First Pistol?

Hawk

Hawk

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Probably been posted here 1000 times but i sifted through the threads and could not find what i wished to know

so

here i go, even though i probably know the answer......

Wanting to buy my first pistol. i dont want to spend a fortune on my first because it may just be a fad for me and after a few months at the club i may lose interest.
I want to shoot economically and ammo prices seem to be all over the place
i am thinking of just going to the bottom of the scale of ammo and starting at the 22LR rims, so i have been looking at new and used.

i see stuff for $100, i see stuff for $600, i se eused prices all over the place. I know the TOP names like Colt and CZ and etc. I like the thoughts of the semi autos and do see a lot of cloner 1911's, even norinco has one and is available sometimes in canada new.

I see Astra and Erma which is unknown to me, and that worries me but.......

I dont want to break my wallet on my first pistol initially or after with the ammo. But I dont want to have a terrible experience either or i will lose interest and quit as quick as i got into it.

I think you see my thoughts now.

bluntly, without much detail and why, if based on your experience with pistols, what is your Nays and Yays on various brands and models?

and am i thinking properly about 22LR? or is there something also that is economical to shoot? I will not reload my own ammo, so i will buy it from wherever i can get it cheapest. 9mm?

thanks folks
 
I'll sum it up so this doesn't have to go on for 10 pages. Figure out what your price range is and buy a gun within it, keep in mind it will cost you a lot more to feed it than to buy it. $300-$400 buy a Norinco 1911 or Sig clone if you can afford to shoot them, if looking for rim fire in that price range try a Ruger semi auto or single action, GSG 1911 is nice too. In the $500-$700 range there are a ton of good guns, Ruger SR9, Glock 17/22, S+W M+P, CZ, Steyr, etc etc. in my opinion, .22 is great because its fun and cheap but I find it gets boring, I need something with a little more kick. 9mm is great because it relatively cheap compared to other centre fire pistol ammo and is more fun to shoot than .22 is. Depending on your budget, maybe get into an entry level 9mm, something like a Norinco 1911 in 9mm and then go with a GSG 1911 in .22, then you would be shooting the same basic platform. The best advice I can give and I'm no expert, is go to a range that you can rent handguns and try out a few and see which ones you like, or at least go to a gun shop and handle several and see what fits you best, when you pickup the right gun you will know right away, it'll just feel "right".

Or you could just buy a Glock and never look back..... ;)
 
Starting with 22LR is a great idea. Ruger Mark 1,2,3 pistols are very popular and are very good value. I have one and love it. Any of the Browning Buckmark models would also suit you very well.

If you like the 1911 platform and plan on upgrading later, the GSG 1911 will get you familiar with the 1911 at an economical point. The GSG is has good value for around $400.

Ruger Single Six is a great choice if you like single action revolvers. Smith & Wesson or the new Ruger model would probably be the best choice if you prefer a double action revolvers.

Hope this helps. Generally, I think you should handle a few and see what feels best, as personal preference is important and YOU have to enjoy shooting it. Good luck on the search.
 
I have to agree that initially a 22 handgun might not be the best bet. Honestly... this may not be PC but you wanna get hooked on handguns, you got to be able to feel some recoil... blow crap up and have a good time doing it. It's a simple reality that a 22 has very little recoil and makes tiny holes.

Now don't get me wrong... a GSG is a nice gun... and cheap to run but I'd side with the 9mm vote. You might even be able to get a 9mm platform cheaper than a GSG.

Aaand... if you do buy a decent platform like a glock 17 and don't beat it up you'll be able to sell it no problem if you get tired of it. The CZs are nice too. A buddy picked one up for a few hundred that fits like a glove and shoots awesome.
 
good info! keep it coming!

I did take the Range course a couple years back and have my membership but after i finished the handgun safety acceptance thing i just went back outside and blasted Clays on the Skeet range. I never followed through and got a pistol. During the Range Course i shot a lot of pistols, different actions and different cals. But i cant remember what was what.

so i am going to ask dumb questions here now.

1. 9mm? i see guns that are 9X19mm. is that the same as just saying 9mm? are all 9mils the same?

keep the comments coming! i am learning and narrowing it down. Thnkx!!!
 
9x19mm is the standard 9mm round im no expert.. but i think theres alot of name for the 9mm round..

9mm luger / 9mm para.. are they all the same?( i think luger is the common 9mm)

theres other 9mm rounds like 9x18mm and i think 9x23mm (completly different)

9 = bullet diameter
19 = casing lenght?
 
9x19, 9mm luger, 9mm para, 9mm nato are all different designations of the exact same round. 9mm nato might run a little hotter (more grains) but it'll still work. Such as a glock being labeled (on the slide) 9x19mm and a sig labeled 9mm para, they both shoot the same round. But as noted above 9x18 and others are COMPLETELY different rounds.
As for which pistol to choose, like others said go to a store or range and hold/fire as many different models as possible that are close to your price range (keep in mind more expensive new can still be in your price range used). You'll find a couple that are better in your hands than others. Personally I would recommend a .22lr classic Sig Sauer P226, can find one new for less than $600 and best part is you can later buy a 9mm conversion kit and be able to shoot 9mm. From what I have seen, Sigs generally keep their value pretty well. So if you get the .22 and later decide you don't like it you'll most likely be able to recoup most of what you spent.
 
If you are used to shotguns then recoil should not be an issue with a handgun, 9mm ammo costs a lot more than .22LR but you are not going to get bored trying to hit the target. If you can find an experienced shooter to show you a few things this can save a lot of wasted ammo. I don;t have much experience with 9mm so I can't recommend any particular gun but I have a SAM Commander 1911 in .45ACP and it is proving to be a good value for the money...well made and reliable. They also make a 1911 in 9mm, here is a link to a dealer that has them:

http://www.wolverinesupplies.com/products/firearms/handguns.aspx?page=4
 
celtic1123 said:
9x19, 9mm luger, 9mm para, 9mm nato are all different designations of the exact same round. 9mm nato might run a little hotter (more grains) but it'll still work. Such as a glock being labeled (on the slide) 9x19mm and a sig labeled 9mm para, they both shoot the same round. But as noted above 9x18 and others are COMPLETELY different rounds.
As for which pistol to choose, like others said go to a store or range and hold/fire as many different models as possible that are close to your price range (keep in mind more expensive new can still be in your price range used). You'll find a couple that are better in your hands than others. Personally I would recommend a .22lr classic Sig Sauer P226, can find one new for less than $600 and best part is you can later buy a 9mm conversion kit and be able to shoot 9mm. From what I have seen, Sigs generally keep their value pretty well. So if you get the .22 and later decide you don't like it you'll most likely be able to recoup most of what you spent.
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+1 to that.

I really like shooting something with a little more kick.

The advantage to a Sig P220/226/229 is that you can get the 22lr conversion kits for them, or start with the 22 classic as mentionned and upgrade it for around 400 buck later, if you get bored with 22. With the ability to change calibers on the same frame you can build consistency with grip, pointing etc.

Another pistol I'd highly recommend for a first would be the CZ75/85 family. They're a great value. I used to own one a regret selling it. They also have a .22lr conversion kit (called the Kadet), and they are much easier on the wallet than your average SIG.

If you're like me and end up wanting something punchier, like a 40 or 45, being able to put a 22lr slide on the gun give you the oportunity to check for signs of a flinch developping... and save a few bucks on ammo when the budget gets tight.

My 2 cents.
 
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pilot_dc said:
+1 to that.

I really like shooting something with a little more kick.

The advantage to a Sig P220/226/229 is that you can get the 22lr conversion kits for them, or start with the 22 classic as mentionned and upgrade it for around 400 buck later, if you get bored with 22. With the ability to change calibers on the same frame you can build consistency with grip, pointing etc.

If you're like me and end up wanting something punchier, like a 40 or 45, being able to put a 22lr slide on the gun give you the oportunity to check for signs of a flinch developping... and save a few bucks on ammo when the budget gets tight.

My 2 cents.
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Wicked advice, I'll second that.

I'm looking for a .22LR conversion kit when I get the P220 I'm after.
 
the brain budget tug of war continues!!! So much good advice that i never thought of. Thankx guys keep it coming

When i was shooting other guys stuff at the club, there were a couple cals that shook the testosterone right out of my "boys". Cant remember what cals they were. 357? 44m? maybe. Me-Hawk stays away from them now...... haha

i like the idea of conversion kits!
 
For many of us a big part of the fun with a handgun is the ability to use it in some of the action "games" such as IPSC, IDPA, Steel Challenge or Cowboy Action Shooting. You may want to look into such events at the club's in your area and attend a few as a spectator to see what they are all about. One or two of these events may just provide the stimulus you need to figure out if you want to shoot handguns or if it'll be a passing fancy.

There's tons written in the past about conversion kits. The basics are that;

  • Conversion kits typically cost as much as a fairly nice major brand name lower cost model complete gun.
  • They make a lot of sense if you will only buy ONE handgun and want to become VERY good with the one handgun. But as soon as you branch out and begin shooting another handgun the advantage of "one platform with one trigger pull" is tossed into the flusher and the handle pulled. At that point you may as well have a nice complete rimfire of some sort that is similar but doesn't need to be identical to your other center fire handgun.

The heavy hitters you tried from a revolver would/could have been .357Mag or .44Mag. Both try their darndest to shorten your arm with beaucoup recoil and produce big grins. Both are great for a few rounds at the end of the range session to leave you with a feeling that you want blue rare steak when you have dinner after the range session.... :D The .357 can be shot for quite a while with no issues. But when I shoot full bore .44Mag I'm good for about two cylinders worth then I'm done.
 
I started with a 22 revolver in 1971 and don't regret it. Unless you reload or have lots of money the 22 LR is the way to go. Rugers are a good place to start either revolver or semi auto especially if you don't know if you will like pistol shooting. Unless you just can't live without a particular model adjustable sights are always good. Generally pistols take a fair bit of practice to gain proficiency hence the 22.
 
My 1st handgun was a .357 magnum, what I wanted, while my 2nd one was a .22, what I needed. Seriously, a .22 should be either your 1st or 2nd handgun, as you need to shoot a lot to get good, so why not do it cheaply?
 
Here's some ever BETTER advice. Don't buy anything yet. :stirthepot2:

Instead:

Go to the range, talk to people, make friends. Then offer to buy gas/pay for ammo (cheaper than buying guns at first; it's a disease, trust me, once you start you can't stop :p). Ask people nicely and I guarantee that instead of buying something, hopping that you'll love it, you'll get to shoot more guns than you know what to do with. Personally, if someone approaches me at the range to chat, and asks about my toys, there's a 99% chance I'll invite them to shoot (and expect nothing in return). I'm an enthusiast who really enjoys the sport/hobby and wants others to enjoy it too...
 
If you are in a try it out mode and budget position perhaps a Smith and Wesson M&P Range and Carry Kit is worth considering. For $600 you get a 9mm (economical round with good punch) Polymer Frame Stainless Slide & Barrel, 3 sizes of Backstraps (size of grip), 3 Magazines, Holster, Mag Pouch, Speedloader, Carry Case and even Earplugs. A pretty decent deal and everything you could want to get started spending time at the range. You will still need appropriate glasses and ear defenders however.
Just so you know - You are trying a very addictive hobby and before you know it you'll have more guns than hands and a long list of wants. Good luck. :)
 
My kids could have gone to university…. Then I got into shooting...

Blessed said:
If you are in a try it out mode and budget position perhaps a Smith and Wesson M&P Range and Carry Kit is worth considering. For $600 you get a 9mm Polymer Frame Stainless Slide, 3 Magazines, Holster, Mag Pouch, Speedloader, Carry Case and even Earplugs. A pretty decent deal and everything you could want to spend a little time at the range. You will still need appropriate glases and ear defenders however.
Just so you know - You are trying a very addictive hobby and before you know it you'll have more guns than hands and a long list of wants. Good luck. :)
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pilot_dc said:
My kids could have gone to university…. Then I got into shooting...
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I sympathise. I'm into it for +/- $8k. I'v had my RPAL since July.
And with the state of our economy you would think the Fed would be trying to encourage every scrap of consumerism it can - rather than shut it down.
 
pilot_dc said:
Here's some ever BETTER advice. Don't buy anything yet. :stirthepot2:

Instead:

Go to the range, talk to people, make friends. Then offer to buy gas/pay for ammo (cheaper than buying guns at first; it's a disease, trust me, once you start you can't stop :p). Ask people nicely and I guarantee that instead of buying something, hopping that you'll love it, you'll get to shoot more guns than you know what to do with. Personally, if someone approaches me at the range to chat, and asks about my toys, there's a 99% chance I'll invite them to shoot (and expect nothing in return). I'm an enthusiast who really enjoys the sport/hobby and wants others to enjoy it too...
Click to expand...

I would do the same, and I have multiple times.

A guy at the local range was asking to shoot the P226 the shop had, but it had been out on the range.
I over heard the conversation and asked him if he'd like to try out my P220, and to swing by when I got all set up.
 
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