I am looking at buying a handgun in the near future, I currently own a few rifles etc but this will be my first pistol. I really love the stainless 1911's and also the H&K .45 USP. Just wondering what you guys think is better, or if you have any other options you think would be worthy I would take those into consideration. Im sure you get asked this all the time so sorry for the redundance.
First Handgun Input is appreciated
- Thread starter mattf87
- Start date
PorkNBeans
Regular
- Location
- Central Manitoba
I just bought my first 2 recently also. When you narrow it down get them into your hand if possible. You may find what you like in terms of look doesn't exactly feel right in hand. I was consider poly-framed pistols before I tried a bunch in hand and found I just didn't like the weight/feel. I also wanted my first pistol to be a keeper, something I'd want to hand down not upgrade from. So be prepared to spend some $$ if that's your approach.
In the end I ended up with a Sig Sauer P226 Tac Ops 45ACP and a P220 Dark Elite 9mm.
In the end I ended up with a Sig Sauer P226 Tac Ops 45ACP and a P220 Dark Elite 9mm.
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I second this. Get a Ruger Mark II, they are fairly well priced and SUPER accurate and reliable.
Start out with a .22, reason being once you get your hands on your first pistol you are going to want to go to the range and blast through 100's of rounds of ammo. Would you rather spend $25 and get 500 rounds for a .22 to play with or spend $200 for the same 500 rounds of 9mm or more for the larger calibers??
Once you get the initial "WOOHOOOO I HAVE A PISTOL" out of your system and slow down your shooting and start thinking about accuracy and possibly competition, then look at upgrading to a 9mm or larger, but keep the .22 also. Training on a .22 teaches you the basics of pistol shooting such as trigger control and aim, and does it for WAY LESS money than the larger calibers.
Edit: If you are interested in the 1911 platform, the Ruger Mark II comes in the 22/45, which has the same grip angle and size as the 1911 pistols. They make a perfect training gun for the larger calibers in 1911.
X 2
Buy whichever handgun catches your eye so long as it's a common design from a reputable manufacturer. It's easy to 'chase perfect' when it comes to choosing between different handguns, and I've come to the conclusion that it really doesn't matter that much- for range shooting, all of them will work great.
Glock, Sig, CZ, HK, Beretta, S&W, Springfield.. Can't really go wrong with any of them. 1911s are great guns, just do a little research into the specific manufacturer.
I personally don't think you need to start with a .22, as long as you're willing to do dry fire practice. YMMV
Glock, Sig, CZ, HK, Beretta, S&W, Springfield.. Can't really go wrong with any of them. 1911s are great guns, just do a little research into the specific manufacturer.
I personally don't think you need to start with a .22, as long as you're willing to do dry fire practice. YMMV
You don't say in your profile where you live. If you're lucky enough to be in any of the cities that have commercial Rent-A-Gun ranges pay them a visit and try out a bunch.
A lot of us find that shooting in the various action matches put on by the local clubs are a great reason for being into handguns. If you think you'd like to join in as well you'll want to be sure you get a gun which fits the rules and which is fairly easy and not too costly to get holsters and extra mags.
If you don't want to get into reloading then stick with a .22 or 9mm. Although the cost of .40S&W and .38Spl isn't TOO much higher. But the other calibers are really great reasons to get into reloading real soon.
Most folks want to jump into semi autos. But if you can try out a revolver or two. Like with many of us you might just find that it fits in with your own intrests.
Other than this go see how a lot of them fit in your hands. And before you do that get onto You Tube and watch some videos from using the search terms "handgun grip technique" so when you hold the gun that you do so correctly as if you'd be shooting it. Your trigger finger should not need to stretch or rest on the trigger with side force and the other controls should fall naturally within reach without needing to twist the gun in your hands.
Beyond that simply stick with one of the major brand names. There's very, very few poorly designed or unreliable handguns on the market.
A lot of us find that shooting in the various action matches put on by the local clubs are a great reason for being into handguns. If you think you'd like to join in as well you'll want to be sure you get a gun which fits the rules and which is fairly easy and not too costly to get holsters and extra mags.
If you don't want to get into reloading then stick with a .22 or 9mm. Although the cost of .40S&W and .38Spl isn't TOO much higher. But the other calibers are really great reasons to get into reloading real soon.
Most folks want to jump into semi autos. But if you can try out a revolver or two. Like with many of us you might just find that it fits in with your own intrests.
Other than this go see how a lot of them fit in your hands. And before you do that get onto You Tube and watch some videos from using the search terms "handgun grip technique" so when you hold the gun that you do so correctly as if you'd be shooting it. Your trigger finger should not need to stretch or rest on the trigger with side force and the other controls should fall naturally within reach without needing to twist the gun in your hands.
Beyond that simply stick with one of the major brand names. There's very, very few poorly designed or unreliable handguns on the market.
maple_leaf_eh
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
What is a good gun to buy? The one that fits. Whatever you choose has to feel right in your hand. The fingers have to be able to reach the slide release, magazine button and safety. The slide has to be easy to grip and pull. The sights have to line up with your eyes first time.
I agree with the comments so far that suggest 9mm and .22. There is nothing worse than getting something big and heavy that snaps your wrists uncomfortably. If your local gunstore has lots of ammo in your chosen cartridge, that is great! Because, buying something exotic that has the perfect write up in Cartridges of the World, but no one recognizes, is a waste of effort.
I agree with the comments so far that suggest 9mm and .22. There is nothing worse than getting something big and heavy that snaps your wrists uncomfortably. If your local gunstore has lots of ammo in your chosen cartridge, that is great! Because, buying something exotic that has the perfect write up in Cartridges of the World, but no one recognizes, is a waste of effort.
I first bought a .45ACP. I just purchased my second an it's a 22. I would say a .22, because its cheap. The reason I like it being cheap is I can go out as much as i want, an it wont blow the bank. I'll learn technique as a I go.
- Location
- Kitchener,Ontario
I started with a .45 1911 Norinco sport and have no regrets at all.It however has gotten me into reloading now as well 
I started with a .45 1911 Norinco sport and have no regrets at all.It however has gotten me into reloading now as well
This is what I am "planning" on getting next. The only problem is that could be another gun I am buying instead. Decisions, decisions.
Einhander13
CGN Regular
- Location
- Steinbach, MB
Go to every shop that has handguns and pick up any that you think you might be interested in. I looked at maybe 10 different ones, all were good quality, but they all had differences, and pros and cons, like trigger system, ammo type, grip shape etc. I just bought my first handgun, a Jericho 941. I wasn't even considering it but I was hugely impressed by the quality and fit and finish. Not to mention it was about $100 cheaper than the 3 handguns I was debating buying.
Started with a Norinco 1911 in 45, taught myself, developed a flinch and got rid of it in short order. You gotta learn to love the recoil. Never regretted it for a second.
Many will suggest a semi 22 so I did buy a used Ruger Mark 1. It is my least used pistol, I just don't enjoy shooting rimfire.
Many will suggest a semi 22 so I did buy a used Ruger Mark 1. It is my least used pistol, I just don't enjoy shooting rimfire.
That's too bad SB because the .45ACP really isn't that bad and with target loads it is downright sweet to shoot.
But I am with the .22 guys. Mastering the trigger pull on a pistol is essential to any accuracy and it is damned hard to perfect. It is a mind/muscle trick that once you learn is incredibly easy - it's just getting over that learning curve that is difficult. The .22 is the cheapest way to learn it.
You will also need to get a reloader to maintain your edge if you shoot the bigger centrefire calibres.
But I am with the .22 guys. Mastering the trigger pull on a pistol is essential to any accuracy and it is damned hard to perfect. It is a mind/muscle trick that once you learn is incredibly easy - it's just getting over that learning curve that is difficult. The .22 is the cheapest way to learn it.
You will also need to get a reloader to maintain your edge if you shoot the bigger centrefire calibres.
Thanks for your input guys. I really dont think I am interested in a 22. I feel it would be something I would never shoot after about 1 month. I would rather just shell out to begin with and have something I can "grow" into and use it for long term. I guess my next step is to goto the store and feel out some, and maybe shoot some of the peoples I know with one. What I might consider is one that I can do a 22 conversion to so I can play around with the 22, then once I get it down switch it to the real fun.
