1st Pistol

[imported_dadoody]

Hey guys. I own a revolver (a 2004 S&W Model 10), and have shot off a few revolvers. I am thinking about buying a magazine load pistol.

I'm thinking about buying a glock or a taurus PT92. Also, does anyone here know much about "Kimber" guns? I heard that they're expensive, but does their price match their quality? Thanks

[Ducati748r]

Glocks are very popular..I would suggest if you get a chance go to a gun range that has rentals and try one out. I don't like glocks only because my hands are too small for that pistol..my weapon of choice is the 1911. As far as kimbers are concerned you really can't go wrong if you purchase one..they are good quality pistols.

[C.G.]

Originally posted by Ducati748r:
Glocks are very popular..I would suggest if you get a chance go to a gun range that has rentals and try one out. I don't like glocks only because my hands are too small for that pistol..my weapon of choice is the 1911. As far as kimbers are concerned you really can't go wrong if you purchase one..they are good quality pistols.

I have the same problem; my hands are too small for Glocks as well. Shoot it before you buy.

[imported_DULLYJAY]

I love my Kimber. I like my glock. For 1st auto loader I would go Glock. Its easier to operate and take apart. You'll like both. Rent some 1st like the others said.

[Guest]

Gees, you guys must have some small hands I think Glocks are on the small size. Anyway >_>, go to a gunclub with a good rental selection and have some fun. Try the Glock and the Kimber they are way cool! I've never shot a Taurus but they seem to have a following, and they should be fine if you are on a budget.

[toolman9000]

When I saw the title of this thread, I thought it was going to be about your first pistol you got as a kid.

When I was eight my Dad took me to buy my first handgun, I got a Ruger Single-Six, through the years I have introduced over 30 people to shooting with that little revolver... Oh, and the first rifle a 10/22 the year before, when it was cash and carry from a FFL.

Anyhoo, to this thread...

Try a 1911 see if you like it, being single action and all may take a little getting use to.

If you are familiar with wheel guns a Sig226, HK USP 9, or a Beretta 92 might feel a little more natural just because they are double action.

???

Go shooting and find what fits... or just start buying and then go shooting.

Whatever.

[saki302]

1st gun I ever shot? an Anschutz .22LR bolt action when I was about 5 or 6. I couldn't even lift it off the bench! It was so quiet with match ammo you didn't need earplugs (subsonic, long barrel).
1st handgun? Ruger Mark 1 .22.
1st centerfire handgun? I think it was either a Beretta 92, or a Sig 220 in 9mm- this was in Hong Kong, and the Sig had a heel release.

If you're a gun newbie, a Sig or Beretta DAO (double action only) might suit you well- less controls and junk to worry about. If you plan to keep at this like a hobby, buy what you like now, or you'll end up buying it later anyways.

-Dave

[imported_dadoody]

I can't remember the first gun I ever shot....I think it was a Browning 9mm and a .38 Special Colt that belonged to a WW2 Veteran. It was either those to or a Berretta P92.

The Colt 38 is why I went out and bought a .38 of my own. Just something about the gun...though in hindsight, I shoulda went for a 357 Magnum.

[TannerBoyl]

My first pistol was a Glock 17. I loved the way it shot and I shot it often. Then I was introduced to the wonderful world of SIG, Beretta and HK. I still like my Glocks, but they seem to take a backseat to my SIGs. I guess SIG just fits me better, but for the money you can't beat a Glock!

As far as Kimbers are concerned, I've read that they're either awesome pistols or they are trouble. After I read a few horror stories, I decided to hold-off on purchasing a Kimber until they shape-up their customer service.

I don't know much about Taurus, but if you're interested in a Beretta-style pistol you should be able to find a decent deal ($400's-500's) on a used Beretta 92FS. I got mine for $400 and love it!

The best thing would be for you to try out as many pistols as you possibly can. I know, this could be dangerous because you may find yourself wanting all those pistols. Aside from that, you should be able to find a pistol that will suit you well. Good luck!

[saki302]

The Sigs just seem wasy to shoot well to me- easier than the GLocks (which was my previous 'shoot best-er').
Only the Sig 220 fits my hand. The 225/226 are OK too, but the 118/119 series doesn;t fit my hand at all. The hump on the left side of the grip pushed my thumb out ridiculously. My friends seem to love theirs though (and I can shoot it well- left handed!).

I agree about the Beretta 92 over the Taurus. There's probably nothign wrong with the Taurus, but it's an imitation- why buy a copy when the original is available for just a little more?

-Dave

[stillbigmac]

because the taurus is better

I really do like the taurus better. I like the safety mounted to the frame rather than the slide.

[Rascal]

Try a Browning Hi-Power, you'll love it.
CZ's are also very fine handguns.

[saki302]

For a guy who owns many pistols, the Beretta is a range-shooter/looker for me. If you compare them side-by-side, the Taurus quality just doesn't quite compare. Same with the Taurus revolvers against S&W- nothing wrong with them, but the finishing touches aren't there. The Taurus autos are heavier in the hand than the berettas too- at least the ones I've handled- Beretta uses an alloy frame, the Taurii (new word?) I felt did not.

There are many manufacturers whose guns fall into that category for me, such as EAA, Taurus, and the Ruger centerfire semis- good guns, but not 'interesting' enough- too vanilla
Side by side, I can even tell the Italian 92FS is ever so slightly better than the US version as far as machining goes

The only Taurus I liked enough when it came out to be interested was the Raging Bull, though I ended up not getting one (too expensive to feed). Seeing the 92 design adopted for .45ACP was interesting as well, though the end result was a bit clunky.

-Dave

[Guest]

I have to recommend the Makarov as the best value. If you want to spend a few bux, there are a million ways to do it. But if you want to by something good and sturdy for 150-200 out the door, then look into the Mak. Especially if you live in Southern California where the ammo is a plenty. You can give it a try and see if auto-loaders are your thing. If you don't like it, you can easily find a buddy to pawn it off on without loosing much in the deal.

[saki302]

The Mak is second to none for cheap and good. The only other thing you can buy for $150 on sale is a Bryco or Davis!!
nothing says 'gangsta' quite like Bryco..

-Dave