Opinions on first handgun for self defense and plinking...

don't know that firearm, but 9mm is reasonable price per round to shoot plinking and common for defense. personally, I prefer a .22 for plinking since you can get down to 4 or 5 cents per round and it is good ammo, and it is good target and training practice, trigger time. then, I'd get a .45 ACP 1911 if I really wanted something with a solid stopping nrg. 9mm is kind of a compromise IMHO for defense and plinking .. it isn't the best for either, but is good if you only want one firearm. food for thought

There is no hand gun you want to carry that will really be the stopper many think they are. Now that camera's are everywhere there is a lot of shocking video of scum soaking up multiple hits and refusing to stop. So with that the idea of cheap to play with too 9mm certainly fills the best of both. If you want something larger like .40/ 10mm or .45 you can of course roll your own and then still have cheap ammo to play with. As for which gun? Your budget leaves you wide open to a LOT of great choices. The best thing to do is find a range with rentals. What other like my be far from what you end up liking. Rentals are cheap, fun, and a great way to make sure you end up with the gun you like, rather than the gun someone else thought you would like.

Get the Glock 48 ,put some Night Fision sights on it. Good at range small enough to carry and very intuitive.Also later on you can buy the smaller 43x complete slide assembly and have two guns. MHO

The Sphinx may be a perfectly fine pistol, but you have to think ahead, where are you buying magazines or extra parts for the gun? If something breaks, where do you go to have it fixed?

While I'm not a big Glock fan, there is a lot to be said for them. The guns are everywhere. Parts are everywhere. There are on-line instructions and explanations all over the internet for Glocks. If you can't fix it yourself, the kid behind the counter at the local gun store can probably fix nearly every problem your Glock may have in 10 minutes. If he can't fix it, you can probably send it to Glock and they'll fix it for free.

Caliber wise, keep your choices among the 9mm guns if you're picking an auto pistol, and .357 Magnum/.38 Special if you should happen to choose a revolver. The ammo is cheaper, and they are easier to shoot well than the larger calibers.

The OP could probably get a nice full-sized 9mm (such as maybe a S&W M&P), a medium-framed 38/357 revolver, AND a 22lr practice handgun all for around $1,300.

That would be better than putting all of the eggs in one basket, IMHO. Imagine spending all of your money on an expensive 9mm pistol, for instance, and it turns out that you're more of a revolver guy. 22's are great for practice and plinking. I shoot twice as much 22lr as anything else.

Many, many years ago I went into a tool store to buy a hammer. The clerk asked me what kind of hammer I wanted. As he led me to the section of the store where hammers were displayed. Before that I had no Idea that there were so many different types of hammers. I learned that hammers range from general purpose to ver specialized like a tack hammer to a sledge hammer. When I decided to buy my first gun I thought about the hammer learning experience. Before you buy a hammer it is best to decide what it’s primary purpose will be.

A plinker is usually a smaller caliber gun Like a 22 LR. It is relatively inexpensive to operate, easy on the hand when you shoot it numerous times in one session, close enough in feel to help maintain the feel of the carry pistol. In fact if I wanted a plinker and a carry pistol as my entry into handguns I would buy a M&P 22 Compact and a M&P 9mm Compact. They are similar size guns with nearly identical ergonomics. Other than the recoil experiences they feel pretty much the same in the hand. The added advantage is that there would be a good bit of that $1300 left to buy ammo so you could achieve accuracy that is the best asset you can have for self defense. If you have the accuracy you can even take a bad guy out with a 22, and certainly you can with a 9mm. The bad guy does not go down because of how how much you spend on a gun. It is how much you spend on ammo for practice that will save your bacon in a fight.

John Armstrong said:

Onto the pistol question. I want something that is gonna stop the criminal in their place, and of course I understand shot placement is everything.

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The only way to reliably do that every time is with major structural damage. Basically hip or knee joints. Not something you should count on.

John Armstrong said:

I know the Sphinx only comes in 9mm, but I figure with some good dots or some Lehigh ammo, that should put them down. I’m honestly sort of far away from a real gun store (with a large choice), unfortunately the biggest is probably basspro in Myrtle beach (but they don’t carry Kriss products), I don’t mind spending around $1300 and below or around $1300...

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I've heard of the Sphinx and read a couple things about it, but that's it. My only advice there would be to make sure you leave plenty of money in the budget for training and ammo. The first year you own the gun you should plan on spending at least $500 on professional training, $1000+ if possible. $1300 is lots more than you need to spend on a pistol, which is fine if you have that kind of discretionary money to spend. Just don't spend twice what you need to on a fancy pistol and skip the training because of it.

John Armstrong said:

What is the best CZ gun for around $1,300 a little plus or minus? I’m very unfamiliar with them and would very much love for someone to recommend a couple for me to research, thanks so much!

PS, does Switzerland or Germany make anything in the $1,300 range that would be better than a CZ (like Hk)?thanks again!

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First the disclaimer-I don't have any experience with CZ or Dan Wesson products since CZ acquired them. I do have an older Dan Wesson revolver that was made by the original company.

With that said I believe you might be interested in the Dan Wesson DWX if you can find one. I am honestly unsure of whether they have been released or not.

I agree with @Tallball in post #7.
Why limit your options to one gun with that amount of money in your budget? You could buy a Glock or S&W in 9mm for protection then buy a .22 for plinking and outfit yourself with extra magazines and a couple of holsters within your budget.

I have no experience with Kriss anything except they sure are proud of their products. Their prices outweigh my interest.

If your heart is set on a Kriss, then by all means by one and enjoy it.

By the way, there is no such thing as a handgun, regardless of cartridge, that will “stop a criminal in their place”. Oh, it happens, but don’t count on it. If there were there probably wouldn’t be a need for 17 round magazines.

Tallball said:

The OP could probably get a nice full-sized 9mm (such as maybe a S&W M&P), a medium-framed 38/357 revolver, AND a 22lr practice handgun all for around $1,300.

That would be better than putting all of the eggs in one basket, IMHO. Imagine spending all of your money on an expensive 9mm pistol, for instance, and it turns out that you're more of a revolver guy. 22's are great for practice and plinking. I shoot twice as much 22lr as anything else.

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I honestly believe this would be better. You would be capable of defending yourself & you could take your time & learn. Then decide if you want a different platform. While I don't have experience with them CZ makes some nice mid-sized handguns.

John Armstrong said:

I’ve pretty much grown up I’m the south all my life, won UKC and PKC hunting and show trophies (PKC was money and since I was 15, thst was nice), I ended up being number 1 in NC when I was 15 PKC. So I’m very comfortable with shotguns (skeet, dove, and duck hunting, etc) and rifles (I honestly cried (deep inside lol) when someone stole my 30-06 Xbolt and 2-12x50 swarovski illuminated scope. I’ve replaced about everything (bought a 7mm rem mag super grade (Winchester maple instead of walnut, it’s AAA maple and looks like it should be in a museum it’s so beautiful, one side looks like tiger stripes and the other looks like about the same but almost like strips of flames) (even the salesman said that lol (about the museum) and it’s glossy) instead of the 30-06 though.
All I need now is a scope (gonna go with a swarovski or Leica, can’t make up my mind) anyway,

Onto the pistol question. I want something that is gonna stop the criminal in their place, and of course I understand shot placement is everything. I had my heart set on buying a Glock, but somehow I stumbled across the Kriss Sphinx.... what do you all think about that for a EDC. I’m in SC, so it has to be concealed, so if I can attach the holster to the belt, I don’t think it would be that heavy. (I have no idea what a 12 pound trigger pull would even feel like (but I think in a crazy adrenaline situation like that, I could pull 12 pounds like it was nothing. I’d like a gun that is extremely reliable and fun to plink with.

I know the Sphinx only comes in 9mm, but I figure with some good dots or some Lehigh ammo, that should put them down. I’m honestly sort of far away from a real gun store (with a large choice), unfortunately the biggest is probably basspro in Myrtle beach (but they don’t carry Kriss products), I don’t mind spending around $1300 and below or around $1300...
I’ve tried to watch numberous videos, but I can’t make up my mind and most people on YouTube of course have just the main guns (I used to be on here and post all the time as JackTheRipper, but I lost my email account (due to graduating college and without warning I lost tons of travel pictures and important emails forever. Argh!
Thanks so much!


John

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Well I can shed some light on the Sphinx pistols. I assume you are talking about the Sphinx SDP which used to be imported from Switzerland by Kriss USA but is now built in the US by Kriss. I own a SDP and a SDP Subcompact both made in Switzerland. They are CZ based guns. They are not the same as a CZ but have a CZ type action. There is almost no parts compatibility beyond some springs.The Swiss versions are well no other way to describe them but as Swiss. The machining is perfection. Out of the box they were as good or better than guns I own from CZ Customs or Cajun Gun Works. When they first came into the country I talked extensively with Schmeky AKA David Milam about them. At the time he believed they were superior to anything that CZ was offering. Since that time CZ has stepped up their game. They are offering some amazing pistols but IMHO the best if the CZ offerings are still roughly machined. They are distinctly Czech not Swiss. I know that when they came out Mike Pannone was a big fan of the Sphinx SDPs.





Mags, holsters and long term support is a consideration for the Sphinx. I have enough mags and other stuff for mine that it is not a concern for me but if I was in the market today I would go with something more mainstream. Sphinx in Switerland went bankrupt and has reemerged under a different name but is building different pistols. The only real downside to the Sphinx SDPs is that they are traditional DA/SA guns. These are not in style these days. You can set them up to be 100% reliable with much lower pull. Mine are 8lbs DA and 3.5 SA. For a DA/SA gun it is not really about the weight on the initial pull it is the transition that messes people up. You need to learn to run the gun. Earnest Langdon is the best DA/SA trainer these days IMHO.

If that does not deter you and you are interested in a CZ platform gun I would buy a CZ P01 and have it customized by Cajun Gun Works. You can get a NIB P01 for under $600 and then send it to David and his team and they will send you back a perfectly tuned defensive pistol. I would do a Pro package with a 10X bushing and new sights to meet your specs. Tell them you want it set up for defense not a race gun. You will be out the door under $1300. This leaves you money for Mecgar mags and holster etc... There will be some wait time for the work to be completed but it will be worth it. You will then have a gun while not a nicely machined as the Sphinx that will be supported for the rest of you shooting days.

https://cajungunworks.com/product/in-shop-only-75-series-pro-package-426-00/

There is no "best" handgun. It varies by person. Here's my suggestions:
Have someone in person show and explain handgun fit. Handguns are made different sizes and shapes because people have hands of different sizes and shapes. Find what fits you.
Carry the largest handgun that fits you and you can conceal, in the largest caliber you can shoot comfortably.
If you can, buy a similar .22 caliber for practice. If not, no big deal.
Take a class and learn how to actually use that handgun.
"Stopping power" is a myth. Even the .44 Magnum is outclassed by some pretty old and very modest rifle rounds. Handguns are what we carry when society frowns on .30 caliber rifles in public.

IMHO you can get better pistols for a lot less $$$ but if it floats your boat you should go for it.



https://www.cdnnsports.com/walther-creed-9mm.html#.XwkP15rQjhc



https://www.cdnnsports.com/sig-sauer-p229-9mm-classic-carry.html?___SID=U#.XwkQPprQjhc

John Armstrong said:

What is the best CZ gun for around $1,300 a little plus or minus? I’m very unfamiliar with them and would very much love for someone to recommend a couple for me to research, thanks so much!

PS, does Switzerland or Germany make anything in the $1,300 range that would be better than a CZ (like Hk)?thanks again!

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For that price the CZ Shadow 2 is a great gun but way to large and heavy for carry.

I’ve heard good things about the Sphinx but have never seen one in the wild. Though I hear they are not quite as nicely refined as the originals. That’s only internet hearsay though.