something more germanish. Not looking for a big clunky gun, more sleek,sexy fun to shoot? Whats a good cheap caliber

Quote from rowdyrowdypiper : something more germanish. Not looking for a big clunky gun, more sleek,sexy fun to shoot? Whats a good cheap caliber

Well, this one is pretty "Croationish", but that doesn't stop it from being one of the finest handguns on the market. I own one as my one and only handgun.

Want a nice German gun? Look at the HKs, such as the USP. 9mm is typically inexpensive to shoot, but is still hard to find, which has driven prices up. If you're patient, you can get 9mm for $.20-$.25 per round these days.

If you want sexy, it's hard to beat the ol' 1911 - and that's an American beauty, not German.

Quote from rowdyrowdypiper : something more germanish. Not looking for a big clunky gun, more sleek,sexy fun to shoot? Whats a good cheap caliber

9mm is the caliber you want for sure - cheap to shoot, ammo is ubiquitous (or more so than some others. . .) and it has enough stopping power in the nicer loads.

I have an XD-9 bi-tone subcompact as my one and only gun - and plan to have it forever.

If I buy another gun, it would be in either .40 or .45, but I think the 9mm was the right choice for a "first" gun, because the ammo is cheaper and I can get more practice for less money. The size of the bullet doesn't matter if you can't put it where you need it. and that takes practice.

Even if your state does not require it, please make sure you take a decent firearms safety course from a licensed, experienced instructor.

Good luck!!!

for cheap shooting I just like to buy a Ruger 10/22, from wal-mart or wherever.. a few 1000 round bricks of .22lr, a large 25 or 50 round capacity clip, and go at it.

That's about as cheap as you can get and the rifles are fairly accurate too.

Here's some high capacity ammo drums for this.... and some pictures of nice handgun drums too.

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/ne...x?a=282500

I own a 4" .45 Compact without the thumb safety. Hit dead center on the target with my first shot. Feels better in my hand than a Glock. Very safe, too. It's about time prices came back down to Earth.

I wholeheartedly agree with all the user reviews for the .45.

Very reliable and can take lots of abuse, unlike many firearms around this price.

FYI... go here to get your questions answered... a wealth of info: http://www.xdtalk.com/

Quote from Mr.Davis : If you want sexy, it's hard to beat the ol' 1911 - and that's an American beauty, not German.

Yes, but it's much heavier than the XD, and the extra weight takes it's toll if you have a concealed carry permit.

Best advice: go to range and handle and shoot several in the caliber and price-range that you are looking at.

For me, the answer was a Glock 19 (9mm compact, 15+1).

the 9mm vs .45ACP debate is one that will never end.. heck I can't even get it to end in my own head! Accuracy is better then bullet size. If you can't shoot a .45 and hit your target, then it's useless.

Get the largest caliber you can handle... or just go for the .45ACP, and put a few hundred rounds though it. Most people will be able to become fairly good with it given enough practice. If money is a concern, 9mm ammo can typically run half the price of .45ACP.

Both make nice holes, both have their advantages and disadvantages. .45 has more margin for error with the type of bullet used, meaning just about any bullet will be effective, whereas a 9mm might not be as effective unless jacketed hollow-points are used.... in which case you can buy them and keep an extra clip or two around and save yourself money... or if money is no issue, just buy them both!

I got the NRA membership for a year through the ad in SD, so what do I need next to buy one of these?

add 3% "cash discount" if you purchase with a cc

and of course add FFL fees your local dealer tacks on

To order, first ensure it is legal to own in your place of residence.
Next, find a local FFL, who is willing to do the transfer. A $20 fee is reasonable. Tell him where you are going to buy it from and get his fax information.

Read the fine print on the site you are buying it from, and place the order. The seller usually requires either the FFL information so they can call and confirm, or they require the FFL to fax the information in. Pay for the gun.

When the seller ships the gun to the FFL. You complete the form 4473, and once you are cleared. You take legal possession of the firearm.

Again, there can be a change in order and variation to some of the steps depending on state, location, etc, but that is basically how it works.

Another thing, Inspect the gun CAREFULLY when you first see it. As you can reject it if you see something you do not like. This is important because when you complete form 4473, the specific serial number is documented. It may seem like a headache, but its tons easier than trying to exchange something and having more forms to fill out.

Good prices. Too bad I can't afford another firearm right now. My HK45, 1911, and AR15 will have to keep me company for now. Repped for a good deal though.

Quote from rowdyrowdypiper : something more germanish. Not looking for a big clunky gun, more sleek,sexy fun to shoot? Whats a good cheap caliber

You want sexy? Turn to the Czechs.

CZ 75 = SEXY