First time buyer

I was in the same boat as you about 2 years ago. I had narrowed it down to either a Glock, Springfield XD or S&W M&P. I had narrowed the caliber down to either 9mm or 40s&w, and didn't really care which of the calibers I ended up with as long as I got a reliable self defense pistol.

So I went to the gun shop and held each of the guns mentioned above. Well, that ruled out the XD because it did not fit my hand at all.

So now I had it narrowed down to either a Glock or M&P. The Glock fit my hand decently, but the M&P, with the smaller back strip, fit my hand like a glove. So I shopped around until I found a good deal on either an M&P 9 or an M&P 40. In the end I ended up with the M&P 40 because the gunshop I got it at was out of the M&P 9's and gave me a better deal on the 40, than the shop that had the 9mm version.

I have been totally pleased and impressed with my M&P 40 and can't wait to add another M&P to my collection. FWIW, I also want to add a couple of Glocks to my collection.

If you stick to a major manufacturer like Ruger, S&W, CZ, Beretta, Springfield, Sig, H&K etc... then you should end up with a reliable weapon that will serve you a lifetime.

Edit: Thank you for your service!

First off, from somebody that spent 8 years in the military, thank you for your service. As far as suggestions go, you can't go wrong with a Glock, M&P, or XD. Some others would suggest the Sigs, but they are on the large side. Also, after a few years in uniform, I have no love for the Beretta 92s. They work great, but again, they are overly large. With the Glock, you can look around and find police trade-ins at good prices. Plus there are many accessories for them.

You could always starts with something a little cheaper. Maybe a Hi-point, or a Taurus. It all depends on what you like though.

Go shoot, I would suggest a berreta 92 or the taurus version of it because they are basically the same as a M-9, otherwise, go find something that feels good, and shoot it. As for CCW, start with something like a KT or similar.

Try out an FNP40.

While Colt is always the right answer, the steel S&W autos are not exactly a wrong one, but if you swear it will never leak out of this thread, and you can deal with the 'red headed step child' look, them Glock thingamajigs do, kinda, have a pretty decent track record. I'll deny saying anything good about a Glock if ever asked, but it sure isn't the worst sidearm you could strap to your hip.

Colt is still the right answer.

yeti said:

While Colt is always the right answer, the steel S&W autos are not exactly a wrong one, but if you swear it will never leak out of this thread, and you can deal with the 'red headed step child' look, them Glock thingamajigs do, kinda, have a pretty decent track record. I'll deny saying anything good about a Glock if ever asked, but it sure isn't the worst sidearm you could strap to your hip.

Colt is still the right answer.

Click to expand...

Can't argue with that. If you are going to buy a gun, why fool around? Go for the best. Get a Colt ... or else you'll never be satisfied.



Plastic guns? Bah.

Lots of great options out there so I'll stick to my experience. Bought a couple plastic pistols of the S&W variety in 40cal and 9mm to tide me over while saving for a 1911. (also plan to tap S&W on that one)

Thus far I'm nearing 1000 round of 40cal without a failure of any sort. I had to file a burr from the slide stop slot to allow the release to be usable though I don't use it myself unless fieldstripping.

The 9mm compact has failed to feed twice for the wife (new to shooting) who limp-wristed it continually. I put 30 rounds through it without incident and will likely use it for carry after finding the wife a 686.

You cannot go wrong with a good 1911, remember to put enough rounds downrange to determine reliability for any gun. As you know, your life may depend on it.

I'd suggest going to a gun show or a rental range or gunstore and fondling anything in sight ... guns that is.

That way you'll know what feels good for you to hold. and that is a very large determining factor in what you should own.

I'd say go with a .40 or .45, I can recommend Springfield XD's on price, RELIABILITY, and ergonomics. You can spend more, but why? You'll likely not find more accuracy and performance trade-off, certainly not capacity...

Glock 19. Concealable. Reliable. 9mm is just fine for defense, negligeable difference in actual shooting effectiveness when using quality ammo compared to .40 or .45.

There are many weapons that will suit your purpose. There are many, many opinions as to which are the best. But, there is a reason there are so many to choose from, because so many work well. It comes down to personal preference in the end.

Caliber wise, I'd go 9mm. I'm told it works OK on bad guys and is cheap to practice with and isn't unpleasant to shoot.
After that, find a gun you're comfortable with.

The Smith and Wesson M&P series is good, as is the Springfield XD series.
Sigs are good. Used 3rd generation Smith and Wessons are legendary for their reliability. Glocks have very fierce advocates and just as many detractors.
CZs are supposedly top notch. I don't own one yet, nor have I shot one. I want to

I haven't helped much, I guess, but really, you don't have to get caught up in the brand/caliber wars that go on.

Hold every single pistol you can get your hands on. Chances are if it points naturally for you ya won't have an issue. Personally I have a thing for glock. I have yet to have a single issue with them. But its all about what fits YOU. Opinions are valuable but cannot stack up to first hand expeiriance.

I know (pacerdude) didn't like the feel and comfort of the XD, I for one loved the way the XD subcompact fits my hand. Thats why all the gun makers don't just copy one grip and thats your only choice.
But i too was down to the Glock,XD, S&W but not the M&P as i liked the P99.
That too shows you don't have to buy a gun thats new or even still in production.

I carry a 5" 1911 most of the year and the XD SC .40 in the summer. So sometimes even 1 gun is not even the right choice for everyone.
Just keep an open mind and only believe half of what you read on the internet.

I can highly recommend the Glock 23 for everyday carry. The finish holds up really well. It is very accurate right out of the box. Night sights are readily available and the . 40S&W is a great cartidge. The trigger will take a little getting used to if you are used the Beretta but I think you will like it in the long run.

Glock 19 or 23. big enough for range and HD, small enough for cocealed carry. and fairly cost effective.

Ask your local freinds if they own the types of pistol you would be interested in trying out, if they do offer to pay for the ammo and range time to try them out for yourself.

If you are in the Ft. Smith, AR area I would gladly let you try out my pistols to see if you like any, provided you pay for the ammo of course.

I CCW between my Taurus PT1911(5in) and Kimber Tactical Pro II(4in). Bedside is a FN FNP 45 w/ laser. I shoot all regularly and feel very comfortable w/ the 1991's in a IWB holster. Go to a range that rents and see what you like. Just because one person likes their pistol like a religion doesn't mean you will.

Ramman,

I've never been a brand beater in the past. I own a Beretta, Ruger, several Remingtons, a Rock River, Knight, etc., etc. Barring sentimental value of a few they don't inspire the loyalty my M&Ps do.

Just passed 1100 rounds today and put my 40cal in the hands of a new shooter. He was ready to trade in his PX 4 on the spot. Went from where did I hit to on target at 25 yds. and smiling.

Just so you don't kick yourself later at least have a look at Bowie Tactical and burwell gunsmithing to see what's possible. My gunsmith, a looong time friend was amazed the first time he pulled the trigger on my M&P. It was moments after he handed me his new Glock. Apex parts installed by me beat his work on that Glock in half the time. He didn't want to give it back.

Point is, every guy I've handed that pistol to has noted how they wished for a do over on what they bought and that's before trying any of the other grip inserts.

S&W has a lifetime service policy and has a $50 rebate or 2 free mags deal on right now, mine took 6 weeks I think.

I know I'm beaten this horse hard but I'd take the Pepsi Challenge vs any and all for reliability, accuracy and trigger (mine scaled at 4 lbs).

One final note on barrels, the M&P is broach cut rifling (most expensive, time consuming process), Glock uses polygonal (hammered around a mandrel, least expensive, not recommended for shooting lead) and most others use button cut (one pass with a cutter that forms the rifling while hardening via compression, not bad unless it slips leaving chatter marks).

You don't happen to be in OR, do you?
If you are we can go shooting and you can try on mine to see if you like one of them.