intro and accessory advice

[Jctune]

Morning all,

After years of arguing with my gun nut (and I say that with complete love) father about the fact that I didn't own anything for personal defense, I finally decided that it was time to acquire a handgun. What changed you ask? Amazing how your perspective on life shifts with the arrival of new twin boys.

After much discussion with my father (owns about 30 handguns - none H&K unfortunately) we decided that a .45 was appropriate for my needs. I'm primarily looking at something to keep in the home - not planning on carrying (although I will get my concealed carry permit) - so size wasn't a big concern. Since I am thinking I'll be taking it with me on roadtrips, 4x4 trips, and camping, I did want something a bit smaller than a fullsize .45 - so I went with the H&K45c. I will freely admit to buying this gun without firing one - however with used prices what they are if I don't like it I can turn around and sell it for a pretty low cost.

While I don't have a ton of experience with handguns, I've probably been to the range about 10-15 times. Of course this probably means that I've got a ton of bad habits already that need to be corrected.

With the gun on the way, I'm looking to see what additional accessories I need. Here's what I'm thinking - please chime in if there's anything I'm missing (or anything you think I don't need). I'm definitely looking for recommendations on what to get.

Full disclosure - I tend to go overboard whenever I get into something new - thinking that I need lots of stuff I don't (do I really need a light and a laser?)

1. 2 10rd magazines
2. cleaning kit (any recommendations?)
3. range bag (recommendations?)
4. range accessories (glasses, ear protection, what else?)
5. Ammo - I'm assuming something with stopping power (hollow points) to keep in the gun and something cheaper for the range?
6. safe - looking for something small for the nightstand. Kids are only 4 months old so no immediate worries but I want to get into the right habits at the start
7. Holster - If I'm not planning on carrying do I need a holster? Is there a need for a holster or something like that for everyday storage?
8. Vehicle storage - Do you normally store in the glovebox or console? Something mounted under the seat?

Of course I know I need to invest in training - I've got a number of classes lined up.

So what am I missing - or am I going overboard on anything?

Thanks for any help - and definitely looking forward to many years with my new handgun.

[scottinthegrove]

First of all welcome to the forum. I think that most of what you plan to do sounds good to me. The only changes I would suggest is going to a range with rentals and trying various models. I find there can be a big difference between how a gun feels in the store and how it feels when you shoot it. Especially when it comes to smaller carry guns. I also think that caliber makes a big difference. You are running into the age old problem. Full size handguns shoot great but are heavy. Small light carry guns are much easier to carry and conceal but have much more felt recoil so they are not so much fun to practice with.

Semi auto pistols are great if you have taken the time to practice. But if you don't take the time, operation can be problematic. I for one do not want any problems if I was going to defend myself or family. I would highly recommend that you decide on a method of operation stick to that method. I have invested in different handguns for different purposes. I have a HK Mark 23 that I use in three gun matches. But for defense I use Glock handguns. I have a Glock 30 (mid size .45) for carry and a Glock 21 (full size .45) for the house. I have practiced with them a lot. I like that there isn't the extra step of of manipulating an external safety.

Training is great. I would highly recommend it. But mental preparedness is just as important. When to pull out a gun is as important than how you get to and pull out a gun. Are you prepared for the fall out of actually defending yourself or a loved one? Shooting an aggressive wild animal would be easier for me than shooting an aggressive person. What does the law where you live say about defending yourself? What is allowed is different in different states. To me most of the accessories question come down to your personal preferences. Some want as absolutely cheap as they can find it. Others must have the finest leather. What is your priority? Good luck with your defensive handgun project.

Scott

[AGG]

Welcome to the site, and congratulations on the twins and the HK45c!!!

Tony

[Username]

Congrats on the kids and welcome here. If I were to say one important accessory to have would be a tactical light that you can mount under the barrel and are comfortable using. I have a Streamlight TLR-1s for my fullsize HK45 (I don't know if this will fit a compact model but I'm sure there are some out there that will). I think being able to clearly identify and see who/what you are shooting at is just as important as being able to shoot. Wouldn't want to accidentally shoot a loved one!!!

[Jctune]

Thanks for the welcome and the replies.

Scott - in the past, my first point of discussion with gun owners was about the fact that if you believe you are going to use a gun in self defense you better be darn well sure that you are going to actually use it. That honestly has been going through my mind quite a bit - and I'm pretty sure that I will do whatever it takes to protect my family. Of course, you never know how you will perform in a situation until it actually happens. I was very picky when looking for my intro and basic training classes, I was amazed at how many classes were just 3-4 hours of lecture and maybe 10 rounds at the range. The company I went with has a progression of classes, all lasting at least a day with range time and simulated encounters.

Also - I am lucky to live in Colorado - home to the original "Make My Day" law.

Ok - so looks like a light is on the list. I was afraid that that was going overboard.

[Mattducati]

Welcome to the forum.

[sean415]

1. 2 10rd magazines....a lot of mags are good wait around and you'll fine some at a good price and when you do scoop them up
2. cleaning kit (any recommendations?) I bought one of those 45 cleaning kits for hkparts and I use frog lube.
3. range bag (recommendations?) what ever floats your boat just make sure you can fit everything you need it it I use a ammo can and just put all my range stuff in it.
4. range accessories (glasses, ear protection, what else?) speed loader!
5. Ammo - I'm assuming something with stopping power (hollow points) to keep in the gun and something cheaper for the range? Federal hst for protection and American eagle for target.
6. safe - looking for something small for the nightstand. Kids are only 4 months old so no immediate worries but I want to get into the right habits at the start
7. Holster - If I'm not planning on carrying do I need a holster? Is there a need for a holster or something like that for everyday storage?
8. Vehicle storage - Do you normally store in the glovebox or console? Something mounted under the seat?

[/QUOTE]
As for a laser/light I have a viridian x5L gen 2 and I love the strobe function which would be nice to have for home protection.
Tried to answer most of your questions...

[pointblank4445]

One of the best pieces of advice I can give to new shooters is this: DON'T SKIMP ON EYE AND EAR PROTECTION.

I see tons of shooters buy high-end guns and have junk protective equipment. Spend a couple of extra bucks and get some electric headsets so you can hear everything but damaging noise. I believe the Peltor model is about $60 bucks for the Tactical 6 electronic model. They are slim, comfortable, and allow you to hear while being protected so they aren't a burden. Electronic ear pro will come in handy on down the line if you take a class/instruction (which you may want to consider)

Same goes for eye pro. If you take care them, they can last you decades if not a lifetime.

Bottom line, protect your vision and hearing from the start.

[III The Chad III]

1.2 10rd magazines - I would suggest a couple more, but 2 is a good start.
2.cleaning kit (any recommendations?) - I use a Hoppes cleaning kit and a toothbrush. Worked fine for me so far.
3.range bag (recommendations?) - I got a $25 Winchester range bag from Wal-Mart. I had my wife sew in some elastic to make one of the gun holders into a mag holder. Works great for me.
4.range accessories (glasses, ear protection, what else?) - Glasses: Something that is designed for firearms use (I use Wiley X I was issued in the military), Ear protection: SureFire Sonic defenders ($13)
5.Ammo - I'm assuming something with stopping power (hollow points) to keep in the gun and something cheaper for the range? Repeat after me, QUALITY HOME DEFENSE AMMO! Something by Remington, Federal, Winchester, Speer, etc. For range, whatever is cheapest that isn't steel cased.
6.safe - looking for something small for the nightstand. Kids are only 4 months old so no immediate worries but I want to get into the right habits at the start. - I got one on the way and I'm gonna get a GunVault Gun Safes - Home Gun Safe - Handgun Safes | GunVault | GunVault
7.Holster - If I'm not planning on carrying do I need a holster? Is there a need for a holster or something like that for everyday storage? - Holster makes things easier. I got a Fobus paddle holster for pretty cheap.
8.Vehicle storage - Do you normally store in the glovebox or console? Something mounted under the seat? I like to have my gun on me in the car, but if you are planning on not keeping it on your person, I would suggest some sort of mounted option that allows for quick access.

[Jctune]

Excellent - I knew I'd get great advice here.

Thanks to everyone and always interested in additional advice.