My first handgun, on a budget

I get what is being said about the ammo cost. Looking at canadaammo.com, you can get 500 rounds of .22lr for $30, 1000 rounds of 9mm for $350 or 1000 rounds of .45 for $329. That is an enormous difference in cost in favor of the .22lr.
I am very new to this sport, but I joined a range so I can use it, and when I buy a handgun it will also be to use it and get good at it. I know myself that I will want to go at the very least several times a month, and to justify the trip, I'll shoot for as long as I have ammo. The ammo conservation advice offered above is sound and I might very well use that if the cost becomes too much.

The Norinco .45 deal sounds great, however as was pointed out, after the 1000 rounds run out, the ammo cost is substantial. Economically speaking, the 22lr makes the most sense by a long shot, especially where I expect to have to throw a lot of rounds down range to get good at it. I also get that people may get tired of the .22 and want to move up. Potentially it might make better sense to buy a used .22 handgun as it sounds like there would be some out there from people who want to trade up.

alawishes said:
Several manufacturers sell kits to change from one caliber to .22. A bit pricey, but you could shoot .22 for awhile each session until you are feeling comfortable and then switch over to the more expensive ammo for whatever you can afford that day. Kind of like having your cake and eating it too. Me, I'll be stuck with feeding my .22's
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Interesting option Al. What would be good handgun choices that have caliber conversion kits, say .22 and 9mm or .45, again hopefully that are relatively affordable?

Thanks again for the advice everyone
 
The conversion kits typically cost as much as a decent new or used dedicated .22 handgun. And frankly I enjoy jumping back and forth from one to the other too much to take even the 20 or 30 seconds to swap top ends. I also shoot a wide enough variety that the key advantage of a conversion kit, namely the one grip and one trigger, is not a factor in my case.

Both for economy of ammo and the good traits for practicing that a .22 has I've always said that if a .22 isn't your first handgun it should darn well be your second. It's nice to work on the basics for cheap and with the lower recoil so you can train in the ways needed to avoid the center fire "flinch" issue. And by being able to shoot alternating magazines of rimfire and center fire it really helps for such anti flinch training.

Speaking of Norc's and nines I see from looking at Canada Ammo that they have the NZ 85 in stock. The reports I've read about these all seem to be positive. And the one NZ I've handled in a store seemed well fitted and finished. So that may be an option.

If you end up going with a rimfire handgun there's the base models from Browning, Ruger and S&W that all sell for around the low to mid $300 level. They are all good options to consider that will last you for many years to come.
 
If you're thinking about conversion kits, on a small budget, I'd stay away from them.

As has been mentioned, they typically cost as much or more than a .22LR chambered pistol.

I'd recommend that you go for a quality .22LR, such as a Ruger MkIII or a Browning Buckmark (I had one, still kicking myself for trading it away :f:P:). You can shoot one hell of a lot more .22 than ANY centerfire pistol calibre-and I'm specifically including the surplus Tokarevs in this statement-and practice does make perfect.

The Ruger SR9 is a very popular, high quality, relatively low cost 9mm. I have seen it on sale in the $399 range, but those don't last long. I'd buy that as a second handgun down the road when you can afford to shoot the 9mm ammo.
 
I dont know if youve considered a revolver at all. I mention it because you could get a Ruger Single Six convertible and shoot 22lr for cheap fun and then 22winmag for more punch. Or get a Blackhawk that takes either 9mm or 357. You just swap out the cylinder. Takes five seconds.

They are a lot of fun.
 
Of course it makes economical sense! I would shoot .22lr for the rest of my life if I didn't get bored of it sometimes. If you get the Canada Ammo Deal, you can make it last as long as you're not going to the range doing mag dumps all day. Take it slow, get the big-boy gun out of your system, and while you slowly peck away at your 1000 rounds, go find yourself a cheap .22lr pistol, like a Norc Woodsman or whatever, go down to your local crappy tire and pic up a box of bulk .22lr.

I guess you could do it the other way around as well, get the .22lr pistol first, along with 10,000 rounds (because you will be able to afford it) and hammer away. The swapping thing I've tried. I did it for the better part of a year with my AR (got the CMMG .22lr bolt conversion), but after a while, I just got a dedicated .22lr rifle, so I can keep my AR 5.56, and not have to gunk up the gas system with the .22lr ammo.



compass said:
I get what is being said about the ammo cost. Looking at canadaammo.com, you can get 500 rounds of .22lr for $30, 1000 rounds of 9mm for $350 or 1000 rounds of .45 for $329. That is an enormous difference in cost in favor of the .22lr.
I am very new to this sport, but I joined a range so I can use it, and when I buy a handgun it will also be to use it and get good at it. I know myself that I will want to go at the very least several times a month, and to justify the trip, I'll shoot for as long as I have ammo. The ammo conservation advice offered above is sound and I might very well use that if the cost becomes too much.

The Norinco .45 deal sounds great, however as was pointed out, after the 1000 rounds run out, the ammo cost is substantial. Economically speaking, the 22lr makes the most sense by a long shot, especially where I expect to have to throw a lot of rounds down range to get good at it. I also get that people may get tired of the .22 and want to move up. Potentially it might make better sense to buy a used .22 handgun as it sounds like there would be some out there from people who want to trade up.



Interesting option Al. What would be good handgun choices that have caliber conversion kits, say .22 and 9mm or .45, again hopefully that are relatively affordable?

Thanks again for the advice everyone
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OP Question: What would be good handgun choices that have caliber conversion kits, say .22 and 9mm or .45, again hopefully that are relatively affordable?

Best two options would be a Sig P226/P220 .22 conversion kit (which I personally have and love :) ) or a Glock advantage arms conversion kit. I would do the P226 with .22 conversion kit if I were you OP. Good luck :)
 
The problem with cheap ammo is always the same - it isn't always available. Right now you can get 45 Auto cheaper than almost any time in the last 10 years, it doesn't mean it will always be there. Take a look at 303 Brit - at one point the Government actually gave it away, then there was cheap surplus at every gun and hardware store in the country, today? - That'll be $1 a round. There also used to 5.56mm surplus, then cheap 5.56 disappeared, once again, Can Am has cheap 5.56, but supply is never constant - that's the one constant in the gun market.
 
thenewbieglockguy said:
OP Question: What would be good handgun choices that have caliber conversion kits, say .22 and 9mm or .45, again hopefully that are relatively affordable?

Best two options would be a Sig P226/P220 .22 conversion kit (which I personally have and love :) ) or a Glock advantage arms conversion kit. I would do the P226 with .22 conversion kit if I were you OP. Good luck :)
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both are very good choices
however neither are within his stated budget to stay in budget a very good gun comes to mind
the GSG 1911 in 22lr he should be able to find one and 2 more mags for the amount of money he wants to spend
i think this is most likely his best choice given his budget
 
compass said:
Hello everyone, I am considering the purchase of my first handgun soon. I have been reading up on the subject and going through online reviews of various handguns. A lot of differing opinions on the first handgun if it should be a revolver or a semi-automatic and if the caliber should be a .22, 9mm, or doesn't matter.

My main issue is that I am on a budget, and I don't see myself acquiring several handguns, at least not for several years. So I am looking for a good reliable all-around handgun that would be sub $500 to my door, and that would be cheap to shoot at the range. I have a 22 rifle that I use so I would like something with a bit more bite with a handgun. I can get a Ruger SR40 in town for $450, but I heard that the .40 can be expensive to shoot compared to 9mm, so I have somewhat settled on a Ruger SR9 if I can get it on special somewhere. One of the things I like about the Ruger SR models is the ambidextrous safety and mag release. This is an important factor for me since I am left handed. I realise that there is only so much I can expect out of a $500 handgun as far as quality, but from what I have seen many people believe that Ruger's SR9, although crude in some aspects, is a great bang for your buck.

I would like everyone's opinion if I am on the right track with the SR9, and if there are other good sub $500 handguns that I should consider.

Thank you.
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You don't know it yet but once you buy one firearm there is no stopping after that (shopping spree at the local firearms store). Good luck and may your wallet forever stay full.
 
Well, you guys have given me a lot to think about. For the cost that I am trying to work with, it does not make sense to get a conversion kit, especially if it's just better to have two handguns (one .22 and another bigger caliber). Several of you have mentioned that once you buy one gun, you don't stop there, and I am starting to see the truth of it. I think that getting a .22 handgun as a starter and practice gun makes a lot of sense, either economically or for the chance to learn handgun techniques without (hopefully) learning bad shooting habits along the way. I like the idea now of getting a .22 to practice with, and buy a second handgun later with a bigger caliber like the Norinco 45 or the Ruger SR9.

I can picture most of you nod your heads and think "now he's planning for two guns. We told you so! :)".

Thanks again for your input and advice guys. I'll post what I end up buying when I take the plunge.

Take care.
 
compass said:
Well, you guys have given me a lot to think about. For the cost that I am trying to work with, it does not make sense to get a conversion kit, especially if it's just better to have two handguns (one .22 and another bigger caliber). Several of you have mentioned that once you buy one gun, you don't stop there, and I am starting to see the truth of it. I think that getting a .22 handgun as a starter and practice gun makes a lot of sense, either economically or for the chance to learn handgun techniques without (hopefully) learning bad shooting habits along the way. I like the idea now of getting a .22 to practice with, and buy a second handgun later with a bigger caliber like the Norinco 45 or the Ruger SR9.

I can picture most of you nod your heads and think "now he's planning for two guns. We told you so! :)".

Thanks again for your input and advice guys. I'll post what I end up buying when I take the plunge.

Take care.
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I think in another thread, someone called it GAS, Gun Acquisition Syndrome. My buddy had it, our other friends have it, and it's spread to me, and I promise you that even though we've never met, you will develop it too, especially if you're already coming to this forum.
 
if your looking to spend 500 and want a good reliable gun that will last you for years go with what you originally talked about, the Ruger SR9.

i have all the guns listed above and the SR9 is going to be what you want.
why play with someones hand me downs.
this is your first handgun.
get something new and something that is mid range.
and the SR9 fits that bill.

im a left handed shot like you and i love the SR9 for the exact reasons you listed above - its ambidextrous.
i started pistol shooting in the 80/90's and my first gun was a Ruger P89 for the exact reason.
still have it to this day infact!

nothing wrong with glocks, LOVE M&P's, 1911's are fun.
but for $500 and a good gun for a left handed shot AND CHEAP on ammo price..... Ruger SR9.

after you get some range time in with it and become one with it THEN get a cheap 1911 and a 22 (Browning Buck or Ruger) and a wheel gun.
starting with a cheap 1911 is like learning to swim by diving into the deep end of the pool.
M&P and Glocks while being the best guns are gonna run you around 700-800 all in to your door.
and a mid range 1911 - while again being mechanically more then and new person to the sport will want to get into is gonna be up over 700-800 as well in price.
 
.ruger SR9 is a okay gun...... if you pick one up I am pretty sure you will be happy with it. its not a CZ or a kimber but you get what you pay for right?....... I like my SR9 no problems to date ..... they do have a heavy trigger tho..... so that u would have to get used to. (got mine for a steal @ $400) :) just my thoughts....
 
PM maurice on here he is into IPSC, supplies us with cheap ammo and he lives in Moncton. He may have a line on something local. You can become very proficient through dryfire, so buy whatever you like. I have a friend with an SR9 and he likes it. From what I can tell it is accurate and reliable.

I have owned more than my share of norincos most were fine, some were not. Some retailers and individuals stand behind what they sold, but many do not.

If you are eligible you can buy a glock for 505.00 with 3 mags through police ordinance. That is almost within your budget and would hold its value better than most other firearms.
 
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I had the same dilema when I bought. So I bought a GSG 1911-22....its awesome and cheap to run ($399). Then I had another itch, so I researched for months to find the best 9mm pistol for the money...went with the Girsan Regard MC. Best quality, accuracy, and value I could find ($499). My next is one of the Norinco 1911's in .45 from Marstar with the hard wood grips ($325).
As you can see, once you buy one....you will buy more. Lots of good pistols in all calibers out there at a good value if you do your research.

Have fun and play safe!
 
Standingtall said:
I had the same dilema when I bought. So I bought a GSG 1911-22....its awesome and cheap to run ($399). Then I had another itch, so I researched for months to find the best 9mm pistol for the money...went with the Girsan Regard MC. Best quality, accuracy, and value I could find ($499). My next is one of the Norinco 1911's in .45 from Marstar with the hard wood grips ($325).
As you can see, once you buy one....you will buy more. Lots of good pistols in all calibers out there at a good value if you do your research.

Have fun and play safe!
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you consider the Turkish equivalent of Norinco to be top of the line?
i had never heard of them so i had to google it.
it says
Girsen specializes in Reverse engineering other manufacturers guns then slightly changing the design.
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i dont know... i think for the same money ill guy a Ruger SR9.
i just dont consider anything reverse engineered to be 'quality'
 
If you haven't held one or looked at one, you should. Its a better gun than the Beretta 92 at a fraction of the cost. And its not a Turkish Norinco...it is made in a former Beretta factory on Beretta equipment by Beretta trained personnel over seen by two former HK engineers. Its a quality piece inside and out.
 
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