In order to participate in the GunBroker Member forums, you must be logged in with your GunBroker.com account. Click the sign-in button at the top right of the forums page to get connected.

My First Handgun

E.WilliamsE.Williams Member Posts: 1,101 ✭✭✭✭
edited June 2002 in Ask the Experts
I got a Kel-Tec P40 like new owner says like 25 rounds for $200.00.I had read some of the good things you all have had to say about Kel-Tec's and thought this one was priced well.I am thinking my rounds will be a 135grain personal defense hydrashock in the chamber and 165 grain Expanding FMJ in the clip.But what do you all suggest.Do these sound good or would I be better off sticking with something else?Thanks.E.Williams

Eric S. Williams
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • austin247austin247 Member Posts: 375 ✭
    edited November -1
    I've had a Kel-Tec P-11 9mm for several years and it's fed everything I've put through it. I've never fired a Kel-Tec .40. My only advice would be to shoot at least a box of whatever you intend to carry in your gun, to make sure it will feed properly and to make sure it can be handled by the shooter. Those little guns can be a pretty good handful when high powered ammo is fired in 'em.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • niklasalniklasal Member Posts: 776 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Ditto on what austin said about being a handful.

    At $200 I'd say you got a good deal. That is assuming that's total cost including shipping and FFL fees. If you bought privately or at a shop, it's even better.

    My gun is prettier than yours, and it's a Glock!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • leeblackmanleeblackman Member Posts: 5,303 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    If its a brand new gun, I would go buy about 200rds of the cheapest ball ammo you can get and break it in with it, especially before you carry with it.

    Alot of brand new guns have a break-in period where they jam a few times when you first start shooting them.

    I just wish I had a dollar for every gun I wanted, then I'd be a rich man.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • GUNNETGUNNET Member Posts: 5 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    As for the idea of using two bullet weights, one chambered and something else in the balance of the mag,pick the one you shoot well, the gun likes and you have confidence in and stay with it.
    I sold a fair number of KelTechs when they fist came out. NEVER had a customer complaint.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • gundummygundummy Member Posts: 254 ✭
    edited November -1
    YOU DID WELL ON YOUR FIRST GUN, SO GOOD FOR YOU. GLAD YOU DID NOT GO FOR THAT DAVIS CRAP. YOU GOT A HUNDRED (MAYBE 1000x)TIMES BETTER GUN FOR ONLY 2 TIMES THE COST OF THAT DAVIS. I AGREE WITH FIRING A COUPLE HUNDRED ROUNDS OF CHEAP BALL AMMO THEN TRYING AT LEAST A BOX OF THE AMMO YOU INTEND ON CARRYING TO MAKE SURE THAT GUN LIKES IT. DON'T EXPECT IT TO BE A TARGET GUN EITHER BECAUSE IT'S NOT. IT WILL DO WHAT IT'S INTENDED FOR AT ~7 YDS OR SO. I BELIEVE YOU CAN ALSO GET THE MAG EXTENSION SO YOU CAN HAVE 10 RNDS IN THE MAG + 1 UP THE PIPE. IT WILL BE A HANDFUL IF YOU HAVENT NOTICED YET, BUT YOU'LL GET USED TO IT. WELCOME ABOARD AND HOPE YOU CAN CONTROL THE "BUG" AFTER BUYING THAT FIRST GUN. IT'S NORMALLY JUST THE START. HECK, AFTER 1-1/2 YEARS, I AM STILL ON A ONE GUN A MONTH PACE AND DON'T SEE IT ENDING ANYTIME SOON. GD
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • badboybobbadboybob Member Posts: 1,658 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    That's all good advice, Eric. Check out www.ktog.org

    PC=BS
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • NighthawkNighthawk Member Posts: 12,022 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    The kel-tec pistols are of good quality over all. As for the loads the 155gr Federal Hydra shok round is listed under the FBI files, after a 10 year study as being the number one shot, to the torso stop rate at 98% there is. A lot of Police agencys are going with the 135gr bullet, because it is superior to the legendary .357 mag hollow point. I think as time passes the 135gr load will be close to the top. Hope this helps.

    Rugster
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • PearywPearyw Member Posts: 3,699
    edited November -1
    I have been carrying a P40 for a couple of years in a pocket holster. I use to carry 180 gr Black Talon ammo in it. I tested several different rounds, and settled on the 155 gr Hydra-Shok. I use an Uncle Mikes pocket holster that is made for the S&W chief.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • leeblackmanleeblackman Member Posts: 5,303 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I'd probably at least buy a box of everything, go out and shoot it all. See what your gun likes. What feeds the most reliably, what groups the best, and what you like the feel of better.

    If I'm wrong please correct me, I won't be offended.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • e.tn.ret.cope.tn.ret.cop Member Posts: 10 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Get a real gun buy a Colt 1911!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • gundummygundummy Member Posts: 254 ✭
    edited November -1
    RET.COP,

    SOME PEOPLE DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO BUY A COLT 1911. KEL-TEC'S ARE NOT BUILT LIKE COLTS, GLOCKS OR SIGS, BUT THEY ARE MADE QUITE WELL AND ARE VERY DEPENDABLE FOR THE PRICE. MORE IMPORTANTLY, KT'S ARE NOT BUILT LIKE JENNINGS OR DAVIS DESPITE THEIR BUDGET PRICE.

    THEN AGAIN, SOME PEOPLE WON'T BUY A COLT 1911 EVEN IF THEY HAD THE MONEY BECAUSE IT MIGHT NOT BE FOR THEM. AND I AM ONE OF THEM. I HAVE OTHER HIGH END GUNS, BUT I CHOOSE TO CARRY MY KT P11 EVERYDAY NOW BECAUSE IT'S VERY EASY TO CONCEAL IN HOT WEATHER.

    DON'T KNOCK THE KT'S BECAUSE THEY ARE JUST AS "REAL" OF A GUN AS YOUR COLT.

    GD
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mballaimballai Member Posts: 1,280 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    The 1911 is the greatest handgun ever made IMHO and my personal favorite, but it's an acquired taste for those who can use it and appreciate it, and not the best choice for many situations. The first time I ever shot one, it was a nightmare. As much as I would recommend one, I don't recommend them to the average new shooter.

    Three Precious Metals: Gold, silver and lead
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
Sign In or Register to comment.