Restricted in progress... looking at handgun options...

IchBinEinSniper

IchBinEinSniper

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
48   0   1
Location
Brockvegas
I am new to handguns, with my first "hands on" experience at an american range, where I rented and shot a 9mm Glock 17. I really liked it, and have signed up to do the restricted licencing. I took a browse at Epps and like the look of the Glock 17, Steyr M-A1, Magnum Research Baby Eagle, Walther P99, Sig Sauer SP2022, Smith & Wessen M&P 9, HK P2000... there are so many choices, but no way to get a good feel for them. Unfortunately, I have money for only one, and wan't to make the best purchase I can. Any help? I have browsed around, but haven't found any really good reviews yet.
 
If you think you want it you should shoot it. Not all handguns work for everyone. but if you like the glock 17 you should try the glock 22( .40 S&W)
Or any sti product.
 
IchBinEinSniper said:
I am new to handguns, with my first "hands on" experience at an american range, where I rented and shot a 9mm Glock 17. I really liked it, and have signed up to do the restricted licencing. I took a browse at Epps and like the look of the Glock 17, Steyr M-A1, Magnum Research Baby Eagle, Walther P99, Sig Sauer SP2022, Smith & Wessen M&P 9, HK P2000... there are so many choices, but no way to get a good feel for them. Unfortunately, I have money for only one, and wan't to make the best purchase I can. Any help? I have browsed around, but haven't found any really good reviews yet.
Click to expand...
If you can go back to that American range and try more fireamrs, that would be ideal. Buying a gun is sort of like buying a car - you can never tell for sure how it feels until you actually get behind the wheel. Having said that, if you want a high quality 9mm gun for around $1000 or less, you can't go wrong with HK USP, Browning Hi-Power or Sig P226.
 
Go to a gun shop and ask to handle as many as possible once you've got your restricted.

In mid feb I went to multiple gun stores an handled nearly 20 guns before deciding on one.

Loved the feel of the M&P's but hated how stiff the controls felt.

Always loved Beretta's but did not want one.

USP's were a great feeling too, but just didn't wow me.

Picked up a Ruger P89 and was holding it my hands for probably...5-10 minutes, just feeling it, operating the controls and just looking at it.

Love is NOT at first sight I'll tell ya that. The P89 was the last of the handguns I handled before making a decision.

IMG_1813.jpg


My super ugly ugly ugly baby!! I think it looks like complete ass but I just love how it feels.
 
I'd probably recommend the CZ75, or CZ85 as a first handgun.
Or if you can afford it, a Sig. Both are very good.

But..... That being said the next handgun you buy should be a .22. Probably a Ruger MkIII or browning. You just can't beat the fun factor, the cost and the extra practice you get from one of those.

I'd actually recommend the .22 first, but we all know that isn't going to happen. I know I wanted the centerfire first. In fact I had no interest orignally in .22. It's amazing how that can change over time :D

Good luck and let us know what you decide to buy.
 
I've been shooting handguns consistently over a year. One thing you want to do before making your choice. Like suggested above - handle all guns you can get your hands on. When you handle the gun do one specific thing - grab it from the table and point somewhere and drop the hammer. As if you are about to get shot. Some guns will naturally get sight lined up, some others will not - will be consistently pointing somewhere to one particular side.
Another test - point gun at the wall, somewhere without definite aiming spots. Now without trying to train it on a "target" just keep sights lined up and gently pull trigger. Pay attention to what happens with sight picture the moment hammer drops. Some pistols will routinely jump with the break of the trigger, hardly anything you can do much about.

And the last test would be of course shooting - if you can arrange that.

You will end up buying 22 anyway, so why don't you buy it first? You will need a lot of trigger time and there is nothing better than 22 for that purpose. Sorry for long post.
 
Thanks for the info thus far. I'll have to look at the Ruger, hadn't even thought of them Grove. I really can't see myself doing the 22 thing at this moment, probably one of those "tactical" impulses, but in my defense the Fabarm Tactical shotgun has made me the most happy of all the guns so far, so I will go with those impulses.

The place in the states was in Myrtle Beach, so I won't be back there till next year... should have had the forethought to try a bunch I guess, for the $5 rental fee...

A price ceiling of about $1,000 taxes in is where I would like to stay, which puts the Walther P99 and HK P2000 slightly higher than I want to be... there are a few of these in the used section in "excellent" condition, including an HK USP. Any suggestions for used? Or should I steer clear?

Thanks for the help thus far...
 
You can pick up a refurb SIG P226 for $899. Also the SIG 2022, The polymer framed SIG is about $749 new.

The refurb's are a great deal if you can find one that is in excellant condition, shop around as they are all a little different.

Something I like to do is pick up a handgun, close my eyes, then aim it naturally, open your eyes and see if the sights are lined up any where close.

The SIG lines up perfectly for me...so I bought one. I tried this with a Glock and when I opened my eyes the muzzle was pointed WAY UP, due to the funky grip angle...so I didn't buy one.

Good Luck.
 
If you can only afford one gun I would suggest you stick with a 22 since the ammo is considerably cheaper. After all you are buying one to shoot at the local range right?
 
IchBinEinSniper said:
I really can't see myself doing the 22 thing at this moment, probably one of those "tactical" impulses, but in my defense the Fabarm Tactical shotgun has made me the most happy of all the guns so far, so I will go with those impulses..
Click to expand...

Like I said :D. Give it a few years.
 
Seriously, I have to agree with everyone else here. For learning purposes and ease of use (that also won't beat up your hands, wrists and arms), get a .22LR. You'll go through thousands of rounds perfecting your shooting and you won't break the bank. My first handgun was a Walther P22 (I now also own a Norinco 9mm). Trust me, I wouldn't have gone with any other first choice.

p221.jpg


p223.jpg
 
Last edited:
Walther P99 is a good choice. I am currently saving for one. I found Walther polymer frame is prob the most ergonomic.
 
rotorhead350 said:
If you think you want it you should shoot it. Not all handguns work for everyone. but if you like the glock 17 you should try the glock 22( .40 S&W)
Or any sti product.
Click to expand...

No offence. I think for the novice shooter, the .40 has a harder recoil than others. Start with the light recoil first and build it up @_@
 
Again, all good info... I did not feel that the 9mm had much recoil to it at all, and I found the ammo priced decent. Not .22 decent, but a lot less than the slug ammo for the SG... All that I have been looking into seem to come in 9mm, so I will go with that caliber. None of on my list got a thumbs down though...
 
IchBinEinSniper said:
Again, all good info... I did not feel that the 9mm had much recoil to it at all, and I found the ammo priced decent. Not .22 decent, but a lot less than the slug ammo for the SG... All that I have been looking into seem to come in 9mm, so I will go with that caliber. None of on my list got a thumbs down though...
Click to expand...

Well, I really don't like the S&W M&P, but that's a preference. I actually prefer a glock. Now that being said I'd only want a glock for action style shooting. As for the Baby Eagle. It's a CZ 75 in disguise. A nice looking gun, but I like the original CZ as much and maybe better.
The Steryl has strange sights.
 
Get whatever you can afford to shoot lots off, the only way to get good at pistol is to shoot in absurd quantity and frequency.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom