Beretta 92fs, SIG P226, Glock 17, 1911 or a S&W .357 revolver for a first time buyer?
- Thread starter Anferny
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like the others have said, the one that fits your hand, feels natural, you shoot the best, balances best,
all will have diffrent grip angles thicknesses, controls and triggers...
revolvers and glocks have no safteys (trigger saftey on glock)
1911 has saftey that is down to fire, baretta is up to fire.. not sure about the sig
the 686/586/if you are planning a steady diet of 125 gr 357, if not a steady diet for range of the fast light stuff the 19 or 66 you could also look at a ruger sp/gp/security six/redhawk as well
9mm and 38 special is going to be the cheapest to shoot
last rws 38 spec i got was 13/box..
nothing wrong with a cz 75 or clone as well.
I just prefer either no safteys, or safteys that are down to fire. (1911,cz,etc)
good list of choices, but you'll have to shoot them to make up your mind.
1911 would not be my pick for a first handgun for someone. They are wonderful pistols but can be more finicky.
Any one of the simple tupperware guns today (XD, Glock, M&P, etc.) would be a decent choice for a standard reliable simple auto. And no... I'm not knocking polymer guns... own a few myself. But I still stand by the 4" .357 as being the best all around firearm for a first timer. Or, if you want something lighter, pick up a S&W 67 or 15 in 4". You can still shoot stout .38 loads and the k frame .38s generally handle lighter than their larger.357 counterparts.
Any one of the simple tupperware guns today (XD, Glock, M&P, etc.) would be a decent choice for a standard reliable simple auto. And no... I'm not knocking polymer guns... own a few myself. But I still stand by the 4" .357 as being the best all around firearm for a first timer. Or, if you want something lighter, pick up a S&W 67 or 15 in 4". You can still shoot stout .38 loads and the k frame .38s generally handle lighter than their larger.357 counterparts.
bigredfish
New member
Of the choices given, I would go with the Beretta 92 or Sig p226 first, and the S&W 686 second if I just weren't comfortable with an auto pistol.... I would rank a 1911 last due to being a bit more finicky, and the grip safety which I believe takes a new shooter a bit of getting used to.
P226 and 92 - There is something to be said about the light recoil and ease of use in 9mm in these two best-of-breed pistols. I also like capacity - 15 rounds +1 vs six.
Like many have said, try shooting as many of them as possible to see which fits your hand best. Don't worry too much about uncomfortable stock grips, grips are cheap. A set of beautiful Rosewood grips came with my Sig P220, but not so much for shooting. A pair of $20 Hogue rubber grips are a great improvement to most factory grips.
P226 and 92 - There is something to be said about the light recoil and ease of use in 9mm in these two best-of-breed pistols. I also like capacity - 15 rounds +1 vs six.
Like many have said, try shooting as many of them as possible to see which fits your hand best. Don't worry too much about uncomfortable stock grips, grips are cheap. A set of beautiful Rosewood grips came with my Sig P220, but not so much for shooting. A pair of $20 Hogue rubber grips are a great improvement to most factory grips.
If you can't practice a lot and want it basically for the range and HD (home or camping) I'd go with the Beretta or the Sig in 9mm. They both are very well-made, accurate, relatively soft recoil gums (in 9mm) with high capcity magazines that you could get the hang of faster w/ less range time. The biggest difference between the two is that the Beretta has a manual safety and Sig I don't think does. The Glock is a smaller / lighter gun (and so maybe not as easy to shoot) w/ different trigger/safety features that for someone with less experience might not be a good starting point. Personally I'm not a 1991 fan since I don't like SA guns w/ the cocked and locked stuff. A revolver's nice and simple but for what you want why have only 6 rounds when the 92 or the Sig give 15? But all that said, I would see which feels best to you in the hand because they all have differnet grips and some may just not feel right. If you have a range where you can rent them and try them out, the money would be well worth the time before making an actual purchase. But all of them are good guns in their way.
WeedWacker
New member
How mechanically inclined are you? Field stripping a 1911 can be tricky for some and outright impossible for people like my mother (who has issues remembering the controls on her 3913 Lady Smith 9mm 
). I enjoy my 1911's but I find I would rather dirty up an XD or Glock or Sig simply because take down and cleaning are much simpler and faster. Also, seeing as you are in Cali and intend it for camp defense, I'd lean more towards a revolver as a better suited tool. Problem is they take a lot of practice to become proficient with the long double action pull while the single action pull from a 1911, Beretta, or Sig will make it much easier to hit your target. And since you have the mag restrictions in Cali a single stack 1911 isn't a handicap. (Overall I'd suggest the Sig but I am biased 
)
). I enjoy my 1911's but I find I would rather dirty up an XD or Glock or Sig simply because take down and cleaning are much simpler and faster. Also, seeing as you are in Cali and intend it for camp defense, I'd lean more towards a revolver as a better suited tool. Problem is they take a lot of practice to become proficient with the long double action pull while the single action pull from a 1911, Beretta, or Sig will make it much easier to hit your target. And since you have the mag restrictions in Cali a single stack 1911 isn't a handicap. (Overall I'd suggest the Sig but I am biased )You will shoot the 686 more accurately than the autos (if you're like 90% of people I know). And six shots is more than enough for just about any application you may need despite the fascination with hi cap guns.
Considering the 1911 is a relatively low capacity auto and it still is in use with many serious professionals, the capacity argument has more theoretical advantages than practical application.
Considering the 1911 is a relatively low capacity auto and it still is in use with many serious professionals, the capacity argument has more theoretical advantages than practical application.
Which feels best in your hand?
How do you like the reloading (ie a new mag vs speedloader or individual rounds) on each of these?
Is initial or ammo cost an issue?
Are you ok with the number of rounds each holds?
For home defense accuracy of all on your list will be fine.
You'll find diehard revolver guys on TFL as well as semi-Auto fans.
All listed have different feel and balance.
Ultimately you have to decide what feels right for you.
Have fun deciding!
How do you like the reloading (ie a new mag vs speedloader or individual rounds) on each of these?
Is initial or ammo cost an issue?
Are you ok with the number of rounds each holds?
For home defense accuracy of all on your list will be fine.
You'll find diehard revolver guys on TFL as well as semi-Auto fans.
All listed have different feel and balance.
Ultimately you have to decide what feels right for you.
Have fun deciding!
I've got both a S&W 686 in 357, and a Taurus PT92 (just like the Beretta). Both are excellent guns. However, the 686 is my go-to gun if there were an intuder in the house while I was asleep. Reason: simplicity. Everytime you point and pull the trigger it will go boom. No safeties to worry about, no concerns about rounds in the chamber or not, no feeding or ejecting issues (not that the 92 has ever had one), etc.
High-stress, halfway asleep situations require the utmost in simplicity and the least thought towards your gun. Any brain cells brain cells that are working will be directed at the scenario, not my gun.
I carry an auto-pistol during the day.
High-stress, halfway asleep situations require the utmost in simplicity and the least thought towards your gun. Any brain cells brain cells that are working will be directed at the scenario, not my gun.
I carry an auto-pistol during the day.
Cheapshooter
New member
All are great choices. On a basis of versatility I'd have to give the nod to the S&W Revolver. Although you may not want to limit yourself to just the S&W brand. Ruger also makes some very good revolvers, and are usually a bit less expensive.
The most important determining factor is which one you are most comfortable with, and shoot the best.
The most important determining factor is which one you are most comfortable with, and shoot the best.
johnwilliamson062
Moderator
"they take a lot of practice to become proficient with the long double action pull"
I agree it is a little more difficult, but I don't think it is that hard. Both those revolvers should be dry-fire safe, so you could work on it at home(triple check the cylinder to make sure it is empty!). If you use a laser it will show how much you are moving the gun while pulling the trigger(only thing I use one for).
After taking any one of those to the range and testing the specific gun, I would be pretty comfortable having any of those in a defensive situation.
Seems you are smart enough you actually followed the general advice to work with some 22s and gain experience before laying down a lot of cash. If you enjoyed it and think you might continue shooting 22s(I must shoot 5 times the amount of 22 as centerfire at least), then maybe you should look at which guns have a companion 22 or RELIABLE drop-in conversion kit.
Otherwise, whichever one feels best(Except the 686, get a GP100 instead
I agree it is a little more difficult, but I don't think it is that hard. Both those revolvers should be dry-fire safe, so you could work on it at home(triple check the cylinder to make sure it is empty!). If you use a laser it will show how much you are moving the gun while pulling the trigger(only thing I use one for).
After taking any one of those to the range and testing the specific gun, I would be pretty comfortable having any of those in a defensive situation.
Seems you are smart enough you actually followed the general advice to work with some 22s and gain experience before laying down a lot of cash. If you enjoyed it and think you might continue shooting 22s(I must shoot 5 times the amount of 22 as centerfire at least), then maybe you should look at which guns have a companion 22 or RELIABLE drop-in conversion kit.
Otherwise, whichever one feels best(Except the 686, get a GP100 instead
.357 mag revolver-use 38 rounds for practice,38 +p's or 357 mag rounds for self defense and especially in the woods 357 mag rounds.
A .357 mag round is hideously loud but what a great,flat shooting handgun round.
Revolver's are easy to see if they are loaded,have no manual safety to confuse you into getting yourself a non functioning handgun in a life threatening situation and that can stay loaded for years if kept in dry conditions.
Get a stainless one if you don't want to worry about maintaining a blued finish.
With more experience you could then buy an semi auto handgun.
For a handgun novice,I'd pick the Beretta 92 over the Glock as the Glock's trigger system could be an issue to someone new to handling handguns unless they train well to not accidentally pull that trigger when handling the gun.
The 92 has a harder double action trigger pull to start with then the Glock but then the 92 has that manual safety you have to learn to snap off too.
The 1911 is a fantastic handgun but YOU HAVE TO TRAIN YOURSELF TO USE IT RIGHT HABITUALLY----something that could be said about all handguns--- but it applies to the 1911 especially in that it is a single action semi auto handgun.
It's really up to you and what works for you.
Semi auto's require you to train yourself well to use them.
And each different semi auto has it's own operational requirements.
For me,I have 38 revolver's right now and a Ruger 22 semi auto as well.
The 38's should do me just fine loaded with +P self defense rounds.
And your 357 can chamber 38 +p rounds.
A .357 mag round is hideously loud but what a great,flat shooting handgun round.
Revolver's are easy to see if they are loaded,have no manual safety to confuse you into getting yourself a non functioning handgun in a life threatening situation and that can stay loaded for years if kept in dry conditions.
Get a stainless one if you don't want to worry about maintaining a blued finish.
With more experience you could then buy an semi auto handgun.
For a handgun novice,I'd pick the Beretta 92 over the Glock as the Glock's trigger system could be an issue to someone new to handling handguns unless they train well to not accidentally pull that trigger when handling the gun.
The 92 has a harder double action trigger pull to start with then the Glock but then the 92 has that manual safety you have to learn to snap off too.
The 1911 is a fantastic handgun but YOU HAVE TO TRAIN YOURSELF TO USE IT RIGHT HABITUALLY----something that could be said about all handguns--- but it applies to the 1911 especially in that it is a single action semi auto handgun.
It's really up to you and what works for you.
Semi auto's require you to train yourself well to use them.
And each different semi auto has it's own operational requirements.
For me,I have 38 revolver's right now and a Ruger 22 semi auto as well.
The 38's should do me just fine loaded with +P self defense rounds.
And your 357 can chamber 38 +p rounds.
for a beginner, the revolver is simpler, and more forgiving. A .357 shooting .38 Special is an excellent choice.
I'm an old school guy (and old to boot) and while I don't have anything against polymer, I dislike the GLock. Particularly its so called safety. TO me, its not a safety, its a trigger activation switch.
And I don't think that is a good thing for a beginner's gun.
I'm an old school guy (and old to boot) and while I don't have anything against polymer, I dislike the GLock. Particularly its so called safety. TO me, its not a safety, its a trigger activation switch.
And I don't think that is a good thing for a beginner's gun.
I think the easiest answer to give would be: Whatever you get a deal on!
Check out jgsales.com, summitgunbroker.com, etc., to find great deals on basically every firearm you listed. While I stay away from almost everything double stack, I'll admit that Sigs and Berettas are top notch and total tack drivers. More so than almost any other gun I've shot. It's probably because those are built for two hands and they must be more ergonomic for me or something. I love 1911s, so that might be where I would start if I could do it all over again. I don't really see a need for any other pistol in a portfolio than a good 1911 which can be had for right around $500 these days. It took me a while, but I realized long ago that single stack single action guns are my ultimate preference and I will not purchase anything else in a handgun.
I love revos too and that might not be a bad place to go. Ruger makes some fine wheel guns that are built like tanks. I have a GP100 myself and I'm more accurate with that than probably any auto I own.
Check out jgsales.com, summitgunbroker.com, etc., to find great deals on basically every firearm you listed. While I stay away from almost everything double stack, I'll admit that Sigs and Berettas are top notch and total tack drivers. More so than almost any other gun I've shot. It's probably because those are built for two hands and they must be more ergonomic for me or something. I love 1911s, so that might be where I would start if I could do it all over again. I don't really see a need for any other pistol in a portfolio than a good 1911 which can be had for right around $500 these days. It took me a while, but I realized long ago that single stack single action guns are my ultimate preference and I will not purchase anything else in a handgun.
I love revos too and that might not be a bad place to go. Ruger makes some fine wheel guns that are built like tanks. I have a GP100 myself and I'm more accurate with that than probably any auto I own.
I dont know what can be said that hasnt already been said they are all great guns. If I had to pick one for myself it would be a Sig 226 DAK in 9mm with the addition of XS-Sights Big Dot Express night sights. Oh wait I have already done that, well that is of the many I had to get because I just couldnt decide.
A big +1 on getting the gun that fits your hand the best.
I hope this drives the point home, though: There is no such thing as a "best gun." Except YOUR best gun. What works for me may not be the best thing for you.
I wasted a lot of money over the years on guns that people told me were the "best" guns to have and yet, they didn't work for me for various reasons.
For me, I have several options including the ones you listed but I can't use my wife's guns and she really doesn't have the ability to use mine. Our hands are different, our bodies are different and our guns are selected to adapt to our differences.
I'm hoping you'll take the time to actually shoot fifty or so rounds through each of the guns you mentioned and see which one fits your hand best. Get some training in the process so you can know when one works vs. one which is deceptively easy at first and more complicated later.
Revolvers generally make good starter firearms, however, nothing wrong with starting with an auto loader.
After all is said and done, I prefer my 92FS over all of my others for various reasons but the number one reason is because it fits my hand naturally and sight acquisition with it is instantaneous whereas I have to hunt at least a little bit with other guns I own and have used.
Good luck!
--Wag--
I hope this drives the point home, though: There is no such thing as a "best gun." Except YOUR best gun. What works for me may not be the best thing for you.
I wasted a lot of money over the years on guns that people told me were the "best" guns to have and yet, they didn't work for me for various reasons.
For me, I have several options including the ones you listed but I can't use my wife's guns and she really doesn't have the ability to use mine. Our hands are different, our bodies are different and our guns are selected to adapt to our differences.
I'm hoping you'll take the time to actually shoot fifty or so rounds through each of the guns you mentioned and see which one fits your hand best. Get some training in the process so you can know when one works vs. one which is deceptively easy at first and more complicated later.
Revolvers generally make good starter firearms, however, nothing wrong with starting with an auto loader.
After all is said and done, I prefer my 92FS over all of my others for various reasons but the number one reason is because it fits my hand naturally and sight acquisition with it is instantaneous whereas I have to hunt at least a little bit with other guns I own and have used.
Good luck!
--Wag--
FairWarning
New member
For what the OP wants and from the list he provided, from a cost-value standpoint, I'd go with the Beretta 92FS full size. You can fire it repeatedly without hearing protection without destroying your ear drums using full power SD ammo (try THAT with a .357....better yet DON'T). It's tough, reliable, competent and a good value. If cost is less of a concern, the P226 is a step up, but the Beretta will take care of business.