TheWombat

I've just done exactly this, it allows me to use the same firearm as a .22 that I'll be using in competitions as a 9mm and hence really get a feel for the trigger. Depending on what your 9mm is then consider adding to your collection: .22 conversion kit for the 9mm (assuming one exists) .45 1911 9mm striker fired plastic firearm (e.g. Glock, XD/XDM, PPQ etc). It may be a struggle keeping all of this within the budget but it is possible depending if you go NIB or used. Then you have a good breadth to your firearms. hth TheWombat

*LOL* Just trying to contribute to the forum while the topic is fresh in my mind. Wait another 3 months and I'd have completely forgotten what it was like to be a *newbie* :-) TheWombat

MERRY CHRISTMAS! From all of us at Top Gun Supply. We are your leading source for all things, firearms related. FREE SHIPPING On all internet orders over $35 from right now through Monday 12/12/2011! Lower 48 States ONLY! HANDGUNS - RIFLES - SHOTGUNS - PARTS - ACCESSORIES COUPON CODE IS: christmasblast Simply select the items you want to purchase, proceed to our secure checkout and add the coupon code to the box and press GO. Shipping charges will be removed from your order. Order total must be over $35 before shipping. HURRY! DON'T WAIT!

Have added some more items to my post. hth

Definitely recommend taking Anthony up on his offer! Some other suggestions based on recently being in the same situation Watch some You Tube videos on field stripping 1911s. They also mention about how to prevent the 'idiot scratch'. Do take apart the 1911 and clean it before your first range visit, get used to how it looks, take some photos! Watch out for flying springs and bushing covers! Buy some cleaning supplies. As others have mentioned CLP, cotton squares a cleaning kit e.g. I bought http://www.midwayusa...357-9mm-caliber it does the job and was fairly cheap a bore snake e.g. I bought http://www.midwayusa...-380-38-caliber and it is excellent [*]Buy a holster, magazine holder and gun belt - e.g. Comp-Tac Pro Competition Kit is a good starting option. I bought one. http://www.comp-tac....odt979pa8rcn227 [*]Buy spare magazines - I'd recommend having 5 magazines, you'll use them. When at the range try to use a random low number of rounds in each magazine and practice switching magazines when you get to slide lock. A useful easy drill. Also remember to practice taking the safety on and off between at least some of the shots [*]Buy a range bag [*]I recommend you try some different ammunition before bulk buying. I personally like Federal American Eagle 124gr and Speer Lawman 124gr which are around $210 to $230 for 1000 rounds. I personally dislike Winchester White Box (I find it quite dirty) and Remington (as I find it flames a lot) [*]Buy some 9mm snap caps. I bought http://www.midwayusa...um-package-of-5 and practice dry firing [*]Before buying any targets, take a look on the Internet. There are many free ones that you can download and print. I like the NJ Gun Forum one as a beginner target as it shows you whether you are jerking the trigger etc depending on where the bullets land. [*]buy lubricant - I use Slide Glide and Shooters Choice, plus some standard Hoppes Oil [*]Buy a gun cleaning mat (or equivalent). I bought my wife this http://www.amazon.com/1911-Handgun-Pistol-Gun-Cleaning/dp/B0036N9A3G/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1323463406&sr=8-4 which is nice [*]Think about where you will clean the firearm, ensure that if on a dining table that you get a big plastic sheet or something so you don't ruin the table [*]Buy some padlocks and a small pistol case for transporting the firearm and meeting NJ laws. I bought http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004Y8DQ and http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=394654 . Plenty of options at Amazon, Midway etc just ensure the one you buy can be locked and is large enough for your firearm [*]Buy a range bag - I bought the following 2 (one for me one for wife) - http://www.midwayusa.com/product/939259680/midwayusa-competition-range-bag and http://www.midwayusa.com/product/939167522/midwayusa-compact-competition-range-bag?cm_vc=S016 [*]Buy a peaked cap (if you don't already have one) and wear it when shooting so the spent brass is less likely to hit your face [*]Buy some ear muffs. Electronic ones are nice as they allow you to hear what people are saying while also reducing the noise of the shooting. I went for expensive ones from STSTactical however many people recommend a more reasonably priced set e.g. Howard Leight http://www.midwayusa.com/product/671923/howard-leight-impact-sport-electronic-earmuffs-nrr-22-db-green [*]Buy some earplugs - ideally with a high decibel rating. When shooting indoors I'd recommend wearing both earplugs and ear muffs especially if someone beside you is shooting large calibers or rifles [*]Buy some shooting glasses. If you wear prescription glasses then Revision Eyewear (e.g. the Sawfly http://www.revisionmilitary.com/sawfly.html) are very good - I wear them so does Anthony from GFH. [*]Consider where and how you will store your firearm. Do you need a safe? If so which one etc depending on the purpose and whether you have children in the house at times. [*]Consider buying some desiccant for wherever you store the gun to keep the moisture away [*]Consider buying a Silicon Impregnated Cleaning Cloth e.g. http://www.midwayusa.com/product/565542/hoppes-silicone-impregnated-gun-cleaning-cloth these are great for a final wipe down to prevent rust and remove finger prints You don't need to buy all the above straight away, however pretty soon you should consider them [Edited to add some more items based on looking at my recent receipts]. While I've provided links to specific items, I didn't always buy from Amazon, MidwayUSA etc. I searched for the lowest prices and grouped with other items I was buying so shop around and also look out for coupon codes. Midway has 10% off vouchers, Amazon has free SuperSaver shipping etc. hth TheWombat

Correct - I do not like revolvers.. I am a semi auto person. Although I have shot revolvers, I just don't like them. :-) TheWombat

For the more common firearms I check the following first: GunsAmerica - bought my P226 GunBroker Buds I then use Google to check other online stores for the specific firearm. e.g. for the PPQ G&R Tactical, JetGuns and CTD were all very competitive and found through Google and/or Forums although I went with PK90 in the end to support NJ. For the Ed Brown Kobra Carry I ended up buying from Green Top Sporting Goods which I found via GunsAmerica. When buying I ensure that the store is either a bricks & mortar or has a good number of positive recommendations hth TheWombat

Having just been in a similar position my wife and I bought the following 3 each in this order: P226 - metal DA/SA Walther PPQ - Plastic striker Kobra Carry Lightweight - 1911 P228- metal DA/SA Kimber Custom Aegis II - 1911 Springfield EMP - mini 1911 (sort of) I would therefore recommend going P226 first. It allows you to decock safely, and helps practice good trigger control with the DA and SA.Then afterwards either go Plastic Fantastic or 1911. I personally wouldn't recommend SA (e.g. 1911) as your first firearm since you need to worry about the safety, there is no decocker etc, and they typically have very nice triggers. When you're ready to go 1911 you may then decide to go for a .45 caliber.. The following is from my 'Handguns to buy' spreadsheet, this was my list of handguns of interest, with their specifications (e.g. size, weight, rounds, cost etc).. My original idea was to go for: a range/competition firearm a range/home defense firearm a carry firearm On one hand I was thinking of P226, P228/9, P225/239 respectively for the options as this would provide similar controls across all three categories. On the other hand I was also thinking of trying a mix of DA/SA metal, plastic striker, SA metal... which was what I ended up doing... P226 USPSA Walther PPQ Kobra Carry Lightweight CZ 2075 Rami - double stack Glock 19 - double stack S&W M&P9c Sig P239 - single stack Sig P6 or P225 Sig P229 SAS Gen 2 - double stack, no rail, SRT Sig P228 - double stack Sig P250 Sig P250 compact Sig P250 sub compact Sig Pro 2022 SA XD9 sub compact 3" SA XDm 3.8" SA XDm 3.8" Compact H&K P7 H&K P30 HK USPc HK45 Ruger P9 Walter PPQ Walther PPS SA XDM 5.25 ?? - Free Mags till end of Nov FNH FNX-9 Glock 17 Glock 34 FN Herstal FNP-9 H&K USP 1911 9mm (of some sort) Kimber/SIG 1911 .45mm Browning HiPower 9mm CZ SP-01 Phantom (polymer) CZ 75 SP-01 Shadow Custom CZ 75 Shadow Target Magnum Research IWI Baby Desert Eagle (9mm) Walther P99 CZ P-07 Duty Springfield Armory XD Beretta Px4 Storm Springfield Armory XDm 5.25 - 3 FREE MAGS till end Nov MrsWombat ended up getting very tired of me changing my mind on an almost daily basis on what the 3 would be... my decision kept changing based on reading forums, researching, holding and firing... hth TheWombat

Just bought one of these: http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/gripmaster-hand-exerciser.aspx?a=359187 Probably a waste of money but will see if it helps improve my finger strength. I used to use one of the metal hand squeezers when I was more into sailing, rock climbing etc however they always squeaked far too much. The GripMaster is quiet, I'm using it while I'm on voice conferences in the office. :-) TheWombat

Nothing to do with guns... No idea if people have already seen this. Wonder how much the "proposal" cost! Very sweet though... Makes my wife forcing me to propose 3 times while on one knee in the pouring rain as a walk in the park (my pronunciation of the proposal in her native tongue wasn't quite perfect enough) Good luck to them! :-) TheWombat

I have 3 Magnum Research magazines and have not noticed any issues at all, I've not seen any issues reported on the Walther PPQ forum either. I would trust my PPQ. It has been 100% with many different types of ammunition, including hollow points. I have no reason to believe that it won't perform when/if needed. Looking on the Walther PPQ forums there seem very few people with issues. Some pros of the Glock 19: More standard magazine release button <--- this could be important in a stressful situation More flexibility on interchangeable magazines (i.e. I believe G17 fits in G19 etc) Many many many more options for holsters, accessories, replacement sights etc Some pros of the PPQ: It is based on the proven P99 rather than being all new It has a very good short reset striker fired trigger right out of the box It has fully ambi-controls for slide and magazine release I own one :-) I like it :-) It's German :-) It's a Walther :-) Currently on the Internet people people are finding the 9mm PPQ for around $490 to $515 e.g. JetGuns, CheaperThanDirt. I paid a bit more as I chose to support the local NJ sellers, either way the different in cost is insignificant compared to the cost of the ammunition during the lifetime of the firearm. Ultimately - try both (or all three if including the SD/SDM) and see which you prefer. I would probably take a Springfield Armory XD/XDM over the G19, however that's because I found I preferred the feel and shot tighter groups hth TheWombat

Thanks TwoSpot. @RayRay - agreed re: the right v privilege, and also I share the viewpoint that the chances of a federally mandated training scheme being successful at achieving its goal are very slim. @TwoSpot - agreed if people don't want to learn and/or pay attention then they won't I believe we're all in agreement that we do want gun ownership, we want it to be safe, and we want it to be fun and affordable. Where we have some slightly different perspectives is on how best to achieve this :-) enjoy! TheWombat

For those who are after Federal American Eagle 124gr (AE9AP) the two best prices I've found this week are below. Target Sports USA http://www.targetsportsusa.com/p-659-federal-american-eagle-9mm-luger-124-grain-full-metal-jacket-ammunition.aspx Current Price: $229.80 per 1000 Shipping: $FREE for 1000 rounds Palmetto State Armory http://palmettostatearmory.com/748.php Current Price: $219 per 1000 Shipping: $12 per 1000 rounds hth TheWombat

This is the law enforcement version (53617) rather than the civilian (23617). 9mm Gold Dot +P is typically $1 a round, these work out as ~$0.52 a round. http://www.sgammo.com/product/speer/500rds-9mm-speer-gold-dot-124-p-le-hollow-point Shipping is reasonable e.g. $12 for New Jersey. If you're after Gold Dots then this is the best price I have seen. TheWombat

Agreed, however I never claimed that going to 1 class would/should result in someone thinking they know everything. I do believe it should make you 'safer' (that is not the same as 'safe' not is it meaning that you know everything) Hence my viewpoint that formal training mixed with plenty of practice is the way to go. TheWombat

Hey TwoSpot what time were you there? I was at ShoreShot from 8:30am to 10:30am. I almost always shoot both eyes open (and I'm a new shooter). It is only sometimes if I am having trouble focusing that I resort to one eye. I guess it is just what comes natural and practicing. If you enjoy shooting then take a look at Revision Eyewear. I bought a pair of these shooting glasses that take a separate prescription insert. Have to say they are great and I'm happy to recommend them! If you search on the Internet you can get a good discount. I think I received either 25% or 30% with the code 'AR15NEWS'. I also know Anthony at GunForHire has some discount leaflets as well. enjoy TheWombat

And I'm one of those (sort of). I believe that training is an important part of becoming safe with gun ownership. Training should teach you some of the theory that the range visits put into practice. I can honestly say that for me I learnt some valuable information on the NRA Basic Pistol and even more in the GunForHire 2nd Steps Pistol that has helped make me safer and more competent. I am now backing up that theory with range visits. I can see some different perspectives: people who believe that training should not be mandatory as gun ownership is a right (I don't share the view that a right means no training (for this particular right)), training should not be mandatory as it doesn't make you safer (I strongly disagree with this view), training should be part of a overall approach to make you safer (I agree with this) training should be mandatory assuming it can be managed effectively and achieve the result required (I agree with this) For those who are in belief 1) then I politely agree to differ. For those in belief 2) then I'm more likely to object as we can take the analogy as to why doesn't the USA therefore just allow untrained people to get into a car and drive (as the driver), or into an aeroplane and fly (as the pilot) etc. At ShoreShot yesterday I saw (I assume father and son) shooting with the father showing the son how to shoot. The son, who would have been in mid teens was leaning backwards while aiming/shooting which may work but I don't believe is recommended. I've learnt from other sports that it is often more successful to have someone else teach a family member the basics of a sport than to teach them yourself as they will hopefully pay more attention and be more receptive to the feedback. I know from other posts that most people who go to ranges will see things that are 'not safe' at some point. I do agree though that just going on a course, whether CCW or NRA Basic Pistol, is not going to make you a competent shooting, it should however ensure (if you paid attention) that you are safer handling firearms which is important. I'm currently going to RTSP and ShoreShot although I think we'll take a look at OBPRC and Cherry Ridge sometime soon as I want to start competition shooting in the new year. I did try Bayonne and found I didn't like the environment (i.e. air, cleanliness, ventilation etc) so while it is close by, I'm not sure I'll be making it a regular place to go. Enjoy and I do hope we catch up! TheWombat

The short version would be 'I am not apprehensive about keeping a firearm loaded on me or near me, I am a full-blown gun lover albeit I have a different perspective on some of the rights/laws/responsibilities etc'. I guess buying the Ed Brown sealed the deal :-) MrsWombat I believe is more apprehensive, although no doubt she will correct me if I am wrong :-) TheWombat

I have Speer Gold Dots for 9mm and .45. TheWombat

Welcome! If you find yourself at RTSP or ShoreShot then let me know. I typically don't go to Bayonne or Bullet Hole which are probably some of the closer options for you. :-) TheWombat

This is not a simple question to answer! I would ask that everyone reading this accept that differing points of view are acceptable and that having only been in the US for 2 years, I lack the full comprehension of the culture and history. In the last 3 months MrsWombat and I have received our FIDs, Florida CCW, Utah CCW and have each purchased 3 firearms. So from that perspective I would say we are enjoying firearms as a 'hobby'. I have shot 1482 rounds through my own firearms, have rented firearms at ShoreShot where I shot anouther ~150-200 rounds, have been to Sunset Hill 3 times so in total I'm probably break the 2000 to 2500 rounds by the end of this month (which would be over a duration of about 4 months). I still see my firearms as primarily something to take to the range or shoot in competitions, albeit I am currently wearing a CompTac Minotaur IWB hybrid holster, and wore it to ShoreShot, HomeDepot and Stop & Shop and I have also bought a number of other holsters to try: 1911 Commander - MiltSparks VM2, MiltSparks Summer Special, CompTac Minotaur IWB P226 - CompTac Paddle holster PPQ - DeSantis Speed Scabbard (I do not like it) so I am having a custom IWB leather holster and a custom Kydex OWB holster made for the PPQ. I am also undertaking DOT drills, holster draws, reload training etc, at home, at the range and through more formal training with Gun For Hire, Shoot NJ, and GAPP. This training and practice gives me a basic understanding of how to shoot better, and hopefully improves my muscle memory, however it doesn't guarantee that when confronted with an encounter that I will do 'the right thing'. I am however working to improve my chances. I do expect that when we head over to PA over the Christmas Period that I will take the 1911 Commander with me as a carry firearm. So I am beginning to see this 'hobby' as more than just something for at a range. Do I believe 'an armed society is a safe society'? My response would be that 'an armed society, trained in the appropriate use of force and restraint is a safer society'. In theory I believe there should be no need for civilians to walk around armed, and in previous threads we've touched on some of the cultural and historical differences between the US and Europe. I never felt afraid not owning a firearm in Europe or Australia and I believe that view is shared by the majority of the residents there. Do I feel afraid in the US walking around without a firearm on my hip. Currently I don't, however I probably frequent the safer areas (albeit that is not a justification since crime can happen anywhere) I can't comment too much on the 2nd amendment, if it is a legal right then it is a legal right and I will always try to live by the laws of the country I live in. I do however, as discussed on other threads, believe that with a right comes 'responsibility and restraint', and hence I am in favor of formal training as a requirement to own and/or carry firearms. The challenge is how to implement it in a consistent manner that actually achieves the purpose. I think that the Federal Government is viewed with suspicion, and there is undoubtedly validity to this feeling. Do I feel uneasy with the public carrying firearms around me in shopping malls etc. Yes, because I don't know if they are actually safe and competent to use them or whether they will do more harm in a situation. Even on this forum some of the threads on concealed carry and how to react to a situation with a criminal walking/running away concern me, as some have stated they would shoot still. However given the choice I think concealed carry is far more preferable to open carry, which I struggle with, as it increases the chance that someone could take the firearm and can act as a destabilizing influence for those in the vicinity. Having come from the UK (with a brief 3 year stay in Australia) I still perceive a country as a nation with a stronger Federal/National type government/laws, hence the significant differences in State Laws with respect to firearms is mind-blowing, albeit the ability for a State to decide their own fate is inherent in the original founding of the US. For example, I currently don't have an issue with handgun magazines for civilian use being limited to 15 rounds IF it was a Federal law. I can understand a view that civilians don't actually need 30+ round magazines, however with California at 10 rounds, NJ at 15 rounds and most other places unlimited it just makes no sense. The question then is where do you draw the line and our the laws being put in place for the right reasons... I am very pleased and proud that MrsWombat is enjoying the hobby as well. She selected her 3 firearms and has been enjoying the training and range visits. I hope that where permitted, she will carry if we decide that we are carrying, assuming that we both feel we are suitably training, responsible and able to apply appropriate restraint as required. In closing, I DO keep a loaded firearm (PPQ) in the house with Hollow Points. I am constrantly training myself to ensure my finger remains of the trigger until appropriate. Do I expect I'll ever need to use my home defense or carry firearm? No I do not however it would be foolish of me to have firearms and then find myself in a situation where they are all locked in a safe and unloaded and I am a recipient of a home invasion etc. Hope my rambling response answers the question! TheWombat

Definitely not shooting at a rapid pace however I am now shooting at a more rapid pace than a few weeks ago. I'm working on the assumption that speed will improve as my trigger control and experience grows. I'll be increasing the distance next time however jumping to 15 or 25 yards too soon is more likely to be an exercise in frustration if done too soon . Next range visit will probably be 10-15 yards and I'll stick to consistent ammunition rather than keep changing. Currently I'm focusing on dry firing each day and am beginning to notice some improvement. Thanks for the suggestions, I am greatly enjoying the hobby! :-) TheWombat

Final Range visit for this week was today (Sunday 4th December). Purpose was a continuation of yesterday however with some more structure so to the format to make it easier to review the results. Today's ammunition used was: Blazer Brass 115gr FMJ x 50 (5200) Speer Gold Dot 124gr+P HP x 20 (23617) Speer Lawman 115gr FMJ x 50 (53615) Speer Lawman 124gr TMJ x 50 (53620) Remington UMC 115gr FMJ x 50 (L9MM3) Sellier & Bellot 124gr FMJ x 50 (V310492) As per yesterday I had no failures and in total the Walther PPQ has now fired 792 rounds. In terms of today's drills, the Dot Drills were at between 6-7 yards. Blazer Brass 115gr - Dot 1 5 rounds x standard fire to acclimatise to the ammunition 20 rounds x fire 1 round, step left, fire 1 round 25 rounds x fire 1 round, step right, fire 1 round Speer Gold Dot - Assailant's Head 5 rounds to the head reload, repeat x 3 Speer Lawman 115gr - Dot 2 5 rounds x standard fire to acclimatise to the ammunition 20 rounds x fire 1 round, step left, fire 2 rounds 25 rounds x fire 1 round, step right, fire 2 rounds Speer Lawman 147gr - Dot 5 5 rounds x standard fire to acclimatise to the ammunition 20 rounds x fire 2 rounds, step left, fire 2 rounds 25 rounds x fire 2 rounds, step right, fire 2 rounds Remington UMC 115gr - Dot 6 5 rounds x standard fire to acclimatise to the ammunition 20 rounds x fire 2 rounds, step left, fire 2 rounds 25 rounds x fire 2 rounds, step right, fire 2 rounds Between each drill the firearm was placed on the table in front of me, and then picked up to begin the drill. The magazines each had 5 rounds and reloads were undertaken at slide stop. I have found with the Walther that I find it easiest to release the magazine with the middle finger or my trigger hand, rather than the thumb or index finger. I've found the today's and yesterday's exercises really helped me feel the difference between the ammunition, and with the Walther PPQ being lighter than the Sig P226 the differences become more obvious. Today's exercises shows that the ammunition I shoot most accurately is the Speer Lawman 115gr, which I had already seen previously with the Sig P226. For the final 50 rounds of the day I shot the Sellier & Bellot 124gr using the standard NJ Gun Forum target printed on letter sized paper at 10 yards, 2 handed, standing. All but one round ended up on target although still work to do to tighten the grouping. I find the P226 is definitely easier to shoot at this distance. A big thank you to the crew at GunForHire for showing me the drills during the 2nd Step training. If you've not tried going to GunForHire 2nd Step Pistol then MrsWombat and I both highly recommend considering it. :-) TheWombat

Not sure, best to try Googling the product. Currently I only shoot 9mm so never researched for other calibers. hth TheWombat

Another option is to go for the basic 226/229 without the SRT/Beavertail etc. Shoot some rounds, and then send it to GrayGuns (http://grayguns.com/) for their trigger and action enhancement packages. If you look on the Sig Forum you'll see GrayGuns comes highly recommended. My P226 USPSA and my wife's P228 are currently at GrayGuns. I'd agree 9mm is a good start, name brand FMJ ammunition is between $10-$12 for 50 rounds if you hunt around for the special offers on the Internet. My preference (in order of most preferred to least preferred)is Speer Lawman 115/124gr, Federal American Eagle 115/124gr, Sellier & Bellot 115/124gr, Blazer Brass.......... Remington is near the bottom of my list as I find it has a lot of 'flame'. I haven't tried any of the cheap steel russian ammunition. If you like the P226 then also consider the CZ75 models. Also on another thread that is active you'll see some discussions on striker fired options. enjoy! TheWombat