Tried a Few Pistols at the Range Today

[DSB]

I went to Insight Shooting Range in Artesia (southern California) today. They are the only range I know where you can rent as many guns as they carry for a single $10 fee. Best deal in town, in my opinion! I do not own any handguns, yet. My goal is to try a variety of pistols to help me with my first purchase decision.

I rented the following pistols today:

Sig Sauer 226 in .40

Glock G27 in .40

Glock G23 in .40

HK P2000 9mm

Rock Island Armory 1911 .45

Springfield 1911 .45

S&W M&P .45


I am an inexperienced shooter, so please keep that in mind when reading my impressions. This was only my third time at the pistol range, so my impressions do not have a lot of foundation. I am not calling this a review, because I am in absolutely no position to give anything other than my personal initial impressions/opinions.

I'll start with my favorites. My favorite gun of the day was the Springfield. Not only did I shoot really well with it, but it felt very comfortable in my hands. I think I like the single stack magazine and the .45 caliber combination. Just a fun gun to shoot. My second favorite gun was the RIA. It does not feel quite as comfortable in my hands as the Springfield, but it's also a fun gun to shoot. If I had not shot the Springfield today, RIA would have been at the top of my list.

I would put the Sig 226 and the HK P2000 in my second tier for the day. Primary reason they fell below the 1911s is that I just didn't shoot well with either the 226 or the HK -- I shot consistently low with both. I am fully aware that I need to practice more -- I can see really liking both of these guns as I get better with them. Between the Sig and the HK, the Sig felt better in my hands. I wanted to try the 229 and 239, as well, but the range did not have either available for rent.

Between the Glocks and the S&W, I much preferred the S&W M&P over the Glocks. This may not be a fair comparison, because the M&P is a larger frame pistol, and so it's comparing apples to oranges. Bottom line is I did not like either of these Glocks -- they both felt uncomfortable in my hand. The friend I went shooting with today loved the Glocks, and he would have put them at the top of his list. Perfect example of your mileage my vary. They fit his hands and grip really well. The Glocks just didn't work well for me.

I also wanted to try the CZ 75 or SP-01, but Insight did not have either available. They do normally have the CZ 75 in 9mm , but they told me it needs to be repaired and is not currently available. I would also like to try a Beretta on the next trip.

I really want to get some formalized training to improve my accuracy (and safety). If anyone has any specific recommendations for a course or instructor they like, I'm open to suggestion. Regardless, I will start with a basic pistol training course at a nearby range. I am relatively close to both Burro Canyon and Angeles. I'm just debating whether I want to buy a pistol before I take a course so I can train with the weapon I'll be using, or whether it's better to get training so I can make a more informed decision on my first purchase. Is this a chicken and egg question?

So, overall, it's been a great Sunday afternoon! Not bad for a rainy day!

[WDE91]

Welcome to the forum

I am glad to hear you had a good time today

[darmog]

Wish we had ranges like that over here in Nor Cal who would charge just a one time rental fee to rent as many guns you want. It'd make gun buying decisions easier and way less expensive. Since you have that kinda range, I'd definitely try as many guns as possible before you make up your mind. Of course, my biased vote goes to the CZs. Try a P-01 or SP01 if you can.

As for formalized training..+1. It's probably the best thing you can do after you get your gun besides working on your fundamentals at the range. It's a lot of fun too.

[MA2]

Looks like you are more comfortable with the slimmer (1911ish) grips.
Definitely also try the Springfield XD line .45/.40/9mm and a M&P in 9mm.
+1 on the CZ75's, difficult to describe, but they are real comfortable.

[bsg]

the rental fee is good; allows you to try em all out for a very low price.

welcome to the forum.

[jlbflyboy172]

Keep in mind that many different guns offer many different features and attributes and are some are designed for specific purposes. You will do well to make an assessment of your needs, wants and desires and then pick a gun or guns that align with those. As time goes on, you may find that your needs change and may better align with different weapons. For example, a gun chosen for fun shooting at the range, may not serve well as a concealed carry piece. So as you look into and prepare for your first purchase, consider what you are looking for today and if you you will want to stick with one gun or have many for different needs and if you are thinking that you may want to consider other forms of shooting down the road, like competition for example. In any case, enjoy the ride!

[DSB]

Since you have that kinda range, I'd definitely try as many guns as possible before you make up your mind. Of course, my biased vote goes to the CZs. Try a P-01 or SP01 if you can.

As for formalized training..+1. It's probably the best thing you can do after you get your gun besides working on your fundamentals at the range. It's a lot of fun too.

I definitely want to try a CZ. Even if I have to pay a per-gun rental fee, I may try to find a range that has both the CZ 75B and the SP-01. I would also love to try the CZ 97 B -- I really enjoyed shooting the .45s today.

Looks like you are more comfortable with the slimmer (1911ish) grips.
Definitely also try the Springfield XD line .45/.40/9mm and a M&P in 9mm.
+1 on the CZ75's, difficult to describe, but they are real comfortable.

Thank for the suggestion on the Springfield XD line. I'll try the various calibers next time I'm at the range. Great suggestion!

[Cyc Wid It]

Best new non-industry affiliated posts ever.

Re: shooting low with the Sigs - possibly due to combat sights where you are supposed to cover the target?

[DSB]

Keep in mind that many different guns offer many different features and attributes and are some are designed for specific purposes. You will do well to make an assessment of your needs, wants and desires and then pick a gun or guns that align with those. As time goes on, you may find that your needs change and may better align with different weapons. For example, a gun chosen for fun shooting at the range, may not serve well as a concealed carry piece. So as you look into and prepare for your first purchase, consider what you are looking for today and if you you will want to stick with one gun or have many for different needs and if you are thinking that you may want to consider other forms of shooting down the road, like competition for example. In any case, enjoy the ride!

Thanks for the advice. Like many things in life (cars, e.g.), I find it is very difficult to find a gun that fits every need at once. Maybe I should start a thread asking: "I'm looking for a LTC/CCW gun that I can also hunt ducks with." Right now I'm just shopping for a gun that feels good at the range, and that I can shoot well. It probably will not be concealable, but I'm not looking for a LTC/CCW gun. If a LTC ever enters the picture, I'll look for another gun to fit that need. I'm leaning more toward a range/HD gun for now.

[orangeusa]

Keep in mind that most modern 1911's have the nicest trigger of almost any gun. They are SA only, and you are comparing apples to oranges. But you might want to try all types of guns - DA/SA, strikers in addition to the 1911. It's good to master them all.

Suggestion for another possible range for you - it's bit of a drive, but OnTarget in Laguna Niguel (south of the 405/5) charges one price for rental, and you can try out as many pistolas as you want.

Only downside is that you have to buy their reloads - (nothing wrong with Ammo Bros - I belive that's who makes their reloads). And not too bad a price, but if you are trying different calibers - costs rack up, but NOTHING compared to if you buy the wrong gun or gun with a calibre you don't like and have to sell it...

I'd (of course) suggest trying with 9mm (for cost), and try a Sig, CZ, Beretta for DA/SA guns. I like them all, but Beretta works best for me as a lefty, plus I know how to tear them down or mod them.. See how folks get partial to a certain brand? Heck - don't count out Ruger - an American company who makes lower cost - extremely reliable guns. P95 is a 9mm you might want to try and will cost you just over 1/2 what the above guns will sell for. Or do as most folks say - buy one of EACH!

Then you can make your own selections for strikers - Glocks, S&W M&P, H&K's.... It's up to you.

Remember - the cost of the ammo you shoot can easily overcome the price of the gun you select. In other words, 9mm might be 15-25cents a round, 40 might cost 30-40 cents a round, and .45 might cost from 30-50 cents a round (there is a big range of prices for .45 for some odd reason).

Shooting 2000 rounds a year is not out of the question (I shot 4k the first year I got my first semi-auto).

But it all depends on if you are buying for 'plinking at a range' or self defense. Or both.

Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (These are good problems - right? )

.

[CrossedRifles]

Insight Shooting Range is a great place!

I get nervous on a Friday / Saturday because.. well.. look up at the ceiling and you'll know why. It's usually packed on those days.

[DSB]

Best new non-industry affiliated posts ever.

Re: shooting low with the Sigs - possibly due to combat sights where you are supposed to cover the target?

Thanks for the advice on sighting. I look forward to my next range trip so I can experiment and practice with the different types of sights.

[davbog44]

There's nothing wrong with being a 1911 guy, and it might be argued that the 1911 is the most universally ergonomic pistol ever designed; they just seem to fit the hands of shooters regardless of hand size.

And do not sell your impressions and preferences short just because you are inexperienced. There's a lot to said for choosing a handgun that fits and works for you.

I am die hard SIG and HK guy, and the P2000 fits my hand better than any pistol I have ever owned, but IMO there is plenty of room for personal preference when choosing a handgun.

You are obviously doing your research and taking some time to get the hands on experience with a variety of guns. So keep doing what you are doing and before you know it, you'll be sharing your expertise with others.

[Ornery Ol Bastard]

Welcome...
imho also look into a stainless Kimber .45, but also look into a stainless Ruger 9mm for plinking and training where the majority of your rounds will be spent...

I urge you to buy American and support our firearms manufacturers.

[RedFord150]

Springfield XD line is a must. XD is closer to a 1911 feel than the Glocks.
Take a lesson with an instructor before you buy anything. The instructor might give you some good direction as to what is right for you. Most indoor ranges have instuctors they recommend and you will get the use of several rental guns as part of the lesson. You may walk away wth a completely different opinion than you had before.
Good luck.