suggestions for first semi-auto

[S&W620]

The only response to this should be the one that YOU prefer the most. Most shooting ranges offer rental guns. Try a few out! You will find the experience both fun and it should help you figure out EXACTLY what YOU want. I think in the end you will find the experience to be a positive one. Best of luck!

 

[dispatch]

Ruger P Series

Ruger, Ruger, Ruger. It may not have the "cache" of the others, but you will have a totally reliable, easily mantainable semi auto at a very reasonable price. The P90 in 45 acp and P95 9mm are the easiest shooting semis I've experienced- this includes 1911 Government 45 acp, Browning HP 9mm, Glock 9mm and .40, and Beretta 9mm. There are lots of good things being said about the newer P345 45 acp also- I have not shot one yet, so I can't offer a personal opinion. If I could only keep one semi, it would be either My P90 or my P95.

 

[JDGray]

Ruger P345 shoots bigger holes than the P89 It is by far the thinest, lightest Ruger made. The trigger is better than the previous P modles. Mine breaks clean at 72oz.

 

[dcm]

A pair of S&W...

{Edited: Oops, I went back and reread the thread. This is still my first choice with a $600.00 budget but if a semiauto is specified then I would drop to my second choice.}

A pair of S&W wheel guns. If you shop you could also easily find a K-38 target gun with 6 inch barrel as well as a Model 66 or 67. This will afford plenty of money for ammunition, speedloaders and holsters. The models listed all share the same speedloaders and wil normally share the same grips.

or

3rd Gen 9mm's from CDNN or the like. Get one in DAO, 5946, and the other a traditional DA/SA, 5906. They use the same magazines and are built like tanks. Make sure that they have the same triggerguard so that you could share holsters depending on application.


FWIW and respectfully submitted