Looking for first handgun

R

RCarpenter

New member
I'm no stranger to firearms, but I've never owned a handgun. While my permit is in process, I've been reading up on the various styles and models available, trying to educate myself as well as possible before I'm ready to make the purchase.

Aside from looking for a gun that feels good in my hand (I agree that that is of utmost importance), I'm thinking along the lines of the following:

  • I'm leaning toward a minimum caliber of 9mm, but less than .44 for recoil management and concealability purposes. I'm large enough that I feel anything larger than a compact or sub-compact might be uncomfortable or difficult to conceal.
  • I want a dedicated safety switch. Maybe it's just a matter of personal preference, but I'm not a fan of the Glock-style trigger safety design. I don't feel I need my gun to be quite *that* ready to fire at all times.
  • I would like a gun with a decocker. This isn't a deal-breaker, though.
  • My budget is only about $400 or so. I'm fine buying a used gun, if the deal is good enough.

With that in mind, I'd appreciate any advice or recommendations.
 
A good used CZ 75B/85 Combat series would serve you well in that regard. If you want something a bit more compact that will also be within your budget, look for the new CZ P07. You can get it used or new, but even new can be found for around $400. Some examples:

Dealerase (only one in stock LOL, so better decide quick!)

Or here albeit it'll cost you 50 extra bucks

Or yet another NIB

You could also look for a used Jericho 941 in various sizes from full-size, compact, to more compact. It's basically a very nice CZ clone.

BTW, concealing a full-size gun comfortably has a lot to do with (1) holster (2) belt (3) clothes and most of all (4) habit. You can cover full-sized pistols amazingly well with just an XL T-shirt, get a good belt and holster, and make it a HABIT to carry. Lots of people carry 5' 1911s without trouble thanks to a good belt+holster and making carry a habit...
 
I strongly recommend considering the availability of a .22LR conversion as one of your desiderata. You may not get one immediately or even soon but I am sure you will be glad of it when you do.
 
Since you posted in the General Handgun Forum, what about a revolver? Good used S&W or Ruger .357/.38's are readily available, and a 2-4 inch wheelgun makes a heck of an all purpose handgun.
 
* I'm leaning toward a minimum caliber of 9mm, but less than .44 for recoil management and concealability purposes. I'm large enough that I feel anything larger than a compact or sub-compact might be uncomfortable or difficult to conceal.
* I want a dedicated safety switch. Maybe it's just a matter of personal preference, but I'm not a fan of the Glock-style trigger safety design. I don't feel I need my gun to be quite *that* ready to fire at all times.
* I would like a gun with a decocker. This isn't a deal-breaker, though.
* My budget is only about $400 or so. I'm fine buying a used gun, if the deal is good enough.
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I'm leaning toward a minimum caliber of 9mm
I recommend that you buy a caliber that you can shoot within your budget; it's no good getting a .40 if the rounds are so expensive in your area that you can't become proficient with the handgun. I like 9mm a lot, and there's a host of bullet types. The nice thing is that its not that pricey. 9mm is a perfectly viable round, its just not as 'secks-say' as some others

I want a dedicated safety switch. Maybe it's just a matter of personal preference, but I'm not a fan of the Glock-style trigger safety design
You do realize that the only real safety on the handgun is you, yes? :) It sounds to me as if you would like a double action pistol. I really must say that you should never rely on a safety device. With a proper holster, is the manual safety really a primary concern?

I would like a gun with a decocker That is a nice feature. I have a double/single action SIG P226 in 9mm that has no safety and a decocker, and that is a wonderful pistol. I really appreciate the decocker

My budget is only about $400 or so. I'm fine buying a used gun, if the deal is good enough Buying used is perfectly OK. It's not nearly as bad as looking at say a used car. However you do need to know what to look for. 400 is a bit tight of a budget around here, even used. I don't know about your area, but here, I'd need to add on 100 bucks to meet your criteria
 
I would second the CZ75b or 85bd pistols if you want a semi-auto, I believe they come in 9mm and .40 s&w. Their is also a CZ 75b compact model, which is a little smaller than the full size model.

On the other hand if you want a revolver then I would look into the Ruger SP101.

Welcome to the forum, and good luck!
 
Chris_B said:
You do realize that the only real safety on the handgun is you, yes? It sounds to me as if you would like a double action pistol. I really must say that you should never rely on a safety device. With a proper holster, is the manual safety really a primary concern?
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Of course you're right about the fact that the ultimate safety on a handgun is the operator, but quite frankly, a discreet mechanical safety can *help* to prevent accidental discharge due not only to failures in firearm safety disciplines, but also many other freak scenarios that cannot be foreseen. When the mantra is, "one can never be too safe" - as is generally the case with firearms - I can't imagine a safety switch not being worth the additional split second it adds to being fire-ready.

Chuck Dye said:
I strongly recommend considering the availability of a .22LR conversion as one of your desiderata. You may not get one immediately or even soon but I am sure you will be glad of it when you do.
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Do you find yourself stepping down to a .22 cal that often? Do you do so for target practice? I would think I would always want to fire the stock caliber ammo.

MBRinTN said:
Since you posted in the General Handgun Forum, what about a revolver? Good used S&W or Ruger .357/.38's are readily available, and a 2-4 inch wheelgun makes a heck of an all purpose handgun.
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I haven't ruled out revolvers at all. My only concerns with wheel guns are 1) they don't load as many rounds, and 2) many with exposed hammers might get caught on clothing more than the semi-autos creating accessibility or printing concerns.

Thanks to the rest of you for the suggestions you've provided so far. I've not considered the CZ brand, primarily because I'm completely unfamiliar with them.
 
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Im a newbie here, but not to handguns,, I would consider what MBRinTN said about revolvers,but also Rugers P series are nice guns,in a variety of calibers for a reasonable price for a semi-auto.
 
The local Academy has a couple of CZ knockoffs that are priced within your limits and seem to be fairly well made pistols. I haven't actually shot one of them but the guys behind the counter that I know to be gun savvy say they don't have many customer complaints about them. They have a safety/decocker, double action and in 9mm.

Be warned, a single pistol will get lonely and soon will want companionship. It happens to all of us sooner or later.
 
Of course you're right about the fact that the ultimate safety on a handgun is the operator, but quite frankly, a discreet mechanical safety can *help* to prevent accidental discharge due not only to failures in firearm safety disciplines, but also many other freak scenarios that cannot be foreseen. When the mantra is, "one can never be too safe" - as is generally the case with firearms - I can't imagine a safety switch not being worth the additional split second it adds to being fire-ready.
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Have you considered buying a semi-auto with a magazine disconnect? Dropping the mag instantly turns the gun into a fancy paperweight, and IMHO there's less chance a worst-case-scenario failure-to-fire because it's a lot more obvious that the mag is out than when the safety's on. Numerous LE agencies mandate magazine disconnects for this reason.
Do you find yourself stepping down to a .22 cal that often? Do you do so for target practice? I would think I would always want to fire the stock caliber ammo.
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My .22LR S&W Model 18 is the only gun that goes with me on every single range trip. All of the fundamental techniques- grip, stance, breathing, trigger control, etc.- are the same as a full-bore centerfire handgun, but the ammo costs 1/4 to 1/3 as much... and I handload. :)
I haven't ruled out revolvers at all. My only concerns with wheel guns are 1) they don't load as many rounds, and 2) many with exposed triggers might get caught on clothing more than the semi-autos creating accessibility or printing concerns.
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Regarding #1, they hold enough rounds to finish most real-world gunfights outside of LE and military, and they can be reloaded very quickly with some speedloaders and lots of practice. They're almost always faster to reload from a loose box of cartridges than a semi-auto, so range trips go by faster. If you doubt me, time yourself loading a typical 15-rd high-capacity mag. Most people can't consistenly do it in less than 30-40 seconds. I easily can reload a 6-shot swing-out-cylinder revolver in about 6-7 seconds using loose cartridges. :)

Regarding #2, are you referring to the hammer? If you're concerned with getting the hammer spur caught on clothing, you can have it cut off, usually known as "bobbing" it. Another option is revolver with a shrouded hammer such as the S&W "Bodyguard" series. OTOH if you are indeed worried about getting the trigger caught while you holster the gun, buy a revolver with an exposed hammer and hold the hammer spur down while holstering. If the trigger gets caught and starts to be drawn back, it will start to move the hammer, instantly alerting you to reverse course. (This also applies to traditional DA/SA or DAO semi-autos.)
 
carguychris said:
Regarding #2, are you referring to the hammer? If you're concerned with getting the hammer spur caught on clothing, you can have it cut off, usually known as "bobbing" it. Another option is revolver with a shrouded hammer such as the S&W "Bodyguard" series.
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Yes, I meant hammer. I corrected my post. Thanks.

Of the revolvers I have considered, I have looked more closely at the shrouded hammer models for this reason. One additional point I failed to mention is that the semi-autos are available in thinner models (less than an inch), whereas revolvers can be no thinner than their cylinder. From a concealment standpoint, that just seemed to me to be an advantage for semi-autos.
 
I'll add another vote for the 92FS. I bought one many years ago, and have put 2-3 thousand round throug it. Never a misfire, never a jam, simply amazing pistol. I have other pistols that are more accurate (or should I say I can shoot better) but 9mm is a great first choice as ammo is not as expensive as 45acp/357mag and recoil is not that bad. My wife liked my 92FS so much that we bought her one and she's an amazing shot with it. As others have said, I love the decocking saftey. You can take it apart in 5 seconds to clean and it goes together just as easily. Great pistol.
 
For a first handgun, I agree with a revolver. I love my CZ85 but my everyday carry is a S&W Bodyguard .357. Most encounters are going to be 3 shots in 3 seconds at 3 yards. A revolver is on time everytime just point and pull the trigger. No worry about feed, function or type of bullet. It shoots them all, all the time. No safety to fumble for no question if needs to be cocked. And don't forget to practice, practice and practice some more. But later when you save up some more $$$$$, go buy that CZ, you'll love it.
 
Couldnt agree more with spacecoast....i have 2 ruger p-95s,9mm,15 round mags....feed and shoot great,,,one of my favorites...despite the low cost.
 
Any Ruger or Taurus that you like. They are within your budget and will serve you just fine until your budget increases and then you will be able to trade them or sell them. I have owned several of both and have had NO problems.

Let the dogpile begin on the Taurus.
 
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