First handgun... what do you all think?

[EastBayRed]

I'm in a bit of a pickle right now. I've finally saved enough money to where I feel like I can finally spend an ok amount of money on my first pistol (~500).
There's two main contenders and they are not exactly similar.
1. S&W m&p9/40 shield

2. Radom p64

I like them both because they are relatively powerful compacts. One is new, the other historic. They are also both pretty sweet deals. Radom will be about 350 all said and done, m&p will be about 370 after rebate.
The rebate is too sweet to pass up but I have no idea how many of those Radoms will be left, and they are mint.

What do you guys think? Any other contenders? I live in the East Bay Area if you guys know of any deals. Thanks

[tbc]

Shield 9mm.

[Sutcliffe]

What exactly, do you want this for?

Getting a good deal on a gun you don't need is........

[JS41989]

Out of those choices I'd go with a Shield for sure. Glock 19 if you wanted another suggestion.

[OCEquestrian]

Get a larger weapon to train with and develop your skill set. Glock 19 is one of the best first guns for most people. Look in the CalGuns classifieds for a good deal. small guns are not best to learn with / train with.

[Tasty]

Out of those choices I'd go with a Shield for sure. Glock 19 if you wanted another suggestion.

This. Depends on what you want it for. If it's a HD and range toy, I'd say get a gen 3 Glock 19. If you plan on carrying it, then out of the choices you listed go with the Shield. It's not that the Shield isn't fun to shoot, but if you're going to be shooting it often, you'll regret having the small single stack and not getting something bigger.

[EastBayRed]

Whoops. Yeah. Forgot to mention but ideally it will be a fun range toy and something I can keep close by for home defense. I'm open to all suggestions I know most of you are more experienced than I.


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[Bangzoom]

I love and own em both but the shield is my choice for first...the P64 has nice features for carry except the HEAVY trigger but in a fix you may not even notice the heavy pull...they are both a lot of gun for your money

[SoCal Bob]

Of your two choices I would go with an S&W 9. Getting ammo shipped into CA is becoming bleak. Look around at your local gun stores to see if they even carry 9x18 ammo and, if they do, compare the price and selection to 9mm.

[blubullett]

Get a CZ P-01. You need something larger then a Shield so you can properly train with your gun. Wait to get a sub compact like the Shield if you get a CCW. There is no reason to have one if you don't have a CCW.

[Erion929]

NOBODY I know starts with a Shield. I wouldn't get that to start, unless you think it's going to be a one-and-only gun that you just want to have around, and you're not really into the "whole gun thing". That is a carry gun....that is it's main benefit.

Save $100 more and get a G19.

[AlienHobo]

Between the choices you give, get the Shield in 9mm.

The p64 uses an oddball round, 9mm Mak (9x18) that will end up costing you much more money in the long run.

9mm Luger (9x19) is relatively cheap and you can shoot more and there are more choices.

That being said, the Shield is a little hard to shoot and practice with. It's not horrible, but for a first gun I would recommend something a little larger (like others have mentioned).

[beanz2]

I'd avoid the P64 as a first gun due to its 9x18 caliber. Get the more common 9x19 gun and you'd be shooting a lot more. The Shield is not a bad choice and the current rebate makes it easier to afford, but like the others have said, spend a bit more and get a larger gun as your first gun.

EDIT: AlienHobo beat me to it.

[tbc]

Whoops. Yeah. Forgot to mention but ideally it will be a fun range toy and something I can keep close by for home defense. I'm open to all suggestions I know most of you are more experienced than I.


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XD9 Tactical for $450
Glock 19 or 17 for $500
CZ SP-01 for $700

Don't forget revolvers.

[Garv]

Just get a G19, please.

Thank us later.

If unsure, rent both and tell us the results.