Pistols - Questions

[trewyn15]

I'm going to look at pistols here this week. Thinking 9mm because I want to keep price fairly low right now and a bit cheaper ammo than .45 for the time being. I'll upgrade later.

I'm looking to stay in the $400-500 range as well.

I'm thinking Sig, S&W, not really sure what else.

I have a bit larger hands so I guess that's something to consider as well.

It's $15 to shoot for an hour and any gun that they have for rent.

Any suggestions for models or brands that are nice and within my price range?

:cert:

[Chris Fowler]

If you're going to look 9mm, if you've never shot a Glock, make sure you try a 17 or 19.

S&W M&P9 is really nice. Better grip than the Glock, but I prefer the Glock trigger.

both the 4th gen Glock and some models of the M&P have interchangeable backstraps to adjust for grip size.

Biggest thing is to shoot as many types as you can so you can find what you like.

[Sea Six]

Shoot them all.

The one that you shoot most accurately, and is concealable for you (if that's what you want to do) is the one for you.

[trewyn15]

If you're going to look 9mm, if you've never shot a Glock, make sure you try a 17 or 19.

S&W M&P9 is really nice. Better grip than the Glock, but I prefer the Glock trigger.

both the 4th gen Glock and some models of the M&P have interchangeable backstraps to adjust for grip size.

Biggest thing is to shoot as many types as you can so you can find what you like.

Thanks for the quick input, I think for my first gun I'd like a thumb safety.

I think that kind of rules out a Glock right away?

I've never shot pistols before, brand new for me haha always been shotguns and rifles for this guy :seasix:

[Bucwheat]

I agree a 17 or 19 are great guns but try the ones that fit you best. I have the Glock 22 and 17.

[Sea Six]

You need to spend some time with an instructor if you're just getting started with a pistol. The instructor will keep you from developing some bad habits that will be very difficult to break.

There should be many NRA instructors who would be willing to give you some beginner instructions for either free or a very reasonable fee.

[kingpin]

I hear this guy can help you. :lol:

Cop Shoots self - YouTube

[69camfrk]

The FN FNX9 is a DA/SA that you might like. Super reliable, but a little more pricey than a Glock. I personally never really liked Glock's until I got one. I would go .40 over the 9, but that is just personal preference. My Glock 23 in .40 is the pistol that I trust my life with. I'm not sure what it takes for them to malfunction other that a dud round. They do take some getting used to, and practice is a must considering their trigger set up. I have no qualms about carrying one in the pipe, but practice/routine will make sure you keep your finger off the bang button, but that applies to all pistols/firearms in general. Go to a range that lets you try several weapons, and as stated already, get what you feel most comfortable with. Just remember, practice, practice, practice!!!!!:seasix:

[trewyn15]

You need to spend some time with an instructor if you're just getting started with a pistol. The instructor will keep you from developing some bad habits that will be very difficult to break.

There should be many NRA instructors who would be willing to give you some beginner instructions for either free or a very reasonable fee.

What are some habits that you can think of? I know general gun control and safety, but I agree with you I wouldn't want to get stuck in some bad habits.

The FN FNX9 is a DA/SA that you might like. Super reliable, but a little more pricey than a Glock. I personally never really liked Glock's until I got one. I would go .40 over the 9, but that is just personal preference. My Glock 23 in .40 is the pistol that I trust my life with. I'm not sure what it takes for them to malfunction other that a dud round. They do take some getting used to, and practice is a must considering their trigger set up. I have no qualms about carrying one in the pipe, but practice/routine will make sure you keep your finger off the bang button, but that applies to all pistols/firearms in general. Go to a range that lets you try several weapons, and as stated already, get what you feel most comfortable with. Just remember, practice, practice, practice!!!!!:seasix:

I'm trying to stay lower on price than a glock :D

I'll have to see what I like the most, I was really just hoping to see what people thought would be decent ideas in that price range.

[StaticCling]

CZ
Glock
Springfield XD

In that Order.

I have a few 9mm Pistols. CZ75BD that I have had for many years and a Kahr CW9, which is more of a carry piece. Both have never let me down. :seasix:

Both are around your price range, maybe just slightly higher. :seasix:

Good Luck Man.

Edit: I personally don't like .40 S&W, no offense to anybody, but it was the solution to a problem that didn't exist.

[99 pewtercoupe]

Your earlier post says you have never shot pistols before, only rifles and shotguns.

Does this mean you have never shot hand guns (revolvers or pistols)?

Is there a reason you are only considering pistols vs revolvers?

Why do you want a hand gun? Concealed carry? Home defense? Recreational shooting?

Don't get me wrong. Not trying to give you a hard time. It's just that a bit more info may result in some more appropriate suggestions:seasix:

[Sea Six]

Your earlier post says you have never shot pistols before, only rifles and shotguns.

Does this mean you have never shot hand guns (revolvers or pistols)?

Is there a reason you are only considering pistols vs revolvers?

Why do you want a hand gun? Concealed carry? Home defense? Recreational shooting?


:iagree:



Or is it for contract killing? 'Cause if you're wanting a fun for contract killing, there's nothing better than a .22 revolver.

Now THERE'S an assassin's gun with some panache. :yesnod:

[99 pewtercoupe]

:iagree:



Or is it for contract killing? 'Cause if you're wanting a fun for contract killing, there's nothing better than a .22 revolver.

Now THERE'S an assassin's gun with some panache. :yesnod:

I love my Ruger Super Single Six :seasix:

[73sbVert]

A lightly used P226 or P229 would do nicely and be in your price range. Doesn't have a thumb safety, but does have a decocker system that is just as safe, allows you to carry one in the chamber, and still goes bang in Double Action (after the first round, all Single Action).

I LOVE mine, and it is my 2nd go to gun (my Steyr M40 being the first). :yesnod:

[Nox]

Edit: I personally don't like .40 S&W, no offense to anybody, but it was the solution to a problem that didn't exist.

You're not the only one. I prefer a .45 or 9mm over the .40 S&W. The .40 has a snappy recoil that makes it less accurate and harder to make consistent follow-up shots than either the 9mm or .45 as far as I am concerned. Many people feel the same way.

[Nox]

A lightly used P226 or P229 would do nicely and be in your price range. Doesn't have a thumb safety, but does have a decocker system that is just as safe, allows you to carry one in the chamber, and still goes bang in Double Action (after the first round, all Single Action).

I LOVE mine, and it is my 2nd go to gun (my Steyr M40 being the first). :yesnod:

Is there a modern handgun out there that doesn't allow you to safely carry one in the chamber? By modern, I mean current manufacture? I carry one in the pipe in all my guns, whether it has a thumb safety, decocker, safe action system or what have you. I wouldn't get all hung up on the thumb safety. The best safety is keeping your finger off the trigger until your sights are aligned on target and you intend to shoot.

[SnikPlosskin]

You are not using the best criteria to select a weapon (price). There is much more to it than that.


First you need to determine your purpose. Is it:

Target shooting
Concealed carry
Self defense
Home defense
Competition
Collector
Investment

Then you need to look at performance within the category you choose.

Next ergonomics - does it fit your hand, balance, etc.

Then you can consider budget. I'd rather get a nicer (more reliable) weapon used than buy a cheap one new.

Owning a gun and living with one every day are two different things. I'm sure Nox can attest to this. I consider my daily carry a life or death decision.

[Vette40th]

For Self defense in house, for example, get a shotgun.
Outside the house, Concealed carry, get something that will work every time, and one that can have one in the chamber safely at all times, ie Sig decocker system.
Price range is good to use, but I would buy something that is 100% reliable.
Sig Sauers come to mind. P229 (in .357 SIG) P220(45 ACP)
Many many more out there. But you have got to shoot them and see what is comfortable.
Good luck

[RED-85-Z51]

The most important thing to learn, is you got to hold it gangster style so people know you mean business...

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NhT3tmMjFdY/UXljza-9ICI/AAAAAAAAqJU/GptDhEPEbLM/s640/gangster-grip.jpg

[Stangkiller]

Not sure where in WI you are, but these guys really impressed me, when I was up there visiting, their range in the basement looks top notch.

Welcome to Deerfield Pistol and Archery Center (http://www.deerfieldpistol.com/)

[StaticCling]

You're not the only one. I prefer a .45 or 9mm over the .40 S&W. The .40 has a snappy recoil that makes it less accurate and harder to make consistent follow-up shots than either the 9mm or .45 as far as I am concerned. Many people feel the same way.

I agree. I had a Glock 23 for a number of Years, and traded it away for these reasons.

And now, with the multitude of Defensive Ammo options, you can do everything you need to with 9mm or 45acp

[Cybercowboy]

You're not the only one. I prefer a .45 or 9mm over the .40 S&W. The .40 has a snappy recoil that makes it less accurate and harder to make consistent follow-up shots than either the 9mm or .45 as far as I am concerned. Many people feel the same way.

I know I do. I was appalled when I shot my dad's Glock 23. My Glock 21 (.45) and Glock 26 (baby Glock, 9mm) are a dream to shoot in comparison.

For a pistol with a thumb safety, the S&W M&P Shield in 9mm is a nice little gun, easy to conceal, and fun to shoot. The Sig P938 is also a nice little 9mm but is probably not for a beginner and definitely is not cheap. Any SA/DA Sig with the decocker would be nice too, Sigs are nice.

That said, during the recent ammo shortage, .45 appeared back on the shelves long before 9mm (which is still hard to find actually). For whatever reason, .40 ammo seemed to be readily available even during the worst part of the shortage.

[Chris Fowler]

I know I do. I was appalled when I shot my dad's Glock 23. My Glock 21 (.45) and Glock 26 (baby Glock, 9mm) are a dream to shoot in comparison.

For a pistol with a thumb safety, the S&W M&P Shield in 9mm is a nice little gun, easy to conceal, and fun to shoot. The Sig P938 is also a nice little 9mm but is probably not for a beginner and definitely is not cheap. Any SA/DA Sig with the decocker would be nice too, Sigs are nice.

I've got the Shield 40 and I'm starting to consider selling it and picking up a 9mm. I can shoot it fine, one shot at a time. But each shot is so snappy that it knocks my finger out of position on the trigger.

That said, during the recent ammo shortage, .45 appeared back on the shelves long before 9mm (which is still hard to find actually). For whatever reason, .40 ammo seemed to be readily available even during the worst part of the shortage.

Only ammo that's hard to get around here is 22lr.

Gander Mountain has a good selection of pretty much everything else.

Just want prices to come down more. 9mm isn't horrible at $16.99/50, but it's not great. .40 is $24.99/50 and .45 is $27.99/50.

And they have my favored brand (Speer Lawman) in all of those calibers. :cheers:

[trewyn15]

Sorry for the slow responses guys, I haven't been near a computer much this weekend but I do really appreciate all the input!

I'm looking to shoot mainly for leisure, I already have a shotgun for home protection, but wouldn't mind throwing in some hollow-points for home protection in whatever I get as well. I may carry, but it wouldn't be often.

I just want something that will get me into the handgun scene, semi-auto and easy to maintain without having to worry about it not working for some odd reason.

Sig and S/W seem to be two good relatively low priced companies to look at. I'll have to see what I like to shoot more when I go to the range this week.

[RedLS1GTO]

I'm about to go against popular opinion here based on your last response. You aren't looking to carry, you aren't looking for the coolest thing out there, and you are looking for easy to maintain.

Might I suggest taking a look at the Beretta m9 (92FS). It is a 9mm, easy to shoot, very accurate, easy to disassemble, easy to maintain, has a thumb safety that you were looking for, fits people with larger hands, and are right in your price range.

[Cybercowboy]

You could also look at the Ruger P95DC (I think that's the current model, I have a 1980's vintage P89DC, my very first semi-auto.) They are rugged, inexpensive, reasonably accurate, heavy enough that there is very little recoil, and really fun to shoot for some reason. It's actually probably the easiest shooting gun I have, and women like it for the low recoil. Has a decocker too, so it's DA/SA. Not something for carry though.

A Glock 19 would be my other recommendation for leisure shooting and occasional carry, very much so. Plus it has a rail if you wanted to mount a light or laser later. The Ruger may also, I'm not sure about the current models but they are big enough for one. Both of these pistols are a snap to field strip and maintain.

Here's a picture of the Ruger (http://www.theoutdoorstrader.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=17172&stc=1&d=1292855936). You can see it does indeed have a rail. The good news about the Ruger is that they run around $300 or so, very reasonable.

[73sbVert]

I've never found a Ruger that was easy to clean though! Mostly the reassembly after field strip, usually way too complicated compared to other pistols. :(

Also never found a Glock that fit my hand. Every one felt like I was holding a brick. :(
Granted, they are very reliable, but if I would never shoot it, would be useless in my collection. :shrug:

That being said, I have 2 Steyr's which are dreams to shoot, and 2 Sigs (so far!) which are awesome as well. Have threaded barrels for both of them as well so they fit on my suppressor (Osprey, FTW!)

I don't understand the ill feelings towards the .40S&W either. To me, that is a perfect mid-ground round. If I recall correctly, the round puts more energy on target than the .45 due to the higher speeds, is almost as big as the .45 (but since not as big, can carry more rounds in the same size grip), more powerful than the 9mm too.

:shrug: I like my .40's!!

[trewyn15]

I've been looking at the S/W Shield, I think I'll look at shooting that a bit when I go to the range. Does Sig have something similar in that price range?

I have big hands but they're not giant, I think I'll get a feel of if something smaller works or not when I start shooting.

[Chris Fowler]

I've been looking at the S/W Shield, I think I'll look at shooting that a bit when I go to the range. Does Sig have something similar in that price range?

I have big hands but they're not giant, I think I'll get a feel of if something smaller works or not when I start shooting.
Sig P938 is comparable.

It's a bit more expensive.

[Nox]

I don't understand the ill feelings towards the .40S&W either. To me, that is a perfect mid-ground round. If I recall correctly, the round puts more energy on target than the .45 due to the higher speeds, is almost as big as the .45 (but since not as big, can carry more rounds in the same size grip), more powerful than the 9mm too.

:shrug: I like my .40's!!

You don't understand?

The .40's felt recoil is sharp and snappy with some muzzle flip. Accuracy as well as follow up shots suffer as a result. Most people including experienced shooters shoot a 9mm and .45 better than the .40. If accuracy and shot placement is not your thing, then the .40 is great.

Of course, it can all be overcome with practice. But say you put a thousand rounds downrange with a .40 and a thousand rounds downrange with a 9mm. You will still be that much further ahead with a 9mm. Advances in ballistics technology have made the stopping power differences negligible. So the question to ask is what are the advantages of the .40?

[trewyn15]

Sig P938 is comparable.

It's a bit more expensive.

I'll check it out, i've also been pointed towards the S/W compact, more capacity, accuracy, similar price

[SnikPlosskin]

I'm about to go against popular opinion here based on your last response. You aren't looking to carry, you aren't looking for the coolest thing out there, and you are looking for easy to maintain.

Might I suggest taking a look at the Beretta m9 (92FS). It is a 9mm, easy to shoot, very accurate, easy to disassemble, easy to maintain, has a thumb safety that you were looking for, fits people with larger hands, and are right in your price range.

Agree with Red. I have a 96F. 100% reliable, great grip and one handed disassembly.

[trewyn15]

Any complaints on the Smith and Wesson S&P compacts or that line? I really like the design, hoping I like how it shoots as well.

I like some of the small accessories I see as well.

[Chris Fowler]

Any complaints on the Smith and Wesson S&P compacts or that line? I really like the design, hoping I like how it shoots as well.

I like some of the small accessories I see as well.
I haven't shot it, but I've heard good things about the M&P 9c :yesnod:

[trewyn15]

I haven't shot it, but I've heard good things about the M&P 9c :yesnod:

I hear it's a good shot and the price is great if I can get it around MSRP.

Prices seem to be all over, but I'm not in a huge rush and wouldn't mind traveling a bit to pick it up.

[JRD77VET]

..............., but wouldn't mind throwing in some hollow-points for home protection in whatever I get as well. I may carry, but it wouldn't be often.

.................


YOU have to answer these question honestly to yourself. You do NOT have to answer them here ( if fact, it would probably be better if your did NOT answer them here)

Are you willing to accept the responsibility of carrying and shooting a firearm in self defense?

Have you prepared yourself mentally to pull and fire the weapon to protect yourself or loved ones? ( this must be done without hesitation at the exact moment it's needed or you will be a greater danger to yourself and the ones you thought you could protect )

Have you practiced enough to make sure you are as accurate as you can be with your weapon?

Can you live with yourself if you do have to take a life to protect yourself?

These are questions you have to answer honestly to yourself. It's not a game with a "reset", it's truly life and death.

[Nox]

Thanks for the quick input, I think for my first gun I'd like a thumb safety.

I think that kind of rules out a Glock right away?

I've never shot pistols before, brand new for me haha always been shotguns and rifles for this guy :seasix:

Don't overthink the process of choosing a gun. Forget about the features for a moment. Go to a range. Find a few reputable guns within your price range. See how they fit in your hands. See how they shoot for you. Pick the one that fits you best and shoots well for you. Then concentrate on that platform and learn how to shoot it. I would not get hung up on decockers, thumb safeties, and other features. As long as the weapon is from a reputable manufacturer, I truly believe how the weapon shoots for you is the primary criteria. You can learn how to work with decockers and thumb safeties, etc. Making your hand fit a gun that doesn't fit you well is a whole different problem.

As far as calibers go, again, go with whatever caliber shoots well for you. At the end of the day, unless you require a specific caliber because you are assigned to some specialized team or unit, they all punch holes in paper just fine. Go with the caliber that feels good when shooting.

[Craig]

Sorry for the slow responses guys, I haven't been near a computer much this weekend but I do really appreciate all the input!

I'm looking to shoot mainly for leisure, I already have a shotgun for home protection, but wouldn't mind throwing in some hollow-points for home protection in whatever I get as well. I may carry, but it wouldn't be often.

I just want something that will get me into the handgun scene, semi-auto and easy to maintain without having to worry about it not working for some odd reason.

Sig and S/W seem to be two good relatively low priced companies to look at. I'll have to see what I like to shoot more when I go to the range this week.

This may sound wimpy, but if you want to shoot for leisure, buy a target pistol. We've got several self defense weapons, and we shoot at the range almost every week. We enjoy shooting our Beretta Veos, which is a 22lr cal semi auto. It's easy to shoot and maintain, you can get one for $250, it's reliable, and you can shoot 100 rounds for $10, plus range time. We shoot ou SD weapons just often enough to maintain them, we shoot the Veos to improve our skill, and for fun.

[Frizzle]

I would definitely take Nox's words to heart... Best thing to do is take some time and try out a few at a range before you plop down some cash.

My personal choice is the Springfield XD line.

IMO they are easy to clean and maintain. They have a nice "in chamber" indicator as well as firing pin indicator.

I've had a XD9 Subcompact and picked it up for under $300.

Not sure about the S&Ws or the Sigs but I've been recently gawking at the Sig P938 for conceal carry and the Kimber Solo Carry. Both of them are $800+ new.

[trewyn15]

YOU have to answer these question honestly to yourself. You do NOT have to answer them here ( if fact, it would probably be better if your did NOT answer them here)

Are you willing to accept the responsibility of carrying and shooting a firearm in self defense?

Have you prepared yourself mentally to pull and fire the weapon to protect yourself or loved ones? ( this must be done without hesitation at the exact moment it's needed or you will be a greater danger to yourself and the ones you thought you could protect )

Have you practiced enough to make sure you are as accurate as you can be with your weapon?

Can you live with yourself if you do have to take a life to protect yourself?

These are questions you have to answer honestly to yourself. It's not a game with a "reset", it's truly life and death.

A lot of those questions are hard to answer without using a gun yet. Family over everything, I've shown that in my actions without a weapon before, so I think some of those questions I can answer already.

I appreciate the input, definitely some good things to consider!

Don't overthink the process of choosing a gun. Forget about the features for a moment. Go to a range. Find a few reputable guns within your price range. See how they fit in your hands. See how they shoot for you. Pick the one that fits you best and shoots well for you. Then concentrate on that platform and learn how to shoot it. I would not get hung up on decockers, thumb safeties, and other features. As long as the weapon is from a reputable manufacturer, I truly believe how the weapon shoots for you is the primary criteria. You can learn how to work with decockers and thumb safeties, etc. Making your hand fit a gun that doesn't fit you well is a whole different problem.

As far as calibers go, again, go with whatever caliber shoots well for you. At the end of the day, unless you require a specific caliber because you are assigned to some specialized team or unit, they all punch holes in paper just fine. Go with the caliber that feels good when shooting.

Thank you for the wise words, you prove good points. I get a little stuck up in looks of weapons (I know this is a horrible way to choose one) and looking into what I can do to modify them. I'll walk in with an open mind and see what I like to shoot best.

Thanks again :cert:

This may sound wimpy, but if you want to shoot for leisure, buy a target pistol. We've got several self defense weapons, and we shoot at the range almost every week. We enjoy shooting our Beretta Veos, which is a 22lr cal semi auto. It's easy to shoot and maintain, you can get one for $250, it's reliable, and you can shoot 100 rounds for $10, plus range time. We shoot ou SD weapons just often enough to maintain them, we shoot the Veos to improve our skill, and for fun.

I would still be interested in possibly carrying and using for home defense though, I feel like I would want a little more than a target pistol. I do appreciate the idea though and I won't forget about it in case I decide to go another route.

I would definitely take Nox's words to heart... Best thing to do is take some time and try out a few at a range before you plop down some cash.

My personal choice is the Springfield XD line.

IMO they are easy to clean and maintain. They have a nice "in chamber" indicator as well as firing pin indicator.

I've had a XD9 Subcompact and picked it up for under $300.

Not sure about the S&Ws or the Sigs but I've been recently gawking at the Sig P938 for conceal carry and the Kimber Solo Carry. Both of them are $800+ new.

His advice was definitely great.

The XD line I just assumed was fairly expensive and out of my price range. I'll look a bit more into them and see if they're doable.

I do plan to head to the range and test just about all I can :seasix:

[Craig]

The XD line I just assumed was fairly expensive and out of my price range. I'll look a bit more into them and see if they're doable.



Several of us here have the XDs, which has been recalled by the manufacturer. I'm not a big fan of Springfield right now, I'm probably not alone here.

[Nox]

Thank you for the wise words, you prove good points. I get a little stuck up in looks of weapons (I know this is a horrible way to choose one) and looking into what I can do to modify them. I'll walk in with an open mind and see what I like to shoot best.



Many people learn the hard way... they buy the baddest ass Ninja SWAT Seal Team 6 gun they can find. They pimp it out with every accessory they fit on it, then they find out it doesn't shoot well and that it's not really what they envisioned when they set out to buy a gun. So it either sits and gathers dust or it gets sold and you move on to the next gun. Eventually, you'll find a gun you like and it will shoot well for you. The good thing is all it takes is time and money. :cert:

[trewyn15]

Several of us here have the XDs, which has been recalled by the manufacturer. I'm not a big fan of Springfield right now, I'm probably not alone here.

Care to elaborate a bit? I've heard some, I'm worried about getting a gun with issues for obvious reasons.

Many people learn the hard way... they buy the baddest ass Ninja SWAT Seal Team 6 gun they can find. They pimp it out with every accessory they fit on it, then they find out it doesn't shoot well and that it's not really what they envisioned when they set out to buy a gun. So it either sits and gathers dust or it gets sold and you move on to the next gun. Eventually, you'll find a gun you like and it will shoot well for you. The good thing is all it takes is time and money. :cert:

That's honestly why I asked for a couple of things, like thumb safety. It's just what I'm comfortable with and have used before. I really wanna get something that is a nice weapon at a decent price, again why I'm looking ahead and making this thread :D

I really want to find something that will outlast it's value and be my first gun to keep even as I get more.

[Cybercowboy]

Care to elaborate a bit? I've heard some, I'm worried about getting a gun with issues for obvious reasons.

Springfield recalled a metric crapton of their pistols, essentially every one sold since the last 18 months or so. If you sent it in already, it will sit there for awhile because they have not formalized the official fix for the problem. It makes it somewhat dangerous to unload the weapon if I remember correctly.

[trewyn15]

Springfield recalled a metric crapton of their pistols, essentially every one sold since the last 18 months or so. If you sent it in already, it will sit there for awhile because they have not formalized the official fix for the problem. It makes it somewhat dangerous to unload the weapon if I remember correctly.

Looks like there's been accidental discharges while unloading and some double shots when pulling the trigger once.

That'd be a little irritating to deal with but at least they're making an effort to fix it.