So I'm in the market for my first handgun and I need help.

BENELLImFOUR

BENELLImFOUR

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Hey guys! I am currently awaiting my restricted PAL in the mail and I have been doing lots of research lately on what my first purchase should be. I have some basic handgun experience and have shot most of the common calibers (9mm,.40,.44,.45ACP) The pistol I have decided on is the H&K USP full size in .45 auto. I have read many reviews and it has always been one of my favorite handguns. I am having a hard time finding them brand new anywhere, so I am wondering where I should start my search. I live in Vancouver, B.C. Any help is appreciated.
 
What would be the benefits of starting with something like a 9mm or .22? What could I get for a decent price in those calibers? I have shot .45 a few times and I find the recoil to be fairly easy to control, and I've seen how hard it can be to handle if you have little experience with guns.
 
The ammo is a lot more expensive as well as the gun and extra magazines. All things you want to consider.

Having said that they are a VERY nice gun in every way.

Consider too what you wan't to do with handguns. Standing on one spot and perforating paper is fine at first. But if you shoot reasonably often pretty soon you'll be looking around for competitions to add some new challenges to the fun. And then you'll quickly find out how much it costs for extra magazines, holster and the cost of shooting up to 300 rounds per day. If you disposable income doesn't flinch at this thought then you're doing better than many of us. For us the only way to shoot that quantity of .45acp on a regular basis is through reloading to cut costs.

As for .22 rimfire vs center fire unless you can consistently shoot sub 3 inch groups at 15 yards you have some amount of flinch. A rimfire handgun can make for a very good training aid to beat the flinch issues.

And any trigger time is good for your accuracy even if you don't have a flinch. A nice rimfire gun can give you a heap of cheap trigger time. Some folks say that .22 is "boring". And I guess for those that are recoil junkies it is. But for those of us that think overly large groups are boring a rimfire can supply the cheap practice that we enjoy and that keeps our skills sharp.
 
BENELLImFOUR said:
What would be the benefits of starting with something like a 9mm or .22? What could I get for a decent price in those calibers? I have shot .45 a few times and I find the recoil to be fairly easy to control, and I've seen how hard it can be to handle if you have little experience with guns.
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In 9mm you could look at the SIG 226 or the Beretta 92FS. Those are probably the two most reliable 9mm's (they are what the US military use, where they are called the M11 and the M9).

Ammo price is the main reason, 9mm is a heck of a lot cheaper in bulk than 45acp, check some of the site sponsor prices and look at what it'll cost you to shoot, look at your budget, and make up your mind. Of course if you are dead set on 45 ACP, but you want the cheaper shooting 9mm, the tried and true solution is to buy two guns :)
 
Martin248 said:
In 9mm you could look at the SIG 226 or the Beretta 92FS. Those are probably the two most reliable 9mm's (they are what the US military use, where they are called the M11 and the M9).
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The M11 is actually the P228. The P226 was considered by the US military but Beretta got the contract with their M9.
 
Hand in hand with the price of ammunition goes the fact that you will be able to shoot more, and by so doing, perfect your technique and skill. Nothing degrades shooting skills worse than not shooting regularly, and I think its aggravated when it comes to handguns.
 
My very first handgun was a USP in 45. Two tone stainless. The minute I held it i had to have it. Went in to the LGS looking for a 1911 and after handling a couple he dug out the USP and it just felt better for me.

Now what people are saying about ammo cost is 100% correct. I have a 9mm now that gets a lot more range time just because it's cheaper to shoot. I also have a .22 and it doesn't come out as much as the 9mm because I do get more enjoyment out of the centerfire stuff.

I hope my point of view is of some use to you.
 
+1 for 9mm and .22lr

My Beretta 92A1 gets tons of trigger time over my sr1911 just because of the ammo cost. while i'm at it add another +1 for Beretta's 92 line of pistols
 
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