Really, I hadn't heard that yet. It will be nice not to worry about that when I travel west
This site shows states that honor other states' permits. As of the last update 7/5/10, it says I still can't carry in IL

I carry a Makarov 9x18mm. A lot people haven't heard of it but those that own it, love it. Cheap and reliable $150-$300. Ask anyone who owns one if it has ever jammed... nope.
A gun forum with info on Maks

 

i beleive the new rules dont go into effect until 2011

i know i read it somewhere just cant find it now

 

Another vote here for a shotgun if you want it for home defense. Less danger of shooting the neighbors if you have to use it/spread pattern for panic situations/pump noise will probably do the job without having to shoot are my reasons. I keep a benelli supernova near my bed loaded with buckshot for just that reason.

Now that said I can understand wanting a pistol that you can shoot both for defense/carry/range time.

If you want something with customization options, go 1911. I love my colt government model. Rock river or springfield I believe make some nice models. If you plan on using it for concealed carry you might spring for one of the shorter models.

If you can leave personalization aside I'm a big fan of both the HK P2000 and the CZ75 P01. I carry a P01 and my GF carries a P2000. Both great firearms. I actually bought both of them at the same time when we got our CHL's and then we spent a lot of time determining which one of us liked which one. The CZ seemed to work for me better so I went with it.

 

hey zmd I am actually looking into buying my first gun. I absolutely know nothing about guns but I really want to learn all there is to know about using a gun, purchasing, licensing?, types of guns, types of bullets, practicing at a firing range, etc. I've been googling and reading anything I can find, but if you guys know of a good source for new gun owners I'd be much obliged.


sorry for hijack

 

? 100rd 9mm is $20, 100rds of .45 is $32.

I too am not a .40 fan. 9mm hollowpoints expand bigger then FMJ .45's and nobody has ever said the FMJ .45 isen't enough bullet. The way I look at it is either get alot of bullets [9mm] or get really big ones [.45] but don't give up the best of either and get a .40 [not a ton of bullets, none that are really big].

It all comes down to what you can shoot and hit what your aiming at. If you can only do that with one caliber and gun type then stick with that. I carry a kahr PM9 for daily concealed carry and love it. Alot of people can't shoot a gun this small properly. Its weird because I prefer large frame G21's vs the G21sf. You need to go out and shoot lots of different models.

 

ive had so many weapons im to the point where i cant remember them all. and im only 23. as for home defense, i suggest a pump action shotgun as already stated.

for a beginner lookin into his first gun id recommend the springfield xd series in either the .40 cal or the 9mm. plenty of stopping power with many upgrades available.

a higher quality id look towards the kahr weapons. a bit more expensive but also many upgrades and for me its easy to carry and fits my hand very well in a .40

i personally carry a kahr p380. on my ankle or in my pocket. its a much smaller weapon to conceal so even when riding its nice. and even with the smaller cal ammo, its not a through and through shot. its a hit the flesh and rattle around the body so the person suffers. then dies several hrs later.

as far as the 1911 type pistol, i love the kimbers. the just look so clean and simple and really comfortable in the hand.

im not much of a fan of the glocks bc to me they are to squared in my hand. but i have shot a glock 17 or 23 (law enforcement issued) in full auto with a 30rd clip and that was extremely satisfying.

but my most favorite weapon is my s&w .357 revolver. double action w/ hammer. 3inch barrel. i shoot .38 +p rounds through it and boy does that just feel so good.

ive also own a .32, .22 long barrel, .380, 2 other .40 in hand guns. a .223, 2 .270 and a .308 hunting rifles. 2 ar-15s and soon to be inheriting a civilian m-16 once the ATF paperwork goes through. i've already been offered 17k for it because its registered before 1986.

 

a buddy at my work told me today that i can go to a local gun shop here and pick up a new Springfield 1911 for 500 out the door... that def got my interest

but after doing alot of reading through here ill be doing some looking around and seeing what i can find... as well as different size options so on and so forth...

 

I dont understand why so many people get on the internet and ask this, you need to go to a gun shop and hold and feel em. The internet made me fall in love with the XD's until i went and held one and can say i would never own one i hate em. My buddy was all ready to pickup a glock 23 until he held it and ended up buying a XD

I've carried a glock 30 concealed for 5 years, have thousands of rounds threw it and has yet to let me down. I've carried 9's 380's hell i carry a 8" colt king cobra .357 every now and again. I'd go with a good quality semi auto or a revolver for home defense, i have the glock next to the bed at night and the colt on the other side of the house, and the 380's in the middle somewhere.

Course if chit gets real harry the AR isnt to far away, remember HOME DEFENSE is about intimidation, even if someone comes into your home (atleast in colorado) you cant just shoot you need to be "in fear of your life" No personally the AR would be the last thing i grab if someone is in the house, the colt would honestly be my best intimidation factor there something about looking down a big long barrel at them shiny 357 hollows staring you down, the glock would be on me as backup.

As i tell people if its your only gun it better be the best one you can buy, cause the last thing you wanna do is f*** up when theres a barrel pointed at your head

 

GREAT point. When I bought my CZ and HK I chose them after holding virtually every semi-auto compact in the store and it is a fair sized store. Also, if one of your local ranges has a gun rental program available it is a great idea to take advantage of. I knew I liked how both the HK and CZ felt when I bought them and I was leaning towards carrying the HK but after some time and rounds through both of them I actually switched my preferences and realized I was a better natural shot with the CZ.

 

some advice for first handgun! dont be an idiot. guns come in diferent shapes sizes and calibers for a reason.first off, go to a good gun shop and find a knowledgeable sales person. Then, hold different makes and models and find which one feels most comfortable. Then, determine the caliber that you need. 45's are great guns, but, border on hand cannons. Some people feel that 9mm are too small. I dare them to stand in front of mine. 40's are good all around guns. Something else to consider, for conceal/carry is a 1911 is a big gun to carry all day and to conceal. I would also recommend joining a gun club. A lot of them offer some types of training and gun safety. Having been a gun enthusiast for years, I have seen a lot of people shooting guns that are too big for them or too small for them. A good sales person should help you with this. You will have to sort out the bull from the facts as they are there to sell you something. And, most importantly, practice, practice, practice!