First Handgun Choice(s)

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Virgil Starkwell

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I'm sure this gets asked fairly frequently, but if anybody has any input on these guns that would be great. I need a full-size handgun to practice shooting with for about 7-8 months until I get my CCW permit and purchase a smaller gun. For that reason price is an important factor in which gun I choose. I've narrowed it down to three.

Stoeger Cougar:
From what I understand it's a reliable firearm and at a good value. DA/SA is also something that I'm leaning heavily toward.

Sig SP2022:
I've recently seen these in stores at a really good price. Probably a little more expensive than the others. This is going to be my first choice.

S&W SD9VE:
Cheap as hell but I wasn't really going for a striker fired. Being able to spend more on ammo could be a plus.


Anyway, those were the ones that I was interested in. If anybody has any serious objections to them I would love to hear it. Also, any input on whether or not getting a full size to begin shooting before getting a concealed handgun is even a good idea is welcome. Thanks for any responses.
 
What are you planning to use for concealed carry? If you're not going to get just the one gun, I'd suggest whichever one has the most similar manual of arms.
 
That's part of the point. I can't get a good conception of gun sizes without firing one because the gun stores in my area don't even let you hold them unless you're 21. But I understand that it's good to start out on a larger gun and move on to something smaller that fits the bill. In my case I wear slim clothing and I go running a lot, so probably something very small.
 
If you go with a parent then you should be able to handle one with their permission.

Unless your state forbids it... Then there is no reason why you can't hold the pistol.


If you get the S&W it will really help you learn trigger control. It's a long stiff trigger.
 
Where do you plan to "practice shooting"? I would highly recommend you find a range that does handgun rentals. In my area, if you're under 21, you'd have to shoot with a parent, or maybe any responsible adult, I'm not 100% sure. Find out the rules in your state.

If you're set on DA/SA, then the SP2022 would be a good choice. I was undecided about DA/SA vs striker, so I rented a Glock 19 and a SP2022 the same session. I went with the G19. Personally I did not like the DA/SA. To me, the DA was really heavy and the SA was scary light. I much preferred the consistent pull of the Glock.

You really need to hold a lot and shoot at least a few before you can make any informed decision as to what will work for you.
 
I own both the Cougar (the Beretta original, but they're the same) and the SP2022. The SD9VE has a great reliability reputation over on pistol-forum after some pretty decently high round counts.

Of your options, I'd choose the SP2022. It's a solid, reliable pistol that's the equal, or nearly so, of any other $400-600 hammer-fired DA/SA service pistol on the market.
 
Thanks for the replies. I'm definitely leaning toward the SP2022 but I'll rent or fire a DA/SA before I make my choice (I've already fired a striker). Unfortunately the only range close by makes first time shooters there (regardless of skill or expertise) fire .22s beforehand in addition to a class. Then they're sticklers about shot placement because it's just a racket anyway. A visit is going to end up costing upwards of $100 before I even have a gun.

I'll be going to a gun show this coming weekend so I'll see prices there. If I can find an SP2022 for $399 like I've seen elsewhere I'll probably go for that. If not I may go for the S&W. Thanks again.
 
I'm definitely leaning toward the SP2022 but I'll rent or fire a DA/SA before I make my choice
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I hope you're able to test the triggers (even just in dry firing) of all the specific pistols you're interested in. Even within the same action type, triggers of guns from different brands can feel very, very different.
 
The SP2022 is a fantastic handgun, and a steal at the prices they are going for. A Glock 19 is also worth considering given the size/capacity/price range you are looking at.
 
I own the 40 caliber version of the S&W. It works great. I don't love it or hate it.

I have the Beretta version of the Cougar, too. I like it very much. It's accurate and feels very comfortable in my hand.

Never shot the other one.
 
The more I'm checking out pricing the more I'm leaning toward the S&W 9VE and getting 500+ rounds of 9mm. The gun is going to most likely be relegated to home defense/target shooting after 8 months or so anyway.
 
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I dislike the trigger on the S&W... Its more akin to a DA revolver. Its smooth but long and heavy. Not really a defined break... Functions well otherwise though.

The 2022 is a good pistol, and the trigger is nice, but I disliked how far back the break felt. That is a completely subjective complaint though.

The beretta has a nice trigger, but I do not know how the Stoeger version will be.


Look into the Canik TP9 as well, it is by all accounts a very good pistol, worth more than the $350-$400 price tag suggests.

A used Glock can be a good option, you can find a good one for $400 with a little looking.
 
any would do

I wouldn't hesitate to buy any of those 3.
I have experience with the Smith and the Sig; there's nothing fancy about the Smith, but nothing wrong with it either, and the Sig, though pricier than your other options, is a sleeper. My best friend has one; great gun, great quality, not a fantastic trigger, but good enough. I don't know why people knock that gun so much??
The Stoeger has something to do with Beretta if I remember correctly. I've always thought of it as a "value" Beretta, but that's just me.

I guess if you're heavily leaning DA/SA, then get the Sig. Otherwise any of those would do.

EDIT: looked closer, saw that your end goal is a carry piece. If your carry gun will most likely be DA/SA, then nix the Smith. It's striker-fired, no reason to get used to that type of firearm when you're going to stake your life on a different type in just a few months. If you're leaning toward a compact Beretta for your carry piece, then get the Stoeger. If you'd like a Sig (Sigs meant for carry are pricey, BTW), the get the 2022.
 
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Those 3 guns are all pretty serviceable as has been said.

I would however include an option number 4. The XD-9 at $350-$400 depending on where you buy it. It is a solid serviceable handgun that will put a smile on your face for years.

That said, the reason for suggesting it is I believe it is a similar price to the others and it has the "no safety" safety system like the S&W, but SA has several CCW size guns with the exact same manual of arms and nearly the same triggers. So as you train with your XD-9, you are also training for an XD-9 mod 2 or XD-S CCW gun in the future. Last it is a great gun and will likely be your bedside or range pistol for years to come.
 
Virgil,

If you are planning on carrying in less than a year, I recommend you get a compact-sized pistol. The slightly smaller size (about 1 inch shorter in length and about 0.5 inch lower in height) is a bit easier to carry and conceal, but it still shoots well at the range. Full-size pistols excel in combat zones, in competition, and for home and car defense. They can be concealed, but more attention must be given to attire.

Subcompacts and pocket pistols are more easily carried and concealed, but they are generally not fun to shoot. Getting one or more of these makes sense after getting a good all-around compact.

If you buy a compact pistol now, you can scrap your plan to buy two in a year and get one good compact that can serve well in any role. Consider a compact Canik -- good price, proven design (CZ 75 clone), good magazine capacity, very good Turkish workmanship, and plenty of after-market support within the CZ community (eg, grips, mags, improved actions).
 
If you want an inexpensive but good handgun and prefer SA/DA, I'd think about the SAR B6P. It's what I went with and it's an incredible gun for $250. It's a CZ75 clone, nearly identical to the Tanfoglio Witness. It's a full sized handgun but it's a relatively small Fram for being full sized. I'm considering using mine for a CCW at least initially until I can buy a dedicated CCW handgun, as it isn't small but it's definitely concealable.

The Caniks are nice guns as well.
 
I no longer own my first 3 automatics: an HK USP, a Beretta 92, and a Para Ordnance double stack .45. My hands are small and it took quite a bit of instruction and practice to learn how to shoot double-stack automatics. I wish I had those back now. My point: try to test fire, at least dry fire, the pistols first. Choose the one that feels most natural in your hands. You may save money in the long run by avoiding trades and stockpiled accessories that end up in a closet. I hope you find your favorite gun first. Good luck.
 
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