First handgun

[350skylark]

Im only 20 years old right now but when i turn 21 instead of a 6 pack the first thing im gonna buy is a 1911! never been a big fan of drinking anyways. The two that im looking at are the Rock island .45 and the ATI .45 both G.I. models and because they are low priced. I have shot the ATI which i did like but i have not shot the ria. My question is which one of these would be recommended? I still have a couple months for my birthday but just wanted some more opinions

[mc21]

If you dont like shooting the RIA, why even consider it?

[350skylark]

sorry i just worded that wrong i ment i have not shot the ria

[PoorRichRichard]

You're 20 years old, so that probably means your broke. No offense, I was poor as hell at 20. Honestly, unless you have a ton of handgun experience, get yourself a good quality .22 that you can afford to shoot. 45 ACP is one of the most expensive rounds to buy, and if you go out and buy a 45, you're not going to be able to shoot it as much as you'd like. If you are really into 1911s, check out the GSG 1911, and do some research on other quality 1911s chambered for .22lr. Also, if you are serious about handgun shooting, get yourself into good shooting habits from the beginning. Speaking from experience, bad habits are a bi+€h to break! Best of luck on your first handgun purchase.

[Arkangel]

If cost is a factor then I agree with Richard.... Feeding a .45 can get expensive very quickly.

[mc21]

Don't they have 22lr conversion kits for 1911? He could get both and shot mostly 22lr if price is an issue. I got a p226 9mm and plan on getting a 22lr conversion kit for that. However after doing some research, it looks like I should have gotten a p226 in 22lr and bought 9mm conversion kit =\

[Dont_Shoot_im_Chinese]

I highly suggest .22lr or 9mm for beginners or people on a tight budget that wants a semi auto. Cheaper ammo allows more practice and the ability to stock up more ammo than a more expensive round

[Mr310]

I'd get a 1911, too.

Just get something that's American made, though. On a 1911, I think it's sacrilege to get a foreign made job.

[Dont_Shoot_im_Chinese]

Some may say the same if you get anything else that's not a colt but that doesn't mean its the best

[PoorRichRichard]

Just did 10 seconds of reaearch on a the p226, and that sounds like a very good option for a 9mm/22 convertible gun in a 1911 platform. I soooooo wish I'd have found his website before pissing away do much money when first getting into handguns....

[Mr310]

Just did 10 seconds of reaearch on a the p226, and that sounds like a very good option for a 9mm/22 convertible gun in a 1911 platform. I soooooo wish I'd have found his website before pissing away do much money when first getting into handguns....

Sig makes a 1911, but it's not the P series. They have the Scorpion, the GSR, and perhaps another one.

I still say go domestic, though.

[toby77]

I don't think getting a 1911 in 45 acp is a good choice as your first handgun since putting 500 round down range will cost you about half of your rock islands price tag. Start with something cheap and reliable, 22lr is a good caliber to practice cheaply and 9mm is something you can practice and use as a defensive weapon.

[Oceanbob]

THIS..^^^^

Also, a good quality .22 will be in your collection for a lifetime. Heck, your future kids will shoot it. For me not a fan of the GSG 1911, however I am a fan of the RUGER 22/45. Same grip angle and a better platform.

[adrenaline]

I'll go another route and say if you are saving all your money (instead of clubbing, drinking, etc.) and wanting a firearm for self-defense first and shooting hobby second. I congratulate your idea in doing so. The other advice on this thread on cost of ammo is very important most espcially with the .45acp. I won't steer you away from your .45acp purchase, but if you have a friend or if your parents have firearms that you can practice with (.22lr or 9mm) that's great.

If you don't, it'll get expensive really fast unless you do it like I do....

Intead of buying a beer or even a lunch for that matter, I'll put what I would have spent there and toss it into my "ammo" fund. Once I have enough to get my range session on, I do it.

It is all personal choices. While some may want to have a buzz or load up on some calories, I may choose to be sober and skip a lunch or two for some range time.

Welcome to CG by the way.

Edit:
Once your range addiction starts building up, you'll want a cheaper shooter and I predict a .22lr or 9mm in your future.

[Mr. Gillious]

if i were you don't get a 1911 as your first gun. I may sound like a hippocrite because my first gun was a 1911 but i already knew how to disassemble it, care for it, and shoot it. Don't get me wrong, it's a fantastic gun and one of my favorites.

don't mean for you to be like everyone else, but i think you should get a 9mm. You'll be able to shoot way more rounds and have more fun with it. IMO you'll probably be more accurate with it. I only say a glock 17 or 19 or even 34 because it's very popular and can easily be modified.

PLUS... with the glock you'll have 10 round mags all day that are about $40 each. 10 round 1911 mags cost around $30-$40 (i'm referencing wilson combat and CMC).

1911 is very very fun to shoot, but when you start adding the cost of ammo, and realize how much ammo you could have been shootnig with a 9mm, you might kick yourself in the butt. just my opinion.