Another first handgun thread: Seeking any and all input I can get.

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Hannebauer

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I know there are many topics like this, as I have been watching these threads daily for over a month (I think I am hooked). I am looking to spend roughly under/around a K (as my upper limit) on my first handgun(s?), and I would like some input and to hear some people share their experiences. When I started my search I was inclined towards the Baby eagle, due to some of the information I had found; lack of recoil, reliability, accuracy and initial cost being the key reasons (I also like the look). But since then I have been thinking a little more long term and considering a CZ Shadow, or Sig 226, or MP 9/40, with an eye towards an easier long term ownership through the availability of after-market modifications and ease of obtaining things such as replacement parts and spare mags.

I am leaning towards more of an all steel gun, because of the flinch issue I had expecting that much muzzle flip, and I would prefer to keep recoil and muzzle flip to a minimum. But I am also open to some polymer guns, but I don't see too much in their favour since the gun will never be carried, so I dont really see too much value in going with a lighter weight material.

My question is: What else should I be considering? I know I would like to get a .22 at some point for practise, but I want my first hand gun to be a 9mm or a 40 that I can easily convert to 9/.357 down the line to keep costs down but still allow for some spice every now and then. I am not too interested in revolvers due to the greater leverage them seem to have on one's wrist, since the last time I shot handguns I liked the the .38 and 9mm as well as the .22 over the .357 mag a friend let me shoot, as I wasn't ready for that much muzzle flip and recoil (which led to the development of some minor flinch issues).

I am also interested in hearing more on the Berreta 92 and Taurus clone, but reviews that I have found seem to say that the ergonomics are not as nice as the CZ or Sig, and that it is not too kind a gun for those with medium to small hands, which I have. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing what you have to share.
 
I'll say what i usually say. Get a sig 226. If you have considered it, you definitely won't go wrong with it and it fits your requirements. Plenty of parts/mags, All steel, and .22 kits are quite common. Not to mention a track record of great reliability, as well as great ergonomics. Just be warned, once you buy one sig....it never ends with just one, as I'm now experiencing.

Oh hey, and I just realized your in the okanagan. I'll do you one better, give me a shout when you have some free time, and I'll bring my 226, and my brother will bring his beretta to the range. Can't help you with the CZ though.
 
All steel or half plastic, has nothing to do with a flinch, the flinch is in your mind not in your hand. The weight of the pistol will have no bearing at all on you flinching or not. It has to do with thinking that you will so you do. I have found in my experience, that people develope a flinch from the noise not the recoil. A good set of ear defenders combined with ear plugs will do more for you then anything else. Dry firing practice is a requirement, as often as you can followed by trigger time on a range with a mixture of snap caps and live rounds.

Scott
 
A 9X19 is cheaper to fuel than a .40, or .45. Avoid exotica, like 10mms, or .357 Sigs, as you won't find as many ammo bargains.

If you want to cast bullets, avoid polygonal rifling. Some of the Glocks that are imported come with Restricted-length conventionally-rifled aftermarket barrels. Glocks are nice, because of the huge amount of aftermarket stuff available for them.

Give serious thought to fibre optic sights...but be prepared to have replacements for the tubes.

If you like the Beretta M9, look at the Girsan clones--someone posted pics of them on this forum, and the machining is absolutely flawless.
 
You can't go wrong with either a CZ Shadow or a P226 (Enhanced Elite if hands are small to medium). Both are amazing, well built, accurate, and fun to shoot.

Go to your favourite gun dealer when they have one of each in stock. Pick up one at a time, close your eyes, take a breath, and dry fire (with permission). Purchase the one that feels right to you. When you are range ready, shoot that puppy like there is no tomorrow. Repeat again and again as time and wallet allows - and have fun. The whole flinch thing will cease to be an issue as it is in your head, not in the gun.
 
What you really SHOULD do before going too much farther on the decision process is get together with a few buddys and make a field trip to DVC down here in Coquitlam where you can rent a bunch of the guns you're considering and actually get to hold and shoot them. I'll warn you now that it's not a cheap trip but for the cost you get to come away with a big smile and having a far better idea of what each gun feels like and how it works with you.

Before you go into it you want to consider that there are two major styles of triggers and two major styles of guns. The triggers break down to hammer and sear fired vs striker fired. The triggers feel quite a bit different. CZ, 1911's and SIG are examples of hammer/sear guns. Glock, M&P and Ruger SR9 are examples of striker fired guns. THen there's the all metal vs polymer frame guns.

Bring a camera and a note pad when you come down for your shooting field trip. And avoid even considering it on a Friday unless you take a day off and come down early so you can shoot during the afternoon. Friday evenings are Lady's Night and the place is a zoo by 6:30 to 7 until closing. Take notes as you go and take pictures of the guns. Otherwise by the time you've shot 8 or 9 of them it'll all be a blur.

The nice thing about picking a quiet time is that they'll let you take out two or three guns and try a magazine or two through each. Take notes and take pictures. THen go back to your top three choices and try them again.

Be sure to get them to give you a few pointers on the proper grip before you get too far into it. Otherwise you won't know if the gun feels right or not. As a starter watch these two YouTube videos for the hints they provide;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysa50-plo48
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0HkjXpQBxc&playnext=1&list=PLF669756659A25E7E&feature=results_main

This second link leads to a series of 5 videos with lots of good gripping hints.

Another factor to consider is that you may want to get into some of the handgun competitions such as IPSC, IDPA or even just local Speed Steel or similar. In such a case being able to obtain a good holster that is made to fit the gun well and allow easy holstering and drawing will be important. And being able to source reasonably priced extra magazines. So it's best if you can stick with one of the more mainstream handguns to ensure that you can get these accessories reasonably easily.

And while you're at it try their revolvers. Your fear about the revolvers kicking up just isn't justified.

Like you seem to be I had zero intrest in those odd looking revolvers and shot lots of their semi autos. Then one day I wanted to try something different so I got a box of .38Spl and took out the 4 inch barrel Model 10 they had for rental. It was literally love by the time I'd shot the second cylinder worth of ammo. I know own more revolvers than I do semi autos. The only one that has any appreciable muzzle jump is the big Ruger Super Blackhawk when I'm shooting full power .44Mag rounds from it. And even then it's no where near the "slap me in the forehead" sort of kick that you might see on You Tube.
 
I have a CZ75 SP01 Shadow...Hands down the best in 9mm. I had a NP22 that was sweet so i imagine the Sig 226 would be sweeter.
 
As another poster pointed out I will go with what I always suggest, a Sig 226. Loads of aftermarket parts, great reliability, and personally I love the decocker on it. Good luck with the choice though, just remember that at some point you will probably end up with all of them. You can never have just one. . .
 
I just recently got my RPAL and have been doing much of the same research, Although I would love a CZ shadow, I can't swing just under $1K right outta the gate, something about justifying to the misses, I'm sure most of you will understand. I finally hit the buy button on a new Norinco 1911a1 deluxe. $402 after taxes and shipping from Epps. At that price it was easier to explaine. Now I play the waiting game with the ontario CFO.
 
Lots of people recommend a .22 lr first. I would disagree with that. I bought one first and was bored of it pretty quick and ended up buying a .45 about 2 weeks later. Rimfires just don't have the same excitement to me. Just my 2 cents
 
I start every outing at the range with a session of .22LR to warm up. Trigger time is trigger time, 22 is cheap, lots of fun and good practice.

The learning curve when starting with a larger center fire pistol is gonna be somewhat more frustrating.
 
Take a close look at the Tanfoglio Combat line - all steel, decent parts availability and they start at a bit over $500 new. Freedom Ventures (site sponsor - link at the top of the page) is the distributor and carries a wide selection of Tanfoglios.
 
My first pistol was a Glock G17 9mm. Inexpensive, reliable and cheap to shoot with aftermarket options.

If your looking for something with a little bit more kick then I recommend a STI Spartan IV in 45acp. 1911 based, bull barrel, adjustable rear sights, aftermarket parts available especially if your a left handed shooter like me and want ambi safety and mag release as well. Under 1000$ new.

I the end one thing people overlook the most on there first purchase is its all about how well the pistol fis your hand. People can recommend whatever they want but it's what fits you best in the end that will really make you happy.
 
Sorry, just had a long winded reply and my fkn kindle fire deleted it...Of the ones you listed I would go for a Sig. Keeping in mind your desire for "all steel" I would also take a look at the Beretta 92FS,Browning HP and the CZ(although I have very limited experience with the CZ they seem to have many loyal followers)

I would go for 9mm without question. And I would get a Glock.....just me though
 
In a 9....get the CZ Shadow...no contest including Sig 226.I had both...I just found the CZ to have a better trigger and very little muzzel flip..It will be less expensive too..good luck on your choice..
 
Some great advice here. Try before you buy, if at all possible.

If not, don't stress. I think too many guys worry too much about "which gun is right for me". Just buy a pistol and see how she goes. If it turns out you want to try something else, you really won't lose much on resale if you shop around and get one of the popular models.
 
I started out with a CZ75 in 9mm, it was expensive to shoot, and quite enjoyable..

But when I wanted to finally learn how to shoot, a .22 was the best learning method, reduced recoil, cheap ammo, and it lets you figure out how to get rid of that damn flinch..
I went with the GSG 1911 .22..
 
It's really difficult to provide someone who has no context as it applies to pistol shooting *with* context.

Here is some advice I give to anyone who asks me about getting their first pistol:
1) Go 9mm or .22 for you first pistol. The cost of feeding it will be reduced. Most folks don't want a .22, so go 9mm. You can always get a 1911 in .45 later.
2) Get a decent pistol (Glock, M&P, Beretta 92, STI Spartan, Sig 226, CZ75, etc). It really doesn't matter. There is no perfect choice and it's impossible to know what you like. Just try to stay mainstream (ie not a Desert Eagle) in the event you decide you want to sell it later.
3) Try to keep it stock. See the later part of #2 above.
4) If you get bit by the shooting bug, you will buy other pistols. I don't think I know anyone who only owns 1 pistol. If you don't get the bug, see the last part of point #2. This is why you shouldn't feel too much pressure about the "right" first pistol.
5) Get some coaching from someone who knows what they are doing.
6) No, the pistol is not shooting "low left"... That's you. See #5. ;-)
 
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