[Joey_the_Wolf]

Hello friends,

I own a couple of pistols myself (a 1911 and a Beretta 92) and even though I am in the market for a .22 pistol, that's not why I'm making this topic. See, a friend of mine is also in the market for a pistol, it's his first firearm and he is fairly new to guns. He told me he really liked my Beretta 92 and how it operated and felt, and I will be taking him to the range pretty soon so he can try out my two pistols, but I'm still in need of some advice as to what to steer him towards or recommend. He's coming to me for advice, so I want to make sure I give him good advice.

Here's some background on him. Although he doesn't really have any recent firearms experience, he's a legal Cuban immigrant who did serve in the Cuban army in the late 80's. Although he was in Armor, he did train and familiarize himself with rifles and safety rules, so he's no dummy when it comes to safety, and he does seem responsible and level headed, but seeing how he's never really handled pistols I'd like to see him with something simple to learn and easy to maintain. I'd tell him to get a shotgun since it's mainly for home defense (he has a wife and a kid), but he also is interested in getting a CCW and having it in the car for trips, so he's set on getting a pistol.

Here's what I think. I believe he should rent a few pistols and get the one he likes best, and since he is on a budget, and also really wants to get into target shooting, I am recommending he get a high capacity, double action 9mm. Good enough for defense, and great for plinking. He likes my Beretta, so maybe one of those. I've put together a list of pistols I think might suit him, keeping in mind he's a beginner. Let me know if I'm the right path here, and please add your own recommendations.

I'm thinking:

Beretta M92/96 DA/SA type pistol. Simple to use, but a bit pricy. Again, he's on a budget.

Taurus DA 9mm. Any of the newer ones look good, and the 24/7 series looks promising, although I admit I've never fired one, so input on this pistol would be appreciated.

Ruger P series pistol

I'd say H&K or Sig, but again, budget.

Smith and Wesson high cap service size 9mm. M&P's look very nice, and so do the older 59 series pistols. Also affordable.

I'm tempted to say Glock or a 1911 because I love both, but he is a beginner and I'm not sure if I should recommend either... I rarely advise beginners to start with anything other than a semi pistol with a true DA trigger, or a Revolver. There's something very comforting about a beginner having to consciously pull the trigger with some effort on that first shot. Pet peeve of mine, even though I do love 1911's and single action pistols...

Speaking of revolvers, there's nothing wrong with a good solid .357 mag, and they are relatively cheap, esp. if used.

I really don't want to overwhelm him with too many options and confuse him more, so I'd really like to narrow down the list to like 2-3 pistols he can pick up and try. I guess the bottom line is I want him to choose, and not have anything pushed on him, but I still want to steer him in the right direction.

Also, it goes without saying that I will be drilling the 4 rules and gun safety into his head every time I get the chance.

Tips? Comments? Advice?

Thanks.

[doc2rn]

I have gotta say good technique and the four rules are best learned shooting and at todays prices punching paper is a pure joy with a .22. I shoot mine every trip to the range. I think he may be rifle okay but you need to start with the one thing that wont make him flinch, jerk the trigger, or be unadjustable as far as the sight picture is concerned. I think you should start him with a Ruger MK II Target or a Buckmark. Let him learn then he can shop for what he wants. By all means let him shoot your 9mm, the more he shoots the better an informed decision he will make.

[Don Lu]

If he like the Beretta and he is no a budget, maybe you could show him the Taurus PT92. Great gun.

[Ala Dan]

The Rugers make a great choice for an introductory auto-loader; and can be
found on the used but not abused market for some very attractive prices.

If he is "dead set" on a Beretta, have him look at the new PX-4 Storm. Its
more compact than the original model 92; and comes with 17 round magazines.
It would fill the bill as a CCW piece, and could easily be packed away for those
extended trips or vacations you spoke of~! ;)

[Jeff Timm]

The Stoeger Cougar 8000
http://www.stoegerindustries.com/firearms/cougar8000.tpl
An old Barretta design done by a Turkish company. Usually available under $300 new if you shop around. All metal frame and solid. The rotating barrel takes some getting used to for some people.

Geoff
Who has that nich in his colletion filled by a S&W M&P 9c.

[Joey_the_Wolf]

Ala and Jeff, yeah, thanks I was thinking of recommending those too since they are very nice compact pistols, and Doc, yup, I've heard those newer Taurus PT-92 pistols are just as good as the Beretta M92 pistols at a very reasonable price. And to the poster who mentioned a .22, that is also a good idea, but since it also needs to fill the bill for a car gun and defensive gun, it may not be the best option right now stopping power wise, but definitely something everyone should have for practice.
I'm going to go see him pretty soon, and go for a range trip or two, and we'll probably hit some shops in the area as well, so I'll be sure to let you guys know what he gets once he makes his mind up.

[Lonestar49]

...

Take a look at the Beretta Px4 9mm..

My 40cal, but the same gun as the 9mm, has gone 5500 rounds to date, without any failures, just 100%.

It is one of my CCW guns, which due to its narrow size overall, grip, and it is shorter than most full size handguns in the full size category, along with, it is one of the easiest guns to disassemble, inspect, clean, and reassemble, out there, bar none.

NIB 400 - 500 bucks.


Ls

http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc306/Lonestar49/px4no5.jpg

http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc306/Lonestar49/px4onegg02nj8.jpg

[Mot45acp]

For a starting point, find out what he handled while in the military (Model and caliber). Other than that, based on the info given, Ruger autos are simple, reliable, cheap, and a good starter auto. Something in the 9mm flavor should be fine.

[mekender]

check out the new ruger SR9, its a nice feeling weapon

[coylh]

CZ-75. Good for an all-around gun, and when he upgrades to something better it's easy to convert to .22.