So many choices... which pistol to start out with?

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noi

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Well im not completely new to shooting however will be buying my own personal handgun in the next month or so. I realize .22lr is the cheapest and will probably get one later, however would like to stick to 9mm.

First i was looking at the p226 certified pre owned. However even though $700 isnt to much for me to pay it adds up after the course fee, club fee, etc.

The norinco's look attractive at their price point of $350 however, i still have an urge to get the real thing rather then a clone.

I hear good things about the glock but there is something esthetically i don't like about it (i dont know why i even care about esthetic's).

Id would HIGHLY prefer something new, or at least certified pre owned straight from the company.

Suggestions?
 
Get your RPAL then get access to the equipment exchange forum here on CGN. There are some great deals to be had especially if you're wanting something pre-owned. However, if cost is an big issue for you then maybe you should reconsider owning a handgun. Wait until you see the prices of ammo and how much you will probably go through. It makes the cost of your firearm insignificant. And once you get hooked....oh boy:nest:
 
I went with a Glock 17 with night sights some extra mags and ammo. All-in as much as I would have paid for a new P226, plus that's like three times the ugly for the same money :)

I'll be picking it up from the post office on Tuesday.
 
Don't get the glock night sights. Wait, save a few bucks, learn a few things, and but some ammo or a 22 adapter form advantage arms...

Then get some Heinie Straight 8's tritiums with a slightly reduced front blade.
 
Something that feels good, looks cool, and gets chicks..

But is unreliable, untested, or overpriced, perhaps even unnecessary for a beginner....

Forget what "feels nice" you can learn to shoot anything well as long as you aren't missing fingers, or have some biological problems/disability etc.
 
There's a few commercial ranges around the country where you can go and shoot a big variety of different guns. If you can get down to one it'll be money well spent. Then you can hold and shoot a goodly variety.

If you're doing this for grins and giggles rather than getting into competition such as IPSC or IDPA then you may also want to consider a revolver. They go through ammo a little slower and are great fun to shoot.

And yes, there's more to life than just Glocks. It's good to have other choices to consider as well.
 
sigs are great as are most others these days. get what you like, it is your gun after all. too many choices to say which way to go but thats the fun part. good luck and happy shopping.
 
I'm in the same boat regarding a first handgun. I'm finding the $99 dollar Tokarev 9mm from Canada Ammo too good to pass up. I'll just change the grips to the wrap-around version cuz I've heard that with the original grips it's a narrow pistol and I have big hands.
 
You can't go wrong with a Glock 17. Relatively inexpensive and should give you many, many years of shooting fun. I bought one when they first came out over 20 years ago and it still shoots like it's brand new. I also have a HK P2000 which is awesome but more $$.
 
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Make sure you have a chance to handle the gun before you buy it. I was at my local pistolsmith and helped him unpack about a 100 handguns from an estate. I could not believe how many guns did just not feel good when I handled them, some were guns, that before I would have seriously considered buying before handling them.
 
I was in the same boat and finally decided on a sig 226r. The transfer is still in process but I will let you know how it works out! Keep us posted of what you end up choosing.
 
A Ruger Mark III in .22. Yep. I know you don't want the 22 first, but I would get it first, and try 9mm, 40S&W and 45 as I went to the range, talking to others etc.
Just my .02
 
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