I had thought I'd give my oldest grandson a Glock 19 for college graduation, because I know he'd like to have a 9mm handgun and the 19 seems to be a very popular gun. He doesn't want to CC, but would probably have it in his truck much of the time. I think he wants it for SD and some recreational target shooting. We live in Georgia and don't have the crazy restrictions.
The other day, though, in conversation he said he wouldn't want a Glock because he'd rather have a pistol with an external safety, "probably a Sig or Ruger or maybe a Kimber, but the Kimbers are really expensive." I don't know whether that means he wouldn't consider another brand or not--guessing he would if it had enough advantages. He has no idea I'm thinking of getting him one for graduation. I don't know whether he wants the 1911 kind or something that's shaped more like a Glock. Can you tell that I know next to nothing about semi-autos? (I'm a revolver gal.)
For those who like more info before recommending something:
He doesn't own any handguns (isn't quite 21 yet), only a deer rifle and hunting bow AFAIK, but his dad has a few other rifles, shotguns, handguns. He graduated from AF BMT, but then had to get out because they discovered a medical issue that couldn't be fixed. I don't remember him mentioning what they trained with in BMT. I'd say he has at least average gun knowledge for a "Southern boy," if that matters.
I suppose before I buy one for him, I really need to let him choose it, although I was hoping to surprise him. I have at least a year to pick him and decide what to do, so I'm only gathering info for further thought at this point. All this rambling to ask you folks:
What are some good models in 9 mm, especially Sigs and Rugers, that have an external safety?
I'm thinking nothing huge nor tiny, just all-around convenient size but perhaps could be occasionally carried if need be. And of course, I would want something very reliable and not picky about ammo. I'm somewhat flexible on cost, but if it might be left in his truck sometimes, probably not anything super-expensive.
I understand many have some strong opinions about the pros and cons of safeties, but he's said he prefers an external safety, so those are the ones grandmom needs to learn about.
If you would, please also tell me why you like or dislike a model or brand, pros and cons, etc. Thanks so much for your suggestions and info!
The other day, though, in conversation he said he wouldn't want a Glock because he'd rather have a pistol with an external safety, "probably a Sig or Ruger or maybe a Kimber, but the Kimbers are really expensive." I don't know whether that means he wouldn't consider another brand or not--guessing he would if it had enough advantages. He has no idea I'm thinking of getting him one for graduation. I don't know whether he wants the 1911 kind or something that's shaped more like a Glock. Can you tell that I know next to nothing about semi-autos? (I'm a revolver gal.)
For those who like more info before recommending something:
He doesn't own any handguns (isn't quite 21 yet), only a deer rifle and hunting bow AFAIK, but his dad has a few other rifles, shotguns, handguns. He graduated from AF BMT, but then had to get out because they discovered a medical issue that couldn't be fixed. I don't remember him mentioning what they trained with in BMT. I'd say he has at least average gun knowledge for a "Southern boy," if that matters.
I suppose before I buy one for him, I really need to let him choose it, although I was hoping to surprise him. I have at least a year to pick him and decide what to do, so I'm only gathering info for further thought at this point. All this rambling to ask you folks:
What are some good models in 9 mm, especially Sigs and Rugers, that have an external safety?
I'm thinking nothing huge nor tiny, just all-around convenient size but perhaps could be occasionally carried if need be. And of course, I would want something very reliable and not picky about ammo. I'm somewhat flexible on cost, but if it might be left in his truck sometimes, probably not anything super-expensive.
I understand many have some strong opinions about the pros and cons of safeties, but he's said he prefers an external safety, so those are the ones grandmom needs to learn about.
If you would, please also tell me why you like or dislike a model or brand, pros and cons, etc. Thanks so much for your suggestions and info!