First time buyer looking for range/HD gun

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bm303

New member
Hi all! I am young, new shooter in the market for my first handgun. It will be used for both home defense and range fun. If I choose to carry I will buy a carry gun.

I have shot a bunch of handguns the last few months and my favorite so far is the CZ-75 SP-01. I tried the Glocks, VP9, M&P's and Walthers.

The M&P full sized 9 is my favorite striker fired polymer that I tried. Felt much better in my hand than the Glocks.

The CZ is just amazing. I knew I was going to like that firearm before I even held it. It's beautiful. My only complaint is the trigger reset is long. I'm used to shooting striker fired polymer pistols and the reset is way shorter than the CZ.

I also have yet to try any of the long-frame models. The M&P 9 Pro series looks great. The one I rented was just the standard "M&P9" and it was very nice. I bet the long slide is even smoother.

I really want to shoot the P226 if I can find one near me. The P-09 too, but I am leaning away from the Polymer pistols since I won't be carrying this firearm.

I'd like to shoot every firearm I can think of that may suit my needs before making my purchase. If anyone has any other suggestions, please share them! Price is no issue.

Take care!
 
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Welcome to TFL, bm303!

Around here, the "first time buyer questions" are almost always met with "go to a range and shoot as many different guns as you can." I'd say that means that you're a step up on us.

All of the pistols that you listed in your post are serviceable firearms from reliable manufacturers. Any one of them will serve you well. Get the one that you shoot the best.

You've got hammer-fired and striker fired in that mix, and (I think) polymer and steel. As long as you're testing out such a wide range of pistols, and leaning away from polymers, I'd also suggest trying out a 1911 and a Browning Hi-Power.
 
Sounds like your rather familiar/experienced for a newbie. :) I believe the right choice will be made. If not, going through some churn is common/normal especially early on.
 
Springfield 1911 Range Officer 5" 9mm.
CZ 75 shadow (CZ custom).
Walther PPQ M2
Springfield XDm 9mm (5.25" or 5")
 
There are a lot of good models that fit your criteria. I like barrel lengths from around 4" (compacts) to 5" for this type of use.

DA/SA metal: I'd start with the Sig 226. Beretta 92, CZ 75's Sig 229/M-11 and Sphinx SDP's are all good choices as well.

DA/SA polymer: Beretta PX-4, HK P-30's and USP's, FN FNX.

DAO polymer: Sig 250 or Walther PPX.

Striker polymer: HK VP9, Sig 320's, Steyr M9-A1 or L9-A1, Walther PPQ's.

Striker DA/SA polymer: Walther P-99 AS.
 
If we are talking 9mm...

Beretta 92 is great, as is Browning High Power, and a 1911 in 9mm.

CZ75 is my favorite, but the reset doesn't bother me.

If it is for range and HD, steel frame is the best choice for the vast majority of people, as is a full-sized pistol. That parameter also means that single action is okay. You have a ton of great choices out there! :)
 
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A full sized 1911 in 9mm ( steel gun, with a 5" barrel ) is a pleasure to shoot ...and very accurate ...and great triggers if they're tuned properly.

You said price is no object....ok, then check out Wilson Combat's 1911's in 9mm....I'd recommend either a CQB full size or a Protector model in the
$ 3,500 price range...very nice guns / a gun you'll have a long time / and you can easily carry it ...( I do ). I carry an all stainless, full sized, Protector model in 9mm...( 10 + 1 wilson mags )....and I shoot it a lot ( gun is a little over 8 yrs old and passed 100,000 rds this winter). I also have a CQB full sized in .45 acp ...another great gun !

my "Protector" model...
http://thefiringline.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=81149&d=1336163670
 
My poly striker pistols get the most use of all of mine.

My M&P is a favorite. So is my VP9 and PPQ. My recent purchase of an FNH FNS9 has been a good one, very accurate and easy to shoot. Very Glock like in how the trigger functions, but I feel smoother and with a better break than a Glock.

I own CZs and like them a great deal. Same for my Sig 226... Both are great shooters. The CZ feels like a sports car, and the Sig like an old Cadillac... One is fast and sharper, the other a little slower but smooth. Trigger reach tends to be a problem with some when they use these pistols.


In the end, while a nice hammer fired pistol makes for a great range gun, I feel a modern striker to be the best for defensive roles... And they can be a lot of fun at the range too.

If you go with a hammer fired, I prefer a DA/SA with a recover for such use.
 
Full size/long barrel
Night sights are nice
High capacity
Reliability


Most modern companies have a gun that fits the bill so just roll the dice knowing you'll win. I'd roll my dice towards the lowest cost striker fired gun from a reputable manufacturer.

Everything else is fanboy nonsense.
 
SIG-SAUER-P229-Legion-Series-Right-Side-courtesy-The-Truth-About-Gus.jpg


Sig P226 Legion, my current "price is no issue" favorite gun!
 
M&P is an excellent gun. If you like it, you'll love the P226.
I'd put the Beretta between the two, rank wise.
I have and shoot all three.

If you can afford the P226, shoot it and buy it.

As with any gun, you need to try before you buy, as some look great spec wise, but the grip and balance may not be to your liking.
 
Thank you to everyone who has shared their thoughts so far.

I called all of the local ranges that I have been to. None of them rent the P226, unfortunately.

I meant to ask everyone's opinion on a first gun owner's home defense gun. Is there any reason a striker fired gun is superior/inferior than a DA/SA gun with a safety? Curious to hear your thoughts. Given that I won't be carrying it at all there seems to be no reason not to get a large and heavy gun, hence why I am leaning away from the polymer's even though I do really enjoy the M&P. I bet the Pro 5" is even better for my needs.
 
9mm is a good choice. Handle as many as you can of those that you might be interested in. Buy the one that seems to fit you best. For HD striker, DA/SA/DAO or revolver, all personal preference. For HD, you might consider something with a light rail. Buy quality. Don't waste your time and patience with off-brand firearms that are "almost as good" even though some self-proclaimed expert tells you that "you're just paying for the name" when you're considering a manufacturer with a proven record of building quality firearms.......ymmv
 
Yeah, choice of action is a subjective thing.

I like strikers due to the consistent trigger, simple control free use, low bore height, and shorter trigger reach.

I have smallish hands, so I can not be as fast on a DA/SA as a striker, due to the longer reach of the DA first shot.
 
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