Help!!! Need to Choose a New/Starter Handgun

Danzel777

Danzel777

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Hi, New to the forum.

Have been shooting for years (shotguns/hunting/Trap) for just got into the market for my first handgun. As of right now, I'm getting married so I'm on a very strict budget. I've narrowed it down to these choices, but need help to choose one. Keep in mind, all I'm concerned with is reliability, shootability and something that is good as a starter just to get shooting. Later I will spend much more for something better when I'm ready financially.

If I had to choose one of the following which should it be


1) Girsan MC28 SA 9MM Olive Drab $399

2) Smith and Wesson M&P 2.0 40 Caliber $500

3) Fabrique Nationale (FN) FNS-9 9MM $499

4) Walter Creed 9MM $499

5) 2019 Stoeger STR-9 9MM $499


Want to decide for tomorrow. Any help would be great.

Thanks!!
 
Your best bet is to handle and shoot them if possible. As far as proven reliability, the M&P is probably your best in that list.
 
I've handled all other than the FN and the Stoeger, but I know FN makes exceptional firearms. Girsan is lesser of a brand. Need everyone to weigh in on the pros/cons and their theoretical choice. being as it's my first gun and I will surely buy more, I'm not too concerned with physically shooting them.
 
If you have a chance to handle them, do so. Comfort in hand is important.
Or do like me, buy whatever looks coolest, try it out and if you’re accurate with it, keep it. Realistically, once you go RPAL and into handguns, you’ll only want one—of each and every model. Lol. Just kidding. Better buy TWO of each.
 
BooSSted said:
Your best bet is to handle and shoot them if possible. As far as proven reliability, the M&P is probably your best in that list.
Click to expand...

x2. M&P for sure with the FN a close 2nd for no other reason than the ergos... a little larger gun than the Smith.
 
Ruger Mark II .22 cal. If I had to do it all over again I would start with that. Great starter, dirt cheap ammo costs compared to 9mm or 45acp. After you get comfortable with shooting hgs move up to a 9mm or .45
 
You could get the .40 M&P 2.0 and then get a 9mm conversion barrel for it.

Alternatively there are deals to be had on original M&Ps. I found an M&P9 range kit from a place in BC for $570, which factoring in the cost of the mags and accessories makes the gun very cheap.
 
i Vote M&P - if youre on a budget but still want to shoot. you should seriously consider purchasing a 9mm (as mentioned before) Range Kit, from the EE -
at the end of the day, it doenst matter what you pick, if youre not worried about the sights, the trigger, the grips, the barrel length, or caliber, you'll probably be happy with anything
 
Don't be surprised if you don't shoot well with any of the choices you listed. Start with a .22, develop skills and good habits with it; then larger CF pistols will come naturally. I made that error 40+ years ago, and developed a lot of bad habits. I am now an avid hand gun shooter, with a 9mm, a 40, a 45 and a 357, and load and shoot thousands of rounds every year; but I still have two .22s and I shoot and compete them regularly.

BTW, others are right; unless you hand load, and can justify handloading, .40 is expensive ammo, and factory stuff can be quite "snappy" to shoot. In a light, polymer frame pistol, this is a great way to teach yourself how to flinch.

Most new shooters will ignore the cumulative wisdom of us old guys; that's fine. Get an all steel 9mm if you must have a 9; they are tamer and easier to handle.

BTW, the guy who said don't buy a steel CZ is right, you will never get enough it if you own one.
 
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1) Girsan MC28 SA 9MM Olive Drab $399

no way! .40 is horrible 2) Smith and Wesson M&P 2.0 40 Caliber $500

3) Fabrique Nationale (FN) FNS-9 9MM $499

double action only is horrible 4) Walter Creed 9MM $499

5) 2019 Stoeger STR-9 9MM $499

the other three are good options it would be up to you what ever one you like best on looks or feel.
 
Thanks everyone.. Great advice...I will definately use all of this information. Although I can agree and see the point of many of you starting out with a .22, I've spoken to a few experienced owners such as yourselves and I've heard you can get bored fast.. Being as in not going to buy another firearm for quite some time, would it be a totally bad idea to at least start with a 9mm?
 
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