Hey guys. Well I moved to Red Bank area from NY about 3 months ago now and my permits should be here in the next week or two. So.. My first question is can I go to shore shot and rent some handguns even tho I dont have my permits or fid yet?

 

Now for the fun part! I have three permits coming. I know I want a 1911 ( looking in the 600-1000 range) I have shot the Springfield which was really nice. Any others to try? Are there any colts in that range worth it? I know kimber is beautiful but have yet to handle one. Mostly will be used for range and woods target shooting

 

My second permit will be a 357. I shot the Ruger GP which was awesome and I don't know much other than that one by I see ALOT about the S&W 686. What is the price range of the two? Any others to consider? Again it will mostly be used for target fun stuff and maybe if I get into a club for competitions. Would be a strong candidate for HD also.

 

Lastly, I was looking for something cheaper and fun to shoot. Was thinking a 22 (I forget who makes it but I saw a wheel gun combo that came w a 22 mag wheel also ) but kinda leaning now more towards a 9mm so I can use it for HD too. I do not really like the polymer of the glock that I shot (17 I believe) it doesn't feel heavy enough or absorb recoil like the bigger metal framed guns I've shot. I was thinking of something similar tho that's striker fired. I like the looks of thr M&P 9 but don't know much about it. A friend of mine also works at Bersa in Ocean and says great things about them. I plan on renting and handling as many as I can.

 

Also I am a pretty big guy and have big hands so small frame and conpact stuff is kinda hard for me to grip right. I know this is all a lot of info but Thanks for the help fellas!

 

-Rich

Charter Arms makes a combo .22 LR and .22mag wheel gun.

 

IMHO, if you want a 1911, buy the Kimber and then buy their .22LR conversion kit that changes it from a .45 to a .22LR.

 

I tend to like WWII-ish guns. Big, heavy guns with lots of wood. My 1911 is an Auto Ordnance. It was $500 and is basically a WWII replica. The sights are lousy since they are WWII era sights, but it shoots every time I pull the trigger and will hit a man-sized target at 7 yards. As a bonus, it says "US Army Model 1911A1" on the side of the slide. I like that, but that is just me.

 

You will pay about $100 more for the smith 686 than the Ruger GP100. I don't think you are getting anything more. It's basically what you find prettier. I've shot them both and I can't tell the difference. But I am a semi-auto guy. If your first gun will be a .45, I would also look into some .45ACP revolvers. This way, you only have to purchase one caliber of ammunition. Smith and Wesson makes a few .45 ACP revolvers, including their new Governor.

 

If you are looking at the M&P9, I strongly suggest that you give one a feel. IMHO, it is everything the Glock was supposed to be. The M&P9 is a fantastic pistol.

Charter Arms makes a combo .22 LR and .22mag wheel gun.

 

IMHO, if you want a 1911, buy the Kimber and then buy their .22LR conversion kit that changes it from a .45 to a .22LR.

 

I tend to like WWII-ish guns. Big, heavy guns with lots of wood. My 1911 is an Auto Ordnance. It was $500 and is basically a WWII replica. The sights are lousy since they are WWII era sights, but it shoots every time I pull the trigger and will hit a man-sized target at 7 yards. As a bonus, it says "US Army Model 1911A1" on the side of the slide. I like that, but that is just me.

 

You will pay about $100 more for the smith 686 than the Ruger GP100. I don't think you are getting anything more. It's basically what you find prettier. I've shot them both and I can't tell the difference. But I am a semi-auto guy. If your first gun will be a .45, I would also look into some .45ACP revolvers. This way, you only have to purchase one caliber of ammunition. Smith and Wesson makes a few .45 ACP revolvers, including their new Governor.

 

If you are looking at the M&P9, I strongly suggest that you give one a feel. IMHO, it is everything the Glock was supposed to be. The M&P9 is a fantastic pistol.

 

I agree with you regarding the heavier guns that's what I like. I also looked at an Auto Ordinance Thompson that I want to get at some point. Never looked at a wheel gun in 45 acp but may check some out eventually. I really like the M&P9 and also another candidate for a 9mm for me would be the beretta 92. But I don't know much about the beretta and I believe it isn't striker fired but I really like the looks of it. Thanks!

 

-Rich

I have the Beretta 92FS and my friend has an M&P9.

 

IMHO, the Beretta 92 is the finest Double Action/Single Action, hammer-fired, all-metal pistol in the world. A lot of people like the looks of it.

You can also buy a .22LR conversion kit for the Beretta 92FS.

 

The M&P9 is the "perfect" striker fired polymer pistol.

 

Honestly, you can't go wrong with either one of them.

Yea I really like the looks of the Beretta a lot. I'm hoping to make it to shore shot in the next week or so and see what they have available to rent so I can handle a few of them. In all honesty I would probably like to get both of them eventually but one will probably have to wait for another round of permits. THanks for the replies!

 

-Rich

Well my permits are in! I actually took an NRA pistol class with my buddy last weekend with gun for hire which was great and got to shoot the S&W686 which was gonna be one of my three anyway but that confirmed it. I was gonna get the 1911 first but I haven't had any time to go out to stores and rent, handle or shoot and I know there's so many options out there. I think I may go to shore shot or brick armry today or tomorrow to check out some pistols, prices and see what rentals are available. After I pick up the 686 I'll have to start researching more on a 1911 but I know I want to check out the range officer and kimber. Any input would be great thanks guys! Ps as I've said Im new to NJ and haven't been to a range or gun shop yet so any recommendations? I'm in lincroft. I was thinking brick or shore shot cuz they have rentals and a store also. Thanks!

 

Rich

You could always buy a 9mm pistol and a 22lr conversion kit for it. Like a Glock 17 or Beretta 92.

Well.. That didn't take very long. Had half day at work, stopped at the station to pick up my permits, did some things around the house then drive down to shore shot. I dealt with Bill ( I believe thats his name) and he was very patient, helpful and informative it's a very nice

Oops sorry accidentally hit post. Anyway shore shot was a very nice place and everyone was nice and helpful. Now for the fun. As I said I will wait to do some more research fot my 1911 but I went and looked at the short list of 357sci wanted to see. Looked at a S&W 686 with a 4" and 6" as well as a 327 tactical or something. They also had a Talo edition 686 6" barrel with beautiful grips and a 5" 8 shot 627 from the performance center. I'm a big guy with big hands and was deciding between those last two and trying to justify the extra 200 for the 627 performance. I ended up buying the 627 (full size N frame) and let me say.. This thing is amazing. As soon as I picked it up I knew it was right. Weight balance looks trigger. Put a box of 357 and 38s through it at 5-10 yards and the gun was more accurate then me. But I just need to practice more It also came with moon clips box and lock and a set of rubber grips but I love the wood. Anyway enough rambling.. Well I guess I can't post pics from my phone but i will tomorrow. Thanks guys!

 

Rich

Congrats on the purchase.

 

On the 1911's, don't be scared off by the naysayers as regards Kimber. They get poo-pooed on here a lot. I have one and love it. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another. That being said, if I was to add to the stable, I would seriously look at a Rock Island. I like the 2011 rail gun. It's around 6+change I believe. Other than that, the things I would like to actually own are a bit above your 1k cutoff.

 

Please post pics of the wheelgun. I just got my first as well and am looking forward to shooting it on mohday. Went with the Smith as well.

 

Good luck with everything.

 

C

Congrats on the purchase.

 

On the 1911's, don't be scared off by the naysayers as regards Kimber. They get poo-pooed on here a lot. I have one and love it. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another. That being said, if I was to add to the stable, I would seriously look at a Rock Island. I like the 2011 rail gun. It's around 6+change I believe. Other than that, the things I would like to actually own are a bit above your 1k cutoff.

 

Please post pics of the wheelgun. I just got my first as well and am looking forward to shooting it on mohday. Went with the Smith as well.

 

Good luck with everything.

 

C

 

Thanks for the reply.. yea i have a lot of research and trips to make in regards to the 1911. Congrats on your purchase too! What did you get the 686? Heres the beauty..

There is a lot of choice in the 1911 for a grand. You have the range officer, desert eagle, Remington r1, he'll my colt 10mm is under a grand before tax and nics.

yea, my short list to check out was the range officer, kimber and remington and possibly colt if the price isnt too much.. i ended up spending a little more on the 357 then i wanted but it was well worth it.. and i love 1911s so i will have more than 1 so maybe one a little cheaper (remington) may be better for me at the moment.. we shall see!

Thanks for the reply.. yea i have a lot of research and trips to make in regards to the 1911. Congrats on your purchase too! What did you get the 686? Heres the beauty..

 

That's a gorgeous piece! I picked up a 686+ 3-5-7 Talo with a 3" barrel. I can't post pics 'cuz my camera and computer don't like each other (again) but it's a sweetie. FWIW, if you ever make it up here, you're welcome to shoot my 9mm Kimber.

 

C

That's a gorgeous piece! I picked up a 686+ 3-5-7 Talo with a 3" barrel. I can't post pics 'cuz my camera and computer don't like each other (again) but it's a sweetie. FWIW, if you ever make it up here, you're welcome to shoot my 9mm Kimber.

 

C

 

Thanks! Yea I havent been able to stop looking at it or talking about it and smiling haha. I just saw your 357 pictures, looks great! Thanks I appreciate the offer and if I'm ever up in the area I'll let you know and bring the 627 with me for youre enjoyment as well.

Thanks! Yea I havent been able to stop looking at it or talking about it and smiling haha. I just saw your 357 pictures, looks great! Thanks I appreciate the offer and if I'm ever up in the area I'll let you know and bring the 627 with me for youre enjoyment as well.

 

Gratzie!

 

C