Help with first hand gun

[HD_Renegade]

Hello Folks, new guy here looking to buy my first pistol. I would like to buy a Glock 9mm. I have never owned a pistol but have shot a few of them. I have been around long guns for 30+ years and use to teach hunters safety too.

Anyway, I am looking a G34, but I like the G17 and G17L as well. I do not know anything about autos. My thoughts here are to use it for some target shooting to get use to it, and I like the idea of trying out compition shooting too. I would also like to CCW with it too.

The second guy that I would like to buy would be a Ruger Mark II or III, I have read a lot of folks not liking the III.

Thank you for your opinions,

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Anyway, I am looking a G34, but I like the G17 and G17L as well. I do not know anything about autos. My thoughts here are to use it for some target shooting to get use to it, and I like the idea of trying out compition shooting too. I would also like to CCW with it too.

What kind of competition? If CCW is in your gun's job description, I would suggest the Glock 19. It is much shorter on both ends than any of those guns - in fact, IMO it is the most "size efficient" handgun on the market - and gives up very little in ammo capacity or shooting qualities. It may not be as optimized for target shooting like the G34 or 17L, but will be fine for IDPA or GSSF.

 

[HD_Renegade]

I am not sure of the compition part, but from all of the posts that I have been reading with other folks doing shooting comps, it really sounds like a lot of fun. I like the g34 for the longer barrel on it. I am not sure if I would need a compensator on it or not. I have not read a lot of people using a G34 for CCW either. I am trying to limit my new found hobby to buying just 2 guns right now with the G34 and a Ruger Mark II or III 22cal.

I am open to any and all input from the folks on here that have bought these guns and what they think about them, and/or your opinion on what I am looking at doing. Gun show is this weekend, and I would really like to buy this weekend if I can.

From everything I have read both GLOCK and RUGER are supposed to be good. I have a Ruger Mini 14 and a Ruger 10-22 as well as many other long guns, and I have never had any issues with my Ruger weapons.

Thank you for your input,

 

[Haifisch]

The Glock 19 is the Perfect Handgun.

 

[EMT40SW]

New Glock for $399

If you join GSSF for $30 you can get a glock annually at cost. Check it out:

http://www.gssfonline.com/

http://www.gssfonline.com/GSSF_Pistol_Purchase_Program_Information.pdf

 

[1SOW]

22LR is a great way to break into semi-auto pistol shooting. Stance, sight picture and trigger pull can be learned well with a .22. Recoil management needs the centerfire pistol.

Like every other shooter, I have mine that work for me; so I'll tell you mine are great pistols. If you know what kind of competition you might be interested in trying, find the ranges that have that comp. IDPA, USPSA, IPSC, and Steel Challenge are often available. Very often, shooters competing at these venues, like nothing better than letting a new shooter try their gun--- best to have your own ammo.

You should know Glock is distinctive with a different 'grip angle' than most pistols. Many like it, many don't, some shoot both. Your Ruger .22lr will be a different grip angle than the Glock.
I recommend you 'rent'/try out 2 types of pistols. Striker fired like the Glock, Springfield XD , M&P and others (all these are used in comps listed); and hammer fired like Sig, CZ, Beretta, Kimber and others (all these are used in comps listed).

You'll likely find one or more of these will feel more comfortable and natural than the others.

Probably like in your rifle experience, handgun shooters enjoy teaching/introducing the sport. You'll learn more in a month of organized shooting than you will ever learn trial and error at the range.

You'll love it, so get out and shoot.

 

[Skylerbone]

If you must buy a Glock, depending on the size of the show, look for a seller who has and installs different connectors. Try one set up that way. The trigger will feel very different from the others listed.

It is indeed ok to dryfire the above pistols save the .22 which should never be dryfired. Ask permission and try them out.

Do yourself and check out Buds gun shop online. Write down some prices for reference as gun show adrenaline often causes otherwise rational men to part with too much money for no good reason other than to go home with something. ALWAYS BARGAIN! Hey, the guy paid for the table space and if he wants the sale he'll make a deal rather than packing it all back up again.

I don't care for the Glock myself but agree its design is outstanding. I shoot an M&P 40 full size which is also available in compact (good for cc) and L/Pro (long, good for comp). Its hard conceal a target pistol and hard to shoot competition with a compact so you really must make a decision, though 3 choices in length helps. (also 3 interchangable grip insert sizes)

You could buy a 9Pro with nice target sights and lighter trigger then spend the remaining money on a holster, belt and airsoft version of the same gun for practice. With a pellet trap you could practice while watching TV. (or buy a CO 2 pellet gun and take the whole works to the basement) The S&W has a $50 rebate or 2 extra magazine deal right now, my mags took 2 months but arrived as promised today.

Take a look at burwellgunsmithing.com and bowietacticalconcepts.com for some great pics of this versatile gun. Yes, I am biased.

 

[Glocked-N-Loaded]

For target and CCW you are talking about the G19, no question. If competition is in your future you are going to need a dedicated comp gun and the 34 is what you are talking about. The 19 is not a comp gun and the 34 is not a CCW gun so you are going to need 2 Glocks which is never a bad thing.

 

[HD_Renegade]

Thank you all for your comments on helping me here.