Lookin to get my first pistol soon. Any body have suggestions/opinions? And also, any good links to informative sites bout pistols? I'm lookin for some guidance. There's so much to choose from.

Yeah there is...we need to narrow it down some. Whaddya want to do with it? Carry? Plink? Make big (expensive) holes, or small (cheap) holes...

Right off I'll say it is hard to beat a CZ-75B and Kadet .22 conversion combo for cost to buy and cost to own...marvelous pistols for the money.

I smell another 100+ post here...

Asking gun recommendations is like asking what is the best birthday cake...everyone has their favorites...you';ve got the glock crowd, S&W crowd, Ruger crowd, etc.

What do you want it for? Range shooting? Concealed Carry? Home Defense? To have?

If there is a range close to you that rents guns, by all means go there, and try them out.

Different calibers are cheaper to shoot than others- you might want to consider that.

Its to each his own. If you want a sexy gun that is reliable, the Walther P99 is for you. An ugly reliable gun, Glock....the list goes on.

Mine are:
Ruger KP345DPR- .45 ACP semi- polymer frame, stainless slide, great gun, but a bit precarious for carry.

Smith & Wesson 642- Concealed hammer .38 Spl. Handles +p rounds. 15 ounces. Ultra light, and ultra small. ScottFW and Landraider carry these, and love them.

Springfield XD 4 inch compact. Great gun, great price, and comes with all the 'gear' 2 mags and a pouch, holdster, mag loader.

Plus, consider any kiddos around the house...and Glocks, Springfields, etc...no true safety on those.

For HD- nothing say 'Get the F*** Out' quite like the sound of chambering a round in a scattergun though.

First decide wahat you want the gun to do.

Second decide how much you are willing to spend.

Third decide if you are more interested in quality, function, and value, or more interested in brand name recognition.

Then start looking and doing research and don't be in a hurry.

Google glock forums, xd forums, ruger forums. Tons of info out there.

also, check www.packing.org for CC laws and info.

Gunblast ain't bad neither:
http://www.gunblast.com/


Here is a recent discussion from the wire regarding small frame revolvers:
http://www.4x4wire.com/forums/showf...mp;amp;sb=5&o=14&fpart=1

Then you have the Colt 1911 45 auto crowd. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />

I also like the Browning "high power" line. They have some wieght to them and stay steady on target.

Yeah, sorry. Should have given you some more info. Well, this is going to be for concealed carry. I definatly am willing to spend the money for quality. I've heard many times with guns you get what you pay for. I am leaning towards a .40 but am also very partial to .45. I want something with some ass to it. I feel 9mm is just to small when it comes to a gun for carry and defense. I think the 9 would be great for plinkin. So, there is what I'm going off of right now. Feedback?

A gun is only as good as the person squeezin' the go button. Shot placement is the HMFIC.

If you want a small gun with .45 bark, look at the XD and Glock subcompacts...nice guns...nice guns.

I imagine KY is like WV for guns, pretty much sell anything under the sun, right?

I cant hit the broad side of a barn with some autos. I tend to lean more towards knock down power rather then easy concealment. I like a simple S&W 357 Mag with Hydroshocks as well.

Rich and Airdale are right. Everyone has a different preference so go shoot as many different makes and models as possible.