First Pistol Shopping

KidTactics

KidTactics

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Hey Gang

Looking to purchase my first pistol soon and my head has been spinning with all the options and opinions, youtube videos, reviews etc. I would really like a compact pistol which is obviously an issue here in Canada so i'm leaning towards a couple models of Glock or perhaps a S&W M&P 2.0. I really like the Bersa 380 but i've been reading that in this day and age there's no point of getting a 380 as there are many 9mm options that are lighter and smaller. There's also always the tried and true 1911 type pistol, I know this will mainly be a personal preference to a pistol but id like to get something around the $600 mark.

- 1911 (probably a Norinco)
- S&W M&P 2.0
- Glock 19, 48 ... anything other models i should consider?

Ive held all of them but have never fired any.

thanks
 
KidTactics said:
Hey Gang

Looking to purchase my first pistol soon and my head has been spinning with all the options and opinions, youtube videos, reviews etc. I would really like a compact pistol which is obviously an issue here in Canada so i'm leaning towards a couple models of Glock or perhaps a S&W M&P 2.0. I really like the Bersa 380 but i've been reading that in this day and age there's no point of getting a 380 as there are many 9mm options that are lighter and smaller. There's also always the tried and true 1911 type pistol, I know this will mainly be a personal preference to a pistol but id like to get something around the $600 mark.

- 1911 (probably a Norinco)
- S&W M&P 2.0
- Glock 19, 48 ... anything other models i should consider?

Ive held all of them but have never fired any.

thanks
Click to expand...
Where are you located and is there a rental range nearby? If you have any way to shoot the models you are interested in you need to do that, every gun fits every hand differently. Any of the handguns you have mentioned are good choices for a first pistol, and an M&P range kit can't be beat for value if it works for you. If you are a member of a range, see if they have a pistol club/night and get out and meet some folks and ask some questions, you will be surprised at how many handgun guys will let you try out their handguns.
The really good part is there are so many fantastic pistols in the $450-600 range you will have no trouble finding a quality first pistol, I will also recommend you look at a Canik or FNS, both are unbelievable value for the money, and you will never go wrong with an M&P or Glock, but shoot a Glock first, some people hate the grip angle on Glock pistols and find them hard to shoot well lol, I'm not one of those so I say buy a Glock :)
PS- pass on the .380 and buy a 9mm for sure
 
I would recommend a heavier metal gun. The plastic guys kick more due to light weight. I had a Glock 22, same as 19 basically and hated that gun. I had 9mm and .40 S&W bbls. The Glocks have a design where you can't reload. And (I think) expand the brass too much so the brass has issues. The loose fit makes the Glock work well but the brass is left oversize. Could be wrong on this.
 
edgy said:
Where are you located and is there a rental range nearby? If you have any way to shoot the models you are interested in you need to do that, every gun fits every hand differently. Any of the handguns you have mentioned are good choices for a first pistol, and an M&P range kit can't be beat for value if it works for you. If you are a member of a range, see if they have a pistol club/night and get out and meet some folks and ask some questions, you will be surprised at how many handgun guys will let you try out their handguns.
The really good part is there are so many fantastic pistols in the $450-600 range you will have no trouble finding a quality first pistol, I will also recommend you look at a Canik or FNS, both are unbelievable value for the money, and you will never go wrong with an M&P or Glock, but shoot a Glock first, some people hate the grip angle on Glock pistols and find them hard to shoot well lol, I'm not one of those so I say buy a Glock :)
PS- pass on the .380 and buy a 9mm for sure
Click to expand...

This right here^^^

I would avoid the 1911 if it’s your first gun, especially if you’re thinking .45ACP ( cost of ammo). They can be hit or miss in reliability ( especially in the lower end models) and can require a bit of work and $ to get what you want out of it. The field-stripping is also more complicated compared to the modern polymers.

If you want a metal gun, look at used CZ 75 and family, Beretta 92 series and even Norinco copies of the SIG P226 series.

Personally, a used Glock Gen 3-4, or a M&P 2.0 ,especially in range kit, format is a great starter gun and is right in your budget.
 
I really like my CZ75. I have a Beretta 92A1 it is nice. I have a P226 it is nice. For the money the CZ is hard to beat. I have the older one, the newer one is a lot more money. Mine is a Shadow, I think the newer ones are Shadow ll.

There is just something about a 1911. Grip angle is part of it I think. But a 1911 can have issues, be fussy with ammo etc.
 
Another vote for the MP9 2.0. Excellent value and quality.

If money isn't a concern, I enjoyed my Sig P229R while I had it. By far the best built handgun I've personally owned.

It's a compact like you want, with a slightly longer barrel.

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Glock 19 or 48 (go to a store and hold them both to decide what feels best).

For a little more I LOVE my HK SFP9! You can pick one up on the EE for a little over your budget and it just feels so right in my hands!
 
Thanks for the replies boys, i'm about an hour away from Urban Tactical in Brantford and i believe the have a bunch of hand guns that allow customers to shoot so that may be an option. I like that that MP 2.0 comes with different grips to accommodate different hands. It seems that people love the 18 degree grip angle on the MP 2.0 as well as the 1911, or they shoot Glocks and have gotten used to them.

I am interested in the Norinco NP22 Sig look alike as they are only $299 at GoTenda right now, I may go in and get my hands on one and see how they are , apparently they seem to be inconsistent in build quality and structural tolerances , but for around the $300 mark i don't expect much.

off to do more reading ! thanks again for the reply's.
 
You will spend much more in ammo over time than saving a couple $$ on the gun. And a quality gun (might) hold it's value. Some of these guns are good for thousands of rounds with upkeep, service.
 
9mm to start is very practical. Frequent sales in ammo in this caliber is very handy. Striker fired pistols like Glock, MP have only one trigger pull to get used to but lighter frame equals more felt recoil (usually). An all-metal SA/DA like Beretta 92, CZ 75, Sig P-226 etc... are good value and much fun. Many ones available on EE for around $600 budget. Realistically, if you’re interested in handguns, chances are you’ll love them. If you love them, you’ll want to own just ONE.......of each model available! Lol!

This is an addiction.
 
KidTactics said:
Still looking...

this looks interesting

https://www.gotenda.com/shop/firearms/handguns/norinco-np34-9mm/
copy of the sig p226, for $259 !

gonna take everyone's advice and go in and try to get my hands on all of em. Id love to get onto the EE forum but i just registered , can i fast track? hahaha
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Lol, actually you can fast track, buy a " CGN team membership" from the online store and you will have access, plus be able to post pics easier etc.
I do like the idea of a Norc " Sig clone" and they are a great price, I've thought of grabbing one myself, can't afford a real Sig lol, but not as a first handgun, I'd probably spend a few more bucks on something I know has support
 
Everyone has their own preferences. I'm a glock guy, specifically the Glock 17 RTF2. These used to be impossible to find new, but some dealers have them now with the normal slide serrations. I know it's not a compact though.

The M&P9 2.0 is also one of my favourites. It just feels great in my hands. The Walther PPQ M2 Navy is another one I really enjoy shooting.

For something a little more compact. I really like the Browning 1911-380. It's a 1911 scaled down to 85%. Sure feels tiny, but is an absolute blast to shoot.
 
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