First Handgun

cote_b

cote_b

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Ontario
Hi,

Im soon going to be looking for my first handgun. Want to spend between 200-300$.

So far, Ive found:

used Smith and Wesson Model 10-.38 special
new Hi-point semi-auto- .40 or .45
used Norinco 1911-.45 acp
used Walther P1-9mm
used Tokarev TT-33-7.62x25 ( no more surplus ammo available)
new norinco Chinese Police-9mm

The used ones are all in good-very good condition

I'll be reloading ammo too, so it will be affordable no matter which caliber.

Any suggestions?
 
If it has to be a centrefire handgun, I'd go for a 357 or 38spl revolver from S&W that has adjustable sights. It will have a very nice single action trigger, it can be loaded very light if you desire, and is cheap to reload. I have a model 10 (4" barrel), that was my first handgun, it shoots nicely, but I wish it had target sights. I also like 1911's, but thats a little much for a first handgun.
 
Why not just wait a little longer and save more? $619.99 buys you a new Glock 17 from Sporteque. I have seen like new in box (LNIB) Glocks for $500 in the EE. Or, if that isn't so good, make a list and put a WTB ad in the Equipment Exchange (EE) here on CGN. Cheers.
 
If you're just getting into handgun shooting I'd recommend a .22lr of some sort, like the Ruger MKII or III. Cheap(to shoot and to buy), accurate and you'll develop good technique (ie-no flinch ect).
my .02$
 
Basically, just for going to the range on weekend and shooting holes in paper. Ive been using my friends M&P9 when we are at the range for the last year or so and Im not terrible with it. A .22 does seem to be a good choice since it is very cheap to shoot. I found a Smith and Wesson model 422 within my price range. A new Ruger Mk.3 standard is also very reasonably priced. Maybe I'll get a decent .22 for now and wait until I can afford a nice centrefire.
 
.22 is th most economical. for 300 or a bit more you might find a ruger, and they resell well enough.

my model 10 is one of my favorites, and its easy to load for. get a lee classc loader for like 25 bucks and load on the table.

.38 is fairly cheap to shoot compared to .40 or .45 if you buy factory and crazy cheap if you shoot cast bullets.

if you go with the .38 and find a classic loader, shoot me a PM and ill give you a bag of nickle plated brass to get you started.
 
Start with a .22LR.

cote_b said:
...Im soon going to be looking for my first handgun. Want to spend between 200-300$...Any suggestions?
Click to expand...

It's not just about affordability of ammunition, it's really about your learning how to shoot and with less disruption from noise and recoil.

The best scenario might be a centrefire pistol and it's rimfire conversion kit, but that isn't an option with a $200.-$300. budget.

$200.-$300. might buy a good used Ruger MKII target pistol. Watch the EE.
 
.22 for a first handgun is a best bet. You can pick up a used ruger MK 1,2,3 easily in you price range. A S&W mdl 17 is an excellent choice for a .22 revolver. Either of these guns would be resellable for approx what you paid for them once you decide to move to somthing bigger/different...or if your like alot of us, you just keep them and get somthing else when the times right.
 
I was in the same boat not long ago and agree that a .22 is a must have for the cheap ammo alone. After that go with the one you want for reloading or have experience with.

My choice was the Sig Mosquito, a Glock 17 and a Norc 213. I have handeled the glock and the Norc before, but the Sig was an impulse purchase for .22.

Cactus
 
With your budget and the guns you listed I would choose the Norinco 1911. The problem here is that you are going to have to buy ammo unless you got another 300 bucks + to start reloading. .45 acp goes for about 25 bucks a box. You might be better with a 9mm or a .38 but even still you are looking at 15 bucks a box. The 22lr you can get 500 rounds for 20 bucks. So if you are on a tight budget there is really no other choice. You will want a bigger gun soon enough but you will get alot of experience, and good practice with a .22lr. My vote would be a Ruger mark II, or mark III. Good Luck.
Mark
 
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