Trying to decide on a 'first' handgun

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paddlemonkey

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Thanx to CCRA I have a few dollars to spend on a 'first' handgun

I'm looking at not spending a ton of money (for now) and I was thinking maybe a range kit of some sort. (And 9mm is fine to start with)

For the moment I have my eye on either the S&W M&P 9mm kit or the Walther PPX 9mm kit.

So far I know that the S&W has a heavy trigger that might affect accuracy, and that I'll likely want to retrofit with an aftermarket trigger kit.
I don't particularly want to spend another 200 bux and have to fiddle with it, but I will if it makes sense to do so

The entry level PPX sounds like it would be a little friendlier straight out of the box with an easier trigger pull and a comfortable looking grip, but well... its big slide makes it a bit club-like

Since I would have to live with my choice (for now) Any input would be welcome. I could not find anything on-line that compares these two directly.

Has anyone handled both? Any experienced comparisons would be so helpful.

How they feel, how they shoot.
Maintenance/Parts
Mfg Warranty
Gremlins?

Something else that's comparable in the same price range? (IWI Jericho maybe)

Yes I would like to spend more, but alas its a 'first' handgun, and I find the couch uncomfortable to sleep on.

Thanx in advance,
 
first gun should be a 22- browning, ruger or smith- then go from there- auto - extra mags- if you go 9mm you'll have to either buy factory or learn how to reload at some point- you use a 22 to learn your basics, then go where you want from there- I went directly to 45, then stepped back to 9mm when the kruchenticker fad hit- now, with a mag limit of 10, the 9mm just sits in the safe- and if I were to do it over again, unless I had a great supply of 9mm brass, don't know if I wouldn't go 40 short and wide- there isn't that much difference- and my 45 acp mags are 8s
 
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t-star said:
first gun should be a 22- browning, ruger or smith- then go from there- auto - extra mags- if you go 9mm you'll have to either buy factory or learn how to reload at some point- you use a 22 to learn your basics, then go where you want from there- I went directly to 45, then stepped back to 9mm when the kruchenticker fad hit- now, with a mag limit of 10, the 9mm just sits in the safe-and if I were to do it over again, unless I had a great supply of 0mm brass, don't know if I wouldn't go 40 short and wide- there isn't that much difference- and my 45 acp mags are 8s
Click to expand...

So, what's wrong with the limit of 10? (Just asking)
 
My advise, start with a good ruger mkIII 22lr. then move to a CZ SP01 Shadow or M&P Pro. Then a 1911 in 45

AND most importantly do not cheap out. save for an extra paycheck and get what you really want. with all the paperwork and such to buy and sell, just get it right the first time and buy quality.

CZ_75_SP-01_SHADOW.png
CZ Shadow 9mm
mp-pro.jpg
M&P Pro 9mm
 
Ditto for a .22

Or if you buy a 9mm maybe choose one with an available .22 conversion kit?

Look for a used pistol, or you'll take a hit on selling a new one that you find that you do not like. Put up a WTB ad or check at your range. Deal locally for the first one if possible. Maybe you'll get to test it out that way.

You can buy inexpensive pistols and you can buy cheap pistols. Honestly the cheap ones are not really worth it in my mind, and I've had and do have cheap pistols.

There are some good inexpensive ones out there. More so if you look at second hand
 
Your mp has a hole under the serrations...

Homer Simpson speed holes?
;););)

Messy Pants said:
My advise, start with a good ruger mkIII 22lr. then move to a CZ SP01 Shadow or M&P Pro. Then a 1911 in 45

AND most importantly do not cheap out. save for an extra paycheck and get what you really want. with all the paperwork and such to buy and sell, just get it right the first time and buy quality.

CZ_75_SP-01_SHADOW.png
CZ Shadow 9mm
mp-pro.jpg
M&P Pro 9mm
Click to expand...
 
CCRA isn't giving you money, they simply released funds they've been withholding from you.

I don't subscribe to a graduated approach - it's expensive.
Open that catalogue and choose the one you dream of.
Otherwise you won't fully enjoy what you've settled on.

To help inspire your decision, nickel plated 1911. With some sweet pearl handles.. Embroidered with gold punisher emblem.
 
.22 are a great way to start..... My .45 getstheleast use, mosly 9mm these days..... Go to gun stores and find what fits your hand best... If ou can get something that has .22 caliber exchange slide ect so much the better.... Enjoy the search.... I always found people I chat with at the range are happy for me to handle, and often, shoot their pistols. Good luck
 
what's wrong with a 9mm with a mag limit of 10- right off, it should be 15- I come from the era where 15-19 rounds were mag limit, not 10- in other words it's been neutered- second, if I load 1 up the pipe and 8 in the mag, I get 9-45s- given that the beretta "feels " heavier than the colt, what's the excuse for it's existence? I\d much rather shoot 9 45s than 10 -9s-only when the 9, in its original form has a reason d'etre in my books- but I roll my own- and cast 2- therefore, my 45 is just about as cheap as 9mm
 
You know you're gonna end up with more than 1 right??? Ever eat only one potato chip? or one taco? or one chicken wing???

Get what you want as your first handgun to pop your cherry. Go shoot it and have fun. Get a lesson or two if you think you'd benefit. Then shoot it some more.

I find I shoot 9mm much more in the winter (I don't reload 9) so no fuss about picking up brass. Love shooting my revolvers (hmm, also no fuss about picking up brass). Find I shoot my 40 less and less (G22) and I'm not fond of shooting my DE (44) in the winter as - you guessed it - don't like pikcing up brass in the winter. Summar and I shoot 'em all. The Buckmark was supposed to be for my wife, but I like shooting that too, even in the winter.

So, get what you want, then go get a nice 22 to use for practise, then keep eating potato chips ;)
 
I love my Jericho 941. Nothing wrong with starting on a 9mm, but I started on a .22 and I'm glad I did. Eliminate recoil, and you'll really learn trigger control. Apply the same formula, and you'll get holes touching at 25m with a S&W 500 magnum, if you ever eat that chip! I started with a .22 and I've since sold it, but I'm glad I learned on it. 8 handguns later, I don't regret owning a .22 pistol.
 
My first pistol was a Smith M&P 40. I have since acquired three other handguns but the M&P is still my overall favourite (my S&W 686 .357 magnum a close second). I installed the Apex trigger kit in it and now it's a real nice shooter.
 
kolik1 said:
External safety that was available on some models. Completely superfluous and a "feel-good" option put in place by Smith as the firearm has no other easily visible safety. The rest of us know better though.
Click to expand...

I think his plastic grip plug fell out. The Pro Series didn't come with an external safety installed.
 
:sok2 I started with a .22 but quickly got bored of it so I bought an XD40 . I still own a .22 handgun but I like a little more snap most of the time...LOL! If possible, go to a range and actually shoot a few to see what you like. For me, the PPQ Navy is one sweet pistol. I had no intentions of buying one until I held it...still hate threaded barrels though!!! :sok2
 
Ok this is all good stuff... But I was wondering if anyone could tell me any good/bad about the PPX vs the M&P9. (Only cuz they are in range of my current budget.)

My reasoning for 9mm is ammo cost/availability. I know that 22 will be way cheaper...until I lose interest, then I gotta buy another gun, which would probably have to wait for a while....
Luckily my stepson has a 22 for me to borrow any time.

Sooo in my mind what I buy, warts and all, I keep forever, or until the RCMP reclassifies it (and kicks down my door)...

The goal is to like it well enough that I don't have to run out and find something better right away. Having said that, these are inexpensive guns and I have no illusions about them.
 
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