Blink and it's gone: roster changes

[Gun Kraft]

I don't know when it happened, but I recently learned the M&P 9/40 went off roster. While I didn't like the trigger reset I thought the ergonomics were okay and they were the only on-roster option with a left-handed slide catch. No more. (Yes I'm out of touch but since I can buy off-roster stuff, I do.)

So as a firearm instructor, what's out there to recommend to first time/beginner shooters? Entry level it seems like the three major choices are either the Glock Gen3, Springfield XD or Sig SP2022. That's it.

Are there any other sub-$600 semi-auto pistols you consider a good first purchase? (No, I don't think 1911 platforms are a good beginner choice.)

Are there any semi-auto pistols on the roster that have left-handed or ambi slide catches at any price?

Thanks for your help.

[Marquand]

To the list you mention above, I'd add the Beretta Px4 Storm...provided the intended shooter is looking for a DA/SA firearm with a decocking safety as opposed to a striker fired pistol.

Frankly, in the price range you mention, there aren't very many good options. Thanks California.

[SoCalTeach]

I would throw in a Beretta 92fs or PX4 as good options for similar price range.

[91SDLegend]

Beretta 92 FS?

[dfletcher]

Quite a few HKs have the ambi slide release, and if they don't are easily drop in replacements.

[Kensei]

2022 was my first pistol. I think it's better for beginners to learn DA/SA. You can start SA then learn DA.

[DNA]

CZ75, CZ SP01, 92FS, PX4, M&P Shield all come to mind.

Dan

[hotrail]

What's wrong with teaching a first time/beginner shooter on a Buckmark? The price is low, they are reliable, and ammo is super cheap. Plus no scary recoil. What better way to train a new shooter on fundamentals?

[solidfreshdope]

I second the SP2022. Not left hand slide catch but I think the mag release can be swapped.


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[Lonestargrizzly]

How long was your blink, OP?
MP's have been off the roster since like 2014.

[IVC]

I'm not sure M&P has ever been on the roster. Anyone knows for sure?

As far as I know, Shields were the last ones to be added and the rest of the M&P semi-auto line never made it...

[TheReluctantCraftstronaut]

People knock them, but so far, I'm pleased with my purchase of an SD9VE.

It's trigger is definitely crap. Mine is fairly consistent on pull, but it's easily an 8+ lb pull. I love it as a range gun. Stiff trigger makes my focus a bit harder on trigger control, but it's definitely not a big deal after some time on the range. So far, about 500 rounds through it, no problems. I'm not awesome, but I can shoot it just as well as my P226.

Another budget pistol people don't tend to review well is the P22. My wife and I love it. Had two misfires, that were determined to be bad primers. I think one FTE if I recall correctly. This is all using bricks of winchester/remington/federal. Great for learning the basics.

If someone is truly looking for entry level semi auto pistol on a budget, I would recommend these. If they have the cash, a Ruger Mk III or a Glock for higher quality options.

Shame the M&P 9 is off-roster. That was what I originally wanted, until I had the same rude awakening.

[IVC]

For beginners, suitable guns that are on the roster would be:

Polymer Striker:
- Glock
- XD

Polymer Hammer:
- HK P2000, USP
- Beretta PX 4

Steel Hammer:
- Beretta 92
- CZ SP-01/P-01/75 BD
- Sig 2022
- Sig P226/229

You also have some larger Kahrs that are really nice, but the trigger is a bit more difficult to master.

(I haven't limited to your specific price range since some of the above can be had used, while others fall into the price range, but are hard to find.)

[SkyHawk]

Are there any semi-auto pistols on the roster that have left-handed or ambi slide catches at any price?

Thanks for your help.

Hk P2000/P2000sk are on roster and Ambi - a little more than $600 though. But they also come in several trigger mode options.

[JS41989]

People knock them, but so far, I'm pleased with my purchase of an SD9VE.

My dad bought and SD9VE in the marketplace lightly used for something like $250. Installed an APEX trigger kit and honestly I like that guy more than the Sig 2022 he purchased and he did it for under $300.

I personally recommend a Glock 19 to everyone who is looking for a good pistol to start with. It was my 2nd pistol after a PX4 and I honestly parted with my Beretta shortly after purchasing it.