ATTN: Experienced Shooters!!! Toronto Newbie needs your help.

[TheBigLubelsky]

Hello Canadian Shooters;

I am new to the world of licensed firearm ownership and my experience with firearms is broad but limited. I have fired various different weapons long and short, and I have recently passed both my restricted, non-restricted and hunting qualifications, thanks to the team over at York Regional Firearms Academy (Thanks Richard, John, Mike, Luiz, and Janice for everything). The courses were very informative and thorough. I have since recommended them to several of my friends, it was a great experience.

On to the point of my thread, I am currently considering a variety of handguns for my first purchase and like any other significant firsts, I want this to be long lasting and worthy of bragging to my friends about. I have medium sized, strong hands but they don't fit the larger grips comfortably. I am interested in opinions on both revolvers and semi-autos, and I am interested in eventually trying out the competitive aspect of shooting once I've gotten some experience.

-What is the best bang for my buck when it comes to the caliber of ammo?
-What are some brands of ammo? How do the companies differ in quality?
-Money is somewhat of an option, what are some good entry level, quality handguns that will surely endure the test I'm planning on putting it through?
->I am not interested in .22's, I have shot them, they make me feel like I have a ###### (no offense ladies, THOSE are AWESOME). 9x19mm and up, please and thank you.
-If anybody knows of any good dealers and licensed retailers around Toronto or relative, surrounding area, please let me know.

I would also be grateful for any opinions on the Springfield XD Tactical series, and if anyone knows roughly how much an XDM costs that would be much appreciated.

Thank you very much for your time,
-a new enthusiast and fellow hunter.

 

[StormTrooper]

Welcome to the world of no bank balance!

Before purchasing a handgun, I would definitely recommend visiting Target Sports for a famil. shoot, to see which gun fits you best, and decide from there. Caliber and reliability wont mean much if you buy a firearm that's not for you.
The smaller the caliber, the cheaper. In a SHTF scenario, I would still personally choose a 9mm over a 45, simply because I can place a lot more effective rounds on target, faster. And they are always readily available. But to each his own, it really depends on what works best for you, and what you train/practice with.
When it comes to ammo, I usually purchase as many (100 rds per box) boxes of 9mm Winchesters (FMJ - 115 g) as possible, since it's a lot cheaper than most if not all 50 round box ammo. I've had no problem feeding them through a P226. But they are not always available and usually get bought up fairly quickly.
If you are looking for a cheap, and reliable gun, I recommend a Glock. If you are looking for reliability, and are willing to spend a few more bucks, look into the Sig P226.
As for dealers, once again, pay Target Sports a visit, they are in the sponsored section on top of the page. They are in the Newmarket area, very friendly and helpful, and can give you further advice before you make the purchase.

Good luck!

 

[t-star]

i don't get WHY all the newbies are hung up on AUTOMATICS- your first gun should be simple, cheap to operate, and RELIABLE- ie a DOUBLE ACTION REVOLVER- either smith or ruger, in 38/357- YOU LEARN NOTHING BUT POINT AND SHOOT with an automatic- and it almost mandates that you learn how to reload, and get a progressive or turret press right out of the gate- first gun, non 22- easy-gp100, smith 686 or 586, security 6, ( no adj sights on the speed 6) or something akin to that- this current crop of automatics has been generated by hollywood- i've been at this coming up 40 years and i still load 5 beans in the wheel not for safety, but b/c it's easier to keep my round count- and i don't HAVE to locate my brass, bend over, etc- swing the cylinder open and it's right there- and i LEARNED on a 45 1911-