Looking for Suggestions for my First Handgun

jackrabbit000 said:
Of the ones listed, I'd go with the M&P 9. Of the ones not listed I'd buy the Glock G17 Gen4.
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The M&P 9 is definitely high on my list... Several people are recommending CZs, and now the Glock... These are all a little bit out of my price range... I was thinking more towards the lower end of 600 to 800 when I said that... around the $600 mark would be nice, and the Ruger SR9, Bersa Thunder, and M&P fit the bill price wise!

maxman1 said:
The magazine release is reversible on the FS.
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Thanks, I didn't realize! definitely a nice firearm overall...

Chas59 said:
Don't forget revolvers, ambidextrous, super fun, love mine. Shoot my .357's the most but like my .44 and .460 for the big boom. As far as semi-auto, CZ 75 SP01 is a super accurate, low recoil, quality piece. Actually like them all, some I just shoot better such as I shoot my CZ, 1936 Luger and Glock 17 very well, but not my Sig 226, or my M&P, go figure.
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I'm not against a revolver at all, just not what I was thinking for my first... I will probably get one eventually!

Some have recommended getting a .22... I'm not against it, but not as the first one... I will probably get one eventually just to have a cheap gun to feed. I feel like I'm able to work on my technique Ok with the 9mm, and I'm putting shots on target pretty well (See my previous post)... I've been watching lots of videos about technique... I am definitely interested in getting into reloading, I like that kinda hands on stuff. I'll probably also look at rifles and shotguns in the long run, but not any time soon.

So far, I'm feeling like the guns that will fit my budget and still be a great firearm are the Bersa Thunder 9 Pro, the S&W M&P 9, the Ruger SR9, and the FN FNS9 LS. (Although, after shooting the Ruger, I'm not so sure about that one)... I will see if the range has an M&P 9 for me to try next time... unfortunately, they don't have the FNS9...

I'm really looking forward to getting into this! My R-PAL course is next weekend, so I'll be sending off the application right after... Then it's just the long wait for the license and I can make my choice!

Thanks again everyone!
 
If the Cz breaks the budget this time around go with the m&p9 range kitt, you get a ton of gear for a real good price. I really enjoy mine, although it would be nice if it came with the option of a left handed holster. Otherwise it's been a great buy for me
 
I'm a lefty myself, my first was a Ruger SR9. Left hand friendly and I paid $450 for it from wholesale sports.

When I first bought it I thought maybe it didn't group so well, but my wife showed me it was the operator ;) she's a wicked shot with it lol
 
Almost 7000 rds through my Ruger SR9 so far and it still works just fine. I like it, everybody who has ever fired it likes it and in was $100 cheaper than an M&P9. Plus it field strips in about 3 seconds with zero tools. The paint (yes, paint) wears off the mags, the barrel and slide get burnish marks but it just keeps working. I'm thinking of getting both the .40 and .45 version too.
 
Everyone has great suggestions for a first hand gun but it is all over the board. Before you buy anything, you should understand the category each pistol belong to and if that is what truly reflects your interest. If you want a handgun for the sake of owning one than draw a name out of a hat because they are all great pistols in their own right. It is great that you have decided on a calibre but you should then ask yourself if you want something for the range, tactical training or target/competition? At this point it sounds like you want something tactical which is what many people want but after a while some find that they are not satisfy with the accuracy and response of these pistols and begin the long road of mods (I being one of them). If you are into accuracy and competition shooting than you might want to consider a pistol set up for that or a different calibre for that matter. It will save you a tonne of money on mods and ammo.

But if you feel that weekend worrier range time will fill your needs at the moment and you are going to draw from the list of pistols you have indicated, than be aware that you are still looking at two predominantly different sub categories of handguns, both of which has their pluses and limitations. A polymer handgun is way different than a metal one and a striker fire is way different than a hammer fired pistol. A 92fs is totally different from a M&P9. It is like comparing apples to oranges and should never be on the same list. For example, as a competition gun, I prefer neither but as a training pistol I prefer the weight of the 92fs for recoil mitigation and follow up target acquisition. I find it more reliable with various ammo and the stock trigger is light years better than the M&P9. Having said that many people give up those things for ergonomics, because the M&P does fit the majority of hands better, and it is lighter and draws from the holster much easier. I don't do any training anymore but if I was shooting in a CQ situation or engaging a target at 10 yards than the M&P9, SR9, FNS9 and Glock type pistols is what I would be looking at. My wife shoots off hand, 10 yard, from the holster type training and her pistols are the Ruger SR9, SD9ve and Beretta PX4. She like the SD9ve but shoots the SR9 the most.

I am old school and trained with metal pistols 27years ago so the weight does not bother me plus I don't holster my pistol anymore unless I get into cowboy action or something in the future. The 92fs is my choice. It has been a good companion for close to 30 years and have served me well. I own a P226 and a p228 along with a Springfield, Kimber, and I recently picked up a Browning Hi Power and the Beretta is tops in my books because of its service history and reliability. I picked up another 92fs new in box last year from a dealer for $550. this year, I can't seem to find any brand new ones for less than $950! There is still a good used market out there though. Hope this helps.
 
A couple of other choices to consider: a Grand Power K100 Standard. Polymer frame, full ambi controls, fantastic ergos. It's an all around great shooter. If you want to try metal pistol, consider a classic -- the Browning Hi Power Mk III. It has ambi safety. Nice ergos, great balance. I'm not sure if the mag release can be flipped to the right side of the pistol.
 
silverfoxdj said:
Good luck on your course..
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Thanks!

maxman1 said:
I found a video showing how easy it is to reverse the FS magazine release

Can also be done on the M&P.
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Both good videos, thanks! It does look pretty easy to change out on both guns.

Garaldtao said:
Everyone has great suggestions for a first hand gun but it is all over the board. Before you buy anything, you should understand the category each pistol belong to and if that is what truly reflects your interest. If you want a handgun for the sake of owning one than draw a name out of a hat because they are all great pistols in their own right. It is great that you have decided on a calibre but you should then ask yourself if you want something for the range, tactical training or target/competition? At this point it sounds like you want something tactical which is what many people want but after a while some find that they are not satisfy with the accuracy and response of these pistols and begin the long road of mods (I being one of them). If you are into accuracy and competition shooting than you might want to consider a pistol set up for that or a different calibre for that matter. It will save you a tonne of money on mods and ammo.
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Thanks for all the great comments! My thoughts are that I'd like to start with an inexpensive, yet decent quality gun, something I can take to the range and just shoot for fun, and work on technique. I might eventually want to get into competitive shooting, but that's definitely not high on my priority list right now. I will likely eventually buy more, but that won't be because I'm not happy with what I chose, but rather because I want more options for myself and/or my friends to shoot. Ive tried both hammer and striker fired guns, and I can't say I've developed a preference one way or another there. It feels like a "6 of one, 1/2 dozen of the other" kinda thing, and just depends if you want DA/SA or SA only... Not a big deal for me, because a hammer can always be cocked/racked before the first shot anyways. As for metal vs polymer guns, I'm kinda leaning to metal, or at least heavier... I'm a big guy, 6'6", and I have big hands... The weight doesn't bother me, and the reduced recoil is nice!

Polycoat said:
A couple of other choices to consider: a Grand Power K100 Standard. Polymer frame, full ambi controls, fantastic ergos. It's an all around great shooter. If you want to try metal pistol, consider a classic -- the Browning Hi Power Mk III. It has ambi safety. Nice ergos, great balance. I'm not sure if the mag release can be flipped to the right side of the pistol.
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Thanks! The K100 is a great looking gun... I'd like to try it out... The BHP seemed to be out of my price range when I was looking.

Next week at the range I'll be quizzing them to find out what else they have for me to try.
 
The Uberti Cattleman 1873 22lr revolver. It is identical in size and appearance to the larger caliber models, but holds 12 rnds of 22lr. Cheap to shoot, either hand works the same, cool factor etc. About $600 I think.
 
The Bersa is a nice looking gun. I'd consider that for a first gun, specially if you've shot it and liked it!
Not sure if they are in stock though?
 
If you take the advice to start with .22, the Sig P226 becomes a viable option. Get the .22 version for around $600 and when you're ready to move up to 9mm, you can get the conversion kit. You end up with a great gun and any gear you buy (holster, accessories) will be compatible when you bump up. Just a thought.

That said, I am a lefty and I use my M&P9 for PPC. It is not a bullseye gun but it is decent and easy to shoot. Also for what it's worth, consider a 1911...my favourite platform by far.
 
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My suggestion is to go to the range and hold everything they have in the caliber you want and disqualify everything you can't reach all of the controls for without adjusting your grip. Then choose your price range. Then shoot the rest. You will find what works best for you narrow it down then read reviews. Or buy the Cz shadow and be done with it .
 
M&P 22 is my suggestion. \There is nothing wrong with learning the basics on a .22. I didn't and soon after realized my mistake. Now my .22 is my most shot. great for holster drills, where the recoil doesn't mean a thing for one shot anyways. And if you want a bang, dont worry it still has a pop. If not that go with an M&P 9.
 
Glock 17.

If you won't buy a glock then go with the m&p 9.

I use the M&P at work and it shoots nicely, is easy to clean and feels good in the hand. Also good for beginners and won;t break the bank.

The range kit should come with pretty much everything you need to get started
 
Furkmyster said:
Some good advice in this thread.
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Most definitely!

Shot the Bersa Thunder again on Thursday... Gotta say I really like it!

I had a chance to look at a Glock yesterday, and I wasn't too impressed from a Lefty perspective. The slide lock was tough to manipulate with my left hand, and the mag release was also tough to push from the left, with my left hand, and unfortunately it can't be changed. Several other guns with left side mag releases are much easier to press in my opinion.

Took the restricted course yesterday, and passed the exam, so I'll be sending in all the paperwork tomorrow! Now just the long wait for licenses.
 
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