I went to a gun and knife show today looking for my first hand gun (i have rifles, muzzle loaders already). I thought i wanted a revolver (as im big into westerns!) but i kept coming back to the Glock 23's and those types. I really liked this one .45 12rd. Para Ordinance stainless (they wanted $750 for it).
Since i have no experience with hand guns, im wondering if this is a good gun to look into.

heres a picture


http://nas4.atlanta.gbhinc.com/GB/057770000/57770004/pix4202089953.jpg

i posted the wrong pic...

http://nas4.atlanta.gbhinc.com/GB/057686000/57686709/pix133719672.jpg

"im wondering if this is a good gun to look into"

not down the barrel, no.

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The mags for Para's used to be spendy $$$$. I have not checked the prices lately. I see alot of competative shooters using Para's. Of course they are highly modified. Kinda depends who you ask if they are good guns or not. If you are looking at glocks and also at high capacity .45's you should really give the Springfiels Armory XD in .45 a look. I have seen them for around $550.00. I have held one and for a 13 + 1 gun the grip is awesome. and its .45 to boot.

http://www.springfield-armory.com/prod-xdpstl-45acp.shtml

I think my next gun buy will be one.

For small .45 autos, the Kimber Ultra Carry II with night sights is hard to beat. About the same price as the Para.

Just take a trip up I-5 and go to Olympic Arms just south of Dupont. They manufacture several .45s and you can order what you want. They also make some other weapons. One of my favorite places to shop before a deployment.

1911's are good guns, but I wouldn't go with a SA if it's your first handgun. A SA/DA would be easier to handle, especially compared to a 1911. If you want a good .45, you could try a Sig 220.

I have a glock 21 and a 36, both are .45 caliber. Can't complain too much, but the truth is you need to shop around and find what works best for you, and your grip. Find the one thats fits your hand as well as your budget.

I'l disagree with Olle: I LOVE the 1911 .45 :) Not a Glock fan here. Best thing I can say is if you have a shop that has a range, select a few that you like and test fire them-see what feels best to you.

My 45 is a 1911 clone, Italian made, Llama MAX2. Think it ran about $250 when I bought it. A little polishing of the feed ramp, and it shoot great, been VERY reliable, love it!

Granted, it's the Hyundai of 45's, but it's been solid so far (about 13 years!)

I'l disagree with Olle: I LOVE the 1911 .45 :)

Let's back up then: 1911's are great guns, but it's not the easiest or safest gun to use for someone who has never had a handgun. First of all, it's SA only, doesn't have a decocker and can't be carried with a round in the chamber unless it's "cocked and locked". I wouldn't recommend this for someone who's not used to handguns. They also have a grip safety that can be a bit finnicky if you're not used to it (don't know if the Llama has that though). I wouldn't hesitate to recommend a 1911 to an experienced handgunner, but I think a beginner is better off with a SA/DA gun with decocker and exposed hammer, simply because they are easier to understand and operate safely. I prefer Sig Sauers, but they might not be the best for a beginner either, as they don't have a safety or loaded chamber indicator. Something like a Beretta 92FS might be a better choise, as they have most of the safety features a beginner might need.

I might add that I have several handguns in different configurations, but I don't have a 1911, mainly for the reasons stated above. I might get one one day though, after all it's a classic that every gun nut needs in his collection. ;)

I'm going to agree with Olle.
If you have never owned a pistol, I highly recommend
starting with a revolver until you get used to it.
Then go with a semi-auto.

If your looking at .45s I would go with a sig220. It is the most accurate .45 out of the box.
Tony

If your looking at .45s I would go with a sig220. It is the most accurate .45 out of the box.
Tony

I have a 220 and a 9mm 226, and I love them. They sure are accurate, haven't shot the .45 much, but the 9mm is probably the most accurate and easy to shoot centerfire handgun I have ever tried... just point and shoot, hits every time. The Sigs don't have safety and loaded chamber indicator though, so they might not be the perfect choise for your first handgun.

But as SS_Dave said, a revolver is probably the best handgun for a beginner. There are many good used guns on the market, if you want a good quality piece at a decent price. I bought a .357 S&W 686 a while ago, and I just love the quality and the accuracy. A .357 is a good caliber, as it will also shoot .38 Special, which is quite a bit easier to handle than the .357 Mag.

My favorite handgun is my Springfield Arms 1911a. I bought my new for $475. I've changed a few things since then, added a two piece guide rod, new mag well, and new grips.

http://www.bigblock67chevelle.com/1911asmall.jpg

I have to vote for the sig as well. I have a 226 in .40, and it is the gun that I am most comfortable with. Sigs are also much less complicated to dissassemble and clean in comparison to a 1911 type gun. The 1911 isn't bad with practice, but it's definetly more involved. Head to your nearest range and shoot as many guns as you can, then make your decision.