Time for a handgun

[San FranPsycho]

In lieu of my anticlimatic 21st birthday last week, have decided it is time to make my first handgun investment/purchase.

I'm trying to fix my budget at $700 or less. Still stuck between 9mm and .45...

I've shot my friends Glock 17 and like it, although the frame feels almost slightly too big for my hands. He has the same size hands and has no problem but I feel like I just feel like something is a tiny bit off. I've also been recommended GLOCK by plenty of other people.

I've also been thinking about a 1911...something about a parkerized/stainless/shiny 1911 just really really appeals to me and in addition I've found the recoil of .45 on my friends other glock to be perfectly manageable, so that is a plus too. I've looked at some RIA 1911s and heard mixed reviews about them...

Trying to see if my price range is realistic for what I'm trying to get and what you think would be better for my first. I know there is a thousand threads like this but it just makes my mind spin trying to decide. Also not familiar with Sig, S&W, or any other brands really.

Thanks!!!!

[nitewing117]

What plans you have for it? fun, HD, competition, etc. Also, is that budget for a brand new or used pistol? There's a lot of used handguns that fall well within that price range.

[MyGlock17]

$700 including tax? you have alot of choices...even if you saved a couple hundred bucks you can find a really nice Sig 229R or 1911...

Also the price of ammo has jumped a bit...shooting .45acp is pretty expensive if you go to the range alot...9mm is perfect if you wanna shoot alot...Also don't get caught up with the 9mm vs .45acp crap...

Guns you might wanna check out in 9mm..

Sig Sauer P229R or P226R
Sig Sauer 2022
Glock 19 or 17
Springfield XD or XDM
FNP 9
Smith and Wesson M&P
CZ 75
Ruger SR9
H&K USP compact
H&K P2000

You really can't go wrong with either of these picks...But really it all depends on how it feels in your hands...You can always get use to the trigger....

I think you'll like the Springfield XDM ...Even though im a huge Glock fan the Springfield XDM 3.8 barrel is a nice one

[DrunkN_MastR]

Get yourself to a range where you can rent the different guns mentioned above, and take the time to give each one a field testing. Start narrowing down some of the broader things, like are you ok with a polymer gun? How does it fit and feel in your hands? etc. The xd, m&p, and glock are all hella reliable with proven track records, and only run about $500. A little more will $ will get you an all metal gun.
Also, consider ammo pricing if you think you're going to be shooting on a budget. Nothing wrong with starting with a 9mm or .40 cal.

[Freq18Hz]

Cz-75b.


-Freq

[Freq18Hz]

Cz-75b.


-Freq

[em9sredbeam]

sprinfield xd has a nice, fairly small grip, and you can pick them up for fairly inexpensive. I do like the grip better than most other polys

[edidj13]

I vote for Springfield XD(m).

[plumbum]

I also am not too fond of the Glock grip profile, I think you need long delicate Euro hands to grip them properly. I prefer the Springfiled XD, S&W M&P, Ruger SR Series or the Sig 2022 - all I would recommend in 9mm, as it is lower in recoil, cheaper to shoot and still has sufficient power for defense against goblins.

[RugerFanRyan]

Check out the Px4

Comes in 9mm, .40, and .45.

Sent from my AT100 using Tapatalk

[Manolito]

Before you lay money down make a list of what you want the gun to do. Do you plan on competing do you want the weapon to be concealable do you want to practice a lot for the least amount of cost.
Start then with the positive sides.
9mm cheapest ammunition around and allows you to practice a lot meaning shoot a lot. Good advice don't get into the argument of caliber.
Does the grip fit my hand very important and often overlooked.
Remember the more modifications and the more specialized the weapon the more tempermental she will become.
Look for a weapon that will take a lot of use and not a lot of maintenance so your first experience is a good one.
You get the idea then when you have three or four weapons on your list go shoot them either with friends or at a range that rents the weapons. I recommend going by yourself removing all that outside input allowing you to choose what you feel is right for you.

Enjoy the sport and remember you are doing this for you not what the guy on the bench next to you thinks. Most good shooters are those that shoot a lot and talk about it less. I have been shooting for a lot of years owning weapons is a joy for me I can take one out of the safe on a rainy day and break it down clean it and enjoy it without ever firing a round.
Good luck and have fun.
Respectfully,
Bill

[Wraithsurf]

I agree with the above posts, the most important thing is to decide the intended use of the gun, and go form there. One thing to note, if you're pondering using the gun for home defense as a primary function, I would highly recommend getting something with a front rail so you can mount a light. Need to be able to see what you're shooting at!

[chucksolo69]

No one is ever going to agree on which gun to buy. Go to your local range, rent various handguns in different calibers and choose the one you think "fits" you best. I personally don't like polymer guns, especially striker fired guns (no hammer) so If it was me, I would opt for the king of the 9mm......a nice pre-owned Browning Hi-Power should be in your price range.

[MyGlock17]

renting is fine...but it can get very expensive...i personally did alot of research before i bought my 1st gun...it actually took me about 2 months to decide on which gun to get 1st and honestly it should of taken less...because i find myself buying every brand that i wanted at the 1st place lol...

[civilsnake]

A used 9mm would be the way to go IMO. CZ75b has the benefit of being relatively inexpensive yet good enough that you won't even feel like you should have gotten something better.