What do I look for in buying a pistol? - The Firearms Forum

Finaddict · 09-27-2006, 02:27 PM

I was thinking of buying a Kimber TLE II. I was in a local gun shop and all they had was some Colts and a Rock Island 1911 that would be the same size as the TLE II. Anyway, I picked up the Colt and it felt really good and well balanced. The problem I had was that my index finger just did reach over the trigger. What I mean is that it did seem I had a good pull on it but my finger didn't make the first joint to the front of the trigger. It seems the trigger was right between the tip and the first joint of my index finger. I don't know enough about pistols to determine was is supposed to be a proper fit for your hand. So, that's why I came here to ask the experts. When choosing a gun what do I look for in terms of fit? I want to make sure before I dump $800 or $900 in a firearm.

Thanks for the help,
Steve

Shooter45 · 09-27-2006, 06:42 PM

That is exactly where your finger should contact the trigger.

FYI, you can make a 1911 fit your hand by changing triggerand/or, grips, and/or mainspring housing to make the pistol fit your hand better.

Finaddict · 09-27-2006, 07:31 PM

Thanks for the info Shooter! I sure like that 1911. I'm think I'm gonna try one out.

Thanks again,
Steve

southernshooter · 09-27-2006, 09:31 PM

What ever fits you hand and caliber preferences

berto64 · 10-04-2006, 10:35 PM

Berto the smartass says; when choosing a pistol one should look for a hole in the long end and a handle on the other end!

Sorry, I just couldn't resist!

You can't go wrong with a steel 1911A1!

Jay · 10-05-2006, 07:54 AM

Quote:

When choosing a gun what do I look for in terms of fit?

Just holding the pistol, it should feel comfortable/natural in your hand. When you raise the pistol, (as if you were going to shoot it) you should not have to make any large angular adjustments with your hand(s) to bring the sights on target. You should be able to reach all the "controls" without re-arranging the pistol in your hand(s).

If the pistol is not comfortable for you to hold, you won't shoot it enough to become proficient with it.

Just my 2 cents worth.... keep the change

care-less · 11-03-2006, 09:05 PM

No offense meant; but based on your experience level, the 1911 is not the pistol to be looking at. The 1911 while quite excellent is not a beginners pistol. It requires a high level of commitment to manage it properly. It is a gun for the more advanced shooter. That doesn't mean that a new shooter can't master it, its just not the ideal platform for a beginner to learn on. Get a couple of good 22's; a revolver and an auto; do a lot of shooting! then move up to a 38 revolver and shoot a lot more! When you no longer have to ask the question, you will have your answer. Good Luck.

southernshooter · 11-03-2006, 09:14 PM

I do carry the same beileves as you Care but he wanted a .45 so thats why we recomended that

09-27-2006, 02:27 PM	#1
Finaddict Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Daphne, AL Posts: 18	What do I look for in buying a pistol? I was thinking of buying a Kimber TLE II. I was in a local gun shop and all they had was some Colts and a Rock Island 1911 that would be the same size as the TLE II. Anyway, I picked up the Colt and it felt really good and well balanced. The problem I had was that my index finger just did reach over the trigger. What I mean is that it did seem I had a good pull on it but my finger didn't make the first joint to the front of the trigger. It seems the trigger was right between the tip and the first joint of my index finger. I don't know enough about pistols to determine was is supposed to be a proper fit for your hand. So, that's why I came here to ask the experts. When choosing a gun what do I look for in terms of fit? I want to make sure before I dump $800 or $900 in a firearm. Thanks for the help, Steve -->

09-27-2006, 06:42 PM	#2
Shooter45 Administrator Join Date: Feb 2001 Contributor Posts: 8,790	Re: What do I look for in buying a pistol? That is exactly where your finger should contact the trigger. FYI, you can make a 1911 fit your hand by changing triggerand/or, grips, and/or mainspring housing to make the pistol fit your hand better.

09-27-2006, 07:31 PM	#3
Finaddict Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Daphne, AL Posts: 18	Re: What do I look for in buying a pistol? Thanks for the info Shooter! I sure like that 1911. I'm think I'm gonna try one out. Thanks again, Steve

09-27-2006, 09:31 PM	#4
southernshooter Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Deep South Mississippi Posts: 5,943	Re: What do I look for in buying a pistol? What ever fits you hand and caliber preferences __________________ Only you can see this

10-04-2006, 10:35 PM	#5
berto64 VMBB Admin Staff Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Owyhee County, Idaho Contributor Posts: 7,394	Re: What do I look for in buying a pistol? Berto the smartass says; when choosing a pistol one should look for a hole in the long end and a handle on the other end! Sorry, I just couldn't resist! You can't go wrong with a steel 1911A1! __________________ Be who you are & say what you will, Those that matter won't mind and those that mind don't matter. I'm a bitter clinger, One Nation Under God.

11-03-2006, 09:05 PM	#7
care-less Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 4	Re: What do I look for in buying a pistol? No offense meant; but based on your experience level, the 1911 is not the pistol to be looking at. The 1911 while quite excellent is not a beginners pistol. It requires a high level of commitment to manage it properly. It is a gun for the more advanced shooter. That doesn't mean that a new shooter can't master it, its just not the ideal platform for a beginner to learn on. Get a couple of good 22's; a revolver and an auto; do a lot of shooting! then move up to a 38 revolver and shoot a lot more! When you no longer have to ask the question, you will have your answer. Good Luck.

11-03-2006, 09:14 PM	#8
southernshooter Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Deep South Mississippi Posts: 5,943	Re: What do I look for in buying a pistol? I do carry the same beileves as you Care but he wanted a .45 so thats why we recomended that __________________ Only you can see this