Handgun for new pistol shooter

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Sniper4Life

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Ok, I have decided to try pistol shooting, I am a rifle person but would like to get into handguns but dont have alot of money, just a mossberg 835 to trade. I would like to get something bigger than a .22, yes I know .22's are good to learn on but I would like something bigger for defense. The ammo would have to be cheap. So what do you recomend?

Thanks
 
First off, what kind of pistol training have your had? I reccomend the NRA Basic Pistol class. You'll learn the fundamentals of shooting under the watchful eyes of an instructor and you'll also get a chance to shoot several different types of guns. That might make it easier to decide what you like.

You said you didn't want a .22, but I have to say that a .22 is the best gun to learn on. The low recoil allows you to concentrate on the fundamentals without developing bad habits. The low cost allows you to shoot more for less money. It's a win-win.

If you must have a centerfire pistol, and ammo cost is still a concern, go with a 9mm. 9mm ammo is the cheapest ammo available. Buy the 100 round Winchester White Box Value Packs at Wal Mart
 
I was taught to shoot a pistol on a .22, and the person that taught me used to shoot competition. I know how to shoot, I just need advice on what to get. Btw all I have to trade is a mossberg 835, wich is about $300 to work with.
 
After 9mm, .38spl ought to be the next cheapest. If you bought a .357mag revolver, you can shoot either .38spl or .357mag. Conventional wisdom has it that revolvers are more reliable, so many prefer them for SD. I just know I love shooting revolvers myself, though semi-autos are fine, too. At the range, I currently use 130gr American Eagle FMJ, at $10-$12 per box of 50.

Around here, used S&Ws are supposed to run around $300-ish, and new ones for $600-ish. Rugers seem to run a bit less, and a Taurus, even less. I keep my eye out, and if I find a used S&W M19 in good shape for $300, I'll buy it on sight.

I shoot a lot of .22lr, too, but given your handle and Trebor's credentials, enough's probably been said about that already :D
 
If you're set on not getting a .22 (I would recommend a Ruger 22/45, but...) I'd suggest an XD-9 in 4" or 5". 9mm is about as cheap as you can get for centerfire ammo, and the XD-9 is a platform that can really grow with you. I have a few revolvers and 1911s, but I also own three XDs, and I wouldn't trade them for anything.

My "race gun" (IDPA) is an XD-9 Tactical (5"), and it is a seriously sweet shooter. But it's also been pretty heavily modified, hence the "grow with you" comment. ;)
 
I would look for a way to try some different handguns out, myself If I were you I would be patient and look for a prelock S&W mod 15or67 or a 4" Colt Officers mod. But thats just me, it's a tuff question, like telling someone what kind of car to buy :confused:
 
definitely a .38 / .357 revolver or a 9mm semi-auto.

for the following reasons 1) Adequate for the intended purpose 2) Either could meet the cost criteria 3) Plentiful supply of either new or used weapons of this type. 4) Inexpensive to shoot compared to other centerfire rounds. Brands to consider in new equipment would be Charter Arms, Taurus, or Rossi for the revolver and Keltec or Bersa in the semi-autos. Used equipment opens up a whole 'nother can of worms but if you are not familiar with handguns be sure to take along a trusted friend who is before you lay your money down. Good luck.
 
Since you have only a $300 budget to work with a new S&W or other "top" brands are out. A used handgun isn't a bad idea but you will have to look around for something you like and feels good in your hand.

If you want to buy new then I will suggest buying from Taurus.

If you are looking for a pistol then I suggest a Taurus PT-111 Pro. It's a consealable 12 round 9mm semi-auto that's reliable and accurate. They list for just over $400 but can be found NIB for ~$300.
http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?id=24&category=Pistol
http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?id=18&category=Pistol

If you are looking for a new revolver, Taurus makes many different models that will fill your needs. Their Model 650 in .357 Magnum and Model 850 in .38 Special are also reliable and accurate, not to mention a lot less expensive than S&W.
The link below are for their "CIA" models which are like S&W's Centenial frame.
http://www.taurususa.com/products/gunselector-results.cfm?series=CIA2
Their Protector models, Model 651 and Model 851 (S&W Bodyguard frame) are also available in the same price range.
http://www.taurususa.com/products/gunselector-results.cfm?series=PR2

If you don't intend on carrying the handgun and want it only for Home Defense look around for a used S&W 4" Model 10 (.38 Special) or a 4" Model 19 (.357 Mag) They can be found in your price range.

I know there are as many suggestions as there are people on this forum. The suggestions I made are just what I would do in your situation and are only suggestions that may or may not be right for you. I hope they help you in making a decision on what to buy or at least give you some options you might not have thought of.

Good luck, be safe and by all means, have fun!!
 
I'd go here and read this:

http://www.handgunforum.net/showthread.php?t=2496

Great info for a newbie.

The cheapest 9mm I'd go with is a Stoeger Cougar. They were made by Beretta, and Beretta transferred the machinery to a sibsidiary. The guns are cheaper, and it's about the same gun - the finish is just a little rougher.

I owned a Beretta Cougar in the 1990s. Great gun.

ANother alternative is a Bersa $380 for $200-$250. But, the ammo is 2x the cost of 9mm. So, I'd get the Cougar.
 
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