L have a Springfirld XD, 9mm polymer.  Very nice gun, fits my hand well.

The grip is not to wide for me.  Relatively light weight.  I also have a Sig

229 .40.  Bit heavier and the grips are wider, but i really like the hammer

so it can be cocked like a revolver, yet can also easily be de-cocked.  

Both guns were purchased used, at substantial savings over new.

Does anyone use gunbroker.com? Any thoughts on that place?

Robby,

As a couple previous posters have already said, don't rule out the Smith and Wesson M&P series. I have one in 9mm and also have a Glock 17. For me personally, I like the M&P just a bit better simply due to the way it feels. Don't get me wrong, that is not a knock on the Glock, it has been one sturdy gun as well.

If you live in an area that has a large gunshop, BPS, Cabela's, etc, I would definitely go hold as many as possible. Also, you may be able to find a shooting range that rents guns so you could put some rounds through multiple models.

I have a ccw permit. Arizona is a "shall issue" state, so it is quite easy to get here. My regular carry weapons are;

Smith & Wesson model 59, 9mm, 15 round capacity.Federal hydra-shok hollow points

Smith & Wesson model 629, .44 mag., Federal hydra-shok hollow points.

I carry a Glock (make that 2 Glocks) EVERY single day along with a S&W .38 5 shot.

I carry the Glock 40 cal model 22. Glocks are darn near indestructible and very easy to break down and clean. They are very reliable and can be bought for under $500.

There are other nicer guns out there but for banging around, exposing it to the weather and what not then it's hard to beat the Glock.

For home security though I would recommend a shotgun.  It's hard to miss your target (intruder) with a shotgun when your woken in the middle of the night and your crappin your pants while your belongings are being rummaged through.

Check out these holsters, they are the in the waist band holsters.  They are very nicely built, I carry a full size Para Ordnance 1911 in one.  I have a P-14, it is a .45 caliber that has 14 round mags.  This guy builds very good holsters.  quite a few police officers in my area have holsters from him, he makes them here, and I have been over there to see the work when I bought mine.  He makes them for a huge variety of guns.  check him out.

http://www.concealco.com/

Once you have a permit to carry(or even before) you'll need to start looking for (and order) a holster. Some take a long time to get as they are made to order and some are stocking items. An IWB, or an OWB that specifically made for concealment (as they pull the grip in tighter) is a must, IMO, for CC... and don't be surprised if you end up with more than one holster... most people go through a couple on the quest to find the most comfortable option.

 

My suggestion is find a local gun range that offers rentals. Shoot a bunch and see what feels best in your hands. There are lots of great brands out there and many have been mentioned. Glock, HK, Sig, Springfield, etc;

Personally I would go with a .40 or maybe a revolver in 38 special or .357. I'm a .45 guy but they tend to be larger frames and have more recoil with some exceptions.  

Those keggers down at Penn State must be getting pretty nuts. Or do you have a room mate who keeps stealing your Natty Ice?

Those keggers down at Penn State must be getting pretty nuts. Or do you have a room mate who keeps stealing your Natty Ice?

LOL, I called him yesterday and said the same thing.   GO STATE!!!

There were some issues with gangs and jackasses at some the parties at my school. Having a gun might not be such a bad idea...

There were some issues with gangs and jackasses at some the parties at my school. Having a gun might not be such a bad idea...

FWIW, being under the influence of ANYTHING makes your permit void. In many areas, it's actually printed on the permit itself.

If you plan on drinking, leave the pistola at home.

There were some issues with gangs and jackasses at some the parties at my school. Having a gun might not be such a bad idea...

FWIW, being under the influence of ANYTHING makes your permit void. In many areas, it's actually printed on the permit itself.

If you plan on drinking, leave the pistola at home.

Of course, but all the students live in apartment complexes and the open parties bring in the gang members, not just to the parties, but to the other apartments as well. Obviously it's not a good idea to take it out for the night if you plan on drinking.

I need something to carry my Glock 21 SF with a Streamlight TLR-1 light. This is strictly a home defense gun. But I'd still like a decent rig for it.   There's not a whole lot of options for the big Glocks with lights.  

I used to have a Glock brand light on my Glock 17 but took it off and gave it away. It was nothing more than a mini-mag in a Glock package. It sucked for its intended purpose. The Streamlight, however, is almost a weapon in and of itself. It operates peak at 135 lumens and is blinding. It's a deer-spotter in a tiny package. It's also exceptionally well made - aluminum and steel. If anyone wants a gun light, Stream light makes and awesome product.

Those keggers down at Penn State must be getting pretty nuts. Or do you have a room mate who keeps stealing your Natty Ice?

Not even the bums on college ave. would steal that stuff.

Take a look at the S&W M&P.  I'm a Glock man, but that S&W is tempting me.

a berreta m9 if you find one for sale cheap is a GREAT buy lots of fun i love sig sauer of ruger, also for a second gun i really enjoy my COLT 1911 what a pretty gun i might get rattled for it but i think glocks are U-G-L-Y ugly its just a square gun that looks like a plastic toy gun but i will say you wont be afraid to scratch them and they are reliable

I know you have already gotten a lot of valuable advice but here's my .02.  Get an idea of the caliber you want to go with first.  I would suggest 9mm or 40cal.  I personally have a Glock 22 and love it.  After you've narrowed down the caliber, decide on a few different manufacturers/models that you are interested in.  Next go and shoot the models you are interested in.  DO NOT BUY A PISTOL WITHOUT SHOOTING IT FIRST.  If it is not comfortable for YOU to shoot, than you won't.  The most effective weapon is one that you are comfortable and PROFICIENT with.  After you purchase the pistol of choice I would definitely suggest a safety course and putting a few hundred rounds through it.  You can practice weapons fundamentals in the mirror or a safe place in your home (always ensure the weapon is cleared prior to handling the weapon).  I'm not trying to insult your intelligence with weapons but after carrying one for 10 years on-duty it scares me to see how 98% of the population handle weapons (cops are often the worst offenders).  A good holster is a must have.  Find the holster that is comfortable and again suits your needs.  Remember, functionality always trumps looks when it comes to weapons.  Good luck on your quest and definitely do not rush into the purchase.  If you have anymore questions do not hesitate to ask as there are several members here that are very knowledgeable.  

Regards

Joe

I am also looking into getting my first handgun, and there is a lot of great information on this thread. I hunt, and I think it would be a blast to kill a deer at close range with a handgun. For those of you who have hunted with handguns before, what do you recommend that could also be used for self defense/ concealed carry?

Lots of good information here.  Go to an indoor range and rent several different models and calibers to see what you are comfortable with.  Then refine your selection from there.

Lots of good information here. Go to an indoor range and rent several different models and calibers to see what you are comfortable with. Then refine your selection from there.

I have no idea where any rental places are around State College. Also how much does it cost to rent the guns?

one more piece of advice, check into the rules by the college, as well as state laws about weapons, i know you're looking at concealed carry, but I know that here in FL firearms are prohibited on all universities, and state run colleges, and a CC permit doesn't trump that. just wouldn't want to see you get into any trouble that way.

as for whatpistol, I'd look into a Glock 23, its a .40 in the mid size, great for concealing, yet still large enough frame to get a good grip. as well as when it comes to personal protection,my motto is the caliber better start with at least a .4, anything else and you run the risk of not having enough knock down power (except for maybe a .357mag, which happens to be my fav. caliber, but a lot more limits on concealing)

Lots of good information here. Go to an indoor range and rent several different models and calibers to see what you are comfortable with. Then refine your selection from there.

I have no idea where any rental places are around State College. Also how much does it cost to rent the guns?

a place near me is $8 dollars per rental for most handguns.

Personally, I tote a Ruger P89 which is a 9mm but they also produce a P90 which is a .45 caliber.  They are inexpensive, reliable, and I like the way they fit my hand.  Aftermarket grips are available but I am not a fan.

Personally, I tote a Ruger P89 which is a 9mm but they also produce a P90 which is a .45 caliber. They are inexpensive, reliable, and I like the way they fit my hand. Aftermarket grips are available but I am not a fan.

You forgot, they are also one of the most robustly built guns sold today.  The P90 is built for a steady diet of +P  ammo.  

I remember back in the '80s when the US Army was looking for a new 9mm.  The P85 entered the competition too late to be considered, but Ruger submitted "torture test" results.  One of the tests was to plug the barrel and fire a round.  In the P85, the round hit the plug and stopped.  No substantial damage to the gun.