Help Me Purchase My 1st Firearm

[Crow Killa]

I am looking to purchase my first firearm which I intend to be used primarily for home defense and some recreation. I do not intend on buying another handgun (thats what everyone says at first... lol). I was thinking of getting a 9MM so that my intimidated wife could still feel comfortable firing it safely. I do not want something in my home that she does not know how to use comfortably and safely.

Since I plan for this to be my only handgun I would like to get a nice one so I dont regret the purchase later. I dont want to spend more than about $900.

I have shot a few handguns listed below, and held many others while shopping.

HK USP .45
Springfield 1911
Browning HP 9MM
Sig 9mm
CZ 9mm
XD9 MM Compact

For some reason I am really drawn to the HK brand look and feel. I really like the HK P30 9MM, P30L 9MM and the USP 9MM.

What is your opinion of the HK P30 9MM, P30L 9MM and the USP 9MM?

http://www.hk-usa.com/civilian_products/pistols.asp

Could any of you provide me with some advice or recommendations on which make and model hand gun I should go with and why or why not?

Are there any alternatives I should consider? Please do not abbreviate or use acronyms in your recommendation because I have zero knowledge of the acronyms.

Any information you can provide would be very helpful.
Thanks!

[ZX-10R]

M&P 9
FNP-9
Beretta M9A1/ 92 series

Those are three 9s you should consider.

M&P 45 and 1911 are the 45s I would buy. I am biased.

[Fishslayer]

My wife can handle either of my .45ACP OK for a couple of magazines and I wouldn't like a zombie's chances at 10 yards & in with her. And she REALLY likes shooting the 1911.

But she can practice longer with her 9mm without getting worn out.

'course, if you go with a .45 & it's too much for the missus, that's an excuse to get anoth... umm... I mean get her a nine for her own.

'course, if she likes the .45 & you have to compete for trigger time, that's still an excuse to get another.

[berto]

Borrow or rent before you buy. What I like and what works for me might not work for you.

[Kevin S]

I know you're leaning towards an automatic; but have you considered a revolver?
A shorter-barrel .357 is what I started my wife on, mainly because;
- you can fire .38 special. Nice and light for learning/plinking.
- revolvers are much simpler to operate. Check clear, reloading, etc. (plus the charging of an automatic can be dangerous for first-time shooters, not having to rack can help her focus on muzzle discipline)
- .357 for home defense is a good round. I read somewhere that a.357 will have less over-penetration through walls, etc (of course, the loads/bullet will vary quite a bit there; and I'm sure is the source of some debate!)

My $.02...

[mauser98k]

if i were in the market for a 9mm handgun, based on ones i've fired, my top 3 choices would be:

Glock 17
Beretta 92 FS
Sig Sauer P226

[Joe]

If you're going to want something your wife can fire comfortably you're gonna need to bring her along to try some guns out. You two may be able to comfortably shoot the same gun or you may each need your own gun. For around $900 you may be able to get 2 guns

sig pro sp2022 in 9mm for you and kahr cw9 for her.

[dicker]

Find something she can rack the slide on comfortably.

My girlfriend is 5'4 110 and not very strong, she likes shooting a full size 1911 in .45 better than my CZ 75 or my PX4 because the slide is easier for her to rack and the magazine is easier to load.

(not saying there aren't 9mm's that aren't easy to rack, mine are just not the easiest to get a grip on)

[jazman]

If you have your heart set on an auto loading pistol, you should both try a Glock 19. Compact size, 9 mm, simple as a revolver to operate; excellent gun. I would really recommend a revolver, much simpler to understand and use for starting out. I'd look at 4 inch barrel Smith & Wesson, Ruger, Colt (expensive) in .357, as you can also shoot .38 ammo. I agree with the others, take her to a range or two and try different guns until you find one that feels good to both of you.

[Kanester]

Go feel what fits best for you. That being said.....











GLOCK 17

[762.DEFENSE]

Glock 17/19

/thread lol.

[JaeFern]

Sig P226 or P229

[GuillermoAntonio]

I love the HK Usp .45, I considered buying it, but the retail price and the ammo price were big turnoffs for me, and when I looked into the usp 9 I didnt like it, for me, It almost felt like an XD9...
I chose the all steel CZ-75 SP01 and couldnt be happier
Oh yeah and its sexy too!

[SB23hater]

Go to a good Gun Range where you can rent these guns.

Personaly I love my Beretta 92 FS.

The Glock is 2nd. Just feels light and feels like a toy. (sorry Glock lovers JMO)

[pkc168]

I vote for HK USP 9. If this is the only one I will ever have. However, for me, it never stops.