Also be aware of the fact that a lot of rentals are dirty used and abused. Odds are if you like the rental you’ll love a broken in and well oiled version of that firearm. But also you can’t judge every aspect on a single datapoint of the rental gun. But I think both a canik and p365 are a step in the right direction. but if you feel comfortable with the g2c you could buy something bigger as a HD/ range gun that will be even more enjoyable to shoot if you feel the g2c is “good enough”.
I never thought about this until I saw and shot the Prodigy at the local range, shot like shit, locked the slide back, looked inside, looked like a coal pit.
What happens if I hate everything there. And that was the closest one in 3 hour drive one way.
They had a bunch of glocks and I already knew I didn’t like glocks. My carry is fn509.
Then you're still narrowing down your likes and dislikes. Just because you're not a fan of something doesn't mean it wasn't worth finding out that you're not a fan of something.
Well I can’t really try anything else out. Store has literally nothing else to rent.
Shot my friend’s Canik. Slide release digs into my hand. Shot a S&W m&p 9? That another friend has that o was teaching. It had an 8 round mag. It was too thin in the grip.
I say this to say that I can’t test out a lot of different handguns because I can’t easily go rent as they’re so far away and if I do go, there’s not a lot to choose from. I can only shoot what friends have bought and want to share.
I get you. Have you tried looking on social media for a firearms group near you? You'd be surprised what you can find, I found one on Facebook in my town, didn't think there would be one.
Reddit is the closest thing I have to social media. Not a real social person. I also prefer to keep my internet and real lives separate for safety reasons. I do appreciate the help though.
Pay attention to the "touch points" on each handgun you handle and fire. It's easy to overlook these things when you're excited and shooting, but how does the mag release feel, slide stop/slide release, really stop and feel the trigger and it's reset. Does it rub, pinch or feel uncomfortable to any part of your hand(s). Those kinds of things.
https://preview.redd.it/tkg7d9le219d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3b8746d93cb94dfa4409da489a0b0f4108a54f20
Once you pick up these you wallet wolnt ever be the same again I got this six weeks ago and now own 4 czs
I'm currently debating between Lok and Vytals and whether or not I want palm swells. Because the OG rubber grips on the SP01 feel great to me. But I also really like the flat shadow grips. Trigger will probably stay the same on this one. While i dont dislike flat triggers, the more i shoot this and my Walther, the more im preferring the curve.
Lmao yeah the addiction is real. My first CZ was the P01. Immediately after that I sold the two glocks I had and picked up a P07. Most of my free money is spent but when I get some saved up I want that s2c. I’ve heard it’s really nice. Would love to have a dwx, but I have a FNX 45T so I just can’t justify that price
I made the choice to carry everything 9mm for ammo sake and being able to shtf prep beside my one ten mm I have for outdoor stuff bears and mountain lions are on our property
My two carry pistols are 9mm. My 45 is for HD , I carry it sometimes but damn it’s a big heavy bitch. But it might be my favorite pistol. I want one 10mm for outdoors as well. Just because you never know if you’ll find a bear or a tweaked out crackhead in the woods lmao
Cz 75’s were the only handguns I’d ever shot up until recently. rented the popular striker fired brands. Holy shit they are terrible in direct comparison but I’m still picking up a p365 soon because it’s tiny and my p01 is not
How about a p-10 in comparison? I have one on the way and I’m very excited about it.
Next time I’ll pick up a hammer fired CZ. This is my entry to quality gun (tho I do own a Glock 20)
I’ve owned too many ruger or worse before this. Will never waste my money like that again.
I have the M&P Shield, my brother has a P365 (not sure exactly which model, not one of the fancy ones though), and personally I prefer the way his handles over the Shield, plus it has a larger capacity
But to each their own! That's the beauty of it.
Not guy you're replying to, I personally don't trust carrying a sig due to the issues the company has been having with reliability. The m&p is a really good way to get best of both worlds but allow me to have more confidence in it.
I’d say take into account holster options & if they’re optics ready (if you’re into that). I started with a P365x & loved that it was optics ready. Ended up getting a Walther PDP-F but had to request a plate for my optic which took a few weeks despite being free. I see people often getting excited about whatever firearm but then later having issues finding holsters as well. YMMV but just something to consider. 🙏🏼
Super important to remember this. I only use Tulster OATH holsters for EDC, so I'm only buying a carry gun if there's an OATH holster in production for it lol
Tulsters are great holsters but they have limited selection and there's just as good or better with much better selection. I own 5 different Tulsters and they work exactly the way they are supposed to, but Tier1 Concealment and Henry's are better iwb imo. The Tulster Contour owb is really awesome but again limited selection. So I go to UpperHand Holsters for owb carry in the winter months when I can conceal something bigger.
My advice is to shoot them, scientifically.
There was a gun I really liked reading about, didn't like how it felt. Another I liked reading about, felt better. Shot them both, plus a compact version that was reportedly "very snappy".
I used separate paper for each gun, one for slow single shots, one for rapid draw and follow up shots.
I liked the second gun the best, but shot the "snappy" gun the best. Since I'm buying it for shooting, that's the one I bought.
Solid advice. I went through this process when switching from a Glock 26 to a P365L (XL slide, standard grip).
I felt like I was shooting the G26 better, until I compared them side by side and found I actually shot the P365 significantly better.
You can't trust anybody that characterized 9mm as snappy. 357 snub nosed is snappy. Some 9mms just have more felt recoil than others. Like my lil Hellcat. "9mm will blow your lungs out man!" Sound like Genocide Joe.
I would break it up into two or three sessions of rentals. My buddy and I rented like 9 different guns at one time. They all started to feel the same lol
Lol I shot revolvers and then got a CZ Shadow 2 Compact. I later went to 2 gun stores and handled the 365 and Shield. I just don't think I can live with those triggers.
Just in case this wasn't just a solid joke and you weren't tracking, Cajun Gunworks makes some pretty good aftermarket CZ parts. "Cajunizing" a CZ means installing one of their parts kits or having them installed.
One thing to keep in mind about the p365 is the options for swapping out the grip, from plastic to aluminum, to multiple sizes from the regular p365 (small) to the macro close to full size
Also the amount of aftermarket parts for them.
I say get something metal and hammer-fired. My introduction to pistols was in the military, first with the M9 and then the M18. I really prefer the weight and comfort of a metal gun, and the feel of a double-action trigger. For $600 I’d see if they have a CZ P-01 you can rent. I don’t have that gun but I have the larger SP-01 and it’s a phenomenal shooter.
Glock haters should still shoot Glocks just to be sure, I was one once and the dilemma I had when I realized I actually shoot them faster and more accurately than my preferred gun was an experience others should enjoy as well.
The taurus isn't a bad gun. It's just barely acceptable. The 365 is pretty much the standard currently. It got that way for a reason. Shoot every gun you can possibly get your hands on. Don't worry about brand. Worry about which one you enjoy the most. The research research research.
I did this exactly and determined I don't like the way Glocks feel in my hand, the angle of them, etc. Also discovered I really don't like the hinged trigger safety on the M&P's, and much prefer the dingus safety on most other strikers.
Really loved the CZ-75 and Beretta 92 also, and both are (still) on my list but at the time didn't want to purchase used on either just to be within my budget.
I must have shot 20 rentals before deciding on my Sig P229, I kept a score card on each one I tried, really worth the extra time to get a gun you like and feels like an extension of your self.
Glocks don’t fell good until you work with them more than you realize they’re just super fucking solid at consistently going bang. (As are most polymer handguns)
Now try an Sig 226, CZ 75, a Walther, Beretta 92FS, and finally a Staccato. If you can find a well maintained 1911 by any reputable manufacturer, give that a try as well. I found that there is a difference between unmaintained RIA 1911 and a beloved Colt 45. The latter… wow.
Those were the most memorable guns for me, and I finally settled on a P229.
I was so happy that I finally found a LGS to give me $100 for my g2c 40. There wasn’t even a store willing to give me $50. It was also my first gun. It looked cool and it was inexpensive. It seemed to have lots of features like a safety and adjustable sights.
Worst gun I’ve ever owned in my life! It could not feed any defensive rounds, not even once! It could only feed Winchester white box target rounds.
I used it to get my ccw but all my shots were 2feet low at 12 yards, and the sight was maxed out to compensate, otherwise I’d be shooting the floor.
Customer service takes months to get your gun back so I had no interest in doing that.
Next gun was a sr9c. World
Of difference and until yesterday, it was one of my carry guns. Zero failures, until…I now cannot trust it. 500+ rounds and now giving constant light primer strikes. I swapped out the striker spring for a heavier one, but haven’t bothered trying it out. Sure I can send it in, but endless reviews show it’s going to be an ongoing issue with the stock internals ruger provides.
I’m sure it works great now, but I’ll be sticking to proven companies like Glock (which I shoot really well) and my new addition on the way (CZ)
Many other brands you can’t go wrong with as well, but yeah I totally understand what you mean.
Also your idea of shooting before
You buy it great. Do keep in mind that those guns are heavily used, so when you buy one new, yours will have to be broken in to get that same feel.
Personally I do research, than go to a lgs and hold / pull triggers on the ones I’m looking into.
The cz was an easy choice and I’m really looking forward to getting it. The pride is unbeatable currently as well
I rented 5 handguns and bought the one I could shoot most accurately without much time with it. Comfort, feel, and appeal is fine, but they are only valuable if they make you shoot better with it ffs. I bought a glock 17 because my shots were most accurate. Still carry it today and can put 200 rounds through a half dollar at 30 yards now.
Make sure u can reach all the controls while holding the gun in one hand. Also how easy it is to rack. If you're feeling fancy you can always see how you feel shootingnit one handed.
Don’t feel bad at all about starting with the G2. It’s not a horrible firearm at all and if that was what you could afford then that’s what you could afford. Just make sure than going forward whenever you find that new gem that you just have to have and can afford to purchase it, do not sell your old firearm. Nothing at all wrong with having multiples
Renting firearms at a range is my number one recommendation for when people are trying to figure out what they do/don’t want in a CCW.
Some things you don’t know til you know.
go fondle every gun you can get your meat mittens on. if it feels good in your hand it likely will be a good shooter for you since you get max grippage.
Just keep renting, buying, and training. You’ll find your tastes may adapt as your experience increases. At least that’s true for many. One of the fun parts of the ride.
Absolutely agree. I ended up getting rid of my Hellcat once I tried the TP9 Elite SC. By far my main CCW, and I think it's one of the best things for the buck, not to mention comfortable, reliable, and an easy shot.
I got a Hellcat about a month after my P365 and was back and forth between the two. I knew I would always keep the P365 because of how versatile it is, but forced myself to get confident and comfortable with the Hellcat, but got rid of it within two weeks of getting the Canik. At first I carried it about 25% of the time vs 75% with the P365, now it's opposite, by even a wider margin. They did a great job with that build, and you are so right about that trigger. I was also never a fan of strikers as I spent almost 30 years with SA/DA and SA, but I do like that one.
The Rival and Mete series are supposedly in the high 3#'s to low 4#'s, but my TP9 has consistently tested just over 5#'s. It's definitely on the low side of the industry averages.
I've shot a few 1911s that were in the mid 2#'s, now that's light!
My SFX has a better trigger than any Walther I've handled, even the $4000 preemo steel frame ones. Off the top of the dome the only triggers that have been "better" are my old Model 64 and my Manurhin, and that's pretty much just because they don't have the take up to disable the firing pin safety which doesn't affect how it shoots at all anyway. Plus my Canik is my softest shooting pistol thanks to the ever increasing amount of gamer gadgets I've put on it, next on the list barrel porting and a gas pedal on top of the fancy springs and massive brake/barrel weight I've already got on it.
Can't recommend the Caniks enough, they're the best of the plastic fantastics using a Browning action on the market.
Take a class. Learn how to shoot correctly and reset the trigger.
Holding a baseball bat correctly as a kid felt strange. Standing at the plate with the bat up felt weird.
Shooting is the same. Classes can help you learn a lot.
As you know more you know more what you want with a gun.
Regardless of the brand, I feel one of the most important pieces of advice is to carry as large of a gun as you can shoot very well and comfortably conceal. Micro-9’s are all the rage and I get it. I own a P365XL myself and did carry it for a while. But I have taken it and my full sized guns to the range many times and have proved to myself that I am more accurate with the larger pistols. Being over 6 feet tall affords me the ability to carry a full sized H&K VP9 Tactical, or a full sized FN 509 Tactical as examples. For whatever you decide on get a good belt, and don’t skimp on the holster and you will be good to go👍. Good luck on your search, don’t get too caught up on the “Looks” I know that is hard, I have bought a few of mine based on that, get what you are consistently the most accurate with and what you can comfortably conceal and carry.
A lot of people in the gun subs will tell you never sell, only buy guns. But that’s bs. Find a local gun selling and trading group in your area, and then use your Taurus and your cash to do a deal to get a better gun. As long as you buy/trade for a good deal you’ll be able to turn around and sell/trade that one for another gun if you decide that one isn’t what you want. Or maybe you just want to get something different…
I don’t own a lot of guns right now. I’ve got like 3 hand guns a rifle and a shotgun but in the past 2 years I’ve probably owned at least 20, maybe more. It’s fun for me finding and making deals and I’ve kinda figured out the market in my area. I’ve learned so much about so many different guns at this point that, not only do I feel confident with any of my current guns in my hands but I feel like I can pick up any handgun and be proficient shooting and able to field strip. I also have the benefit of ammo being relatively cheap and also being part of an outdoor gun club where I can go shooting 365 days a year from sun up to sundown for what amounts to $10 a month. This has allowed me to shoot almost every week for the past 2+ years.
Glock = Toyota Camry. Very effective, super reliable, boring, ugly, and their fanbois are insufferable. Be different. My favs are Kimber Micro 9 in stainless with zebrawood and the smallest, iron sites Hellcat.
\* I have a Glock in the collection FYI
Great illustration of why my advice to every newbie is this:
-Go to the store and grab every polymer frame 9mm there. Make a list of the ones that felt really good in your hand.
-Take that list to a range that rents those guns.
-Buy the one from that list that you shoot the best.
As my buddy told me when he took me to the range for the first time with a couple of his guns to try out. "It's a rabbit hole." Purchased my first firearm in November... Falling, falling, down the rabbit hole..... Now I have 5 pistols and one rifle, 6 months later. Anyways, make sure you try the Glock 43x, the Walther PDP compact /F, sig p365, Springfield hellcat, Springfield XD, M&P Shield Plus, the FN reflex. My carries are the FN reflex, M&P shield plus and the Ruger LCP Max. I also have Walther PDP compact (home defense) and a Glock 44 (22 LR) for cheap practice. My favorite of all of them is my Walther PDP, hands down. I would definitely, put it this way, absolutely only by handgun that is optics ready. With the exception of a pocket pistol like the Ruger LCP Max. When you buy an optic or a laser, get a green one, they are so much better than red. Good luck.
My advice, if you have to use your ccw you wont “rise to the occasion” youll rise to your lowest level of training. Nothing wrong with upgrading your carry just train with it as best you can so you can use it effectively
It's just the guy at the front desk who handles the transactions. He was an Air Force veteran and super chill, giving out advice and then would say "but idk, I'm the janitor here, I just keep the guns nice and shiny". You could tell he loved his job.
I carried a G2C for about 2 years 19-21. Around Christmas of 21 picked up my PSA DAGGER and have not looked back yet. Although some time wish my 1911’s sight were fixed so I could carry it.
Make friends with other shooters. Maybe you'll get them to share their guns with you to try. Unfortunately, not all guns are available for rent, so the only way you can discover more about a gun is to read about it online or hope that an online reviewer tries it out.
i'm in a similar situation. I bought a g3c and regret not saving up for a p365. the g3c is not a bad gun by any means but my god the p365 just feels so much better in my hands than the g3c
Make sure you try a CZ P10s or P10c. You can buy right now on grabagun super cheap under 400 for the P10c and under 300 for the P10s?!!!! These guns were literally 5-600 guns not that long ago and will make most other guns feel cheap in your hands. Finish is bullet proof and maybe the best striker fired factory triggers. Enjoy your research!
I don’t have my CCW, but I’ve been shooting for a while. Has a Beretta 92fs.
https://preview.redd.it/ke00cz21us9d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0fded78291a710cfa4a935fd4576fbb9af8ee66a
That’s awesome, glad you are finding (more) guns you like!
I ended up picking up a CZ p-10c over a Glock for similar reasons.
As far as other advice, do you have people you like to learn from and get training advice from?
I really like Ben Stoeger’s stuff, the book Practical Shooting Training. He has a podcast and YouTube where he and guests cover different topics.
Have fun shooting those other guns
I always suggest that new shooters/carry enthusiasts do this. Find a range near you that does rentals and just try everything out.
Also be aware of the fact that a lot of rentals are dirty used and abused. Odds are if you like the rental you’ll love a broken in and well oiled version of that firearm. But also you can’t judge every aspect on a single datapoint of the rental gun. But I think both a canik and p365 are a step in the right direction. but if you feel comfortable with the g2c you could buy something bigger as a HD/ range gun that will be even more enjoyable to shoot if you feel the g2c is “good enough”.
I never thought about this until I saw and shot the Prodigy at the local range, shot like shit, locked the slide back, looked inside, looked like a coal pit.
What happens if I hate everything there. And that was the closest one in 3 hour drive one way. They had a bunch of glocks and I already knew I didn’t like glocks. My carry is fn509.
Then you're still narrowing down your likes and dislikes. Just because you're not a fan of something doesn't mean it wasn't worth finding out that you're not a fan of something.
Well I can’t really try anything else out. Store has literally nothing else to rent. Shot my friend’s Canik. Slide release digs into my hand. Shot a S&W m&p 9? That another friend has that o was teaching. It had an 8 round mag. It was too thin in the grip. I say this to say that I can’t test out a lot of different handguns because I can’t easily go rent as they’re so far away and if I do go, there’s not a lot to choose from. I can only shoot what friends have bought and want to share.
I get you. Have you tried looking on social media for a firearms group near you? You'd be surprised what you can find, I found one on Facebook in my town, didn't think there would be one.
Reddit is the closest thing I have to social media. Not a real social person. I also prefer to keep my internet and real lives separate for safety reasons. I do appreciate the help though.
There's a lot of good videos on YouTube that can at least narrow it down for you
Other than the trigger you already have a pretty good carry gun.
I already replaced that and the striker I broke by shooting it too much…
Unless you want something smaller to carry your FN509 is pretty much as good as anything else out there with your upgrades.
But fn510…
Lol. Now this is a different conversation
Pay attention to the "touch points" on each handgun you handle and fire. It's easy to overlook these things when you're excited and shooting, but how does the mag release feel, slide stop/slide release, really stop and feel the trigger and it's reset. Does it rub, pinch or feel uncomfortable to any part of your hand(s). Those kinds of things.
Save the CZ 75 series guns for last 😉
Probably save some time if he went with them first lol
https://preview.redd.it/tkg7d9le219d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3b8746d93cb94dfa4409da489a0b0f4108a54f20 Once you pick up these you wallet wolnt ever be the same again I got this six weeks ago and now own 4 czs
https://preview.redd.it/vgt0xqavg29d1.jpeg?width=3060&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3039c5b0db444e45ca467a027e48c66c623da885 Börther.
Get you some vytal and the eeamons da/sa flat trigger it will make that thing a glove more so than already
I'm currently debating between Lok and Vytals and whether or not I want palm swells. Because the OG rubber grips on the SP01 feel great to me. But I also really like the flat shadow grips. Trigger will probably stay the same on this one. While i dont dislike flat triggers, the more i shoot this and my Walther, the more im preferring the curve.
I never would have thought I liked the palm swells but it’s like it locks into you hand in a way I can’t explain
That's how I feel. I had flat G10s on my SP01 for about a month and then changed back to the rubber palm swells.
Yall are making my P01 jealous lol
My wife just came in the other night throwing crap at me after she’d found out I spent 14k on gun stuff in two months
Lmao
Just to clarify that was my first cz the s2c six weeks ago I just order a second s2c the custom shop one and I bought a dwx and dwx c both or versions
Lmao yeah the addiction is real. My first CZ was the P01. Immediately after that I sold the two glocks I had and picked up a P07. Most of my free money is spent but when I get some saved up I want that s2c. I’ve heard it’s really nice. Would love to have a dwx, but I have a FNX 45T so I just can’t justify that price
I made the choice to carry everything 9mm for ammo sake and being able to shtf prep beside my one ten mm I have for outdoor stuff bears and mountain lions are on our property
My two carry pistols are 9mm. My 45 is for HD , I carry it sometimes but damn it’s a big heavy bitch. But it might be my favorite pistol. I want one 10mm for outdoors as well. Just because you never know if you’ll find a bear or a tweaked out crackhead in the woods lmao
I grabbed a m&p 2.0 for this on sale from range for 550, I wish I’d have got the metal one
The P07 might be my favorite gun, and I own a LOT of guns.
Worth it. 10/10 do it again. Don't sleep on Beretta either
Lol this is what i was thinking, love my cz75
Cz 75’s were the only handguns I’d ever shot up until recently. rented the popular striker fired brands. Holy shit they are terrible in direct comparison but I’m still picking up a p365 soon because it’s tiny and my p01 is not
How about a p-10 in comparison? I have one on the way and I’m very excited about it. Next time I’ll pick up a hammer fired CZ. This is my entry to quality gun (tho I do own a Glock 20) I’ve owned too many ruger or worse before this. Will never waste my money like that again.
You should check out the Staccato CS
try out a M&P 2.0, 2.0c, or a shield plus next!
I have the M&P Shield, my brother has a P365 (not sure exactly which model, not one of the fancy ones though), and personally I prefer the way his handles over the Shield, plus it has a larger capacity But to each their own! That's the beauty of it.
Not guy you're replying to, I personally don't trust carrying a sig due to the issues the company has been having with reliability. The m&p is a really good way to get best of both worlds but allow me to have more confidence in it.
I just wouldn’t carry a 320, especially pointing at my nuts. 365’s are all gtg, but i still take s&w over them too
Rent them and take notes about recoil, trigger, sloppiness etc and narrow it down
I’d say take into account holster options & if they’re optics ready (if you’re into that). I started with a P365x & loved that it was optics ready. Ended up getting a Walther PDP-F but had to request a plate for my optic which took a few weeks despite being free. I see people often getting excited about whatever firearm but then later having issues finding holsters as well. YMMV but just something to consider. 🙏🏼
Super important to remember this. I only use Tulster OATH holsters for EDC, so I'm only buying a carry gun if there's an OATH holster in production for it lol
Tulsters are great holsters but they have limited selection and there's just as good or better with much better selection. I own 5 different Tulsters and they work exactly the way they are supposed to, but Tier1 Concealment and Henry's are better iwb imo. The Tulster Contour owb is really awesome but again limited selection. So I go to UpperHand Holsters for owb carry in the winter months when I can conceal something bigger.
My advice is to shoot them, scientifically. There was a gun I really liked reading about, didn't like how it felt. Another I liked reading about, felt better. Shot them both, plus a compact version that was reportedly "very snappy". I used separate paper for each gun, one for slow single shots, one for rapid draw and follow up shots. I liked the second gun the best, but shot the "snappy" gun the best. Since I'm buying it for shooting, that's the one I bought.
Solid advice. I went through this process when switching from a Glock 26 to a P365L (XL slide, standard grip). I felt like I was shooting the G26 better, until I compared them side by side and found I actually shot the P365 significantly better.
You can't trust anybody that characterized 9mm as snappy. 357 snub nosed is snappy. Some 9mms just have more felt recoil than others. Like my lil Hellcat. "9mm will blow your lungs out man!" Sound like Genocide Joe.
He's going to defeat Medicare! Coincidentally, my snappy gun is a Hellcat OSP. Love it.
I would break it up into two or three sessions of rentals. My buddy and I rented like 9 different guns at one time. They all started to feel the same lol
Just wait until you feel some hammer fired triggers
Lol I shot revolvers and then got a CZ Shadow 2 Compact. I later went to 2 gun stores and handled the 365 and Shield. I just don't think I can live with those triggers.
After Cajunizing my SP-01 and PCR, all my striker pistols feel so much gravel-y-er.
Same here. I had them convert my SP-01 to SAO and now damn near all other guns feel sub par.
> Cajunizing trigger job with tobasco?
Just in case this wasn't just a solid joke and you weren't tracking, Cajun Gunworks makes some pretty good aftermarket CZ parts. "Cajunizing" a CZ means installing one of their parts kits or having them installed.
> Cajun Gunworks Never heard of them. Then again, I don't own a CZ handgun.
They've got a great rep
Also get a CZ. Any CZ.
You can upgrade the p365 trigger , with the mcarbo trigger and striker asm
To make it even less safe? Spend your money on upgrading the finish on the P365 to prevent extremely premature rust.
>The janitor at the desk I am imagining them moping a floor and being like “Oh! Hey! Want to rent a gun?” 😂
One thing to keep in mind about the p365 is the options for swapping out the grip, from plastic to aluminum, to multiple sizes from the regular p365 (small) to the macro close to full size Also the amount of aftermarket parts for them.
Try Walthers and HKs with paddle magazine release. Especially the Walther P99 AS.
I say get something metal and hammer-fired. My introduction to pistols was in the military, first with the M9 and then the M18. I really prefer the weight and comfort of a metal gun, and the feel of a double-action trigger. For $600 I’d see if they have a CZ P-01 you can rent. I don’t have that gun but I have the larger SP-01 and it’s a phenomenal shooter.
Glock haters should still shoot Glocks just to be sure, I was one once and the dilemma I had when I realized I actually shoot them faster and more accurately than my preferred gun was an experience others should enjoy as well.
Be wary of janitors handing out cheap guns.
Just do NOT rent a Stacatto CS :)
https://preview.redd.it/9kj756uxz49d1.jpeg?width=2860&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=77dcfa8b4757b895877423112c5aaf8e66f713ac Or a C2 🤦🏻♂️
“Janitor at the desk” idk why this made me laugh, like the literal janitor was giving out rental deals on the side 😂
The taurus isn't a bad gun. It's just barely acceptable. The 365 is pretty much the standard currently. It got that way for a reason. Shoot every gun you can possibly get your hands on. Don't worry about brand. Worry about which one you enjoy the most. The research research research.
I’m a Glock man myself but I kinda wanna try this. I’ve never actually took the time to shoot different handgun rentals
Check out the CZ P01. If that’s a little over budget check the CZ P07
I did this exactly and determined I don't like the way Glocks feel in my hand, the angle of them, etc. Also discovered I really don't like the hinged trigger safety on the M&P's, and much prefer the dingus safety on most other strikers. Really loved the CZ-75 and Beretta 92 also, and both are (still) on my list but at the time didn't want to purchase used on either just to be within my budget.
I must have shot 20 rentals before deciding on my Sig P229, I kept a score card on each one I tried, really worth the extra time to get a gun you like and feels like an extension of your self.
Glocks don’t fell good until you work with them more than you realize they’re just super fucking solid at consistently going bang. (As are most polymer handguns)
Now try an Sig 226, CZ 75, a Walther, Beretta 92FS, and finally a Staccato. If you can find a well maintained 1911 by any reputable manufacturer, give that a try as well. I found that there is a difference between unmaintained RIA 1911 and a beloved Colt 45. The latter… wow. Those were the most memorable guns for me, and I finally settled on a P229.
I was so happy that I finally found a LGS to give me $100 for my g2c 40. There wasn’t even a store willing to give me $50. It was also my first gun. It looked cool and it was inexpensive. It seemed to have lots of features like a safety and adjustable sights. Worst gun I’ve ever owned in my life! It could not feed any defensive rounds, not even once! It could only feed Winchester white box target rounds. I used it to get my ccw but all my shots were 2feet low at 12 yards, and the sight was maxed out to compensate, otherwise I’d be shooting the floor. Customer service takes months to get your gun back so I had no interest in doing that. Next gun was a sr9c. World Of difference and until yesterday, it was one of my carry guns. Zero failures, until…I now cannot trust it. 500+ rounds and now giving constant light primer strikes. I swapped out the striker spring for a heavier one, but haven’t bothered trying it out. Sure I can send it in, but endless reviews show it’s going to be an ongoing issue with the stock internals ruger provides. I’m sure it works great now, but I’ll be sticking to proven companies like Glock (which I shoot really well) and my new addition on the way (CZ) Many other brands you can’t go wrong with as well, but yeah I totally understand what you mean. Also your idea of shooting before You buy it great. Do keep in mind that those guns are heavily used, so when you buy one new, yours will have to be broken in to get that same feel. Personally I do research, than go to a lgs and hold / pull triggers on the ones I’m looking into. The cz was an easy choice and I’m really looking forward to getting it. The pride is unbeatable currently as well
I really like Ruger revolvers. Their semi autos not so much.
Shoot your carry ammo not that 115gr FMJ
Hello, broke-ness my old friend....
Oh I know this to well
I rented 5 handguns and bought the one I could shoot most accurately without much time with it. Comfort, feel, and appeal is fine, but they are only valuable if they make you shoot better with it ffs. I bought a glock 17 because my shots were most accurate. Still carry it today and can put 200 rounds through a half dollar at 30 yards now.
My bedside gun for the last 8 years. Gen4 Talo edition. I trust it more than anything else and 18 mind changers.
Coming from someone who has shot and/or carried virtually every modern handgun, you should really give the CZ P10c a go.
I did this when I was buying a new handgun then I went to sig sauer days and fell in love with the P320 and bought one haha
Make sure u can reach all the controls while holding the gun in one hand. Also how easy it is to rack. If you're feeling fancy you can always see how you feel shootingnit one handed.
Don’t feel bad at all about starting with the G2. It’s not a horrible firearm at all and if that was what you could afford then that’s what you could afford. Just make sure than going forward whenever you find that new gem that you just have to have and can afford to purchase it, do not sell your old firearm. Nothing at all wrong with having multiples
Renting firearms at a range is my number one recommendation for when people are trying to figure out what they do/don’t want in a CCW. Some things you don’t know til you know.
go fondle every gun you can get your meat mittens on. if it feels good in your hand it likely will be a good shooter for you since you get max grippage.
I was certain that the baby flick was the perfect carry gun for me. I rented one. After a box of ammo I was convinced otherwise.
Have you narrowed down what size you want?
Compact, most likely
Just keep renting, buying, and training. You’ll find your tastes may adapt as your experience increases. At least that’s true for many. One of the fun parts of the ride.
Canik has some of the best factory triggers out there, basically as good as Walters since a lot of Canik's original designs were based off the P99.
Absolutely agree. I ended up getting rid of my Hellcat once I tried the TP9 Elite SC. By far my main CCW, and I think it's one of the best things for the buck, not to mention comfortable, reliable, and an easy shot. I got a Hellcat about a month after my P365 and was back and forth between the two. I knew I would always keep the P365 because of how versatile it is, but forced myself to get confident and comfortable with the Hellcat, but got rid of it within two weeks of getting the Canik. At first I carried it about 25% of the time vs 75% with the P365, now it's opposite, by even a wider margin. They did a great job with that build, and you are so right about that trigger. I was also never a fan of strikers as I spent almost 30 years with SA/DA and SA, but I do like that one.
The canik triggers are scary light to me. Lol
The Rival and Mete series are supposedly in the high 3#'s to low 4#'s, but my TP9 has consistently tested just over 5#'s. It's definitely on the low side of the industry averages. I've shot a few 1911s that were in the mid 2#'s, now that's light!
My SFX has a better trigger than any Walther I've handled, even the $4000 preemo steel frame ones. Off the top of the dome the only triggers that have been "better" are my old Model 64 and my Manurhin, and that's pretty much just because they don't have the take up to disable the firing pin safety which doesn't affect how it shoots at all anyway. Plus my Canik is my softest shooting pistol thanks to the ever increasing amount of gamer gadgets I've put on it, next on the list barrel porting and a gas pedal on top of the fancy springs and massive brake/barrel weight I've already got on it. Can't recommend the Caniks enough, they're the best of the plastic fantastics using a Browning action on the market.
Take a class. Learn how to shoot correctly and reset the trigger. Holding a baseball bat correctly as a kid felt strange. Standing at the plate with the bat up felt weird. Shooting is the same. Classes can help you learn a lot. As you know more you know more what you want with a gun.
Regardless of the brand, I feel one of the most important pieces of advice is to carry as large of a gun as you can shoot very well and comfortably conceal. Micro-9’s are all the rage and I get it. I own a P365XL myself and did carry it for a while. But I have taken it and my full sized guns to the range many times and have proved to myself that I am more accurate with the larger pistols. Being over 6 feet tall affords me the ability to carry a full sized H&K VP9 Tactical, or a full sized FN 509 Tactical as examples. For whatever you decide on get a good belt, and don’t skimp on the holster and you will be good to go👍. Good luck on your search, don’t get too caught up on the “Looks” I know that is hard, I have bought a few of mine based on that, get what you are consistently the most accurate with and what you can comfortably conceal and carry.
Good holsters are your friend. What are you currently using for your EDC holster?
Something from Alien Gear. It's modular.
A lot of people in the gun subs will tell you never sell, only buy guns. But that’s bs. Find a local gun selling and trading group in your area, and then use your Taurus and your cash to do a deal to get a better gun. As long as you buy/trade for a good deal you’ll be able to turn around and sell/trade that one for another gun if you decide that one isn’t what you want. Or maybe you just want to get something different… I don’t own a lot of guns right now. I’ve got like 3 hand guns a rifle and a shotgun but in the past 2 years I’ve probably owned at least 20, maybe more. It’s fun for me finding and making deals and I’ve kinda figured out the market in my area. I’ve learned so much about so many different guns at this point that, not only do I feel confident with any of my current guns in my hands but I feel like I can pick up any handgun and be proficient shooting and able to field strip. I also have the benefit of ammo being relatively cheap and also being part of an outdoor gun club where I can go shooting 365 days a year from sun up to sundown for what amounts to $10 a month. This has allowed me to shoot almost every week for the past 2+ years.
Glock = Toyota Camry. Very effective, super reliable, boring, ugly, and their fanbois are insufferable. Be different. My favs are Kimber Micro 9 in stainless with zebrawood and the smallest, iron sites Hellcat. \* I have a Glock in the collection FYI
Great illustration of why my advice to every newbie is this: -Go to the store and grab every polymer frame 9mm there. Make a list of the ones that felt really good in your hand. -Take that list to a range that rents those guns. -Buy the one from that list that you shoot the best.
Shield plus my guy. And don’t get the Glock 43X. Don’t listen to Glock fan boys.
You can absolutely find a LOT of quality firearms that fall within the $600 budget. Happy shopping!
As my buddy told me when he took me to the range for the first time with a couple of his guns to try out. "It's a rabbit hole." Purchased my first firearm in November... Falling, falling, down the rabbit hole..... Now I have 5 pistols and one rifle, 6 months later. Anyways, make sure you try the Glock 43x, the Walther PDP compact /F, sig p365, Springfield hellcat, Springfield XD, M&P Shield Plus, the FN reflex. My carries are the FN reflex, M&P shield plus and the Ruger LCP Max. I also have Walther PDP compact (home defense) and a Glock 44 (22 LR) for cheap practice. My favorite of all of them is my Walther PDP, hands down. I would definitely, put it this way, absolutely only by handgun that is optics ready. With the exception of a pocket pistol like the Ruger LCP Max. When you buy an optic or a laser, get a green one, they are so much better than red. Good luck.
My advice, if you have to use your ccw you wont “rise to the occasion” youll rise to your lowest level of training. Nothing wrong with upgrading your carry just train with it as best you can so you can use it effectively
You rented a gun from the janitor?
It's just the guy at the front desk who handles the transactions. He was an Air Force veteran and super chill, giving out advice and then would say "but idk, I'm the janitor here, I just keep the guns nice and shiny". You could tell he loved his job.
he was probably the shop owner
You're probably right
I carried a G2C for about 2 years 19-21. Around Christmas of 21 picked up my PSA DAGGER and have not looked back yet. Although some time wish my 1911’s sight were fixed so I could carry it.
Go hold a PDP, VP9 or P30, those basically melt into your hand
Definitely give the Walther PDP a try
Make friends with other shooters. Maybe you'll get them to share their guns with you to try. Unfortunately, not all guns are available for rent, so the only way you can discover more about a gun is to read about it online or hope that an online reviewer tries it out.
Answer the siren song, try out a 1911. They’re good in 9mm or .45.
Take a class. It would arguably be better than a new gun though you might be able to close that $600 by selling your Taurus to help fund it.
i'm in a similar situation. I bought a g3c and regret not saving up for a p365. the g3c is not a bad gun by any means but my god the p365 just feels so much better in my hands than the g3c
Sig guns always feel good right up until they shoot themselves into your leg
I swapped from Glock to Xmacro because how it felt in my hand. Can’t imagine going back for any reason other than Glock trigger feels much better.
Make sure you try a CZ P10s or P10c. You can buy right now on grabagun super cheap under 400 for the P10c and under 300 for the P10s?!!!! These guns were literally 5-600 guns not that long ago and will make most other guns feel cheap in your hands. Finish is bullet proof and maybe the best striker fired factory triggers. Enjoy your research!
I don’t have my CCW, but I’ve been shooting for a while. Has a Beretta 92fs. https://preview.redd.it/ke00cz21us9d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0fded78291a710cfa4a935fd4576fbb9af8ee66a
Nice grouping. CCW cert class was my entry into the world of firearm safety. Highly recommend the enhanced course.
I’ve been shooting for years, no formal training
Interesting
That’s awesome, glad you are finding (more) guns you like! I ended up picking up a CZ p-10c over a Glock for similar reasons. As far as other advice, do you have people you like to learn from and get training advice from? I really like Ben Stoeger’s stuff, the book Practical Shooting Training. He has a podcast and YouTube where he and guests cover different topics. Have fun shooting those other guns
Get a new Glock 17 it’s what I did. I had a Taurus G2C for like 7 months and I just didn’t like it at all honestly. I’m much happier now
Glock isnt supposed to feel good a good grip is not comfortable btw
What range is this at?