Beginner Q: DAO as first gun...? And Sig P250

[JoeinLA]

[X-Post from the Introduce Yourself forum, per a recommendation posted there]

Hello, I'm, obviously, new here and am looking to buy a handgun for both home defense as well as to develop a "skill that seems particularly useful". So, here's my wall-o-text, in case anyone's interested and wants to help

First, do you agree that a DAO trigger would be a good way to work on technique as a beginner?

Second, are there DAO triggers that you think are as "nice" as the P250'

Third, how "customizable" are grips?

In researching (and going to the range ALOT), I came across the Sig P250. This pistol seemed particularly interesting to me as a beginner as the interchangability seems very nice since (1) I can't really say if I prefer 9mm vs. 40, full size vs. compacts vs. subcompact, etc., (2) the ability to "get a new pistol" without having to go through the hassle of actually buying a new pistol, and (3) the DAO seems like a perfect way for a beginner to really hone technique (rather than looking for the lightest, easiest trigger).

The DAO trigger on the Sig P250, from everything I've read, seems to be considered the "best", which is definitely one of the reasons why I honed in on the P250. But as I research more and more, I see that many other handguns can be purchased in DAO; any recommendations on DAO triggers that are as "nice" as the P250? Am I correct in thinking that getting a DAO trigger will help develop my technique?

Lastly, while some handguns seem to have massive support, I just can't seem to get comfortable with the grip: I'm specifically thinking of Glocks and the Sig P226, but I'm sure my small hands won't be comfortable with grips of other very well regarded handguns, also. It's my understanding that changeable grip inserts are the "new thing", but is it correct in saying that unless the grip is specifically designed to have alterable panels/backs, there's not too much you can (realistically) do to make them fit your hand better? This seems fairly evident to me, but just didn't want to miss out on some little secret that would prevent me from getting a Glock or some other well-regarded handgun.

Thanks in advance!

ps, appreciate the issues with actually getting P250 in CA. I'm hoping that I can find a "reasonably priced" one on the secondary market. It seems like, as compared to online prices, there's a fairly large "CA-Tax" being imposed by those lucky enough to have a P250 in CA I'm reading about the recent legal challenge to the CA Roster program; and hoping for the best

[CALI SHOT DOC]

I would go to your local range/store and handle several guns and see which ones feel good. You might like 1911s/springfield xd's because of their grip angle. I have small hands and my xd fits me perfectly. To make it easier for me to handle and control, i have added an extended mag release and extended slide lock lever.

Once you got it narrowed down (which i see you like the sig p250) then take them out and shoot them. I prefer the 9 over the 40 but you may be different. Try the gun out in both and run a few boxes of ammo through each to see which feels better.

To improve the grips you can send it to different companies (depending on the gun) and have them put a type of grip on it or you can buy sandpaper or rubber grips depending on what you prefer. I've been using Talon Gun Grips and i like them because they don't make the grip much larger.

If you got any questions you can message me if you like

[JoeinLA]

I have shot a few handguns at the range (signed up for a year, which includes free rentals and range time, so, yeah, just ammo costs ).

If it means anything, I've shot:
1. Glock 17/19/23 9mm: REALLY liked the medium sized one - 19 I think - but the grip just kept bugging me b/c it's so fat;
2. Ruger P89 9 mm - didn't like at all;
3. Springfield XD 40 - liked alot, both shooting and fit;
4. HK USP Expert 40 - liked shooting it b/c the trigger was so "light", but it was a bit big for me;
5. Sig Pro 9mm - this felt the best in my hand (but not perfect) and I liked how it shot;
6. Sig P226 40 - felt great, but too big/fat;
7. 1911: Kimber (liked, and immediately saw the appear of the 1911), Sig Sauer GSR (OK), Nighthawk 1911 Talon (didn't like at all for some reason), Springfield 1911 (liked). I will acknowledge that I only put 10 rounds through the Sig/Nighthawk/Springfield (I did put 60 through the Kimber), so yeah, not exactly sure it's a whole lot of experience.
8. Lastly, HK USP Compact 45 - didn't like.

I went to the gun store and held the P229, HKP2000, and an FN something or another. The HK P2000 fit amazingly perfectly, so I was thinking of getting that if I couldn't find a P250 for a reasonable price. But as I researched the P2000, I came across the SW M&P and the HK P30, so I will also look at those.

One of the reasons why I like the P250 (at least in theory) is the ability to shoot all 9mm/357/40/45 for a couple hundred dollars each, rather than having to find the right new pistol, pay $500-$1000, wait 10 days, wait 20 more days (or is it 30 from picking up the last gun), etc., etc.

IIRC, the range also has some Smith & Wessons, so hopefully I'll try to MP9/40.

Thanks for reading, and any help/advice/$0.02 (or more) is greatly appreciated!

[9mmepiphany]

The versatility/flexibility of the Sig 250 platform has a lot to recommend it. It's DA trigger is indeed very smooth...rivaled in my experience only by the Kahr's trigger...and you are correct that learning to manage the DA will improve your shooting

The downside of the 250 is that it isn't known for it's accuracy, won't usually hold 4" at 50 yards.

In the Sig family, I can highly recommend the SigPro 2202 and the Kahr CW9

[InGrAM]

Never shot a sig 250. But sigs have good DA/SA triggers (at least the ones I have fired)

Yes, a DAO pistol is a great beginner pistol. Go for it.

[JoeinLA]

FWIW, I went to the gun store and range today, and if I can't get a P250, my second choice seems to be the M&P (probably 40).

I REALLY like the feel of the HK P2000, but I'm not sure I like it twice as much as the M&P (which I also really, really liked) I did try the Sig P226 with the new ergonomics (?) and found it quite comfortable (much more so than my brother in law's P226 40 cal). The P226 would be nice b/c of its stellar reputation, but, again, not sure it's worth twice as much as the M&P...

[yzErnie]

The M&P is a nice gun for the money as is the Sig SP2022. You have to go with what feels the best to you.

[1911su16b870]

I really like the P250, smooth DA pull and was lucky to get a very accurate 9 compact model. I shot 30X at 15 yards on 8/29/09 with mine.

It is a good starter IMO. 9 also is currently a value added cartridge - you will get more range time with more ammo!

[GuillermoAntonio]

I recently went trough a lot of rentals looking for my first and then 2nd pistol purchase.
One thing I was advised and then proved is ammo costs do matter.
If you plan on shooting a lot, plan your costs ahead.
here is my simple, basic formula:
.45=9mmx2 < .40=9mmx1.5 <9mm.=win.

anyways, make sure you shoot a CZ75, they have a very nice grip, you would probably like a 75b or a 75p01, they are just under $600, also the Sig p229 has a thin grip, which sounds like what you want.