First Gun Purchase

5

.50Caliber

Inactive
Hello, I am just about ready to buy my first gun, I have a decent amount of range time with 9mm and .45, I shoot the .45 better than the 9mm, I would be able to practice more with the 9mm though, I plan to eventually have both and even get into reloading, my question is what should I start with? I'm looking at the G19 and the USP compact, I have heard not to get a striker fired gun for your first though, any truth to that? why? thanks and any response is appreciated and happy holidays!
 
As you stated, the 9 is cheaper to shoot. You did not say what you will use it for. Carry? The Glock 26 is small, but very nice shooting. The 19 is a nice range gun for a first. I see nothng wrong with a striker as long as you handle it safely.
 
I agree "safely" is the key. I would probably favor the g19 over the g26 for a first pistol. You can use your pinky finger and don't need an extended magazine. That being said I love the g26 and it may be your second pistol. The g19 is an outstanding choice for a first pistol. I like the USP's too but I ended up selling mine for another Glock. I'm sure there's someone on this forum that has sold a Glock to buy another USP though. In truth you can't go wrong with either. If you can, rent them both, that's what I would suggest. Also I would say you should consider factory night sights. It will cost you approximately $40.00 more if you decide to do it later.
 
i havnt heard anything regarding choosing an external hammer first. personally i prefer the external hammer, i think it looks nice and it makes snap cap dry firing easier.

if you're eventually going to get into reloading, i'd say start with a 9mm. reason being, you can start practicing now cheaply, and as time passes you can learn more and being to set up your reloading station. then buy the .45 and being practicing and reloading for it.

i wouldnt bother reloading for 9mm, its not really cost effective.

alot of people tend to find .45 easier to shoot due to its specific 'push' recoil. i'd say practice practice practice with the 9mm as you prepare to load for the .45

seems, to me at least, to be the most cost effective route to take, as well as a steady build in skill progression
 
I'm not sure about the statement not to get a striker-fired gun for your first firearm; there's no truth to that as far as I know.

Most of the modern striker-fired pistols today (Glocks, XD's, M&P's, etc) are very reliable and easy to use for any individual.

As far as your first gun, do your own research and go look at multiple guns before you decide. Go into a few gun shops and feel each weapon and how they feel in your hand. The G19 is definitely a good choice, so is the XD9 or XDM9, M&P9, etc. Good luck with your search.
 
If you follow the Four Rules, any well-built and maintained firearm will be safe to use.

Glocks run like tanks. The G19 would be a good choice. I would go with 9mm on cost reasons. Also, good hollowpoints in 9mm are pretty darn effective for defensive situations.
 
You say that you've fired 9mm and .45 like there is only one pistol of each caliber. How many pistols have you tried? There are hundreds of different manufactures/models for a reason. Do not settle on one until you find the one that feels right for you. Any pistol from the major manufactures (glock, HK, S&W, walther, FN, Springfield, etc) will serve you well. Find a friend who has a varity you can try, or a range with a good rental selection. Find the pistol that's right for you.

With that being said I can recommend with full confidence the walther PPS, walther P99, and HK p7m8.
 
The 45 is my favorite all-around caliber. Both in ACP (I have a Kimber 1911 which is a fantastic piece) and Long Colt (I have a S&W 460 XVR and a Ruger Alaskan 454 Casull; I use Long Colts in both for practice. And I'm looking at a Blackhawk 45 LC for my son's birthday). Super versatile, manageable recoil, and packs a huge wallop; the 45 Colt can be loaded up to 44 mag levels while normal factory loads are about the same as the 45 acp. And the 45 acp +P loads are impressive as well. Ammo is slightly more expensive but unless you're shooting literally thousands of rounds I wouldn't let that sway me. I get reloaded 45 acp from a local shop for under $15 per 50, including brass credit.
 
I am going to give you the best advice that can be given to a first time gun buyer. Buy what feels right in your hand. It needs to fit comfortable in your hands and you need to be able to control it safely. If the gun does not fit your hand you may not be able to shoot accurately or safely.
 
Go to a range that had different guns you can rent. Rent a striker-fired and a hammered pistol and make the decision for yourself. Forums are great resources and there are a ton of people with a lot of experience and knowledge that you can benefit from. But let that knowledge and experience being your guide and not your reasoning for picking a particular pistol. Take advice with a grain of salt and don't be afraid to go against the grain if you have a personal preference. No matter what any of us tell you to do, we're not the ones spending your money. Just because a lot of people on a forum tell you to go one way, that may not be what's best for you.

Don't limit yourself to just a few different models. There are tons of great guns out there that would still be considered "good" for a first gun. Try before you buy is my motto, especially with guns.
 
My suggestion is to get with friends and family members that have guns. See about shooting theirs to get an idea of what you like and what you don't like. A range that rents guns is also another good source. If you have lots of money and plenty of storage space then you can buy many and try them out to see what you like. Sticking to the better known manufacture's pistols is a good idea. Names like Glock, Beretta, Ruger, Sig, CZ etc will get you a pretty good gun.

I prefer 9 mm and cost is one of the reasons for it. They make several different calibers and they all punch holes in paper. For defense, good shot placement will make many calibers effective. You also need to consider where a round might go if you miss your target when defending yourself. Over penetration does happen. There are plenty of things that should be considered. Trying to make the most reasonable compromise is what many people do in the end. Firing a pistol inside a building without eye and ear protection is not a pleasant thing to do. I hope you never have to find out for yourself. It is much more effective then trying to hit someone with a baseball bat or golf club.

I occasionally carry a Sig W. German P226, CZ 75 PCR, and a few others. Most of the time I carry Sig P6. Depending on the time of the year, your location, apparel and stature, these things will make a difference in the gun you will probably prefer to carry.

For the range and home defense I prefer full sized pistols. I do shoot every pistol I have but, some just get shot a lot more then others do. I do enjoy punching holes in paper when ever the opportunity arises.

With the proper equipment, components, and setup, many people into reloading can make rounds that are equal or better the factory ammo. Even 9mm ammo can be reloaded cheaper then buying factory ammo. Reloading can become a very enjoyable hobby in its own right. It just isn't right for everyone. Getting with someone that reloads the rounds you think you want to make is time well spent. Everyone has to start some place. I think learning from someone that knows what they are doing is better then reading a book and thinking you know it all. Books really help but experience is better.
 
I'm not sure about the statement not to get a striker-fired gun for your first firearm; there's no truth to that as far as I know.

Most of the modern striker-fired pistols today (Glocks, XD's, M&P's, etc) are very reliable and easy to use for any individual.

As far as your first gun, do your own research and go look at multiple guns before you decide. Go into a few gun shops and feel each weapon and how they feel in your hand. The G19 is definitely a good choice, so is the XD9 or XDM9, M&P9, etc. Good luck with your search.

What he said!
 
Purchased the G19 RTF over the weekend, 200 rounds no issues, how many rounds until I should clean the slide rail of the factory copper lube? I got some MFS 115 range ammo from cabelas, is this decent ammo? should I wait to put it through the new gun?
 
what is 'MFS'?

Good gun.

Clean at 1K intervals, sooner if ANY function issue occurs.
Lubricate with BreakFree CLP (or TWS-25).

I have found Federal Champion 115g FMJ to be excellent.
 
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