[Babposa]

So I'm setting out to purchase my first handgun. My budget is around $5-600 USD (can be stretched for a good reason). I want something reliable and well made, and that uses a common round. I have plenty of experience shooting handguns, and own several rifles, so I don't necessarily have to get a "beginner" gun.

I am in California btw, I know there are some limitations here.

Thx!

[Lolita Palmer]

Well since you said you've had plenty of experience of handguns. Why not start there? What kind of round to you enjoy shooting?

[feedcomnet]

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/w...1_757781_image


Here's where you can find pricings.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Sea...=3026&Items=50

[DoctorDulitlBest]

Carry or Range use?

Actually I have a lot of questions...
Want to stop someone dead in their tracks, or just shoot in a league for enjoyment?
Prefer an accessible hammer?
Something easy to maintain?
Will you be shooting in the cold ever?
Do you intend to ever mount a light or a laser?
Do you prefer a heavy or light feel to the gun?
As far as gun safety do you prefer something with a grip safety in addition to a thumb safe, or is thumb safe enough?

[Babposa]

Well since you said you've had plenty of experience of handguns. Why not start there? What kind of round to you enjoy shooting?

Generally because I've had varying experience with different rounds, and lots of gun models come in different calibers. I've shot 9mm (more than all others combined), .38 special, .380, .45 ACP, and .40 S&W (I've only shot one clip of this one). I liked shooting them all. I do know that I probably want something a little more powerful than a 9mm.

[Babposa]

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/w...1_757781_image


Here's where you can find pricings.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Sea...=3026&Items=50

Thanks, that's one I was actually looking at, heard good things.

Carry or Range use?
Mostly range, though I will be applying for ccw permit.
Actually I have a lot of questions...
Want to stop someone dead in their tracks, or just shoot in a league for enjoyment? I probably won't be shooting in a league. Definitely would like it to have effective stopping power.
Prefer an accessible hammer? No real preference here.
Something easy to maintain? Definitely would be nice.
Will you be shooting in the cold ever? Yes, without a doubt. Cold being in the high teens at the coldest.
Do you intend to ever mount a light or a laser? Would be nice.
Do you prefer a heavy or light feel to the gun? I do prefer a slightly heavier gun.
As far as gun safety do you prefer something with a grip safety in addition to a thumb safe, or is thumb safe enough? Thumb safety is enough.

Thanks man.

[DoctorDulitlBest]

Right on, well then here are some suggestions I have. If you do find yourself wanting a 9mm most guns come in many calibers these days.

Low end 1911 by Springfield Armory, maybe Taurus. (Not a Taurus fan.)
Good:
-Large Frame/good weight
-Can also be bought in 4" models if size is a concern for CCW.
-Grip/Thumb Safety
-Room for customization, can literally be the gun that grows with you.
-$500-$600
Bad:
-Not a good deal of room in the trigger for wearing gloves. So if you plan to shoot in the cold, gonna need some thin gloves.
-Pretty basic in the line of 1911s when it comes to features and looks.
-Maintenance, lets face it... 1911s breakdown and clean up isn't at all like modern guns. Timely timely timely.

Springfield XD:
It is similar to the S&W goliath suggested but a little more affordable (atleast from what I have seen.) ~$550, this is a popular line of theirs and all I have shot were pretty good.
Glock:
You'd be surprised how affordable they can be, ~$570 can get you a new .40S&W glock. They are tried and true.
Beretta:
Decent guns, their polymer parts feel cheap compared to other makers though. But a 96A1 .40S&W is a decent gun and pretty affordable, so is their compact line called the PX Storm or something. It is similar to the XD but I believe can be had for less. It also has an accessible hammer.
Ruger:
IMO, ****. Avoid em. lol. =p

Goliath's suggestion was pretty strong based on what you're looking for. But I'd get it in a .40S&W. I prefer it in a terms of self-defense round and overall ease to obtain and cost. I have a bitch of a time getting .45acp ammo at times. Do some research for your area on ammo and prices before purchasing. The XD and the MP40/45 have pretty good clearance for wearing gloves in the trigger. H&K was the best with this...their guns left tons of room. The guns in this price range are mostly polymer frames (save for inexpensive 1911s) but get a feel for them if the weight feels right loaded and during fire...then you're golden. I prefer a heavier gun myself.

I threw the 1911 in there because its just such a great gun and I feel it deserves to be noted in consideration when gun shopping. While there are more draw backs compared to newer guns, they bring a lot to the table.

And again I am no expert, Goliath knows 10x what I do so I'd hold his suggestion high, but these are all things I looked at and experienced when buying my first gun last year.

Don't forget to check your local pawn shops if any available, a used gun doesn't mean its a bad gun!
Happy Hunting!

[IoninnyHaro]

i disagree with chronic saying ruger is ****. Their P series pistols, meh. Not from working, but ergonomics on them i didnt care for. but they make great revolvers, and the SR9/SR9c, LCP, LCR have all been very popular. and i will own a LC9 next month

I would agree with a 1911. awesomeness

whether you get a glock/XD/M&P (or something else), try to get your paws on them and feel the trigger, the M&P is split and feels a little funny, My old XDm would pinch my finger when the trigger reset, but i didnt notice until i started competing with it. small things you may not think about. XDm was about as easy as it comes for field stripping

now my favorite pistol is my HK USP

[DoctorDulitlBest]

I envy you for that H&K...haha.

I must admit I have zero experience with Ruger's revolver line. Have used a few P345's....they were all garbage. (again imo) Jams pre & post discharge of the round as well as ejection issues. They felt solid enough...just fired like poop. But it is unfair to write off the brand based off one line based off the one model. But the P345 def left bad enough of a taste in my mouth to be very weary of ever purchasing a gun from them.

[DeronBoltonRen]

I've had my SA XD40, (4" barrel OD Green), for about a year & 1/2 now. I've put her through her paces, she shoots better with .165 grains than the .180's, that's for sure. Fires multiple clips in succession without fail(no jams...etc), keeps relatively cool. Love it to pieces, carry it with me as much as I can. It also lacks of safety button, and it uses a three-pressure point safety instead. Maybe a little bit less riskier than say...a 1911, but it does have some safety.

Sleep with it as well [thumbup]

*I've shot a slew of other guns, but I am partial to mine. We have a bond, I'd recommend mine Erik.

[Poowssnople]

I would say get a Glock in a .45 caliber. Reason why: can hold up to 13 rounds, low maintenance, easy to clean, ultra reliable, accurate, and safe. And .45 because it kicks ass and when you shoot one you will love it. Or if you got the money you could get a Kimber Ultra Carry II with crimson trace grips.

[feedcomnet]

I suggested the .45 ACP because California limits magazine compacity for all guns to 10 rounds. I figure if you can only have 10, might aswell go big. But the .40 is a decent round, as long as you don't settle for a 9mm.

I'm not sure about hollow point legality in Cali though.

[DoctorDulitlBest]

I believe hollow points are still legal in CA. NJ is the stickler about them.

[Babposa]

Wow, thanks for all the help guys, most appreciated.

I'm probably going to be looking at both the S&W M&P and the SA XD line, preferably in .40S&W, possibly .45.

Thanks again guys!

[DoctorDulitlBest]

Awesome man, be sure to post back what you get. Pics and range reports a must!


While on the topic of hallow points in here I am running into an issue with my 1911 and hallow points not feeding well. Have tried three different brands of mags. (Colt, Wilson Combat, Pro Mag) Issue seems to be with the barrel.

[NicolasOL]

Walther P99 , is that a good gun? My brother used to have one. I once held it in hand and that was y first and only time I held such a weapon. Felt good though, it is that shooting is pretty expensive over here else I would think of joining a club.

http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2...her-p99-review
Stumbled across this looking for a pic...

[feedcomnet]

Walther P99 , is that a good gun? My brother used to have one. I once held it in hand and that was y first and only time I held such a weapon. Felt good though, it is that shooting is pretty expensive over here else I would think of joining a club.

http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2...her-p99-review
Stumbled across this looking for a pic...

I have the Walther P22 and it's a piece of ****. It has feed problems every other magazine.

[feedcomnet]

Awesome man, be sure to post back what you get. Pics and range reports a must!


While on the topic of hallow points in here I am running into an issue with my 1911 and hallow points not feeding well. Have tried three different brands of mags. (Colt, Wilson Combat, Pro Mag) Issue seems to be with the barrel.

The 1911 has historically not dealt with HP rounds well.

What brand is yours?

[DoctorDulitlBest]

Gun is a Colt, (Gov't Model- Std non ramped barrel) rounds are Remington.

[feedcomnet]

Gun is a Colt, (Gov't Model- Std non ramped barrel) rounds are Remington.

Try different JHPs like Speer's Gold Dot or Federal's Hydrashock.

But a Colt should be able to handle most any ammo for what they charge. Try contacting the company if you aren't satisfied. It should be under warranty.