Hi everyone, i've heard lots of different sides to what I should look for in a first handgun. I want something thats reliable and an all around good package for a first handgun just for target shooting. My budget would be around $1000 at most. I heard something like a Beretta M9 would be good but I'm still waiting to join EE. Thanks in advance.
Opinions on first handgun
- Thread starter Nolan.Vogel
- Start date
Step 1: get a good idea of hold to properly grip a gun.
Step 2: go to a shop.
Step 3: hold any and all.
Step 4: buy the one that feels right in hand; the one that doesn't require adjusting. Hopefully it's one with a history of solid use.
I know it seems a little jerkish, but it's the advice I would give myself if I was doing it all over again. Still not taking my own advice, which is why I still buy and sell
Step 2: go to a shop.
Step 3: hold any and all.
Step 4: buy the one that feels right in hand; the one that doesn't require adjusting. Hopefully it's one with a history of solid use.
I know it seems a little jerkish, but it's the advice I would give myself if I was doing it all over again. Still not taking my own advice, which is why I still buy and sell
Still alive
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Rainy mosquito infested part of BC
Any modern gun is basically reliable. As gwhysow said, go to a gun shop and handle as many as you can. Where are you in Alberta? Edmonton, Red Deer and Calgary have some pretty nice stores. There are also some knowledgeable CGNers from Alberta.
Asking about any gun without being specific is like asking what car you should buy or what should you order at the restaurant.
The M9 or 92F/S you mentioned is an excellent gun. But it has a wide grip, you can’t change the front sight easily and I personally don’t like slide mounted safeties.
For metal hammer guns, I would recommend looking at the Beretta you mentioned, the CZ-75 series, the SIG P - family and even the 1911 or Browning HiPower.
For polymer hammer fired guns, I would look at the USP.
For polymer striker fired guns....the worlds your limit! Any modern one works well. Find one in your price range and looks good to you.
Asking about any gun without being specific is like asking what car you should buy or what should you order at the restaurant.
The M9 or 92F/S you mentioned is an excellent gun. But it has a wide grip, you can’t change the front sight easily and I personally don’t like slide mounted safeties.
For metal hammer guns, I would recommend looking at the Beretta you mentioned, the CZ-75 series, the SIG P - family and even the 1911 or Browning HiPower.
For polymer hammer fired guns, I would look at the USP.
For polymer striker fired guns....the worlds your limit! Any modern one works well. Find one in your price range and looks good to you.
You have the right idea getting something off of EE. Do some research, find what you like ie polymer guns, 1911s, DA/SA steel frame ect.. Figure out if there are some shooting sports you may want to get into and go from there. Your first gun isn't going to be your last gun.
My top 2 picks for a sub $1000 gun would be CZ Shadow 1 or Walther PPQ.
My top 2 picks for a sub $1000 gun would be CZ Shadow 1 or Walther PPQ.
This^^^
Yea I think that would be a good idea, I would like a test out different frame styles to find one that’s comfortable.
All good suggestions so far. I have owned all the common 9's and can honestly say it boils down to what one you like the best. Go somewhere you can hold them. My only suggestion off the top is stay away from Norinco and the other cheapies.
- Location
- West Quebec
This is a preferred option IMHO
If either IPSC or IDPA is something that you have in mind, I'd read the rulebook(s), and these threads:
http://www.ipsc.org/pdf/RulesHandgun.pdf
https://www.idpa.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/IDPA-Rulebook-2017.pdf
IPSC Basic Drills / Black Badge Prep
<https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/1649281-IPSC-Basic-Drills-Black-Badge-Prep>
Experience for Black badge
<https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/1800421-Experience-for-Black-badge>
Novice IDPA shooter
<https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/1759112-Novice-IDPA-shooter>
calvin in keoma
Regular
Going to one of the rental ranges is a good idea, that way you can get a feel for how the gun shoots.
Also don't forget to try a few revolvers, they may surprise you.
Also don't forget to try a few revolvers, they may surprise you.
True, but if there's one thing CGNer's love, it's giving their opinion!
And there are new members joining everyday, so it doesn't take long before you get dozens of new(fresh) opinions.
Lower your budget for a starter pistol and put the remainder into a couple of cases of ammo.
Say you got a M&P 9 on EE for $550 that would leave you enough room for 1500 rounds of ammo. If you don’t like it then sell the M&P and recoup most of the money.
You still shot a bunch, learned a lot and are more educated on what your next gun will be. Certenly worth the cost of admission
Say you got a M&P 9 on EE for $550 that would leave you enough room for 1500 rounds of ammo. If you don’t like it then sell the M&P and recoup most of the money.
You still shot a bunch, learned a lot and are more educated on what your next gun will be. Certenly worth the cost of admission
And if questions never get answered, then whats the point of having a forum?
For the OP, the Beretta 92 series are fine pistols. Just be cautious of their wider grips. They are not for everyone. As suggested earlier, hold one first. As for a great starter pistol in 9mm, the Smith and Wesson M&P 9mm is a good gun for its price. Comes with a kit including changeable backstraps to adjust the grip. It's reliable and accurate. It is what I started out with. I had no regrets going that route.
But quite honestly get to a gunshop and fondle every gun you can. You will find the pistol that is right for you.
18 replies and no one has the balls to recommend a Glock haha
Ok I will. Get a Glock 19x, 19, 17 etc. Maybe even the new 48
The M9A3 is still a favourite of mine. Along with tons of others. But for a first gun you can’t go wrong with a Glock I don’t think. It’s easy to maintain and clean. Upgrades everywhere if you want. Used for sale all over the place. Last forever.
Ok I will. Get a Glock 19x, 19, 17 etc. Maybe even the new 48
The M9A3 is still a favourite of mine. Along with tons of others. But for a first gun you can’t go wrong with a Glock I don’t think. It’s easy to maintain and clean. Upgrades everywhere if you want. Used for sale all over the place. Last forever.
- Location
- West Quebec
17 after a 22.. there!!!
