First pistol should be a .22. the second will be a very masculine .454 casull or some kind of magnum....eventually, you'll end up with a plastic 9mm(because of costs). If you don't put a round into your floor you're doing fine. Your mitts will determine everything in time.
First pistol purchase decision/need advice
- Thread starter Blurr[SOAR]
- Start date
That reminds me about ugly (subjective), but cheap and accurate Hi-Point.
my first handgun(s) was a Glock 22, and a gold desert eagle .44 magnum 
desert eagles are lots of fun... when they don't jam. glocks are a safe bet, so are springfield xd's. in less than 2 months i have purchased 7 handguns, but only have fired 1 of them prior to buying it (the glock). they're all fun, i plan to buy another 3 before christmas. but the more i get the less practice i get with each gun. try carrying 7-10 guns to the range, it get's heavy
desert eagles are lots of fun... when they don't jam. glocks are a safe bet, so are springfield xd's. in less than 2 months i have purchased 7 handguns, but only have fired 1 of them prior to buying it (the glock). they're all fun, i plan to buy another 3 before christmas. but the more i get the less practice i get with each gun. try carrying 7-10 guns to the range, it get's heavy 
I think the popularity of the Glock, Sig Sauer, M&P, and variety of 1911 models speaks for itself. Aside from .22LR, 9mm is definitely the way to go as far as least expensive ammo goes and since you seem to be jumping right into IPSC .22LR isn't really an option for you. Test shoot all you can and choose whatever you feel most comfortable with. Personally, I love my M&P, don't particularly care for the feel of the Glock grip, and can't afford a Sig. You're going to find as many opinions as people you talk to and there really is no "best answer", so go with your gut and whatever feels right in your hand.
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- Location
- Chilliwack, BC
I appreciate everyone's opinions and advice. I just got home from the range and had a blast at the IDPA practice. One of the members lent me his SIG P226 to run the course. Big mistake...because I really enjoyed shooting it! What I don't like about it is the price. Going to see if someone will let me shoot the M&P and see how I like that.
I am hesitant about purchasing a pistol without firing it first. I like the Ruger, but to not have fired anything through it makes me really uneasy about buying it.
I am going to go straight to 9mm since I do want to join IDPA, it's just too much fun and I don't want to be on the sidelines with a .22 while I see all my friends shooting in IDPA.
I am hesitant about purchasing a pistol without firing it first. I like the Ruger, but to not have fired anything through it makes me really uneasy about buying it.
I am going to go straight to 9mm since I do want to join IDPA, it's just too much fun and I don't want to be on the sidelines with a .22 while I see all my friends shooting in IDPA.
Great decision to fire what you will buy. Even if you have to pay, do it, and treat it as your initial investment. Test fire as KingGeorge and others suggest.
Go to your range or a big range on a very busy day to increase the likelihood of bumping into members who may have models that are on your list. Off the clubs I have been too, most members are happy to let others try out a magazine. Offering to help clean up brass from their stall or some similar act should be a great ice-breaker.
As for the Sig, buying new is not cheap, but if you look hard (on the EE), there are nice ones available at very reasonable prices. Last week a CGN seller (going back to school) sold a year old 226 fired less than 100 rds for $750 shipped. Likewise for the 9mm M&P, as these are being sold around $500-$600 shipped. As your plans include shooting IDPA, some EE sellers already include additional mags and sometimes with holsters and the like.
Other than my first couple of pistols, have bought 4 used and 1 new from the EE. Saved big on the coin and have not been dissappointed with looks or shooting performance. CGN sellers I have dealt with, all had a history of 100% Positive ratings and have been honest, friendly and communicative. Happy hunting and post what you finally end up with.
p.s. you sound like most of us so the odds are this 1st pistol will not be your last. Like florin79 and his pistol purchasing addiction, we boys seem to be happiest with ours toys.
SKS Russian Tula 1950, 1952 and 1953, Sig Sauer P226, Beretta 92 SBC, CZ85 Combat, Para P14 45 Ltd., Para P16 40 Ltd., SigPro 2022 .40S&W, Marlin 60
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mudgunner49
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
A big +1 on finding an indoor Rent-A-Gun range in your area. Even if it means doing a road trip to get there it's a chance to try a whole slew of guns all at one time.
Take notes after each gun and write down some comparisons or it'll all be a big blurr at the end of the day.
I'm lucky enough to have such a range in my area. I got to try about 9 different 9mm's before I had to make a choice.
You're obviously in a sensitive position just now where you're so enthused to be shooting anything at all that each gun you get to try will feel like The One. Take your time and base your eventual decision from shooting them and forget all the internet hype and advertising. The cost of the gun will soon pale in comparison to the cost of the ammo you put downrange so if it turns out you like the $1100 gun the most it's not that big a deal to spend the extra $300 to $400 to get that instead of one of the less expensive options. I went through the cost of my first gun in ammo in less than 3 months. At this point I've probably put 3 times the cost of the gun down the barrel in the year I've owned it..... which brings us to your SECOND gun. For practice purposes and cost cutting this really should be a .22...
My own .22's sit on the bench along with my 9mm or 1911. I enjoy shooting a magazine or two of .22 then I shoot one of 9mm then right back to the .22. I find flowing from one to the other like this really helped me kick my flinch and greatly aided me to developing a nice follow through. The flow isn't something you can get if you go with a conversion kit since you need to stop and break down to convert. The good news is that you can get a .22 for the same or less than the cost of a conversion kit so there's no advantage to doing the kit.
LOL, I warned you!!! Once you have a handle on the Elite's rosewood grips, none of the other pistols matters
Get a .22 pistol first. It is much cheaper to shoot so you can spend more time working on the fundementals. Then get a Glock 9mm, highly recommend the Glock 19 but the 17 is good too. They are great pistols, especially for new shooters. Very pleasant to shoot and easy to take apart and clean. One caution though, Glocks are highly addictive. I purchased my first Glock back in April and now I have 3
- Location
- Chilliwack, BC
Katana was right...the SIG spoiled me. I didn't even have to bother shooting anything else. Plus, I found a nice P226 on the EE for a fantastic deal. So now I just end up playing the waiting game for my license and in the meantime decide which accessories I want to add to my new acquisition!
LOL, I warned you!!! Once you have a handle on the Elite's rosewood grips, none of the other pistols matters
Hey Blurr, Congrats on your new piece!!! Katana was definitely giving his best advise and am glad you ended up with the Sig. (We did warn you about this addicting site - not only are there deals on the EE, its another venue to meet great sellers/buyers) The 226 was my first 9mm. Out of the box, is still the best 9mm available. Its built well and performs even better. Since you had the chance to shoot it before your purchase, your proficiency in DA will improve greatly from more practice (don't forget to dry fire - get a snap cap).
Accessories??? If participating in IDPA is a future goal, consider a Blade-Tech holster. Have tried numerous makes over the years and settled on this particular brand. They aren't the cheapest but are the best I've used. Like them so much, I have one each for all my pistols. Their mag pouches are great too.
Unfortunately, this won't be your last piece. The world of shotguns, rifles and AR's awaits!!!!
SKS Russian Tula 1950, 1952 and 1953, Sig Sauer P226, Beretta 92 SBC, CZ85 Combat, Para P14 45 Ltd., Para P16 40 Ltd., SigPro 2022 .40S&W, Marlin 60
- Location
- Canuckistan
1911. Once you have one, it's all you'll ever want to shoot. I started on a Norinco Cheapo... and I just keep moving up. 1911's are like crack... and better ones are like more refined crack.
That being said, after a 1911, SiG's are the next best thing. After SiG's, I know people will disagree, but an XD is my next choice. I just like it.
That being said, after a 1911, SiG's are the next best thing. After SiG's, I know people will disagree, but an XD is my next choice. I just like it.
