first gun ?

[rockhead]

Looking to buy my first handgun and I am looking for some advice. I have a budget of $450. I have narrowed it down to a new Ruger P89 9mm or a very used Glock 17. The glock is probably a 1st generation and was used buy a deputy sheriff for 10 plus years in service. What I am looking for in a gun is reliability and accuracy. Which gun would you pick. Thanks

[AJAX22]

1st gen glock is actually collectible, you could probably swap that for a new gen III

but either way, I say go with a glock, they are easier to get parts/aftermarket stuff for and they run forever.

Thats not to say that rugers are bad guns, they work great, but the glock is more common and has a much larger following. (easier to find mags.... cheaper holsters etc.)

also you can use those 33 rounders you had before the ban.

[Miltiades]

Glock vote

I own 2 Glocks and 3 Rugers, and feel that both companies make high quality products. But in your situation I would pick a Glock, although maybe not the one you described. In California with a 10 round magazine limit it seems a waste of grip space to have a Glock 17 that normally takes a 17 round magazine. I would try to raise my budget to a little over $500 and buy a new Glock 19, a more compact version of the same gun. The modern Glock grip is a little more contoured and comfortable than the older design, in my opinion. And the model 19 size seems just about "perfect" to me.

[Greg-Dawg]

...What I am looking for in a gun is reliability and accuracy. Which gun would you pick. Thanks

What's your handgun background? If you have none, take lessons or a friend to teach you the basics. Then see if you have a local rental range to try out.

Go from there. But I'd suggest saving up another $100 and get a new G17.

[sorensen440]

Hold them both and one will feel better in your hand

[Black Majik]

You can even find a lightly used/used 3rd gen Glock for around $450. Just post up a WTB ad and see if anyone offers it for that price. I paid $400 for a G23 with night sights from posting a WTB on here few yrs ago. If you're patient enough I still see 3rd gen G17/19 on here for around $450 or less sans night sights.

[devildog999]

Go with the glock or save another $100 and buy something new.

[AJAX22]

with the availability/pricing of handguns as it is right now, I would suggest you grab that glock asap.

Like I said those 1st gen ones are collectible, and someone will probably swap you a gen III for it.

either way you have very limited options at the moment.

[rockhead]

with the availability/pricing of handguns as it is right now, I would suggest you grab that glock asap.

Like I said those 1st gen ones are collectible, and someone will probably swap you a gen III for it.

either way you have very limited options at the moment.

I agree it is very hard finding any of the more affordable handguns in stock. I am also considering a Ruger P94 .40 s&m. I am going to look at the glock tomorrow to see what condition it is in. When I asked the guy selling it he said "its a $400 dollar gun so I don't know what you are expecting" Not sure exactly what that means but I guess I will see.

[tenring]

What's your handgun background? If you have none, take lessons or a friend to teach you the basics. Then see if you have a local rental range to try out.

Go from there. But I'd suggest saving up another $100 and get a new G17.

+1, seems like familiar territory here. I love the Glocks, but you're talking 1st handgun, so look into revolvers too.

[AJAX22]

there is really no part of a glock that wears which cannot be replaced down the road when you have a bit more funds...

as long as it goes bang, 400 ain't bad...

I paid 420 for mine +Dros + 60 mile drive twice and it was used (well maintained) gen III and that was about two years ago.

[Mr. Meeseeks]

My advice would be to be vigilant both in saving and watching the classifieds, I've seen some amazing deals here.

With a $450 budget you can find some pretty nice used guns if you're patient. Better yet, If you can wait just a bit longer and save 50 to 100 bucks more, your options will get much better, which in the long run will be more rewarding. Also, you can spend the wait time researching, this will be beneficial in helping you identify that "I'll take it!" moment.

[M. Sage]

Hunt around for a Sig P6, IMO.

[Timberland]

Its probably A 2nd gen, 1st is kinda rare. $45o is way too much for any ruger, they may work, but are just crappy, in feel fit finish, customer service is okay, but a gun should not have to go back. If you know a cheap transfer dealer you can order a very lightly used glock here http://www.summitgunbroker.com/1838356.html
and stay under $450. But it would not hurt to offer less on the one your looking at, most cop guns are ugly due to holster wear, but the internals are fine, and well mantained. Pick the gun thats right for you, and make shure its a GLOCK.

[basskisser2002]

Funny you should mention that.

Funny you should mention that. My first handgun was the Ruger P89. I still own it to this day. It's a sentimental thing. But I can tell you that I still shoot it to this day too. I love the Ruger. Point & click. IT doesn't matter if you're shooting cheap reloads or FMJ. Both guns are awesome to own. My Glock model 21 is th easiest gun to clean I've ever owned. And durable. I could probably just throw it in with the laundry and still shoot it. Either way you can't go wrong. But I still have the soft spot for my P89.