Used to, but it's more convenient just to buy when it comes to cheap 9mm. I save the brass, though, if times ever get lean.

Good move. I've even dabbled in smelting and casting lead. Pretty easy. For a while there primers became real hard to find. Thats the only weak point when it comes to times getting lean. Make sure you stock up on primers.

You would be amazed at how many people cannot keep them on PAPER at the 15 yard line. No, I know plenty of cops that can shoot quite well. It just amazes me that I know any that don't shoot even adequately, much less that freely admit that all they care about is qualification every so often/don't know what caliber their weapon is. It's like if I were incapable of properly titrating cardiac drips. I could not function at my job if I could not use the IV pumps, etc.

LE has a lot on their plate, yes, but so do others that shoot well. I condense my 40+ hour work weeks into 3-4 days, so that does give me the unique chance to shoot more, as I have half the week off, sometimes the big half, sometimes the little. It alternates.

Yep. I am planning on stocking up on AR-15 lowers and bolt-carrier groups, as well at some point when I have spare cash. Those were going for stupid prices when Obama won.

I see the USP45 is a favorite. I like the USP45 and the HK45, but both are very large handguns compared to others on the list. If the OP just wants something for the night-stand, that's cool, but for carry, that could be less comfortable than one of the more compact models listed. Just something to consider, depending on the use of the weapon.

Right. The Gun Shows were insane after the election! It almost looked like people were prepping for a zombie infection. :)

This is just my opion but if your going to buy a hand gun for carry and home defense.Get a .45 I love the 1911 but they are pricy.The best thing you can do is find a range that rents and try as many diff ones that you can and go with what fells the best in your hand.Or if you know people with a variety of hand guns see if you can go with them to a range. Don't let ammo prices make your decision if you end up loving shooting and want to go a lot start saving brass and reload. I don't know a lot about the laws where your from but look into them. I am lucky and live in the most liberal gun state in the us. When you get a cc here it is good in 28 other staes as well. We also have no restricions on types of ammo or magazine capacities.You can actually cc in a vehicle here loaded and racked with out having a cc. Just do your research and once you make your decision practice practice practice espically with trigger pull.

I have gone on a Jihad after the 1911, and after owning a LesBaer TRS that sucked (Workmanship was CRAP! I have never seen a rougher 1911, and can post pix if you want), and a Wilson Tactical Supergrade that sucked (2 warranty return trips and a buy-back), I feel qualified to say that the 1911 just isn't as reliable as the other handguns I have owned. Oh, I tore ragged 1" holes in the targets with them, that's for sure. There were just long-pauses between the shots sometimes, and other times they would horizontally string when my Wilson's rear-sight would loosen up and begin drifting (Wilson finally got it right the 3rd time by installing their old design hand-fit. You would THINK hand-fit rear sight would be something that came standard on a $4200 pistol...but no.)

Sorry. Sound bitter? $6500 later. I am. The 1911 just ain't for me, and I try to steer others around it as well, right or wrong.

Have you thought about an LA CCW permit? Good in something like 40 or 42 states IIRC. No caliber, etc. restrictions.

On that note, I like Gold-Dots, HST, and the T-series. I also like the Barnes round. I think Federal is going to begin (have they already?) loading it in handgun rounds for LE soon. I know Corbon and Black Hills already do, but I like the ATK/Olin ammo mfr. groups.

Models, weight, ratings, popularity, and price.
Pistol Reviews Forum and Reference Guide at GunDirectory.com

bump

I think most everyone has said their piece on the subject. Now go test-drive some of the suggestions and see what YOU like.

I think you need to get to a range and first learn some basic principles of firing a handgun. Than try several weapons to find something that you enjoy and can handle. With that said, I say go with the biggest round you can handle and for your use.

Personally I have a Glock 23 (.40S&W) and a Glock 36 (.45ACP). I conceal carry both depending on my needs.

will do this weekend probly

Be safe and have fun!

always