Hi everyone,
First of all, let me excuse myself for the lengthy post, but since this is my first post on these outstanding forums, let me introduce myself:
I'm located in the province of Quebec, in Canada. I am a full time university student. I like to tinker with just about anything: electronics, watches, computers, cars, and soon, firearms.
In Canada, there are multiple steps to complete before getting a license (firearms Possession and Acquisition License, or PAL), and I have recently started the procedure. I should hopefully receive my license in 2 months time, 3 months at most.
As handguns aren't cheap I've started researching my first handgun before getting my PAL. And, since most handguns need to be ordered months in advance, I've been meaning to make this decision sooner, rather than later.
I'd be only using this firearm at the shooting range for target practice. I'm looking for a quality piece, which is accurate and adequate as a first handgun.
(keep in mind the minimum barrel length for a handgun in Canada is 4", and the maximum magazine capacity is 10 cartridges)
So, if I understand correctly, the ideal piece would be heavy and steel framed with a longer barrel. Also, smaller calibers like the .22LR equate to less $$ for the ammunition and less recoil, but eventually one will want to move onto a larger caliber after some experience.
My research has led me to these two options, in no particular order:
The other option would be the Sig Sauer P226, but I'm not as crazy about this one. The only reason I'm considering it is because it is easier to find and is readily available from two local dealers.
The Smith & Wesson 617 is a very interesting choice. I've read a lot about this revolver, and almost everyone is raving about how great this little firearm is. The 10 round cylinder is pretty cool as well, and the fact that there are speedloaders available for this little revolver makes me happy as well. Great accuracy, inexpensive ammo, excessively low recoil (good for guests), and available in Canada; but the 6" barreled version is slightly muzzle-heavy and the .22LR ammunition is dirty, and thus the revolver will need to be cleaned out very often.
The 9mm steel-framed Baby Eagle II is another great choice it seems. I haven't been able to read up as much on this piece because it seems like it is rarer than the other two choices. Reviewers seem to like it for target practice. It's heavy, well built, relatively accurate, relatively reliable, based on the CZ-75, rare and looks absolutely stunning. The major issue with the Baby Eagle is that it's not available in Canada, and I would have to make a run down to the states for it (which is doable, albeit slightly complicated). Also, I hear its availability is very limited, so I should get on that ASAP if I'd like to get it by the end of this year.
Both the S&W and the Baby Eagle are unavailable at the dealers in my area, so I can't put them in my hand before purchasing them.
The only firearm I've briefly tried at the range is the S&W M&P9 Pro, which was okay, but as it was my first time operating a handgun, I didn't have any accuracy whatsoever. With the regular grip, my hand was also slightly too small to actuate the mag release with my thumb.
I may eventually buy both, but which one is the best for a first firearm?
This is where I turn to you guys and gals. Any information, suggestion, comment, opinion will be very appreciated.
Thank you all for the invaluable help!
First of all, let me excuse myself for the lengthy post, but since this is my first post on these outstanding forums, let me introduce myself:
I'm located in the province of Quebec, in Canada. I am a full time university student. I like to tinker with just about anything: electronics, watches, computers, cars, and soon, firearms.
In Canada, there are multiple steps to complete before getting a license (firearms Possession and Acquisition License, or PAL), and I have recently started the procedure. I should hopefully receive my license in 2 months time, 3 months at most.
As handguns aren't cheap I've started researching my first handgun before getting my PAL. And, since most handguns need to be ordered months in advance, I've been meaning to make this decision sooner, rather than later.
I'd be only using this firearm at the shooting range for target practice. I'm looking for a quality piece, which is accurate and adequate as a first handgun.
(keep in mind the minimum barrel length for a handgun in Canada is 4", and the maximum magazine capacity is 10 cartridges)
So, if I understand correctly, the ideal piece would be heavy and steel framed with a longer barrel. Also, smaller calibers like the .22LR equate to less $$ for the ammunition and less recoil, but eventually one will want to move onto a larger caliber after some experience.
My research has led me to these two options, in no particular order:
- Magnum Research Baby Desert Eagle II 9mm, Full sized steel frame BE9900 or BE9915R
- Smith & Wesson 617 .22LR with the 6" barrel (SKU: 160578)
The other option would be the Sig Sauer P226, but I'm not as crazy about this one. The only reason I'm considering it is because it is easier to find and is readily available from two local dealers.
The Smith & Wesson 617 is a very interesting choice. I've read a lot about this revolver, and almost everyone is raving about how great this little firearm is. The 10 round cylinder is pretty cool as well, and the fact that there are speedloaders available for this little revolver makes me happy as well. Great accuracy, inexpensive ammo, excessively low recoil (good for guests), and available in Canada; but the 6" barreled version is slightly muzzle-heavy and the .22LR ammunition is dirty, and thus the revolver will need to be cleaned out very often.
The 9mm steel-framed Baby Eagle II is another great choice it seems. I haven't been able to read up as much on this piece because it seems like it is rarer than the other two choices. Reviewers seem to like it for target practice. It's heavy, well built, relatively accurate, relatively reliable, based on the CZ-75, rare and looks absolutely stunning. The major issue with the Baby Eagle is that it's not available in Canada, and I would have to make a run down to the states for it (which is doable, albeit slightly complicated). Also, I hear its availability is very limited, so I should get on that ASAP if I'd like to get it by the end of this year.
Both the S&W and the Baby Eagle are unavailable at the dealers in my area, so I can't put them in my hand before purchasing them.
The only firearm I've briefly tried at the range is the S&W M&P9 Pro, which was okay, but as it was my first time operating a handgun, I didn't have any accuracy whatsoever. With the regular grip, my hand was also slightly too small to actuate the mag release with my thumb.
I may eventually buy both, but which one is the best for a first firearm?
This is where I turn to you guys and gals. Any information, suggestion, comment, opinion will be very appreciated.
Thank you all for the invaluable help!