[sfc123]

I am about as green as it gets when it comes to guns, but I've learned enough to know that Sigs are well respected so I am considering getting one as my first gun.

I don't know which caliber to get or which model or trigger system.

I was hoping you to get me going in the right direction.

Thanks!

[pax]

This thread is shortly going to fill with people telling you all sorts of contradictory things. I'll leave the fight over specific models to them, and instead give you a little bit of more-general advice.

First: Whatever you finally decide upon, make sure it fits your hand. See http://www.corneredcat.com/FirstGun/TryOnGun.htm for instructions how to do that.

Second: If you are simply learning to shoot a handgun, for fun or target shooting, I'd suggest going with a .22 caliber.

And finally: If you're going to use it for self-defense, I'd suggest going with a .380 ACP or larger. My personal favorite is 9mm because it is powerful enough for defense but has a soft recoil, and because it is the least expensive of the defensive calibers. But there are lots of other good defensive calibers to choose from, and it really boils down to personal choice.

All right, guys .. have at it! ;)

pax

[jonsidneyb]

Nothing wrong with the Sigs in my opinion, I have had some in the past.

I found then ones I had very reliable but I would like to ask why you are limiting your options.

There is a world of really fine guns out there *and a couple of dogs*

Pax correct, the .22 is probably the best choice to learn on. In my humble opinon .22 revolver is a good one to learn on.

I went through a lot of different guns to find what I like. I today like two basic designs.

You might end up doing the same.

[D-Man]

Do a lot of research - the most important kind being shooting any gun you may think about buying. If you can't do that, at least go to shops and get a hands-on feel for the potential models you may be interested in.

If you do plan to stay with Sig (I think a good choice), my suggestion would be either the P226 or P229 in 9MM. It's a good defensive round, and still cheap compared to other rounds you could get. Both of these guns have enough heft and size that they won't be a bother to shoot.

See if any local dealers can get CPO (Certified Pre-Owned) models, as that would save you some money. These are pre-owned guns that are sent back to Sig for reconditioning and have a 1 year warranty.

Edited to add: For a trigger system, I think it might be best to go traditional DA/SA (double action 1st shot, single action following shots).

[DogBonz]

Untill I shot one, then I loved them. You didn't mentioned what you intend to use it for, so I'm going to guess its for general purpose. I own and really like the 226 in 9mm. Its soft shooting and a good mid size gun that fits a lot of people's hands well. I alway start new shooters out with a .22, but when it comes time for something a little larger in an auto, that is the gun that I put in their hands and almost everyone takes to it like a fish to water. I like the DA/SA trigger option best, but to each their own. All that said, if you opt for a SIG in the 9mm, 40 S&W, or 357SIG flavor, remember, if you buy the 40 S&W or 357SIG, that you can always change barrels and slides to any of the other calibers. If you buy the 9mm, it will always be a 9mm. But I got the 9mm and am very happy. Now if I could just get my GF to give it back.

[Froggy]

...Sigs are well respected so I am considering getting one as my first gun. I don't know which caliber to get or which model or trigger system. I was hoping you to get me going in the right direction.

Why do you want a handgun? (that is to ask, how do you intend to use it?) Is it mainly for self-defense / home protection? Is weight a factor since it will be carried on your person all or most of the time? Is size a factor since it will it be carried concealed? Or will it stay in the nightstand (or some such place) so neither weight or size is an issue? Will you hunt with it? Or is it just for recreational target shooting?

You'll spend time "target shooting" with any handgun you own. If it is mainly for self-defense, you'll want a cartridge that is "big enough" and simple sights will work -- your target shooting will be at 7 yards or so and scoring will be pretty much "hit" or "miss." If it is mainly for recreational shooting, a smaller cartridge will do but you'll want better sights -- you'll be shooting at longer distances and good scores will be a matter of 1/2" this way or that. If it is for hunting, you'll want those same sights and a big cartridge.

How sensitive to recoil are you? Are your hands and arms strong enough to keep the gun on target / get it back there quickly with the amount of recoil produced by the "big" cartridges? Do you want the legendary reliability of a revolver? Or would you rather have the slimmer lines and larger magazine capacity of an autoloader? Are you comfortable with only 8 rounds in the magazine? Or would you rather have the 14 of them in there that a smaller cartridge allows? If this is mainly a gun for recreational shooting, ammo costs might also be an issue when choosing between calibers.

Lots of variables to consider, and sorting them out will lead to the answers to your questions. You're off to a good start by thinking about it, reading, and asking around for ideas before your rush out and buy your first gun. Just don't forget that, in the end, your personal preferences are what matters.

I have a number of handguns -- if I was forced to rid myself of all but one, the Sig 229 chambered in .40 S&W is the one I would keep. That certainly is not to say the others are not also fine handguns, and each fits its own niche in the way I use them. Here is some reading that might help you make your own choice:

http://www.chuckhawks.com/handgun_types.htm

http://www.chuckhawks.com/handgun_home_defense.htm

http://www.chuckhawks.com/first_handgun.htm

[sfc123]

I forgot to mention that I will use it for Self Defense.

[Skywarp]

229 or 226. Easiest guns in the world to use.


Point, Shoot, Done.


No modifications, or tuning needed.

[crebralfix]

My first handgun was a SIG P220, which I bought around 10 years ago. It is a great gun. SIG now offers the P220 SAO (single action only). It is the same gun as the P220, but with an ambidextrous thumb safety and the trigger pull of the regular P220 in single action mode (when the hammer is cocked). This is MUCH easier, as I had determined 10 years ago.

My first handgun *formal* training occurred in 1999. At that time, I had plateaued in my ability to shoot.

The SIG double action is difficult to master, especially for a newbie. Fortunately, I figured out that dry fire is very important and did so often. This allowed me to handle the P220's double action trigger well. You must be patient and learn how to let off the shot CONSISTENTLY and in the SAME manner each and every time. If you do not do this, then all that work will be wasted. Get trained and learn how to train yourself.

I highly recommend that you follow the second poster's advice and 1) get a gun (made by a good manufacturer) that fits your hand, and 2) take shooting classes. Avoid really small handguns while you are learning the basics. Get something that supports all your fingers and fills the palm of your hand. The reason is because a LACK of support will cause you to throw shots out. Learn to shoot well, then get an experts' gun.

Start with a gun safety course from the NRA. That's about all they're good for (I was an instructor for a year and didn't care for their two day courses that included about 10 seconds of shooting). Move on to a defensive course as soon as possible. I did not do so for 3 1/2 years; my whole mentality about shooting a handgun changed in two and a half days. My speed doubled and my group sized halved. One weekend with a good trainer will make a huge difference.

***

Many folks have mentioned starting with a 22 caliber handgun. This is sound advice because 22 is cheap and is very easy to shoot. You can buy a SIG Trailside off CDNNInvestments.com for a reasonable price. These are great target guns. However, since this weapon is for self-defense, I still recommend something in 45 ACP.

There are multiple reasons. First, your gun throws a large, heavy bullet with reasonable recoil in a regular sized handgun. The recoil is not sharp like the 40 S&W or 357 SIG cartridges. Second, 45 ACP is common, and finally, it's very easy to reload. Get into reloading quickly; the amount of shooting you will be able to do will double. I started with a Lee Turret press and eventually moved into a Dillon RL550B (highly recommended).

If you do not wish to get a gun in 45 ACP, then 9mm is another good choice. With commercial 45 ACP running at $225+ per case of 1,000, the cost of 9mm at $120-140 per case of 1,000 is attractive. If you go with CCI Blazer, it's even cheaper.

[Seven High]

My suggestion would be a Sig 239 in 9mm. If you can locate one, look at the CPO Sigs. They will save you a lot of money.

[Ala Dan]

In that case, I like the American grip angle of the P220A, P228, and P229.
Personally, I like the .45 caliber P220A so much that I've attached a photo;
complete with a factory test target~!;) :D

[10-Ring]

I would recommend something inexpensive to shoot - I would look at the Mosquito (22lr) or maybe even a P226 and get a 22lr conversion kit ;)

[D-Man]

^ Definitely avoid the Mosquito - you'd be much better off with a Browning Buckmark or a Ruger .22.

And at this point, Sig does not offer a .22 conversion kit for their handguns. Maybe a 3rd party does, but I'm not familiar with them.

In case the original poster doesn't know, go to sigforum.com for all the information you'd ever want about Sig handguns.

[antsi]

Agree with those above who emphasize the Personal Fit Factor.

Just about any time a gun store has its own range, they will have handguns for rent. If at all possible, try before you buy.

If you find a SIG pistol that fits you overall very well, with the exception of having to reach too far for the trigger, you should know that SIG can install a "short trigger" to correct this. This is generally helpful for people with smaller hands.

The DA/SA or DAK decision likewise will be personal. The option of shooting SA is nice for accuracy games at the range. Having a gun with two different feeling trigger pulls does take some getting used to, but it is not anything like insurmountable - just takes some practice, that's all. The DAK may be a bit easier to learn for defensive shooting.

However, as a newcomer to shooting, you should count on putting in lots of range time anyway and should have no trouble adapting to either trigger style.

I highly encourage you to think about a 9mm - the ammo is cheap, and you will be doing a lot of practicing. It is an effective round for self defense. 9mm also has moderate recoil, which will help you avoid forming bad habits (many of the worst shooting habits come from anticipating the recoil).

Final point, and far away the most important: GET SOME PROFESSIONAL INSTRUCTION. You can waste several weeks/months teaching yourself by trial and error, or get much further ahead much quicker by having a certified instructor start you off with good habits from the beginning.

This link
http://www.nrahq.org/education/training/find.asp
will help you find a certified qualified instructor to help get you started.

Many instructors have different guns they will let you shoot. It might really help you get some shooting experience first, BEFORE you go out shopping for your own gun. You will learn so much in your first few range sessions, and that could totally change your ideas about what your preferences are.

[gc70]

sfc123,

Follow pax's advice.

As to Sigs, they are fine guns and I have several. However, I would offer a few points to consider.

New Sigs are pricey in relation to lots of other guns; look for a CPO to reduce the sticker shock.

The .40 and .357 guns, particularly in the smaller models, can be daunting for new shooters.

The P239 compact can present more "does it fit me" issues than the larger models.

Know why you want a Sig. While Sigs have a well-deserved reputation for quality, lots of other guns do too - and without the high price. I own Sigs for the frame-mounted decocker; I can't comfortably reach the slide-mounted decockers on most pistols.