First Handgun

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shotgun12321

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Hey all, I just stumbled across this forum and thought it would be a great place to learn some things.

I am thinking of buying my first handgun and have a few questions:

1. Should i go with 9mm or .40 S&W? (gun is mainly gonna be for targets and plinking)

2. I'm looking at around $400 - $750

3. I was thinking of the following guns: H&K USP, Glock, SigSauer 226, Beretta 92.

These are just a few that I have come up with at the moment, I also was thinking of going to the local indoor range and just renting a few of these guns/calibers and trying them out that way, but wanted a little insight first before I would do that.

Thanks
 
For your first gun? Definately go with 9mm. It has the mildest recoil of all of the standard service calibers and has the cheapest practice ammo. It's easier to handle, and will allow you to hone your shooting skills more quickly.

All of the pistols you have mentioned are very fine guns. I would recommend a Glock 17 or 19, or the Sig P226 or P229. The Sig has the more refined trigger and accuracy combination of the hammer fired pistols, and the Glock is simple and easy to use. I prefer better accuracy and classic DA/SA, so I prefer the Sigs. You might also take a look at the Smith and Wesson M&P if you like polymer striker fired pistols.
 
Just for target plinking I would suggest 9mm. You have some great choices in handguns there, but you really should add the M&P and XD to the list. Try out as many as you can. Good luck on your first purchase
 
Oh i think you guys read the post wrong, or I failed to mention it (probably the most likely :uhoh:)

This isn't my first gun, it would be my first Handgun.

I have a Ruger 10/22, Ruger M77 .270, and a 20 ga. Benelli Nova

But yeah, i can see where you guys are coming from and I will check those guns out.
 
Sig P226 9mm if it is primarily target/HD if ccw, P229 is a good choice. You can't go wrong with any of your choices though, good luck with your selection.
 
You have some good choices lined up, but I'd say, for a first gun, don't go with the Glock. You'll get used to the grip angle and that could hose your shooting on that vast majority other pistols you may acquire later.

Of your choices, the P226 is absolutely the way I'd go. Highly recommended.

Or you could get a surplus P6. You could get two of those within your price point.

And 9mm is without a doubt the way to go for your purposes.

Good luck!


-T.
 
At the risk of sounding either like a broken record, or a parrot (or a parrot repeating the sound of a broken record), see if you can try any of them out at the range before you pick one

They're ALL perfectly decent handguns (no matter what any of their detractors might say). Some will fit your hand better than others. Some might not fit your hand at all.

As has been stated before, for your first handgun, 9mm is a better choice because of the cost of ammo. And the truth is, if you have a good 9mm, there's little PRACTICAL reason to get a .40 later on. For a civilian shooter that can purchase modern hollow-point ammunition, there is no such deficiency in stopping power for 9mm as there may be for the military-issued FMJ ammunition.

If I HAD to make a recommendation for you, I'd honestly look for a good surplus Sig P6. It'll get you started for a very low price.
 
I think the Sig P226 or P225 is the best bet. 9mm is good enough for almost any use and it is controllable as far as recoil. A Beretta would be my second choice. Maybe a 92FS with night sights in 9mm.

Good luck and don't forget to post pictures.
 
How about a CZ 40B? $289 new at CDNN...

All the guns you have listed an interest in are fine weapons though, with a top price of $750 you will be able to get just about any great service handgun there is.
 
+1 on renting and trying them for the one you prefer.

You might also consider a choice that has a .22 LR
Conversion kit available - same grip.trigger & cheap practice
or plinking.

R-
 
i say you go with a 9mm, cheaper ammo which will allow you to shoot more, the brands you have listed are great places to start your quest. I would also suggest SA XD line. i own two and i love em.
 
I agree with those who are saying to buy the 9mm. Cheaper ammo, lighter recoil, easier to learn on.

Try all of the guns before you buy one! What fits you perfectly may be intolerable for someone else!

Having carried a police issued Sig P226 for 20 years I can definitely recommend the Glock!

I can also recommend the best 9mm ever made (and my personal favorite), the Browning Hi-Power!
 
Get a Glock...probably a model 19...Shoot several of these that have been recommended...Lot of good choices, though...Good luck:)
 
All good choices... I'd throw my hat in for the Beretta 92. I shot all of the guns you mentioned when I was shopping for my first and ended up taking home an M9. The Beretta is A LOT of gun for money, considering you can get it 60% of what a new SIG costs. The trigger is quite nice, with a short, crisp reset. It is a big gun, with a fairly long trigger reach, so if you have small mitts it might not be comfortable. But if it is comfortable for you, you'll love it.

But they are ALL good choices. I can't see how you'd be disappointed with any of them.
 
I'm in the process of choosing my first handgun. Currently, I'm leaning toward the XD9.

Go to all the local ranges and try out some rentals. Since you are in CO, make sure to go to Firing Line in Aurora, and the range at Cherry Creek State Park.
 
I would suggest a 9mm for your stated purposes. Any brand name firearm that fits you and feels good to you and shoot that model before purchasing if possible.
 
Yeah right now im thinking either a XD9 or a Sig 226. But im just gonna have to go to a range and either rent, or hold them first before I make a decision
 
Glock 9mm, Ruger in 22

Glock 9mms are fairly common as used guns at shows. Lots of Law Enforcement have dumped them over the years in trade for .40s. No, the 9mm isn't the greatest combat pistol round, but if you're plinking, your ammo dollar goes a lot further. :neener:

I didn't see a reason not to buy a .22. I shoot lots of big bore handgun, but one of the firearms that's in my range bag, so it goes to the range every time anything else goes, is a Ruger MkI Target or 22/44 stainless target model. I shoot maybe 100 rounds of 22 every time I take a centerfire handgun to the range, and the practice is a nice break while I let the barrel cool on the bigbore.
 
Yeah im just not really looking for a .22

My dad has a Luger in .22 that i can shoot, but I am looking for something higher.
 
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