Fist Handgun

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wcasey755

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I shoot all guns quite often and a wide range from a Glock 17 to a 357. none of witch are my guns. My question is what would be the best deal on a handgun for a experienced shooter for a first gun for HD to CCW and of course just for fun? I have no real preference in caliber, but I am not a huge fan of revolvers. I also have a cutoff price of 400 any suggestions?
 
I would suggest getting a used 9 mm pistol. Sticking with the major brand names is probably the best way to go. The 9 mm should be enough for SD/HD and is the cheapest center fire to shoot at the range with factory ammo. Since pistols really are a personal choice you will have to decide what you prefer. There just are too many choices. Do you want a striker fire, S/A, DOA, DAK, SA/DA etc. Then there are sight differences as well as the size. Grip angle and finish also come into play. With so many choices, you will probably find something you prefer in the used category. Happy hunting.
 
Fist Handgun
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I want one, thats on my list with the Final Fantasy VIII gunblade:p

Anyways, for a first handgun that you do not plan to carry concealed, I would say anything service size, but it really depends on what you prefer style-wise and what fits your hand(s).

Major brand names is a plus, as Dave said. But unless you really know how to evaluate used weapons, you might want to stick to new or buy from a friend or a reputable dealer.

Is your cutoff of 400 set or is that just what you have on hand at the moment? If it's not set in stone, shop around and maybe save a bit more in the meantime.
 
Suggestion:

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Well I have shot plenty of guns and have not come across one I really dont like. I was thinking a 9mm or 45. as much as I do often shoot I also am not very knowledgeable when it comes to them hence me asking for opinions. I am not picky in the slightest I just need and want something cheap and reliable and somewhat nice would be a plus I do not really care about finish black or gun metal gray I could care less as my father says its not a fashion piece. 400 is my cutoff until I can afford to splurge for more witch isnt coming anytime soon.
 
What wrong with a...

4" .357Mag?

You can use .38 Spl taret loads for plinking and learn to roll your own!

Easy to CPL with, I do mine is a IWB. {Blubber molds around it}

There seems to be a little influx of "drawer queens" of Ruger security six hitting the market and they seem to be decently priced.
 
AHHH the MAK Yes I was looking at those on gunbroker and it was definitely up for consideration but then I talked to a family member whom had shot one and said that he was not a fan and that the fire/safety controls are FUBAR and the ammo is hard to come buy as well though but I would love to hear others opinions on it?
 
jroth, YES that would be it and funny enough it is my mothers and she treats it like its her baby flew out of my hands when I shot it when I was young and she spanked me...quite a sight to see I am sure. Like I said as much as I do shoot and am experienced I dont know much cleaning is about it so prepare for stupid questions. What do you mean Plinking and roll your own? Also like I said not big on revolvers.
 
While I do like oddballs, I wouldn't recommend a mak to anyone for their only handgun. It's an oddball that shoots relatively uncommon ammo and has a complete lack of factory support.

With your price you could go the used route or look at rugers or springfield XDs or any of the other big name budget guns. Since it's your first you'll probably want the 9mm for cheapest ammo.
 
Used FNP or FNX, CZ p-07, Sig 2022, XD, M&P or a glock would all fit your budget.

The Makarov and the CZ 82are excellent choices for a tight budget and ammo can usually be had locally. I bought a CZ 82 a while back and it's fantastic, especially given it's $200 price. Good sights, ergonomics and trigger. Their easy to maintain and very accurate. In my area, you could get a Cz82 or Makarov and about 1000 rounds for $400. I'd say that 1000 rounds of practice with either is better than a gun and no ammo.:D
 
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AHHH the MAK Yes I was looking at those on gunbroker and it was definitely up for consideration but then I talked to a family member whom had shot one and said that he was not a fan and that the fire/safety controls are FUBAR and the ammo is hard to come buy as well though but I would love to hear others opinions on it?
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Excuse me, what?!?!

Assuming he's talking about a genuine Makarov (and not a PA63, P-64, or other non-Makarov guns that sometimes get inaccuratly called "Makarovs"), the triggers are fine, the safety is pretty standard with what you'd see on a hundred other DA/SA autos.

Ammo is not hard to come by. You just won't find it at Walmart.

The Makarov is fine. I've owned 3 over the years. None now -- I basically got out when I traded off my last one last year.

That said, in that class of gun and price range I'd be looking at a CZ-82 now.
 
In a new or slightly used pistols, I would think you could find a good deal on a Sig SP2022 or a CZ 75. There are several models of the CZ 75. Any of those will fit the bill if you feel comfortable with the grip. Another pistol is the Glock. Glock isn't one of my personal preferences but they do work and there are plenty of people out there that love them. I still suggest you stay with a 9 mm for center fire. I also am big on .22 pistols. I probably shoot .22 pistols as much as I do center fire pistols.

When looking in the used market, I suggest taking someone very familiar with the type of pistol you are interested in getting to help you find one in good mechanical shape. They might also help you to possibly get a bit knocked off the price. Pistol prices are not always set in stone.
 
Along the same lines as Woad Yurt's suggestion, I recommend a CZ-82. The Makarov was the original gun, but the CZ-82 is the better one, IMO. More comfortable, better trigger and a lower price.

Same great cartridge, and a double stack 12 round magazine.

The Makarov is a bit smaller and has a single stack magazine, so it might be a little easier to carry concealed. But everywhere else, I think the CZ has the edge.

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You may be able to get a new Ruger for that price. If not, save a little more and get a Ruger. For the money, you can't beat a Ruger. That said, I'm a S&W/CZ man myself.
 
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IF I could recommend a first hand gun that is all so a CCW and in a semi-automatic and on a budget it would have to be a Bursa Thunder 380.
 
WCasey755, Mis-understood about revolvers..

but "plinking" is a term for informal target shooting using whatever "target are available. e.g.: empty .22 carton on side, with end facing you and see how many shots i takes to move it or dueling with a partner. etc.

"roll you own" means reloading cartridges with the empty case you make.

Supposedly, there's a break-even point in cost BUT i haven't found it!! :)

If semi-auto your preference, then consider a S&W m39-2 it the forerunner to the 3913.

Have no experience with Glocks or Makarov, so can't help you there.

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