First Handgun. 9mm?
- Thread starter Priiter
- Start date
.22 will be anywhere from 3 to 10 times less expensive than 9mm, so it's wise take that into account and how that might affect how often you shoot, as more trigger time will almost certainly mean improved skills across the board, regardless of caliber.
That said, I started off with a 9mm and I don't regret it, but I know very well now that a .22 would have meant learning to shoot much better earlier, and without too big of an impact on the fun-factor (depending on how much bore diameter means to you...
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There are lots of 9mm choices out there in addition to the Glock, XD, and M&P; there aren't many ways to go wrong with 9mm pistols in Canada, reliability or otherwise, so as CeeZer says, picking the one that you like the most is almost certainly the best choice.
That said, I started off with a 9mm and I don't regret it, but I know very well now that a .22 would have meant learning to shoot much better earlier, and without too big of an impact on the fun-factor (depending on how much bore diameter means to you...
)There are lots of 9mm choices out there in addition to the Glock, XD, and M&P; there aren't many ways to go wrong with 9mm pistols in Canada, reliability or otherwise, so as CeeZer says, picking the one that you like the most is almost certainly the best choice.
A .22LR conversion kit is available for the G17, as it is for CZ-75 variants, 1911 variants, and others, but not for the XD, and not for the M&P.
IMO, a .22LR conversion kit for your centrefire pistol is invaluable, and this availability/inavailability for the given pistol should be a key consideration.
I would agree with choosing a 9mm for your first pistol, no disrespect for those that like shooting a .22, but you will soon find that the .22 was a stepping stone and would soon want larger anyways. I reload my 9mm for about 15.4 cents / round not including brass, as 9mm brass is easy to come by for free. Also, if you choose to get involved in IPSC or one of the other shooting sports you will already be off to a good start. I chose a CZ75 and now own 2 of them, neither have ever jammed or given me any grief. I have about 1000 rounds through one and about 8000 through the other. Some like to use the conversion kits and shoot .22 through theirs, I know myself it would never get used, .22 just doesn't do much for me and prefer to shoot what I would actually be using in competition. Thats just a personal preference and may find you enjoy a .22 as well.
Go .22 first... Look into a full size .22cal such as a Sig P226 Classic 22 and when your ready buy a 9mm X-Change unit... 2 calibers one pistol. You can also look at a 1911 platform and get a 22 conversion for it.
I waited over 1 month for my bulk 9mm. Yes I could have bought a box of 50 rounds here and there but it cost more and 50 rounds go fast... like in 20 mins. But buying in bulk, 50 rounds cost me $11.45 but if you go .22lr a box of federal 525rds cost $22.00 and hours of fun PLUS you learn proper trigger control and handling of a pistol. Cause you will flinch with 9mm factory loads and you will shoot 7 oclock (depending on the distance you're shooting) and you will curse a say your pistol sights are out of wack and so on but you won't blame yourself because it's not you... it's the pistol.... I know... I've done it and still do it but I'm getting better.
Something to think about... but hey, it's your money and patiences for 9mm.
Had a Glock... sold it for a M&P9 because it felt better in my hands. The M&P9 is double stacked but feels like a single for me.
I waited over 1 month for my bulk 9mm. Yes I could have bought a box of 50 rounds here and there but it cost more and 50 rounds go fast... like in 20 mins. But buying in bulk, 50 rounds cost me $11.45 but if you go .22lr a box of federal 525rds cost $22.00 and hours of fun PLUS you learn proper trigger control and handling of a pistol. Cause you will flinch with 9mm factory loads and you will shoot 7 oclock (depending on the distance you're shooting) and you will curse a say your pistol sights are out of wack and so on but you won't blame yourself because it's not you... it's the pistol.... I know... I've done it and still do it but I'm getting better.
Something to think about... but hey, it's your money and patiences for 9mm.
Had a Glock... sold it for a M&P9 because it felt better in my hands. The M&P9 is double stacked but feels like a single for me.
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Gearbanger
Member
- Location
- The Big Nickel, Ontario
After a long debate between 9mm and .40, I chose to go with the .40-Cal when I bought my Glock 22. Always plenty of .40-cal brass around, since about 95% of the Police services in Canada use that calibre. And as already stated, Advantage Arms already sells a nice .22LR conversion kit....although its about 2/3 the price of a whole gun.
starting out shooting a handgun i would say a 22 is best as it will give you some confidence in shooting a handgun and then go up from there. if you reload you can save a lot of money with the 9mm but a 22 is still the cheapest way to go and have lots of fun at the range.
I was told by many that a .22 should be the first choice for a handgun. I decided to go for the 9mm instead simply because my first handgun want was the M213 and I picked one up for $150.00. The Walther P22 was my choice for a .22, but I wasn't interested in spending more than what I paid for the M213. I already owned a non-restricted Beretta CX4 Storm and Ruger PC9 so I had lots of 9mm ammo on hand, and locally 9mm hand loads can be had for $12.00 per 50.
A .22 pistol is my second choice.
Whichever one fits your budget and is the most comfortable in your hand. Personally I didn't like the M&P. Glocks are good but didn't shout out "BUY ME" to me. I have two XD's (9 & 45) and use the 9 in production class for IPSC.
Actually, with the exception of ammo prices, 1911's are great starter pistols. The .45 is much easier to control than the snappy little 9mm's so you did good starting off with a 1911. We normally suggest people starting off with a .45 at my club/work (except all the LEO's we get then we recommend their own personal version of their duty gun).
My first two purchases (same time) were a 9mm and a 1911 but the 9mm arrived at my door first. Then I sold it for the XD9. The 1911 is still sitting happily in my lockup and gets taken to the club as much as possible.
hugehodge83
Regular
- Location
- Halifax NS
I would definatly recomend any CZ 75 model in 9mm (or any cal for that matter)... really great reliable pistols and cheap!
To be honest, I would recommend something chambered in .38 S&W. Not .38 SPL, .38 S&W. It's an old, outdated rimmed cartridge but boy is it ever fun to shoot No one will probably agree with this, but I wish I had bought my Tanker or my Pre-victory prior to buying my first handgun (.45acp)... would have been much quicker with the learning curve
No one will probably agree with this, but I wish I had bought my Tanker or my Pre-victory prior to buying my first handgun (.45acp)... would have been much quicker with the learning curve 
- Location
- Maple Ridge, BC
I think 9mm is a good place to start. Fun, not too pricy and statisfiing without being intimidating. Glock 17, M&P, CZ, P2000 all very good. Just go with the one that appeals to you. I started with a Glock and have since moved on.
I was stuck deciding on Glock 17 and Sig 226. I have decided to spend the extra bucks and go for the Sig. I fired over 1000 rounds combined with those two. I like them both but I want the Sig because it looks nicer to me, and it's DA/SA.
I will buy a .22lr handgun eventually because the ammo is dirt cheap compared to anything else. However, for me, it's not nearly as fun as shooting 9mm.
I will buy a .22lr handgun eventually because the ammo is dirt cheap compared to anything else. However, for me, it's not nearly as fun as shooting 9mm.
- Location
- Edmonton Alberta
The first handgun i shot was my dads first hand gun, a 357 magnum, aka 38 spl.s were being shot mostly but the 357 was so much fun, the next time I shot a 22 hand gun it left me feeling kind of bored and it felt pointless to me since there was no power to me, but I have been shooting a beautiful 22 rifle for 15 years so in a hand gun it seems pointless to me. I have since shot a .45 acp and find it a thrilling gun to shoot as well but when it comes to making my first purchase, I will be buying a brand new Glock 17 3rd gen with laser sight, 5 mags , belt, hoster, mag pouches and 500 rounds for $1000 even. With a deal like that Im very excited to get in in the next couple weeks... Getting 500 rounds for $120 buck isnt a big deal at gun shows its sometimes cheaper than that so for only 5 times the ammo price, and half that of all other calibers it seems the obvious choice. Especially since I can fully strip the gun into what 6 or 76 pieces in its entirety and put it back together in 15 seconds? I'm no gunsmith so its a big plus for me.
This is all my opinion and what feels right to me but its all related to my life experiences and what felt good in my hands so if somethign else feels better get it.
This is all my opinion and what feels right to me but its all related to my life experiences and what felt good in my hands so if somethign else feels better get it.
I always steer first time buyers towards a decent quality used .22. In that you're not likely wanting to invest in reloading equipment just yet the .22 makes perfect sense. I'm sure like 98% of us your first handgun purchase won't be your last.
rfo1
rfo1
