Best Beginner 9MM?

[KJS]

Hey y'all - been enjoying lurking here on the forums and browsing through previous threads.

I'm a relative newbie to the gun culture, so I'm not totally down with all the ins and outs as of yet. With regards to my gun experience, I have shot .22s and 20 gauge shotguns in the BSA back in the day.

I'm looking to get into shooting handguns and to further that aim, will be taking an NRA Basic Pistol course at the Sunnyvale Rod and Gun Club tomorrow (and taking my HSC test at the conclusion of the course).

While I imagine I will be able to try out a variety of handguns tomorrow, I am looking at acquiring a 9mm, due to cost of ammunition and the lower recoil (relatively speaking) as I learn to shoot. I've gone to a gun shop and checked out their selection and am trying to narrow down my choices.

What would be the best 9mm for a beginner that wants to keep the cost under about $600? I'm open to new or used. Due to the fact that some call me a large man (I'm 6'6'', 240 lbs), I have larger hands - so I thought the Glock 19, Springfield XD-9 or a used Sig P226 felt comfortable.

Any thoughts would be appreciated!

[ChessRatz]

I'd suggest a CPO 226 in 9mm. A quality gun that is both reliable and accurate, what else would you need?

BTW, of the 3 you have listed, the G19 is compact while the other two are not.

[J-cat]

I suggest a used West German P226 over a CPO. Those are a ripoff.

[thebloodsonthewall]

My first handgun was a Springfield XD 9. It is a nice gun and everyone that has shot it loves it.

[hkfooey]

If you have big hand, I would recommend Glock 17, instead of 19. A new Glock 17 is within your price range.

A used Beretta 92 would be good as well (some people complain 92 is big grip for a 9 mm) - but yes, I have big hand as well.

[NotSoFast]

Both the Glock and the Springfield are good pistols. I have a Glock G17. I also have the Advantage Arms .22lr conversion kit to be able to shoot inexpensively yet retain the feel of my Glock. So far I haven't had any trouble with it except when I've been the problem.

[1911_Mitch]

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[Coffee]

...will be taking an NRA Basic Pistol course at the Sunnyvale Rod and Gun Club tomorrow...

Any thoughts would be appreciated!

You may want to take notes for your class so take paper and pen.

Also write down what you liked and did not like about each gun you try and post up your thoughts. Try the same technique when renting guns a few times if possible (write down & share your thoughts), you will quickly notice a pattern.


I would up with a .45 1911 as my first gun when initially shopping for my first hand gun. Got a .22 conversion kit to keep ammo cost down, at least I like that combination. For me shooting a 9mm was ok, really did not like the .40 at all, and really liked the .45 acp.

Keep in mind the grips of a gun make a huge difference when shooting and those can be changed to larger ones.

[oghl888]

Most service 9mm pistols are good choices. Beretta, Glock, Sig, CZ, M&P, XD, etc, all deserve your consideration. I am partial to Sig226, CZ75 SP-01, and Beretta 92 myself.

[sorensen440]

I recommend checking out the xd platform
Very easy to dissasemble and clean
great shooter
accurate and reliable beyond my wildest expectations

[inkedshooter]

A friend of mine has a Smith and Wesson M&P 9mm. The action is smooth out of the box plus, interchangable back straps, and very affordable.

[gun toting monkeyboy]

The S&W M&P series in 9 and 40 are other options. Or whatever the Taurus 9mm model currently is. Or, assuming it fits you, and you can put up with it's looks, you could go with a S&W Sigma. They are always trying to unload those cheap. They work fine, but they are considered by many to be a Frankenstein version of a Glock. What ever you do, don't buy them at a range of gun store. They almost always have the worst prices around. Look for sporting goods chains in your area that carry handguns. Look at their prices, and look at what guns are going for on gunbroker.com. That should give you an idea of what you should be paying for the gun you want. As the other poster said, try them out before you buy, if you can. Compare what you like and don't like. And watch for sales at the local stores. If you have larger hands, you may want to look at the full sized versions like the Glock 17 instead of the 19. But if a 19 fits your had, go for it. You are looking for what fits YOU best.

-Mb

p.s. Don't let any idiot at the range or store try to convince you to buy a 1911 as your first gun. They are good guns, but they have enough quirks to make them less than ideal for beginners. A simple glock or other Double Action Only (DAO) pistol is a good investment. Save the 1911 for later on, when you figure out what kinds of things you want one to do.

[SJgunguy24]

KJS, as you see everybody has their ideal handgun choice. If your new go with someone who knows what their doing. There is a couple of ranges around the bay area that rent hand guns, there needs to be 2 people though. Ask around on the forums. More that likly someone will be able to meet and shoot with you. Like Coffee said,take notes and try everything your looking into buying. All of the guns mentioned are good choices try them all.

I own a couple of Glocks if you want try them out your more than welcome. Just shoot me a P.M.

[SeANMcBAY]

Sig P6. Quality and cheap.

[Fantasma]

You cannot go wrong with a CZ for your first 9mm.

The SP01 Would be best for you, since you stated you got rather large hands. So it would fit you perfectly.

I love my CZ75B/SA if i had bigger hands the SP01 Would be mine.