Best pistol for a beginner?

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Sixdays

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Hey guys, I am pretty new to handguns, and firearms in general. I have been trying to track down the best deal on a norinco 1911A1 or similar to do a little target shooting at the range. I would like to keep my budget under $400 for my first pistol if I could. Not really interested in a .22 cal. I am located in newfoundland so an online order would probably be best for me. Apologies if this is posted in the wrong area, as I am very new to posting on this forum, although most questions I have asked google have directed me to you guys!:cool: I forgot to mention I would like to keep it to semi auto only. Thanks in advance!
 
At $400 or less good luck. Even the .22LR 1911 are more than that now. The Norinco is about $380 not that I've ever looked at or fired one.
Bump it up to $450 and get a .22LR clone. GSG, SIG, or what ever you can find. They are great trainers for the 45ACP 1911 and a hell of a lot cheaper to shoot. Later find a .45ACP or 9mm 1911 but expect to pay at least $800 for anything halfway good. (You can join the EE and try looking there but I still doubt you'll get what you're looking for.)
 
Sixdays said:
Hey guys, I am pretty new to handguns, and firearms in general. I have been trying to track down the best deal on a norinco 1911A1 or similar to do a little target shooting at the range. I would like to keep my budget under $400 for my first pistol if I could. Not really interested in a .22 cal. I am located in newfoundland so an online order would probably be best for me. Apologies if this is posted in the wrong area, as I am very new to posting on this forum, although most questions I have asked google have directed me to you guys!:cool: I forgot to mention I would like to keep it to semi auto only. Thanks in advance!
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If you're dead set against making it a .22LR (which I would invariably recommend to someone who is both new to handguns and firearms in general), then I would not recommend going to a .45. Its not really a matter of recoil (the .45 is fairly soft shooting), but rather cost. If it must be centerfire, then make it a 9x19mm. You will have myriad choices available to you in terms of possible handguns, many of them fairly priced and readily available, and the ammo will be the same (cheaper and readily available).
 
Thanks CV32, I'm not really dead set against the .22LR, i have actually been checking out a few on the EE page. I was just hoping to get something like a 9x19mm or a .45 instead. Thanks for the reply!
 
Sixdays said:
Thanks CV32, I'm not really dead set against the .22LR, i have actually been checking out a few on the EE page. I was just hoping to get something like a 9x19mm or a .45 instead. Thanks for the reply!
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It won't take long for the hankering for a centerfire (probably a .45, lol) takes over and you can resist no longer. I assure you of that. :) But if you want to be a better shooter, the .22LR has better potential to keep you out of trouble in that regard. And you can get off to a good start without breaking the bank.
 
I've tried a couple of 22lr pistols. GSG was the most reliable $300-$400 on the EE. Next cheapest ammo is 9mm so thats glock or sig territory , can be found in the $500-$600 range in the EE for a decent used one.
 
There's a Jericho and a CZ for $450 on the EE. There was a S&W sdve 9 for $300 awhile ago. Not sure if it's still there. The smith is not bad for $300 but I wouldn't pay any more though
 
CV32 said:
It won't take long for the hankering for a centerfire (probably a .45, lol) takes over and you can resist no longer. I assure you of that. :) But if you want to be a better shooter, the .22LR has better potential to keep you out of trouble in that regard. And you can get off to a good start without breaking the bank.
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^^^^ Good advice..
 
you know, if you're game, you could buy a 9mm that has options for .22LR conversion kits, that way you get 2in1. learn on the .22LR and have the option to plink with higher cost and more recoil when you want.

and then, if you don't use the conversion kit, you can sell it on the EE! ;)
 
Find out the price of ammo, how much you plan to shot, make sure your budget allows you to shoot. A 22lr handgun with ammo is way more fun than a 9mm sitting at home longing for expensive ammo. Forget the 45ACP, you can't afford to shoot it on your budget.

State your location, lots of nice folks at CGN local to you may help with loaners and cheap ammo.
 
Canik TP9SA
A little more money but a pleasure to shoot. Great value. 2 mags, loader and holster included for $559 from SFRC, Wolverine and others. Lifetime warranty.
Don't take my word for it Google the reviews.
 
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If you want to go cheap, go milsurp. I've seen brand new TT33 at and even below $200. Surplus ammo is dirt cheap too. I remember shooting 4" groups at 15yds with a TT33. Best bang (pun not intended) for your buck.
Good luck
 
kapitans said:
If you want to go cheap, go milsurp. I've seen brand new TT33 at and even below $200. Surplus ammo is dirt cheap too. I remember shooting 4" groups at 15yds with a TT33. Best bang (pun not intended) for your buck.
Good luck
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Toks may be cheap but recovering from the flinch shooting it will be an expensive therapy. Esp since the OP is a new shooter. The x25 is impressive to hear, see and shoot but maybe for the wrong reasons.
 
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