First Hand Gun Purchase *First Post*

[DB>]

What gun to get is a rabbit hole... and it's a "personal" thing, everyone will have an opinion, but you need to find one that gets you into it enough that you want to go and practice and enjoy shooting.

First headache is the stupid roster, meaning you can't get anything designed much after 2010. Off roster used is worth considering, most of my handguns are off rosters picked up from the marketplace here. Old Ruger P series (if you can catch one - big, heavy, accurate as you can get, and low recoil due to the weight, plus makes a good "blunt object" if you run out of bullets) are usually pretty good deals for the $$$.

Caliber - they all make holes, some larger, some smaller, and location (of those holes), like in real estate is most important. SO, accuracy of the firearm, and your ability to aim with proficiency is important - I've had some guns I just did not shoot well, and yet others seem to like them.

The type of bullets you use is also important to overall effectiveness. Finding ammo is "interesting" and expensive right now. You'll want "practice" and HD ammo.

My criteria is #1 is the firearm RELIABLE - does it always work and easy to manipulate/reload/etc. and #2 - do I shoot it well. I guess I'd add a #3... does the wife also like it. This may limit you to .22 or .380, but there are decent choices that will make nice accurate holes on demand, and are easy shooters with low recoil and report (the "bang"). Nothing wrong with the wife having "her" gun, and I have tended to buy one for myself when she finds one she likes!

[mrfobbyaccent]

I appreciate all the DM's and the information! I would love to quote all the feedback that stuck out to me, but that would take so much time.

My wife and I were already planning on taking a gun class at the range we go to. I should have mentioned that in the beginning.

The biggest point I agree with is that my wife should feel comfortable handling it and I adapt to it. That being said, I don't want to settle for a .380 or gun of that size. I hope it never happens but if an intruder does come in, I don't feel comfortable with a .380 round doing it's job.

I also didn't mention that she shot the springfield XD as well and she preferred the glock 17 over the XD due to the way it felt. Recoil to her was the same and she only shot one magazine of the XD. It was her first time using a gun and I don't know if she got the complete concept on how to use it. I know she never tried to keep the slide open for either gun and I was having some difficulty keeping it open on the 17 over the XD, but I gripped the 17 much better than the XD which is why I preferred it.

Overall, I know my next action plan and that's to go back to the range and rent some guns LOL.

The range I go to has a Taurus .357 and a CZ 75. I'll likely rent both of those the next time we go out. My buddies have glock 19's so I'm not going to pay to rent that. I'll just wait until they go out.


Ultimately, I'm going to go with what my wife feels comfortable with the most.

Thank you to everyone's opinion, I'll keep everyone updated.

I'm also located in the Walnut area of southern california and the range I've been going to is Route 66 shooting park in San Bernadino. I would love to test out some guns but with this covid situation going on, I've only been seeing people I'm very close to. My mother is ill and is immunocompromised, so I don't want to risk getting her sick.

I do appreciate the offers though!

Angelo

[plumbum]

First I say, welcome!

Pistol wise, gravitate towards a medium or compact sized gun, usually a polymer framed gun in 9mm Luger- eg Glock 19, Beretta Storm, Springfield XD and so on.

I would also suggest looking at a 6 shot .357 revolver with a 4” barrel; .38 Special it a fine and easy to shoot cartridge.

You’ll know the right answer... might take you 15 purchases, but you’ll get there

[madland]

Welcome to the forum. Lots of good info already given. I'll echo a few of those with my own experience with my wife years ago.
When I went looking for my first HD handgun I held a bunch but really liked the feel of the XD9. It just felt good in my hand. I told her what I was looking at getting. Since you are in Walnut..La Puente Gun Range is close to you. As is OC Gun Range in Brea. We went to LP and rented an XD9 and an XD45. My cousin owned an XD40 so we took his too. She liked the XD9..thought the XD40 was ok..and put the XD45 down after a few shots. We went with the XD9 because she shot well with it.

I have since acquired other pistols in all three mentioned calibers including a few Glocks earlier this year. I never really cared for the ergonomics of Glocks but with everything 2020 has thrown at us I looked at it as being more tools in the toolbox. They were available and the price was right. Turns out I shoot them both just fine..especially the G22. She shoots the G19 just fine. She doesn't like the G23 (.40) but is fine shooting the G22 (.40) She still prefers the XD9 to anything else..even my VP9!!

As said before..go with whatever she does better with and move on from there. Load up on mags and ammo (as best you can given the current availability)..get some training..and keep practicing as much as possible. While you're at it and if the budget allows it, get something each of you like. If there's ever a threat in the middle of the night wouldn't you prefer each of you are armed?

As far as strength is concerned when it comes to racking the slide on any of these pistols or go for a revolver instead thought process..please don't be offended when I say she needs to learn to handle these tools with a little more umph. My youngest is only 7. He can shoot my MP.22 just fine. Re-load mags..work the slide..etc. So I thought I'd let him shoot my G19. Same results. I wasn't sure he'd be able to rack the slide but he did just fine. I was quite proud.
If he can do it..she surely should be able to. My .02
Good luck with your quest!!

[Harry Ono]

Grip ? Once you try the off roster HK VP9 or Walter PPQ you might not like the Glocks. They are the best at trigger as well. Others like Beretta 92sf, Sig P229 and CZ are excellent on recoil management and accuracy.

Since you include your wife, you should consider a Ruger PPC in 9mm as go to defense. It can break down and accepts 9mm glock mags. A 9mm impact from a longer barrel rifle has a higher impact than short barrel 9mm handgun.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJfIiunSwmk

[Mr. Blue]

I highly doubt anything will change your mind on getting a G17, which is understandable. You should start looking now. For the last week sportsmans warehouse has had Glock 17’s for $550, I think just today they ran out of stock. If you see one for sale but wait to talk to the wife, or wait for any reason, you might regret it. If you want a gun right now, especially a Glock 9mm, you’ve got to take it when you can. Just my two cents.

[omega]

The SIG SP2022 also has a very nice ergonomic grip that is popular with the ladies because it fits smaller hands well, especially people with shorter fingers

and it comes with two grips, small & medium , some people say the SP2022 is the poor man's P226 since it's a polymer DA / SA hammer fired design

I like it better than the Sig P226 because the California 226 has an ugly Live round indicator with safety warnings, plus the gun has a magazine disconect, so it cant be fired without a magazine

the California approved SP2022 doesnt have any of those annoying additions

I think the SP2022 might be harder to find and more expensive in the current market.

[bendito31]

others have more experience than me, and I am probably just going to echo what they have said, with just a few additions.

I would agree with Glock 19 and CZ 75. Depending on if you want the rail, look at the 75 compact, it is all steel in a more compact package.

But I think I would vote for the Beretta Px4 storm. The rotating barrel reduces recoil, it offers swappable backstraps to fit various hand sizes, and more importantly, I feel like it is available. It is in stock at my local shops and a bunch on gun broker.

One other thought. I know others have steered you away from 1911s, but a 9mm 1911 is going to have a light recoil, a good fit for a smaller hand, a shorter trigger reach... and of course the light trigger and the safety. The safety use and trigger control are training issues, and if your wife likes shooting it then it is more likely she trains with it.... that said I am not sure there are many on roster, I only know of the Springfield EMP.

[Teachu2]

If you run across a Glock 34, it's as good as a factory Glock gets.

[nedro]

Thank you for the feedback.

My father and I had a lot of arguments in the past on firearms. Thus, my falling out on using it. Without getting into the details, I would much rather purchase one then asking him for one of his. You may quickly realize that I was not a big gun fan when I was younger and in a way I'm still not. In all of this, I do realize that we don't live in a perfect world, which is why I'm here.

I've asked for his advice on what to purchase and he gave me one answer which was a Sig P226. He also advised me to not purchase a glock as he hates them. Unfortunately, finding one is difficult and it's also out of my price range.

You might want to check out a Springfield EMP.
9mm, smaller frame, steel gun that will help reduce recoil.
Might just be the perfect choice.

[StandardFinn]

The SIG SP2022 also has a very nice ergonomic grip that is popular with the ladies because it fits smaller hands well, especially people with shorter fingers

and it comes with two grips, small & medium , some people say the SP2022 is the poor man's P226 since it's a polymer DA / SA hammer fired design

I like it better than the Sig P226 because the California 226 has an ugly Live round indicator with safety warnings, plus the gun has a magazine disconect, so it cant be fired without a magazine

the California approved SP2022 doesnt have any of those annoying additions

I think the SP2022 might be harder to find and more expensive in the current market.

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/887384280

This shop is in on the west side, Culver, you could probably call them and pay over the phone to reserve and go fill out your paperwork.

Fair price for the times on the SP2022

[M60A1Rise]

Welcome.

I'm sure everyone or most here will say get a G19 but you need to hold one of them. If you're like me it didn't fit , bought one shot it like 3 months and sold it never looked back.

I know own 3 CZ variants which fit my hands better , point better and pretty much shoot better inho.

CZ75 BD (2)
CZ P-01 (1)

The P-01 is smaller in size maybe even close to a G19 but all 3 are metal or in the case of the P-01 an alloy. They have better ergonomics imho. rent one and try it.

[genesmasher]

...
Now to your question. You are going to get people recommending 1911s, CZs, 10mms, .45s, revolvers, super expensive "off roster" guns, all kinds of crazy ish. Ignore them and go for a striker fired polymer pistol in 9mm. Dont overthink it. Its really not that complicated.

Thanks, to CA libtard politicians, you dont have much to choose from. Its either the Glock, XD, or SDVE. You could also go with a PX4, SP2022, or P2000 for a hammer fired option.
...

Listen to this guy.

Welcome, Angelo! You've already received lots of good advice, so I'll just add one thing: Sometimes women have difficulty racking the slide on a semi-auto because of bad technique more than a lack of size or strength. Make sure she's using an overhand grip with her non-shooting hand, and make sure she's simultaneously pushing the frame forward with her shooting hand while pulling the slide back with her non-shooting hand. The worst is when they simply hold the gun with their shooting hand and expect to use two fingers to slingshot the slide back.

Certain handguns are easier to rack when new, no matter the technique, in my experience. Practically all of them loosen up after the first 100-300 rds though. I love my CZ-75 P01, but my wife finds fine cerrations on the slide way too harsh for her dainty hands, even after break-in and with a softer recoil spring. She prefers to use her H&K P2000 with a taller, flatter slide - easier to grip. Both are fine, reasonably priced beginner pistols, by the way.


Gunbroker always has a good selection, but you have to factor in transfer and shipping costs...

[Cali_7]

I think if it’s your only gun and you won’t practice much then a gun with a consistent trigger pull is your best bet and also one without any manual safeties so it’s just “point and shoot”. I think a polymer, striker-fired 9mm is the way to go, either Glock or XD series, however I do like the idea of a 4” 357 magnum revolver with 38 special loads, S&W 686 or Ruger GP100.

[Thrashard340]

I forgot to mention that my wife will also need to handle this firearm. She has small hands and the recoil on the glock 17 was already taking a toll on her. She only shot 2 magazines and had to take a break.

Do you think a .357 would be adequate for her as well? I know the true way of finding out is renting one at the range, but it is pricy. I don't want to rent one when I know she will say she doesn't like it after taking the first shot.

I thank you for your feedback and response!

I have been through this drill. My wife struggled to rack most semi's and could not efficiently pull the double action trigger on a revolver. The grip width on the Glock was too large to reach the trigger without limp-wristing. And anything larger than a subcompact wears her down after a couple a mags. We discovered that she likes how Glocks rack, and the grip width of a 1911 with Single Action or Striker triggers. Sadly, the ideal guns are off roster. We were fortunate to acquire a Glock 42 and Glock 43 for her, but these are not realistic options in your case. One compromise here is the CZ Rami, which is a double stack, but the single action trigger is closer to the grip, good for small hands. My wife used the Rami at a two day defensive handgun course and was effective using it. She shot 180 rounds in two days.

A couple of options:
XD9 subcompact - my wife liked shooting the gun, but was not accurate with it as the Glock and Rami. But the grip size and weight was good.
Glock 26: Shorter version of Glock 17,19. Grip width may be an issue for the wife, but easy to rack and pull the trigger. No manual safety like the Rami. This is something I would have your wife try before you buy.