First handgun purchase...any reconmmendations under $500??

RichPenny

RichPenny

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-As the title says i am looking for my first handgun and I am torn on what to get for under $500. I am open to any suggestions or whether revolver or semi-auto is better for first time (preferably not single shot)

also maybe suggestions on 22LR vs 9mm would be appreciated, please excuse my ignorance for I am new...
 
Depends what you like. My brother owns a double action revolver 22lr. It was cheap and relatively quick to load. My other buddy owns a Norinco 1911 22lr. Very fun to shoot also.

So it depends what you like. I prefer semis. I like the tac look. I've held a s&w m&p 22 and liked the feel. If you like that type check out the Walther P22

Dan
 
I started with a M&P 22, love the gun!! Feels great in hands, shot well. It was a good trainer for when i purchased a M&P 9mm. Holsters for them work with both as well.
 
.22 is definitely the way to go. There's more of a choice in a semi.
Don't think Norinco has a 1911 in .22, but does/did have the M93, a good semi-auto shooter.
GSG has the 1911-22, which is a popular .22 in a 1911.
Ruger MKIII is another good one, if you're looking at a new semi.
 
Really comes down to what You like and your budget. $500 will get you the HG but then you have to feed the pig. 9mm is not too bad ($$) and .22lr is cheap.
When it comes to .22lr I prefer semi's(Ruger MKIII). Centerfire.....I prefer revolvers(Smith). A used Glock17 is simple to field-strip/clean. Learn to shoot it and you'll be on your way.
Good luck in you choice and let us know what you decide on......
 
I'm new to shooting as well so I'm watching this thread closely :)

One thing I've noticed is the cost of ammo. Quick survey of ammo sponsors advertising on gunnutz:

.22LR - $10 / 100
9mm - $30 / 100

I'm leaning towards starting with a .22 myself until I can get a little more accurate - then maybe I'll upgrade to a .60 cal ;)

 
I would recommend a .22 revolver as you don't really have to worry about stoppages or only specific brands working in your semi. A used .38spl/.357 revolver is also a good choice. A TT-33 is also a good option although ammo prices seem likely to go up in the long term.

Personally I prefer the revolvers (brass is simple to collect, don't really have to worry about stoppages which is a bigger issue if you are shooting a .22, etc.) but somehow I own more semis then revolvers, go figure.
 
You cannot go wrong getting a good revolver, in 38/357. I personally used S&W Mod 10/13 for years. Never a problem. Semi autos have their good points, but are a lot more prone to jambs and problems than a revolver. Even the cop in Ferguson learned that when someone is grabbing at your semi auto and causes the slide to move even slightly out of battery, it won't fire.......click click click....nothing. If a revolver doesn't go "bang", just pull the trigger again.
 
M&P 22 on sale at Jo Brooks for 389. Extra magazines are 30. Free shipping over 300. This is my first handgun purchase even though I was looking at getting a 9mm as my first.
 
Used Ruger Mk-II with bull barrel and target sights. Roughly $300-$350. They are always for sale somewhere.

I'd take it over a Mk-III at any price

9mm depends on what you like. Used Glocks, budget 1911's, Girsans....
The norc siggish is solid, but really lacks refinement and the feeling of quality (my brother has one). I'd take the Girsan berettaish over it, and I owned the Girsan at one point.
 
As others have stated , get a Ruger Mark 2 , or 3 Semi in 22 cal. ; they are accurate , and cheap to shoot . I have a Ruger Mark 2 with a bull barrel that I bought back in the early 80s.....I still use that pistol more than all my other handguns combined.....
 
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I like the GSG, so far its been quite reliable, and really starts to work nice after they are broken in, usually about a 1000 rounds later.
 
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