Oregonian begins 2A journey

GunghoNinja · Feb 14, 2026

Hello all, I grew up in the portland area and have been immersed in the PNW culture since I was a wee lad. Always been on the sidelines when it comes to the topic of guns but due to some recent events I've decided to get more involved. CHL class planned with pops, he's talked about it for some time so im dragging him in. After that I'll be looking at getting myself a hand gun. I get sidetracked by all the shiny but the scopes/sights are where my real interest has been so far.

Xaevian · Feb 15, 2026

Welcome!

uberguy · Feb 15, 2026

Ha ha, welcome. From the header, I thought this was about the newspaper!

fredball · Feb 15, 2026

Welcome Aboard :s0101:

Flat45 · Feb 15, 2026

Welcome! There are tons of good resources on the forum. There's amazing deals on carry guns, including ones with built in compensators and red dots. It sounds like you're already an optics fan. I'm from the older schools. But for me, with my eyesight changing, pistol red dots are a total game changer. Goodluck, and I hope you and your dad have a great bonding experience.

Camelfilter · Feb 15, 2026

Greetings program!

No need to wait until you all have your CHL's to buy handguns. You may want to start trying some out now at a range that rents, or with friends who have a bunch. Might give you an idea of which/what you can shoot well, and you might also carry well once you do get your CHL's...

zevia · Feb 15, 2026

Yes if your of legal requirements as camelfilter said you can go ahead and buy a handgun. I grew up around firearms so I already had experience when it was time to buy first handgun. That being said there is no problem learning as much as you can about firearms . The 4 rules. Training and being confinident. Definitely a good idea to rent at a range and try out but some require you to have at least one working firearm present with you . After your chl training certification is complete and you apply in multnomah for your ccw you should expect your card within a month from your fingerprints if all requirements are met.

L0C0 · Feb 15, 2026

Welcome on board...

CountryGent · Feb 15, 2026

Welcome. Best of wishes.

GunghoNinja · Feb 15, 2026

zevia said:
Yes if your of legal requirements as camelfilter said you can go ahead and buy a handgun. I grew up around firearms so I already had experience when it was time to buy first handgun. That being said there is no problem learning as much as you can about firearms . The 4 rules. Training and being confinident. Definitely a good idea to rent at a range and try out but some require you to have at least one working firearm present with you . After your chl training certification is complete and you apply in multnomah for your ccw you should expect your card within a month from your fingerprints if all requirements are met.

I've thought about going the renting method to see what I prefer but I my goal is to buy 1 gun total and right now I feel like I should save up some dollars. My father has a sig I'll probably test as a baseline when he is visiting in a week. Right now I have my eye on the Springfield 1911 ronin just because of its look. Mixed reviews as an EDC.

GunghoNinja · Feb 15, 2026

uberguy said:
Ha ha, welcome. From the header, I thought this was about the newspaper!

Lol, didn't even think of that. The Pittock mansion lives on.

Tlock · Feb 15, 2026

Welcome, glad to have ya

nammac · Feb 15, 2026

GunghoNinja said:
I've thought about going the renting method to see what I prefer but I my goal is to buy 1 gun total and right now I feel like I should save up some dollars. My father has an sig I'll probably test as a baseline when he is visiting in a week. Right now I have my eye on the Springfield 1911 ronin just because of its look. Mixed reviews as an EDC.

Welcome!

Nothing wrong with carrying a Ronin, just need a good holster and belt. Kinda like the Ronin myself. I've passed through my 1911 carry phase…

Said Ronin…. With a Smith & Alexander mag well and thin profile grips. Fits the hand much better than the fat factory grips.

Colt Combat Commander in a Milt Sparks Nexus. Horsehide back, steer front. Great carry option for the 1911.

zevia · Feb 15, 2026

GunghoNinja said:
I've thought about going the renting method to see what I prefer but I my goal is to buy 1 gun total and right now I feel like I should save up some dollars. My father has a sig I'll probably test as a baseline when he is visiting in a week. Right now I have my eye on the Springfield 1911 ronin just because of its look. Mixed reviews as an EDC.

Well once you buy one you'll want more

it can definitely be hard to just have one for all purposes but it can be done . Sig 365 is good concealable gun. you cant go wrong with glock or glock clones like ruger rxm. I was talking with someone recently and there are different opinions and schools of thought like the p365 is a good gun to conceal on your hip inside waist band but appendix carry with even a claw and you can be constantly flagging your self like pointing at groin or legs unless a really good holster that will prevent that. I havent found any yet. And change that gun up to a sig fuse or full size pistol like glock 17 and the problem goes away with a claw and good holster with the barrel pointing away from your body and no problem . So you never no until you try these things out for yourself as you could have a totally different build than me and your objectives could be different . And I dont have much experience with 1911s personally so I cant comment on that.

zevia · Feb 15, 2026

GunghoNinja said:
I've thought about going the renting method to see what I prefer but I my goal is to buy 1 gun total and right now I feel like I should save up some dollars. My father has a sig I'll probably test as a baseline when he is visiting in a week. Right now I have my eye on the Springfield 1911 ronin just because of its look. Mixed reviews as an EDC.

Oh and I forgot those points about flagging yourself and full size pistols came from the guy I was talking about .I didn't think much of it before because I hip carry or shoulder holster never appendix. But I might want to appendix carry in the future and engaging people about said topic is a good start.

GunghoNinja · Feb 15, 2026

zevia said:
Oh and I forgot those points about flagging yourself and full size pistols came from the guy I was talking about .I didn't think much of it before because I hip carry or shoulder holster never appendix. But I might want to appendix carry in the future and engaging people about said topic is a good start.

Right now I'm still on the fence if I'd want to carry a gun around regularly. Type of holster is definitely something I'd have to test a few options.

GunghoNinja · Feb 15, 2026

zevia said:
Well once you buy one you'll want more it can definitely be hard to just have one for all purposes but it can be done . Sig 365 is good concealable gun. you cant go wrong with glock or glock clones like ruger rxm. I was talking with someone recently and there are different opinions and schools of thought like the p365 is a good gun to conceal on your hip inside waist band but appendix carry with even a claw and you can be constantly flagging your self like pointing at groin or legs unless a really good holster that will prevent that. I havent found any yet. And change that gun up to a sig fuse or full size pistol like glock 17 and the problem goes away with a claw and good holster with the barrel pointing away from your body and no problem . So you never no until you try these things out for yourself as you could have a totally different build than me and your objectives could be different . And I dont have much experience with 1911s personally so I cant comment on that.

Interesting, I already see the problem with holsers being not exactly what I want. Good excuse to get the 3d printer involved with some fabric.

GunghoNinja · Feb 15, 2026

nammac said:
Welcome!

Nothing wrong with carrying a Ronin, just need a good holster and belt. Kinda like the Ronin myself. I've passed through my 1911 carry phase…

Said Ronin…. With a Smith & Alexander mag well and thin profile grips. Fits the hand much better than the fat factory grips.
View attachment 2250287
Colt Combat Commander in a Milt Sparks Nexus. Horsehide back, steer front. Great carry option for the 1911.
View attachment 2250286

Wood on the grip is sexy, both of those are looking good.