First semi-auto pistol

[wineguy2009]

What is everyone's favorite semi-auto pistol? Im looking to purchase my first. I would like to spend no more than $600-$700 out the door.

[Euphoria526]

You should first and foremost go out and rent as many types and calibers as you can.
In before glock fanbois.
Do not just settle on a glock as many people have and do. So many other better types of pistols out there. Many many better ones.

[CSACANNONEER]

A Ruger MK series or 22-45 or a Browning Buckmark is always a great choice for a first semi auto.

[SoCalEnthusiast]

You should first and foremost go out and rent as many types and calibers as you can.
In before glock fanbois.
Do not just settle on a glock as many people have and do. So many other better types of pistols out there. Many many better ones.

Can I ask why not settle for a glock?

OP, I first purchased a 9mm, then .45. It doesn't really the brand, I'd stay away from some of the "bottom of the barrel" options. Go with something that's robust and fits well in your hand. It might be a 9mm, maybe .45?

[bohoki]

my first self loading was a ruger mark 2 my first centerfire is a chinese tokarev in 9mm

if you can find a used ruger p89 those are fun or a used glock 17

[toddh]

What is everyone's favorite semi-auto pistol? Im looking to purchase my first. I would like to spend no more than $600-$700 out the door.

Welcome to calguns.

A much faster method is to search (use search link blue bar) through all the other threads in the past month or so.
You'll find dozens of threads asking the same question as you are.

It's the best resource for information that is much faster to access than waiting for answers.

[TMB 1]

In your price range this http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...2B1+45ACP+5%22 otherwise I'd get this http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...2B1+45ACP+5%22 or this http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...+45ACP+4.25%22

[TurboChrisB]

My first semi was a 9mm CZ75....I highly recommend one and ammo is cheap.

[CSACANNONEER]

Glock 17. I don't see the point of buying a "kinda" gun like a 22. In many respects the Glock 17/19 are the best handguns in the world. Inexpensive, reliable, customizable. If I were a billionaire and had access to any handgun I'd still be shooting the Glocks that I own.

Huh? Oh, I get it, you have too much testosterone and think that .22s are only a "kinda" gun. Rim fires are actually harder to shoot for precision since, you can't tailor your loads to the gun. They are easier to learn on. Less expensive to shoot than center fire guns and are just plain fun.

While I own a Glock, it is not on my favorite gun list. I don't even think I've shot it in 5 years or more. I prefer single stacks. But, if I was a billionaire, I'd still shoot the same .22s I own plus at least few dozen others that I would like to own.

[BigPimping]

OMG Glock.......Easy to use, maintain and very durable. Inexpensive, easy to acquire and accurate. There is no substitute.

[SoCal Choppas]

my first was a new Ruger P89 in Stainless Steel, paid $345.00
my second was a Sig P226 W. Germany, used but never shot except for the test target..paid $550 for it.

Those prices were in the early 90s

Find a police trade in...usually good prices on them.

[Dingusmalarky]

If possible to to a range that rents guns and try

-Springfield/rock island 1911 (it's a 1911)
-Sig p226 (you can find used ones in your budget occasionally)
-CZ 75 (there's a ton of variants, sp01 and p01 seem to be popular around here)
-Glock 17 or 19 (19 will be easier to conceal carry if that is something you're eventually going to want to do
-Springfield XD
-beretta 92 (personally not a huge fan but some here like them)

Pick the one you like the most, it's worth it in the long run to find that one gun that fits you best before you start buying

[Euphoria526]

Can I ask why not settle for a glock?

OP, I first purchased a 9mm, then .45. It doesn't really the brand, I'd stay away from some of the "bottom of the barrel" options. Go with something that's robust and fits well in your hand. It might be a 9mm, maybe .45?

A gun, much like a woman, is something you shouldn't "settle" for. Otherwise in later years you'll see what you've missed out on.
If you like it op cool. But I'd suggest to rent rent rent and rent again when you think you've made your mind up yet a new gun you didn't try before.

[Euphoria526]

Huh? Oh, I get it, you have too much testosterone and think that .22s are only a "kinda" gun. Rim fires are actually harder to shoot for precision since, you can't tailor your loads to the gun. They are easier to learn on. Less expensive to shoot than center fire guns and are just plain fun.

While I own a Glock, it is not on my favorite gun list. I don't even think I've shot it in 5 years or more. I prefer single stacks. But, if I was a billionaire, I'd still shoot the same .22s I own plus at least few dozen others that I would like to own.

Good point CSA-
I know more people than not that learned in a 22. First guns (revolver and rifle) were 22. Awesome fun guns you can shoot all day and not get a messed up wrist or trigger finger.

[safety-1st]

My first handgun was an hk vp9, then sig p320, then Glock 19 gen4. In this order only because of SSE.

If no sse I would have got the Glock as my first gun. Then buy the exotic high price stuff later. Regardless a Glock was going into my collection. Still want a Glock 17 gen 3 to mod the hell out of it.