Brand new gun owner looking for help please?

[MedWheeler]

Lithnights, yes, the reason I say the Kel-Tecs are not "range guns" is due to their light weights and small sizes. The PF9 in particular has a miniscule-thin grip, and will want to jump out of your hands. My hands aren't especially big, but I do have long and slim fingers, which struggle to find parking places along the grip. But it is a reasonably-accurate shooter, and great for personal defense.
If you like a gun that chambers the 9mm cartridge and has some heft to it, but can still be considered as a carry piece, the Bersa Thunder Nine should also be on the list of possibilities.

 

[lithnights]

Well I decided to wait until the flury of replies had slowed down before posting again.

First off THANK YOU for everyone's feedback. I learned a lot from all the comments.

My initial intent was to get some basic feedback as to different types of guns, and stuff to look out for during my search. And that is exactly what I got. I realize that I could ask 10 different gun owners, and get 10 potentially different answers; just like I could ask stereo speaker owners or plasma TV owners etc. and get different answers as to what is best for my situation. And that is fine, because along with those answers, come reasons why.

I know replies and opinions do not take the place of holding and firing. I simply wanted to narrow down my list or add to it. And that is what I have done. I plan to head out to the gunshop tonight and shoot a variety of guns. I'll go from there.

I'll post again once I make some progress.

Thanks again

 

[Guillermo]

welcome to the High Road and to the wonderful world of gun ownership.

I did not read all the posts so if I am covering ground that other people have, I apologize.

It is my opinion that you should go to a range that rents guns, explain your dilemma and try several guns before you buy. Always try before you buy!!!

The "stay away from subcompact" advice is very good and I would go a step farther and say "get a full size gun".

I would also suggest that since this is all new to you, buy used. This will probably be just the first gun of many.

The idea of buying a 9mm is good since ammo is still relatively reasonable and you can practice more.

Do not be shy about taking courses and getting lessons. We all benefit from instruction.

Best of luck and again...welcome

 

[Sebastian the Ibis]

A glock 19, or maybee 17, is the standard by which all other 9mm's are measured. Some may be better in one specific criteria or another at the expense of sacrifices elsewhere, but no other pistol will beat it across the board. For a first gun you could do a lot worse.

The only real reason not go in this direction is it does not fit your hand, if it doesn't feel good get something else. Consider a Steyr M9 which is basically an upgraded Glock with a different grip, or an S&W M&P.

If you are thinking about getting something else just to be different, reconsider since every gun shop owner, rangemaster and person in the firearms industry knows how to fiddle with them if something goes wrong and every holster/sight/widget made for a pistol is made for a glock 19.

If you go the glock route, find a store that will give you the GSSF $100.00 discount, sign up for $30.00 and save yourself $70 putting the total price well under $500. And use the savings to take a Glock Armorer's course or buy 4 new mags at CDNN.

 

[redbeardsong]

Lots of good advice here. The glock 19 is a good choice if it fits your hand. I went with the Ruger SR9C, which fit my hand better, and conceals better for me. It shoots great and has a grip extension with the 17round mags that give you a full size grip that's nice for the range or nightstand duty. Plus it was $100 cheaper than the glock.

 

[twofifty]

Lithnights, when you go to the range to try out guns, please make sure that you consistently use a proper firing grip.

Since you are new to firearms, you might consider asking range staff to give you a few minutes instruction time on grip and sight picture. Or maybe an experienced competent customer can give you some guidance.

If you don't use a proper and consistent grip and sight picture, any conclusion you come to with regard to which gun shoots best for you will not be valid.

 

[stanmo]

Greetings,
I was like you about 3 years ago, researching like hell, looking for my first handgun. I ended up with a CZ P-01, because I wanted a gun for the same reasons you do. I thought it would be my only hand gun. As a beginner I liked the idea of seeing a hammer and double/single action. In the last few years I bought and sold more guns than I care to admit, but the CZ is still here.

Fun to look around HERE

 

[Sauer Grapes]

I like the Springfield XD series guns.
I also just ordered a S&W M&P pro series with a 4.25" barrel and night sights. I have the 5" version and they are great guns with a nice trigger.

 

[golden]

Try before you buy

LITHNIGHTS,

If you are new to shooting, always buy new. I have occasionally come across guns that needed warranty work. Among them were COLT, SIG and S&W. BUY NEW AND GET A WARRANTY. IF THEY DO NOT HAVE A WARRANTY. SKIP IT, EXCEPT FOR RUGER WHO WILL FIX ANYTHING THEY MAKE AS FAR AS I CAN TELL WITHOUT A WARRANTY.

A manuel safety is overrated in my opinion. If you are an experience shooter, they add an extra option, but you said you are not. Most of the guns you mention do not come with manuel safeties, but they are all safe to carry and use. REMEMBER, YOU ARE THE REAL SAFETY.
NEVER POINT A GUN AT SOMETHING YOU ARE NOT WILLING TO SHOOT
and
KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER. No safety will be needed.

I worked for the I&NS back in the 90's and they would not allow a gun with a safety because of the chance of it being employed accidentally.
They went with double action only BERETTA'S and H&K'S for this reason.

They had a LOT OF EXPERIENCE WITH NEW SHOOTERS.

I think the SIG 239 will be out of your price range. It is a good gun from what I have read, but I have never shot one.
I have used the SIG 226, a great gun, but expensive and heavier than the GLOCK 19. Bad for concealment for that reason.
I also have shot the SIG 229 and 225. The 229 will probably also be out of your price range. If you can find one, consider it. It is one of the best all around guns in 9m.m. or .40 caliber pistols, but I would start with a 9.
The earlier SIG 228, if you can find it will also be excellent, but is pricey. It is about the same size, but slightly lighter.
The SIG 225 is about the same size as the GLOCK 19, but heavier and may not feed hollow point at all. My will only feed GECO BAT ammo from GERMANY which is nearly impossible to find and expensive. My wife uses it for her bedroom gun and I load it with COR BON Powerball which feed perfectly and is very accurate. It it much better than full metal jacket ammo.


The GLOCK 19, in my opinion, when it came out, it was the BEST 9m.m. in the world, bar none. It was much lighter than my SIG 226 and just as reliable, but not as accurate.
Not a real world problem. My qualifications were 8 or 10 point higher out of a possible 300 with the SIG.
The GLOCK 19 is just the right size for an all around 9m.m. It is small enough to conceal, better than the GLOCK 17, which is a full size gun, yet unlike the mini guns like the GLOCK 26 or Kel-Tec it is large enough to shoot easily.
The negative is that you may not like the feel of the grip. I do not shoot my GLOCK very often anymore because it feels so different from the grip of my BERETTA and H&K.
Still, I would bet my life on the GLOCK 19. If fact I did.
Also, the GLOCK is in your price range.

I have rented and shot the S&W SD9. It is similar to the GLOCK 19 and I would consider it based on price. They can go for a $100 less or more than the GLOCK. Negative is that they do not have all the after market accessories as he GLOCK. Still, I think it is one of the great bargains in pistols along with the RUGER P 95.
The RUGER has a clunky feel which makes the S&W a better choice. Also, the RUGER is a traditional double action/single action pistol. For a new shooter, I prefer the safe, consistent trigger of the GLOCK and S&W.

I had a KAHR. It was a great gun, but the kick was severe to me. This was my experience and may not be a problem for you. Rent or borrow one to shoot first. If your hand is not sore at the end of 50 rounds and it shot well for you, then it would make a very nice concealed gun, but with half the ammo load of a GLOCK 19. It is very slim and very well made.

You may also want to check out the SPRINGFIELD ARMORY XD9 Sub Compact. I just bought one and love it. It has a GLOCK like trigger and like the GLOCK, it is a low maintenance gun with a plastic frame.
It is bulkier than the GLOCK 26, but to me is much easier to shoot. The slightly larger grip allows me to hold it more securely and it has shoot 150 out a possible 150 qualification score several time. It also will be easier than a GLOCK 19 to carry concealed due to the shorter grip. You can also use an extended 16 round mag that comes with it, but they do not seem to drop free in my gun as well as the 13 mags. A PEARCE extender ($10.00) makes the gun feel much nicer in my hand.
It is still much smaller than the GLOCK 19 and lighter than the SIG 239.
In addition, the case comes with a holster, nothing fancy but it works as well as a twin magazine carrier and magazine loader. These are nice to have if you do not already own them.

I cannot recommend the Kel-Tec. I have had trouble with the one I bought, but know others who have not.

I would stick with your choice of 9m.m. and just use regular velocity ammo till you have more experience. I really like FEDERAL hollow point if I am using regular velocity ammo.
I usually use +P+ HYDRO SHOK since I was issued it and have shot it a lot.
I also like the newer FEDERAL HST ammo, but it is much harder to find.

Please do not get sucked into the BIG CALIBER TRAP. BIGGER CALIBERS KICK MORE. I sold my GLOCK 22 for that reason. I use a .40 caliber H&K at work and have a BERETTA 96 as my house gun, but they are heavy and harder to conceal.
Become qualified with a 9m.m. and then work your way up if you need to. Also, 9m.m. hollow point is cheaper and ball ammo is much cheaper to use.

That is just my experience. I hope it helps.

Jim

 

[lithnights]

Back from the range

UPDATE.. BACK FROM THE RANGE

I headed out to the gun shop and range last night with my listing of 9 or so guns. I showed the salesman my list and we spent some time holding a whole bunch of them. I held most of the guns mentioned on the forum although some they didn't have (various Kahrs, CZ75, and older guns like Sig 228 and S&W 3913). I held the Glock 19, Glock 26, Springfield XD, Ruger SR9 and SR9C, Sig Sauer 239, and Walther P99. I can't say I disliked any of them, but I did take notice to the much higher price of the Sig and Walther..which I had been warned about by some of you.

I far preferred the Glock 19 to the 26, and the Ruger SR9C to the SR9. I liked the Springfield. I liked the Walther but it was pricey at 650.

Based on that, we headed downstairs to the range. I was with a friend who is looking as well. They made us shoot a .22 first and we did well so we moved up to a 9mm. We tested the Glock 19 since that was high on my list. I really liked it. We then rented a Glock 23, basically so we could compare 9mm to .40 since my friend was thinking of getting a .40. I must say I preferred the 9mm but it wasn't a huge difference. My shot placement was better with the 19. They had a Springfield (but not a Ruger SR9C) but we ran out of time.

So I am heavily leaning towards the Glock 19 at this point. Basically b/c I liked the way it felt in my hand, the way it shot, the reliability of Glock, the great reviews, the ease of parts/maintenance, etc. With that said, I will likely go back and try to fire the Springfield XD to compare.

The Glock was $540, the Springfield $525, the Ruger $420, and the Walther $650. So for now, I'm ruling out the Walther based on price and the fact that I can't rent one. I'm ruling out the Ruger since I can't test it. I realize I could probably go to other ranges, try to find them, and test them. But at this point, I really like the Glock and want to compare to the Springfield. I figure this is likely not going to be my only gun so for future guns, I can spend more time tracking them down, borrowing, testing etc. when I get my next one.

Also, they did have a couple used Glock 19s (around $470) but at that small price difference between used and new, I'm leaning towards new.

For those that mentioned safety and training, they also offer a one on one training/safety class which I am going to take once I make the purchase. I also want to take a legal class of some sort to fully understand the gun laws of my state.

So that is my thought process and position for now. Thoughts welcome.

 

[larryh1108]

: ) Well done. No matter what you choose you can surely say you didn't make an impulse purchase. Even after you make your purchase you will continually look for that "Oh Yeah!" gun. Owning more than one is not a bad thing! Just ask us!

 

[PT1911]

Another one I would suggest you take a gander at would be the CZ-PO7.... it is a sweet gun at a good price... and it is SA/DA...

I would also give a nod to Steyr's offerings if they were readily available... UNFORTUNATELY.. they are not...

In all actuality, you cannot go wrong with any of your thoughts to this point.

 

[HGUNHNTR]

Glock 19, and carry it even when you dont' think you need too. The two times I have been carrying, and have almost needed my ccw were in parts of town that I used to think were VERY safe. Bad things happen when you don't plan for it, and can crop in places where it is unexpected.
Buy a comfortable holster and shoot the pistol often.

 

[Guillermo]

a used Glock 19, often a police trade in, can be had really cheap (around here)

shop around

 

[iflyem1]

The Glock 19 is a great gun and at your price range. That being said I have also shot the Sig 239 and it is also a great gun. You do give up alot of rounds in the mag with the sig vs the glock. The CZ is also a rock solid gun. Try to shoot as many as you can. Sometimes you can go to the range and someone will be shooting a gun that you have your eyes on. Just ask, I'm sure they'll let you shoot a few rounds out of it. That's how I found my Ruger Redhawk. Someone was shooting one at the range and I just asked to put a few rounds thru it and fell in love.

Good luck.

 

[Lonestar49]

Might want to look at -

...

You might want to take a look at a Beretta Px4 9mm, as the Px4 series, 9mm, 40cal and 45cal all use a rotating barrel. Basically, it stays straight and offers less recoil than many tilt-up barrel, action, guns and is around 480 NIB and offers 3 back straps to customize your grip - of choice.

DA/SA F (safety-decocker in one) and IF you want to covert it to a G-model, decocker-only, you can, very easily, is another nice option..

Really smooth action, be it racking the slide or pulling the trigger in DA mode and nice, clean SA breaks, right out of the box and both actions only get better and better with use..

Light, balanced, very dependable, reliable, and is one of the easiest guns to dissemble, inspect, clean, and reassemble, out there, bar none..

I started off, 4ys ago with a Px4 40cal G model and since bought various Sigs, 9mm, 40cal, both in P229 models and a P220R 45..

Got to say, still luv the Px4 40 and its soft/balanced recoil and accuracy and, like my Sigs, it, thru 3000 rounds has not missed a beat, same as the more expensive Sigs, yet both offer ease of inspections, accuracy, and dependability/reliability..

Full size Px4





My Px4 40 compared to my Sig P228






And, they, Beretta, are now releasing their Compact version (with rotating barrel) of the Px4 in 9mm or 40 and they're around 400 NIB and are just a tad smaller than a Sig P228 a/o P229, both in height and width, for the most part, also with 3 back straps to choose from.




Compared, in size, to a Sig P228, same as 229


Luck,



Ls

 

[golden]

A good experience

LITHNIGHTS,

I occasionally carry a WALTHER P99. It is one of my favorite guns, but the WALTHER made version is unlikely to fit your price range. It is worth the extra money in my opinion and is one of my favorites. It is the reason I no longer require a GLOCK 19.

I think the steel frame CZ-75 is a good full size gun and house gun. I used one overseas as my house gun. However, it is too bulky and heavy for concealed used and is expensive here in Florida.

Since I would go with either the GLOCK 19 or SPRINGFIELD ARMORY XD, I think you are on the right track. Just stick with 9m.m. till you have more experience.

I am a huge BERETTA fan, but I have not shot the PX-4, so I cannot recommend it. It is next on my list to rent and shoot and I know it has been adopted by a few large agencies including CANADIAN BORDER SECURITY.
I have handled it in both the F traditional double action/single action and in the C model with a GLOCK type of trigger which is very nice. I would go with the D model for myself as I have been shooting BERETTA 92 and 96 D models for over 12 years and am very used to it.

BERETTA also made another gun, the COUGAR 8000 series, which I used to own. It was a good gun, but I think the overly long grip worked against it. A longer barrel/slide is easier to conceal than a longer grip.
STOEGER is now importing a TURKISH made copy of the COUGAR and they appear well made at a bargain price. You may want to try one, but again, it is a metal gun and heavier than the plastics like the GLOCK and XD.

You may still want to try that RUGER, even if you have to go to another range. That price range, if correct is a bargain.

Good luck with your search.

Jim

 

[xr1200]

Go to the gun shop and try the guns out in the carry mode you want, the best gun for you is going to be the one that you shoot the best and can carry confortably, I've owned 100's of pistols and the one I carried the most is a smith and wesson 5 shot snub nose 38. or a small pocket 380.

Most of the small 9mm or full size plastic or all metal autos are just to big to carry except in a holster of some type and a holstered gun really draws attention from security guards and cops. Note where I live you see alot of cops shooting legal ccw ppl. due to panicking when they see a gun.

Also if your confronted with a close up assualt you can usually take a robber off guard if he thinks your reaching in your pocket to give him a wallet and instead you pull out a 38 snub or even better a 380 hidden in a wallet holster that shoots him in the face or chest.

In most confrontations you will be suprized at short distant and off guard so you need something you can get into action quick or get in your hand.

I often will carry a small berreta 22 or 32 or 380 that I take out of my pocket and hide in my hand already out for action as soon as I enter a bad street or dark parking lot etc. I couple of times this helped me show a few shady characters the gun and telling them to come no further.

 

[Alex45ACP]

I would (and did) go with the Glock 19. I don't like guns with manual safeties because I want the pistol to be ready to fire instantly if I ever need to use it, a manual safety is just another potential thing to go wrong. You should be able to pick up the pistol NIB and a good holster for well under $600. In South Florida I can get a new G19 for $450 + tax. If you want to carry AIWB I recommend a Dale Fricke Archangel. This is my CCW setup and it works great for me.

 

[jhallrv4]

Interesting that I'd see this thread today. I just got back from a trip to the range with a recent basic pistol student. She wanted to try some different guns before buying. She had shot my 9mm Beretta full-sized pistol, my Smith 3913NL (one of my personal favorites), a Walther p22, and everyone's favorite, my Smith 686+ revolver.
Well, she shot a Walther PK380, which she loved, but it failed to fire on the last 5 rounds, most likely due to being a rental, dirty, abused gun, but still...
and a 5 round Smith revolver, hammerless, with a long, nasty double-action trigger pull. These sprayed rounds all over the target. So we took the PK380 and Smith wheel-gun back to the counter, and tried a Glock 19. Now, I've never shot a Glock. Didn't really care to, either. But, she put all the rounds in a nice little circle around the bullseye, again and again. She bought the Glock. I shot it too, and it did the same for me. So, maybe I'll get a Glock someday. Now, my favorites are still my Dan Wesson Commander Bobtail 1911, and of course the Smith 686+, but I am open to the Glock thing now.
Oh, and, you can't buy my 3913NL, ever. It's a keeper.

Jeff
I guess the secret is to buy whatever, then go back, and buy another, and another, etc. etc. Just like the rest of us. It's an addiction. Get used to it.

 

[gallo]

I'd recommend the XD9 standard size. The gun shoots where you point, fits like a glove and is backed by excellent customer service. It's only drawback is that it's a bit big for conceal carry, at least for my frame.

Try the Stoger Cougar too (formerly beretta) same quality sans the price. The PX4 is also nice like a previous poster mentioned.

All three make excellent HD pistols. I tend to favor the XD because the first shot is the same as the second.

G19 is a great choice too and if it works for you, the go for it.

Don't sweat it too much. Get what you like now. You'll probably end up buying more guns with time. It's an addiction almost.

 

[Lar1911]

Lot of good suggestions. Anyone will be fine.

Just on size. When you conceal carry you have the gun in your pants, the grips are out of the waistband, so a short barrel is not always needed.

I own a full size Springfield 1911, I thought I needed a micro compact. The smaller gun was not as much fun (45) to shoot accuratly.

I have a SR9 and conceal carry it no problem

BTW, love the Berretta PX4, need one, google it and CX4, the magazines are inter changeable

 

[Shadow 7D]

LOTS OF GUNS
SO GO TRY LOTS AND SEE WHAT YOU LIKE

thats it, basically everything past that is
I like this because...

I like the 9000 series (cougar) by Beretta and Stoeger, they can be had used and are a great value, they were replaces by the PX4, but have more heft and use the same recoiling system.

 

[Caliper_Mi]

They made us shoot a .22 first and we did well so we moved up to a 9mm.

You have a quality store there! Speaking from experience, even a good sized 9mm can give you a bit of a flinch if it is the first thing you have ever fired...

Can't fault you choices, I am planning to pick up a SR9c sometime. (Will fit between my P95 and PF9) Just remember that whatever you get - shoot it. Get out to the range regularly and practice.

 

[neededausername]

Are you new to handguns, or just new to owning one? If you haven't done much or any shooting before I'd recommend a .22lr pistol like a Ruger Mark Series, or a Browning Buckmark. I joined THR looking to buy a .357 and was given the advice I'm giving you. Is it a great SD weapon? No. Will you be much more likely to spend the time shooting a low recoil, very cheap ammo handgun so you can learn how to shoot? Yes. Seriously .22LR ammo compared to anything else pricewise, well there isn't any comparison. Learn how to shoot before moving up to larger recoiling, more expensive rounds.

Even if you don't follow my advice on the .22LR make sure to handle all of the guns before you pick one. Sometimes a gun just doesn't feel right to an individual even if it's a great gun. I think Glock's are well made quality weapons, and I've tried to find one that I liked, but none of them have ever felt right in my hand. I'm not a Glock hater, they just aren't right for me. So find what feels right for you.

Oh and welcome to a great place. We are glad to have you.