Newbie, need advice on choosing first gun...

[Porscheguy]

FYI since a lot of people missed it... I've already purchased the guns but still some conversation going on but I don't need any more posts on where/what to buy as I've made a choice and just waiting the 10 days...8 to go as of this post. Thanks all!!!



Hey all,

I like this site so far. I'm pretty experienced with shotguns and a not as much but still comfortable with a few rifles. I'm 31 and I've always wanted a pistol. Moreso now that I'm not in the safest area in town.

I'd say my desire would be a mix of self-defense, fun at the firing range and target practice, love of all things military.

I'll admit right off the bat that I do want a 'cool looking' gun. I know a lot of people will roll their eyes at that one but just being honest. I love to look at beautiful things. However, it would never be the first priority. I've done a good amount of reading about bullet size, stopping power, capacity, recoil, etc, etc.

I'm looking to spend between 700 and 1200 although something in the middle would be great.

Size wise, I'd like something that's a decent size but still be portable if I'd ever decide to want to bring it along although I can't imagine why. At that point if I did consider to get a CCW, I'd probably get another gun anyway.

A few that caught my eye, were various Glocks, Whalter P90 or is it P99, The FN 5 7 is amazing but I know far from realistic and pricey rounds...

I'll hit the range a lot and I'm a big guy with a lot of other weapons experience so I'd rather not go with a basic revolver and get a gun that I'll still want in a year or so.

Long post I know, but I've been looking around this site and would love opinions and critiques if I've said anything really off the mark.

Thanks guys - Pete

[DVLDOC]

Glock 17 or 19; SA XD 9; Smith & Wesson M&P 9

[762cavalier]

Porsche guy Where are you located? Maybe a Calgunner near you will offer to let you test drive what he has, or you can go to a range that rents handguns and try out a few of those. IMHO every handgun is cool so that doesn't narrow down the options.

[Martin_B]

Being that you love military weapons as well....I'd take a look at the 1911 and the M9. I have a Springfield "Loaded" 1911 and love it. That being said, I'd shoot as many pistols as you can and decide what YOU like best.

[ChrisTKHarris]

For a first gun:

Glock 17, 19, 22 or 23.
Springfield XD9 Service 4" or any XD for that matter

[BamBam-31]

Hey all,

I like this site so far. I'm pretty experienced with shotguns and a not as much but still comfortable with a few rifles. I'm 31 and I've always wanted a pistol. Moreso now that I'm not in the safest area in town.

I'd say my desire would be a mix of self-defense, fun at the firing range and target practice, love of all things military.

I'll admit right off the bat that I do want a 'cool looking' gun. I know a lot of people will roll their eyes at that one but just being honest. I love to look at beautiful things. However, it would never be the first priority. I've done a good amount of reading about bullet size, stopping power, capacity, recoil, etc, etc.

I'm looking to spend between 700 and 1200 although something in the middle would be great.

Size wise, I'd like something that's a decent size but still be portable if I'd ever decide to want to bring it along although I can't imagine why. At that point if I did consider to get a CCW, I'd probably get another gun anyway.

A few that caught my eye, were various Glocks, Whalter P90 or is it P99, The FN 5 7 is amazing but I know far from realistic and pricey rounds...

I'll hit the range a lot and I'm a big guy with a lot of other weapons experience so I'd rather not go with a basic revolver and get a gun that I'll still want in a year or so.

Long post I know, but I've been looking around this site and would love opinions and critiques if I've said anything really off the mark.

Thanks guys - Pete

Let's hope one of the more annoying trolls here on CGN doesn't read that one!

As for your question, I'd say the Glock 19 is a good choice in terms of function. Aesthetically, it has all the beauty of a hammer. Price-wise, it's well within your budget, even with aftermarket upgrades (sights, trigger kit, etc.). It's a "simple" gun in that it has no external safeties, making it that much easier to shoot quickly. (Whether that makes it more appropriate for experienced shooters or noobs is often up for debate.)

The other polymer offerings are also good: Springfield XD, S&W M&P, HK USP, Walther P99. Get the one that feels most comfortable in your hands. If you can, it's always best if you can shoot before you buy.

Personally, I think the coolest looking gun is a nice 1911. Again, you can get a pretty decent one for your budget, especially if you look around. Springfield Armory, Kimber, and even a used Dan Wesson can be had for $1,200 or less. It's all-steel, has great ergonomics, and the straight-pull trigger (if done right) is the best trigger design you'll ever encounter.

I'd definitely get one of the polymers in 9mm, while the 1911 has to be in .45acp. My two cents, anyways.

Welcome to the forum.

ETA: Don't overlook offerings from Sig, CZ, or Beretta, either. All great guns! Good luck.

[Porscheguy]

Porsche guy Where are you located? Maybe a Calgunner near you will offer to let you test drive what he has, or you can go to a range that rents handguns and try out a few of those. IMHO every handgun is cool so that doesn't narrow down the options.

Santa Barbara. Thanks for the idea.

[Porscheguy]

[QUOTE=BamBam-31;4786060]Let's hope one of the more annoying trolls here on CGN doesn't read that one!


IT does sound weird. I mentioned size because to indicate ability to handle a larger grip or recoil. (guessing) I mentioned many weapons experience (i.e. martial arts instructor for many years to indicate I'm hyper aware of safety and will learn all the important stuff to prevent any lecture on that, and mentioned the revolver just because they don't really interest me. I have read extensively on pros of revolvers for newbies. So it wasn't intended to be a cocky, know-it-all sentence.

[Johnny.B.Good]

I second the idea of a Glock 17/19. Simple, durable, reliable, inexpensive to own and shoot (relatively speaking), plenty accurate, light, concealable, and tons of aftermarket support if you want to change or add anything to it.

I was at the range yesterday for the first time with my new Glock 19 (Gen 3) met a nice guy shooting a brand new Sig P226 E2 in 9mm next to me. We traded guns for ten rounds, and both of us shot tighter groups with the Glock, which can be had for half the money. I have a Sig P229 as well, but enjoy shooting the Glock just as much if not more.

[1911Operator]

actually, the 5.7 is not too expensive of a round. I think the average price is about $23ish for 50rds ? and considering 45acp is going around $20 a box of 50, the 5.7 is very affordable. but, I would recommend a glock 19 or a p99 in 9mm and I would say to buy the AS model! if you looking for a bigger caliber like 45acp go for a fully loaded SA 1911, they range around the $700-$800 range and thats not bad for a fully loaded gun.

[scoot64]

Definitely rent a few at a local range to see what u like. I wasn't really into revolvers before I owned at handgun, but my first one ended up being a .38 snub nose that was also my CCW piece. Second was an XD45.

[Zomgie]

Porscheguy,
Go to Far West (on State and Mission) and hold every gun that catches your eye. Then, go down to Oxnard to Shooters Paradise and rent all the guns that felt really good to hold. Shoot 50 rounds through each and you'll have a very good idea about which gun you want.

Also, I'm getting my Sig P228 out of jail on the 24th. You're welcome to come shooting and try it out

[mtenenhaus]

I would strongly advocate taking a pistol class for several reasons. You'll start out with good habits, your learn to be safe and effective, its a lot of fun......and i bet you'll have a chance to shoot a bunch of different pistols.

Its interesting but for several in our group, pistols that we at first thought we would like ended up not necessarily being guns that we shot well or manipulated well.

One of the best purchases i made was the cpo program from sig sauer. they have guns that get returned or are demos or put together from parts all redone by the factory, with a warranty and at a significant discount.

[hattles]

Can't go wrong with a Sig P226-9mm, .357 SIG, .40 S&W or a Sig P220 in .45ACP...just adding some food for thought to the available choices.

[Miltiades]

In reading your post I see that this first pistol would not be for concealed carry, would be mainly for range use or home defense, and that your budget is not too tight ($700 to $1200). You also want it to look good.

Given those parameters I would recommend a Sig or 1911. The 1911 would probably be .45 caliber, and there are a number of good brands available. In Sig I would recommend the P220 (.45) or the P229/P226 in .40 caliber. You don't really need a polymer gun since light weight is no advantage to you, and a metal frame with greater weight makes a gun easier to shoot well. Personally I would favor an all stainless P220 or P226.