Advice for my first handgun

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wcoats

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I am in the market to buy my first handgun. I'm fairly set on 9mm. I have been thinking about getting a Glock 19. I went to a rental range and shot a Glock 19, Springfield XD, and XDM, and a S&W M&P. I enjoyed them, but don't like that they are all Double Action Only. I would prefer to have something that is Single/Double.

So my question is what options are there for a 9mm that is offered in Single/Double action, and I want to to to try not to spent much over $500 on it. One of my friends has an IWI Jericho that is Single/Double, I also like that is has a steel frame, and feels a little solider then any of the Polymer framed handguns that I've shot. What other similar handguns should I look into?
 
There are plenty of hammer autos that are DA/SA - most Sigs, CZs, etc. The guns you mentioned are all striker fired. The only striker fired DA/SA handgun that comes to mind in your price range is the Taurus 24/7 OSS, which is supposed to be a decent piece from all the reviews and provided you stay away from the older models.
 
New and in the price range of the G19, Springers and S&W, check out the FNP9. If you want a metal frame, you may be able to find a used Sig P226/229/239 for not much more. Also may be worth looking into a Sig P6. The P6's are used German police/military pistols and can be had for $350 give or take. Many can be found in like new condition. If you do look at the P6, try and find one made 1989 or later since the feed ramp is modified to better handle hollow point ammo. For the P6, the date of issue is usually stamped on the right front of the slide.

Those are a couple of recommendations. I'm sure there will be many more :).
 
Thanks for all the help!

So, should I go for something used like a Sig P225, or get an FNP 9, or go for the Glock 19 even though it is DA only.

I like what I've read on line about the FNP 9, but have never held one in person, and I'm kinda hesitant to order something I have never held.
 
All the guns recommended here are good ones. I suggest you go with the one that feels best in your hand - that's the one you'll shoot best IME.

For me in a 9mm it's a Browning Hi-Power. Despite all the newer pistolas I've fired, I just find I shoot better with that BHP. Ditto a 1911. They fit the hand, point naturally for me and feel good to shoot.
 
Stick with the 19. You'll thank me later.
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Ummm.....no.
When someone does his research and decides what he likes and doesn't like, it's kinda not cool to tell him that you know what he wants better than he does.

wcoats- if you don't want DAO, and you don't want polymer don't get them. Everybody has his/her own personal taste.

You have a very good instinct to avoid buying something you've never held. That'll serve you well in your search.

The Sig 225 that you mention, as well as the CZ 75 series, Beretta 92fs, Ruger P89, and any of the third generation S&W's (like the 5906) ought to do very very well for you.
Check them out and see which ones you like best.
 
Glocks are great guns. Say what you want about their appearance and the trigger, but for a lightweight all-round handgun, you won't find much better at its price point (even if you are paying too much for them nowadays). If you liked that Glock 19, then keep it in mind.

But since you would prefer a gun with DA/SA function, I'd try a CZ. Good price, reliability, and you can use it for pretty much anything as well: carry, bedside, HD, car, etc. I don't have one and haven't shot one, but you won't find a whole lot of criticism over them.
 
wcoats,

Glad you had the foresight to go to a range to rent and shoot a variety of guns. That's usually my first suggestion. I have many questions for you before I could even begin to make any recommendations.

What is the purpose(s) of the gun?
Are you going to carry concealed?
Will you be the only person using it or possibly a wife/girlfriend?
Are you mechanically inclined or not?

Nobody asked me those types of questions and I bought a great gun that I love. It feels great in my hands. It shoots better than me. The problem is that it's too big and thick for me to carry concealed.

Another important piece of advice if you plan to carry concealed is to take your time and buy the right holster. Don't be tempted by the cheap holsters. If you do, you'll probably end up with a shoe box full of holsters you don't really like or use (like me). Also, your belt is very important too.

I've purchased (2) HK USP Compact .45's, a Glock 30 .45, a Kimber Eclipse .45, a S&W 1911 .45, a Glock 17 9mm, a Kel-Tec PF9 9mm, a Seecamp .32, and a Seecamp .25. Of all the guns, the guns I've carried most were the small Seecamps (both .32 and .25) and the Kel-Tec PF9. Sold both Seecamps and primarily carry the PF9.

I love the other guns. They're all great. They're just too big and too heavy to conceal well for me.

Without knowing more, I'm going to assume you want to carry concealed. With that in mind, and your price range, my recommendations would be:

Glock 19 or 26
Kel-Tec PF9 (single stack 9mm, better trigger than P11)
Kel-Tec P11 (double stack 9mm, heavy trigger)
Kahr K9 (used)
Kahr P9
S&W J-Frame Revolver (I like the bodyguard versions with shrouded hammer)

Practice, practice, practice. Practice with purpose. Don't just spray and pray. Practice shooting various ways (2 handed, 1 handed, strong hand, weak hand, standing, kneeling, sitting, laying etc...). Aim small, miss small. Join IPSC or IDPA near you (forget about winning and shoot what you plan to carry how you intend to carry).

Get a laser for your handgun as soon as you can afford it.

Stay away from the mini .380 guns. Hard to find ammo and expensive ammo make it very hard to have enough ammo to practice with to become competent.
 
I really dislike the egos of some gun owners. If the guy doesn't want a DAO or polymer gun, don't effin suggest one.

That said, the cz's are good guns. The only thing I dislike about them is their low slide profile. It makes it difficultto rack sometimes. I'd suggest either a cz, berreta 92 or a s&w 5906.
 
I would suggest FN FNP9, or Browning Pro9 (same gun), or a Beretta 92. Both are quality guns and are decently priced as long as you shop around. Good luck, I'm sure you will find something you love.
 
Beretta 92/Taurus PT92. Metallic frame for that 'sturdy' feel. DA/SA trigger. Proven design. 9mm. I've gotta try one of those CZ's, I've heard wonderful things about them, too.
 
thanks for all the advice and suggestions!

First of all it won't be carried, it'll sit in my safe and make one to two trips to the range a month. This is why I don't need it to be really light, and DA only doesn't seem right for this either. I really loved the feel of the Glock 19, and I shot good groups with it, but it felt a little lighter then what I want.

I'm going to head out to my favorite gun shop this Saturday and take a look, I know they have a good selection of CZ's, but I'm not sure if that have a FNP 9 or a Sig 225. Everything I can find on google is good things about both of those, but I won't order anything if I can't hald it first.

Another gun that I'm toying with in the back of my head is a Taurus 1911 in 9mm. I saw one the last time I went to the gun store that wasn't to expensive(actually dirt cheap for a 1911, lol), but feel like my friends would give me endless crap for getting a 1911 that's not 45 auto or 38 super, but oh well.
 
Also, I'm not to set against pollymer frames as long as it doesn't feel to light, and it isn't DAO. On that note does anyone have any experiance with teh CZ P07?? It looks nice and is Single/Double.
 
For what it's worth, my first auto was a CZ 75. To this day, I don't think I've held a more comfortable gun in my hand. They are also durable and reliable. The triggers are just so-so, but you can always change it later if you want.
 
depending on the money you want to spend a ruger p89 as mentioned earlier is an economical pistol. they feed well and arent very sensitive to infrequent cleanings. iv had one since they came out. after many years of shooting it is still very reliable and accurate. it is not as tight as my gold cup 1911 or other customs but it only cost a fraction of those guns and 9mm ammo is cheaper. start your collection with what is comfortable to you and fits your budget. an expensive gun wont provide you with great shooting skills but time at the range will help with any weapon. welcome to the shooting community.
 
+1 on Beretta's 92FS and PX4 Storm. Same basic design, but the Storm is polymer ... both are a dream to shoot.
 
I'd look for a used but good Sig p226 or Browning Hi-Power, honestly. If not that then I'd recommend a Beretta 92 or Ruger p89.


I like Glocks, XD's etc, but for FIRST pistols, the above are a better choice imo.
 
Stick with the 19. You'll thank me later.
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Like selecting a tool for a job, pistol selection should be made based on intended purpose. Sometimes we are attracted to the lure of the shine - and believe me, that is often more than justified - modern gun manufacturers have done a great job of building fine shooting guns. For me, it was love at first sight with my Sig 226.

But like a nice new looking pair of jeans vs old comfortable broken in pair of jeans, we often prefer something that is comfortable over something that looks new and shiny - because it works better.

Going from 1911 with light reworked trigger, it was like "ugh" with the Glock trigger. But more and more I shot, especially under the stress of match shooting double taps after double taps, the ugly utilitarian Glock became more and more like that comfortable pair of jeans.

Does my heart still race when I pick up the Sig 226? Absolutely.
Do I feel content and powerful when I hold my 1911? Yes.
When I hold the CZ75, my hand becomes one with the pistol - Awesome.
These are truly mechanical engineering marvels and receive my standing ovation.

But, when I need to make two holes really quick and right next to each other, I reach for my favorite hole puncher - Glock, any one of them (some make small holes, others make bigger holes).

It's a tool. Not shiny. Not beautiful. Not ergonomic. But it does one thing very well - move bullets down the barrel.

It's not for everyone - some of us don't need two holes made that quick so close to each other with shaky hands.

Stick with the 19. You'll thank me later.
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BTW, at our last shoot, I demonstrated another shooter's G17 by doing a fast off-hand aimed shot at a metal disk set at 150 yards - it went "ding" - Combat accuracy? :)
 
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