What semi automatic should I get?

Millie said:
I guess you have to belong to the range/club? I mean, you can't just go there and hope they have space for you right?
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Get a name and number, call and explain your situation and see if you can rent some time or get instructions.
Ranges like to have new people, also there may be someone who provides training to work with you.
Good luck
Welcome to the site
Ron
 
ronn47 said:
Get a name and number, call and explain your situation and see if you can rent some time or get instructions.
Ranges like to have new people, also there may be someone who provides training to work with you.
Good luck
Welcome to the site
Ron
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I'm going to check it out as soon as I can. But in any case, I'll be shooting the revolver soon in qualifying for the CC permit. Thanks to all for the great advice!
 
Quantico Tactical in Aberdeen. They don't have a range but the staff have been a pleasure to deal with every time I've been in.

I like to shoot at John Lentz Hunter Education Complex, in Ellerbe. It's state run, its free, and a beautiful outdoor facility.

Edit: SCCY makes a fine budget friendly pistol. I carry a CPX-2 probably 75% of the time.
 
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These videos might be helpful...
For 9mm pistols under $300 -
Especially the Taurus G2 PT111 or the SCCY CPX2 (right at $200)

Pistols under $150 (haters gonna hate) -
In this video, I would disregard the derringer and the Hi-Point, but the others are serviceable firearms.
 
I have a Taurus PT111 G2 and it's an outstanding gun for the price (right around $200 for the gun and two mags - often a few bucks cheaper if you shop around). Honestly, I've had no troubles with this thing and rely on it as my CC. The only thing I'd note is that it can be finicky with cheap 115-grain 9mm range ammo (although this only happened with one brand of ammo). No issues ever with any brand of 124, 147-grain, or +P rounds.

Taurus doesn't have the best reputation and there are legitimate reasons for that, but they got it right with the PT111. Yes, there are better guns out there for more money ... but if you're on a tight budget and want something that shoots where you point it and that you can trust, I wholeheartedly recommend this one.
 
indie_rocker said:
Quantico Tactical in Aberdeen. They don't have a range but the staff have been a pleasure to deal with every time I've been in.

I like to shoot at John Lentz Hunter Education Complex, in Ellerbe. It's state run, its free, and a beautiful outdoor facility.

Edit: SCCY makes a fine budget friendly pistol. I carry a CPX-2 probably 75% of the time.
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Thanks for the info. I'll look into it, I've seen signs for Ellerbe I think.
 
IUHoosier429 said:
I have a Taurus PT111 G2 and it's an outstanding gun for the price (right around $200 for the gun and two mags - often a few bucks cheaper if you shop around). Honestly, I've had no troubles with this thing and rely on it as my CC. The only thing I'd note is that it can be finicky with cheap 115-grain 9mm range ammo (although this only happened with one brand of ammo). No issues ever with any brand of 124, 147-grain, or +P rounds.

Taurus doesn't have the best reputation and there are legitimate reasons for that, but they got it right with the PT111. Yes, there are better guns out there for more money ... but if you're on a tight budget and want something that shoots where you point it and that you can trust, I wholeheartedly recommend this one.
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Ecellent!
 
SmokeyJoe said:
These videos might be helpful...
For 9mm pistols under $300 -
Especially the Taurus G2 PT111 or the SCCY CPX2 (right at $200)

Pistols under $150 (haters gonna hate) -
In this video, I would disregard the derringer and the Hi-Point, but the others are serviceable firearms.
Click to expand...

You guys are so great! Writing all this stuff down!
 
SmokeyJoe said:
These videos might be helpful...
For 9mm pistols under $300 -
Especially the Taurus G2 PT111 or the SCCY CPX2 (right at $200)

Pistols under $150 (haters gonna hate) -
In this video, I would disregard the derringer and the Hi-Point, but the others are serviceable firearms.
Click to expand...

Interesting videos! I took notes, so when I eventually go shopping, I'll have a good list, including the recommendations from the responders to my post. I'll keep checking back, to see what you all have to say! This is very instructive. I can read on the gun store sites all day, but hearing from people who actually use the guns is a great help, so thank you all very much!
 
You can get a police trade in used Glock for about $350. Yes you can get a reliable gun for around $200. I would have no problems trusting my life to one of these:

Taurus PT111 Millennium G2

1-111031_G2-12-3.jpg


Holy crap sorry for the ginormous pic, lol. I just linked it from google images.
 
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The SCCY is a decent double stack with an 11 round capacity,2 magazines and a lifetime warranty for 260 new...200slightly used..'twas what I paid for both of mine. The CPX1 has a manual safety that gets uncomfortable when shooting. So I carry the CPX2 most often
 
Flashpoint said:
You can get a police trade in used Glock for about $350. Yes you can get a reliable gun for around $200. I would have no problems trusting my life to one of these:

Taurus PT111 Millennium G2

1-111031_G2-12-3.jpg
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Mine is a few years old now. Has done what I wanted it to do every time I wanted it done. I use 147 gr hornady xtp hp rounds in it.
 
Hey Millie - Welcome to the forum. May I suggest you try out the Wake County Ladies Handgun League. The range membership is $10 iirc and each monthly class is $15. Certainly not as far from you as Charlotte and one of the cool things they do is let everyone shoot several different guns. This can give you a chance to try out several pistols and see what fits you best both ergonomically and financially. It's a good group of ladies - you'll have fun.
 
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Tigard said:
Hey Millie - Welcome to the forum. May I suggest you try out the Wake County Ladies Handgun League. The range membership is $10 iirc and each monthly class is $15. Certainly not as far from you as Charlotte and one of the cool things they do is let everyone shoot several different guns. This can give you a chance to try out several pistols and see what fits you best both ergonomically and financially. It's a good group of ladies - you'll have fun.
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I'll check it out!
 
Mike Overlay said:
Mine is a few years old now. Has done what I wanted it to do every time I wanted it done. I use 147 gr hornady xtp hp rounds in it.
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Lots of people seem to hate a Taurus, but I love my revolver.....I'll look into it. Thanks.
 
CDR_Glock said:
He “teaches” in your city.[emoji23]

If you see him, please leave.


Instagram: MuzzleblastMD
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I think if I saw him I'd have to split, I wouldn't like to see a gun waved about like that in my vicinity!
 
another vote for SCCY. you get 10+1 rounds of 9mm in a compact DAO configuration that is just a hair bigger than a G26. I saw some online deals for $169.00 which puts you right around 200 after transfer fee.

one of the most under rated deals out there.
 
vp9c said:
another vote for SCCY. you get 10+1 rounds of 9mm in a compact DAO configuration that is just a hair bigger than a G26. I saw some online deals for $169.00 which puts you right around 200 after transfer fee.

one of the most under rated deals out there.
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Sounds great! Thanks!
 
vp9c said:
another vote for SCCY. you get 10+1 rounds of 9mm in a compact DAO configuration that is just a hair bigger than a G26. I saw some online deals for $169.00 which puts you right around 200 after transfer fee.

one of the most under rated deals out there.
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I'm actually hoping to go to a store to buy one. I want to work the parts and feel how it rests in my hand.
 
Flashpoint said:
You can get a police trade in used Glock for about $350. Yes you can get a reliable gun for around $200. I would have no problems trusting my life to one of these:

Taurus PT111 Millennium G2

1-111031_G2-12-3.jpg


Holy crap sorry for the ginormous pic, lol. I just linked it from google images.
Click to expand...
It looks good!
 
I have never used it, haven't been in the shop in ages, but Jim's pawn has an indoor range and rentals so you may be able to try before you buy.
Police trade in S&W M&Ps are solid fullsize options, I've seen the 40s under $300 on occasion, 9s are usually right at or over.
 
Beef15 said:
I have never used it, haven't been in the shop in ages, but Jim's pawn has an indoor range and rentals so you may be able to try before you buy.
Police trade in S&W M&Ps are solid fullsize options, I've seen the 40s under $300 on occasion, 9s are usually right at or over.
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Is this the Jim's in Aberdeen? I'm def. planning to go there soon.... Between roof work and in town relatives.....thanks for all the info.
 
Millie said:
Is this the Jim's in Aberdeen? I'm def. planning to go there soon.... Between roof work and in town relatives.....thanks for all the info.
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Southern Pines.

980 Old US Hwy 1
Southern Pines, NC 28387

or if you prefer fayetteville...

4632 Yadkin Rd
Fayetteville, NC 28303
 
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Friend of mine (yes, I have at least one friend) has a PT111 and he really likes it, says it's reliable and well made for the money. Under $200 if you look hard. Oh, and Hickok45 had nothing bad to say except the trigger breaks way back.

 
dmarbell said:
Friend of mine (yes, I have at least one friend) has a PT111 and he really likes it, says it's reliable and well made for the money. Under $200 if you look hard. Oh, and Hickok45 had nothing bad to say except the trigger breaks way back.

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Nice video....I like that guy! I'll have to grab one of those guns and see how it feels. Looks nice!
 
Millie said:
Nice video....I like that guy! I'll have to grab one of those guns and see how it feels. Looks nice!
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Yeah... hickock45 probably has the single most popular gun channel on Youtube. I subscribe to it, along with a few others. Lot's of good practical info from reviews, to disassembly and cleaning videos, to accessories like holsters, care products, etc.
 
Okay... Girl to girl...

The guys have given some good advice here but, let me throw in my $.02. ( I love the guys but, they don't know what they don't know.)

You seem to have set your budget, now just visit as many gun stores/shows as you can. The first thing you need to learn is what feels good in your hand. Note those that are comfortable to you. Then reach out to find friends or a range where you might be able to borrow/rent them to try. ( Many years ago I was dead set on a Glock 19 and almost bought one until I shot it. Ergonomically, it felt good in my hand until I shot it. The square trigger guard bruised my knuckle after 50 or so rounds. Not the gun for me.)

I, like you, have long fingers and most of the sub compact guns are not comfortable to shoot. However, the rest of me is quite petite and carrying a full size or compact gun concealed is out of the question (I will not off body carry!!! "They snatch your purse, they have your gun"). I carry a subcompact gun because I can conceal it on my person.

Once you have determined what suits you, go on the lookout for your choice "used". Guns are tools, used is fine if it has been well cared for. You need help?... call/PM me.

Now that you have your gun and your permit, don't stop training. The CCH course teaches you basic handgun operation and the NC carry laws along with basic self-defense law, period! It does not teach you how to draw from a holster (or whatever), what to do when the bad guy sneaks up behind you and holds a knife to your neck/ribs. If you are planning to carry a firearm for personal protection, you need to be able to respond. Practice and train!!!

I have been an instructor for years and I continue to train. I know enough to know that I don't know enough.

Again, PM me with any questions/concerns or just to chat.
 
Miss Lily said:
Okay... Girl to girl...

The guys have given some good advice here but, let me throw in my $.02. ( I love the guys but, they don't know what they don't know.)

You seem to have set your budget, now just visit as many gun stores/shows as you can. The first thing you need to learn is what feels good in your hand. Note those that are comfortable to you. Then reach out to find friends or a range where you might be able to borrow/rent them to try. ( Many years ago I was dead set on a Glock 19 and almost bought one until I shot it. Ergonomically, it felt good in my hand until I shot it. The square trigger guard bruised my knuckle after 50 or so rounds. Not the gun for me.)

I, like you, have long fingers and most of the sub compact guns are not comfortable to shoot. However, the rest of me is quite petite and carrying a full size or compact gun concealed is out of the question (I will not off body carry!!! "They snatch your purse, they have your gun"). I carry a subcompact gun because I can conceal it on my person.

Once you have determined what suits you, go on the lookout for your choice "used". Guns are tools, used is fine if it has been well cared for. You need help?... call/PM me.

Now that you have your gun and your permit, don't stop training. The CCH course teaches you basic handgun operation and the NC carry laws along with basic self-defense law, period! It does not teach you how to draw from a holster (or whatever), what to do when the bad guy sneaks up behind you and holds a knife to your neck/ribs. If you are planning to carry a firearm for personal protection, you need to be able to respond. Practice and train!!!

I have been an instructor for years and I continue to train. I know enough to know that I don't know enough.

Again, PM me with any questions/concerns or just to chat.
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Lots of info, thanks! Yes, I'm going to go to some places and feel some guns...lol...as for training, I've got some leads to check out. In between getting my roof worked on and visitors. I didn't think about my purse being taken, but they'd have to be strong, because that sucker weighs about 25 pounds! I'd better look into ways to carry my gun in various spots aside from my purse. I do have a holster for my revolver....it clips on waistband. Pretty basic. Thanks for giving me even more to think about!!! Lol
 
Miss Lily said:
Okay... Girl to girl...
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OK, this is from my feminine side. Wait until you have accumulated a few more dollars and get a better gun than the Taurus. For $400 you can get a used Glock, M&P, XD or maybe even a P320. You might even get a good used one for under $400. These are proven platforms. Your PT111 might perform well, but why trust your life to such an inexpensive gun?
The square trigger guard bruised my knuckle after 50 or so rounds. Not the gun for me.)
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My experience exactly with Glocks. Same with HK VP9. Every hand is different. I bought a Steyr L9-A1 for the grip angle and trigger guard.
 
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