GaryWWhite
Inactive
I currently own a Sig P229 Elite that shoots remarkable groups. It is about an inch shorter than the P226 and is very concealable.
First time buyer looking for range/HD gun
- Thread starter bm303
- Start date
RoughDivider
New member
If you enjoy the M&P get it, no sense to base the HD gun on weight, 9mm out of it is fairly mild. The fact you enjoy it also tells me you're more likely to go out and shoot with it and that's a big factor with a gun, whether it stays in the nightstand or is carried. I love my compact M&P and its my HD gun, granted I've also got an AR and a couple of shotguns but the pistol is the most accessible immediately.
Independent George
New member
Here's the secret about modern semi-autos: it's really hard to find a bad one these days. It happens (*cough* Remington *cough*), but for the most part, it all comes down tonpersonal preferences.
I started with an SP-01 Tactical (decocker model) for the same reasons you seem to like it: the ergonomics fit my hand perfectly, and I was shooting noticeably better with it as a result. That's great because for a new shooter, who doesn't like being dead on target? The thing is, though, as you get more experience, you'll be able to do the same with pretty much any gun you pick up. Some will still feel better than others, but once you learn to shoot well, you'll shoot well regardless.
With that said, you should really be looking to eliminate bad choices and decide what doesn't work for you. Obviously don't pick one that's uncomfortable in the hand; eventually you'll shoot those fine, too, but you'll be less inclined to practice with it if it's not fun. If it has a safety, any safety you can't easily and comfortably deactivate with ond hand is gone. For me, that eliminated Berettas (though I later found out they could he converted to decocker only, which might have been nice to know at the time...).
If it's DA/SA, can you comfortably reach the trigger to shoot it in DA mode? Shooting in DA is tough, and if you physically can't reach the trigger, it's going to be near impossible to learn properly.
That segues into the eternal striker/safety/decocker debate, to which there is no one correct answer. That takes some explanation, so I'll write it up in a separate post later. I should probably keep a copy on a text file somewhere for all the times it comes up.
I started with an SP-01 Tactical (decocker model) for the same reasons you seem to like it: the ergonomics fit my hand perfectly, and I was shooting noticeably better with it as a result. That's great because for a new shooter, who doesn't like being dead on target? The thing is, though, as you get more experience, you'll be able to do the same with pretty much any gun you pick up. Some will still feel better than others, but once you learn to shoot well, you'll shoot well regardless.
With that said, you should really be looking to eliminate bad choices and decide what doesn't work for you. Obviously don't pick one that's uncomfortable in the hand; eventually you'll shoot those fine, too, but you'll be less inclined to practice with it if it's not fun. If it has a safety, any safety you can't easily and comfortably deactivate with ond hand is gone. For me, that eliminated Berettas (though I later found out they could he converted to decocker only, which might have been nice to know at the time...).
If it's DA/SA, can you comfortably reach the trigger to shoot it in DA mode? Shooting in DA is tough, and if you physically can't reach the trigger, it's going to be near impossible to learn properly.
That segues into the eternal striker/safety/decocker debate, to which there is no one correct answer. That takes some explanation, so I'll write it up in a separate post later. I should probably keep a copy on a text file somewhere for all the times it comes up.
CZ P09 all day. But! If its not for you then don't get one! So many choices. The p09 simply takes the cake for me, especially when in the FDE like mine.
If you're set in an all metal pistol the sp01 is just as nice, CZ released their 2016 urban grey batch of guns as well. Pretty cool
If you're set in an all metal pistol the sp01 is just as nice, CZ released their 2016 urban grey batch of guns as well. Pretty cool
When I made that decision I went to several gun shows/gun stores to see what guns felt good to me as my hands are pretty big and shot different guns that friends owned to help be decide. I decided on 9mm at the time because I wanted something relatively inexpensive to shoot (and reload) as I wanted to shoot a bunch at the range and competitions so that I was proficient with it.
That was almost 25 years ago, and for me it was a Glock 17 (Gen 2). I later added a G26 when Texas allowed concealed carry. Having a common platform works well for me still today.
Try as many as you can since today you have a lot of good options out there. I would go with a full size gun for what you describe.
That was almost 25 years ago, and for me it was a Glock 17 (Gen 2). I later added a G26 when Texas allowed concealed carry. Having a common platform works well for me still today.
Try as many as you can since today you have a lot of good options out there. I would go with a full size gun for what you describe.
First time shooter, get some shooting lessons first. The fundamentals of pistol are: stance, grip, sight picture and trigger control. Then it won't matter if you are running a $200 HiPoint or a $5,000 STI Open race gun. Look for classes run by retired/active duty LEO who is also a competition shooter.
I think a full size 9mm is the best choice for first handgun with home defense in mind. You cannot go wrong with any of the big names, Glock 17, Beretta 92FS, HK VP9, Ruger SR9, Ruger American 9mm, M&P 9... I'd avoid cheap off brands, but Ruger is a great gun for less money. Glock is the most common.
ferrarif1fan
New member
The CZ SP-01 is a classic. Lots of them in use in competitions. It is a bit big and heavy though. As far as the reset, I believe there is a short reset trigger option available, as well as a few other trigger group goodies. The SP-01 Shadow comes with lots of the goodies already installed, but at a price. If I remember right, they also get a CZ Custom trigger job. If you've got the bucks, it would be hard to go wrong with the CZ SP-01 Shadow.
Roland Thunder
New member
Not sure why liking the M&P would cause you to like the 226. There are no similarities whatsoever between the 2.
I'm selling a PT92 right now, which I think would be a good first handgun. Dead simple to disassemble and a very proven platform. I'm a big fan of DA/SA guns, so this one fit right in for me. I just don't have the $$$ to own multiple handguns and want to get back to more CZ style ergos. Taurus also has a lifetime warranty on the gun, regardless if you're the first owner or not.
I recently picked up the M&P 9 Pro 5" as my first striker fired gun ever after resisting for years. My experience is mostly with 1911s so the M&P was a wise choice for me. It is very comfortable and extremely lightweight. I never thought I would care for a polymer pistol but I'm really diggin' this gun. You don't even have to try it, just buy it. I'm confident you'll like it. Well, you'll like it after installing a reset assist at any rate.
No, not at all, the gun you train & practice with on a consistent basis is superior for your purposes, whether it's striker-fired, or hammer-fired with a manual safety and/or a decocker, or a DA/SA revolver. You could hire an NRA certified instructor for an hour and get his input on this subject. With training and practice comes repetition and the manual of arms of the gun becomes part of your muscle memory.
With that in mind, I agree 100% with your "...I won't be carrying it at all there seems to be no reason not to get a large and heavy gun..." comment. So, a nice Gen4 Glock 21 .45 ACP and a big 'ol Smith & Wesson 686 revolver, 4 or 6 inch bbl., could be the way to go here, I own both of these (my 686 is 6") and these should also be part of your consideration!
g.willikers
New member
Warning, warning, imminent nagging approaching!
Whenever hearing the two phrases "new shooter" and "home defense" in the same thread, the hackles raise.
Lots of conversation here about guns, but so far, nothing about learning to survive a potential deadly encounter.
Whenever hearing the two phrases "new shooter" and "home defense" in the same thread, the hackles raise.
Lots of conversation here about guns, but so far, nothing about learning to survive a potential deadly encounter.
Would you mind elaborating on what you mean?
I hadn't seen or touched a gun until I was 21. I am 23 now. My family hates guns and so I was never exposed until I decided to take an NRA handgun class last year and go to the range with my friend a dozen or so times.
Aside from practicing at the range what sort of survival techniques are you referring to? Thanks.
Evil Monkey
New member
Because he didn't ask for training on combat tactics with a pistol.
If you are picking a gun primarily for fun at the range, get a 5" 1911 9mm with adjustable sights (many good ones out there, STI Trojan, Springfield Range Officer, etc). It is still a very good gun for HD. Low capacity for such a heavy/big gun but you get nice trigger, low recoil, and (for most) very good feeling gun.
If your primary purpose is defensive/tactical, pick any of you choices (pick the one that simplest to use --- My thinking is: for high stress use, the simpler the operation, the better - less things to forget or mess up).
If your primary purpose is defensive/tactical, pick any of you choices (pick the one that simplest to use --- My thinking is: for high stress use, the simpler the operation, the better - less things to forget or mess up).