Looking for my first gun. Very exciting! Recommendations?

I just got my RPAL a couple months ago. I got a used Ruger MkI in great shape, and a Norinco 1911A1, since I've always wanted a mil-spec .45. I'm going to buy a Ruger SR9 soon, and hopefully that will take care of my handgun purchases for a while. I'll have something old, something new, and something cheap.

I agree that a .22 is a good way to learn, but you'll want something bigger you can pop a few caps with for fun soon too. I'd recommend a Ruger 22/45, since its grip angle is more like most centerfire pistols. Its a little tough to go back and forth between a MKI and a .45 for me, just because the grips are totally different.
 
volks_r_us said:
Dont touch the Jamomatic Mosquito with a 40 ft pole. Every guy a saw at the range has returned them in less then 15 days. the only to they are good for is to learn to clear a jams. They sure have the look but are junk. Get the Sig then try a Ruger you will Regret your buy instantly.
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i have owned both: ruger mkIII and sig mosquito, and i found the mosquito to be more reliable. bought the ruger because of all the rave reviews, liked the sig more. sig functions well with cci stingers, fussy about everything else. still way cheaper than any centerfire though. that being said, a lot of people don't seem to like them.

is there one pistol that stands out in your mind, that you always saw on your favorite tv show, etc? that's the one you should buy first. damn practicality, buy the one you like. if you change your mind later, chuck it on the ee.
 
A .22 pistol is a great idea for a first pistol, cheap on ammo and a great way to practice proper stance, grip, trigger control, follow up shots, etc.

Another good option is the Springfield XD, I know a few guys that have them and love them. Also there is the M&P, another pistol that I know a lot of people like. It is great to hear about other people's experiences with many different makes of firearms.

Personally, I'm a Glock and HK fan. A used Glock 22 would be good, then later on down the road you can get a 9mm barrel with 9mm mags and have two guns in one (A Glock 22 can be converted into a 9mm, but a Glock 17 cannot be converted into a .40 IIRC) I've been shooting Glocks for many, many years, they are very well made. The HK is a great pistol, but the price is scary to some.

Better to spend a little more and get something that has a good reputation.

Another tip, ask! Ask people at your club about pistols, if they stand behind what they say, more then likely, they will hand you the gun with two mags of ammo and tell you to go and try it. I know that is how it is at our club, if somebody is in the market to buy, most of us are willing bring out numerous pistols for someone to try. :D
 
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I would recommend 9mm for first handgun caliber. Its still centerfire so you can train taking into account recoil which is a necessary part of training with your gun. I don't like rimfire 22, you don't get the recoil training and it just doesn't feel all that powerful, its kind of like shooting a bb gun imo. Its way cheap though so that is a big plus imo.

My first handgun was a Beretta M9A1, basically the Beretta 92, and I would recommend it as long as you like the grip because its a larger handgun.

I would also highly recommend the sig P226, but its really expensive, about $1250. I looked at a Beretta PX4 Storm today and it was really nice, felt like a smaller 92, but the price tag was $1300, more than the sig! unreal. Get the sig before you get that imo.

If you want to keep the cost down, you can try looking at what they used to call a sig pro, when I shot it I thought it was one of the most accurate handguns I had ever used and instantly liked it.

Lastly, although I have never fired it, I'd say look at the CZ 75. It kinda doesn't look as cool as the sig or the beretta especially (the 92 is the hottest for handgun looks imo), but it has a huge following, is a bit cheaper (maybe 750-800 bucks) and I have NEVER met anyone who didn't like it. People LOVE that gun.

Thats my 2c, have fun!
 
Some links just because they are easy to pull up, and I think they call the sig pro the sig 2022 now, making it a little confusing to find.

My first handgun, love it a lot, might be the most proven handgun in the world:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M9A1

The sig p226 is probably the best handgun in the world by my general research. Expensive but impossible to buy a better quality gun than this, this is the top end:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sig_P226

CZ 75b, held one again today, the sights were great, felt awesome. I would definitely consider it. Sub $1000 cost.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cz_75

The Sig Pro 2022. IMO shot just as good as the p226, really awesome performance. Also sub $1000.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SIG_Pro
 
I just bought a 9mm CZ-75B Satin Nickel for about $100 more than what your price limit is. You can probably get yourself a regular Black CZ-75B for $500 if you look around, maybe here in EE or at another place. You are getting a much better quality pistol, than a Glock or Smith and Wesson in my opionion.

You can't go wrong with any type of CZ, Beretta or 1911 variation. But you usually you get what you pay for right? Thats why they sell brand new plastic 9mms for $600, nothing wrong with them, but even a Newbie can tell the difference in quality from a Plastic gun to a CZ or a Beretta.

I thought about a .22 pistol like a Ruger also, and thats what everyone recommended to me, but I just did'nt feel the excitement in a .22LR Pistol. I will however try to pick one up for my second pistol, to do some high volumn, cheap .22 priced shooting.
 
8run0 said:
Hello all,

I just joined the forum, after a recommendation from a friend that has been a gun aficionado for many years.

I got my license last year and now I am ready to get my first handgun. This friend took me to a range a few months ago, and I shot with his .40 cal (don't know the name) and I really liked it, although it had a bit more kick that I as expecting.

What would you recommend for a newbie, that wants to become a pro, and is willing to spend around $500 (used is fine).

I'm sure I will learn a lot from all the seasoned veterans in this forums.
Thanks.
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I would go with the 9mm rather then the 22. Now the only problem is choosing which one, just remember you get what you pay for. Try and get to a local range and see if you can get some members to let you try there guns and find one that fits you. the bottem line is that the handgun has to appeal to you. What ever you go with I'm sure your on your way to life time of shooting enjoyment.

I would go with a XD, XDM, Glock, Sig, or a Beretta in 9mm.
 
If you have medium-large hands and can hold a Glock in a proper firing grip, buy a 9mm Glock (17 or a 19 with an extended barrel). If you can't hold a Glock in a proper firing grip buy a Smith M&P in 9mm. To see what a proper firing grip looks like search you tube for 'Tod Jarrett' With some luck and searching each of these pistols (the G17 and M&P) turns up close to your price range in good used condition. Try places like Police Ordinance and other LE dealers for deals on used and demo Glocks.
 
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For the price - Ruger SR9 - 9mm

You may want to look at the Ruger SR9 in a 9mm... for the price you cant go wrong...P&D Ent. have one with your name on it for just under $600.!.Very accurate and a fun gun to shoot.
 
The Ruger Mk I,II,III are a great choice, I've got a few, however 22 does get a little tame after a while.

My first gun was a 1911 in 45 and I think it was a great choice, because I had always wanted one. My theory was that anything could happen, and it may be the only handgun I purchase so I might as well get what I'd always wanted. Luckily it was not my only handgun I purchased but I've still got it.

Don't automaticly choose the most economical. I know lots of people who buy 22s because they're cheap to shoot, and I don't think these people even got the range 3 times a year. Try to pick something that suits your individual needs and tastes and will be a balance between economical and fun!
 
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