lol, sound advice!


Thank you, that might be the reason I was told to stay away from the 1911 platform. You reminded me about the price, I totally forgot to add that to my post and that's actually one of my deciding factors.

As far as the ammo goes I never thought to think of the pricing. But the main reason behind the .40S&W size and no .22 is the defense factor.
I've always been interested in guns and I planned to get into it as a hobby but something I witnessed earlier this year (not at all involved ) made me switch my mentality from just a hobby to self defense for myself and my family. I never realized exactly how messed up people can be until unnecessary BS unfolded on my street.

I wanted a 92FS initially but read some stuff about the stopping power of the 9mm. Tried and true I still want a little more power but not as much as a .44 or .45 since my grip and technique is pretty much non existent. The only problem is I've never shot a .40S&W before, I've done .22LR, 9mm, .357 magnum, .44magnum, and .45

I'm not opposed to getting a 9mm though. I'm sure it'll be fine if I ever had to use it (I pray I'd never have to use it defensively) within my home in the event of a robber/killer/whatever this is just my logic. How is it so far? lol

Yes price of ammo is a good reason for 9mm.  The ammo is somewhat inexpensive (not like the 22 but close) with options for HD rounds.

Ive never had to use it for defensive purposes, but i understand that 9mms in jacketed hollow points (JHP) will stop someone good enough. One of the advantages of a 9mm polymer handgun is usually more rounds (16, 17) in the magazine, but that advantage is negated here in Hawaii.  Because of the 10 rd limit, some people go for the 45 cal instead (6-7 rounds in the magazine).

Another option is to get a 38/357 revolver. You can use the cheaper 38 rounds for practice, the 38 special for home defense and 357 if you really want the stopping power. But I don't like the idea of reloading revolvers and much prefer having magazines instead.

Hope this helps... good luck with your choice!

Yes price of ammo is a good reason for 9mm.  The ammo is somewhat inexpensive (not like the 22 but close) with options for HD rounds.

Ive never had to use it for defensive purposes, but i understand that 9mms in jacketed hollow points (JHP) will stop someone good enough. One of the advantages of a 9mm polymer handgun is usually more rounds (16, 17) in the magazine, but that advantage is negated here in Hawaii.  Because of the 10 rd limit, some people go for the 45 cal instead (6-7 rounds in the magazine).

Another option is to get a 38/357 revolver. You can use the cheaper 38 rounds for practice, the 38 special for home defense and 357 if you really want the stopping power. But I don't like the idea of reloading revolvers and much prefer having magazines instead.

Hope this helps... good luck with your choice!

I looked into the pricing and comparison between 9mm JHP and .40 S&W. Now I'm leaning towards the 9mm again. A box of JHP that I can in the safe and  rotate ever now and then (how long to let ammo sit? do they expire?) should suffice, then I can buy bulk ammo until I buy my own reloader.

I didn't really like the feel of revolvers when I shot them but the wife did so maybe she might end up getting one.


 I already have money set aside for the px4 (or something in that price range). I've decided on cheaper 9mm and 9mm JHP for HD (thanks to you). Anything else I should consider for a first gun purchase?

I looked into the pricing and comparison between 9mm JHP and .40 S&W. Now I'm leaning towards the 9mm again. A box of JHP that I can in the safe and  rotate ever now and then (how long to let ammo sit? do they expire?) should suffice, then I can buy bulk ammo until I buy my own reloader.

I didn't really like the feel of revolvers when I shot them but the wife did so maybe she might end up getting one.

 I already have money set aside for the px4 (or something in that price range). I've decided on cheaper 9mm and 9mm JHP for HD (thanks to you). Anything else I should consider for a first gun purchase?

Hi numbertwo -- heres some additional advice on choosing your first gun:

Eye dominance - Find out if you are left eye or right eye dominant vs left handed vs right handed. I am left eye dominant and right handed which means my optimal body alignment on proper shooting is slightly off. You'll find that shooting left handed if you're left eye dominant, you achieve the optimal gun / hand / eye alignment more naturally, than if you shoot cross dominance. If you aim with your left eye, make sure your gun can operate left handed (mag release, safety, slide lock, etc). If you're left eye dominant, you may want to learn to shoot left handed even if you're right handed. Some cross dominant folks put black tape over their dominant eye but I think this is a bad idea if you cannot shoot with both eyes open.

Proper grip - Then, look up on the Internet what proper one handed and two handed grip alignment looks like so you can learn to hold your gun correctly on the get go. Know that semiautomatic vs revolver gripping are slightly different. When you grip the gun with your shooting hand, see that the barrel/slide lines up straight up your forearm so recoil is absorbed correctly. Then with that grip, check that the flesh behind your index finger's fingernail is sitting comfortably on the trigger (some folks teach to have the trigger on the joint but I'm not sure about this).  If something on this is off, then the gun grip might be too big/ too small for your hand.  Try pulling the trigger (on an unloaded gun of course) to see if you can keep the gun steady when it fires or if you're flinching.  Learn the proper grip of your support hand too since this will be key in shooting accurately. 

Now that you know what the proper handling is supposed to look like, visit the stores and try gripping the different guns to see which one sits correctly on your hand.  The grip doesn't have to be perfect but just be aware how you need to adjust for it if it's not.   If your wife wants to shoot this, make sure to have her try gripping the gun too and make sure she can rack the slide without problems.

You'll want eye and ear protection (two sets?), a target frame, a target backboard, paper targets (shoot and see kind?), as well as cleaning equipment to clean your gun after shooting.

Oh also, don't forget a safe/locked case to store your firearm safely when not in use.

As a second thought, you might want to consider getting a .22 handgun to go with the .45.  The .22 cal is cheap and easy to shoot.  If you find yourself shooting poorly with the 45 at the range, you can switch to the 22 and practice the fundamentals again before going back to the 45.

 
This is exactly what I did in '88 when the Army issued me a .45 as my primary weapon. Bought a S&W 422 and never had a reason to regret it. (unless you count the ridiculous cost of additional S&W 422 magazines!  )
A brick of .22 is cheap and fun to go through.
24 years later, I still have the S&W and still love it.
It is the gun both my kids will learn on one day.

Excellent advice.

Hi numbertwo -- heres some additional advice on choosing your first gun:

Eye dominance - Find out if you are left eye or right eye dominant vs left handed vs right handed. I am left eye dominant and right handed which means my optimal body alignment on proper shooting is slightly off. You'll find that shooting left handed if you're left eye dominant, you achieve the optimal gun / hand / eye alignment more naturally, than if you shoot cross dominance. If you aim with your left eye, make sure your gun can operate left handed (mag release, safety, slide lock, etc). If you're left eye dominant, you may want to learn to shoot left handed even if you're right handed. Some cross dominant folks put black tape over their dominant eye but I think this is a bad idea if you cannot shoot with both eyes open.

Proper grip - Then, look up on the Internet what proper one handed and two handed grip alignment looks like so you can learn to hold your gun correctly on the get go. Know that semiautomatic vs revolver gripping are slightly different. When you grip the gun with your shooting hand, see that the barrel/slide lines up straight up your forearm so recoil is absorbed correctly. Then with that grip, check that the flesh behind your index finger's fingernail is sitting comfortably on the trigger (some folks teach to have the trigger on the joint but I'm not sure about this).  If something on this is off, then the gun grip might be too big/ too small for your hand.  Try pulling the trigger (on an unloaded gun of course) to see if you can keep the gun steady when it fires or if you're flinching.  Learn the proper grip of your support hand too since this will be key in shooting accurately. 

Now that you know what the proper handling is supposed to look like, visit the stores and try gripping the different guns to see which one sits correctly on your hand.  The grip doesn't have to be perfect but just be aware how you need to adjust for it if it's not.   If your wife wants to shoot this, make sure to have her try gripping the gun too and make sure she can rack the slide without problems.

You'll want eye and ear protection (two sets?), a target frame, a target backboard, paper targets (shoot and see kind?), as well as cleaning equipment to clean your gun after shooting.

Oh also, don't forget a safe/locked case to store your firearm safely when not in use.

I'll have to check back on this right before I got shopping  ver informational, thank you!

I'm looking to buy a safe now. That's the first thing I have in mind since I have 2 kids running around and the target frame I'll have to make, I know koko heads website has the instructions so I'll go with that.

Hello all,
I have just joined this forum.
I am presently living in Alaska and have been here for about 30 years.
In about a year my gal-friend and I will begin the process of relocating permanently to the Big Island.
I intend to bring my firearms with me, to continue recreational shooting and to take up hunting again.

I have done much online research to find out about Hawaiian firearm and hunting laws and regulations.
I still have a number of questions and clarifications I'd like to ask before bringing them over.
This seems to be a good place to ask my questions.

welcome, new forum members 

Hello all,
I have just joined this forum.
I am presently living in Alaska and have been here for about 30 years.
In about a year my gal-friend and I will begin the process of relocating permanently to the Big Island.
I intend to bring my firearms with me, to continue recreational shooting and to take up hunting again.

I have done much online research to find out about Hawaiian firearm and hunting laws and regulations.
I still have a number of questions and clarifications I'd like to ask before bringing them over.
This seems to be a good place to ask my questions.

Welcome from the Puna web Voyager! I think you'll like the people here.

I intend to bring my firearms with me, to continue recreational shooting and to take up hunting again.

No problem bringing them over, as long as you follow the registration timeline.  Wife brought a pistol from the mainland and registered it no problem.  No waiting period, no nothing.

Magazine capacity is another stumbling point.  Sell off any pistol mags over 10 rounds.  Rifle is a tricky one.  Other guys here are better versed about that.

Recreational shooting areas on the BI are a problem.  Supposedly $300k was approved for building a range on the west side, but I have read nothing in months now about progress with that.

 Aloha all,

Im Ku... literally thats my name.  I'm a Oahu grown, Navy Submariner, and family guy.  Just joined the forum, relatively new gun owner in hopes of learning the ropes.  Recently purchased a Glock 22 gen4 and a AR-15.  All I need now is some range time.

Welcome Ku!!

Aloha All,

East Oahu checking in! Born & raised here and a long time visitor tothe Koko Head range.   Had no idea about this forum, big thanks OGC team from clueing me in 

I look forward to checking everything out and hopefully contributing something worthwhile as well.   Certainly a lot of good info here, I've got a lot of learning on all the latest ahead!

Ahui hou 

Boomah

Welcome to the site

Hey everybody i'm Curtis. Should be getting my permit in about a week and will purchase my first gun after that. Look forward to talking with you all.

Welcome all new members. 

Howzit from Hilo everyone. Been into shooting and some reloading for a little over 20 years. Just getting back into it after a long layoff. After reading the forum for a while, I decided to join up. Hopefully I can learn a few things from all you knowledgeable people out there! Glad to be here!

From Chicago, greetings to everyone.

From Chicago, greetings to everyone.

Chicago in the house.

Go Bulls ! 

Da Bullss

Another new member here, Name is Brandon, born and raised on the big island,  currently living in Maine since I moved here 2 years ago but heading back to the Big island in a couple weeks,  Joined the forum to find out places to go shoot on the island. Looks like i might have to dig out my hunting license and just go up somewhere on mauna kea to shoot  targets and as long as I have my license and its "hunting season" i should be OK? I have done some 4 wheeling up the access road maybe past where mana road comes a couple miles up on the left side and seemed to remember there being some good open places to shoot without bothering anybody. Might also check out this place over in pau'uilo... Gotta be honest im not looking forward to the gun scene back in the islands. Here its pretty gun friendly. I picked up my first handgun, the Ruger 1911 a month ago and just walked in the shop, 10 minutes later walked out with it. Also pretty bummed cause I want the ruger 22 charger- looks like a fun shooter and much cheaper to shoot than the 1911 but of course its Illegal in hawaii    I dont even remember there being any real gun shops on the island since that place by costco closed down
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