Need advice for my first handgun

K

KingKong

Inactive
I've shot countless different handguns, mostly 9mm's, and am looking forward to picking up my own as a Christmas present. I'd like to stick with a 9mm due to the price of ammo, but still packing a good punch. My only use for the gun will be going to the range and target shooting. So I'm looking for something that is reliable, accurate(I'd like to be able to adjust the sights and really dial it in), and in the $350-$400 range.

I like my buddies Glock 17, and have been suggested a Ruger P89. But whatever I narrow it down to, I plan to put my hands on it and make sure it's comfortable before making a decision.
 
that Glock 17 is a good start

CZ75
S&W M&P
Springfield Armory XD

You should find something you like amongst these four.
 
Do you intend to carry? Use it for home defense?

If your primary goal is target shooting, many people recommend something in the .22lr caliber. Primary reason is cost of use. You can buy a box of 550 rounds of .22lr at WalMart for $14.00

Granted, a .22lr isn't going to scare a lot of home invaders, or impress your buddies like something in 9mm or .45ACP, but you can find a gun like a Ruger Mark III with adjustable sights, and it's scary accurate, for about $250.

Just a thought.
 
I like your idea of staying with a 9mm - but your price range is going to be a little tough to meet.

I see one of the other responders mentioned some guns - XD, etc - and you might find one you like there ( I'm not a fan of anything on his list, but they are inexpensive ).

In a DA/SA gun, my favorite is a Sig 226 full size. There are some factory reconditioned Certified Pre Owned ( CPO ) guns around / but I think you'll find they're going to be closer to $ 750. A 1911 is always a good choice / and I'm seeing a few good ones around used at $ 750 - $1,000. I know that's more than you said you want to spend - but its worth looking around a little for a good deal. Sig has a 229 ( a little shorter ) and a 239 single stack - but my favorite is the 226. Its a double stack, fits my hand better, the newer ones have rails on them.

1911's in 9mm are some of my all time favorite guns - especially Wilson Combat / but that's out of your price range. Springfield 1911's are pretty good guns / and I've seen some used Colt's around too lately in 9mm.
 
If you must go 9mm then look at Springfield XD as well. They make a XD M now that has a 19 (!) round clip. I'm saving up to buy the .40 version of it that has a 16 round clip. For me, I like the way the Springfield fits my hand better than the glock. The M has a match barrel in it and is pretty darned accurate. I like accurate firearms.

The M comes with more extras than you can shake a stick at.

Either is a good choice.
 
CZ-75 or High Power

Either of these will be easier to shoot accurately than a Glock.

You'll have to buy used.

I had a Ruger P90, which is identical to the P89 except that the P90 is in 45 ACP and has a single stack magazine. Based on that experience, I would highly recommend a Ruger P89. They do not come with adjustable sights from the factory, that will be an add-on. The rear sight is "drift adjustable" for windage, which means that one has to hammer it left or right in its dovetail slot to zero it.

Eye Candy

Here's my High Power, a Charles Daly. It was new old stock, $300 + fees:
HiPowerHogue800_1.jpg


HiPowerHogue800_2.jpg



Here's my old Ruger P90, gone but not forgotten:

RugerKP90_1.jpg


RugerKP90_2.jpg



For your uses, a revolver may actually be a better bet. They have fixed barrels, so compared to combat pistols, they can be a bit more accurate. (esp. with the barrels longer than 4") How about a Ruger GP-100 with a 6" barrel? Very accurate, and 38 Special ammo is not much more expensive than 9mm. It also has the capability of carrying a heavier bullet, and the cartridge operates at lower pressure. (less danger of a kaBoom) You also have the option of shooting 357 Magnum, which handily out-performs 9mm.

You can probably score a used GP-100 for around $400:
52L.jpg



Now that I've answered your question directly, I'll give my opinion: that a good 22 pistol is the right way to start. You can afford to shoot it all day, and they're terribly accurate & fun.

Here's my Ruger Mk. II Target model, with BSA red dot sight:
RugerMkIITarget_2.jpg


Don't discount used guns. I think most of us would rather have a good quality used gun than a bargain basement new gun in the same price range.
 
My first handgun 16 years ago was a Ruger P89, which I still own. It is a great gun. I have never had a problem with it. Before I made my choice I looked at beretta and glock. At the time, Glock was kinda new to the scene of sorts and out of my price range. Beretta was a great looking gun but pricey. I chose the P89 simply on price (paid $329.00 new).

If I was today, buying a new handgun, I would try a few out to see what I liked. If I found something out of my price range, i would save a little longer. There are so many great guns to choose from, Springfield xd, S&W M&P, Walther to name a few.

Again, the P89 is good. But shop around and shoot as many as you can before you decide.
 
If you like the glock you might want to consider a g26. That way if you decide to carry in the future you will have something small to carry and for there size they shoot pretty well. A new one will be closer to 500 but you should be able to find a used one in your price range
 
Take a look at the Glock G19 you can target shoot with it and CC it if you choose to, it is around 550.00 new the last time I checked. Also look at the
CZ75. Both are quality pistol that will last you a lifetime and not break the bank. If you can't afford a new one it is better to buy a quality used one in excellent condition, than cheap junk that you will be sorry you bought and can't resale.
 
I'm definately open to used guns there's no doubt about it. I do really like the look and reviews of the CZ 75 so I'll definately have to try it out. Any sites in particular that are good for finding used guns (besides here obviously)? I don't intend to carry it, and it wouldnt really be meant for home defense. I'm going to convert my Remington 870 into the home protection beast once I get a nice over/under shotgun to take over the clay & bird duties.

Anything else I should consider? I forgot to mention that I absolutely can not stand having my pinky hanging off the grip, but have what I'd consider average sized hands so thats not tooo much of an issue. I counted out the 22 simply because I wanted something with more kick to it. Looking at .40's and up, the ammo was significantly more expensive. So thats how I arrived at the 9mm
 
Let's see... 9mm, range and target use, $350-$400, reliable, and you'll consider used...how about a SIG P6/225? Only caveats: sights won't be adjustable (but they can be replaced) and I hear they are becoming harder to find these days.
 
I am not a Glock fanboy nor a current Glock owner. I have owned several, but own none currently, and I have no plans to buy another.

That said, the G-19 is a very versatile and serviceable 9mm...perhaps the best combination of size/power/reliablity of all the Glock handguns.
 
Best 9

I would suggest a CZ 75 or EAA equivalent. They are good accurate all steel guns that you will get a lifetime of shooting out of. If you want one gun, save a few pennies and get a good 1911. You can find them in 9mm if you look. A browning hi power is a great gun too but expensive now. rc
 
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