Recommendations for 1st Pistol

[DeathByDoubleDip]

So I'm finishing my undergraduate degree this year and I was thinking, what better graduation present could I get for myself other than a pistol?

I have a few options

1) Get an M1911 of some variety. The main reason is just the whole "100 YEAR ANNIVERSARY **** YEAH" factor. I've only shot one model so far (an SA Loaded) and thought it was great. I'd mainly be looking for something on the lower-priced end though (<$600 limits my options, I know). On the other hand, I am a total cheapskate and would prefer having more rounds/$$$, which would suggest I get a 9mm instead of a .45.
2) Get a SIG Pro 2022. I liked the feel of this when I tried it at a range. The fact that it was a polymer gun didn't bother me. The $400 pricetag is also appealing.
3) Get some other 9mm pistol. This would involve me GTFOing from the house and actually trying out: S&W M&P 9mm, CZ-75, FNP-9/FNX-9, and the Glock 19 (fired the 17 before and thought it was 'okay'. Would prefer the SP2022 over the 17).
4) Get a Ruger MkIII. I wouldn't be completely adverse to this option if it weren't for the fact that I already own 2 arms in .22LR (but neither of them are pistols)

The gun-in-question is going to be used strictly as a range toy. Renting stuff is fun and all, but I think I'm reaching a point where I'd rather have my own pistol to run my own (cheaper) ammo through. I considered a revolver at some point (GP100); I liked the feel to it but even running .38Spl's through it would still cost me more than 9mm.

I get the feeling the most prevalent answer will involve getting out to practice/test out more stuff, but let's see. . If options 2 and 3 are just ridiculous due to the sheer about of variation, then recommendations for a 1st M1911 would still be appreciated.

EDIT: Forgot to mention I'm left-handed but right-eye dominant. Wonder if this'll affect the number of M&P recommendations.

[PandaLuv]

FNP9 !
I have a sig, and I want to get a glock 17 next but for you I would recommend an FNP9 because it's a glock/sig clone. It also shoots 9mm. I shot one before, I liked it.

[esartori]

my first was a 1911. However, I had shot 9mm and 45 before and it called to me. If first handgun owner, maybe a glock due to ease of use and cleaning

[wrightb]

I always recommend Glocks, they are excellent guns for the price. But its very important to test them and figure out exactly what feels right for you. Glock 19 is my personal favorite, the compact frames fit my hands a little bit better and my fingers fall directly in between the finger grooves. It is also small enough to allow me to conceal if I ever get my permit.

[Sunday]

From my experience with a 1911 is to get one made made with out MIM parts. The more you spend on a 1911 the better it will be in the long run and it will not be a toy. That being said as a 1911 snob,you can't beat the 9mm Glocks for the price and performance,reliability,ease of repair and parts and they last a long time, no I do not own one weired eh!. Sigs aren't on quality/reliability list . As for the Ruger MKIII get the target version it is an everyone should own one type of gun. If I had to sell all my guns except for one it would be the Ruger. Accurate cheap ammo and fun to shoot.

[mincoda]

The Springfield XD9 is ambidextrous, has mag release on both sides and since there are no manual external safeties you don't have to worry about that. Also consider the
Beretta 92 or and PX4 (ambi safety, reversible mag catch, really big slide release).

[Bulleh]

Cant go wrong with any of them but Glock has best track record out of what you mentioned (suggestive, I know, not trying to start a war).

The Sig Pro is growing more and more popular. It doesn't have much aftermarket support right now, but I foresee companies taking initiative in the near future. Personally, I love pistols DA/SA and decockers. I'm probably going to pick up one of these myself.

1911's are beautiful and you can buy a regular cheap GI or something like an RIA tactical and build in into a great gun for whatever purpose you intend. The downside is they require more maintenance than the others but dont let that deter you, it's just a matter of learning the ins and outs of this fine pistol.

[DannyZRC]

[THE NEW GUY]

Congrats on the degree!

If you like the 2022, the you will love the 226.

Ofcourse there is a small price dif, but worth it.

[7anthony7]

Cheapskate, range toy only, extra money for ammo.... I would go for the 22lr. The only gun that goes with me religiously to the range is my Ruger Hunter. Always fun to shoot and cheap.

[Pugster]

I would go for the Ruger MKIII route because every household should have a .22lr pistol.

[hollowpoint]

Same as you , left handed yet right eye dominant. I shoot all of these well. I say G17 or save a little more and get a Kimber custom II.

[himurax13]

1) Get an M1911 of some variety. The main reason is just the whole "100 YEAR ANNIVERSARY **** YEAH" factor. I've only shot one model so far (an SA Loaded) and thought it was great. I'd mainly be looking for something on the lower-priced end though (<$600 limits my options, I know). On the other hand, I am a total cheapskate and would prefer having more rounds/$$$, which would suggest I get a 9mm instead of a .45.

Well you need to figure out a few things first.
1. How much are you planning to shoot (spend on ammo)?
2. Are you planning to compete?
3. How much cash do you think you will throw into shooting in the next year?

Personally, I would avoid the 1911. Once you gain some experience about the world of pistols, then you can go for it. It requires a bit more maintenance and TLC than other pistols. The need to upgrade them is great. The .45 ACP is not for cheapskates. 9mm 1911's are expensive and harder to find. So if I haven't dissuaded you enough from getting an 1911 yet, this is the SIGNAL.

Glocks and 22 LR pistols are a great gun for beginners and you can either keep it as a loaner gun or you could probably sell them for almost what you paid into them (especially if you buy used). Ammo and accessories are generally less expensive and that is usually what cheapskates prefer. Unfortunately, most of these types of pistols are not lefty friendly.

Sigs and CZ's can be had in lefty friendly versions (no decockers).

Good luck with your first purchase.

[DeathByDoubleDip]

Shot the XD9 full-size before and I wasn't that big of a fan.

I have to admit the maintenance involved with the M1911, on top of the price of .45ACP, does sound somewhat off-putting.

Handled a 92F before but didn't particularly like it. Haven't tried the PX4 yet.

Sounds like the Ruger MKIII will make its way into my collection sooner or later.

I can't see myself burning through more than 150 rounds per range trip for a single gun. I go to the range about every 3-5 weeks, and it'll be less frequent when I'm at grad school next year (leaving my arms at home due to grad housing regulations). It'll only be for two years though.

I would like to compete eventually via IDPA, but I feel like I can't get serious about it until maybe after I take a class. My off-hand groupings with rental guns certainly aren't the prettiest thing ever (yeah, paper with holes punched in it isn't supposed to be), but I'm very curious to see how I do with a centerfire pistol I buy instead of a rental gun that's been put through all sorts of abuse.

Guess I really do just have to try more models before reaching a conclusion. CZ75 or 85, the Glock 19, M&P9, FNP-9. Thanks for all the suggestions again!

[ZX-10R]

The one that fits, shoots, and is comfortable in your hand.

I love my FNP-9 and it is an incredible shooter.
I love my M&P 45 as it is accurate and a beauty. It is also my travel gun when I go up and down from NorCal to Socal for home.
Wednesday I am getting a Colt 1911 XSE ordering it since they do not have them.
If the God's deny me a 1970 (this is huge criteria) WASR that is cantless and free of issues, I will get my first dream handgun...the Beretta M9A1.

The M9A1 was my first choice the M&P 45 and FNP-9 were a result of me being impatient and not finding one so I needed instant gratification. They are both Solid though.

Reliability, able to shoot all sorts of ammo, easy to take down, accurate, and have a good looks (Sorry Glock), and be made in the USA are my criteria.