About to be first time owner...advice?

You might think about a . . .

I'm no expert, but here is my two cents worth. Since this is your first gun and you want subcompact and under 500 bucks you might think about a revolver. Most subcompact revolvers are 100% reliable and the semi-autos in that price range all seem to have "problems."

All the suggestions to get some training are spot on. If you can find a range that rents guns that would be a great way to get some experience.

Live well, be safe
Prof Young
 
I found the Beretta PX4 Storm to be the best fit and it has the safety features I'm looking for. Plus he'll sell it to me for $425 which I think is a good deal.
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That is a very good deal on a pistol that I consider to be under-rated, or at least under-recognized. Good job!
 
I think you made a good choice - one of my first pistols and it's very solid all around, good shooter, reliable, CC-capable (at least the two smaller models and the FS too if done right). As another post was saying it's been sort of under appreciated - mostly I think because people go for striker-fired pistols these days (me too!) but if you want DA/SA hammer-fired w/ a safety it's a solid gun - and you will be able to shoot it as long as you want (or can afford to) without becoming discouraged or having a sore hand.
 
Find a collector/enthusiast and beg

It may not even take begging. I only own one CCW pistol, but I own a couple others that might give an idea for grip fit and a few more 22s that might give an idea for different actions and such. I really don't mind taking a new shooter to the range and letting them shoot whatever they want. Bring a couple boxes of 9mm or 22lr(if available) and I couldn't be happier.

All the ranges around me charge by the gun for rentals UNLESS you buy a much more expensive day pass for rentals. There are quite a few deals on group-on for ranges and rentals right now though. I bought one to take my wife. All day indoor or outdoor and unlimited rentals for both of us for $40. Should be fun. The ammo will really add up though.

Actually, I paid the same for two tickets to The Nutcracker tomorrow. And I'm sure there will be a not so cheap dinner to go along with that affair. The $100+ at the range will be much more entertaining.
 
Just want to take a minute to update this post.

I ended up starting out with a EEA SAR k2p, 9mm, DA/SA, hammer, it's a full size with a shorter 3.8" Barrel. I put about 1,000 rounds through it and fell in love. This is an extremely underrated gun.

2 weeks later, still wanting my subcompact, I purchased a Taurus pt911 g2, 9mm, striker. Only had time to put 200 rounds through it but it is dead on and low recoil for a sub.

IMAG0188.jpg

The Sar will be my nightstand gun and the Taurus will be my carry piece.

I'd like to thank you all for the responses, I would have gone about it all backwards.
 
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While it’s not impossible to learn, much less master, the fundamentals of handgun shooting with the type of gun you’re asking about, it’s damn difficult.
Trigger control and follow-through are best learned with a .22 or, better yet, a good pellet pistol.
 
Thanks for the update, DanPop. It's always nice to hear how things work out...especially when they work out well. Congratulations.
 
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