So many choices....

[sgt3531]

I'm looking to buy a semi-auto pistol with my "economic stimulus rebate" in Mid-May. I don't have a whole lot of experience with firearms (except for what the Corps taught me to shoot well: M16A2/A4, M2, M249, M240G, MK19, and most relevant, M9). I've got big hands and like the Beretta 92FS because it fits me well, and even brand new fits in my price range. Despite my extensive firearms training in the Corps (I even got to be a certified Range Coach with a secondary MOS of 8531), I don't know a whole lot about guns except what I was taught. I want to hear a little debate about the 92FS (which I am very comfortable with), and other weapons that are comparable in both price and performance, keeping in mind my large hand. I know that the 92FS is a large gun, but that's kinda why I want to stick with it....

 

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's Sarge And Welcome To The High Road-

Well, for large hands two weapons come too mind; the H&K's and the SIG's.
However, both will cost in excess of $600@, at the time of purchase. For
instance, the H&K MK-23 can be found priced at or near $1700 NIB; while
a H&K .45 ACP USP full size can be had for as little as $709. In SIG's, the
P220A is a .45 ACP caliber weapon that in its standard format without any
night sights runs 'bout $739 NIB; with their "Combat Model" with olive drab
frame and SIG-LITE night sights or the P220A Equinox model with SIG-LITE
night sights costing at or near $939.88. I don't know about you, but I do
prefer .45 ACP caliber for serious social work; where conditions are very
much unknown, and may change in a heartbeat. Both of these companys
make quality weaponary; with many different calibers, models, variations,
etc. Good Luck, and please let us know what you decide~!

 

[RobertFBurnett]

First things first, Thank you for your service, and Welcome to THR, good people here won't steer you wrong.

I went through some of the same things when I wanted to buy an auto a few months back. I'll tell you what everyone here told me, rent them and shoot them. There are ergonomics (especially with those big hands) that just do not translate from websites. Like me and the M&P's mag release don't get along, wouldn't of known that without some range time.

That being said I settled on the SIG 226 in 9mm and l-o-v-e it! Compared to whats out there its alot like the Beretta, by that I mean full size, hammered, 9mm service pistol. Those striker fired guns (Glock, SAXD, M&P) can give you some great deals if you can get used to them.

But definitely shoot first, my $0.02

RFB

 

[easyg]

If you have large hands then you might want to check out the Glock G21 (.45ACP).
I think that it's one of the best .45's on the market, but it's just too large for my hands.

Good luck,
Easy.

 

[Ala Dan]

Notice:

Edit to my previous post; due too incorrect information~!

Originally, I said a H&K USP .45 ACP Compact can be had for as little
as $709. That is incorrect, as the H&K full size is sold at that price;
with the H&K USP-C costing 'bout $80 more. Sorry for the error folks.

 

[Conqueror]

A double-stack Glock .45 is also a good choice for folks with large paws, as are any of the double-stack 1911s from Para-Ordnance, Springfield Armory, etc.

 

[Dr_2_B]

I don't have a whole lot of experience with firearms (except for what the Corps taught me to shoot well: M16A2/A4, M2, M249, M240G, MK19, and most relevant, M9).

O puh-LEASE. You've prolly got more experience than two-thirds of us dufuses on this site.

 

[HM2PAC]

Sarge, welcome to The High Road!

If you like the Beretta, then by all means find one. There is something nice about having the same duty weapon that you used in the Corps around.

That said, I'll also 2d what Ala Dan said. The HK's and Sigs are real nic. I have large hands and my USP has a wonderful feel.

 

[zulu6]

sgt,

Do yourself a favor and take a look and a Smith M&P. See my thread:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=354869

 

[moooose102]

hi, and welcome! and thank you for serving our great country! as for the pistol, there ARE a lot of choices! i also have pretty big hands, and full sized auto's abound in the market place. i own a taurus 24/7 45 auto, 12+1 shot, my wife owns the same pistol in 40 s&w 15+1. we really like them, and have had no troubles with them. i think there 9mm is in the vicinity of 18 rounds, but i am not sure on this. but what first came to my mind was a 1911 style pistol. one of the things you will have to decide on is whether you want a plastic or metal gun. another is if you are going to ccw that puppy. if so, a single stack is easier to conceal than a double stack magazine. but you loose capacity with a single stack. another thing to consider is if you want night sights or not. and what caliber. if you are just shooting for fun, or self-defense. give careful consideration to all the options as sometimes it is dificult or quite costly to change after the purchase of a weapon. some pistols even have built in laser sights (crimson trace) as part of the package. you will also have to decide on a holster, and what part of your body to place your weapon. if ccw, the usual is under your left arm or inside your pants with that type of holster. if you do that one, from my experience, i use a left hand holster on my right side (about the 5 o'clock position if veiwed from the top of your head) hip. it allows me to sit/stand/walk very comfortably all day long. if you are going to shoot A LOT, a steel pistol would probably last longer, even though the plastic pistols claim to be good, i f i were going to shoot a couple of boxes every weekend or more, i would buy a steel framed pistol. one of the places to look at different types, and makes of guns is gunbroker.com. you can look and see what is out there, then go to the manufacturers website and check it out more thouroghly. my suggestion would be to do some research, find 5 or 6 guns that interest you, and go to a store ot two and put them in your hand to see which you like. if you have a shooting range locally, you may be able to go there and check out a bunch of pistols, and some folks might even let you try them. good luck with your search!