Underdog

Yes, this is an incredible site.

Here you go: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SIG_Sauer_P220 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SIG_Sauer_P226

For your first gun, I would suggest that you consider getting the defensive handgun that is either a 9mm, .40 S&W, or .45 ACP. I assume that you don't have that much experience with larger calibers, and therefore, I would opt for a decent 9mm. The recoil of the 9mm will be more manageable than the larger calibers and it will be cheaper to shoot with ammo costs. Additionally, no matter what you wind up eventually with as your main defensive gun, in my opinion, a 9mm, just as a .357, and of course a .22 are all main staples in any reasonable collection/versatile battery and that could be supplemented with either a .45 ACP. My suggestion would be to look into one of the following four: Glock, M&P, SIG Sauer, XD. If you are set on a Ruger, instead, I would recommend that you get a 2011 version of the Ruger SR9 over the P95 or the other P varieties. I would certainly checkout one of these models, and MY first choice, though not pretty, would be the versatile Glock 19. I would look for a used generation 3 in great condition. Some strategies you might consider are in getting a Glock 23 and a Glock 19 conversion barrel that would allow you to shoot (.40 S&W and 9mm), and it would probably be beneficial to get a used one. You should be able to find one for about $400 used and then get the conversion barrel and a couple of Korean magazines for about an additional $125 or thereabouts. Glocks hold their value very well and you would not lose much if you bought and then sold one. Or, you could get the M&P and then consider getting the M&P .22LR version after that when it is time go use the second permit. You would have a dedicated defensive gun and a handy .22 trainer, to say the least. Just read up on and examine any and all guns that might lead you to get one. If you know what you want definitively, spend the money and get EXACTLY what you will want when buying new. Only real budget concerns should force you to make concessions when buying new. For example, if you want a CZ75B stainless, then don't settle for blued version. However, I would alternatively suggest that you buy your first gun as a quality USED piece which may negate some of the possible options that you had wanted, If you get it at the right used price, you would lose very little on its resale if you realize that it isn't quite the one for you and if you sell it off at a later date. The next thing I would consider buying would be a quality .22 handgun. As with the M&P, you might find one that is similar to your main defensive gun, or you might opt for a conversion slide, such as the Advantage Arms one for the Glock. I would not recommend this, though, as the money that you would spend would be almost enough for a dedicated .22LR. After careful consideration, I would get that .22LR in a stainless version (as it will most likely be the gun that you fire the most), and I would strongly consider a double-action revolver. A quality revolver will help to teach you better trigger control, etc. and help you to shoot better.

The ONLY thing I dislike about this gun are the factory sights. They work just fine and mine came with different size front sights, but I just do not like them. I really want to get teh fiber optic front sight and would like to get an all-black adjustable rear sight. It is even really easy to break down, but you have to use the included allen key.

I believe that the Limited Stainless also came with a match trigger.

I have this one:

I believe nickel is nickel plated, while stainless is stainless through and through. The regular stainless has the sights that stay lit if you shine a flashlight on them while the limited has true night sights. Also, I believe that the two-toned one is the alloy frame. I would prefer stainless steel. It's only drawback is that it is quite a flashy and visible for defensive situations, but for a range gun, it would be awesome.

I think the limited version with the factory night sights and the stainless magazines is more, if one can even be located.... Hands down, i prefer the all stainless. I wish you could get a "black" stainless model. I wonder if there is any way that they can make one. Now that would be the ultimate for me. The Glock tennifer finish would also be neat. I am not a big fan of the two-toned ones, myself, but I cannot say I would be sad if I had one. This is on my wish list, but I would imagine a divorce would also be on it.

I had my hands on one of these in brushed stainless with night sights, yesterday, and all I can say is that it was just plain awesome! I just wish the price tag wasn't so steep at about $800 and that the "limited" version was still available and NJ legal. All I can say is that I want one, and I hope Santa is listening. What would be really neat is if they came out with a stainless limited compact.

I like this SIG rendition of it with the US on the grip, but I have the one with the red grip:

I'm looking for recommendations on finding someone in northern NJ that will reasonably install aftermarket sights on a Glock that I have.

If you want the long barrel, check out the Beretta but look into a 92A1 w/ the removable front sight and the rail on the front. You may have to get and then use older 15-round magazines, but the ability to swap out the sight is a very nice feature. Check out a CZ-75B or variant and maybe a Magnum Research Baby Eagle II, or maybe a SIG variant such as a SP2022. I would definitely get the Ruger 1911 if they made a 9mm version. A Taurus PT1911 stainless w/ a lifetime warranty in 9mm would be an awesome choice, too. You may need to swap out the recoil spring for a government size 12 pound one. Wilson Combat 10-round magazines will work, but they stick out a little on the bottom, more than the flush 9-round stock Taurus ones.

Are there any folding stocks available without a pistol grip for a 10/22?

Are all folding stocks illegal in New Jersey? Or, is it rifle specific? I am interested in buying a used Butler Creek folding stock for a Ruger 10/22.

I would mostly be purchasing it for the 22LR and the 9 or 45 would be a bonus. However, if the slide doesn't stay open, it would appear that the 22 is sort of an afterthought to the whole thing and not what I am looking for. Why aren't there any options for an all-steel 22LR w/ about a 5 1/2 in barrel besides the Rugers, which I still want. Where can I get a Colt Woodsman at a good price?

Does anybody have any experience with either of these all-steel handgun sets? Are there NJ mags available for the 9mm version? Are magazines difficult to find? Essentially these are steel-framed Witness's in either 9mm or .45 ACP that come with an addtional .22LR conversion slide. Is the grip on a Witness full-size larger than a CZ 75B?

Does anybody know where I can get a quality synthetic mannlicher stock for a 10/22?

I think the 4" barrel is more versatile, but there is a place for both in a battery.

My thoughts would be for versatility Defensive Pistol 22 Rifle Shotgun Defensive Rifle Get what you want, but to be versatile. I would suggest that you avoid another 22 for now and get a defensive handgun. If I was choosing, it would be a good 9mm semi-automatic, next, and the SR9 would fit that bill nicely. I would also look into an FNH FNP-9 USG if one was available. However, as others have suggested, S&W 686 or a Ruger GP-100, stainless with a 4" barrel (or a Ruger SP101 with a 3" barrel with an aftermarket (longer) grip) would work very nicely and be fun to shoot, etc.. A good .357 should be standard in everyone's "battery" and it will work nicely as a good defensive handgun for you, not to mention it will last a lifetime, and if TSHTF ammo should not be too scarce, either, and you can practice with .38s that are cheaper and have less recoil. And, being that it is a revolver, It will also handle just about anything in terms of ammo and would be less ammo-sensitive. If you are ever planning on carrying, then I would consider the 3" barrel versions. A used revolver in nice shape would probably be just fine, and if you decided to sell it, you wouldn't lose as much on resale. I am particularly fond of the older Ruger Speed Six, especially one with a 3" barrel, but the sights are more upgradable on the newer Ruger models. The Ruger SR9 is an awesome choice, by the way, and they seem to be going up in value. If you go that route, I would opt to get a 2011 one and I would not get the compact. Find out on the Ruger site when clicking on the owner's manual when the 2011 serial numbers start... I want a Ruger SR9, myself, and preferably the OD green one, but the fact that I cannot get 15-round magazines for it bothers me. If you go that route, you may be able to get a dealer to pin the pair of mags that come with it for you and set them to 15 rounds each. Then you can pickup a couple of 10-rounders for practice at the range. A Ruger P95 is also a nice choice with its hammer and 15-round magazines, although it is a little bigger than the SR9. The Ruger 77/.357 would not be my first choice. It is nice, and I wouldn't mind having one if I could get a used one at a great price, but .357 Ammo isn't cheap, and the ballistics of a real rifle caliber would probably be better. Why not a .308 bolt-action if you don't mind the cost of the gun and/or ammo? I second the lever action if you are set on a .357. Additionally, I would skip the .1911, for now, as ammo is expensive and the SR1911 does not appear to be in stock, anywhere. And, if I really wanted a 1911, I might consider a 9mm version, such as a STI Spartan 9mm as Smokin suggested.

The Browning 1911-22 is considerably smaller than a regular 1911. The Walther would probably be the best bet, though.

Some thoughts: Walther P22, Ruger Mark III 22/45, Ruger Single Six, S&W 617 The Browning 1911-22, though pricey, might be really cool. I think it is pretty light and it is 80% of the size of a 1911.

Ithacas are awesome! Checkout Brownells. I would like to get an Ithaca 37 20 gauge with a 20" barrel.

Does anybody have any recommendations on a Goldendoodle or Labradoodle breeder in the North Jersey area? We are considering a family pet. Might also be interested in a Pudelpointer or Wire Haired Griffon.

This place will be a state-of-the-art facility that will always have to be manned in a relatively expensive area near Morristown, Mendham, etc., and the people living in that area can afford to pay the range fees, easily, and in some respects, it will keep a lot of the "undesirables" out. I would be hesitant to pay that, especially if I didn't know if it would always be packed and I would never get the opportunity to use. And, I cannot see spending all of that money for a range that seems to nicke and dime you with bringing a rifle, etc.. I would hope you would get your own locker, etc. I would actually be a member of Cherry Ridge and think it is a better bet hands-down, up north, even though there seems to be too many rules and a lot of busy bodies, and I don't particularly care for the fees and guest policy.

+1 on Mr. Flynn.