school me on a new handgun

I

ian745

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ok, so back story, had my PAL for awhile, got my rifles and shotguns , but recently upgraded to my RPAL, so while i wait for the card to show up, i`m doing some research on what will be my first purchase, ive been hearing about strike and non striker, ? polymer and non polymer?, i`m leaning towards a 9mm for my first one so cheaper ammo and can hand it down to the kids when they are ready, , ive been looking a a ruger sr9 9mm, fits my hands pretty good and comes with a few mags and case for $575 on average,

any other i should look at?, i want reliable, and current model so if i want to upgrade parts its easier, with a budget of $750, any ideas??, and yes, would prefer to stick with 9mm
thanks!!
 
I would say the SR9 is not bad but I would prefer a CZ75B or Beretta 92FS both are nice shooters although I own neither one, personally I have Walther PPQ M1.
 
The SR9 is a good pistol for the money, you can also get a S&W M&P with your budget. Both are striker fired and polymer framed.
I personally prefer the feel of full metal hammer fired guns, like the CZ75, Beretta 92FS, Sig P226, and the 1911, though these are all above your price range, except for some 1911's like the SAM's.
But that's just me, it's a very subjective thing. If you can, just hit up a gun store and ask to hold a bunch of pistols, and figure out what you like.
 
I'd go with the Glock 17 you can find tons of upgrade / addons that you can do yourself for experience without a gunsmith and it's reliable with a Capital R.

It will test your basic shooting skills like no other, if you can shoot it well everything else is easy.
 
CZ 75. The regular models are great but if you can stretch it to a SP01 shadow you won"t be disappointed.
 
Feel is a big thing, so try to literally get your hands on a few. The 92FS is another one I'm looking at, but haven't held it so want to do that first cause I imagine it does not feel like a 17, for example.
 
Go with what fits your hand your going to get a million and one different opinions, theirs lots of great pistols available. Go to your LGS fondle a bunch of different pistols an get what's best for your hand and price range.
 
With a $750 budget I would buy used and any modern big name brand handgun is reliable.

My top 3 picks
-Glock
-CZ
-SIG
 
There are a million 9mm pistols out there that are excellent guns. You can collect them all, shoot them and sell them or really do your research and buy THE ONE. As others have said, go to a store and physically try them out. Go with friends to a range and talk to people. Or rent them, if that is a possibility.
Easily accessible faves out there for metal guns are CZs, Berettas, Girsans, SIG P series,
Single action ones are 1911s and Browning Hi Powers.
Striker fired ones are Glocks, S&W M&P series, Walther PPQ/X series.
This is just a short list. There are Jerichos, Grand Powers, Rugers and more.
The SR9 is a good gun for its price point. Reliable and well made. Ain't the ###iest thing in the world but goes bang when needs to.
 
silverfoxdj said:
I'd go with the Glock 17 you can find tons of upgrade / addons that you can do yourself for experience without a gunsmith and it's reliable with a Capital R.

It will test your basic shooting skills like no other, if you can shoot it well everything else is easy.
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I will agree with this. The G17 will be on the upper end of your budget but there are a TON of accessories and parts are very readily available in Canada - not the same with the SR9. There are a few G17's on the EE right now for around your price range and judging by how well the SR9 fits your hand, I would suggest going with the Gen 4 as it as a slimmer grip than the Gen 3.
 
Like mentioned, handle as many as you can.

I have a poly 9mm (S&W MP9mm) and its a great gun, feels great in my hand and has 3 different back straps for grip size options. I then added a slip on Hogue sleeve to the grip and love how it feels now. On the flip side I have a 9mm 1911 and I tell you what, I have way better control shooting the all steel gun as it handles the recoil so much better.

Why haven't you considered a .22 for a first pistol? I know I had little interest in a .22 pistol when I got my RPAL and the SR9 two tone was the gun I looked and looked and looked for with no luck so I got the S&W. I picked up my second pistol almost right after getting my first, a Ruger MK III .22 and love the crap out of this one. That one seemed to bread .22's as I now have 3 different .22's, they are super cheap and lots of fun to shoot.
 
I would suggest maybe save up a tad more. Buy once cry once. Then you can open up the playing field a bit. Don't forget to watch some youtube videos on how to clean them all. That may play into your decision a little. For a first pistol something light and easy to clean might be good. I would lean you to the Glock just because of those things.
 
ian745 said:
ok, so back story, had my PAL for awhile, got my rifles and shotguns , but recently upgraded to my RPAL, so while i wait for the card to show up, i`m doing some research on what will be my first purchase, ive been hearing about strike and non striker, ? polymer and non polymer?, i`m leaning towards a 9mm for my first one so cheaper ammo and can hand it down to the kids when they are ready, , ive been looking a a ruger sr9 9mm, fits my hands pretty good and comes with a few mags and case for $575 on average,

any other i should look at?, i want reliable, and current model so if i want to upgrade parts its easier, with a budget of $750, any ideas??, and yes, would prefer to stick with 9mm
thanks!![/QUOTE

My first handgun was a Glock 17 and Ive loved glocks ever since. The beauty is that parts are everywhere. You check out any of the sponsors and you can find extra mags, springs, holsters, sights, ect.... Its just a popular handgun that parts are abundant. You cant go wrong and they are super reliable.

That being said, if you hold one and don't like it then whats the point, get what you like. SR9s are nice guns, I have shot a few and really liked them. Its not a bad place to start at all.

One thing about getting into restricted firearms is its like crack, you become an addict and will spend more money then you can afford trying out each and every gun you ever wanted to try lol.

Its a disease and welcome to the club.
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I also recommend buying from a certified dealer like whats listed on this site before going to private sales. The more you learn the less chance of getting ripped off. I wouldn't go second hand for my first time unless you know the person well.
 
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