Did I make the right handgun choice?

[Aleous]

So I am in the middle of my 10 day wait period for my first handgun, a S&W SD9VE and just put a Beretta Px4 Storm Type G 9mm on layaway.

I am just wondering if I made the right choice in handgun selection for my first and second handgun. I guess am looking for advice and possibly assurance on my purchases as well as personal opinions on what you yourself would have chosen.

My reason for buying handguns is for self defense and emergency preparedness, while I have no prior experience in firearms I have done as much research as I possibly could in the last few years before making my first purchase and do plan on getting formal instruction.

While the SD9VE was an easy first choice due to it's reviews and price point as I was on a budget, I had a really difficult time choosing my second handgun where I had a smaller increase in budget.

I had looked at the Sig Sp2022 and while liking it greatly was very turned off by the exorbitant price of extra magazines.

I came close to choosing a Rock Island 1911 Tactical in 45 acp, falling for the design and the ability of being able to purchase and add a 22lr conversion kit but a sudden price hike left me looking into other options.

Back when I first became interested in purchasing firearms I remember my first choices being between the Beretta Px4 Storm F 9mm and the S&W M&P 9mm(back when it was still on roster).

So when I found a Px4 Type G(decocker only) for lower than the RIA Tactical and around the same price as a RIA GI model I thought it was a great choice but am now just wondering if it was(moslty feeling I'm missing out on a 22lr and 45acp handgun).

I still do plan to buy an RIA Tactical sometime in the future but it will most likely be around a year from now before I am able to make another purchase.

[Ein]

Yes. All the people that I know when they bought their first gun they weren't sure it was the right choice.

[Mr. Gillious]

I think you should have gotten a CZ75. That's just my opinion though. Out of 14 handguns that I own my CZ75 SP01 Tactical is my #1 pick.

Rent one if you have the opportunity, they're really great. I started off with a 1911, a Kimber Custom II, and I have no regrets.

[madoka]

Yes. All the people that I know when they bought their first gun they weren't sure it was the right choice.

First gun I bought was a Sig P226R. Now I have 7 of them. Second gun I bought was a Glock 17. Now I have 11 of them. I was sure of my purchases back then, and I'm still sure they were the right choices now.

[meno377]

I think you made a good decision based on your budget for now. The PX4 is so under rated IMO. You will probably have a lot of fun with it. Definitely go to the range and PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE.

Oh and Practice Right!!! Check out youtube for videos on trigger control, how to hold a semiauto, stance, and most importantly, Safety!!!! Study your guns and figure out how to field strip asap. Remember the six basic rules:

1. Treat all guns as if they are loaded.

Always assume that a gun is loaded even if you think it is unloaded. Every time a gun is handled for any reason, check to see that it is unloaded. If you are unable to check a gun to see if it is unloaded, leave it alone and seek help from someone more knowledgeable about guns.



2. Keep the gun pointed in the safest possible direction.>

Always be aware of where a gun is pointing. A "safe direction" is one where an accidental discharge of the gun will not cause injury or damage. Only point a gun at an object you intend to shoot. Never point a gun toward yourself or another person.



3. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.

Always keep your finger off the trigger and outside the trigger guard until you are ready to shoot. Even though it may be comfortable to rest your finger on the trigger, it also is unsafe. If you are moving around with your finger on the trigger and stumble or fall, you could inadvertently pull the trigger. Sudden loud noises or movements can result in an accidental discharge because there is a natural tendency to tighten the muscles when startled. The trigger is for firing and the handle is for handling.



4. Know your target, its surroundings and beyond.

Check that the areas in front of and behind your target are safe before shooting. Be aware that if the bullet misses or completely passes through the target, it could strike a person or object. Identify the target and make sure it is what you intend to shoot. If you are in doubt, DON'T SHOOT! Never fire at a target that is only a movement, color, sound or unidentifiable shape. Be aware of all the people around you before you shoot.



5. Know how to properly operate your gun.

It is important to become thoroughly familiar with your gun. You should know its mechanical characteristics including how to properly load, unload and clear a malfunction from your gun. Obviously, not all guns are mechanically the same. Never assume that what applies to one make or model is exactly applicable to another. You should direct questions regarding the operation of your gun to your firearms dealer, or contact the manufacturer directly.



6. Store your gun safely and securely to prevent unauthorized use. Guns and ammunition should be stored separately.

When the gun is not in your hands, you must still think of safety. Use a California-approved firearms safety device on the gun, such as a trigger lock or cable lock, so it cannot be fired. Store it unloaded in a locked container, such as a California-approved lock box or a gun safe. Store your gun in a different location than the ammunition. For maximum safety you should use both a locking device and a storage container.

[mrvash]

You've made the right decision, the Beretta PX4 is a fine pistol.

[jeffyhog]

Congratulations on your first handguns! Those are both fine choices. They are both reliable firearms from reputable manufacturers. I'm sure people are going to say you should have got this or that, and in time you'll want something else as well. That doesn't mean you didn't make a great choice now. Guns are like everything else- they are a compromise of features at a price point, and different models fit and appeal to different people. As long as you are happy with your choices, that is all that matters.

[Ein]

First gun I bought was a Sig P226R. Now I have 7 of them. Second gun I bought was a Glock 17. Now I have 11 of them. I was sure of my purchases back then, and I'm still sure they were the right choices now.

Since you're such a fan of Glock 17 can you help me pick a good holster for my friend? After reading this http://gunivore.com/pistol/holsters-for-the-glock-17/ all of them see like good choices for him but I want the one thats best for him.


This is the first gun he will use for concealed carry and at the range.

[Oceanbob]

Meno377 Nailed It...!

Perfect advice.

The good thing about handguns is if you don't like them, you can legally sell them and buy something different. . I've bought and sold dozens and dozens of handguns over the years. Maybe more.....gasp.

Personally not a fan of SW SD9VE but I understand it's a good low cost (Budget minded) handgun. Love the Beretta choice.....

I decided long ago to not let cash flow determine my gun choices. If I wanted something expensive, I saved that extra money.

Entering the Market today I would choose something CZ ( hot seller, good bang for the buck, good value, runs perfect) then something Glock.

In 1911 I would save more money to move up the ladder and consider a Springfield or even go off roster (PPT) and select a Ruger SR1911 for about $800 in the marketplace. Wonderful 1911. Check Hickok45 YouTube for his Ruger 1911 videos..

I don't know where you live but in some California Counties you can obtain a Concealed Carry Permit. It would require training and follow up but well worth it in my opinion. If this is the case then you would need a smaller handgun for carry (maybe 2 or 3) and then you would have to make other decisions besides a Duty Size firearm.

Welcome

Bob

[G_FNH57]

Fine choices. Maybe look into a wheel gun too.. A S&W 686 was my first pistol.

[MXRider]

I think you did fine as well. The SD9VE is a solid pistol for the money. And the PX4 is also one of those really great guns that never really caught on big. Very nice to shoot especially setup as a G.

[Glockroo]

It's YOUR guns! Only you can make the best decisions. Asking on calguns is just asking bunch of 4 yr old what's their fav. candy in a candy store.
You will get answers from different age group, different background, different hand size, different room/home layout...etc.
Only you know your budget and what fits you. It's the best to try the different guns out before you purchase (rental or friends).
Best of luck and make sure you practice with them!

[desertjosh]

First gun I bought was a Sig P226R. Now I have 7 of them. Second gun I bought was a Glock 17. Now I have 11 of them. I was sure of my purchases back then, and I'm still sure they were the right choices now.

Why so many duplicates?

[-hanko]

It's YOUR guns! Only you can make the best decisions. Asking on calguns is just asking bunch of 4 yr old what's their fav. candy in a candy store.
You will get answers from different age group, different background, different hand size, different room/home layout...etc.
Only you know your budget and what fits you. It's the best to try the different guns out before you purchase (rental or friends).
Best of luck and make sure you practice with them!

That is the best and only answer.

It's also the best response to countless "what-gun-should-I-get" questions.

Second sticky thread on page 1 of this forum should be a required starting point.

[musketjon]

For a first handgun for an inexperienced shooter, a revolver would have been a much wiser choice.
Jon