Full size, compact, etc...for a first time buyer

I have three pistols that allow only a two-finger grip on the frame. Two are Beretta mini-Cougars. The third is a SIG P320 compact slide and barrel which I sometimes use with a subcompact grip module.

For all three pistols I have longer magazines with magazine grip extender sleeves that allow a full, three-finger grip.

Although I don't particularly care for the pinky hanging off and curled under the magazine base plate feel, I have found that, somewhat to my surprise, my accuracy does not seem to suffer with the two-finger grip.
 
Sig P239

Hey I'm brand new here (first post :o). Hello OhioGuy. I didn't see the pistol I use as EDC on your first list there. I have it in 40 and love it as it has turned out to be the best for me after doing what you did; shooting a lot of different guns. Sig Sauer P239.

My P320 is in 357sig. Nice but doesn't get carried nearly as often as the P239 in 40.

Somebody brought up the flinch issue. The thing of unconciously squeezing the handle with the whole hand (or at least the three gripping fingers) at the same instant as pulling the trigger. That was hell for me for about the first 200 rounds; kept getting low/left groups.

Got some instruction and learned to pull that trigger straight back, faster and faster. But I digress. Just wanted to point that out because that gun in that caliber is a boomer and does have recoil, so it was a great thing to get over the flinch and poor trigger/grip skills.

I have other guns, but that one as I say is my best friend. :D

(had to edit this as I mixed up my Sig model numbers :eek:)

Cheers,

*Sig-Gunner*
 
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All three are definitely reputable manufacturers, and would serve well no matter your choice.

I understand about the S&W hinged trigger, I swap them for an Apex poly trigger. Improves the feel a good deal

For me. The S&W is the most ergonomic, both the full size and compact. The ability to change the back strap for different sizes can help taylor it to your hand.

The Springfield XD is the next on my list, soft shooting, but a little heavier. The Mod 2 and XDm series improved the already good ergos.

The Glock is last on my list, due to the ergos and feel, but it is hard to argue the rugged simplicity of them... Not that the others are complex or fragile... It's just that it is really easy to work on a Glock should you need to tear into it further than a field strip entails.

As others have said, look at the Sig 320... I would add the H&K VP9 and Walther PPQ to the list... Plus so many others but that starts getting to be a big list. (OK the FNS too)

Looking at some DA/SA hammer fired offerings would not go remiss either.


Whatever you choose, remember... If you are choosing between fancy upgrades and more ammo... Always choose more ammo. (Unless you are thinking of swapping the S&W hinged trigger for a more solid one... That's always worth the $40 :cool:)

The market for upgrade parts and accessories is big, and can tempt new shooters.
 
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You're going at this in a proper way. It's good you fired quite a few striker pistols and I probably would have narrowed it down to S&W, Glock and XD as well.

The Glock 19 is my choice but I also have a Glock 26 sub compact as well. If I went with S&W or XD I'd again probably get compact and sub compact.

You can make a small gun bigger but it's harder to make one smaller. The Glock 26 can pass nicely as a G19 with a magazine extension and G19 or G17 magazine. Don't forget many manufacturers have grip sleeves to make the grip feel better to more people. For example, the Gen 4 Glocks.
 
I'm late to the party, and everybody else has already said most of what needed to he said. The only thing I'll add is this: don't get too hung up about finding the PERFECT gun.

The truth is that there's no such thing - every gun has a different feel and different tradeoffs, and over time your preferences might change. The important thing is to start shooting, and learn all the thigs you didn't know you didn't know.

Glock, Smith & Wesson, Springfield, Sig... they're all reputable manufacturers with good aftermarket support and modest prices. Pick one, learn to shoot, then start exploring what else is out there with an open mind. If you enjoy it as much as it sounds like, I guarantee it won't be your last firearm.
 
Here's something to think about. We live in a time where we are targets of radical Islamic extremists and Militant Black Militias. I live in Dallas. Do I need to remind you of what we went through a few weeks ago.

Speaking for myself and myself only, I no longer carry snub noses or single stack sub-compacts. I want as many rounds as as are practicable. I would suggest you look at the SA Mod. 2 Compact and carry the XD 9 full size mags if you decide to get licensed to carry.

My EDC LTC pistol is a Glock 23 with the a higher capacity Glock 22 mag as a spare or spares.

This is just me.
 
Sad truth about the times we live in. My wife asked me why I carry a spare mag. I just said I think I should now days.

Never did before, thinking the 7+1 was plenty. Now I wonder if I should also carry a second gun.
 
Dude I'm carrying a spare in the off hand front pocket and two more Glock 22 Mags in the brief case. As I get older, I see a Gen. 4 Glock 17 in my future or a new 19M. I was visiting with a former IDF soldier who is well versed in all things Jihad recently. He told you me you have to go about your day understanding jihadis will be well prepared and more than likely you will walk into their trap versus our seeing them first. Sad times indeed. I am a big 2nd Amendment person but I believe all praying people need to be doing so without ceasing in these times. Sorry to veer off OP.
 
OP I can tell you that my Walther PPS M2 carries beautifully with every holster I have tried with it. It's a sweet shooter, and you can carry it with the 6rd. mag that comes in the box and then get yourself a couple extra 8 rounders for range use & carry spares.
 
I'm with the .22lr group. I learned on one some 70+ years ago. Used one to kill game on the fly/run and to kill hogs. Grew up on a farm and raised our own food.

A .22lr Ruger Mark iii, or Mark ii, regular size; with about a 5 inch barrel is plenty of pistol. I say Ruger because they're relatively inexpensive. But, I have several other brands, just as god, or better. I just picked up a S&W Model 442 which I really like.

I shoot mostly 9mm, with some .45ACP, .357 Mag, .380 and .38 Special throw in. However, for serious target shooting I go to .22lr.

I'd also suggest you really know what you're doing before you begin to carry.
 
Glock 19. Best of both worlds. Big enough to serve as a "close to full size duty gun," and small enough to carry concealed should you choose to do so.
 
Excellent question asked here. Consider a 9mm for it's versatility and shoot ability. You might also wish to purchase a compact model versus a subcompact or full size model. It would perhaps be better for you to build your confidence and skills on a platform that you would enjoy shooting first and foremost. Look at major manufacturers only for fundamental reliability. Take a careful look at the S&W M&P Compact series, Glock 19, Sig P320c, Walther, Springfield XDM compact. My top pics would be the Glock and Sig. Note, you could ultimately change the caliber and size of the Sig to meet future needs. :)
 
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