Beretta 92fs, SIG P226, Glock 17, 1911 or a S&W .357 revolver for a first time buyer?
- Thread starter Anferny
- Start date
SoCal handguns, choices...
I didn't read all the posts yet but I'd add a few thoughts....
From the posted list, I'd buy a NIB Smith & Wesson revolver.
It can safely fire .38spl target loads but you can "upgrade" to a powerful .357magnum round if or when you feel it's needed(protection, home defense).
Really a simple DA only police trade-in .38spl stainless revolver would be a smart choice, esp for the south CA area, where local DAs or LE agencies may or may not like armed citizens. A used/good condition police service revolver may "look" better in court or a after-incident investigation than a jazzed up semi auto pistol no local cop shop uses.
If you really want a semi auto & have the $$$, buy a NIB SIG Sauer P229R DAK(double action only) with factory night sights.
You can use a P226R/P229R DAK for protection or target use AND add a SIG Sauer factory .22LR slide barrel, mag for cheap practice.
P226s & P229s are robust, well made & are popular with many PDs in the US southwest/CA.
You may want to add a CT laser-aiming grip or "white-light" to the semi auto pistol too. That will aid you in home defense.
The .357sig is a great defense caliber but a .40 or 9x19mm will protect you.
Keep the firearm(s) clean, only use factory ammunition for protection(NO reloads or handloads) and get decent skill training from a top program.
ClydeFrog
www.GunsAmerica.com www.JGsales.com www.SGammo.com www.Brownells.com www.SIG-Sauer.com www.Crimsontrace.com www.Natchezss.com www.handgunlaw.us www.gunvideo.com
I didn't read all the posts yet but I'd add a few thoughts....
From the posted list, I'd buy a NIB Smith & Wesson revolver.
It can safely fire .38spl target loads but you can "upgrade" to a powerful .357magnum round if or when you feel it's needed(protection, home defense).
Really a simple DA only police trade-in .38spl stainless revolver would be a smart choice, esp for the south CA area, where local DAs or LE agencies may or may not like armed citizens. A used/good condition police service revolver may "look" better in court or a after-incident investigation than a jazzed up semi auto pistol no local cop shop uses.
If you really want a semi auto & have the $$$, buy a NIB SIG Sauer P229R DAK(double action only) with factory night sights.
You can use a P226R/P229R DAK for protection or target use AND add a SIG Sauer factory .22LR slide barrel, mag for cheap practice.
P226s & P229s are robust, well made & are popular with many PDs in the US southwest/CA.
You may want to add a CT laser-aiming grip or "white-light" to the semi auto pistol too. That will aid you in home defense.
The .357sig is a great defense caliber but a .40 or 9x19mm will protect you.
Keep the firearm(s) clean, only use factory ammunition for protection(NO reloads or handloads) and get decent skill training from a top program.
ClydeFrog
www.GunsAmerica.com www.JGsales.com www.SGammo.com www.Brownells.com www.SIG-Sauer.com www.Crimsontrace.com www.Natchezss.com www.handgunlaw.us www.gunvideo.com
Echoing what others here have said, whatever fits you well and what you are comfortable with. I carry and shoot a mixed bag, from snub-nose S&W .38s, Colt LW Commander, but mostly Glocks because that is what I'm used to. As far as balance and accuracy is concerned I've always found that Browning HPs can't be beat. I cannot speak to the fit/accuracy of some of the more modern HPs but a 1960s/70s HP fits me like a glove and puts bullets exactly where I'm aiming. I find that often Browning HPs get overlooked in the pistol discussions about Glocks, SIGs, and 1911s (all of which are great guns)
generally I would say what suits you best, but you are starting out and I will change that.
I would go with a 357 revolver as you are not planning on concealed carry (CC). I don't like the choice of the Model 19 Smith as its too light for a new person shooting 357.
I am not up on the latest S&W, but the old N fame (Model 27?) or the modern day equivalent would be my choice. Stainless is very good for duralbity and maintaining finish and no rust if its as heavy as the 27 was.
Shooting 38s in it is fine for getting used to it, but you need to shoot a lot of 357 is you plan on s;serious business such as HD or a trail gun. Police departments found that they trained with 38 wadcutters and officers shot badly in combat with their full loads
If you evolve into the semi auto world give the Sig SP2022 a serious look. Its around $400 which is cheap for an extremely high quality semi auto, and its as good as the guns costing 800-1000 in alloy, steel or polymer.
I would go with a 357 revolver as you are not planning on concealed carry (CC). I don't like the choice of the Model 19 Smith as its too light for a new person shooting 357.
I am not up on the latest S&W, but the old N fame (Model 27?) or the modern day equivalent would be my choice. Stainless is very good for duralbity and maintaining finish and no rust if its as heavy as the 27 was.
Shooting 38s in it is fine for getting used to it, but you need to shoot a lot of 357 is you plan on s;serious business such as HD or a trail gun. Police departments found that they trained with 38 wadcutters and officers shot badly in combat with their full loads
If you evolve into the semi auto world give the Sig SP2022 a serious look. Its around $400 which is cheap for an extremely high quality semi auto, and its as good as the guns costing 800-1000 in alloy, steel or polymer.