Help with first pistol purchase

[MalC]

Hello everyone, first off let me say thank you to the members here for providing the public with a huge resource of information, particularly pertaining to the firearms laws of the state of CA. I spent 3 hours last night attempting to decipher the laws with regard to LOC/UOC/LUOC in National Forests/BLM land, and never would've arrived at my current understanding if all I had as a resource was the Penal Code itself. The legislators here are crazy to think it's reasonable for people to research and understand this conflicting PC enough to remain legal, but maybe that's the idea.

Now to business... I'm looking to buy a good quality first pistol, and throughout my research online I've found equal amounts of people saying "BEST GUN EVER" and "It'll blow up in your hand, shoots minute of barn" for every make/model I've looked into. I expected this when googling Glocks, but the same results with so many other pistol reviews makes me unsure of who to believe. You all seem like a knowledgeable bunch so I figured I'd ask your opinions about some firearms.

I've been told by countless friends that I need to get a .22LR revolver or semi-auto for my first pistol, as it will allow me to learn fundamentals without worrying about flinch/recoil/ammo costs. I am 100% on board with this, and am looking into several Ruger .22LR semi autos or a Buckmark to suit this purpose. My question regarding .22s is this: does it make sense to shell out the extra money for a higher-end target pistol, or is a lower-end .22LR semi auto sufficient for someone with a lot to learn still? Either way the pistol will be more accurate than I am so I don't see the point in spending more where it's not necessary.

THAT BEING SAID: I also want to get myself a 9mm as a home defense (possibly future CCW) weapon, so it's looking like I'll be making 2 firearms purchases in the near future. The models I've been researching are the Glock 17 and 19, and the Springfield XD9. What arguments do you all have for - or against - these pistols? I understand that the G19 would conceal better than the G17, and the XD comes in full-size and compact: how much accuracy at the range is given up with the smaller size pistols? (In terms of recoil and/or barrel length)

I've also been told to check into the S&W Sigma and Bersa Thunder. How do these compare to a Glock 17/19 or XD9? Before I buy anything, I want to hold each of these models in my hand to see how they feel for my size, and once I narrow it down I'll be renting 2-3 pistols to try out before i buy. With that in mind, can you guys help me narrow down my options and make some sense of all the conflicting info I've been seeing?

I'm sure you get threads like this fairly often and I apologize for being redundant, but I've exhausted my google-fu on this one.

[RoundEye]

A lower end .22lr is suffecient for what you're trying to do. The higher end .22lr target pistols are generally for bulls-eye and small bore competition.

As for HD, the G17/19 are essentially the same with the 19 only being compact. The Gen 3 versions both have rails, and arguably are both concealable. The bigger 17 could make it easier for you to shoot at a distance given the longer site radius, but any competent shooter can become proficient with either pistol. As for recoil, I generally think it's about the same, and really should make a difference for accuracy since it happens after the shot. The only advantage would be a faster follow up, and if that is something that you're worried about GLOCK makes compensated models with vented barrels that pretty much make recoil non-existent.

Personally, I have a G23 which is the .40 version of the G19. I also have the smaller subcompact version (G27) which I tend to favor for concealability due to it's smaller stature, but it shoots just like a G23. The G23 is also very concealable. I also have an Advantage Arms G19/23 .22lr conversion kit. So I can get the feel of my GLOCK and save the wallet.

Just another thought would be to go .40 rather than 9mm. The .40 platform provides you with more options as with 9mm mags and a conversion barrel you can easily shoot 9mm, and .357 Sig. With a 9mm you can only shoot 9mm.

[MalC]

How do the Gen4s compare to the Gen3s? Can you buy new Gen3s, or are they only on the used market?

My understanding was that you can get a conversion kit to change a Glock 17/19 to .22LR. If that's the case, perhaps this would be a more economical route than buying a glock/xd AND a ruger .22?

[RoundEye]

How do the Gen4s compare to the Gen3s? Can you buy new Gen3s, or are they only on the used market?

My understanding was that you can get a conversion kit to change a Glock 17/19 to .22LR. If that's the case, perhaps this would be a more economical route than buying a glock/xd AND a ruger .22?

The Gen 4 GLOCKs are not on the California Safe Handgun roster, and has such are generally not available to anyone in California that is not exempt (LEO, DA, ...). You can get them through SSE (Single Shot Exemption), but expect to pay $200 more for the process. Gen 3 GLOCKs are still manufactured and are available for purchase at most if not all local GS'.

As for .22lr conversion, the answer is "yes" there are a few companies that have them. I have one made by Advantage Arms, but they cost as much if not more than a .22lr pistol.

[JackRydden224]

How do the Gen4s compare to the Gen3s? Can you buy new Gen3s, or are they only on the used market?

My understanding was that you can get a conversion kit to change a Glock 17/19 to .22LR. If that's the case, perhaps this would be a more economical route than buying a glock/xd AND a ruger .22?

You can buy new Gen3s at all of your local gun shops. If you want a Gen4 you will need to find a shop that does SSE.

Yes, you can get a conversion kit, but it's up to you whether you want a gun and a conversion kit or two guns. Each have their own advantage and disadvantages. I personally prefer having two guns.

[SMR510]

If you have never shot any of the guns you are planning to buy (mostly the 9mm guns) then I recommend you and a friend or two go and rent some of the options and try them out. Everyone has different preferences on what they like and what feels comfortable to hold and shoot so there is really no way to buy the right gun without shooting them. Possibly your best course of action would be to buy your .22, shoot that for a while to get some trigger time, then go and rent the 9's so that you will be more comfortable shooting. With some experience you will probably be able to tell what you like a little better than if you went and shot 3-4 options your first time ever shooting a handgun.

[XDRoX]

I agree with getting a less expensive 22. You don't need a high end target model to learn on.

IMO you could just skip the 22 all together and go straight to the 9mm without problem. They do make a 22 conversion for the the glocks, but it's very hard to find and doesn't function 100%.

For a HD pistol I'd skip the cheap S&W's and Bersa's. The XDs and Glocks are a great choice for your first firearm and for HD.

I prefer the Glock because of the slightly lower bore axis than the XD, but both are nice pistols. I really like the G19.

Good luck.

[Catalyst81]

I have two suggestions for you. First, take a look at the Smith and Wesson M&P 9. It would be another good option and is similar to the other guns your considering. Second, have someone help you ensure you get a good fit with whatever gun you choose and don't count on the person on the other side of the counter to do it. I ended up with a first handgun that was much too big for my hand at the store clerks recommendation. He didn't know what he was talking about.

[AdiosKali]

+1 on the M&P!

[AdiosKali]

I had three XD's at one point. All went bye-bye when I discovered the M&P and I was a Springfield Armorer...

[MalC]

I have two suggestions for you. First, take a look at the Smith and Wesson M&P 9. It would be another good option and is similar to the other guns your considering. Second, have someone help you ensure you get a good fit with whatever gun you choose and don't count on the person on the other side of the counter to do it. I ended up with a first handgun that was much too big for my hand at the store clerks recommendation. He didn't know what he was talking about.

I'm planning on taking a NRA Basic Pistol course from Cary Talbott at http://www.handgunshootingacademy.com/HSAHome.aspx ...and I've been toying with the idea of getting a 1-hour private lesson (for $80) for the sole purpose of testing out and getting his advice on how different 9mms fit my size/grip. Does anyone know of this Instructor (in Plymouth, near Sacramento), or can anyone recommend a well-known and respected one near Sacramento? I want an unbiased opinion, not a gun store manager just trying to make a sale.

[MalC]

Went to the Gun Room in Elk Grove tonight and rented a Glock 19, unfortunately they didn't have an XD9 available (someone broke it) and they don't carry M&P 9s for rent.

I asked the guy behind the counter to take out their Glock 17 and Glock 19 so I could get a feel for both of them... the 19 felt a million times more natural, so I rented it. The 17 just felt bulky; I didn't feel like I had control of it in my hand like I did the 19. One issue: while my hands are small, my fingers are pretty long, so I would've liked the trigger to be set a little but farther forward (guess I'm SOL here huh?). I felt like my finger naturally wanted to sit on the trigger right under my first knuckle, and had to sort of pull my finger out to get the pad on the trigger. Other than this small issue the Glock felt like it was part of my hand; I've felt nothing close to this while holding/shooting my friends' full-size pistols (kimber 1911 and a beretta of some kind).

I bought some snap caps to load staggered with live rounds (trying to not develop a flinch), and spent an hour or so sending 150 rounds down range. It was an absolute blast.

Anyways, the Glock 17 is out, and the Glock 19 is at the top of my list (until I can find a place that can rent me a M&P 9 and XD9). If only you could see the dopey-*** grin on my face walking out of the range

[k1dude]

Of the guns you mentioned, I would go with the G19. Gen 4 preferably.

Also consider the S&W M&P 9.

For a .22 you should look at the Ruger SR22.

[maitime]

get your glock and a .22 conversion for it. you get your cheap practice, but with the gun that you intend to use.

or consider putting your big boy pants on and getting a 1911, they also have conversion kits available.

[SMR510]

I know that you are mostly looking at polymer pistols but the CZ's should not be overlooked. When I went and rented a bunch of guns to decide what my first pistol would be I went in thinking M&P and left wanting a CZ SP-01.

They actually do have a polymer version but of course it is not on the roster.