Need your help on a new pistol

Almost all guns are more accurate than you are. Put another way, the weakest link to accuracy is the floor/trigger interface - you.

I own three Springfields, all 9mm: XD subcompact, my first carry gun; XDm 5.25, my competition gun and favorite; and an XDs, my current carry gun and least favorite trigger. Part of the trigger problem is that I'm so used to the 2.5 lb. pull of my XDm (after trigger and spring mods).

As others have said, go to a public range and rent several to try. Unless you live in NY like I do, it's legal to do. If not, maybe you're close to a border state where you can do that. For NY that's Pennsylvania. Or take a vacation to Arizona and shoot at a range there, like I did.

A lot of people say they don't like the grip safety on the Springfields. I don't know why; all 1911s have them. One difference in brands is reliability and both Springfield and Glock are highly reliable. I just don't like the trigger on the Glock.

So, try before you buy is the best advice.
 
1911's need them as the trigger is so light for a SA only. The Xd'salready have a preset striker not fully cocked and the trigger safety dingus. The grip safety is just completely unnecessary.
 
Welcome!

I am really looking to purchase my first real pistol maybe by the end of this year around “Black Friday
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Normally, that would be a good time; HOWEVER, with the election being on the 8th, depending on the outcome, things might get really stupid and panic might ensue - not trying to start one, but one candidate has firmly stated her opinion about guns and executive orders, etc.

Try as many as you can at a gun range that rents to narrow your choices down and proceed accordingly.
 
I have/had many different types and brands of pistols and have developed into a Glock guy for the most part.

However, for your first pistol, I am going to go against my preferences and recommend a HK VP9. I don't own one, but have shot them. With the many different changeable grip configurations, you can come up with one that fits you perfectly. Since it will be primarily a range/fun gun, bigger is better. As 9mm ammo is cheaper than .40 S&W, you will be able to afford to shoot it more.
 
9mm... Practice ammo is cheaper, it has less recoil, and for the same size gun... More rounds.

Most people shoot 9mm better than 40. And 40 has little advantage over 9mm for a civilian. The myth that a 40 or 45 is better at stopping bad guys is simply that... A myth.

Accuracy and more rounds available are more important than what you are shooting, if you are sticking to the big three (and even outside those calibers... Most all handgun rounds fall within a few percent of each other for effectiveness)


Home defense and range use... Stick with a mid size or larger double stack. Easier to shoot well.

You have an odd list there, all over the place size wise.


For Glock, a 19 or 17... I prefer gen 4 ergonomics, but Glock are not my favorite, they are good pistols.

The M&P full size, ergonomic and a good shooter. Experienced shooters tend to complain about the trigger, but that can be remedied with some drop in parts down the line. New shooters tend to not have an issue with the trigger.

VP9... Very ergonomic, accurate, good trigger. I vastly prefer the paddle style mag release that come on it over the standard button release myself.

P320... Good trigger, feels nice in hand, shoots smooth.

PPQ... Very good trigger with good ergos like the VP9, accurate and easy to shoot well.

The XD line, good ergos, with a variation in models, pick one that feels best. Trigger in good, some don't like the overall feel of it, bit I had no real complaints.

FNS9... Glock like trigger, better ergos, built well, and can be found for less than the others in most places. You have the option of a thumb safety if that is something you want. (Same for the m&p, bit most prefer no manual safety)

Ruger American... Good trigger, a bit large and heavy for a poly pistol, but that will make it have less felt recoil. Not everyone has issues with the rear of the frame hitting/rubbing.



I own all of those, except for the Ruger, and I owned an XD at one time but not currently.

My personal favorites among them...

The VP9 and M&P are tied for first place. The M&P has a custom trigger, if not it would slip to third place.

Next is the PPQ, similar to the VP9 but no paddle mag release, so it slips.

Next the FNS and 320 tie, each is good but doesn't float my boat for various small reasons.

Last is Glock... It has a lot of advantages due to parts availability, but the ergos bring it down.


I have many other pistols, but they are not striker fired, and if you venture out of striker pistols, I and others can answer questions.


As far as when to buy... Do not wait until after the election unless a gun friendly person wins. Prices will jump if a gun hostile candidate wins.
 
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First off forget what you "learned" from YouTube. You would be surprised at how many of those "experts" have had extra holes where they are not meant to be. My suggestion would be to take several hands on in person courses on gun safety and handling from a competent instructor. Then before you decide to buy any handgun, go to a range that rents guns and try the ones you are interested in. A little money spent now can save you a lot of money in the long run. You may find one that you had not considered to be just right for you.

As for the most common calibers, hasn't the people you have been talking to ever heard of the 45 ACP? The round has been around for at least 105 years with the Colt 1911 being one of the most copied and inspiring handguns in the world. As for the 40 not being a good home defense round, I don't want to get hit by one and neither would anyone else. Also the 40 is far more snappy than the 9mm in the same size handgun.

The only thing you stated that I found good was that you are considering a mid to full size service pistol. They are by far more easy to learn to shoot than the small size handguns They absorb some of the recoil better, fill the hand better, and have a better sight radius. The longer the sight radius the more precise the aim can be. With a face to face instructor you will be given a chance to learn and master the trigger squeeze, grip, loading, unloading and reloading procedures.

Personally if I were just starting out I would go with a good high quality 9mm pistol in the Sig 226 or Beretta 92 size. There are many out there that fit this category including many in the Glock line.

I am not trying to scare you, I just want you to find competent information before you spend money on a major investment.
 
I guess I'm kinda the oddball here. Since you don't plan on carrying it, I would not buy a plastic gun. My favorite gun to shoot is a full size RIA 1911 Rock in 9mm. I am far more accurate with a heavier gun and the recoil is minimal. I also shoot a Ruger 22/45 Mark III Target that feels, aims and shoots very much like my 1911 but at a far cheaper cost. I have several plastic guns I would not have bought if I had bought these two first. I do have a couple of plastic guns for concealed carry but they are not nearly as much fun to shoot.
 
If he is willing to start looking at metal framed guns...

I would suggest a 226, 92/M9, or CZ... And there are others that are good as well. But DA/SA hammer pistols need to be practiced with properly, and many never practice the DA pull much at all.
 
Agree if going metal the 226/229, 92FS, or even a Ruger SR1911. The Ruger would be a sweet shooter at the range. All of them would. But the PPQ is the best range gun in polymer.
 
between the metal options listed above, even though I like rugers, and 1911s, I would still have to exclude that because of the whole 45 for new user deal...

... if going all metal I would go P226 myself but then again we are also ignoring the fact that the OP seems to have his mind set on a striker gun and so far all of the metal framed guns listed thus far are all hammer guns.
 
Your list is fine. If you want a poly framed handgun, the XD is a good choice; easy to shoot well and has redundant passive safeties. Caliber, 9mm for the reasons others have listed. It will do what you are asking and factory ammo in 9mm is about the cheapest centerfire out there. Good luck with your new pistol.
 
Lots of good suggestions so far and I will only add that I'm a big fan of HKs and Sigs, mostly the older Sigs made in late 80's or 90's. Also I'm down to my last .40 S&W and seriously doubt I will buy another.
 
Oh yea totally forgot. Love HK USP9, P2000 9mm. Also the P30 9mm but prefer the the other too especially the look with the rubber finger rest base plates.
 
"First off forget what you "learned" from YouTube. You would be surprised at how many of those "experts" have had extra holes where they are not meant to be. My suggestion would be to take several hands on in person courses on gun safety and handling from a competent instructor. Then before you decide to buy any handgun, go to a range that rents guns and try the ones you are interested in. A little money spent now can save you a lot of money in the long run. You may find one that you had not considered to be just right for you."

This really, really sums it up....especially learning from"utube"....it always amuses me when someone cites comments from the likes of "nuttin" or "hickok"....
 
I was a big Springfield xd guy until I tried a Walther PPQ now that is all I own. Be sure to hold one before you buy and try the trigger that is what sold me on them.
 
Considering your criteria of mostly range use, new shooter, and if in the future you de ide to carryyou an get another gun for that purpise it's a simple, and logical choice to stick with a 9MM chambering in a full size, or possibly compact pistol. But for your stated purposes, stay away from sub compact, and pocket "mouse guns".
A couple suggestions to add to your list, CZ75, or one of it's many copies. Also the Beretta fs92.
 
This really, really sums it up....especially learning from"utube"....it always amuses me when someone cites comments from the likes of "nuttin" or "hickok"....
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Especially when you can get great advice from all the anonymous "experts" on an internet forum. :D
 
roashooter said:
"First off forget what you "learned" from YouTube. You would be surprised at how many of those "experts" have had extra holes where they are not meant to be. My suggestion would be to take several hands on in person courses on gun safety and handling from a competent instructor. Then before you decide to buy any handgun, go to a range that rents guns and try the ones you are interested in. A little money spent now can save you a lot of money in the long run. You may find one that you had not considered to be just right for you."



This really, really sums it up....especially learning from"utube"....it always amuses me when someone cites comments from the likes of "nuttin" or "hickok"....
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Thanks for adding so much useful info to the thread. ;) zing
 
Thanks to all

I wanted to take a moment and thank all the great information everyone has posted. I failed to put my location and the price range I am willing to spend on this new gun. I live around the Chattanooga, TN area and my price point unless something is close to this range is up to $699. I have seen many responses about 9mm over a .40 SW so I will stick with the 9 mm. There was too many saying the same thing to ignore what they were saying. I also saw many talking about a full metal bodied gun and I agree with this also. I understand how this would be an issue if I decided to carry. I also agree with the full sized gun over compact. I failed to mention I will be going to the range and try several before buying. I was curious being new to this hobby, what is the process to go in and rent a gun to test and a range. I heard you have to buy the bullets also. Could someone explain the process so I do not look like a complete newbie? I also went to Sportsman Warehouse this past weekend and the guy there gave me a place that would provide firearm courses and personal trainers that will watch me and advised on my good or bad habits, the best gun for my shooting style. I thought this was a great idea and it was nice to have someone knowledgeable and helpful at the same time. I have gone to a couple stores where they think they are the king of all kings LOL. I just wanted to take this time to thank all that have posted and provided me with this great information and I look forward to continue in my learning curve. :)
 
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