Newbie Questions

[Daniel6138]

Hey all,

So I am in the market for my first handgun and have a few questions on pricing.

I am looking at getting a .40 or .45 semi automatic pistol. Mostly because I have heard that learning to shoot with a higher caliber first will help reduce the learning curve of lower calibers later on. Which raises another question, how valid is that theory?

My budget is around $500 to $700, preferably new. I've shot my friend's Rock Island 1911 and loved it. But I'd like to get something different as I didn't really like the sights. Then again that could also be due to my inexperience shooting as well.

Any advice or input would be greatly appreciated. I'm located in the East Bay, contra costa county area.

Thanks!

[DDRH]

glock would be in your range, but i'd recommend renting it and trying it out first. Glock 22 or 23

Glock 21 .45

[himurax13]

Well one big consideration for any new shooter is the cost of ammunition. You can get better sights installed on the Rock Island. The stock sights on most pistols can be difficult to use. If you are patient, you can find a good deal on a used gun.

[Daniel6138]

Ok. I am heading down to the Milpitas shooting range this weekend to try a few out. I'd just like to get and idea of which ones I should try so I can save myself some cash.

Thanks GTXR390!

[sniper4usmc]

CZ 75 or 97

[Munk]

Beretta 96 (.40 s&w)
CZ 75
FNP 40
Sig

The sig may require a bit of hunting to find in your price range, the Beretta may be trouble to find... period. The CZ is nice, and the FNP is as well. Get your hands on them to see how it feels when held.

[Dirmer3]

Get an HK USP!

[Hopalong]

Theories are as numerous as people.

Rent some guns of various calibers and see what you like best.

Keep in mind that 9mm is the cheapest to shoot (not counting .22)

[InGrAM]

ruger sr9 (9mm only)
cz 75
used sig
RIA Gi (the sights are very hard to change for a newbie)
beretta .40 (big handgun, but it feels nice in the hand)
beretta storm (cheap, cheap, i saw one at a local gun store for $450 .40 cal)

[biloutkast]

XD45

[THE NEW GUY]

Some people buy guns without a test fire or try-on for fitting. Then when they get it home, it goes in the safe for years, or gets put in the classifieds, because its just not for them.

Some will play with guns for weeks until they narrow the choices down to 2. Then spend another week deciding between those.

Some people follow trends and fashion, and some get talked into something by a friend or sales man.

Some buy guns just because they are on sale.

Some buy guns because it will someday be no longer available, and become a collectors item one day.

Some will save their money to get what they want even if its over buget.

Just my opinion...

Test out 3 different guns in each of these calibers. 9mm, 40, 45 if you want a semi auto.

If you want a wheel gun, test 3 in 38, 357, and 44 mag.

Guns are popular for a reason. If a lot of people including agencies are not buying a certain brand, more than likely there is a good reason.

Accessaries, and service means a lot to me. If you have a one of a kind or very rare pistol, a gunsmith is going to charge you more than what the gun cost in the first place to repair.

Good luck on your search. Let us know what you decided on.

[corcoraj2002]

I recently bought a XD.40 good for the range and HD. Also with a barrel conversion kit it can be a .375 or with the barrel and a 9mm magazine you can make it a 9mm.

But as standard I like the .40 S&W

[ruddogg]

go test out diff ones like everyone else says...
come back & check the marketplace here for a good deal on a used one. You can get a Sig P220 or HK USPf, USPc, P2000/P2000sk used for $500-$700 in the marketplace. You may even find a good deal on a Springfield Loaded for $600-$800 here... or a Kimber... but go shoot & find the one that fits your hand the best, then come back and research & shop! you'll get a better bang for the buck on a used gun here in the marketplace.

[aca72]

Get the sweetest of the box: SIG Sauer

P220 makes the biggest holes.
P226/40 and P229/40 make bigger holes.

If your into perfection, go with the GLOCK.

[ruddogg]

P220 makes the biggest holes.
P226/40 and P229/40 make bigger holes.

^ +1 HAHAHA