First Pistol (Update)

Well I looked at some more pricing and from what I can tell, the USP'll cost me about $300 more than a Glock 17. I'm REALLY not a fan of Glocks, but does anyone think it's worth the extra money (comfort set aside - I wish there was somewhere I knew about that sold pistols or enabled me to handle some!).

-Rohann
 
When I saw my new gun's factory target it came with I was somewhat dissapointed but then got to think of it and: 1) the 5 shots were fired at 25 meters 2) I don't think they use highly accurate and expensive ammo to do the test shoot.
When I took my piece to the range I was very happy to see better groups but the shooter (me) is the reason they still can be tighter :D
 
Seeing as the Glock seems to be the cheapest out of all of them, would the SIG or USP be worth the extra cash? Also, would it be worth trying to get one of these used? I'd be willing to pay it if it is.

Ceezer: What pistol was this?

-Rohann
 
Is there anyone near Nanaimo that has any of the above listed that I could possibly try out? I'd pay for any ammo used, and it'd be much appreciated.

-Rohann
 
Hi!

Glock was my first gun. It was great as a first gun, but I have since moved far away from it. I regret that I didn't buy a SIG P-226 instead as a first gun. I would still shoot it (unlike the Glock).

I have bought a USP 9mm Full size Variant 1 about a month and a half ago. This gun is nicely made, accurate and reliable, but not my #1.
It's because of a thick grip. I have to hold gun in such a way that it's neither natural nor comfortable to shoot. When I position my hand so that the web of my shooting hand is properly positioned, my fingers (or more accurately - the part of the finger between the distal and proximal joint) are lining up to the right of the center axis of the grip, but I'm dead-centering the shots. But when I hold it like this, it's not natural for my hand size and I have to keep reminding myself to hold it properly or I'll start griping it to line up my fingers (or more accurately, the part of the finger between the distal and proximal joint) with the axis of the grip and I'd start grouping shots to the left.

I also don't like the shape of the beaver tail which does not support the web of my hand the way it should.

I've fired close to 700 shots from it in 1.5 months how long I've had it. I am still keeping my Zastava CZ 05 as my primary gun (can't be bought in Canada). That one fits my hand perfectly and is stunningly accurate. It's based on SIG P-226.

Overall, it's an awesome gun, but not the best gun for me. Try the grip on a few guns at least - if you can't try shooting one. hat should at least steer you in the right direction.

I would personally buy a SIG P-226 over a USP.
 
Thanks for the concise answer! So it really comes down to comfort then. I'm hopefully going to be able to try out a 226 and a Steyr pretty soon, so I'll see how those work for me. Hopefully I can find someone locally with a USP and try it out.

-Rohann
 
Rohann said:
Thanks for the concise answer! So it really comes down to comfort then. I'm hopefully going to be able to try out a 226 and a Steyr pretty soon, so I'll see how those work for me. Hopefully I can find someone locally with a USP and try it out.

-Rohann
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Most every modern brand-name gun shoots better strapped down to a Ransom rest than from a given shooter's hand.
If you are a good shooter you will be able to shoot most guns with a respectable accuracy - with a few tweaks in sight adjustment, the grip, the stance... you can achieve nice groups. So IMO the real question is "which gun out-of-the-box can lie the most naturally in your hands, without any adjustments in sights, trigger, etc. and still shoot the best"?
I have given you the details of my experiences with a USP since your question was related to USP specifically, and all the reasons why I liked it and one major drawback why I hated it.

For that reason I suggested to at least try the grip and comfort of a gun if you can't shoot it... it's not just the comfort; it's the overall package :)
You may be surprised to find that the best gun for you is something none of us here had suggested ;)

TRY, TRY and TRY!!! That's the best advice I can give you. Ask people at you range to let you try something different every time.

Glock is a great gun, but if you buy it, don't be surprised if you decide to trade it in within a few years (my own experience).

GOOD LUCK!
 
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9mm is a good starting caliber, cheap and easy to shoot. Pick the gun that fits your hand the best. I've owned a USP, Glock, Steyr M9 and a 1911, and I've shot a Beretta 92 and Sig 226. I was a USP fanboy when I started shooting, but I ended up shooting the Glocks more because I find them more comfortable.

If you can find a way to shoot a hundred rounds through each type of gun you're considering, you'll know what to buy.
 
Handguns are a very personal thing. Once you learn enough about the differences you appreciate little things on a particular model. It could be the balance, different grip angle, even the way the gun looks. You are not going to know what is best for you until you have shot for a while. And what works for someone else may not work for you.

Don't expect that the first gun you buy will be "the one". Buy something that feels good and shoot it. As you come across other guns try them. You may move to something else in time or you may not.

If you buy a gun used you can save a decent amount compared to the price of a new gun. I have only bought one gun new (a Norinco) otherwise I have bought over 60 used guns. Other than stuff I bought for collection the target guns were all in very good to new condition.

If you buy used at a reasonable price you will not normally loose much if you have to sell it. Sometimes you can even make money on it. I don't tend to sell guns that I buy but others will buy something, shoot it for a while, and sell it again. Nothing wrong with that. But I hear from those guys all about the gun that they should not have sold. The trick is to recognize when you found the one and keep what you really like.
 
Thanks for all the advice guys, I appreciate it.
Unfortunately that's exactly my dilemna; there're few people that I know of here with pistols, and to the best of my knowledge no shops that carry pistols. I've also looked at the F&G club schedule and there's nothing listed as far as IPSC or any pistol-shooting goes, so it's going to be difficult for me to be able to handle/shoot many of the above listed. Hopefully I'm getting an opportunity to shoot a P226 and a Steyr pretty soon, so that'll knock those off.
No one willing with a USP around the Nanaimo area?

-Rohann
 
Rohann said:
Thanks for all the advice guys, I appreciate it.
Unfortunately that's exactly my dilemna; there're few people that I know of here with pistols, and to the best of my knowledge no shops that carry pistols. I've also looked at the F&G club schedule and there's nothing listed as far as IPSC or any pistol-shooting goes, so it's going to be difficult for me to be able to handle/shoot many of the above listed. Hopefully I'm getting an opportunity to shoot a P226 and a Steyr pretty soon, so that'll knock those off.
No one willing with a USP around the Nanaimo area?

-Rohann
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If you can make a visit DVC indoor range at Poco, you can buy a day pass to try almost everything you want. I know they have 226 as well as Steyr.

Trigun
 
Where is Poco exactly?

Edit: Nevermind, clued in. That's a bit of a stretch for me to get out there, as I'm quite rarely in the Vancouver area and never in PoCo.

Anything on the island?

-Rohann
 
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Rohann said:
Thanks for all the advice guys, I appreciate it.
Unfortunately that's exactly my dilemna; there're few people that I know of here with pistols, and to the best of my knowledge no shops that carry pistols. I've also looked at the F&G club schedule and there's nothing listed as far as IPSC or any pistol-shooting goes, so it's going to be difficult for me to be able to handle/shoot many of the above listed. Hopefully I'm getting an opportunity to shoot a P226 and a Steyr pretty soon, so that'll knock those off.
No one willing with a USP around the Nanaimo area?

-Rohann
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Just pick one that is your favorite color. :p
 
But they're all my favorite color :confused:;)!

Well I'll do my best to handle as many as possible...I really don't want to fork out the cash for a USP if I haven't handled it yet, as a lot of people find it quite uncomfortable.

-Rohann
 
Rohann, take a long hard look at the P2000s at Wolverine Supplies. I have a USP9 and just bought the P2000. I dont think the USP will see much use now :p The P2000 has adjustable grips, is a pleasure to shoot and is damn accurate and reliable.
 
TheCanuck said:
Rohann, take a long hard look at the P2000s at Wolverine Supplies. I have a USP9 and just bought the P2000. I dont think the USP will see much use now :p The P2000 has adjustable grips, is a pleasure to shoot and is damn accurate and reliable.
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Why the HELL did you have to go and post that, huh!? Now I have to make plans to buy one...













































biggthumpup.gif
 
TheCanuck said:
Rohann, take a long hard look at the P2000s at Wolverine Supplies. I have a USP9 and just bought the P2000. I dont think the USP will see much use now :p The P2000 has adjustable grips, is a pleasure to shoot and is damn accurate and reliable.
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So do you prefer the P2000 over the USP because of comfort? (It seems like that's what it mainly comes down to). I'm not really a fan of compacts (at this point) personally; I'd like something a bit larger (i.e. 226 or USP), though it depends on what fits me best.
I gotta say though, the 226 is starting to grow on me! Hopefully I'll be able to play around with one soon to see how it works for me.
The general consensus seems to be that USP's are only comfortable to a small amount of people. Why is this? I have fairly big-sized hands, so would that work potentially?

Also, can anyone think of pros/cons regarding the USP vs. the 226?

EDIT: Well something I forgot to consider! Magazine cost! Unfortunately both brands' magazines are the same price so that doesn't help me there. I gotta say though, the 226 is REALLY growing on me.

-Rohann
 
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Yes i prefer the P2000 over the USP due to comfort. They're both equally as reliable and equally has precise. They will both last the same amount of rounds, but the P2000 will also be a bit faster on follow up shots.

The USP might also be the ticket for you if you have bigge rthan average hands. I have average hands, and find the USP to be ok comfort wise. The P2000 just goes that extra mile(more like an extra couple miles)

The P2000 also comes with night sights.
 
TheCanuck said:
Yes i prefer the P2000 over the USP due to comfort. They're both equally as reliable and equally has precise. They will both last the same amount of rounds, but the P2000 will also be a bit faster on follow up shots.

The USP might also be the ticket for you if you have bigge rthan average hands. I have average hands, and find the USP to be ok comfort wise. The P2000 just goes that extra mile(more like an extra couple miles)

The P2000 also comes with night sights.
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Post some more pics for us! :D

You might just get me to buy one early... ;)
 
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