Need Help Choosing Handgun

[rookie33]

I need help choosing a handgun. I'm new to handguns and know very little. I've narrowed down two that i like because of the way it fits to my hand, as well as the price. The first was a smith and wesson sigma series 9mm. the price was great, and i've heard great things about it. Second was the smith and wesson M&P 9mm. It was a bit more expensive,(339.00 vs. 499.00) however i was told it was a better quality gun. Both fit great in my hand. Is the M&P worth the extra money? I've held glocks and they just don't seem comfortable. Any advice will be great. Thanks

 

[bestseller92]

For a first handgun I'd recommend a good .22.

If you're bound and determined to get a larger caliber, or you want one for home defense, for a beginner I'd recommend a 4" Ruger GP100 .357. Shoot .38s in it until you're comfortable with it.

 

[Monkeybear]

You will actually save money by buying a .22lr pistol to learn to shoot with and then buying a 9mm pistol. Figure the cost of a few thousand rounds of 9mm against the cost of a few thousand rounds of .22lr.

Now to answer your actual question, I personally would opt for the M&P. Better resale value and I think a better quality gun as well. Now if you just want a firearm and plan to shoot it a few times and then keep it in a drawer then I say why not get the Sigma and save yourself a few bucks. If you think you might like shooting just for fun or have plans to use your firearm for SD/HD get the M&P.

 

[GunDoctor]

I wont bad mouth the M&P although I'm not a fan of it. However, the Sigma makes a better paper weight. It's reliability is poor. Have you looked at the Springfield XD's or the FNP9? Both excellent pistols and reasonably priced.

 

[poet]

Rookie, is there a Sig P6 available in your area? Great cost and a quality name . . . . can't go wrong with that combination.

 

[Blarelli]

$339 for a Sigma? New ones are going for $250. I second the sig p6.

 

[Disaster]

The Sigma is entirely reliable. Don't let anyone tell you anything different. However, it is more difficult to shoot consistently...especially for a beginner...because of the very heavy, creepy, trigger pull.

The M&P is much nicer because of it's greatly improved trigger feel. It is also a lighter recoiler. You can purchase the M&P from Bud's Gun Shop, on the web, for $440...heck of a deal. There is a $30 rebate from S&W or you can choose two free magazines.

 

[GunDoctor]

NYPD use to have the Sigma when it first came out. When it came time to renew the contract they told S&W to go get bent. Several officers were killed because of malfunctions in the middle of a gun fight. And yes the trigger is a nightmare.

 

[CountGlockula]

Take an NRA Basic Handgun Class first before you do anything.

 

[BlindJustice]

You might consider a semi-auto in 9MM x19/Luger that
also offers a .22 LR conversion kit for economical & practical
practice time. THe all steel CZ 75B is in the same price range
as a S&W M&P, but the Kadet .22 LR Conversion kit consisting
of slide/barrel/spring & magazine can be added.

Randall

 

[jlangton]

NYPD use to have the Sigma when it first came out. When it came time to renew the contract they told S&W to go get bent. Several officers were killed because of malfunctions in the middle of a gun fight.

Please provide a reference as to these malfunctions-I'd like to read more about them.
JL

 

[Anna's Dad]

Many say that the trigger on the Sigma is so bad that it makes it unacceptable. I have, however, heard that newer Sigmas are reliable where older ones were not.

I own the M&P in 9mm and really like it. Very comfortable, accurate and a good value--especially with the free magazine offer from S&W. So far 100% reliable.

 

[M1911]

The Sigma is entirely reliable. Don't let anyone tell you anything different.

Well, my friend owned a Sigma. Sent it back to S&W 3 times and it never did work reliably. So I'll let him tell me that the Sigma isn't reliable.

Get the M&P. It is a far better gun than the Sigma.

 

[GHF]

Chosing a Handgun

The most important thing about choosing a handgun is how it fits in your hand.

Even though you can use a two-hand grip, the strong hand needs to be able to simultaneously grip the weapon tightly while having the trigger finger independently squeeze the trigger.

Rent/try as many different ones before you purchase. If you are looking for a self-defense/carry weapon, look at 9mm or more powerful.

A .45 might work better than a 9mm for a particular person.

 

[possum]

i have shot the sigma alot. that was the 1st poly gun that i was exposed to. i could shoot it ok, and it was totally reliable but the trigger was horrible. but it worked everytime the trigger was pulled.

however if it was up to me i would go with the m&p,i would spend the little bit of extra money and get the m&p. there are alot more features and it has a better trigger, i love the ergos of the m&p and i would be happy to own one.

 

[Confederate]

Trigger smoothness and weight are vital considerations. I'd opt for the Springfield XD if you like the look and feel of it. I've heard nothing but good things about it. I don't know why Smith & Wesson goes through the aggravation of getting a good reputation for its autoloaders, then squanders it on the Sigma series. Their first forays into autos was the Model 39/59, which had a dreadful reputation. They finally fixed the problem and came out with a great line of second and third generation pistols, only to piddle their reputations away with the Sigmas. The M&Ps have a good reputation, but I don't think they're number one in their class.

A Ruger Mark II/III pistol is an excellent investment. Ruger's autos are reliable, but are a bit clunky, but they have a sizable following.

I don't like aluminum frame guns at all because they just don't hold up to sustained shooting, but the polymers seem to be holding up okay. I love my stainless steel S&W 5906, but if I had to carry it, I'd probably need some of those helium balloons to tie to it so as to lighten it. Still, it will shoot into the next century.

As far as shooting guns, you may eventually want to try a revolver. After awhile, picking up brass becomes a pain and the loads, in autos, always seem very similar. But with revolvers, you can go from stiff loads to mild loads, defensive loads to hunting loads. If I were going out camping and hiking, I'd pick a good .357 mag. revolver. There are many, many people who consider that their favorite caliber because of its versatility.

 

[BEELZEBOB]

i just bought my first hand gun.

A walther P22. i freggin love it.

but i sure do have my eye on a Springfield .45 xp.....