First Pistol suggestions?

Mermaniel

Mermaniel

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Hellooo!
Thinking is taking my restricted course and get a handgun for fun at the range.
I don't want to spend too much since I'm not sure I'm going to enjoy this sport as much as rifles.
Looking to pay 500$ or less.
I was thinking about getting a Norinco 1911 government or commander.
I don't have any experience shooting pistols, but not looking for a .22.
Should I consider the Norinco, should I get something else? I don't mind getting something used neither.
Let me know your ideas.
Much appreciated.
Dan
 
This topic has been repeated hundreds of times. Good idea to look back over the pages. Remember that the initial cost of the gun is small compared to the cost of ammo that the gun will eat. It is worth it to spend a little extra on a quality gun at the get go, especially your first gun. Nothing wrong with a used gun in Canada, most times they are in fine shape, our gun laws being what they are.
 
Deciding which brand to buy requires actually trying different handguns out. If you can, try a bunch of stuff at the range and pick the one you like best. Most range members, at least at my club, are more than willing to let others try out their gear (if you supply your own ammo).

You may not want to shoot .22, but it really is the cheapest to shoot and the easiest way to get good at shooting handguns as you can develop good habits and build muscle memory without the recoil.
 
Skip the norinco as a first handgun. Get something nicer to get your self interested in the game. You can always get a norinco later on.
 
Smith and Wesson M&P 9 is a very good value pistol. You can probably pick one up used for 500 to 600. And you can get relatively cheap ammo for it.
 
Where are you located? Many people on here would probably be willing to let you try their guns, as long as you buy the ammo. Everyone that is looking for their first gun would be better served by trying as many as possible first, rather than asking this oft-repeated question.
 
WRH said:
Where are you located? Many people on here would probably be willing to let you try their guns, as long as you buy the ammo. Everyone that is looking for their first gun would be better served by trying as many as possible first, rather than asking this oft-repeated question.
Click to expand...

^^^good points. I would only add this, if you cannot find friends with pistols, depending on where you live, head across the border and go to a public range where you can try a few out.
 
If you must buy larger then a .22 then you should stay with a 9mm if you are buying a semi auto and if you are going for a revolver then it should be a 357 so you can use the cheap .38 special ammo. The 45 ACP is a lot more money and more recoil then you need to learn with.

Just my two cents worth.

Graydog
 
The suggestion to try as many as possible before buying is a good one. There are many different grip angles and thickness's and a good solid comfortable grip is important particularly in the harder kicking calibres.
If you can get a good shooter to show you a few things it can save a ton of ammo, you will find shooting handguns is a lot different than rifles..I have been at it for about 3 years and still can't get a decent group at 25 meters. Some people are naturals when it comes to shooting I have to assume that I am not so I have to try harder.
 
I'm debating the same thing...however, I have a Browning 1911-22-A1, so I have done some shooting. I'm very displeased with the sights on it though, so not sure if I want to keep it and learn to work within it's limitations or sell it to fund my next acquisition.

I'm currently warring on the following 9mm options...Glock 17, Steyr Mannlicher L9-A1, M&P9 or going the cheaper route and looking at the Ruger SR9 or perhaps a Rock Island 1911 or SAM 1911 (in 9mm). I'm guessing I will have to go into a shop and get some feel in time and see what fits my paws comfortably.

Not sure if I've missed anything else to consider...but I do know after this, I want me a revolver.
 
I like the feel of the Steyr, but I can't help but wonder why a disproportionately high number of them end up on EE. They are far less common than Glock or M&P, yet it seems that people don't keep them for long? I've read that parts, accessories, etc for the Steyr are also expensive and hard to find.

I like to master one gun at a time, so for me right now it's Glock in both 9mm and 22. Lots of wisdom in many of the previous posts, so I have nothing else to add.
 
I wouldn't discount the .22LR. Inexpensive ammo and easy to start shooting with! I was going to go straight to a Ruger SR1911 (45ACP), but now I am thinking about getting a .22LR 1911 as well.
 
Smith and wesson m&p .22 is a great option very reliable & you can get them for $450 if you enjoy it then you can always get the twin in either 9mm or .40
 
Get a good quality (1000$+) pistol in 9mm that fits your hand. Preferably all metal since you don't have much experience with handguns, but that's just my opinion on the subject.

Why 9mm? Because the ammo is the next best inexpensive thing after .22
 
Looks like some moron around this site loves Norincos and deletes posts if they're negative towards them...easterners... Anyway, as I had already posted, Norincos are cheap rough guns that are best used as a base to add aftermarket parts and make a custom gun. For your first pistol get a Ruger SR9 or used Glock 17 or S&W M&P 9...9mm ammo is cheap, readily available, and low recoil. If you favour a revolver get a used Ruger GP100 in .357, you can shoot cheap .38 ammo through it and .357mag ammo is available when you want it to thunder.
 
.38 special hasn't been cheap in about 10 years. Is everyone that stocked up?
Every time I go shooting the .22 always comes because you can't beat the fun for the low price!
 
Something in 9mm like a Ruger SR9 ($479) or a 1911 chambered for 9mm would be a good choice. I have a 22 GSG 1911 and while it's okay and cheap to shoot it is lacking where the 9mm is a lot more fun. I did the 1911 Norc deal and while not unsatisfied it left me wanting more and now have three 1911's all in 45...but my SR9 makes every trip to the range with me. If you shoot the aluminum cased 9mm Blazer it's relatively inexpensive comparatively for something with a decent bang when the trigger drops.
 
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