearm as to ascertain their comfort level with a particular action type.

Best wishes,

Chris

 

[Guest]

Hello all,

Thanks for the input. I too agree that regardless of the decision, the caliber should probably be the same for both. I reload (when I can), so bulk ammo, and cost isn't really an issue for me. Neither of them will have the time to devote to reloading. I'm ok with 9mm, and I believe it would be more than suitable for my parents (it'd be suitable for me as well, one day I'll get a 9mm).

For a bit of background, my father has shot before, shotguns and pistols. He's not a seasoned shooter, but he does pay attention to detail, and as one who has held the title "safety engineer" a few times, certainly understands the importance of safety (particularly when explosive chemicals in pipes are concerned). He likes the safety systems and features of my Commander, so I think staying with something similar would be beneficial. My mother was born and raised around firearms. It was her father that got me my first gun, and instilled the rules of handling firearms in me before I could read. She's shot my Commander as well, and has shot quite a few revolvers. She keeps eyeing my 642LS. Neither of them have shot much recently.

The instructor that handled the proficiency portion of my CHL course is prior service, and volunteered to give my parents a hand with anything they need while he's still around - he's headed to Iraq the same time I am though with his civilian security company. The range I go to is top notch, and has some quite helpful range officers, as well as some classes. So I think I will take them to look at a few weapons over thanksgiving. If they can make a decision, and have the available funds, I'll go over everything I can while I'm here, and give them my block of instruction along with a plan or two they can stick to.

Again I appreciate the input.

Thanks,
Anthony

 

[Guest]

Anthony,
First off, good luck with OIF3. Being a service member as well, I understand the hardships.

Now back to the question asked... I like the CZ P-01 for a carry gun, but it's limited in caliber (9mm). The slide, for some, seems to be a little harder to grasp.

I also like the Ruger P90 (.45acp), but I've noticed that it is a complex gun, and could be a bit overwhelming for someone without any experience with guns..even though it hardly kicks at all.

For your father, go with the .45acp. As for your mother, my mother loves her Lady Smith. I'd go with that for her.

Hope you find them some good guns!

 

[Guest]

bulgarian makarovs, inexpencive, reliable, and shoot 3" groups at 25 yards, and not much bigger than a revolver, you can get them in either the 9mm makarov round (9x18) or .380