Help choosing a handgun...

[send it_hit]

for a friend of mine. He is looking to buy a handgun, preferrably in the $100-$400 range. He wants it for almost exclusively target shooting. A "fun" gun, not a workhorse. It will be his first handgun, and his first gun in general.

I've pushed him towards 9mm, since it will be cheaper and he is on a budget. I've even gotten him to consider .22LR handguns... This won't be used for home defense, so you .45ACP disciples can calm down

Any suggestions are welcome!

[kanikas]

A Ruger Mark III is a great place to start.

[mincoda]

If your friend want's a 9mm then a Ruger P95 would be within his budget. For a 22 then a Browning Buckmark or Ruger Mklll. I own all 3 and think they are excellent pistols.

[MTG Firearms]

I say spend a little more money and buy a Glock.

[BayAreaShooter]

If your friend want's a 9mm then a Ruger P95 would be within his budget. For a 22 then a Browning Buckmark or Ruger Mklll. I own all 3 and think they are excellent pistols.

Agreed. I personally have never shot the P95 but hear its an excellent pistol. It might not be a great looking pistol or have the fit and finish of some but I hear they are reliable.

[Gladdis.45]

I say spend a little more money and buy a Glock.

+1!

[Black Majik]

Drive down to Socal with him and pick up a Turners SIG Pro for $399.

[send it_hit]

Drive down to Socal with him and pick up a Turners SIG Pro for $399.

WHOA... why can't there be a Turners up here!?

[dagger10k]

A first gun should probably be a 22lr. I'd vote for a browning buckmark!

[five.five-six]

I would narrow my choices down to these 3:

1911
1911
or
1911












J/K.... 1 vote for a ruger mark III

[Lumpia is sarap!®]

I'd say a well used Glock 19/17. But encourage him to become a member at a range that rents out guns so he won't have buyer's remorse. I'm not sure of his level of proficiency...maybe taking a class would help too.

[send it_hit]

Thanks for all the advice folks... he's not too into the aesthetics of mk III or the buckmark. I know it's not all about looks etc etc, but its part of it.

definitely going to get him to try some before he buys. thanks again.

[JanG]

i have a s&w 22a and have been very happy with it. they're around 250-300. my neighbor just got a hi point...

[PRCABR4Christ]

I would narrow my choices down to these 3:

1911
1911
or
1911












J/K.... 1 vote for a ruger mark III

LOL me too!

[vinny_land]

I'd say a well used Glock 19/17. But encourage him to become a member at a range that rents out guns so he won't have buyer's remorse. I'm not sure of his level of proficiency...maybe taking a class would help too.

This. At the same time get some training so that he knows how to properly work a pistol. Also he will be able to figure out what system he likes. For the price requested try a Ruger SR9 (or even their P-series). Yet I highly recommend Glock for their simplicity and good resale value.