Just Getting Into Handguns

preppypyro

preppypyro

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Rural, Saskatoon, Sk.
Hey guys and gals,

I just completed and sent away for my restricted a week ago, and while I wait for my application to go through, I have started to look around at handguns.

Ive been shooting long rifles for around 30 years now (we started out with the .22 YOUNG!) but I know absolutely nothing about handguns.

Im also a stay at home father on a tight budget till I get back into the work force (another 3ish years)

Ok now that I have that out of the way, what Ive been mainly looking at is the norinco, and dominion arms, just due to prices. I have been watching the EE though for a nicer quality gun. I also wanted to get a .45acp, but have decided that the 9mm is likely a better choice, due to ammo cost (Ive looked into a .22 handgun but I want to start with a 9mm)

So what models are decent starters for a cheapy gun? Most of the ones I looked at, in the description they dont mention if they are single or double action, for a beginner (a beginner that likes to shoot lots!) what action should I be looking at?

I want to basically start at 25 yard targets, and just keep on plinking away till I get decent at it.

Thanks for any and all info.
 
Welcome to pistol shooting!

The good news is that you have lots of options available. I am sure you will get lots of suggestions here.

In 9mm there some options that are more expensive than what you listed but it might be worth a look just for comparison sake, like the Jericho Pistol, which is available as a range kit and the the Walther PPX come to mind. Norinco makes a P226 clone and a 1911 9mm that are both priced under $400 new - for the price you cant knock them too much :) They function well, the fit and finish not so well. I was at Tenda and they had a lot of different norinco models in stock so I took a look at all of them. I think the 226 clone is one of the better norincos.
They had a used one on consignment for a very reasonable price that was pretty tempting, don't know if they still have it, but they had lots of stock of new Norinco pistols.
 
preppypyro said:
Hey guys and gals, I just completed and sent away for my restricted a week ago, and while I wait for my application to go through, I have started to look around at handguns. Ive been shooting long rifles for around 30 years now (we started out with the .22 YOUNG!) but I know absolutely nothing about handguns. Im also a stay at home father on a tight budget till I get back into the work force (another 3ish years) Ok now that I have that out of the way, what Ive been mainly looking at is the norinco, and dominion arms, just due to prices. I have been watching the EE though for a nicer quality gun. I also wanted to get a .45acp, but have decided that the 9mm is likely a better choice, due to ammo cost (Ive looked into a .22 handgun but I want to start with a 9mm) So what models are decent starters for a cheapy gun? Most of the ones I looked at, in the description they dont mention if they are single or double action, for a beginner (a beginner that likes to shoot lots!) what action should I be looking at? I want to basically start at 25 yard targets, and just keep on plinking away till I get decent at it. Thanks for any and all info.
Click to expand...

If you're settled on a 9mm, there are a LOT of choices out there. Virtually all of the major manufacturers make a 9mm that is available for a relatively cheap price (although that is obviously subjective). Things to consider include whether you want a manual safety, steel or polymer frame, etc to try and narrow the field.

A further point, don't start at 25 yards. That's actually a pretty long range for a handgun. Bring it into 5, 7 and 10 yds to get comfortable, and then you can stretch it out later.
 
People will be putting their used CZ Shadows on sale now or soon when the CZ Shadow 2s start coming in...Getting someone's worked in CZ would be a very nice starter gun.
 
I would go .22 pistol first, then 9mm...

You could do the .22 Norinco pistol for $200 shipped on the EE and then a Smith and Wesson SD9mm for $400. Two good budget pistols for $600. I don't think you could beat that price.
 
I'd definitely go for 9mm. 22 can be fun but, in my experience, shooting fun is directly proportional to the size of the bang. If you get a 22 then first time you're shooting next to someone with a centre fire pistol you're going to wish you'd got one. 9mm recoil isn't too bad, if you think it might be a problem you could get some low velocity ammo or load your own to low velocity.
 
Thanks for the replies so far guys!

As far as caliber, Im going to jump the .22 and go to a 9mm, that I cant be talked out of. Im not too worried about being able to handle it or the recoil or whatnot. Im not really a target shooter either, more of just a plinker.
Regarding the different action, any of you guys like a single or double over the other?
 
preppypyro said:
Thanks for the replies so far guys!

As far as caliber, Im going to jump the .22 and go to a 9mm, that I cant be talked out of. Im not too worried about being able to handle it or the recoil or whatnot. Im not really a target shooter either, more of just a plinker.
Regarding the different action, any of you guys like a single or double over the other?
Click to expand...

SA/DA will be a matter of personal preference. As far as 9mm goes it often narrows down to striker fired vs Hammer and Steel Frame vs Polymer Frame. I would recommend going to a gun store or two and try to hold a few to see what fits your hand best.
 
You should be able to find a Norinco 45 for under $300.00 shipped if you look around a bit. They are actually a decent pistol for the price.
 
I've never been a fan of the Norinco but having said that I've never shot one either, I guess I have the forethought that they're cheap. Seems to be alot of interest in them or is it strictly price point that makes them popular. As far as 9mm, I enjoy my Ruger SR9 semi auto but I also get a lot of enjoyment out of the Alpha Proj 9mm which is DA revolver. Lots of great choices out there that won't break the bank including the two I mentioned
 
preppypyro said:
Thanks for the replies so far guys!

As far as caliber, Im going to jump the .22 and go to a 9mm, that I cant be talked out of. Im not too worried about being able to handle it or the recoil or whatnot. Im not really a target shooter either, more of just a plinker.
Regarding the different action, any of you guys like a single or double over the other?
Click to expand...

A nice CZ Shadow will make you smile in 9mm
 
silverfoxdj said:
Can't go wrong with the standards RUGER MK series and Browning Buckmarks.. they will maintain their values as well
Click to expand...

If you go Ruger, I'd opt for the Mark III 22/45.
The grip's angle mimics the 1911s and those with replaceable
grip panels will accept 99% of 1911 grips on the market.
Lots of parts (innards) from Volquartsen to tune your gun into
a competition shooter.
 
I wouldn't go norinco for a 9mm... I like their woodsman clone in .22 which can be had for $200 shipped with extra mags. I just like it for the price point, look and it has worked well for me. Their larger caliber pistols seem sub par quality to me. There are other options at only $100 more that are worth the extra $100. Just my opinion.
 
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