How To Choose A Handgun - IMHO

[@acester86]

I like the Beretta 92. there's a reason it is so popular with law enforcement. it is a work horse.

[@acester86]

cant go wrong with a Glock either. if i get a 2nd handgun, ill probably go for a larger cal. glock.

[@maxreuv]

Well delivered reasons for sticking with two major platforms!

[@BLACkNDBLUE]

I love this guy

[@OfficialRobMazurek]

I agree Rod,i chose .45 acp 1911 platform as my first choice because mags can be bought at decent prices and parts are widely available and like you I wwnt with the Norinco version as its built extremely well and strong and is inexpensive compated to a brand New Colt ,I also like the Beretta 92 as 9mm ammo is cheap especially in bulk and mags are moderately priced and the 92s reputation speaks for itself ,bakkistically the 9mm is better for long range targets than the slower,heacier .45 acp but as I believe if you own more than one pistol and calibre you should train equally and be equally proficient with each one you own ..just my 2 cents

[@Gil199116]

Great overview, I like your approach on choosing pistols. I am not sure if you mentioned ambi features for leftys or people who might have physical restrictions. And in regard to physical restrictions you might want to mention how hard things are to manipulate. I have cerebral palsy affecting my right side so I find some pistols better then others. The sigs and 1911 variants have a much heavier slide pull then say a glock or the M&P. I own a Jericho 941 and I like the ambi safety/decocker but because the slide runs inside the frame I find it gives me less purchase on the slide and therefore harder for me to use. Some of these issues could apply to "some" ladies as well. Just some food for thought.

[@ahunter316]

Great points. You mentioned that you bought a 1911 just because it's fun to shoot. Well you should give revolvers a try (especially a good one), they are a blast!

[@loranddeka]

Great common sense tips. All these can also apply to rifles and shotguns as well. Availability of parts, magazines, costs of ammo etc. Plus if you ever need your firearm repaired or modified where are you not gonna find a gunsmith familiar with a tested design.

[@terrylegrand1950]

Another great video Rod I've been in and out of hand guns for about 12-17 years have owned beautiful guns like STI EDGE and Apero ended up selling these expensive pieces of art without firing a shot out of them then I bought a Glock this one I at least fired some rounds out of but was still not happy with. The reason I quit firearms was because of all the Stigma about guns here in Canada and the endless fight against our own Government just to have a Hobby. This time I decided no overpriced wall hangers also no cheap knock-offs of good handguns from China or Czechoslovakia guns. I watched You tube and picked a gun that makes the shooter look good no matter his skill level and was actually fun to shoot. I went with a Walter PPQ match 5 . I really admire you and hope you keep up the good fight against a government that really doesn't care or want to here from a group of people that is contrary to what they believe. IMHO

[@Moparornocar74]

I love my Norinco 1911, it's a heavy pig of a gun but it's been super reliable, I like the narrow grips, the sights are ok but that's an easy upgrade. Parts are cheaper than dirt and it can be made into a reasonable competition gun without too much of an investment so long as you choose a class it'll be competitive in

[@willyb933]

Glad you gave honourable mention to the Ruger sr9 …..just picked my first handgun up today LOL! The ruger takes a little flak for all the safety features (built by lawyers etc.) but for a first handgun I have no problem with that and at the price point it has lots of features and a great track record for reliability. Having said this …..I picked up the Sig P226 when shopping and it is amazing….next purchase for sure! ….Hey Rod ..get a revolver man!!…..what have you got against cowboys?? :) (gotta ruger single six on the way)

[@shaynepatterson8939]

good vid Rod, a lot of really good points man, I also like that you help the norinco name out they are awesome guns that get crapped on a lot

[@brandonrayner5253]

I love my Glock 17 Gen 4 that I just got, I did some custom work to it to make it more my gun. I also just got an FX9 because it’s non restricted and it takes the same Glock mags as my G17. I’ve owned a lot of hand guns: Sig 191-22, Norinco NP22, IWI Jericho 941, Grand Power Q100 and now a Glock 17, honestly for me my Glock has been by far the best fit for me.

[@johnthom3342]

In Canada with the 5 shot limit and the expense of magazines, an 8 shot S&W 627 revolver with moon clips is a good alternative. Moon clips are a fraction of the cost of magazines and just as fast to reload and revolvers are safer to handle. Plus revolvers are beautiful while the Glock for all its acknowledged reliability is just a lump of ugly plastic. Good video though with many useful suggestions.

[@daavidstuart]

What about a S&W M&P? I always saw them as comparable in price, parts, and availability to a Glock. What do you think?

[@liamlapierre329]

The M&P 2.0 feels so awesome! Smith and Wesson is fantastic!

[@trashfire9641]

Dang! I came here for some revolver knowledge LOL! Where does Civil Advantage operate? I love your videos, keep up the good work!

[@civiladvantage]

Thanks Matthew. Abbotsford, BC

[@trashfire9641]

Do you get many (any) customers/clients from Prince George? That's where I am from.

[@civiladvantage]

Yes, a couple from the cariboo in the past

[@CaptianKurek]

Great video!! My preferred pistol is a HK p30l. Feels great in my hand!

[@chrossphyre]

I spent weekends selling guns in Calgary for a retailer there fro a couple of years. During that time I sold a few hundred guns, many to first time buyers. I always sold on the basis of fit. I can't count the numbers of times someone with short fingers or small palm area came in to buy a full size Beretta or Taurus because they saw it on TV and thought it was cool. They would have been far better off with a Walther P99 or a Browning Hi-Power (with the black grips, not the military style ones). I would take a look at their hand size, finger length (trigger control is critical and the pad of the index finger should rest naturally on the centre of the trigger), and wrist angle (you would not believe how this changes pointability). I'd make two or three recommendations and run them through some pointing drills. I urged them to buy the gun that pointed naturally and they felt most comfortable with. I'd also check their grip to make sure the gun didn't move in the hand, side-to-side, up-and-down. Brand doesn't matter. Fit matters. I've seen dozens of folks in the range spending six months fighting their gun for a comfortable and effective shooting position. With good fit, you'll shoot well right out of the box and in six months you'll be damn good, not frustrated, blaming the gun, and missing the target.

[@samatardavidbndphotofilm]

+chrossphyre . You're 100%. I'm one of those dudes with lady hands lol. I can't reach a Beretta 92 safety lever. Glock grips are too wide but 1911s and Smith and Wesson M&P with adjustable grips are PERFECT!

[@tonyfrank8528]

Man that's how a first time handgun buyer should be treated.

[@asteiner9181]

If you are starting out pistol target shooting for the first time,dollar for dollar and pound for pound nothing beats a Glock imo.Good value,durable and cheap mags all around.

[@jtblue3recon]

Browning Hi-Power 9mm or copies of it by Norinco, Colt .38 Super Auto. I prefer my .45's with 10 rds to 15 rds chips as first go-to when things turn bad. And as backup,S&W .357,.44 Special(Russian),.41 Magnum,.44 Magnum,and if I can find one,.45 Super Magnum(Auto). Not too much on 9's or .40's. Been in war and I like something that hits hard and down the first time. Personal choices on what works for you overall and I do enjoy your stuff,Mr.Rod,keep up the good work you and others do "up north" on gunownership. I hope the sun shines on Canadian shooters one day.

[@civiladvantage]

jtblue3recon Great comment, thanks for taking the time!

[@EhMust]

Good video Rob, just one thing. Instead of how a pistol feels in the hand, maybe consider how the pistol feels in the hand while shooting. Just my two cents, but in my experience sometimes a pistol feels great in hand but doesn't feel right when shooting, or vice versa. Keep the videos coming.

[@civiladvantage]

Good point!!

[@chrisdeacon1754]

You mentioned going down to the US and picking up a sight for your Glock. Any chance you could do a video on what can be brought up from the US legally?

[@imbored742]

Canada doesn't really have any import restrictions for firearms and firearms related items, save that you cannot import anything you cannot legally own. The US on the other hand has fairly strict export restrictions called the International Trade in Arms Regulations (ITAR) which covers most firearms and firearms parts. It takes a fair amount of paperwork to export ITAR controlled items. There is a general exemption for most firearm parts under $500 (It used to be $100 but was recently raised), but I would suggest doing some more of your own research before you decide to import parts from the US. Major dealers like Brownells are capable of shipping parts under the exemption to Canada.

[@imbored742]

***** You're wrong. Advice like that will get people in to trouble. While it is legal to import parts into Canada it may not necessarily be legal to export them from the US. ITAR is enforced, they can and will track you down.

[@rcafmaintainer3723]

Jericho is hard to get mags and accessories for. Great shooter though.

[@johnarter8925]

the best way to get a front sight for your glock is you pick your nose get a good booger put it on the front of the gun then let it harden and paint it with finger nail polish.

[@civiladvantage]

Tried it, melted in the rain, no go.

[@internetexpert8153]

Lololololo

[@LUX1111111111111]

glocks here in Canada is very overpriced

[@terrylegrand1950]

Everything in Canada is overpriced

[@adamlivelife2608]

Was going to say the same as the other guy we here in Canada take everything up the ass being over priced

[@shawnwells5719]

Except Communist surplus...dirt cheap compared to USA, due to import bans there.

[@VerZatiLe]

Hey! I appreciate your videos and passion for Canadian Rights and Firearms. I am planning on getting my PAL early next month and was wondering where you purchase your firearms from? I am looking for a Glock 19, a Baretta 92fs or a 1911 and I want to be pointed in the right direction. Any good online dealers you reccomend? Or should I buy local? There aren't many stores out here in Calgary that I am aware of. Thanks and keep up the great videos.

[@civiladvantage]

Thanks for watching. Check out theammosource.com

[@VerZatiLe]

Many thanks!

[@dlupo6353]

Hey Rod Did you ever get that glock site (I know its an old video), if not, I will send you a set, I have a few factory sets from upgraded pistols

[@SuperButch888]

that is why revolvers should be part of the inventory....no magazines required.

[@Crimson_626]

less shots on a revolver....and yes you do used magazines......"moon clips"!!!!! a must have for revolvers!!!!!

[@evanhoffman121]

i am a US resident under 21 which is the legal age you can buy/own a handgun in the states. i am 19 and am looking into pistol shooting and i have shot with friends both the 22 caliber pistol round and the 9mm pistol round, i found that with my neighbors Springfield armory m1911 platform i could shoot with decent accuracy at 50 yards. i am the first in my family to own and actively use weaponry(knives, guns, tomahawks, or any of the sort) and my current tenant says i can only own one gun and i have a 12 gauge Stevens 320 Security Gun. it is the first gun my family has ever owned and quite frankly i am quite scared of its power still so any tips for prospective rifles, shotguns or pistols would be appreciated to help out a would be gun enthusiast. thanks in advance

[@JACKSONLEWISOFCANADA]

One for you rod you need a cz/Jericho platform pistol

[@clintonjewell7115]

Why the comment , " I don't defend myself with a firearm ? " Could you please elaborate , thxs. I find in Canada the topic of using a gun for personal / home defense is CRIMINAL .

[@eatwatukill]

Great video, I personally want to have all guns in many calibers then I can use all ammunition I can find if the world ends and I am hooked on guns lol

[@ellechero1082]

Since we're in Canada , why not get a full capacity gun , instead of a 17 round mag pinned to ten ... a 1911 in 9mm is pretty cool imo . But yah. Don't think there's too many cheap Chinese ones.

[@tempo529]

There we go,working now!

[@michaelm1053]

The perspective of a resident of Springfield

[@gettheleadoutasshole]

Too bad we're limited in Canada there are plenty of nice smaller handguns, 380's etc that I used to get in US when I lived there.

[@chrisstevens2]

2 words: Glock Perfection!

[@ianhillman4007]

Hey Rod, have you heard much about the Rock Island TCM?

[@KKX818]

You kind of kicked the 1911 to the curb. I don't agree but hey, that's me. I would have stuck the M & P in there somewhere.

[@civiladvantage]

M&Pis great, just forgot...

[@Tomscorpio83]

Where in canada are you? In BC parts and Mags are not that hard to find.

[@JACKSONLEWISOFCANADA]

Anither big part that eliminates glock for a lot of people is grip and comfort... Especially fir those with small hands....

[@Urkie1979]

Rod, just for the sake of curiosity, could you give your take on the Beretta PX4 Storm? I guess they could be classified as an exotic style of pistol. I'm a bit suspicious of their rotating barrel action, but maybe that's just me.

[@civiladvantage]

I've never seen one in person. I don't have the knowledge to advise, sorry.

[@Urkie1979]

No worries. Thanks for getting back to me.

[@yyctacticool377]

I've worked with CBSA officers who were trained on and carried PX4's and not one of them had an opinion of it high than it's decent, in fact many of them hated it many of the guns at gun shops i've asked about them dislike them as well, point is stay far away from the PX4 if you want a polymer Beretta go with the 90Two or better yet don't go for a polymer Beretta period

[@Urkie1979]

Yeah my budget doesn't really allows for something fancy like a Beretta anyway. I'm considering their Turkish copy, the Girsan Yavuz.

[@civiladvantage]

Nick U. I heard those are awesome. No direct experience though.

[@jake51515]

I carry my glock 23 everywhere!

[@autisticbandit1160]

To me a revolver is more easier to function like theres not that many things that will go wrong thats my opinion

[@marryson123]

true, revolvers are very simple, but when they have an issue, its usually a big issue and it cant be fatal if the cylinder is misaligned and the firing pin managed to hit the primer...... that almost happened to me, good thing the firing pin missed the primer by just a hair.

[@gronith]

That norinco sig got adjustable sights?

[@erronius1]

Try police ordinance for glock parts . :)

[@ncarre29]

What about the SW m&p?

[@civiladvantage]

M&P is a great pistol, just forgot...

[@vrvrpppp]

what's your view Rod, of a .357 desert eagle? its not super common buts its not really exotic either.

[@civiladvantage]

I'd say it's definitely fun. Probably be stuck with generic holsters. How much are mags??

[@vrvrpppp]

ya, holsters are difficult to find I've only seen them directly at the manufacture's website and the mags are around $40

[@heavybones]

I love my M & P 45. 1500 rounds through it with every type of ammo and 0 jams. Flawless even when dirty.

[@civiladvantage]

Great pistol. If I chose a 3rd platform it would be that. The only thing is I'd want full cap mags pinned to 10. With Glock I can get those...

[@heavybones]

Civil Advantage Yes the M & Ps are a little behind the glocks in that regard. If I lived anywhere other than our nanny state it would factor into my decision. Since we can only have 10 I just went with what felt right in my hand. I don't see Canada giving up on the mag restrictions any time soon even though it is pretty silly. I guess with glock mags pinned you can always take them out if the zombie apocalypse happened? Cant be too careful.

[@Theporkchopsandwhich]

Order from Police Ordnance they distribute Glock in Canada they stock all the parts, also don't be cheap put the night sights on you're gun wanstalls has night sights in stock.

[@Blazethebest3]

Hey guys i need your opinion and i dont want fan boys i just want some honest knwledge im stuck between either getting the s&w 9mm or the glock or the beretta 92 i really like all 3 pistols if you have the knowledge could you help me out

[@civiladvantage]

I'd go with striker fired like the Glock or M&P. Both are great. I went with Glock because there are so many around and the mags are less expensive.

[@EdzJourney]

Glock or Smith & Wesson MP 9mm?

[@civiladvantage]

Glock: Cheap mags, lots of parts available, completely reliable, lasts forever, simple to maintain, pinned high cap mags available.

[@rogerpodactor2755]

M&p...range and carry kit...comes with 3mags, holster, and mag holster for about $350 cheaper than a glock with 1 mag

[@IReCreator]

keep getting a black screen tried to refresh a few times would love to watch, eh :)

[@budeiri123]

ya same here, no video.. just audio

[@tempo529]

Same here,no video.

[@civiladvantage]

tempo529 Might have been still processing, seems to be working for me.

[@civiladvantage]

budeiri123 Might have been still processing, seems to be working for me.

[@civiladvantage]

Might have been still processing, seems to be working for me.

[@marryson123]

Theres really no point in buying handguns in Canada...... you can only take them to or from a range. you cant carry them, and you cant even use it for self defense... you go to jail if u do. sad..... speaking of parts, there are no shortage of magazines and parts here in the US.

[@internetexpert8153]

marryson123 why are u even here? Your american go enjoy your gun laws

[@marryson123]

Wrong! im canadian escaped to the USA. I have gun owner friends in Canada, and I want to see more gun freedom in Canada, so we can both enjoy liberty.

[@OrionStarLike]

Hey how did you deactivate a firearm. (so it's not a firearm in law enforcement's eye) I want to bring a type 38 japan world war 2 japan back to my home country.

[@trashfire9641]

They will probably want the firing pin removed as well.

[@kop4321]

What country? Some places the pressure bearing components are considered the firearm in some other countries the receiver is considered the firearm. You're better off calling your countries firearms control office.

[@OrionStarLike]

kop4321 unfortunately in this case my home country is china, So.....

[@OrionStarLike]

***** Thank you for your infromation

[@nolancummings9590]

what kind of glock is that?

[@civiladvantage]

nolan cummings Model 17 9mm

[@nolancummings9590]

ok thank you I thought that was the case

[@cndrussty]

Glocks are not designed to fire underwater the cups are designed to drain water out of striker channel effectively. Glock does not recommend firing it under water even if it does work. Missing front sight brownells, will ship to the GWN. Lone Wolf sent me metal three dot sights from trijicon for a glock not glow in dark ones though for $38. And as far as what other gun is as reliable as Glock, M&P, Sig, H&K, and Berretta (The reason why berretta because so popular for movies was because without any modification they reliably cycled blanks). I think are all great choices. But what modern pistol isn't considered reliable if properly maintained. True story my M&P is over 7k rounds only one problem and it was because my loaded a round backwards don't ask me how that happened but it did. Side not my friends G-17 has had more stoppages that I have personally witnessed in the last 2k rounds than my M&P has had in 7k. Every gun is made by man every man is flawed and as a result are cursed to pass a flaw onto their creations.

[@JoeZasada]

zahal.org has lots of exotic holsters and you won't break the bank.

[@kindanyume]

/facepalm the most common SA Pistol on the planet is a 92 series in 9mm..

[@obsessedfortoys]

First off let me say that you are knowledgeable and well spoken.I enjoy your videos but I'm afraid I have to slap your wrist... so to speak. At 6:40 you shoot your sig clone; at no time did you safety check your guns on camera.I was hoping that it was one of your two that were disabled, but later by your own account it wasn't (The mag was even in) I'm sure you did off check these off camera but as an instructor you broke the number one rule; never assume the gun is not loaded. Some people might see this and you would lose credibility and trust in their eyes.I mean even the craziest gun nut from the U.S.A always seem to safety check on camera.Sorry I thought you should know. With all the powers to be looking for any excuse to grab our guns we don't need to give them any ammo...so to speak.

[@DragonflyGlitter]

The only dumb shootout video I've ever watched was a glock vs 1911 vs beretta, vs sig vs a 5th model I cant remember now. On one test they shot all models under water, the 1911 was the only one that cycled reliably under the water. The sig was the only other one that would cycle, but not reliably. All the others were just one shot only, would not cycle underwater at all. Being able to shoot underwater is a moot point anyway... The 1911 meets all your criteria (it is the legos of the gun world with readily available and inexpensive mags and parts), it's just not a gun you should have in a platform rotation. If you carry a SAO platform, *all* your carry guns should be SAO, otherwise you're setting yourself up to fail in a self defence situation.

[@Battle_Ratel]

+DragonflyGlitter was it from the VSO channel? if not, in the video i watched, the barrel ruptured in the 1911 when they fired it under water

[@simonferrer]

+SpesWales They fired it when there was still an air bubble in the barrel; any pistol would've ruptured in those conditions.

[@shawnwells5719]

Sorry, but a firearms trainer who knows 'nothing' about revolvers is lacking credibility. If you don't use them, fine, but not having at least a working knowledge of them is a major shortcoming.

[@zandemen]

I'm just a regular guy, just a regular Joe, you gotta have two platforms and a bunch of each and a hundred magazines and this one cause it has double action and this one cause it's single blah blah blah.. You are so out of touch with reality. Picking a gun. 1 decide your budget 2 Find a reliable known manufacturer within that budget 3 Try the gun out Done. Spare parts? You're not using it for a hammer, you will most likely never need any. After market attachments? Buy one that works and doesn't need extra stuff on it to make it almost functional. You want to make it pretty with lasers and flashlights and red dot sights, buy a nice dress and put on some make-up. Take a real man out and see if he'll be your daddy and protect you from all the boogey men, cause you don;t have it in ya.

[@MrBikboi]

You sound like an angry man who is balding and wants to take it out on the world, are you ok chief? If you google rogaine you might be able to get some relief hope this helps.