Having trouble deciding on first and only handgun

I'm leaning to the idea of suggesting you stick with a 9mm for the reasons you've mentioned about ammo compatibility. It also means you're looking at quite a bit less cost per round compared to .45acp.

If you're curious about 1911's then take note that a good variety of 1911's come chambered in 9. So you can have a pistol that is pretty much radically different from your wife's M&P which each of you can share and enjoy.

But while I can understand your desire to limit yourselves to just a gun each it sure is a hellish limitation. What about a SMALL varied collection? I'm thinking a 9mm 1911 for now and in a bit a revolver of some sort. Either a DA/SA S&W or Ruger or perhaps a single action 1873 clone to feed the inner cowboy in the both of you. And then from there

A nice setup from where I'm typing would be either a 1911 or a CZ 75/85 or Shadow (the original one found used) in 9mm and then a S&W DA/SA hand ejector model of some sort in .38Spl or .357Mag along with an 1873 clone in .357Mag from either Uberti or Pietta. Between those four handguns the two of you would have a really nice sampling of what the handgun world has to offer.

If you and your wife both enjoy shooting handguns I'd also suggest you check into the local competition scene. It's great fun to spend a good day out with other like minded souls and get to shoot guns all at the same time. And it would give both of you more reason for having and enjoying your handguns.
 
I remember when I just need to buy one good do it all gun. That was thousands and thousands of dollars ago, still looking I guess. But if I could only have one handgun it would be a 1911 for sentimental reasons that are my own.
 
"One and only" - good luck.
If your wife has a 9, buy a 9. Any of the striker fired wonder 9s, they're all the same. Some have more easily accessible parts/cheaper mags. You can buy your ammo in bulk from Tenda and start sweeping range brass. Then you guys will take your Black Badge, and start reloading 9mm in bulk. And then you will buy many more guns, each. Enjoy!
 
If you actually plan on sticking to that one and only handgun...

9mm Walther PPQ. Wait for SFRC sale etc. Just bought a PPQ M2 5" for $720 shipped to my house. The PPQ is fantastic. I already have a M1 PPQ Navy. It's by far my favourite overall pistol.
 
It really depends on what you want to do with your one and only handgun.

If you want to compete in or emulate combat shooting, then you will probably want a 9mm autoloader.

If you are more interested in shooting for accuracy and reloading for your handgun, then a revolver in .357 or .44 magnum makes the most sense.

You can load down to .38 or .44 special for target shooting, use cast lead bullets, and never have to chase your brass.

If you opt for an autoloader, it need not be a striker-fired polymer one. It's your pistol and you can choose whatever you like.

But, if it's really what you feel that it is what you have to have, that's your choice.

Personally, for my one and only handgun, I wouldn't want to have to live with a plastic one.

I have too much plastic in my life already.
 
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Hey fellas, OP here again. Thanks for all the replies, I had some laughs at a few of them. You guys are right, ideally I shouldn’t get just one. However after I get this handgun there are several other guns I’d like to get before another handgun, which could be a long time. After reading the replies and through more of my own research I’m probably going to get a striker in 9mm. Glock is a safe bet, but I’m intrigued by the FNS9 that my local shop has. Very similar to the G19, but a little cheaper, and different. Thoughts?
 
I was recently in the market for a 45ACP as I had never owned one, nor had I ever owned a Glock, so I went ahead and purchased a Glock 41 and have been VERY happy with it. Eats everything I put in it, is accurate as my feeble skills allow it to be, and it's rediculously easy to take down and get parts for. Also, sub $40 magazines are nice(shared with Glock 21, fyi). My only complaint is that it's been a bit difficult to get a holster locally, but I have one on order now.
If you have small hands, probably not the pistol for you, but if not I would highly recommend it.
People have told me that the Glock 21 is a smoother shooting pistol, but I can't say as I feel a difference at all, and I've noticed a positive difference with the extra sight radius of the 41.
Also, it's sub $900 if you don't need the MOS version.

Other 45's that I've shot and really liked were made by H&K. The USP45 is probably my favorite pistol in 45, followed by the HK45.
The 1911 models that I've shot and liked were all ~$500 more expensive that I would have liked.
I do have a Walther PPQ M2 5" in 9mm, and would really like to try 45ACP version. If it's anything like my 9mm, it would be a phenomenal pistol.
 
Dusty Boots said:
Hey fellas, OP here again. Thanks for all the replies, I had some laughs at a few of them. You guys are right, ideally I shouldn’t get just one. However after I get this handgun there are several other guns I’d like to get before another handgun, which could be a long time. After reading the replies and through more of my own research I’m probably going to get a striker in 9mm. Glock is a safe bet, but I’m intrigued by the FNS9 that my local shop has. Very similar to the G19, but a little cheaper, and different. Thoughts?
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Not saying FN makes bad pistols, but they would not be my first choice. Parts are not easy to find, mags are on the expensive side, and to be honest it was not a very comfortable pistol to fire.
 
They're good guns but under valued. You can't get parts if that's important to you holsters are hard to come by. FNS-9 is far from G19 Gen 4, but FNX-9 is much smaller in hand.
Dusty Boots said:
Hey fellas, OP here again. Thanks for all the replies, I had some laughs at a few of them. You guys are right, ideally I shouldn’t get just one. However after I get this handgun there are several other guns I’d like to get before another handgun, which could be a long time. After reading the replies and through more of my own research I’m probably going to get a striker in 9mm. Glock is a safe bet, but I’m intrigued by the FNS9 that my local shop has. Very similar to the G19, but a little cheaper, and different. Thoughts?
Click to expand...
 
Dusty Boots said:
Hey fellas, OP here again. Thanks for all the replies, I had some laughs at a few of them. You guys are right, ideally I shouldn’t get just one. However after I get this handgun there are several other guns I’d like to get before another handgun, which could be a long time. After reading the replies and through more of my own research I’m probably going to get a striker in 9mm. Glock is a safe bet, but I’m intrigued by the FNS9 that my local shop has. Very similar to the G19, but a little cheaper, and different. Thoughts?
Click to expand...

I was in the same boat as you. Tried a ton of different guns. I ended up with an FNS9L based on using one and liking it and price. Im not super concerned about accessories,holsters or additional parts like trigger kits etc. If any of those things interest you you're better off with a Glock as there arent a ton of options for FN.
 
S&W Model 629 with 5inch full lugged barrel.
Try to find the older DX Classic with round butt and rosewood grips.
Reload 44 Special for range use and occasional 44 Magnum just because.
This is one revolver that fits easily into great range firearm with pussy cat loads (a bit more juice than 38 and so close to 45 ACP) and just enough heft for full house loads.
The 625 is nice but at the mercy of those dastardly full moon clips and 45 Auto Rim brass is not very cheap.
You will not be disappointed.
 
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I hadnt owned handguns since the nineties,I started on a baretta 92f..Recently I decided to get back in as retirement is around the corner.I didnt want to spend a pile of cash until I was sure I would enjoy it.So saying that I picked up a sig p250 dao $499.At first I couldnt hit to much with it but it felt good and is super easy to clean...The trigger is long but smooth and after I got used to where it breaks, I really like it...I get pretty decent groups out of it now 1-3 at 10 yds.I bought my wife a browning 1911 a1 .22....she is a wee lass and doesnt feel comfortable with the bark of my 9. The sights sort of suck but i put a dab of orange on the front sight and its pretty decent too.Its a nice replica and it eats anything,as does the sig.We arent competition shooters by no means but we like to get out once in a while and bug each other who is the better shot.
 
If I had to have just one of my guns it would be the S&W 460 for it's versatility 3 different (4 if you include schofield) caliber is something I cannot do with any other guns
 
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