I also had one for my first pistol with little to no problems. I did have an issue and called Smith and Wesson and they sent me a fed ex box to ship to them and had it back within 2 weeks. It was the extractor that broke. Also I spent some time in Afghanistan and the Afghan National Police...
I carry my 1911 all day everyday and before that had a plastic gun. I will say I am in the market for a new plastic gun in 9mm because like you said they are cheaper. That does not mean I will get rid of the Kimber, I am sure that will be with me and hopefully passed down.
I would say if you feel uncomfortable, carry without one in the pipe for a little bit and see if you have any issues that would cause you to continue carrying that way. After that carry ready to go cause bad guys don't wait for you to be ready.
If you are still looking for a holster I have always been a fan of Fobus. The prices are very good and I like the way the paddle keeps it tight to the hip. I wont say that it wont produce some holster wear other than that i like em.
Ive had my Kimber Ultra Carry II now for almost two years now and I would not trade it for anything. I would however consider getting another full size one. They shoot great and feel great. I have also had nothing but good things to say about their customer service.
Not many brands better to be your first than a Smith and Wesson. It was also mine. Just get out to the range with someone who can show you everything you need to know. And read as much as you can about it.
I would try and get your hands on as many pistols as you can. If possible find a gun shop that rents out firearms and see if you can test fire ones that you really like. And I would encourage some different classes to be proficient with your new pistol whatever you decide on.
My first handgun was the Smith and Wesson Sigma in 9 mm. It was a good first gun if you didn't mind the long trigger pull. It was fairly accurate for me. Time for a new one though, sold it a few weeks back.
Of course it was the old trusty 10 22 in black. I quickly got the 25 round banana clip and went through thousands of rounds. I sold it to a buddy I work with so still get to use it when i want.
Something I also like to do when training with a pistol is next time you are on the range with someone, have them load up a magazine and put some dummy rounds in the mix and that will help show you how much you jerk/don't jerk if you are anticipating a shot or not. Dummy rounds are pretty cheap...
My first was a 20 gauge single shot break barrel from New England Firearms. I bought it off a guy I worked with for 50 bucks. I have since cut it down "to be legal within a 1/2 inch" and redid all of the wood on it and now is nothing more than a conversation starter. Fun to shoot but hard to...
If you get the chance to check out the 1500 this coming weekend, they tend to have different kinds at a good price. I got a set of snap in kind. The only thing i do not like is the exposed D ring.
Does that class in Boone county provide the pistols or is it a bring your own and if so what is recommended. I had my girlfriend shooting the old 9 mm but want to get her going with the .45.
I think I am going to be getting a fair amount of stuff there myself. I may also be looking for a new pistol there. Thinking about the Smith and Wesson Pro Series 1911 with the 3 inch barrel.
I know if I am wearing shorts or some clothes that are not baggy the pocket pistol is the way to go. I do prefer something with more kick than a .380 but sometimes its better to have something small and be good with it than big and untrained.
That is a good choice. I like the fact that you are taking a class as soon as you got the pistol. I have seen way to many people out at ranges who buy a new gun then think they know it all from watching Die Hard movies.