Got my 1st handgun

**JayTA98** · 08-01-2011, 06:10 PM

Hi guys. I recently got my CCW permit and I finally bought a handgun. The main purpose is for personal protection and hobby. I decided to get one for the house but i will keep in car as well. It seems these days anything could happen at any time. I work 24 hrs and my wife stays by herself at the house. I sent her to CW classes so she can learn the safety aspects. She is also working to get her permit.

I had very small experience with handguns. I never owned one before but I have fire them with friends at the range. I shot 45, 357 revolver, a baby eagle and 9mm. I had plenty of experience with rifle when I was on the military. We are going to the range to practice until we get more comfortable with the gun every weekend.

I decided to get a Glock G23 gen3 .40 cal with 2 mags brand new. I'm a 45 cal guy but is just too big to carry. I'm reading material and watching videos about guns and the G23 so i can familiarize myself with my gun. I'm also teaching my wife how to load it and to make sure she check the gun for a bullet in the chamber. She is doing well but sometimes is careless and i get pissed because im afraid an accident will happen so i always keep an eye on her until she is more careful and learn the routine.

I read some of the nice material that Ed and the other members have posted. is there other gun sites or handgun magazines that you recommend for someone that wants to learn more about guns? I want to learn about upgrades that can be done to guns. My main issue now the mag release. The button is kinda far to hit for my wife. I think I saw different style of mag buttons. I want to learn different ways to improve my techniques as well. We have a friend that teaches CCW classes and he offers advance classes. i will be taking some classes in the future.

Where is the best places to buy ammo? i dont care too much about practice rounds I can buy those even at walmart. I'm kinda of learning about the different ammo. I want to use PDX-1 ammo for protection. Is kinda of hard to find it in the stores in Orlando and if you do is expensive. Is it better to buy ammo online? How does it works? Right now I have JHP ammo for protection until i can get some PDX-1. I have plenty of practice rounds.

Any help and advise will be greatly appreciated by me and my wife. Thanks.

**wileyCoyote** · 08-01-2011, 06:43 PM

jay, welcome to the club! congrats for taking the initiative to invest in you(and wife) self-defense, and RTKBA!

just don't forget to skimp on precautions, following all safety (i.e. the four "rules", etc.). be sure to train your wife that you keep your booger picker off the bang-switch at all times, except to fire.. this is especially important w/ handling the firearm, and being a glock there are no safeties against ND except your finger and your "brain"..

once you get past your CCW training i'd advise taking advanced training (i know you mentioned you were .mil, but you'd be surprised how SD training opens your eyes and prepares you for real life encounters and that 5 sec. gun fight)...

as for ammo, the ball/target ammo from wallyword, or wherever should be fine for practice (be sure to load up on that), ..and for SD ammo, you can shop the web or local gunshops/gunshows.. people have all kinds of opionins on what is "best" SD ammo - more than likely we're talking some kind of JHP type round, but which "brand" could be a never ending debate - but what is important to me is "penetration", ...i want something that has a the abilitly to penetrate through windshield glass, car doors, and other soft barriers and still have terminal effect. i.e. i want decent performance under adverse, real-world, conditions...

**JayTA98** · 08-01-2011, 07:18 PM

Originally Posted by wileyCoyote

jay, welcome to the club! congrats for taking the initiative to invest in you(and wife) self-defense, and RTKBA!

just don't forget to skimp on precautions, following all safety (i.e. the four "rules", etc.). be sure to train your wife that you keep your booger picker off the bang-switch at all times, except to fire.. this is especially important w/ handling the firearm, and being a glock there are no safeties against ND except your finger and your "brain"..

once you get past your CCW training i'd advise taking advanced training (i know you mentioned you were .mil, but you'd be surprised how SD training opens your eyes and prepares you for real life encounters and that 5 sec. gun fight)...

as for ammo, the ball/target ammo from wallyword, or wherever should be fine for practice (be sure to load up on that), ..and for SD ammo, you can shop the web or local gunshops/gunshows.. people have all kinds of opionins on what is "best" SD ammo - more than likely we're talking some kind of JHP type round, but which "brand" could be a never ending debate - but what is important to me is "penetration", ...i want something that has a the abilitly to penetrate through windshield glass, car doors, and other soft barriers and still have terminal effect. i.e. i want decent performance under adverse, real-world, conditions...

what's RTKBA? and yes im going to take the advance classes. Im using JHP right now. The PDX-1 is similar but it mushrooms and adds the extra punch.

**TLS_Addict** · 08-01-2011, 07:50 PM

Congrats man! That is a good weapon you have there.

I think pajeff02 has the same exact thing.

Remember, the .45 can be had in many configurations (GLOCKS) as well as the .45 GAP so if you want a .45 GLOCK has some options. You can get single stack and doublt stack at well. They keep the wide grip though but can get them in sub compacts and compacts.

Good luck and have fun. Your .40 should shoot anything. Try the Winchester Ammo, cheap Federal stuff, Remmingtong, as well as try some personal defense stuff (its expensive) to see how your gun performs. When I carry the .45 all I use is the personal defense stuff as its loaded to +P stuff. It will shoot differently as its loaded to a higher pressure.

**wileyCoyote** · 08-01-2011, 07:54 PM

Originally Posted by JayTA98

what's RTKBA? and yes im going to take the advance classes. Im using JHP right now. The PDX-1 is similar but it mushrooms and adds the extra punch.

sorry, acronym alert! RTKBA = right to keep and bear arms.

**slims00ls1z28** · 08-05-2011, 06:47 PM

Congrats on the purchase! can't go wrong with that one. .40 is a great round. My wife carries a Glock 27 in .40 and I carry it's progenator the 10mm Glock 29. Another good thing about the .40 is with a barrel change only you can shoot .357 sig and with a barrel change and some 9mm mags you can shoot 9mm as well. 3calibers in one! I got a .40 conversion for my 10MM and the wife has a 9mm conversion barrel.

Nice to see you are teaching your wife proper handling as well.

For glock parts there are plenty of sites to buy parts to suit your needs, midway, cheaper than dirt, rockyourglock, topglock, even Glock has their own extended controls. Most gun stores I've been too carry glock parts and even have an armorer who knows how to install them.

As far as ammo any good JHP should do. I have Hornaday critical defense in my wife's .40 and the same round for her 9mm conversion barrel. I carry Double Tap Nosler 135's and even have some of the same round for the wife's .40. I'm sure the PDX-1 will be suitable. I use the PDX-1 12g ammo for the shotguns and it works just like it says.

**JayTA98** · 08-05-2011, 07:54 PM

Originally Posted by slims00ls1z28

Congrats on the purchase! can't go wrong with that one. .40 is a great round. My wife carries a Glock 27 in .40 and I carry it's progenator the 10mm Glock 29. Another good thing about the .40 is with a barrel change only you can shoot .357 sig and with a barrel change and some 9mm mags you can shoot 9mm as well. 3calibers in one! I got a .40 conversion for my 10MM and the wife has a 9mm conversion barrel.

Nice to see you are teaching your wife proper handling as well.

For glock parts there are plenty of sites to buy parts to suit your needs, midway, cheaper than dirt, rockyourglock, topglock, even Glock has their own extended controls. Most gun stores I've been too carry glock parts and even have an armorer who knows how to install them.

As far as ammo any good JHP should do. I have Hornaday critical defense in my wife's .40 and the same round for her 9mm conversion barrel. I carry Double Tap Nosler 135's and even have some of the same round for the wife's .40. I'm sure the PDX-1 will be suitable. I use the PDX-1 12g ammo for the shotguns and it works just like it says.

Thanks. i actually bought a second glock. Is a G19 9mm. I decided to have one for the house and another for when me or my wife are on the road. I love both guns. I did started to read that i can change the barrel on the 40 cal to shoot 357. I didnt knew about using the 9mm barrel for it. Oh well. I still enjoying bought guns. We had been at the range afew times and I really like it. I still want to get me a 45 one of these days maybe in a few months. i think I found a new hobby and a new way to relax.

Right now I have the PDX-1 ammo on the 9mm and JHP on the .40. I found some PDX-1 for the .40 but Im not using it yet since I have a full box of JHP. I can't complain at all. I got both guns brand new with case, 2 mags each, barrel cleaner, mag loader and locks for $950.

**JayTA98** · 08-05-2011, 08:06 PM

i found the mag release extender on glockparts.com for like $7 bucks+shipping. They want $39 + tax at the local gun store. im starting to realize that gun ranges and stores are only to go shooting and buy guns. Everything else they want to rip you off!!

**wileyCoyote** · 08-05-2011, 08:12 PM

yep - you can buy guns online too, but have to get em shipped to an FFL to do the form 4073 background check.. but, it's still good to support the local gunshop when possible..

**slims00ls1z28** · 08-06-2011, 02:46 PM

Wow, that's crazy my local gun stores are generally higher on the guns, one in particular but the parts are in line with all the online areas.

**JayTA98** · 08-09-2011, 09:58 AM

Originally Posted by wileyCoyote

yep - you can buy guns online too, but have to get em shipped to an FFL to do the form 4073 background check.. but, it's still good to support the local gunshop when possible..

I know that is good to support local business but if its too expensive im out lol. Is not like I have gotten a raise in the last 5 yrs. I have to use my money smarter when Im buying stuff.

**JayTA98** · 08-09-2011, 10:08 AM

I bought 1 more gun. I'm really enjoying shooting and learning about them. I had been saving for a while to get some guns and I finally can afford them. I bought a G30SF. I always loved 45's I know is a big gun to carry so i probably will leave it for house or car protection. I really wanted a G21 but i could get it in the SF and I tried the regular G21 version and it was too bulky for me. I was pretty impressed with the G21SF and the G30SF.

My next gun has to be a small one that will be easy for concealment. I will soon have to start looking at holsters for at least my G19 and if it is confortable enough my G30 (because is subcompact). My wife is really getting into learn about them as well. We went shooting Sunday and she shoot the G19, G23 and G30. She was actually more accurate with the G23 but she doesn't like the kick. After 3 mags of 9mm and 2 mags of 40 she pretty much done. She tried to help reloading the mags but her thumb starts to hurt bad. I showed her the glock speed loader and its her best friend now. She is actually very quick reloading the mags with the speed loader. The G30 actually pinched her pinky lol. I heard of this issue of people getting pinched when they shoot between the bottom of the pistol and the mag. i didn't have that issue. I think changing the OEM extension with an actual pinky extension will stop that since you are actually putting your pinky in the right spot. She is in the process of getting her permit. We want to carry a smaller gun in the future.

**pajeff02** · 08-09-2011, 02:14 PM

TLS is correct -- Glock Model 23 here. Have owned the gun for years and really enjoy shooting it. I just need to quit playing with cars all the time and get it out more often. The only mod I made was the installation of a Hogue hand grip which helps with the feel and handling imo.

**wileyCoyote** · 08-09-2011, 02:57 PM

lots of people carry .45ACP handguns, ...many even steel framed 1911's, ...you'd be surprised what can be concealed... my only thing is (..i'm a 9mm guy) the .45ACP gun, ammo, loaded mags are bound to weigh more and tug at your belt...

jay, one more thing i'd recommend is look for a good "gun belt" if you are going to carry on the belt (IWB or OWB) - usually these are double ply leather and won't deform as much as a store-bought belt - they are stiffer and will support the weight of the gun and extra ammo (mag carriers) waaaay better than a store-bought belt: yes, they are not cheap, but it's better performance and safer too...

**JayTA98** · 08-09-2011, 03:23 PM

yes i know the belts that you are talking about wiley. I had one that I bought when i got hired with the FD and it lasted me 10 yrs. The belt was fine but it was pretty beat up. thats the only thing im concern with carrying a gun , the weight. I guess I will get used to it and figure out which gun is more comfortable and get with it. I was telling my wife to start loking for a small gun that she likes and buy something that she can carry easy. She uses the 9mm pretty much for home protection but i know is going to be a pain in the ass to figure out how to carry it on her. I dont want her carrying it in her purse as anyone can steal her purse.

I love shooting 45 but like some people mention is expensive to shoot. Thats a price that you pay for a gun that you like. I normally buy some protection ammo that is locally available in walmart and test them in the range. Not only to get a feeling of it but to make sure it works. I use the windchester white box ammo for range shooting. I can get a box of 100 for 9mm for $22, 100 of 40 cal for $34 and 100 of 45 auto for $38. As far as protection ammo i use the windchester pdx-1 bonded, is not cheap so i normally buy one box when i 1st get the gun just to try it out. I also buy some regular JHP which is what I have in my 40 cal at this time. i have some pdx-1 40 cal but I haven't even use it. I think with 45 it pretty much dont matter which one I use, since it will still leave a big ass hole lol.

**JayTA98** · 08-09-2011, 03:26 PM

I really wanted to buy the G30 used at my range were i go shooting but the manager will not let me shoot it before I buy it. He also wanted me to buy his ammo which it will be $40+ So the gun easily will go to $470. My buddy can get brand new for me in SF version for $550. So I went with a new one.

**wileyCoyote** · 08-09-2011, 03:35 PM

white box is perfect for range ammo.. i'd run a box or two of the pdx through the guns/guns you plan on loading it in, just to make sure it isn't "sensitive" to a particular brand/bullet shape etc..

i agree that on-body carry is much better than off-body, ...must be tough for women though, ... not sure if your glocks will work for her or not? they do make small profile 9mms - kahr, ruger sr9, walther PPS, etc.. might be worth looking at if you're still in "buy" mode

**tremiles** · 08-09-2011, 04:27 PM

Concealability is greatly dependent on holster and belt. Take a look at crossbreedholsters.com or comp-tac.com, I can comfortably conceal my CZ SP01 with the CB Supertuck (although I don't regularly), and my 18 hour daily carry SW M&P9FS in the Comp-Tac MTAC with a golf shirt and cargo shorts in Central Florida heat. I also recommend Comp-Tac's kydex reinforced leather belts. I'm 6'2 and 225lbs.

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**garver** · 08-10-2011, 02:25 PM

Originally Posted by tremiles

Concealability is greatly dependent on holster and belt. Take a look at crossbreedholsters.com or comp-tac.com, I can comfortably conceal my CZ SP01 with the CB Supertuck (although I don't regularly), and my 18 hour daily carry SW M&P9FS in the Comp-Tac MTAC with a golf shirt and cargo shorts in Central Florida heat. I also recommend Comp-Tac's kydex reinforced leather belts. I'm 6'2 and 225lbs.

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I use a Crossbreed for my full size Beretta PX4; it is very comfortable, but if you want something even more comfortable I would look in a Stronghold Phoenix Hoslter. I have used one for my HK P7 for a few months now. I will be ordering another for my Beretta.