Looking to get my first handgun

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SirYancelot

Inactive
Hi y'all, I'm new to this forum. I'm looking to get my first handgun and I'm looking for any and all input. My only guidelines are that I am looking to spend roughly $500 give or take $50, and I have medium to large hands, so I need something that I will be able to handle. Primary uses will be defense and target shooting (figure I should get this gun before the Liberal Loon Obama starts taking away our freedom to own). I have done a little research and I have been drawn to the Glock 17, Glock 19, and the Springfield XD 9. I want to start with a 9mm. So please advise me to the pros and cons of those three and throw in any that you think would be a great first handgun. Cheers!
 
Glocks and XD's are great I have owned a glock 17 and own three xd's. you might look at the ruger sr-9 I have heard lots of good stuff and well in your budget. you might look around and find a used sig in $550 area but you have to look. sig's feel like an xd crossed with a 1911 its pretty nice your big mitts will like it if you like the xd
 
Check out the Steyr M9-A1 or M40-A1. Around $400-$450 on the 'Net. VERY reliable and accurate. Great for large hands. I have 7 in various models and wouldn't take $1000 for any of them.
 
Welcome to TFL!
All three that you mentioned are fantastic weapons. I suggest you check out the Beretta Px4 before you make your decision. Very accurate, 17+1 capacity, and has a very smooth action.


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HK45 w/Insight M6X Laser/Tactical Illuminator

Sig Pro 2022 .40S&W w/Insight XTI Tactical Illuminator & CTC Laser Grip
 
Get the G17. Considering your hands, its bigger overall size and mag capacity puts it above the G19. Have shot my buddy's many times and plan on getting one soon. Considering cost, reliability, caliber, durability and simplicity it is the best purchase for a first timer IMO.
 
I'm gonna be "that guy." I would recommend a new or used S&W or Ruger medium frame .357 revolver. I know this is not in line with you 9mm requirement; however, you'll never be disappointed in it. Immensely accurate, easy to handle and shoot, completely reliable, and in your price range. Just my two cents. Happy shooting and welcome to this great community!

Cheers!

Petey
 
I don't think you could go wrong with a Glock 17, or even a G19. Besides the XD, you might also consider a S&W M&P. It's in the same price range and has a $50 rebate.

Try to get some range time with each pistol and see what's best for you. Let us know what you purchase and good luck!
 
I have done a little research and I have been drawn to the Glock 17, Glock 19, and the Springfield XD 9. I want to start with a 9mm. So please advise me to the pros and cons of those three and throw in any that you think would be a great first handgun. Cheers
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I've shot Glocks, own an XD (in .40). Either will work -- whatever fits your hand better. Both have a pretty good track record.

My only guidelines are that I am looking to spend roughly $500 give or take $50,
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In your price range you'll have a lot of choices. But -- don't forget you'll want to get extra magazines, a holster, and ammo.
 
Go to a gunstore and handle both models. Your hand knows best and you will know what feels the best to you. Both of your choices are quality guns so get the one that feels the best. The better it feels the better the chance of it being a good shooter for you. You will get all kinds of recommedations but the handgun should or I should say must feel good in your hand. That is something you will not know until you actually pick one up.
 
thanks!

I just wanted to thank all the replies. They were very helpful! I'll let you guys know what I end up getting! Sorry for posting a topic that was already asked.
 
Nothing at all wrong with a Glock 17 (I own one), but you're not doing yourself justice if you don't at least look at, and hold, a CZ-75. Good luck and welcome!
 
The CZ-75 is a fine pistol as well. Accurate as hell, but it has an external safety. Something to consider in a defensive situation. If you plan to practice quite a bit at the range it shouldn't be an issue.
 
+1 on the Springfield XD series of pistols. I bought the XD 45 ACP the other day and it seems like a great weapon for the price. It felt more solid than the comparable Glock 21, IMHO. Its certainly no Sig (I have a P220) or the like, but a solid choice given how inexpensive it is. It also comes highly rated. The only thing about the XD line;they are hard to get parts for. I am assuming this is just due to the fact that the XD's are fairly new. Anyway, within your listed price range, you cant go too wrong with Springfield Armory XD's or many of the Glocks!!
 
As much as I love my Sigs, for a very first handgun I agree with johnnypi45. Getting a good medium frame 357 revolver as your first gun is something you might want to consider. Revolvers aren't as picky in ammo, are easier to clean, and if they don't go "boom" you can just pull the trigger again instead of a tap & rack. Shooting DA in revolvers is also a good way to develop good trigger habits.

If you have a dealer that has a range, or otherwise have the opportunity to shoot before you buy, take advantage of it. I've had guns I LOVED unfired in my hand that I hated once I started shooting them.
 
Getting a good medium frame 357 revolver as your first gun is something you might want to consider. Revolvers aren't as picky in ammo, are easier to clean, and if they don't go "boom" you can just pull the trigger again instead of a tap & rack.
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Best advice yet.

Glocks and XD's are like shooting a typewriter.:barf:
 
In terms of a "first" gun, a revolver is a strong consideration. However, I must disagree with an earlier response, in that revolvers are NOT easier to clean than pistols. Of course, this depends on what you consider to be easy. Consider that the pistol, besides the frame, has only the barrel to worry about cleaning, for the most part. The revolver, however, has the barrel and 6 to 7 cylinder chambers, in addition to the rest of the weapon, all of which will need cleaning. If you only fire the weapon once or twice a year..no big deal. If you fire it many times a year, the cleaning process could become tiresome. Plus, most pistols are much more easily "broken down" than a revolver. Revolvers, internally speaking, are practically like Swiss watches. You dont want to mess with them too much unless you know EXACTLY what you are doing.

Also look at capacity. A 9mm, as of now, will net you up to 16 rounds or so..depending on the gun you choose. I believe the most you will get out of a revolver would be 7 rounds. Now, for home defense a revolver should be more reliable than a pistol, but pistols these days have pretty much closed the gap on this concern. Not completely, but close. Keep in mind the reloading factor of a revolver vs a pistol. This is a particular consideration when either one of these are used in a home defense situation.

Basically, it all comes down to you and what you feel comfortable with. Just be aware of the limitations and/or advantages of both pistols and revolvers. However, it is usually accepted that those just starting out with guns choose a revolver. However, going with a 9mm is also quite recommended. As a side note, if you go with a revolver, hopefully a .357 Magnum, make sure it is a large frame. Small to medium framed revolvers generally cannot handle a steady diet of full house .357 Magnums nor .38 Special +P ammo. This is only a concern if you actually plan on using such said ammo for home defense as it is always recommended that you practice with ammo you will use in a defense situation. Do some more research on the pros and cons...the answer will come to you! The debate of revolver vs semi-auto is a time honored one. You should be able to find more than enough information on this via the internet. Happy hunting!!
 
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