Buying my first semiauto...looking at a Glock 19 or Sig 226. Thoughts?

[quickcanary]

Let me first say hi to everyone. I decided to register here because it looks like one of the more active forums for handguns -- I do not know much at this point in time but like any other hobby I've pursued, I'm eager to learn. I posted a similar thread on TFL but this forum looks at least as active as that one, so I thought some more opinions couldn't hurt.

I'm looking at buying my first handgun. I don't have a lot of experience with firearms and want to look into a solid semiauto that's not overkill for a beginner. My criteria so far:

• Reliable
• Accurate
• Relatively easy to break down and clean (ease of maintenance)

I'm sure there are more that I haven't thought of yet. There are probably many semiautos that would fit the bill, but I'd like some guidance so that I can make as wise and informed a purchase as possible.

My GF's father took us to a local shooting range last Saturday so that we could get some experience with a handgun before our upcoming class this Saturday. I had a blast and knew right then that I'd probably end up purchasing a handgun in the foreseeable future. He brought his S&W 9mm and a little .22 revolver folder that was obviously meant to carry in a purse or something similar. I turned out to be the best shot that day and like I said, it was extremely fun. I definitely want to do some more shooting. A lot more!

Today we finished the class with a trip to the local police range. The GF shot her dad's S&W 9mm, I used his H&K USP .40, and after going through 50 rounds each we got the opportunity to shoot the instructor's .357 Magnum, .38 Special, and .44 Magnum. Those were fun but I definitely preferred the semiautos and that's what I intend to purchase.

After reading a variety of threads both here and over at TFL, I think I'd most be interested in either a Glock 9mm (17 or 19) or a Sig (226 or 229). I also wouldn't mind looking into a CZ 75 B or a Ruger P89, though most people with a Ruger seem to own either a MKII/MKIII or a P90 and I'm not looking for a .45 yet because I want to be able to shoot a lot of ammo for practice purposes without my wallet getting too light. Others that are slightly lower on the list but still under consideration are the XDs and USPs. I really enjoyed shooting the USP this morning and was pretty impressed with it, but a lot of people seem to think that though H&K makes a great gun, they are a bit overpriced when compared to the competition. I think I'd rather purchase a Glock for $400-$450 and have money left over to go toward another gun than pay $700 for one gun that's really no better in quality or reliability.

What do you guys think? Am I on the right track?

 

[TexasP226]

Sig 226. Best mass-produced handgun you can buy for my money. Takedown is very simple and does not involve pulling the trigger (which I like). No polymer parts if that makes a difference. It costs more, but you get what you pay for. I have a Glock 17 and it is fine and fun, but it has no "personality" for me. My Sig, on the other hand, feels like an old friend. I love it so much my forum name is taken from it! One drawback is that it seems that Sig's customer service is beginning to take a nosedive. We'll have to see.

I usaully don't limit myself, but I have decided that unless a truly unbelievable deal comes up on a gun from another manufacturer, all my handgun purchases from here on out will be Sigs.

 

[jlbraun]

I would take a hard look at the CZ P-01. Fits my hand better than the 226, there's a .22LR conversion kit for it, and it's more concealable.

 

[10-Ring]

Both good guns, both will serve you well. Honestly, the best one is the one you dedicate to train with...commit & train until use is natural and instinctive.

 

[chabanais]

I bought a Sig 226 in .40 S&W. I bought it because it had no external safety, is used by Navy SEALs and many other organizations that demand a great pistol, it is simple to disassemble for cleaning, it is deadly accurate, you can switch between .40 S&W and .357 Sig by dropping in a new barrel, and because the parent company in Swiss/German and I think those countries design/build many superior products.

Now you can by DAO or DA/SA or even SA in the 226 I believe so many choices.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[D-Man]

A couple of comments:

1) Why are you comparing the G19 against the P226? Figure if you want to compare by size, it would be the G17/P226 and the G19/P229. Though I do see you also open yourself up to the other Glock and Sig models. Fit in hand will be the best way to make a choice, so try to handle them all.

2) You'll need to determine what style of trigger you want - the Glock will have a consistant trigger pull each time, while the Sig will be long double action on the first then followed by short single action for additional shots (this assumes you aren't going for a Sig DAK model). Are you comfortable with the lighter pull of the Glock trigger?

I am a Sig fan (own a 226 and 228), though I understand the allure of the Glock.

 

[AK103K]

I'd try to find a range that rents them both and see what you like best.

I've owned Glocks and own a number of SIG's, including both the 226 and 229. I prefer the SIG's. The Glocks dont point naturally for me.

Be aware if you choose the SIG that its an addiction. Once you start, your doomed!

 

[quickcanary]

Texas, thanks for the comments. Sigs have been on my short list from day one just because I loved the way they look, and after reading so many posts about the low malfunction rate and out-of-the-box accuracy, I am sold on them. I've decided that even if a Sig isn't my first handgun, I will own one eventually. But the 226 and 229 look like great starting points if the budget allows.

I have always admired the reputation that Glocks have for reliability, durability, and simplicity which makes them high on my list as well. I do think they are one of the...I don't want to say "uglier," but...plainer looking pistols, although that doesn't bother me too much. They look like a tool, and one that could be depended upon. It's funny because it seems like people either love Glocks or they can't stand them. There doesn't seem to be a middle ground with Glocks unlike many other pistols. But I've noticed that a lot of people who don't own Glocks because of how they look or how they feel do not deny that they are extremely robust and durable, and that says something in itself.

A friend at work has a G26 for sale for $400, and although I liked how compact it was, I didn't really like how it felt like I couldn't really wrap my entire hand around the grip. Thus why I am considering the 19 or 17.

jlbraun, I hadn't considered the P-01. I actually prefer the way it looks to the 75 series, but I was looking at the 75 B simply because I've seen it come highly recommended by its owners. I'll look into the compact model though -- thanks.

And 10-Ring, I agree that there is no substitute for training and practice. I am a lot more comfortable handling a handgun now than I was two weeks ago, but I want to get in enough time at the range that it feels natural...even an extension of my arm/hand.

 

[alucard0822]

Sigs have a better trigger, feel solid, have better sights, strip ease, have great accuracy, a variety of functionally different pistols, dao, sao, da/sa DAK, and will feed anything you put in them.

Glocks are simple, reliable, less expensive, lighter, but are usually a love it or hate it design, and can feel a little flimsy.

the best thing to do is pick up a few different pistols and see how they feel, how the sights look and that you have a comfortable reach to the controls and trigger, I love my sig, but surprisingly enough my beretta M9 seems to fit my hand better.

 

[quickcanary]

1) Why are you comparing the G19 against the P226? Figure if you want to compare by size, it would be the G17/P226 and the G19/P229.

That's true. The models in the title are simply based on what I've gleaned from the forums in the past week. I noticed that most agree that a Glock is best served in 9mm flavor, and the majority seem to recommend & own the 19. In contrast, I've seen the Sig guys mention the 226 a bit more than the 229 so that's why I was looking at the standard size in the Sig, but I realize that there are probably minor differences between the standard and compact models.

You'll need to determine what style of trigger you want - the Glock will have a consistant trigger pull each time, while the Sig will be long double action on the first then followed by short single action for additional shots (this assumes you aren't going for a Sig DAK model). Are you comfortable with the lighter pull of the Glock trigger?

Right...I'm sure either one will seem fine to me though, as I'll have no real basis of comparison. As I get more experience with various firearms I may develop a preference, but initially I am sure I will adapt to whatever trigger style the gun has.

I've asked around and no one seems to know of a place around here that rents guns. There may be a local gun shop that will rent me a pistol and a target on a half-hour basis, but I'll have to call them to double check on that, as well as what models he has.

 

[surjimmy]

Sig

 

[joe_security]

Glocks work great, but Sig is an addiction !!

I think you are on the right track...MY P226 is smooth, accurate and dependable...if you ever go for a CCW, the P229 might serve you better. Maybe consider the DAK if you like one trigger pull for every shot, ala the Glock... thats your decision...no decocking on the DAK before re- holstering. On my P226, the hogue rubber grips "thickened up" the grip near the slide release, this caused me to miss it a few times on practicing speed reloads with an empty gun / empty magazines. This could present a problem in a serious encounter. I noticed the wolf replacement magazine spring is the same for all P228 (discontinued but a great gun) P226 and p229 9mm and .40s. These gave new life to some used magazines i purchased. Many people prefer the older "made in west germany" P220/ P226....better internals, but the current models have a lighter DA pull on the first shot. I feel the Sig is overall safer to handle than Glocks due to the shorter travel of the Glock trigger. Always follow the safety rules when handling any firearm.

 

[EAFO]

a cpo 226 will cost you about the same as a glock. i like the 226 because its a bit fatter for my larger hands

 

[quickcanary]

Well I'm leaning toward the Sig based on what I've read and talking to some local gun store owners, but there's a pretty hefty price difference between the two and I wanted to be sure it was worth it. I'll look into a CPO. I just called one store that has a used 226 9mm and will try to go look at it next week.

Of course, if I stumble upon a deal on a G19 that I just can't pass up...who knows.

 

[Soybomb]

They're both fantastic guns but you have to try them out and see how you like them in your hands. I had a sig 226 and I just didn't like shooting it. Only you will be able to say which is right for you.

 

[MrBorland]

Some good advice here, mainly to try as many different pistols as you can and see what feels best and fits your needs (CC, HD, range only, etc). IMHO, put less emphasis on looks. For instance, I love my CZ .22LR rifle, and "decided" I wanted a CZ 9mm. A fine pistol, no doubt, except that compared to some others I tried, it felt like a brick in my hand. The right one just felt "right", even when I shot it. There are lots of great pistols available, so in the end the best pistol in the world is the one you'll enjoy shooting the most.

Also, I know this isn't what you originally asked, and I'm not trying to derail the thread, but consider also getting a .22 semi-auto, as well. A LOT cheaper to shoot, and you'll only get good by practicing, practicing, practicing. Commonly suggested .22LR semi-autos include the Ruger MKII or III, and the Buckmark, though there are plenty of others. Like picking a 9mm, try as many as you can. .22LR ammo is not only way cheaper (allowing you to practice way more), but it also allows you to focus on the basics - trigger control, sight picture & breathing. If you try to learn on something bigger, you may likely get distracted by the recoil and/or muzzle blast and develop bad habits (like a flinch) in the process. When this happens, the only thing you'll practice (and get good at) is flinching. A lot of guys with a lot of experience and who are really good shots shoot lots of .22LR for the reasons above.

 

[chabanais]

I paid about $775 for my 226 when it was new. I could have bought a used model or a less expensive brand but since I am going to rely on the 226 as my go to weapon, what's a few extra hundred bucks spread over the decades I plan to own it?
I have nothing against Glocks, I don't love them or hate them, just wasn't for me. Guess I wanted all steel in my pistol.

 

[gudel]

I'd get the Glock.

 

[Pilot]

Both are great guns, but between the two a used or CPO Sig P228 would be my choice as its the slightly more compact version of the P226. As others have said the G19 is the compact version of the G17, so the better comparison would be between G19 and P228.

However, someone mentioned the CZ P01. I'd recommend this or the CZ-75D PCR. I prefer the PCR to all the guns listed above. I own both the P228 and PCR and carry and shoot the PCR a lot more. Its more concealable than the p228 and is just as accurate and reliable.

 

[Lonestar49]

SIG P229 Carry 9mm

...

IF price is not the subject then here are some facts I can share with you in regards to why I choice Sig over CZ.

Both are OUSTANDING GUNS, and CZ's cost less but, in my case this is what easily swayed me to my Sig.

. Ease of breakdown for cleaning and inspection.

. Size of P229 Carry for CCW, and weight, ease of draw to point, and balance in hand.

. Perfection IMHO, of decocker-only, placement, to use while not "sacrificing one's 2-hand grip", and that the hammer does not slam down doing this, rather, a comforting, smooth 2-action controlled action of going from SA to DA without ever hearing, like many other decockers, and loud CLICK!!

. Comes with Sig Night Sights, and they glow all night long..

Optional, CT, Crimson Trace laser grips (which I got with the my Sig) and it can't do anything but good, getting bullet to end of red laser dot, in a pinch.

Ease of slide action vs CZ's much harder Action IMO, including manuall hammer cock from DA to SA, as well.

Trigger pull wieghts, DA and SA, are right-0n IMO.

It's all in how the hand/s feel, and Beauty is in the eye of the be-Holder.



Good luck,



LS

 

[MikeS.]

XD

I bought my XD in .45auto 5 weeks ago and I'm really loving it. This is my 1st high capacity handgun and I'm already thinking about getting 1 in .357sig.

By going this route I can get a 9mm barrel. I'd shoot the 9 a lot more because of ammo cost and then probably load the .357sig for HD.

If you are willing to consider used look at CDNNInvestments. In their last catalog they had a lot of the Sigs for sale at a nice discount from used.

Whatever you do, don't buy because it looks cool. Buy what feels good in your hand and hopefully you get a chance to shoot one 1st.

Enjoy whichever way you go! Welcome to the board and to the sport.

 

[BADUNAME13]

I'd recommend looking into the CZ75B or P01

I do not like Sigs simply due to their DA triggers.

The CZ and Glock both have .22 conversions avalable.

 

[txgolfer45]

I own both. Both are great guns. Find the one that fits you best. Then buy the other one too!

 

[copaup]

Can't go wrong with either. My department issues the 229, and I own a 19. Of all the guns I have, the 19 is probably the one I would least willingly part with. Its not my favorite, but it is a superb balance of size, power, and ease of handling. Its not that much harder to conceal than my j frame (just cant fit it in a pocket) and holds 15 rds of ammo. Its a good, no frills, no nonsense weapon.

 

[glockman19]

Reliable = GLOCK
Accurate = GLOCK
Relatively easy to break down and clean (ease of maintenance) GLOCK

Get a Glock 17 04 19 they're great. I like sigs and Hk's but in teh .40 caliber. INHO certain guns were made for certain calibers. Glock make sthe best most reliable most indestructible 9mm.

Again not to take anything away from the Sig of the HK it's just my oersonal preferance.

As is always my and others advice get not only what you shoot best but what fits your hand the best and has the trigger pull you prefer. And go to a range and shoot at least 100 rounds of each before making a decision.

For more infor on the Glock, Sig and HK also check out:
Glock Talk
http://www.glocktalk.com/
AR-15.com handguns forum. They have sections for the Glock, Sig, HK and others.

Good luck and Welcome to THR. We look forward to hearing what you get and seeing a picture.
http://www.ar15.com/forums/board.html?b=5