Buying my first handgun

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DrStriker

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Hello everyone

I'm getting ready to purchase my first handgun but I'm having a little trouble on deciding which one to get. I've been going to the range alot lately and I've fired as many guns as I could and I got it narrowed down to 5 guns

All 9mm.

CZ P-01
FNP
S&W MP
Beretta PX4 Storm
MRI Baby Desert Eagle 2

I liked all 5 about the same so I can't decide for the life of me on which one to get. My wife liked the PX4 the best because it looked the prettiest. Those were here exact words.

Any opinions on any of these guns would be greatly appreciated.
 
my wife chooses guns the same way.

anyway...of those choices, i would probably go with the CZ or maybe the S&W, but just because they're the ones i have some familiarity with. this is something that none of us can really decide for you. we'll just be giving you our own preferences in what is really a decision each must make for themselves.
 
I would go for the CZ or the FNP out of what you have listed but, if you can find a friend who has a Sig P6 I would also check it out prior to buying anything. I have heard they are great pistols and you can't beat the price.
 
Then you should get the PX4. A happy wife is a happy man, know what I'm saying? :)

No problem with my PX4. Mine's the 40, and has the 17 rd mags. Very reliable and accurate, quality is excellent.
 
Beretta C or D models, Smith and Wesson M&P compact

I'd go with a Beretta Storm PX4 model in the C or D format. These are the DA only type pistols. A well made C PX4 would be great for protection/CC use. You would want something that if in a critical incident you would not have a "false" claim of an AD or accident like you could with a DA/SA model. Many sworn LE agencies use DA only or DAO format pistols to avoid these events. ;)

The new format S&W military and police line have ambi safety models and S&W offers a lifetime protection plan so that is something to look into. I think the S&W rebate offer has ended too but they put new ads out often.

Rusty
 
Sorry if this is a stupid question but I'm just trying to learn.

What is the difference between DA only and DA/SA?
 
Single action..the trigger can only accomplish one action..that being the release of a cocked hammer

Double action, commonly accepted to mean that the trigger can accomplish two actions, that being the cocking of the hammer and the subsequent release when the trigger is pulled fully.

Most pistols that are DA also have a hammer that will remain cocked after a shot is fired, or if manually cocked.

A DA only pistol does not have this capability, every time you pull the trigger it has to raise and release the hammer. The hammer will not stay cocked to the rear if you pull it back.
 
The M&P is an excellent choice. It's new, but many law enforcement agencies are switching over to it. The ergonomics are fantastic, it holds 17 rounds of 9mm, and Smith & Wesson has excellent customer service if a problem ever arises.
 
Best to go with what your wife also likes. Makes a lifelong hobby/martial art easier to fund.
 
If I can help narrow it down to two, I would second both: "what the wife likes" and the M&P.

The M&P in particular is a great handgun, has been adopted by numerous LE agencies, and it has adjustable grips (in case you weren't already aware).

You can also get crimson trace laser grips for the M&P if that's of concern - not the PX4 (or not that I've seen).

I've shot the M&P extensively, and I agree with many that's it a fine choice.

That said, all of your choices are good.
 
My wife liked the PX4 the best because it looked the prettiest.
Click to expand...

That one is a keeper.

One thing I will add here, if you get the CZ the 22 Kadet kit is a fantastic accessory later on. Heck I shoot it more than anything else I own.
 
Cz po-1

I bought a new PO-1 last summer, and have been very happy with it. This gun will shoot anything in 9mm that I put through it- and with good accuracy to boot.:):cool:
 
The only reason Sig Sauers aren't on the list is because there a little more expensive. I only have around $650 to spend and all the Sigs that I saw were around $800 except for the P2022 but I didn't really like it as much.

What do you guys think of the Baby Desert Eagle? I really like it alot especially the new Baby Eagle 2.
 
Of those listed, get the M&P.

Don't buy a gun just because the wife thinks it's pretty. The PX4 has a horrible trigger, making it hard to shoot well.

Also consider an XD or XD-m as well as a Glock 17/19/34
 
The trigger on a PX4 is adjustable. Without the need for a gunsmith. It would be a fine weapon for a female user. It comes with adjustable backstraps and Mag- releases. I think its a fine weapon and would be fine for its intended use. If its what your wife likes, go for it she'll be more likely to shoot it and practice with it.
 
If it can be adjusted enough to matter and she DOES like it and the initial trigger reach is ok, then it'd be a good gun to buy for her.

Test fire one first.
 
I recently went through the finding a CCW for my wife. She never ceases to amaze me. I took her out to find her a deer rifle, I show her the beutiful Ruger's and Browning's and she picked up a M44 MN. She worked the bolt a couple of time shouldered the rifle and said this is it. I take her looking for a handgun, I show her XD's, CZ, M&P, Kahr and Berreta's. She picks up a PT111 Taurus drops the mag, checks the chamber, pulls the trigger, inserts mag and looks down the sights and says sold. When I questioned her method she simply stated, "It doesn't have to be pretty, it just has to work."
 
You'll get lots of advice here, most all of it good and well-meaning. But keep in mind, please, that the only person who can determine what gun is right for you is ... you. So what to do? Go to a range that rents guns and try some on for size. Invite friends who own guns and will let your shoot them and give those a test-drive as well. The ones that best fit your hand and eye will quickly become apparent; sometimes they will be a surprise, based on your original list. Now spend some additional time with the guns that feel right; then spend some more time with them. Eventually you'll find the right gun for you.

If you take your time and remain patient, the search will produce its own reward.
 
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