My first handgun . . . any advice?

6GunJustice

6GunJustice

CGN Regular
Rating - 100%
2   0   0
Location
BC
I recently obtained my PAL (restricted) and my ATT should be here any day, so I'm getting ready to do some handgun shopping! Hoping for a little advice as this could be the first/last hangun I purchase for awhile, so I want to get the right one.

I don't plan on competing anytime soon - this is purely for occasional trips to the range for some fun! I have some experience with the magnum .44 and various .45's, and recently I got to try out a nice .40. I always figured I would buy some type of .45 when I was ready . . . not so sure now.

I understand the cost difference between 9mm - .40 - .45 I'm not terribly concerned with that because I don't think I will go through that much ammo that it will break the bank (I say that now!! I could be wrong). I also understand that for target practice, 9mm or .40 would be more accurate with less recoil . . . also not so sure that matter too much to me.

I had kinda decided on a compromise on the .45 and look for a nice .40 and have been looking closely at the CZ-75 series. Specifically the SP-101 Tactical and the 75B S&W, leaning towards the latter. However, CZ has some really nice 9mm's like the Shadow or the newer Phantom . . . . CZ-97 is their .45 . . . anyone know anything about his model? I know this company is known for their 9mm's.

Basically, the more I look, the more indecisive I seem to get. Was wondering if someone who actually has some experience with these (or other models) has some info they would like to share.

6Gun
 
You should expect to go through enough ammo to break the bank. I would start with 9mm. One trip to the range could easily see you go through 200 rounds, which costs about 65-70$ these days. 9mm is a good starting platform.

If I were you, I would start with a CZ-75, or one of the SP-01 series. It's a good pistol with a 1911 feel (grip angle, safety you can sit your shooting thumb, weight for the SP-01, etc.) and it won't hurt abilities you can utilize on other pistols.
 
SP-01 would be your best bet. Great gun for new and experienced shooters.

Economical, great balance, fairly tuned trigger, fiber optic sight and its SA and DA..
 
tacticalII said:
Same thing. 1st shot can be fired from hamer down like a revoler, after the first the hamer will be recocked by the slide.
Click to expand...

Okay thanks. I understand the diff between double action vs single . . .

I was confused because some models in the CZ catalogue are shown to have SA/DA action and others DA/SA within the same series, so I began to wonder if they were different . . . seemed like models with de-cocking mechanisms were DA/SA and the others with manual safety were shown as SA/DA. You'd think they would use one and stick with it?

6Gun
 
You should plan on going through more ammo than you expect. 200 rounds a range session is pretty common for me and my friends. So when debating between .45 & 9mm that can be a determining factor.

I'd stay away from the magnums to start. Unless you're looking at something like a .357mag that you can shoot .38s out of - that maybe reasonable to start.

Only real advice is to try to put your hands on them before you buy (even better if you can shoot them). Lots of people rave about the 1911 or the CZ, but they just didn't feel right in my hand.

Glocks, Beretta, SIGs, H&K fullsizes all felt better to me.

I started off with a used Glock 22 in .40S&W and loved it.
 
Send me a PM and I will send you a copy of the Combat Handguns review of the Phantom. Also check out my posts and you will find my review.
You can't go wrong with a CZ.
 
6GunJustice said:
Okay thanks. I understand the diff between double action vs single . . .

I was confused because some models in the CZ catalogue are shown to have SA/DA action and others DA/SA within the same series, so I began to wonder if they were different . . . seemed like models with de-cocking mechanisms were DA/SA and the others with manual safety were shown as SA/DA. You'd think they would use one and stick with it?

6Gun
Click to expand...

They're the same. It just means that the gun is capable of firing in double action mode and in single action mode. It makes no difference what order they put the letter in, although I can understand the confusion.
 
Thanks for the info guys. I'm leaning heavily towards the SP-01 Tactical (.40 S&W). It has an ambidextrous decocker instead of a manual safety. Is there any advantage/disadvantage to that? Just a matter of preference?

Also, is there a 'target range' ammo that I should buy (cheaper)? Seems like there is quite a range (pricewise) for a specific type of ammo. What should a box of ammo cost for a .40 and for 9mm . . . I kinda knew I would eat my words when I said I wasn't worried about 'breaking the bank' - just shy of $100 per outing could really add up. I do plan to keep my brass and reload them myself (via a friend) eventually which should cut my cost down abit.

6Gun
 
Go with a glock 17, (9mm) or a .22 ruger mark 11 / 111. (.22) Go with a nine, you will appreciate the lower cost of ammo. Develop the skills with a nine and work you way up. 100 rounds of 9mm about $25.00 - 30.00, 100 rounds of .40 at least $38.00. Again, if you are unhappy with the glock, you can sell it for what you paid for it, even 6 months later.
 
my first pistol was a USP 45. i have no regrets for it being my first, but retrospectively speaking, maybe i should have picked up the glock17 first.

i think the g17 is a great platform to start with, 9mm rounds are, i believe, cheapest out of the real caliber rounds (as opposed to the 22lr's). a decent box of 50 should cost you no more than 11-13$.

moreover, its safe to use with no confusing functions on it. just #### it and ur good to go. safeties are integrated so nothing to worry or confuse about. and the piece is solid as hell.

i dont understand what people are saying when they say its just a utilitarian (but ugly) gun. sure it gets the job done, but it sure as hell a nice pistol. and the tenifer coating is smooth. the pistol is rock solid.

and you should be able to pick it up for 675$ or less.
 
My 0.02:

- Stay with 9mm; stay away from decocker - it's easier to properly hold and shoot with regular manual safety, and if later going to get trigger job - easier and cheaper to do so;
- Nothing is wrong with plain 75B - accurate, cheaper, reliable;
- CZ 75 SP-01 Shadow is a much better gun than CZ 75B SP-01 (again - stay away from decocker); SP-01s come with manual safety or decocker;
- nothing is wrong with Glock 17;

If possible - go to a range that rents out guns, try 2-6 during the visit. Go again and narrow your selection down to 2-3, then pick the one you feel more comfy with in all ways.

First gun is not going to be the last, but if you get to pick what you keep for a long time (or ever) - you can up your skill level and enjoy the sport/activity; also would allow you not to waste time and money on selling it and buying something else to replace it.

Buy what you'd keep for a long time......
 
my advise his go to a gun club and ask the member if you can take a feel of there gun. THey will probably let you tried it out if you ask.
 
Well, there seems to be a common theme in the posts - stick with 9mm!:) I reeeaaally had my heart set on a larger calibre, but I think it is wise to listen to those who know more (have more experience) than me, so I appreciate your advice (especially yyyyy!). Perhaps a 9mm to start & follow up later with a nice .45 is a better plan. I know Gunnar (Armco) has the Shadow & a nice looking satin stainless 75B - both seem like a nice possible choice now . . .

In any case, I have made plans to go to a local range this weekend & rent a couple - arranged to try out the G17 and Shadow for sure. Still pretty hung-up on the CZ, but we will see what else he puts in front of me. Can't wait! Is it Saturday yet!!:p

Thanks again to all! I feel I have a much better idea of which direction to go now.

6Gun
 
Last edited:
I would recommend a good .22, like a Ruger Mk II/III or Browning Buckmark. This will allow you to learn the fundamentals at a low cost. When you start getting good with the .22, you can seriously start to entertain centrefire pistols. 9mm ammo is least expensive, so I would get a 9mm first and get a .45 later if you want one.

I think you will be happy with the CZ. My CZ 75B runs like clockwork. Personally, I prefer a traditional safety over a decocker, but it all boils down to personal preference. That said, try out as many guns as you can and go with whatever works for you.

There are two sources of re-manufactured ammo that I know of in Canada: Wolf Bullets out of Kingston and Combat Masters out of Black Diamond, AB. I have used Combat Masters ammo and can attest to its quality, but they can be hard to in touch with. I have mostly heard good things about Wolf Bullets. Re-manufactured ammo will save you quite a bit over new factory ammo until you can get started loading your own with the brass you save.
 
tjhaile said:
There are two sources of re-manufactured ammo that I know of in Canada: Wolf Bullets out of Kingston and Combat Masters out of Black Diamond, AB. I have used Combat Masters ammo and can attest to its quality, but they can be hard to in touch with. I have mostly heard good things about Wolf Bullets. Re-manufactured ammo will save you quite a bit over new factory ammo until you can get started loading your own with the brass you save.
Click to expand...

Thanks for that! Great info! Just what I was looking for - I will make good use of this I'm sure.

6Gun
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom