Seeking help. First timer.

[CSACANNONEER]

Even with the .22lr shortage, I'll stand by my suggestion. A decent .22lr is about the best training firearm out there and still less expensive to shoot than a 9mm. I'll even offer the OP a free brick of .22lr and a few hours of private instruction if he buys a .22lr and wants to take a road trip.

[BigPimping]

Get a .22lr pistol first. It'll pay for itself in a few thousand rounds and help you learn to shoot better. Then, get a centerfire pistol. It's way cheaper to do it that way than to buy the centerfire pistol first.

Wise words. Then a G17 unless you can get a CCW. Then G19.

[[Variable]]

Not trying to diss the Glock owners but being that it's your first weapon, maybe you should just rent to get used to the proper handling of striker-fired weapons. A lot of those accidents are from the safety being on the trigger itself. I loves me a Glock but youtube has enough vids of guys shooting themselves to think twice before settling for one.

Glocks have that funky angle too. Maybe a good 'ol Beretta 92 or if you can find one -Sig 225- would work for you. Also, buy one from a Calgun member. You'll fret a lot less if it gets dinged up AND not pay taxes which are currently going toward whittling down your rights.

[GunHo]

SA 1911 9mm, while they're still available.

[CSACANNONEER]

Wise words. Then a G17 unless you can get a CCW. Then G19.

I would never recommend any make/model to someone without knowing that that it fits the shooter's body and hands.

[static2126]

Get a Glock 19 or CZ P01

[RR.44]

A .22 is not a bad place to start, that being said I know a few people who have learned on my .22s only to go out and buy a 9mm as their first handgun then they progressed to bigger calibers as time went on. I do agree that the OP should put in more trigger time before settling on any specific one. There is a lot to learn so take your time and invest well.

Rich

[nedro]

Telling a new shooter to get a .22 these days is a cruel joke.
OP In normal times I would agree 100% about the .22 but there is a bizarre shortage of that ammo these days and the stuff that is available is ridiculously priced.
I say go with the G-19
it is very handy, very reliable and decently accurate. and ammo is available at reasonable prices.

Thanks for the tip! I did hear there were shortages on .22 I'll be searching around for a few ranges to rent a few guns

A very uninformed tip. And one you should avoid.
You can get .22 for 10 cents a round all day long. You can usually get them for 8 cents a round. It is by far, the most economical way to go.
Your, "Street Cred" might take a hit from those who know nothing. So, if impressing those who are ignorant is the most important, please get a Glock. Make sure to hold it sideways to show the peeps you mean business.

[the_duck]

I second this. I went with a 22lr. handgun before stepping up to 9mm. and I feel that the 22lr. afforded me more trigger time which encouraged more practice.

If you set on 9mm. in your price range I'd take a good look at a CZ 75b.

Then when you have enough, you can get the 22 Conversion for the 75b too

[readysetgo]

OP posted this, then straight to the Night Owl thread and...

[L84CABO]

I am a few months away from turning 21 so I will finally be able to purchase a handgun. I have been looking around researching and I seem to like either the glock 19 or Beretta px4 storm. I am seeking a little suggestions or advice just to see what else is out there. I do like the fact that the storm has a manually operated safety. Any suggestions out there that might help? I am open to other brands an models besides Beretta and glock. I am looking for a 9mm pistol. Thanks for the help

I'm not super familiar with the PX4 but it's a bit of a hybrid isn't it? Hammer fired Double Action/Single Action on a polymer frame??

Anyway, you have some choices to make, obviously...

Do you want a steel framed pistol or polymer?

Do you want a DA/SA pistol or striker fired? A striker will give you a consistent trigger pull every time. DA/SA your first shot will be different. None of this is good or bad, it's purely what you are comfortable with. I will say that for a brand new shooter a striker fire is probably a little easier to master. But you can certainly master a DA/SA too with a bit more work.

So options...for a striker pistol you've also got M&P, XD, something in the HK line and Sig has their new P320 out that looks really nice...in addition to the Glock. These are the polymer striker pistols I would be looking at and trying to figure out which one I liked best...or rather which of those I wanted to buy first.

In the SA/DA world I would be looking at Beretta 92, Sig P226, and something in the CZ family, in addition the the PX4. All of these are steel guns though and I'm not sure if that's a negative to you.

There's also the SA only 1911 option. It's certainly doable but I don't usually recommend a 1911 for a new shooter. Mostly because there is usually a bit more maintenance involved with them and there's already enough to sort out in the beginning.

It's a lot of choices and a lot to sort through. A range with a good rental counter can really help a lot.

[rm1911]

Test several before you buy. I don't think a 9mm is a bad option for a first handgun. My first was a 357, then a 1911 45. Ammo situation or not, 22 isn't as versatile. And a 22 pistol, while very fun to shoot (I love my bearcat) won't be as exciting for a newer shooter. Yeah, they're great for 10 year olds to start but I think OP would appreciate a full size pistol.

As for pistols in that price range, really a tough call. Anything decent is going to be at the very end of that range. Although Rugers p95 or SR9 (I think that's the model) are outstanding. A little bulky but tanks, accurate, and reliable. And well within the price range with $$ left over for mags, ammo, etc. I've shot the p89(the older version of it) and its was good.

I got spoiled by starting on revolvers and 1911's. Just can't take to the plastic stuff. Then of course my west german sig...and well, my hands just don't dig the plastic stuff But unless you've been "ruined" by 1911's a glock is a great option.

Look at the Rugers. Solid option for sure.

[spyde12]

Go to a range that allows you to rent. I went to one nearby and they offered me a target, 5 rounds for $5. Not a bad way to try out several models. Which ever feels natural, should be the one you go with. It wouldn't make sense getting a popular gun if it's no fun for you to practice and get better with. Welcome to CG!

Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk

[Straight-shooter]

I currently have a Glock 19 gen 4, but my first pistol was a CZ 75B. I loved the CZ and only reason I traded it was because I plan on buying the CZ 75 SP-01 and a fellow CalGunner was willing to do a straight trade.

CZ was a great first handgun for a few reasons. All steel frame made recoil significantly less noticeable, ergonomics of CZ are unmatched, and is easier to hand then most handguns in 9mm.

Even though I have a G19, I highly recommended a CZ for your first handgun.

+1 for CZ. You will buy more than just 1 gun. Trust me on this. Get a CZ 75B which is in your price range, metal body. At least go to the LGS and hold them first. Calgun san jose chapter has a monthly range night at Reeds. Very friendly folks. This was where i was taught how to shoot and even offered to try the XD, glock, PPQ, CZ sp-01, etc... and found out that polymer is not for me. I originally had my sight on XD9 or G19. I'm so glad i decided to have a metal frame pistol. This is a very expensive hobby. Don't forget to stock up ammo every single chance you see a good deal. There's no such thing as too much ammo.

[Thermapen]

Reeds Indoor Range in Santa Clara was where I did my field research. Bring a couple of friends too so each could rent a different model & rotate for tryouts.