"Beginner" Semi-Auto

[5hundo]

I was going to suggest a Browning Hi-Power until you spoiled it with the $500 budget...

They make them in 9mm and .40 S&W but they're expensive to buy new. You might be able to find a nice used one, though...

The Hi-Power was one of the first High Capacity 9mm pistols to come into the mainstream market with popularity. They are notoriously reliable and lots of cops on many departments first transitioned from wheel-guns to the Hi-Power. They are still a fantastic weapon, even by today's standards...

[weatherman]

Glock 17 is a great 9mm pistol and I am a huge fan. That being said, if you're accostomed to revolvers, a Sig 226 might be a easier transition...

[Twinspool]

I'm a wheelgunner too and I was much more comfortable with the DA/SA type triggers on Sig and CZ.

I'm planning on going out to SVSS this weekend if you'd like to meet and punch some paper.

Cheers

[esskay]

I think best method is to try a bunch of different types of guns to see which you like the best -- whether renting at a range with good selection or finding a buddy with a nice collection.

But generally speaking, I like striker-fired handguns as a "kinder/gentler" intro to semi-auto pistols... they have a very simple manual of arms compared to SA or DA/SA pistols. i.e. Glock, XD, M&P

[dilligaffrn]

JMB's masterpiece, the 1911.

IMHO