"Beginner" Semi-Auto

[quiet-wyatt]

OK...

I'm a die-hard revolver guy. I've been shooting revolvers for 35 years... I've only shot a few semi-autos in my life, and even though I shot well with them (1911 .45ACP, Glock 21), I just didn't like them the way I do revolvers. I didn't like them jamming, etc. (I know - once they're broken in, they're great!)

But if I was to get a semi-auto that I could learn how one works and learn how to shoot well with, what would be a good one to start with? And caliber isn't necessarily important - this will not be a home defense gun. Just something to shoot targets, etc...

I fully admit my lack of knowledge of the controls on a semi-auto, what type of ammo they like, etc...

Let's say around $500 budget just to start with...

Thanks in advance,
quiet-wyatt

[Black Majik]

There really isn't a "beginners" semi auto. It's not like riding a motorcycle, which you have to work you way up, except for heavier calibers, but regarding pistol platforms anything will be fine.

I figure something basic in 9mm, .40 or .45 would be great. It's plentiful (or was... )For $500, there's the Springfield XD, Smith and Wesson M&P, Glock 17/19, or FN FNP. Those three will be polymer framed. You can pick up a Rock Island 1911 in .45 ACP for around $500 as well. A CPO SIG could probably be found in any of the three calibers for slightly more than $500, though searching around and negotiating could probably bring you into high 400s on a used PPT SIG. There's also the CZ75 to consider, for an all metal 9mm/.40

Good luck in your search. Any preference from polymer to metal framed guns? Caliber or action preference?

[quiet-wyatt]

Black Majik,

No, no preference really for polymer or metal frame.

Caliber - I think 9mm only because of cost - I can shoot more for the same $$$.

Action preference - This is the most confusing part for me. I humbly acknowledge no knowledge! Revolvers are very clear to me. But if I remember semi-autos correctly, I've seen single-actions with hammers and double-action without hammers, etc. This is what I really need to learn about...

Thanks!
quiet-wyatt

[DVSmith]

I would stick with 9mm to play with. Other calibers are getting too expensive (not that 9 isn't going up too).

There seems to be some surplus stock out there for reasonable prices on occasion.

[Snapping Twig]

Asking myself the same question back in 1986, I came up with a Sig P220 as the answer.

No safety, decocking lever, DA/SA and a round that's got some bite.

Still have the 220 and it's pretty much lived up to the transitional duty I asked of it.

These days I prefer a 1911, but I'll never sell the 220 and it's my nightstand gun as my wife can use it easily, just point and shoot.

[the_donald_]

I am going to tend to agree with Black Majik on this one. If you're curious about learning the 1911 platform an RIA is a good starter & in your price range. Springfield XD has a good following as well, and from what I hear & read a CPO Sig is worth a look for the price. The Sig & XD range guns I've rented have all resulted in accurate groupings.

Since 9mm is what you mention, try a Sig P226 or P229 in that caliber. Of course you can always try a Glock, but I don't personally like them much.

Go rent a few and see what you like.

[jmf_tracy]

like the other said, there really isn't a beginners semi-auto pistol. i would suggest .22lr for a complete beginner, but you already shoot revolvers. i would suggest 9mm as a caliber and would suggest my two favorite guns for your pistol. i like the XD9 in what ever configuration you like, i have the tactical and the subcompact. i also would suggest the CZ P-01, this is a sweet compact pistol. theses two guns are very different, but i really like em both. in any case you will be fine. there are a lot of good guns out there and it comes down to mostly presonal preference.

[Black Majik]

Black Majik,

No, no preference really for polymer or metal frame.

Caliber - I think 9mm only because of cost - I can shoot more for the same $$$.

Action preference - This is the most confusing part for me. I humbly acknowldge no knowledge! Revolvers are very clear to me. But if I remember semi-autos correctly, I've seen single-actions with hammers and double-action without hammers, etc. This is what I really need to learn about...

Thanks!
quiet-wyatt

If you prefer something with more of a revolver like trigger pull, it'll have to be a light double action trigger, a SIG DAK or HK LEM might do well. However, those are priced higher than $500 but come the closest to what you're looking for. The M&P, XD and Glock can still feel the similiar, in the sense that they dont have a safety, but they're single action. The Glock is a pre-cocked "double action" striker fired pistol, so it can be tailored to a heavy or light trigger pull with swapping out a few basic parts. However, the characteristics of the trigger pull on a Glock pistol still reminds me of a SA trigger.

There are mainly 3 types of actions: Single action, trigger pull releases cocked hammer. Double action, same as a revolver. and DA/SA, Double action on first shot, gun cycles and subsequent shots are in single action. DA/SA guns have a decocker instead of a safety (except the HK USP).

All the "safe action", "LDA", "LEM," and "DAK" terms are proprietary to the manufacturer (Glock, Para Ordnance, HK and SIG respectively).

Best thing to do is to try em' all out.

[quiet-wyatt]

This is great! All good information...

I think that's a good idea to rent the models mentioned here and see what I like. Something that fits my hand and "feels right"...

Thanks for the great ideas and keep them coming!

quiet-wyatt

[quiet-wyatt]

There are mainly 3 types of actions: Single action, trigger pull releases cocked hammer. Double action, same as a revolver. and DA/SA, Double action on first shot, gun cycles and subsequent shots are in single action. DA/SA guns have a decocker instead of a safety (except the HK USP).

Now the different actions are starting to makes sense to me - Thanks for the good explanation...

[civilsnake]

Semi-auto pistols come in a variety of different actions, and most are similar to revolvers.

Double action only (DAO) means it fires just like you SW Model 17 if you just pull the trigger. The trigger performs the same two actions: cocking the hammer and releasing it.

Double action/single action (DA/SA) means that it still sorta works like a revolver. A straight trigger pull will cock the hammer if not cocked and then release it. If you cock the hammer yourself, the trigger pull will just release it, just like most revolvers. The difference is that with an auto, when a cartridge is fired, the slide moves rearward and cocks the hammer automatically, meaning that you will typically only get one DA shot, an all following shots will be SA. Imagine your revolver automatically pulled the hammer back after every shot. Same idea.

Single action (SA) means that the hammer must be cocked by either you or the work of the slide. If the hammer's down, the gun won't fire. Similar to a Colt SAA or Ruger Vaquero, except with every shot, the slide automatically recocks the hammer.

Then there are striker-fired pistols (Glocks, xDs, M&Ps, etc.). These have no visible hammer because they use a different firing mechanism. There's a springloaded firing pin that is cocked when the slide is racked, but not typically cocked by pulling the trigger. These are essentially single action pistols because if you pull the trigger and there's no "bang", you need to recock the pistol. There are some striker-fired pistols that will cock with a trigger pull, however, making them more like a DAO. Striker pistols typically have trigger pull wieghts between single and double action, and longer pull lengths.

If you're used to standard modern revolvers, a DAO or DA/SA pistol is probably what would be most comforting to you.

If you just want to plink and target shoot, you can get a .22lr pistol. A lot of companies make good ones. They're usually single action, though. If you want something larger, 9mm would be the way to go IMO. You can also buy a 9mm pistol with a 22lr conversion kit for even cheaper plinking. CZ makes good steel 9mms and offers the Kadet Kit for 22lr conversion.

Do you care where it's made?

[quiet-wyatt]

civilsnake,

No, don't really care where it's made. I assume the CZ is made in the Czech Republic?

Hmmm... 22LR conversion too? That's interesting...

[Iknownot]

civilsnake,

No, don't really care where it's made. I assume the CZ is made in the Czech Republic?

Hmmm... 22LR conversion too? That's interesting...

You can also get a 22lr conversion for the sig 226, 229, and 220.

I have one for my 226 and it works quite well. (I have a buddy who has the kadet 22lr conversion for his CZ75 and it works very well also).

[civilsnake]

civilsnake,

No, don't really care where it's made. I assume the CZ is made in the Czech Republic?

Hmmm... 22LR conversion too? That's interesting...

Yes, CZ is made in Czech Republic. If you get a chance to handle one, I recommend you try it out. CZs have an interesting feel to them IMO. If you like the feel, you're good to go. If you don't, there are plenty of other options. I presonally prefer steel pistols, and CZ does that for less money than most while still offering a good quality product. You could also look at a standard Beretta 92, but I don't know that a .22lr kit is available.

[Fantasma]

Get A CZ75B in Single Action.

If its just to learn to shoot and target practice this is a great model to start with.

They tend to go for around 400-500 Used, 500-600 New.