A gun for brand new owner.

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Welcome kennjen,

My only suggestion is that your first pistol should be one of the better-known brands. That can help take away some misgivings you may have about quality, reliability, etc. It will also be easier to get help and advice from people if the gun is more common. Stay away from clones unless you are really strapped for cash -at least on your first gun.

No problem buying used though.

If you want a M1911, then start with a Springfield Mil-Spec or Loaded. If you want to bump it up another $200, then a Dan Wesson Pointman or Commander Bobtail are excellent pistols for ~$900.

HK45 is an excellent firearm, just make sure that your hands are big enough to operate the controls reliably. You may wish to reconsider a SIG P220, perhaps a police trade-in.

9mm? Just go with a CZ or a Glock. Do you like steel or plastic?
 
Right now your shopping list is mighty long, but maybe the replies here will help you narrow the field. My suggestion would be to consider a 1911 design, which should fit your hands well - in particular look at STI, which is a well-regarded brand in the shooting world. One dealer/gunsmith that seems to have good prices is www.brazoscustom.com/ . When on their site, click on "STI Guns", and check out the Trojan 5" for $999.00 (available in 9mm or .45).
 
kennjen,
I have Glock 17 & Glock 19, then bought a Walther P99AS. Though I really like the P99AS trigger, I shoot my Glocks more accurately than the P99. Don't rule out a Sig Sauer 9mm. I have never shot one and understand they are pricey (about $800), but their performance is supposed to be excellent. If I had to choose from the latest list you provided, I would go with the Glock 19.
 
Reliability, size, quality, accuracy, no wasted capacity, major caliber, decent price (around or just under your $600 mark):

Find yourself a used, well-kept Beretta Cougar in 45 ACP.

Later, for the benefit of aiding other family members who don't know handguns, or to make things easier for yourself in a home defense scenario, you can pick up the CX4 Storm carbine and have interchangeability of mags/ammo between the carbine and sidearm.

Further fulfills the "different from everyone else" criteria pretty well, too.
 
Kennjen:
I have rather small hands as well, and have been carrying since about 1990. I have been through MANY handguns, always looking for a better, more comfy carry. If Im gonna be out all day, and of course carrying concealed, I picked the S&W M&P .40 compact. First .40 is a great round, has more FTLBS than the .45 in a smaller cartridge, the gun holds 10+1, it is VERY light, the barrel is 3.5in, 3dot sight and an interchangeable palm cusion on the back of the grip to fit your hand. It is a complete joy to shoot and the .40 cal is affordable. I carry either in a shoulder holster or just stick it in the left inside boot. Amazingly secure there. The price at Cabellas was about $575. Hope that helped. Good luck!
 
I believe a Rock Island 1911 in .45 is around the $400-450 mark. These are great pistols, many good reviews on here about them. They are interchangeable with Colt parts, if that tells you something (I actually think they are made on old Colt machinery).
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Actually, I think they're significantly less than that if you order from somebody like Sarco.

From what I understand, they're a good basic M1911 with, unlike Taurus, good customer service. When I get back to work, a nickeled .38 Super will be one of my first purchases.
 
I'd skip the FM High Power. While they are the best High Power "clones" out there, they still aren't the same quality as an actual FN or Browning made gun. If you get a High Power, go with FN or Browning. (Same gun, different markings).

Because of the NY state mag restrictions I'd be leaning heavily towards a quality 1911. You can get a .45 with 8 round mags or a 9mm with 10 round mags.

Considering the cost of ammo, I'd lean towards a 9mm 1911. I personally would probably go with STI, Kimber, or Dan Wesson (I think they make a 9mm?) if I went 9mm.

If you go .45 for a 1911 you get some additional quality choices.

I'd skip RIA if you are going to only have one pistol and get a higher quality brand.

You can get a 1911 in 9mm or .45 for less then your max $1200 limit. You will pay more then your $600 floor though.

With the 10 round mag limit all those double stack 9's and 40's are suddenly much less attractive. It's going to be harder to find pre-ban mags for them and with 10 rounds, what's the point?
 
With your $1,200 limit, you can have 2 nice pistols with that money.
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I agree. Buy two. I'd start with a Glock 19. Why? They are reliable, accurate and practically indestructible. Also 9mm is less expensive and has less recoil. I would get one with night sights.

For the second gun I'd get a revolver...S&W or Ruger. S&W I'd get a 686+ 3" or 4". Ruger I'd get a SP101 or GP 100. You can't go wrong. All will allow you to shoot .38 special or .357mag.

In a 1911 style .45 I'd get a Colt, Springfield, Kimber or other high end gun. you can find entry level Kimbers & Springfields from $600-$800
 
I love my full-sized HK USP 9mm, but its not for small/med hands at all. It will eat +p and +p+ ammo and the standard FMJ are relatively cheap. Fondle 'em first then rent/shoot the finalists to see which you prefer.
 
Thnx...

Hmmmmmm.

I appreciate the posts guys ! I really enjoyed hearing your opinions. So an update of my thought process right now.....

--Wheel guns are not dead.
Althought I said I want an automatic, I find my self looking at 327 TRR8 & sp101. Both are sweet looking IMHO AND 8 round capacity in TRR8 is nice. And I like being able to chose. 38spl and 357 mag.

--HK & Sig.
Both brand has fierce followers. I really want these, but cost is jut too excessive. Especially for HK, new magazine for 50 ~ 75$ is just ridiculous.

--1911 in 9mm
I keep coming back to the idea of 1911 in 9mm. Didn't know you can get STI in 9mm. under 1000$. (thanks don95sml )

--XD .45, GLOCK 19
I keep comming back to both of these guns. Because they are just soooo cheap AND perform as good as or better than other 1000$ guns. (For it's intended purpose).

In the end, I'm thinking I'll end up getting XD or glock. Yeah... after all this time comparing, researching, and debating. I wish I can listen to the passionate side of me and buy a custom 1911 in 9mm OR HK that I really lust after, but I don't think I can do it. Call me a cheap ass, but these new tupperware guns perform too well at a good price.

Of course, I may find a HK or sig used in a store and this whole idea may go out the window. OR if my wife has a reverse PMS (AKA : in a good mood) and tells me I can really spend money, I may end up with HK or custom 1911....

I'll definitely let you know in 3 ~ 6 month what I decided....

BYE.
 
For $600...

XD-40 (you only lose two round to the State) or XD-45.

Glock 23, Glock 38

Smith and Wesson M&P .40S&W/.45ACP

If you only get 10, then why not pick a cartridge with a bigger bullet?

Since you don't like the grip angle of the Glock then I'll narrow it to the XD and the M&P...

I've shot both (in .40S&W), and I thought the M&P was a tad more accurate, I preferred the trigger of the XD. Both have comfortable grips to me. I bought the XD, and it has been flawless
 
Try to avoid the conceal carry version of the M&P. The Grips are really too short for a good two handed weaver hold. You can make it happen but they are going to jump.

Get a good big M&P with the 10 round clips. There will be small, medium and large sides that you can change on those grips to fit your palms better.

But before anything else, try a bunch of handguns and choose from the ones that FIT your HAND the BEST. You will smile when you find one that likes you and wants to be adopted.
 
Kennjen,

What ever you buy, I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

Would like to offer one more opinion. While I own a CZ 75 P-01 9mm, which I am totally satisfied with, my son owns a Sig P239 9mm. As some have said, there is nothing wrong with a 9mm and especially with cost of ammo. Somewhere (In this forum, I think) there is a saying attributed to a Navy Seal: With two to the chest and one to the head, I doubt the recipient will notice much difference between a 9mm or .45 acp.

My recommendation (based on my shooting experience with son's P239) is go with a Sig, and I'm not saying the P239 specifically - get one that fits you. They (Sigs) obviously are fine handguns.

The P239 is accurate and it's a lot easier to shoot accurately than some other name brands. For example, I have experience shooting an XDm .40 and I think it's a fine pistol - really do like it and would own one if I had more dollars. But, I think the Sig is easier to shoot with accuracy than the XDm.

There, another opinion.
 
M&P are supposedly great guns. But I can't bring myself to consider it. I don't know why. It maybe because I associate S&W with wheel guns.

Hungry : Yup..I'll avoid smaller guns. There is a good possiblity that I may go a bit smaller, however. (i.e. commander size, g19, 4inch XD and etc.)

Donato : Another thumbs up on a Sig ! I only wish they were a bit cheaper...
 
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I think a GREAT first pistol for any gun owner is a Glock chambered in 9mm. Glock offers many models in 9mm.
 
While you didn't mention this as part of your search, you might consider a set of Crimson Trace grips for whatever pistol you get.

I have them for my 1911 and I found they are a great help in dry-firing practice. If you "flinch", you see the dot pull off target. (Batteries are cheaper than ammo, by the way...)

While this is no substitute for range time, I believe it helps. And it is something you can do indoors safely, depending on the temperament of your significant other.

They aren't allowed for IDPA, of course, but they are easy to swap to a style of grip that is allowed.

Some actually use them for CCW, as an alternative to iron sights. (I believe this is how CT is trying to sell them.) While the wisdom of this is debated, many agree that they are OK as an alternative, but not a substitute for skill with iron sights.

These are rugged and reliable. The only downside I've found is the cost. Around $350. You may now pick yourself up off the floor... :)
 
As has been already mentioned; if it's your first gun, you should get a revolver. Revolvers are simpler to shoot. Less chance of malfunction. And Easier to learn on. You can get a decent 357 magnum that can also shoot 38 specials and 38 special +P. You'll have a large variety of rounds to determine which one fits best for you.

But the key to having a gun is practicing. You can't buy a gun; especially your 1st gun; shoot a box of ammo through it; and pretend that you're now an experienced gun owner who can protect yourself and your family.

Buy a revolver. Buy also a 22 pistol if you can afford it. Put a couple thousand rounds through the 22. Put 500-1000 rounds through the revolver. (that's only 20 boxes). Then you'll better understand your capabilities; your gun's capabilities; as a tool what it can do for you; and most of all what it can't do for you.
 
ken, i had an XD for a while and you won't be dissapointed; if you are going to shoot a lot (>1000 rounds/year) then stay away from the subcompact and get the standard 4" version XD. My 9mm SC's recoil rod was getting chewed up by heavy shooting; it's rear support disc is very thin and wears quickly.

Since you are limited to a 10 round mag, then the XD(m) is out of the running.

I would also have suggested the SIG P250 (you can change the caliber from 9 to 357 to 40 to 45 and not have to re-register the gun) but it's not Cali legal (no 10 round mag for it).

If you CAN, really look for a P225/P6 SIG. As a european police gun, it's made for a single-stack 9mm (8 round) mag. The P226 is nice, but they may be asking a bit for it with pre-ban mags in NY. A used P225 is often found under $400.
 
For a new gun owner, I always go simple -- usually a 22lr wheelgun. Not the sexiest thing around but a great way to learn your basics on the cheap.
As for your choices, I would go w/ something that has a DA/SA trigger (once you master a DA trigger, you can probably shoot anything) that has a 22lr conversion kit for the cheap practice w/ the platform of your choice.
 
Some of You already Know what I would say....

How about a Taurus .357 mag revolver ( Model 608). It has a 8 shot cylinder. Great fun at the range. Fourteen year old Grandson has shot it See if you can find one at a shop or show to try on for size. Available in 4". 6" or 8 3/8" barrel lenghts. Mine has the 4", the long barrel would be a real cannon. Will shoot 38 spl or +P and .357 mag. 38's are cheaper for target practice. The .357 mag rounds (158 gr.) will give you a Testosterone Rush. LOL
 
I'm surprised that no one other than Gary Vale back on page one suggested the obvious option. And that was to get Kennjen around to one of the commercial ranges and try out as many guns as practical.

Kennjen, you owe it to yourself to seek out a couple of such ranges and try out as many options as you can manage. Even if it means a bigger day trip to hit up a bigger town depending on where you live. They all fit your hands differently and have slightly differnt feel to them.

Don't worry about accuracy for the test drive phase. That can come later when you're learning how to best shoot a handgun. Just worry about how the guns feel as far as grip (is the grip area crowded? Do your thumbs end up sitting on stuff that they shouldn't? Can you get enough finger wrap about the grips? etc) and how they shoot (watch for the ones that lift more in recoil and which puts a grin on your face).

Take notes. LOTS of notes. And as you go between ranges don't be afraid to try some of the same gun(s) along with the new ones so your comparative impressions are more immediate.

All the advice given is fine if the shooters telling you to buy a whatever happen to have the same hand size and similar tastes in shooting. But they are not you. The best person to tell you which gun to buy is you. And you'll get a far better idea of which to buy from shooting a bunch of them.

Now I'll toss in my own generalities. You're looking for something unique. You're in good company since a lot of folks want something unique so now nothing is unique unless you want to hunt down an old Automag or shoot a cartridge that is even more hard to find than the regular ammo is these days. I say forget about looking for unique at least as far as your first gun goes. Stick with mainstream and revel in the ability to both find parts and ammo for your new toy. Go unique for your second gun so you've still got ol' reliable to fall back on.

100% reliability? You may as well drop that concept right now. Guns are mechanical devices. There's no 100% reliability to be found. However most of the mainstream brands are not far off that mark. But since anything can fail it's important to know that the company is quick to back up their product. I'd choose one that does so and that has a rep for having parts on hand. 1911's are excellent choices from this aspect since there's so many options for both cloned guns and aftermarket parts. And any smith worth his primer can work on them. No exclusive factory training required.

If you're planning on shooting a lot and shooting boxed factory ammo then I'd suggest stick to 9mm or .40S&W. Other ammo options are far more pricey. But if you're looking at reloading pretty much right away then choose whatever you want. Other than MAYBE 10mm since even brass can be hard to find for that caliber. And if you're shooting semi then you WILL loose brass here and there regardless of how well you clean up and scrounge. Better to stick to more readily available sizes for your first handgun.

I can't say enough good things about using a .22 for training and reducing your shooting costs. They will really help you avoid a lot of the problems and allow you to learn the good lessons which then will "muscle memory" over to the center fire guns. And lets not forget that if you go through a couple of magazines of .22 for each magazine of whichever center fire cartridge you choose that your cost per hour to shoot will be reduced remarkably.
 
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