Newly Minted Pistol License- What should I try out?

I think you should start by taking a Basic Pistol Class, learn the proper techniques then try everything. I also think your taste and preferences will change with time, exposure and experience so have fun exploring.

Have you tried G26 ? I have a G17 and found G19 to be uncomfortable and a bit less accurate (in my hands). To my great surprise, I was far better with G26, to the point that I am definitely getting one when my license is here.

F-111 John said:

You don't like the Glock 19 because of your large hands, yet you liked the Ruger best? Did you shoot the Ruger LC9 or SR9?

If you like a larger gun, and you're looking for a range/home defense pistol, try the Baretta 92.

Click to expand...

Or a CZ97
You have mag limits up there right?
Why fill a magwell with empty space?
Might as well fill it with 10 rounds of .45

I'm kinda with you on the 1911, OP. It's a great, classic design and a huge part of firearms history but it doesn't have the love/magic effect on me like it's supposed to. The wonderful traits of the design tend to be the only things talked about, but it's big, heavy, low-capacity, and has a lot of parts that can go wrong compared to a modern, simpler design.

Although a lot of the same things can be said about my favorite pistol, the Beretta 92.

Point being that while 1911s are pretty great, if they aren't for you, don't force it and waste your money on something that doesn't really trip your trigger.

Glock 17/22/21
XD 9/40/45
S&W MP 9/40/45
SR 40/45

or if you want a metal pistol

1911(be careful and do research as they are not all alike)
CZ 75B
Beretta 92

Snowblind said:

If I had piles of money for range toys, it'd be high on the list. But, alas, I don't, and I'm in the market for something more general-purpose.

Click to expand...

For what it's worth, my first ever pistol was a new design, futuristic looking and not that popular: the Beretta PX4 Storm. It has given me over 6 years and over 6000 rounds of perfection. You might look at one!

Wanderling said:

Have you tried G26 ? I have a G17 and found G19 to be uncomfortable and a bit less accurate (in my hands). To my great surprise, I was far better with G26, to the point that I am definitely getting one when my license is here.

Click to expand...

Which state do you live in where you have to register handguns to a license? (I missed that part when reading the Constitution)

I do not like the small Glock framed guns but that's why there are so many different guns on the market.

Try H&K P30 with the grip size that fits your hand and you not want to hold another gun ever!

Give the XDM 9 a try. It has adjustable back straps, so you can adjust it to fit your grip. I have it in the 9 and 40, as well as 3 Glocks, a P226 and a 1911. They are all great guns, as are all the ones mentioned in other posts, but if I could only keep one it would be the XDM. The grip is different than the XD, and IMO better. Keep in mind that "better" is a personal opinion.

first gun

My vote would be SA XD or XDM depending on your primary use. I have 9mmXDSC and a 5" 9mm XD tactical. For tupperware I think the 5" Tactical is hard to beat.

Snowblind said:

Sadly CZ is not approved in MA. They are supposedly very hard to obtain.

I love the look of the VP9- how similar are the controls to the USP?

Click to expand...

That's bitter sweet.

While I'm sorry you can't enjoy a CZ im also glad that they don't submit to stuff needed to sell guns there and other crazy states like Ruger does.


I read the list. Lots of awesome guns are missing. Shame.

Out of stuff on the approved MA list, my choices would be.

Walther P99 QA 9mm
Steyr M9A1 9mm
S&W SW99 45ACP
S&W 5906TSW 9mm
Sig P220 45ACP
Kahr K9 9mm
Beretta 96 Brigadier 40S&W
HK P2000 .357Sig


Looks like 1911 options are fairly limited for you. Of the ones allowed I would personally go with the Auto Ordinance. Good entry price. Plain looks i.e. no billboard or huge rollmarks.
Slowly upgrade it to your liking.
Grips, sights, internals, refinishing... Sky is the limit.

Snowblind said:

Sadly it seems only Beretta 92 variants make the "approved" list. MA is terrible with this.

Click to expand...

Yet somehow the abortion that is the 9000s is allowed. Smh

It's the other Austrian white meat lol

Great gun. Designed by Wilhelm Bubits. He knows how to make one awesome trigger(for a striker).

Had a hand in quite a few good guns.
Walther PPS
Bersa BP9CC
Caracal(not his fault for the issues IMO)
He worked for good ole Gaston Glock too.


It's a great pistol though.
Check it out. Never met someone who sold theirs if that means anything.

Steyr M9 A1 9mm: http://youtu.be/l7FgNcQ3AQY

Walther PPQ, 9mm or .40s&w. Very nice gun, especially for big hands