good first pistol for range shooting?

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rewd82

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Hey new to the restricted world. Wondering what eveyones thoughts are in regards to a good first handgun to buy. Looking for something in 9 mm only to be used at the range with a budget of 800$
 
rewd82 said:
Hey new to the restricted world. Wondering what eveyones thoughts are in regards to a good first handgun to buy. Looking for something in 9 mm only to be used at the range with a budget of 800$
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Try as many different guns as you can. Both ranges in Calgary have a variety of different guns for rent (your situation might be different) and spending a few bucks to find the "right" gun before committing to a significant outlay might be prudent.
 
In 9mm, start with a used CZ 75 or Sig 226. All metal so soak up a bit of recoil, are DA/SA and if you don't like DA you don't have to use it, and buying used will not depreciate much if at all. Parts and magazines are easy to come by, the guns themselves are easy to work on, and both need very little maintenance or special care to function well. They also both have a .22 conversion if that is a draw for you. There are always people looking to buy these guns, so if you don't like it you can sell it at near no loss. Once you start going to the range trade trigger time with guys around you, and you'll find preferences.
 
For me, a Glock 17. Reasonably priced, lots of them. And if you don't like it, sell it for 95% of what you paid for it a year later.
 
Another vote for a .22lr....lots of choice, from target to full size pistol caliber exchanges...
 
I know you said 9mm, but I really enjoy shooting my S&W .357 magnum revolver, I take it every time and use it more than my 9's. Beauty is that you can fire .38 specials as well which are like shooting a .22 compared to a full powered .357. If not that, go Glock 17, Sig 226, or CZ 75, IMHO you can't go wrong with those.
 
For 800$ grab a S&W Mp9 range kit and some ammo, its the best for the price. Anyway its your first pistol, you'll get another soon... And another... And one more
 
Go with a good semiautomatic 22 lr target pistol. I don't own one ( so I'm not pimping my newest toy ) anymore, but you can shoot them all day for peanuts. And you can hit things quite easily, that's pretty cool when you are new.
A plastic, fantastic, latest, greatest toy is a cool thing ( you can mount a fricking Lazer beam! )...but it won't help your confidence or skills.
Get good at it, then go to the polymer 9mm...or whatever your heart desires.
IMO of course
 
For 9mm in your budget I'd consider,
Walther PPQ is a bit over $800 but close.
The new HK is a few hundred more.

For a .22lr I'd suggest a revolver. Alfa project or the New Ruger GP 100 .22lr
 
For shooting off the bench I prefer DA/SA revolvers. SA can make you look good! Want more challenge and develop trigger control…shoot in DA. No mags to buy/mess with but if you want one in 9mm you'll have to find some moon-clips.
For holster work you can't go wrong with a gen3 G17…..
 
9mm + budget $800. Stretch a little bit more and get:

Polymer, striker fired = Glock 17 Gen 4 (~$875)
Steel, hammer fired = CZ 75 SP-01 Shadow (~$975 but worth it)
 
I started with a .45LC,second was a M&P 9, third was S&W 357 and last was. Colt .22. The .45 and .357 goes to the range every trip, the .22 stays home and the M&P has a new home. If I get a new 9 , it'll be a CZ. I've seen them on the EE for $550.
 
If you have to choose between a 22lr and a 9mm, pick a 9mm...

If you want a 22lr a S&W 617 is really the only one i would pick...
For a 9mm a G17 is the obvious choice as a Glock is Glock and with the 3.5 pounds spring and connector kit, they shoot good... JP.
 
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