Newbie: Trying to decide...

L

LgFriess

Inactive
Hello everybody! I've been reading the site for a few weeks now trying to get up to speed before I buy my first handgun. After reading a ton of threads, I've come up with a few choices and I'd like some input on what everybody thinks. PLEASE feel free to correct my thoughts and add your advice as I'm a true newbie.

Okay, so what I'm thinking is that I'm going to start with a 9mm since I can use it to learn to shoot before moving up to the higher caliber shells and it can also be used for HD. Also, I like the fact that 9mm ammo is cheap and that's important to me since I'm just learning how to shoot. I've narrowed it down to;

CZ 75B- This gun is affordable and seems to get pretty good reviews from most on this board. Solid and accurate. Plus I like the way this gun looks. The pcr is the compact version right?

Sig 228- Quite a bit more expensive which hurts me as I'll be taking a new position in early November and $$ will be a little tight for a while. OTOH, I've read this is a very high quality gun, easy to shoot, and looks great too.

Glock G19- Again, a more expensive gun and an ugly sob. A high quality gun and another that is accurate and easy to shoot.

And finally, even though it is not a 9mm, I was also considering the Taurus PT-145. I've read the .45's are easier to shoot then the .40's and this gun has been getting good reviews. The price is also right on this one.

Okay, that's about it. If you can think of any other choices I'm missing, please let me know. I'll take all the advice I can get. I should let you know that I have shot quite a bit before but the only semi auto experience I have is with a friends .40 glock (which I thought had a pretty rough recoil). Thanks in advance for the comments!!
 
CZ 75 would be a fine first gun.

I would recomend the CZ if money is tight then when you can afford it get a Sig and a Glock and a ....:D
 
I would go with the CZ.Great reputation and if you plan on getting a higher caliber later down the road then why spend an arm and a leg on your practice gun.Be forewarned though...this is a very addicting hobby:D
 
I'm biased towards Glocks, but I'd ask you: What have you tried? Been to the range and actually fired any of the firearms you listed?

To me, that ought to be the determining factor: What feels right in your hands. And the guns you listed are all VERY different in that regard.

If you plan to get one gun and stick with it, even to the point of getting a CCW permit, then I'd say get the Glock 19. I own one, and it's my carry piece.
 
I would say either the Glock or the CZ. A Glock can be had for about a hundred $$$ more than a CZ.

I would caution you, that if possible, you try out some of these guns, or at least hold some of them, before you buy. I didn't have the option of trying my first gun out, but I did handle it before I bought it.

Chris
 
i'd like to add one more 9mm to your list. have you looked at the Walther P-99?? it's worth checking out and potentially owning. i've had mine for over a year and have prob shot about 8-10k rounds through it, yet to have a FTF, had a couple of stovepipes <when the wife limpwristed it>. it's adaptable to hand size and is a damn fine firearm.


Adept <yes, i'm biased>
 
Yeah adept, I've seen and read about the Walther P-99. For some reason I thought that was a .40. I guess you can get it in a variety of calibers though correct? I'll do my research a little better on it. I do know I really like the way the gun looks and have read pretty good reviews on it. One thing I noted though... weren't a few people complaining because the some of the P-99's were partially built here in the U.S. and those unlucky enough to get one were having problems? Also, do you consider this a good first gun when price is a consideration?

And Bob, thanks for the advice. I haven't shot any of these yet (well, have shot that .40 glock as mentioned above) but certainly will try to before I buy. I won't buy anything before I at least get to see how it sits in my hand. I'm posting this just to get an idea from those of you with more experience.

Addicting? Good lord, I'm already sucked in!
 
A CZ75 was my first centerfire handgun. It was an older piece, made in the Czech Republic before they had A's, B's, PCR's, and whatnot.


MY CZ PROS: That pistol was fantastically accurate and super reliable. I liked the fact that I could carry it cocked and locked (if that is the right terminology). The SA action trigger was excellent. It is fairly easy to disassemble and clean.


MY CZ CONS: Mine had crappy sights. I did not care for the DA trigger (very heavy pull), and I also found the DA trigger to be difficult to reach (maybe why it seemed so heavy). My CZ had one safety feature - the active safety which could only be engaged when the gun was cocked. There are no passive safeties on the CZ (at least there are none on the old models). To me, that is outdated and obsolete technology for "civilian" usage. Remember also that the CZ75 is of all steel construction, and it is a heavy piece for its size.


I swapped the CZ for my second centerfire semi-auto: a Glock 17. Frankly, I am not a big fan of the Glock trigger, and compared to Sigs, Berettas, and even the CZ, I think they are a real pain in the ass for slide removal. However, if you get use to the trigger, Glocks are certainly accurate and well shooting. Plus, with a Glock you certainly don't have to deal with any issues like cocking it, uncocking it, clicking the safety on or off, etc. The Glock is also considerably lighter than the CZ (as well as most guns similar in size). I sold the Glock for cash.


My third centerfire semi-auto was a Beretta 92FS. I outfitted it with the Hogue rubber grips with finger reliefs, and man, that was a sweet shooting piece. The 92FS is larger than the CZ, similar in weight, but to me, smoother shooting (probably a lot to do with the grips) and not as loud as the CZ. You cannot carry the 92FS cocked and locked, but it safety can be activated when the gun is uncocked and the safety doubles a decocker. I found my Beretta to be extremely reliable, easy to disassemble and clean, and very, very easy for timed point and shoot accuracy. I sold the Beretta in a trade and cash deal for a rifle that I just could not pass up.


My fourth centerfire pistol is a Sig P239. This gun easily has the best trigger of the four that I have owned. I have zero complaints about the DA trigger, and the SA trigger is sweet. Again, I like the safety features of this gun: the decocking lever and firing capability only when the trigger is pulled all the way. Again, unlike the CZ there is no cock and lock capability, but again, I believe that is an outdated mode of carry.


As you can tell, I moved away from large, heavy, and no passive safety features, to smaller, lighter, and more passive safety features. Large and heavy is irrelevant (and actually can be a plus) if all you do is go to the target range. I like to carry mine around the ranch, and after a while, you get tired of lugging a big heavy piece around and events like dropping the gun, falling down, etc., are more of a real issue. Plus, smaller and lighter does me better for CCW.


Looking back, I don't really miss the CZ, don't regret selling the Glock, I do miss my shooting capabities with that Beretta (but I still love that rifle), and I have no plans on getting rid of the P239 (plus, my wife likes this one). Honestly, if (or more likely when) I buy another semi-auto, it won't be a CZ75 or Glock.


Sorry for the long spiel, but your current "dilemma" sounds a lot like mine about five or six years ago. Have fun and good shooting!!
 
CZ

my vote is for the CZ in the list you gave. Even though " Sgt Pepper" gave good reviews for the CZ, I don't agree with his reasoning. There is NOTHING wrong with a C&L (cocked and locked) pistol as far as safety, period. That being said, if you don't like the idea of it. You can get the CZ in Double action only, or traditional DA/SA. Which means you carry it hammer down, and it has a decocker exactly like the high end Beretta Elite II.

Why I reccommend the CZ B model is because it has a selective action. Since this is your first gun, you can buy ONE gun in 9mm (very cheap to shoot, perfect for the beginner) and YOU can try cocked and locked vs. Double action. That way you can determine which mode of carry you like, which will likely influence your next pistol purchase.... yes this won't be the last ;) It will be extremely reliable and CZUSA service has been really good to others from what I hear.

Also the Beretta is a good gun, but will cost more than the CZ.

EDIT: I forgot. The PCR is the lightweight version of the compact (alum or poly frame, not sure which) and is ONLY available with the decocker. The regular CZ75b compact is the same as the full size CZ75b minus 20mm off the front, and 10mm off the grip. Available with the selective action.

Do make sure you get a chance to hold and hopefully rent to shoot the pistols on your list. I think you will find a big difference in holding/shooting a glock vs. CZ or beretta. Not that any one is bad, they are just different.
 
jrf, thanks for the comments. Just as a follow up, I am fine with cocked and locked, and in fact, I thought that was one advantage to the CZ75. I also really appreciated that feature in light of my despisement of its DA trigger. With the Beretta and the Sig, I guess that I didn't really miss the cock and lock feature, because I don't mind their first shot DA triggers.

My point was that my CZ could only be "safe" when it was cocked and the lever safety was engaged. Maybe I am wrong, but I consider(ed) my Glock, Beretta, and Sig to all be "safe" uncocked (is a Glock ever uncocked?). I have not checked out CZ's latest offerings, and their 75 models may now have passive safety features as well.

In fact, doesn't the HK USP offer the best of both worlds (albeit at a high price): a safety lever that acts a cocked and locked safety in one direction and a decocker in the other?

BTW, the pros and cons were MY pros and cons. I am just trying to lay out the features so that the "newbie" can know as much as possible before buying anything. I certainly don't think he can go wrong with any of his three potential selections.
 
Want to agree with Sarge a little. I used to own a Sig P239 as well, and I'd encourage you to add it to your list of possibilities.
 
Even if prices were the same, I'd choose a CZ over a Glock or Sig anyday. :) I prefer cocked and locked capability, plus both of my CZ's (75 and 97) are more accurate than my Sigs and Glocks. In your case, I'd suggest trying out several makes before buying though, what "works" best for me may not work best for you.
 
Vote for the Sig...

I personally own both Sig P225 and P226 in 9mm. Both are high quality weapons that are about as accurate as you will ever need, in fact, these guns tend to be more accurate than the person shooting them.

Reliability is absolutley perfect, as with most SIGS. Most other companies are playing catch up is this area.

Cost should not be an issue if you are willing to shop around. Try an auction site that allows private dealers to sell their wears. www.auctionarms.com is one site I recommend. I purchaced my P225 NIB from a gentleman in Texas for $400.00!!! Beat that!!! I just picked up a S&W 4506 NIB for $425.00!!!

Prices like this are tough to beat...anywhere.

Don't discount the SIGs due to price...SHOP AROUND...if a SIG is what you want.


Shoot them all and see what you like best before you pruchace anything!!!
 
IMHO first handgun should be a .22 for anybody who's serious about learning to shoot.

Advantages:
1) Negligable recoil and muzzle flash allow formation of good firing habits without excessive flinching.
2) Low cost of ammunition allows for extensive training.
3) Ease of operation allows for early formation of good posture, trigger control and other habits.

Disadvantages:
1) Rambo didn't shoot one.
2) Dirty Harry didn't shoot one.
3) Come to think of it very few macho movie guys shot one.
4) Doesn't drag your belt down with that macho look.
:rolleyes:
 
lg - i have absolutely nothing to offer but i did just purchase a used sig p228. it came down to value and quality. i got a good deal but also won't lose the kind of money i would have buying a ruger p89 or something.

my 2 cents (and believe me, 2 cents is too much).

newbie to newbie - the sig is sweet. i'm happy and i still won't be able to hold it until late next week.

jlcpgord
first time gun owner - sig sauer p228...
 
The current CZ 75 B pistols do have a safety pin block. I prefer the CZ-75 to the Beretta 92 even if price is not a consideration, but everyone has their preferences.
You cannot go wrong with a SIG, or HK -- both make excellent pistols.
I prefer the Steyr M9 to the Glocks, due to better trigger, better grip, and better sights, but Glocks are much more common.
The best bet is to actually go to a range than has some of the pistols in which you are interested and rent them. Then you'll know if they are uncomfortable to you when firing, if the controls are intuitive, and how it points, and the ease of recovery.
 
lg, the p-99 comes in .40 or 9mm. there are some that were partially made here with assistance of S&W <sw99> avoid them at all costs. the true german made ones have proof marks in several places. look for a thread here on interesting info on p-99 which has some pics of them. depending on where you live, you might be able to get a "real" one shipped to you from www.waltherusa.net. Earl's are only german built.


keep me posted if you head towards the p-99. as far as a first gun where cost is a consideration, yes i would recommend it. it is well worth the money. i have used many different firearms and have never regretted the purchase of this firearm.



Adept
 
1. You could not give me a Tarus Auto!

2. CZ is a good weapon, if you have to have a new weapon, my vote is for the CZ.

3. If you are willing to be a little patient and willing to do your homework you should be able to find a used Glock 17 or maybe even a G 19 to fit your budget. The same is true of a Sig 226. Of the two I would take the Sig if I could look at it and examine it. If I had to buy sight unseen - I would take a G17. You should find these for about $350 used. See the Shotgun News and some of the different web sites that sell used guns.


However, you really need to go to the range and shoot some of these to figure out what you really want.


Good luck.

Remember $100 = 1,000 rounds of ammo
 
Hello LgFriess,

I'm also a newbie. Two months ago I was considering the CZ, Sig and Glock (we must like the same things) .

I got me the CZ 75BD 9mm (decocker) AND I had enough money left to buy 2 used revolvers (.22 LR & .357 Mag).

The CZ is a lot of fun to shoot and so far I don't regret my choice.

Have fun.
 
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