My first pistol purchase!

[Eastwood11]

Hi everyone,
I like to start by saying if this post is in the wrong place I am very sorry, delete my post and I will repost in the right place.

Ive recently acquired my RPAL and am very excited to purchase my very first pistol. I'm looking for help with recommendation of a good first handgun in the price range of 500-700$ (new or used). I know a lot of these questions must be very redundant to the experienced shooters on these forums and I apologize for that, but i would really appreciate your input!
I would eventually like to get involved with IPSC production class, so i would like my first purchase to be capable of competing in IPSC production. A lot of people have told me to first get a .22 and then get a 9mm once i am familiar with handguns, but I am a university student and i just don't have the extra money to buy a .22 then buy a 9mm a few months down the road once i get more familiar. Therefore, i would like my first pistol to be 9mm.

That being said, I am open to any 9mm suggestions. A lot of the resources i am finding on prices seem to be American, so price ranges for popular models or good Canadian resources would also be appreciated.

Thank you very much fellow GunNutz!

 

[TheJuggernaut]

I have seen the light and I now own a 22 but I still insist that unless you're a child or a girl, if you have to pick one gun, a 22 isn't the ticket. So in my opinion, you've got it right.

Have you tried shooting various calibers, are you sure a 9 is what you want? I'm in NO way saying there's anything wrong with it, I'm asking 100% seriously. You may prefer another caliber. If you're in the Toronto area we could meet up at a range. Between me and my friend, we have pretty much everything from 22 to 50AE.

That said, if you're reasonably confident in 9mm being what you want, I'm hugely biased. I didn't actually plan to own a 9. But then I tried a 92FS and I absolutely, positively HAD to have one. It's got as much "cred" as anything, looks drop dead gorgeous and will eat anything you feed it for as long as you could want (I've gone through 200 rounds of crappy MFS ammo in one sitting and not a hint of trouble).

Before you buy, you HAVE to try though. After you put together your short-list, post a thread asking to try someone else's or see which one of your local ranges has one to rent. Don't assume that a popular gun will feel good. I hate Glocks and if you judge a gun's comfort by its popularity, then I must have hooves for hands but there it is. I dislike the HK even more and that's supposed to be the pinnacle of polymer guns. One of the criticisms the Beretta gets is that it's for giant hands and mine are far from it, and I find it fitting like a nice suit. So regardless of what you read about here, make sure your decision in the end is based on your own practical experience.

Some suggestions to try from me:
Beretta 92xx (92F, 92FS, 92FS Inox [shiny 92fs], 92A1 [tacticoolest])
S&W M&P9
CZ75 (various models - I think these are butt ugly, the SP-01 less so, but the ergonomics are magic and if you're looking for a competition gun, the credentials of this one are hard to argue)

 

[tazik]

Welcome, your post is at the right place.

My first gun was a 9mm, than a .357, and only after that a .22lr, there is nothing wrong to go with a 9mm and just focus with it to increase your ability. I bought my .22 in order to initiate my 11 years daughter, with the time I found this gun fun to shoot ......(she's now shooting my 1911 .45acp here and there...).

Disregard all crap comments put downs on Gun Brands, there is so many choice out there, let's not focus on only one brand.

Good 9mm will comes in : Sig / Beretta / CZ (I like the CZ Shadow, don't have it ...yet) the Shadow is way right fit in the hand) / Norinco for less $$$$ / etc.... one thing : you got what you pay !!!

Glock also a good gun, but less weight = more recoil, my PX4 Storm Beretta is like that, but with less recoil than a Glock 17.

Platform of 1911, some are with the 9mm but more than $700..., I was not 1911 until I bought one (.45),,,,,,wow,, just in love with it, my 1911 do not have much more recoil than my Beretta 92fs, very well balance and full metal.

I prefer Full metal than polymere, you will have to decide what is your preference.

Good luck and welcome to the world of shooting !!

 

[tazik]

I hate Glocks and if you judge a gun's comfort by its popularity, then I must have hooves for hands but there it is.

lolll, I personnaly don't like Glock either, it is like holding a 2x4, however.....they might be a good gun,,, but I will not recommend as a first gun......(I don't have one, but I've shoted a G17).

 

[silverfoxdj]

A recent post with the same request basically:

http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/foru...w-guy-needs-help-First-pistol-recommendations

 

[Eastwood11]

Thank you all very much for the input! And unfortunately Juggarnaut, i'm all the way over in Nova Scotia, but thank you for the offer! The reason I decided to go with a 9mm for my first pistol was because many people have told me the 9 is a more "forgiving" platform to learn on, and they tend to be cheaper to shoot. So far i have put the most research into glock and the cz 75 shadow but have been unable to find either of these for under $700, and again this could be due to my poor online resources. Recently i have been looking at the STI spartan, does anyone have any experience with these? Also what is a reasonable price on a used glock 34 or an XDM 5.25?
I have held glocks and i do not seem to mind the grip, this could be due to my large lanky hands.

 

[andrew3081]

Most cz75 go for $700 to $800 brand new.

 

[KeltecFan]

Wolverine has the CZ 75 P07 Duty for $625.00. I was also going to suggest the Armalite AR24 from them but they are out of stock. I'm not sure about the IPCA (Do you mean IPDA?) requirementss so maybe this gun is not right for you. Just putting it out there. I have large hands and found the Glock 17 and even the 20 to be easy to handle so I get that you might not have a problem with it. Whatever you do though, handle what you are planning to buy. I always wanted a 92SB until I shot one. Not for me. If you like the 1911 platform, I just found a really good deal for you. Again, on the Wolverine site, there is a SAM 1911 in 9mm. It's $495.00. That is a good deal. In fact, I would buy it if I wasn't already committed to other purchases.

Good luck and have fun.

 

[tazik]

if your budget is 700$ and then you make a choice for a 850$ gun, ..... , wait 1-2 months and go for it...., take your time....

CZ Shadow is way ###y and so much right fit, at least.....take one in your hands.....

 

[BCRider]

Well, first off it's IPSC rather than IPCA. Not sure where you picked up those initials.

While the 9mm is reasonably forgiving and reasonably cheap to shoot it's a LONG way from being as forgiving and cheap as the rimfire guns. And you're going to do a LOT of practice if you want to get ready for shooting in IPSC. 9mm also is more than capable of developing a nasty flinch in a lot of shooters. Most in fact. So if you find that you are not shooting decent groups then it's likely you're one of the flinching masses. The amount of ammo you need to buy to get the practice needed to beat that flinch can easily exceed the cost of a decent but lower cost rimfire pistol and the same amount of rimfire ammo in some cases. So keep that in mind if you end up being on the flinch bandwagon.

In the meantime I'd suggest you get in touch with your local club(s) that shoot IPSC and attend their meetings and events. Get a feel for the folks and shooting while you're collecting the gun, belt, holster, mag pouches, extra mags and ammo that are needed to participate in these events.

As mentioned above there's not a lot of bad options. But pick one for which you can easily get the holster and spare magazines that you need for IPSC. There's some nice guns out there which are not all that well supported with the holster side of the issue. Glock, S&W, CZ and Beretta all seem to be good from this aspect.

Next is to find one which feels right in your own hands. And that's where getting to get out to the club events and meetings comes in. You'll likely get a few invitations to shoot the guns belonging to the other members to try them. To be nice be sure to bring your own ammo.

 

[RememberTheSomme]

Eastwood you have answered alot of your own questions in your posts. You are correct in buying a center-fire first,.... and a center-fire in 9mm for your first pistol.

You are also in luck on your budget range. It just so happens.... the best 9mm pistol ever made, the Glock 17 ,can be had in this price range, now isn't that something, the best for the least, you won't find that too often today now will you. My second consideration I would show you, would be the M&P 9, preferably a range kit. I have the Glock, but I am much impressed so far with my sons M&P9, ....is first pistol too by the way.

There are lots of great reliable, accurate 9mms out here from CZ's to Sig's to whatever,........ultimately you will choose what you want,... it's your money,...but if you are a new shooter with no bad habits to re-train out of and purely from this standpoint,....I'd say a modern striker fired gun like the Glock or M&P9 are a match made in heaven for you. I learned pistol old school DA/SA many years ago, and only switched to striker fired guns awhile back. They are where its at as far as I'm concerned to start on. No SA cocked and locked , no 20 lb double action trigger pull on first round with assorted safeties and decockers and so on and so forth. Just a nice clean, easy to shoot, long lasting, safe, reliable pistol.

The only drawback, if in fact it could be even considered this,..... to buying and shooting extensively a Glock or an M&P9 type pistol first is this,......you might find it harder to enjoy the older designs after the fact. I progressed to the striker pistol and now find going back to SA/DA or grip safeties like those found on the 1911, somewhat awkward to get accustomed to again, and that after feeling totally comfortable for years with. There wouldn't be any need for you to have to go back to any DA/SA, so there it is.

.........So try a G17 or maybe a M&P, get lots of bulk FMJ's, and pound the thing till you dictate where it is in your hands and it shoots where you point it,... round after round. Enjoy.

 

[Eastwood11]

Sorry that was a spelling mistake! I meant IPSC.
If i decide to purchase a gun online, is wolverine the way to go for handguns? Ive heard a lot of good things about them. Anyone in the Nova Scotia area recommend a good gun store with a large selection of handguns?

 

[RememberTheSomme]

Sorry that was a spelling mistake! I meant IPSC.
If i decide to purchase a gun online, is wolverine the way to go for handguns? Ive heard a lot of good things about them. Anyone in the Nova Scotia area recommend a good gun store with a large selection of handguns?

Pm me if you'd like,... and I'll try to set you up on whats available and where in our part of the country. There is competitive pricing with our provincial dealers as good as, or better than, at the National level.

 

[tazik]

Eastwood you have answered alot of your own questions in your posts. You are correct in buying a center-fire first,.... and a center-fire in 9mm for your first pistol.

You are also in luck on your budget range. It just so happens.... the best 9mm pistol ever made, the Glock 17 ,can be had in this price range, now isn't that something, the best for the least, you won't find that too often today now will you. My second consideration I would show you, would be the M&P 9, preferably a range kit. I have the Glock, but I am much impressed so far with my sons M&P9, ....is first pistol too by the way.

There are lots of great reliable, accurate 9mms out here from CZ's to Sig's to whatever,........ultimately you will choose what you want,... it's your money,...but if you are a new shooter with no bad habits to re-train out of and purely from this standpoint,....I'd say a modern striker fired gun like the Glock or M&P9 are a match made in heaven for you. I learned pistol old school DA/SA many years ago, and only switched to striker fired guns awhile back. They are where its at as far as I'm concerned to start on. No SA cocked and locked , no 20 lb double action trigger pull on first round with assorted safeties and decockers and so on and so forth. Just a nice clean, easy to shoot, long lasting, safe, reliable pistol.

The only drawback, if in fact it could be even considered this,..... to buying and shooting extensively a Glock or an M&P9 type pistol first is this,......you might find it harder to enjoy the older designs after the fact. I progressed to the striker pistol and now find going back to SA/DA or grip safeties like those found on the 1911, somewhat awkward to get accustomed to again, and that after feeling totally comfortable for years with. There wouldn't be any need for you to have to go back to any DA/SA, so there it is.

.........So try a G17 or maybe a M&P, get lots of bulk FMJ's, and pound the thing till you dictate where it is in your hands and it shoots where you point it,... round after round. Enjoy.

Agree with you fo the first gun as a center-fire....go for it,....but Man .... way to much sold on your Glock llllooollll,,,, open your mind ....what the heck ? no 20 lb....let's get serious here.,,,, Eastwood.... make your research on this ....I will tell no more....

Glock 17, polymere platform, good gun, way different than a 1911, it is a personnal choice, and by your comments, well.... you have something against 1911 ??

Glock best 9mm ever made..... loll,,, that where you lost me ...but yes if I buy a Glock it will be a G17 gen4 or + ......

DA/SA action is so personnal choice......,

Modern striker ..... what the heck?????

lolll, your reference for the M&P is just for covering your commitment on the Glock ...so funny ..... and yes M&P also good choice....

 

[tazik]

Sorry that was a spelling mistake! I meant IPSC.
If i decide to purchase a gun online, is wolverine the way to go for handguns? Ive heard a lot of good things about them. Anyone in the Nova Scotia area recommend a good gun store with a large selection of handguns?

no sorry there, it's ok, take the time to let go the crap down and make choice with your feeling, MANY good guns available,

 

[RememberTheSomme]

Agree with you fo the first gun as a center-fire....go for it,....but Man .... way to much sold on your Glock llllooollll,,,, open your mind ....what the heck ? no 20 lb....let's get serious here.,,,, Eastwood.... make your research on this ....I will tell no more....

Glock 17, polymere platform, good gun, way different than a 1911, it is a personnal choice, and by your comments, well.... you have something against 1911 ??

Glock best 9mm ever made..... loll,,, that where you lost me ...but yes if I buy a Glock it will be a G17 gen4 or + ......

DA/SA action is so personnal choice......,

Modern striker ..... what the heck?????

So what pull weight is on your DA/SA pistol in DA? Do you use it in DA on the range? If you don't use the DA feature, what's it on the pistol for anyway?

My first pistol was a 1911 over 30 years ago. A true Classic with alot of history behind it. I will own one again more for nostalgia, but for a new shooter starting out I'd pick a "Modern" striker fired gun. Easier to learn to shoot, and for the price range we are talking 500-700, I'd say more reliable.

I see you compared the Glock to a 2X4, so I'll guess you're probably as narrowed minded as me on pistols. For the same reasons? Probably not.

 

[KeltecFan]

Sorry that was a spelling mistake! I meant IPSC.
If i decide to purchase a gun online, is wolverine the way to go for handguns? Ive heard a lot of good things about them. Anyone in the Nova Scotia area recommend a good gun store with a large selection of handguns?

Wolverine is very good to deal with. I've purchased mostly from Wanstalls. They also have a nice Ruger SR9 in stock right now. The best thing to do is feel one and even better is to shoot it. Hopefully, you will get good advice from folks near you.

I'm going to check out that SR9 tomorrow. My latest Wanstalls purchase has just been blessed by the BC CFO. Woot!

 

[tazik]

So what pull weight is on your DA/SA pistol in DA? Do you use it in DA on the range? If you don't use the DA feature, what's it on the pistol for anyway?

My first pistol was a 1911 over 30 years ago. A true Classic with alot of history behind it. I will own one again more for nostalgia, but for a new shooter starting out I'd pick a "Modern" striker fired gun. Easier to learn to shoot, and for the price range we are talking 500-700, I'd say more reliable.

I see you compared the Glock to a 2X4, so I'll guess you're probably as narrowed minded as me on pistols. For the same reasons? Probably not.

lolll, way to go Man, no not because of narrow mind for the 2x4, seriously... I did my work, I've shot a G17... and it was my feeling (more recoil than the PX4, which is bring more time to put back sights on the target...) ...that's we are talking here, personnal experience..., so the G17 was way off ergonomic compare to my PX4....

Yes I use my DA action, no it's not 20 lbs.

I was not 1911, until I bought one 2 months ago...., Remington R1 enhanced ..., this 1911 do not have much recoil than my 92fs and way accurate out off the box, I am more accurate with it than my 92fs (and yes I know I have to increase my experience with the trigger control, however, it comes natural with the 1911).

PX4 Storm / 92fs / Ruger Mark III Hunter / Colt 1911 .22lr / S&W 686p (.357magnum 7rounds) / S&W 629 (.44magnum) / Tokarev 1945 TT33 2x / Remington R1 enhanced (.45) / incoming....

 

[TheJuggernaut]

Thank you all very much for the input! And unfortunately Juggarnaut, i'm all the way over in Nova Scotia, but thank you for the offer! The reason I decided to go with a 9mm for my first pistol was because many people have told me the 9 is a more "forgiving" platform to learn on, and they tend to be cheaper to shoot. So far i have put the most research into glock and the cz 75 shadow but have been unable to find either of these for under $700, and again this could be due to my poor online resources. Recently i have been looking at the STI spartan, does anyone have any experience with these? Also what is a reasonable price on a used glock 34 or an XDM 5.25?
I have held glocks and i do not seem to mind the grip, this could be due to my large lanky hands.

Gotcha. Well we have many members from your neck of the woods, post a request to come try some of the pistols you're interested in. Everyone's been in your shoes so all but the tightest-sphinctered will let you shoot their guns, especially if you supply the ammo.

Yeah, pricing on the Glock and CZ is the price you have to pay for a gun that is this popular. Rule of the wife-beating stick is: buy popular guns new, buy not so popular guns used. For instance, you will often find brand new Glocks for the same price or less than used ones on EE. While you can save a few hundred buying a Beretta used.

I've never owned an STI but the word in the 1911 world is that both the Spartan and Trojan are the best guns for the money in their categories. So if you dig that one, you won't be disappointed.

If you like the thickness of the Glock grip, try the Beretta. I dislike the angle, plus the absence of the beavertail makes my chunky hands a delicacy for the Glock slides.

Anyway, I'm definitely not trying to discourage you from buying a Glock, I'm just trying to drive the point home, like a cold shower, that this is as individual as how you take your coffee. The world's least popular gun could easily turn out to be your favorite, and it doesn't even have to have anything to do with how well it shoots. Start with looks, you should get a little swollen when you look/hold it. Then once you have a list of eye candy, go shoot them all and decide. If you can't pick between a few, then buy the one that makes the most sense (you found one for sale for a good price, it's IN STOCK, and it fits your budget). You'll end up buying many more later, rest assured!

 

[Eastwood11]

Pm me if you'd like,... and I'll try to set you up on whats available and where in our part of the country. There is competitive pricing with our provincial dealers as good as, or better than, at the National level.

That would be very helpful! I will most likely send you a message tomorrow at some point. Thanks again for the help