WHAT should I get?

[.40Cal]

I'm looking to get my first handgun. I have shot quite a few 9mm - 45. But not owned one yet.

I would like to know what you guys think I should get, and I'm not looking to buy more and more handguns down the line (as some people might suggest).

I would mainly use it at the range for target practice, and also being my "only" handgun, keep it for home/self defense. I'm considering a 9mm due to cheap practice ammo, and hi-cap mags available. But am also debating .40 cal, given a little more stopping power for self/home defense. I can't make up my mind... So, what's it gonna be, and Why? Plz help.

Also, if you can suggest some guns as well. (Budget: around $700 +/- a couple).

Thanks in advance...

[sker13]

Too many choices. I would buy a 1911 .45 because I like the way they shoot and no one ever said that a .45 was lacking in the knock down dept. However, I think a Glock 19 (9mm) is pretty much what you need. Used for around 450.00 use the rest to buy ammo and training. My 2 cents! My first was a G27 but I planned on carry.

[Fjold]

I'm looking to get my first handgun. I have shot quite a few 9mm - 45. But not owned one yet.

I would like to know what you guys think I should get, and I'm not looking to buy more and more handguns down the line (as some people might suggest).

I would mainly use it at the range for target practice, and also being my "only" handgun, keep it for home/self defense. I'm considering a 9mm due to cheap practice ammo, and hi-cap mags available. But am also debating .40 cal, given a little more stopping power for self/home defense. I can't make up my mind... So, what's it gonna be, and Why? Plz help.

Also, if you can suggest some guns as well. (Budget: around $700 +/- a couple).

Thanks in advance...

There are no hi-caps (sic) available. If you don't already own high capacity magazines that you bought before the State ban went into effect then you cannot have any.

[rgs1975]

High cap mags are not a consideration since you live in Hayward. CA law says you can only have 10 round mags at most unless you're a LEO. I don't think you're a LEO because you said you don't already own a handgun. 10 round mags are available for most popular guns in 9mm, .40S&W and .45ACP.

[tbhracing]

If I had to buy only one handgun for home and self defense, it would be the GLOCK 19, hands down. Its right right size, great for travel, carry, low maintenance, reliable and 9mm has all the stopping power you'll need.

[Bobotheclown]

If you're looking for a compact, I like both my g19 and p228. The g19 is cheaper new.

[blikeandy]

Glock

U can get a glock 19 or for some more money u can get
a sig p229 in 40 or 9mm both are great firearms

[RedFord150]

9mm is cheaper to shoot, less recoil, and plenty of good defensive ammo.

Glock 17, 19, or 34.
Springfield XD9.
CZ 75 models.
Beretta 96
Ruger P Series.
S&W M&P and Sigma Series
are all worth a look.

Go to a range and rent several or borrow some. Who knows which one you'll like the best.

Good luck.

[bobnfloyd]

I would suggest a P226 or P229 in 40. This caliber and gun gives you the flexibility when you get the next gun bug to buy other barrels to give you 4 guns in one. Sig has OEM 357 Sig, and .22 LR for the gun, and you can get a Bar Sto conversion to get a 9mm for cheaper range ammo.

However, for the price of the .22 conversion you are close to the price of a Browning Buckmark and Ruger Mark III .22 pistol.

[.40Cal]

9mm is cheaper to shoot, less recoil, and plenty of good defensive ammo.
Good luck.

Yeah, that's the reason I'm considering 9mm (cheaper to shoot/practice, and less recoil). However, I'm a little concerned about the "defensive" ammo. Since, I've read the 'def' ammo has high presure and increases the blast. With .40cal you get a lot energy for home 'def'. Then again, how often does one really need to shoot a burglar? It's just a safety precaution, or sense of security...

I would suggest a P226 or P229 in 40. This caliber and gun gives you the flexibility when you get the next gun bug to buy other barrels to give you 4 guns in one. Sig has OEM 357 Sig, and .22 LR for the gun, and you can get a Bar Sto conversion to get a 9mm for cheaper range ammo.

However, for the price of the .22 conversion you are close to the price of a Browning Buckmark and Ruger Mark III .22 pistol.

If I get a Sig, I will be getting the .22 conversion kit right away. Infact, I saw on Gunbroker.com a 226 in .22 WITH a 9mm kit. I know it sounds like I'm talking backwards, but it's true. They're selling .22 with 226 frame, and offer the X-change conversion in 9mm/.40 (your choice) for around $878 (both). If they were offering it backwards (like it should be, I'd jump on it).

.............. still the debate is going in my mind about WHICH caliber to go with......... But not interested in any plastic guns (Glocks, XD's, etc). I know there are die-hard fans of these guns, but it My personal choice to go with all metal gun (as mention in original post).

Thanks guys.. plz keep it coming... and if anyone wants to sell a gun, they may contact me too...

P.S: Also interested in a fully-built AR Calif. legal.

[thegrayham]

[buffybuster]

Possibly something in .40cal......

Ironic that your username is .40cal and you don't have a handgun.....

There are many choices, dependent on your needs and application. Go and handle as many as you can to find what feels best for you. Stick to a major manufacturer and take any salesperson's advice with a grain of salt.

[Dubels]

Hi-Cap mag are illegal to transfer or sell in California. Rebuild kits are a different story though. But if the gun was produced after 2000 it is pretty much illegal to have any hi-caps unless your a leo. There is a thread on this forum regarding the legality of "hi-cap" mags.

I am in the same shoes right now. With the GSSF discount the G19 is only 398+ all the fees. I am most likely going to go with the G19 over its bigger caliber cousins. Like many have said there are plenty of defense ammo in 9mm and it is cheaper to learn to be effective with it. As for 9mm which guns have you taken a look at? All metal guns Sigs, 92fs, 1911s are a few that are really reliable but are all over the price range. What price range are you looking at?

Glocks have .22 conversion kits too. Advantage Arms sells the best ones for glocks but from what I have gathered is that they change the weight of the gun and at $250 a kit when you can get them you are almost better off getting a used Ruger MKII. I don't know how much the Sig kit cost but it might just be more cost effective to go with a dedicated 22 plinker, unless you are determined to train with the 22 in the Sig frame. But if you do get a 22 conversion kit, all you are really going to learn is how to be effective with controls. As the 22 will have less kick and wont react like a 9mm while firing. So you can actually learn everything you can from a 22 conversion kit just doing drills without ammo, just wont be as fun.

PS: There are plenty of decent CA legal ARs in the sale forum right now. Ranging form high $700s to 2000.

[Twinkies]

I would suggest a P226 or P229 in 40. This caliber and gun gives you the flexibility when you get the next gun bug to buy other barrels to give you 4 guns in one. Sig has OEM 357 Sig, and .22 LR for the gun, and you can get a Bar Sto conversion to get a 9mm for cheaper range ammo.

However, for the price of the .22 conversion you are close to the price of a Browning Buckmark and Ruger Mark III .22 pistol.

I'll 3rd this suggestion.. if you want just one handgun.. and can afford it, the Sig is a great choice. Live up to your screen name and get the .40

[FNH5-7]

Ok, back to the MAIN TOPIC OF HIS POST......

Since you plan on only buying 1 gun get a Beretta 92fs or Glock 19 if you want a real light gun. 9mm is a good idea because of the price of ammo and low recoil, I'm not a 9mm guy however I recognize it's a good caliber. The difference between 9mm and 40sw for you could be the fact of shooting more often and more sounds each time, depending on your economic status of course. If money isn't an issue, choose the more expensive 40 cal on a Sig gun.

Go to a gun range where they rent guns and try a 40sw Sig, a Glock 19 and and a Beretta 92fs