Virginia Gun Owners Forum - VGOF

hello to every1...

im from richmond(henrico)...im am 24...I've been browsing this site for a while now and finally descided to join..I current don't own a gun but plan to get a px4 storm...still iffy on 9mm or .45 acp...im am new to the gun world n willing to learn..I need home pertection along w/ a decent pistol to go to the range w/...any suggestion on which is better would be helpful..thank for taking the time to read..

Welcome to the group! You will get 50 people giving you 50 answers to your questions. This is not a bad thing, it is just that different people have different needs and views. What is right for one is not right for all. The 9mm is a smaller high velocity round with less recoil and will be easier to master but it is prone to over penetrate with the wrong ammo. The .45 is known for it's stopping power but is a hand full for a new shooter. I would go with the 9mm using good hollow point ammo in a heaver weight like 147 grain myself in your case.

Welcome. Since you're new to shooting I would recommend you consider a 9mm. It has plenty of stopping power and much easier to shoot than the .45. Some here may disagree, just my opinion. Find a gun range that rents pistols and check both out before you decide. You'll be glad you did.

Hi 804. Welcome aboard

I don't have any specific feedback to provide on the Beretta but I would guess that you'll be pretty happy with either the .45ACP or the 9mm. Let us know what you decide!

I JUST got a KelTec SUB2000 today in 9mm for fun and home defense. Cheap, dependable, portable and a lifetime warranty. Heck of a deal! There is NO doubt that the Beretta will be a MUCH nicer gun. I WOULD recommend you shoot one in each caliber, even if it is NOT a Beretta to see the difference in the 2 different calibers.

Check out VA Grn Trader. I got my SUB2000 from there. Here is what you want on there now: http://www.vaguntrader.com/view_topic.p ... forum_id=5

Hello and welcome.

I too am new, just joined yesterday and I would like to agree with a few of the others on going by a local range and checking out both calibers. Rent and shoot. If your not sure rent a different gun of the same caliber and try again. Just because the Springfield 9mm and the Smith and Wesson 9mm shoot the same caliber doesn't mean the two guns shoot the same. The most important thing to remember is relax and enjoy.

thanks to all feedback...I didn't kno u could rent but glad u pointed it out...that's a will do...ne specific things I need to bring with me to the range...thanks again

A lot of us, if we are close enough, are willing to take you to the range, teach you the right/safe way to shoot and let you try out our different guns. While most wouldn't ask for anything, it is always nice to offer to pay for any ammo you may use or to bring a box of whatever you plan to shoot.

^^of course nothing is free..I have no problem paying for ammo..I would really like a lesson or 2...the only gun I shot was a .38 special up in the air last 4th of july...had my ears ringing..haha..we should get a little group or something one day and ya can show me the ropes..my boys brother was suppose to take me to a class for my conceal permit but failed on that..will consider the offer..thanks

Hi, welcome to the forum.

804blessedsoul wrote:the only gun I shot was a .38 special up in the air last 4th of july...had my ears ringing

Hope it was loaded with blanks, what goes up must come down somewhere.

I would suggest getting a .22lr for practice. You'll still need to practice with whatever firearm you decide to use for HD but to practice hold, breathing, etc. a .22lr is much cheaper to shoot than anything else.

And earplugs too so you're ears dont ring !!!

Btw, ranges usually require shooters to have ear protection. Some even require glasses especially if you're shooting steel targets. Check their requirements before you go...Many will also rent those too but cheaper in the long run to buy your own.

Welcome to VGOF!

to VGOF.

Welcome 804

Do not buy any 1911 style pistols because I want them all.

Let me know how your 9mm works out for ya! For me, one shot and down beats 2 taps and maybe. IMO.

Shotguns work for me too. For the same reason.

Bobtail1911 wrote:Do not buy any 1911 style pistols because I want them all.

You aint gettin mine...

will do....im glad to be here learning a lot..

man - I want a 1911. Too bad they;re so d*mned expensive!

to the forum

thanks for all the open arms...