9mm pistol for a newbie

Ranger Dave

Ranger Dave

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I own lots of rifles and shotguns but never owned a handgun. What’s everyone’s thoughts on what brand to buy? I kinda like Ruger but no nothing of their handguns. I was thinking Ruger because I might pickup a PCC 9mm as well. At least they could use the same mags.

I just need to get a handgun range membership then buy one, correct?
 
I'm a huge fan of the CZ SP-01 Shadow. I think it's a great handgun for a beginner and after two years of shooting it I still am impressed with how accurate it is. Low maintenance, reliable and not expensive.
 
Ranger Dave said:
I own lots of rifles and shotguns but never owned a handgun. What’s everyone’s thoughts on what brand to buy? I kinda like Ruger but no nothing of their handguns. I was thinking Ruger because I might pickup a PCC 9mm as well. At least they could use the same mags.

I just need to get a handgun range membership then buy one, correct?
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Try to get to a range that allows walk ins and run the gambit on HG's that they have for use. That's how I made my choice besides liking a certain Manufacturer. I chose to join a range prior to the purchase of my HG, check with your CFO for details as it seems there are discrepancies from Province to Province. I am sure others will chime in that know more than me on the procedure in your Province.
 
What type of HG are you interested in? 1911 style, Striker Fire, Duty/Service, Competition, 5 inch barrel, 4.25 inch barrel, Full Size, etc.

I chose to go with a Full Size Duty/Service striker fire 9mm w 4.25 inch barrel. Beretta APX RDO and APX COMBAT.
 
CZ Shadow is a good one. Fits most people. Reliable. Parts are available in Canada. Holsters are easy to come by. Legal in most pistol disciplines. Currently on sale for August!
Glock 17 (and other models)
S&W M&P
CZ p10
Ruger American
Bersa (various)
Canik (Various)
1911 (not a make, I know) lots of manufacturers
Girsan MC28
Walther PPQ

Most of those are not expensive.
 
Glock 17/19 9mm. It's quite frankly the most boring generic and common 9mm handgun, which means it also appeals and works for the most amount of people. It has a healthy aftermarket so you can dip your toes into customizing it. It also can be found used for a half decent price as it is the most common 9mm handgun.

Glock double stack 17/19 magazines are also the most common PCC magazine so it does double duty there.

The only other PCC I can think off the top of my head that uses a not-glock magazine is the Chiappa M1-9 that uses Beretta M9 magazines. So I feel like if you want to have a pistol/rifle combo you really have to stick to Glock or Glock clone pistols.
 
I did think of Glock. I just plan on joining the outdoor range in Selkirk. I’m just looking for a reliable semi auto pistol. Outside of that I’m open to any suggestions. I’ve only shot a Sig 22 pistol 10 years ago in Thompson.
 
If your plan is too buy a "G" don't waste your money on a OEM, go straight to the Shadow Systems MR 920. As most people will end up there anyway but ends up costing them more than if they just purchased the MR.


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Be warned that the Glock 48 single stack magazines don't work in most PCC carbines that say they take Glock magazines, as they were designed for the double stack G17/G19 magazines and not the single stack G48 magazine.
 
I bought a FX-9 that uses Glock 17 magazines so I bought a Glock 17 Gen 5 to go along with it. The Ruger you can use Ruger or Glock just change the mag adapter it came with.

With a restricted you need to join a range but for me anyways the is a indoor pistol range here in my town they want a stupid amount for a membership but the range in a town an hour away from me is $15 a year.

If you can find a range near you that rents their handguns to shoot I would suggest that route or at least go to a store and handle some to see how they feel in your hand.

I own a Sig P226 and it feels awesome when you hold it then when I got my Glock it felt like holding a 2x4 was nothing like my Sig. But I have gotten used to it but it took a bit tho.

I picked the P226 and the Glock 17 because almost every police and military around the world use them so to me anyways that's a pretty high praise of the designs.

Look on YouTube there are massive amounts of reviews on guns and even strip down and cleaning videos for most common models google will get you even more reviews.

Sig P226 or P320, Glock 17, IWI Masada, CZ all excellent choices
 
The CZ Shadow runs around $800 and the 75B for $50 or so less. Either would be my first look. Neither accommodate short fingers though, Only you will be able to know if you can comfortably grasp and pull the DA trigger.

If you can't then take a look at the striker fired guns. The M&P Gen 2 comes with 4 different grip panels and I am sure one will be the right size for your short fingers. The guns are reliable as tomorrows sunrise and as accurate as you are capable of shooting for certain. I would not fuss over mag comparability with your carbine. If you go Ruger you will most certainly install the Glock insert. Glock mags like the M&P mags are relatively inexpensive and are plentiful. I love my Ruger PCC. It really is very nice carbine.

Other makes worth looking at are the Glock 17, and the Sig 320 for all the same reasons I listed for the M&P Gen2. Try them first though. Every one has their favourite toy. What I swear by might well be the worst gun you ever held so do try before you buy.

Take Care

Bob
 
Also if you unsure if this will be your thing or have a limited budget the Norinco clones are pretty popular here in Canada and altho not the best fit and finish most people say good things and they can be found for $300ish NP-22 and NP-34 are sig clones there is another one that is a CZ clone can't think of the name right now but they are cheaper and would be a good starter pistol.
 
You can use Ruger or Glock mags with the Ruger PCC. Unlike others, I would definitely recommend a Ruger SR9 if you want a striker fired pistol, especially since you have very small hands. It's one of the smallest double stacks on the market and the trigger is much better than the vast majority of other striker fired pistols. The SR9 doesn't get a lot of praise but it's a very good pistol. My DA/SA choice would be a Shadow 1 (probably the best handgun for the money). Just remember, the DA trigger is a reach.
 
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