A First Handgun For a First Time Poster

A

ArmedBears

Inactive
I have neither owned nor shot a firearm that wasn't a BB gun. Nonetheless, I am looking to buy my first handgun(s) and can absolutely see myself becoming a connoisseur of firearms on a tactical, practical, sporting, collecting, and tin foil hat level.

I am looking to spend a maximum of $2500 for 2 or more handguns. There is a second budget for accessories and ammunition. I am not necessarily trying to cover my bases with this purchase. I am also not particularly trying to get the most handguns for my dollar. I intend to do something along the lines of firearm purchase every year after this in the decades to come.

In order to narrow things down a little my criteria is as follows

Caliber: .45acp, .40sw, or 9mm (redundancy allowed)

Magazine Minimum Capacity: 8(+1), 10(+1), 12(+1)

Composition: Metal over Polymer but I’d go both ways.

Must have a rail

Action: SAO, DAO, SA/DA, DAK, I do not care.

Size: Any – I won't ccw for awhile but will eventually.

Exceptions: I would certainly consider a revolver chambered in a .45 variant such as .454 Casull

Nuances: In the great debate I support the 1911 over the Glock for largely unfounded reasons. Despite that, I would still purchase a Glock without concern.

I feel that if I where to purchase a 1911 I would want to wait a few years and purchase a safe queen. Something that would only see that light of day in an open holster on trips to expensive steak houses in red states (I assume that is what you do there).

I like brand names that may suffer from the Veblen Effect and would almost defiantly rule out the likes of CZ and Taurus. In other words I have a natural bias towards HK.

Considerations: If I was to call something a nightstand gun I think I would be looking for something with as much .45acp as possible and the ability to easily install (not requiring drilling or 3rd party assistance) aftermarket red front and rear green tritium sights. Thus far it seems that the FNH FNP-45 and Glock 21 fit that void if any of my opinion on what a nightstand handgun should be is intuitive.

For a workhorse .45 I've so far considered an HK 45, Sig Sauer P220 w/ a long beaver tail (ex. Elite Dark, Scorpion etc.), Colt Rail Gun, or a SW 1911 with a rail.

For a 9mm I've considered HK P30, HK P30L, Beretta 92A1, Beretta 92FS, M9A1, Sig P226 w/ a beaver tail, or a Sig P229 w/ beaver tail. No reasoning for the beaver tail affliction.

For a .40 I've considered a Sig P226 Elite Stainless or Sig P229 Elite Stainless under the assumption that a heavier gun leads to reduced recoil.

As a filler, beater, mass market sorta handgun I've considered a P250 2Sum, Glock, S&W M&P,
Springfield XD or XD(m), Ruger SR9/40, Ruger P345, Beretta PX4 Storm, Steyr, or a Walther PPQ.

So there you have it in a rather long first post.

What would you do in my position?

Thanks for any and all replies.
 
I always suggest the XD or XDM to people who are new to handguns. They are simple, safe, and reliable, which is what you want when you are learning.

As for what caliber to choose. I would suggest you ask this question:

Do I want to practice shooting a lot?

If the answer is yes then I would suggest you start with a 9mm. You can get about 150 9mm for the same price as about 100 .40 or .45. Those savings add up fast if you shoot a lot and let you shoot a lot more overall.

As for a second weapon to get if getting 2 with a largish budget, I would suggest a Dan Wesson CCO Bobtail. DW makes (arguably, since these things always are), the best 1911's available for the price, and the CCO Bobtail is a thing of beauty, in both form and function. All other DW 1911's should be considered as well though.

Another suggestion would be to go old-school and get a Single Action Army clone revolver in .357 or .45 colt. It is always fun to shoot something so nostalgic, and because of how they are loaded and fired you end up becoming more deliberate with your actions, which is actually kind of fun after a day of firing semi-auto's.
 
get yourself a nice ruger mk 1,2, or 3 in 22cal a holster and a few extra mags. spend the rest on whatever 45 pleases you, i like 1911's but it's your money and your call. if there is any money left buy ammo for the 2 guns, lots of ammo.
 
armedbears, the Kafka reference refers to a writing style where something is described in very complicated terms for absolutely no reason...what I think he was saying is that you're making this more difficult than it needs to be ;)

if this is your first gun, you should not be looking to break the bank (maybe $600-700 max)...you should probably be looking at a good quality full-sized 9mm...less recoil than a 40 or 45...learn a little bit about guns and get used to shooting something with a recoil greater than a bb gun
 
Your entire post is dripping with braggadocio and showing off. Great, you have a huge budget and you've read a lot of internet forums. That means you know terms like safe queen and BBQ gun, and have developed some biases based on other people's internet opinions.

But here's the catch - you still have zero experience beyond a BB gun.

So far it sounds like your intent is to purchase a status symbol, so you should absolutely abide by your inclination to follow the Veblen Effect. Go big or go home. You won't be happy with anything off the shelf, so you may as well start looking at custom shop pieces. Kimber, Les Baer, Wilson Combat, STI, etc.
 
I know you (OP) said you didn't have to cover all bases with these first two purchases, but I'd still think along those lines...that it would be more satisfying/rewarding to have two completely different platforms. I agree, save the 1911 for later if you're thinking "safe queen" for that as, alone, a top 1911 can potentially blow your budget in one shot. (I'm thinking Ed Brown Special Forces, Wilson Combat, etc). However, if trhe decide to go ahead with a 1911 now, something like a Springfield Armory TRP will get you there with a high quality piece, while still allowing budget for your second gun choice.

So, I'd otherwise look first to a polymer .45 or .40, if leaning to the big bores, obviously 9mm if "you don't" care (otherwise) but would just as soon have highest capacity. I'm thinking full size S&W M&P .40 here--but there are obviously other great brands as well such as your mentioned HK as one of the top choices--as a great mix of firepower and effective "pow" factor. Later on in your (guaranteed) new found addiction you can add the "c" (compact) variant of whatever full-size you choose--for concealed carry.

Moving on to that "completely different..." part, I'd look to a top notch revolver like S&W .686 "Plus" (7 shot) .357. in 4". OR, to truly be different and start your "collection," think of a Colt SAA (Single Action Army) in historic .45 Colt w/ "convertible" (auxilliary) .45 ACP cylinder--for later pairing with your eventual 1911 chambering. With either of these last two (686, Colt) you satisfy one of the iconic firearms--a top notch DA or SA/historic revolver. A Ruger New Vaquero .45 convertible would save half that ($1500 dual cylinder Colt) single action budget, at the "cost" of not having the historic cache or quite the action feel of the Colt--but just as or more functional (loading a full six for one thing). If you're thinking more hunting and less "cowboy" use, a larger frame Ruger Blackhawk .45 Convertible (dual cylinder again) will take "super hot" .45 Colt loads neither the Colt or smaller framed Ruger are designed for, in an adjustable sight format, while still allowing plinking/target fun with the .45 ACP. The aluminum gripframe and ejector rod of the full size Blackhawk combined with large bore make this a nicely packable and versatile single action.trail gun.

I'm a big SA fan, but my first choice for you would be a good DA revolver such as the Smith above. Everyone "needs" at least one gun that goes bang every time the trigger is pulled. I'm thinking the proverbial "bulletproof" nightstand gun here.

Like the 1911, I'd save the likes of the .454 for down the road when you've satisfied more of the basics and--impoortant--have discovered what you like, platform wise with choices such as those mentioned above.

Eventally you'll also "need" a .22..(Arguably might actually be one of your first choices) like a SA Ruger Single Six, or Mark-series auto, for learning/keeping your shooting skills honed plus being a gas for low recoil, cheap shooting fun.

Just a few ideas. Good luck! A $2500 budget for two nice guns will easily "get you there."
 
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I am in the camp of whatever you buy get a .22 lr to go with it. It is simple, ammo is cheap, you can shoot the crap out if it, and there is little maintnance involved. Also the just fun factor is huge with one.

For semiauto I would say skip the rail of the first. A good quaility shooter piece 1911 can be had in the $600 to $900 price range. A Springfield GI Loaded would be a great one. I have been eyeing a Cimaron with the pretty blued finish at the LGS. It looks pretty, and can be shot a lot.

Personaly if I were spending I would get a cowboy rig with a nice single action in .45 Colt, or .357 Mag. I would compliment it with a lever action rifle in the same caliber. Then get a reloading set up to feed them.
 
For a first pistol, I would recommend a 9 mm. That caliber gives you a nice combination of economy on range ammo and decent self defense capabilities. You named some good 9 mm pistols; just be aware that the 92FS does not have a rail. If looks matter, a 92FS Inox with walnut grips is a very handsome piece.

I personally think a good .22 is darn close to mandatory for a second pistol. Plenty of cheap fun and good practice with the least expensive ammo on the market. A .22 pays for itself in savings on ammo costs in very short order.

So now you have spent half or less of your budget, and you have money left to indulge your desires based on your increasing experience and hanging out with other shooters and trying out the handguns of friends and rentals. IOW, don't blow it all until you have a better idea of what you want.
 
I should also add that with savings from your budget to get a membership at a range where you can spend the time to shoot. Also with a budget like that find an instructor to work with. Start with a basic NRA course. It will help you a whole lot, and will cost under $100. Then maybe get some more advanced instrution on marksmanship, then if you are still seeking more going to the classes offered for more advanced things.
 
Get a good used .22 (about $200) and spend another $200 on classes.
Then start renting 9mm centerfire handguns till you find one you like. Spend more money on training.

Rinse and repeat.
 
I think you need to read more Kafka, then report back with your revised thoughts
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CLASSIC!

Seriously though, this is the most open ended "what should I buy thread" ever, when your choices range from poly semi-autos to large bore hunting revolvers.

Write all your well though out choices down, cut them into seperate strips, put them in a hat and then pick out two. Done.
 
Were I in your position and had decided to spend $2500 on my first set of handguns having never fired any of them (but assuming that I would handle them all before purchasing), I would probably choose from this list:

(Prices are current Bud's prices)

9mm
HK P30 (~$930)
Kahr T9 (~$700)
Walther PPQ (~$500)
Beretta 92A1 (~$600)

.45
HK 45 (~$1000)
FN FNP 45 Comp (~$1000)
Sig 1911 SS (~$875)

I think I'd end up with the Beretta, the Kahr T9 (you could eventually carry this, get a K9 or K9 elite if you want smaller), and the FNP 45 Comp.

I'd wait to make my 1911 purchase the following year.

I'm a newbie myself and just got a 92A1 (love it) and it looks like a Kahr T9 may be in the near future for me as well. Others may question the wisdom of your general approach, but I say there is little chance that you'll be disappointed with any of the pieces you mentioned (assuming you handle before you buy). With your budget and tastes you can afford to walk into a gun shop, see what you fall in love with, and buy it.

Have fun!
 
I'd wait to make my 1911 purchase the following year.
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+1. I'd liken buying a high-end 1911 to something a social climber may be familiar with: buying a Porsche.

The options list is vast, and you can easily double the price of the basic item with options. (For those of you who have never seen a Porsche options list, go look at one; your jaw will probably drop to the floor. :eek:) The choices are so extensive that it can be intimidating.

Some of the options are really nice to have, don't cost much, and are no-brainers. However, some of the performance-related options will compromise the day-to-day usability of the item. Others reach towards the point of diminishing returns- you pay a LOT for a relatively small improvement. Many others are unadulterated cosmetic fluff.

It can be difficult to sort through them unless you meet some folks who really know what they're talking about and can show you what's good and what's not. Otherwise, you risk dropping some serious coin on something you really don't want, and you'll have a hard time recovering the money if you sell it used.
 
I love Berettas, the way they look, the way the feel, and most importantly, the way they shoot. The 92FS is IMO the best gun ever. Being that you want a rail, I would suggest a 92A1 (9mm) or a 96A1 (40sw). My personal choice would be the 92A1, that 9mm is one sweet shooting cartridge that is plenty capable and I would think the better 1st cartridge to go with. But if you want more punch, then the 96A1 would certainly deliver it (on my wish list).
 
Beretta 90-TWO is all metal lighter frame with 13 fewer parts than the 92FS. It has a rail, 17+1 magazine and is my 9mm target shooter for economy. My conceal carry is a Ruger LC9, since I already have 9mm on hand. Home defense is PX4 Storm 40 with Hornady Critical Defense rounds
 
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