Looking for my first gun

J

JJS1

Inactive
Looking for my first gun.
Cost of the gun is NOT really an issue, (ideally <$4,000)
but for some reason I don’t want to pay through the nose for bullets.
Reliability is important.
Easy to maintain also important.
I feel comfortable looking at pistols and revolvers.
I would like the gun for home protection, but would also like to take it to a range for shooting at least 4-8 times per year.
I think I am leaning toward 9mm or .38 special.
I want something smooth to shoot without too much flash or kick.
I want to keep muzzle flash and blast to a minimum without having a huge barrel, perhaps allowing me to put it into the pocket of slacks, robe or overcoat.
I don’t like the shine of stainless steel or the woody-look.
I would love a laser grip without hurting performance.
I would like to be able to buy American.
I would like to be able to load the gun relatively easily

I am considering a Ruger GP100 Blued 4 or 6 inches?
Or maybe a Browning Hi-Power?
Is there something significantly better at higher prices?
 
I'm a Springfield fan. I like just about everything they make. Their new XD(M) 9 is an outstanding pistol. I recently bought it, and it is far more accurate than I am. Cost is about $600. Or you could just throw money at the problem and buy the prettiest 1911 you can afford from Wilson Combat. THAT would probably be around $3-4000. They sell them in .38 super, which I know nothing about, and also a few models in 9mm. The 1911 takes quite a bit of training to really understand and shoot well, but pays off by being a quick and accurate pointing, not to mention beautiful firearm. Also, the 1911 style can be had in just about any length barrel, from the 2 3/4 inch SIG P238 ( .380) to the 6" Olympia Arms 1911 longslide. And in just about every caliber too. Including .357 Magnum. Springfield also makes the EMP ( $1050) in 9mm. I would like to edit this post by saying that you also need to take a course in defensive pistol of some kind. Unless you have been LE or military of some kind, it's important to understand the capabilities of whatever firearm you ultimately choose. And shooting it only 4-8 times a year is no good either. You need constant practice to use a pistol well in a stressful situation. Practice is key. And DON'T buy a pistol on anyone's reccomendation. Handle it yourself first. Shoot it yourself if possible. By the way, as I recall, the browning Hi-Power is single action. Which is something to consider. Parts on such an old pistol are going to be hard to find, and possibly expensive.
If I had $4000, this is what I would choose, fitting your requirements:
1. Springfield EMP
2. Springfield XD or XD(m), the XD(M) only comes in 5" for the moment, but the XD comes in multiple calibers and barrel lengths.
3.Sig Sauer P226
4. FNP 9
5. One of the misc Glocks in 9mm
6. High dollar 1911 of some kind, that shoots 9mm. Wilson, Ed Brown, Kimber, Sig, Springfield, Dan Wesson, and misc others make good quality 1911's in 9mm.
 
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1st

I would like the gun for home protection, but would also like to take it to a range for shooting at least 4-8 times per year.
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+1 about that advice concerning training and range time. If you are new to handguns, four to eight is not enough time (unless you are exceptionally gifted)
The stipulations about recoil etc. are problematic because they are very subjective. What is "smooth to shoot without too much flash or kick" anyway?
It is not what you say that you want, but the description, including inexpensive ammo, etc. is really all about what a .22 is. But you want a 9mm or a .38. Both are going to kick and flash - there are many guns that kick and flash more but you sure do know when both of those go off.
You absolutely do not need to spend close to $4K for a fine, accurate, reliable gun. With that kind of budget, you would be better served buying a both a 9mm/.38 and a .22 pistol in the same or similar configuration. You'd have the best of what you have asked for.
Pete
 
You will get lots of suggestions about specific guns, but I also want to add that the first thing you need to do after getting your new gun is to take a CCW class. Actually, some places let you take the class without bringing your own gun. Of course you will learn things like situational awareness (how to determine if something is or isn't a threat), handgun familiarization and shooting techniques, but you will also learn about the laws in your jurisdiction that you are required to follow. You will be carrying a lethal weapon and you have some very specific responsibilities about when you can and can not draw your weapon both in your home and when you carry.

The other thing to remember is that the ONLY reason for a civilian to carry a weapon is for the protection of your life and that of someone else, not to uphold or enforce the law.

Good luck and let us know what you end up getting.

Scott
 
I am considering a Ruger GP100 Blued 4 or 6 inches?
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The GP isn't a great choice for CCW due to its size, but as a range gun and HD gun, it's really hard to find a better gun than the GP at any price.
 
Whatever you end up getting, and considering the dollar amount you have mentioned, I would certainly urge a professional training course. You will find it to be fun and very useful. It will also make your subsequent range time meaningful and puposeful instead of just a plinking trip, (not that plinking dosen't have it's own benefits).

For the purposes you have laid out, I almost always suggest a good .38 Special revolver. For quality, great trigger, etc. and so on, you may want to go shoot a 4" K Frame Smith and Wesson, (look for adjustable sights). The Model 15 is chambered for the .38 Special and is a wonderfully accurate revolver with a nice lively feel. The Model 19 is chambered for the .357 Magnum which would have the advantage of allowing use of .38 Special or .357 Magnum ammunition at the shooters discretion.
 
I agree that you first need training and by qualified instructors. Spend some of your budget on training and renting different handguns then put the range time in. Don't buy the first thing you shoot, try many, many guns before you buy.

Don't let anyone rule out single action semiauto for you. Definitely try SA, DA and DAO when you rent and make your own decision. And as far as the Hi-Power, it's an excellent gun and parts are not a problem to get. But you may not find one to rent. In my opinion it's the finest 9mm you can have but there are cheaper alternatives.
 
Good on ya

>>>I am considering a Ruger GP100 Blued 4 or 6 inches?<<<

Your first thoughts are very very good.

I would suggest stainless and 4" as your first gun. Load it with .38 Specail +P home defense rounds. Still plenty for short range home defense, you'll shoot them much more comfortably (accurately), and you wont have to worry so much about a missed round punching through walls and killing someone you didn't intend to kill.

You asked if more money would buy something much nicer and the answer is YES! A Colt Python. Finest revolver ever made. An heirloom. A treasure.

Cheers,
Oly
 
I want to keep muzzle flash and blast to a minimum without having a huge barrel, perhaps allowing me to put it into the pocket of slacks, robe or overcoat.
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I would say this criteria points more to a semi-auto, rather than a revolver -- especially if you want to wear in the pocket of slacks. The 2 inch SW J-frame revolvers could be carried this way but they won't fit the rest of your criteria. A 3 inch steel J-frame would work. That probably means either a Model 36 in .38 special or a Model 60 in .357 magnum (but shooting .38 specials). The Model 60 is stainless so you would have to refinish it with one of several good "baked paint" type finishes.

Even in semi-autos, it's hard to fit your needs of low recoil, low flash while keeping within your size limit. Pocket carry for most people means a single stack magazine which eliminates the Browning Hi-Power. A SW 908 (traditional double action) in 9mm is an option, though at the upper size limit for pocket carry. It has a 3.5 inch barrel, single stack mag, and is made in the USA. A Walther PPS in 9mm is another possibility (licensed by Walther for manufacture in U.S. by Smith and Wesson).

You might also look at 1911 style 9mm handguns. Springfield's EMP and STI's LS9 and Escort are all contenders. As 1911s, they are usually carried "cocked and locked." For this reason, they may not the best bet for the very casual shooter.
 
A 9mm semi auto is a fine choice. for a first time gun, i dont recommend you get anything over $600

glocks, m&p, xd are the striker fired type.
they are the type where you carry one in the chamber and they are cocked, and they have a DAO style long and slioghtly heavier trigger pull.

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/13373
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/73201
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=411537240

px4, fnp9, and cz 75 have hammers
these you can leave on in the chamber with the hammer down.
these have a DA/SA trigger pull

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/13655
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/17127
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/18155

id recommend a gun with a hammer and a safety for a first time gun
all of these guns have very manageable recoil

i recommend you try and hold all of these guns and see how they "point" as in, in your natural grip, how easy it is for you to line up your sights on something.

after you cut your teeth on a $500 pistol, you can upgrade to 1911, hi-powers, .44 revolvers.

I personally have a PX4 and I like it alot, cant find any fault with it, never any problems and im a pretty good shot with it.

although, unless you get like a keltec p-11 or the kahr version, not a lot of guns will easily fit in your pocket. and pocket guns are not really that fun at the range. I dont like my p-11 and i am planning on geting rid of it. the trigger pull is atrocious

i guess to be fair, both Sig and H&K around the 800 mark on buds. If you go sig, you should get the full framed steel ones. sig fans HATE the new poly sigs that come out.
 
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normally I wouldn't suggest something like this for a first handgun but since your budget is more than value of the truck I drive:

SG26R9EBWTAC.jpg


sig p226 blackwater tactical edition. read a review of this bad boy recently and the writer said he like it so much he bought it despite owning a standard p226. he claimed the beaver tail aids in shot recovery time. also comes with extended 20 round mags and the grips serve as a mag funnel.

or there's the 226 elite dark which is the same gun but with a threaded barrel and regular grips and standard 15 round mags.
elite-dark1.jpg


they're both about 1300 bucks
 
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I would suggest a SIG Classic 22:
Introducing the new SIG SAUER Classic centerfire pistols in .22LR Rimfire models. The same Classic pistols that have been used by civilian, law enforcement, and military personnel the world over, can now have these same models factory built in .22LR. The SIG SAUER® Classic .22’s are built on the same frame as their centerfire counterparts. All Classic .22’s feature the same SIG SAUER Four-Point safety system which employs a decocking lever, a patented automatic firing pin safety block, a safety intercept notch, and a trigger bar disconector. The new machined slides also feature a front sight adjustable for drift and a rear sight adjustable for both windage and elevation.

With the purchase of a new SIG SAUER Classic .22 shooters can now enjoy hours of serious training at the range for a fraction of what they would pay practicing with full recoil centerfire rounds. SIG SAUER Classic .22’s are shipped in a lockable case with one 10-round magazine.

The MSRP for the Classic P220, P226 and P229 is $608.00.

Be sure to check out the new SIG SAUER X-CHANGE Kit™ is the perfect accessory for your SIG SAUER Classic .22 rimfire pistols. Now shooters can add SIG SAUER centerfire performance with just the change out of the slide assembly, barrel, recoil system, and magazine to any of the standard production pistol calibers; 9mm, .40 S&W, and .357SIG. Exchanging components does not alter the reliability or accuracy of either assembly.

Owning a SIG SAUER Classic .22 and a centerfire X-CHANGE Kit provides the added benefit of owning two pistols in a single premium package. More shooting at a lower cost with the full size SIG SAUER pistol you’re accustomed to; the SIG SAUER Classic .22 caliber pistols that now include the option for centerfire performance with a SIG SAUER X-CHANGE Kit.
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Here's a SIG 229 Classic 22 from Bud's for $483. Reading the review, it mentions that SIG includes a coupon to purchase a conversion kit at a discount within a year of purchase with the gun. I believe if you go this route, you can get a fully functioning SIG in 9mm, 40 or 357Sig plus a 22 conversion kit for the same price as a regular SIG in 9mm, 40 or 357SIG. So basically, you get a factory 22 conversion kit for free.
 
Try a Smith and Wesson M&P 9. Its made in the good ol' US of A. (the Springfield XD's are made in Croatia). I love my M&P 40 and it fits like a glove with the changeable backstraps.:D
Good Luck!
 
Carrying in the slacks is a deal killer for the Hi Power or the GP 100.

You'll have to look more toward a subcompact semi and a J frame revolver.

Go to a range that rents guns and try as many as you can.
 
Thanks for the food for thought

First of all, I want to thank everyone for responding.
I should have rated my wish list in terms of importance before sending it to the forum.

Skan21, I will definitely try some pistols before purchasing. I am just being realistic about the times I can actually make it to a range.
I will definitely look into the Springfield EMP, Springfield XD and the Glock 9mm.

darkgael, I knew I wasn’t so clear on the wish list once I sent it out. Sorry.
I was kind of hoping that there was gun that’s easy to get the hang of at a higher price that requires less range time. Don’t burn me for asking.
I guess the desire for home protection outweighs the desire for a “quieter” gun or cheaper ammo.
Buying two guns is definitely a possibility. A nice choice for the range, but feels a little like a waste if one is only looking for home defense.

scottaschultz, thanks for the advice. I never plan on using my gun or even having to show it for home protection. I definitely want to take a class with my own gun, if possible. I will keep the forum informed once I eventually make a purchase.

Kreyzhorse, someone who likes revolvers! The Ruger GP100 is definitely still high on my list for the range and home defense.

jhenry, thanks for the advice. I am looking forward to a good course eventually. Are you ruling out the Ruger because you think the Smith and Wesson model is a better gun?
I like the look of the Ruger, if that means anything.

Quentin2, you’re right about the training.
I am willing to spend the money…I have more difficulty with the time… You wrote, “In my opinion it's [the Hi-Power] the finest 9mm you can have but there are cheaper alternatives.” If I can afford it, why scrimp? Unless, you think there is something better for my needs.

olyinaz, thanks for the compliment. 4” and 38 Special +P home defense rounds, duly noted. No offense, but Colt Pythons don’t seem to be the kind of gun for novices like me. I probably wouldn’t appreciate it adequately.

KyJim, to be honest, I appreciate your thoughtful effort, but I really won’t need to keep it in my slacks. I was just going through a wish list.

greyson97, I’m trying to narrow down my options. You really like the Beretta PX4 Storm Type F 9mm, I will add it to my list.

Bigghoss, I will definitely look into the Sig Sauer p226 blackwater tactical edition.

Pietro Beretta, Glock is on the short list.

LazyBastard, I will look into the SIG SAUER Classic centerfire pistols in .22LR Rimfire models, at your requst.

pacerdude, I will look into the Smith and Wesson M&P 9.

Buzzcook, thanks for the advice. I will try to rent as many as I can. Don’t worry about the slacks, it’s not a deal killer.

In summary, Ruger GP100 Blued 4 inches is still in the running. The Hi-Power is now much lower on the list. With help from above, the list includes: Springfield XD, Glock 9mm, Beretta PX4 Storm Type F 9mm, Sig Sauer p226 blackwater tactical edition, SIG SAUER Classic centerfire pistols in .22LR Rimfire models, and Smith and Wesson M&P 9.

Maybe, the Ruger AND then a Pistol later when the dust settles? Or vice versa?
Anyone feel strongly about this list one way or another?
 
I don't see anything on the list that wouldn't be a fine gun to own.
As far as revolvers are concerned Ruger and S&W are the two most popular by a mile.
There are more good semi-autos out there than you can shake a stick at.
 
Here's what I would do with 4 thousand bucks...

1. buy a $500 gun. revolver, or semi-auto. whatever
2. buy a reloading kit and all the stuff for it(another 500) for that caliber
3. buy lots of books to read about SD, HD, and such(maybe 100, maybe)
4. pick up a few hundred bullets.
5. take a pistol class. the ones at my local range are only 75 bucks for 2 hours and all ammo+guns are given to you for use. This includes all range time. They start you at a 22, and go to a 9mm at the end. This will teach you stance, grip, posture, mentality, and a slew of other things.
6. go get that CCW! if you haven't already.
bank the rest for a rainy day.
 
Normally I wouldn't bother saying this, but since I haven't said it in awhile...

For the money you are talking about, buy a Dan Wesson revolver in 357 and shoot 38's in it. You will have about the finest revolver ever made for the masses. Plan on buying a used one, but that's OK because they are indestructable pretty much. And if that part about stowing in your slacks or robe??? is serious, then buy one that has all the interchangeable barrels ranging from 2" to 8" long in the same gun. You will end up with an incredible handgun that will last forever and give you unbelievable performance that will be the envy of any afficianado you happen across.

Or you could be like everybody else and buy a Glock #whatever and that'll work fairly well too.
 
JJS1, wow, nice detailed reply. I have to compliment you on actually reading and taking the time to address what people have said here. So often a new person comes in, gets his question answered but never takes the time to acknowledge the effort others put into helping him.

Anyway, though I am a Hi-Power fan there are many fine alternatives. Sounds like you're zeroing in on a few to try. Definitely handle and fire as many as you can. And test SA, DA/SA and DAO semis and some revolvers too. Of course try the popular defense calibers as well. Nothing wrong with getting two guns but first get the one that's #1 on you list after lots of hands on with many samples. A second pistol in 22lr like the Rugers or Buckhorn would be great for training and a lot of cheap fun.

Good luck, and let us know what you get!
 
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