Choosing my first handgun

[Zhivago]

Greetings all, this is my first post but I've been lurking in the wings for a while now trying to absorb some knowledge. I've decided that after much research I'm ready to buy my first handgun for double duty as self defense (at home, not concealed carry) and range shooting. To clarify, this will be the first handgun I will OWN, but I learned to shoot when I was young from my father. I've talked it over with him some but he is more of a revolver guy. I know that a lot of it comes down to personal preference but I figured it couldnt hurt to get as many opinions as possible. I've done a lot of research and narrowed down the field a lot but I havent had the opportunity to hold any of these yet. For this purchase I want to stick with either 9mm or .40S&W and in my personal taste for looks, any of these will do just fine. I'm mostly interested in whether anyone can offer technical reasons to avoid one of these guns. Thanks much in advance for your input and any help you can offer.

Edit: Should also mention that the price of any of these options is acceptable to me.

 

[kcshooter]

Good list. I like the Sig's the most out of the choices. But try some out before you buy. Just cause I like 'em doesn't mean you will.

 

[Zhivago]

One other thing I forgot to mention:

I'm looking at the full size models of everything listed. I'm a big guy (6'5") with big hands.

 

[everallm]

Full size really should include a CZ 75B or SP-01

 

[GZOh]

Totally agree with everallm, should consider the CZ 75B 9mm as a 'first-gun choice'...
But if we're staying with your list, and money is no problem, I would go with the SIG P226! Great gun, total quality & reliability, accurate shoot and full company warranty, and as they say "a no-brainer"... Also, would probably stick with the 9mm (cost of ammo HAS to be considered).
BUT, as I've always recommended, SHOOT 'EM FIRST!!!... Don't spend $400-750 (the Sig) on 'words' and recommendations ONLY... Go out, hold 'em and shoot 'em... only way to buy the RIGHT GUN for YOU!!

 

[Zhivago]

I'm not real familiar with the process of buying guns to be honest. I learned on my father's collection and unfortunately never really got exposed to some of the important parts of the process, namely buying and cleaning/maintenence. He mostly stuck to teaching my how to shoot. What the is etiquette for buying? Will a dealer let you shoot a few rounds through something if they have an indoor range normally?

Also, do you recommend the P226 over the P250 for any reason in particular?

 

[kcshooter]

Also, do you recommend the P226 over the P250 for any reason in particular?

All metal, proven history of the 226 vs relative newness of p250. That said, I have a 229 and a 250. 250's a great gun, especially for a revolver guy who wants to move to autos. No safeties and comparable trigger.

 

[Primersinmyshoe]

I could have just about any handgun - I do not have one chambered for the 40S&W. I find the recoil not worth the extra stopping power. I suggest a nice 1911 in 45acp.

 

[RNB65]

The one that fits your hand and eye the best. So don't ask us. It's your decision.

 

[CountGlockula]

I'd recommend taking an NRA basic handgun course that allows you to rent their guns. Afer the class, you can make your decision after shooting them.

 

[Mortech]

I picked the M&P but thats me , like others have said you should go where you can try various handguns out to really make an infomred choice .

 

[Snapping Twig]

I defer to my esteemed colleague from Sesame Street.

Take a course, rent different things.

I started with a revolver in 38/357 and I still think it's a good way to go.

Semi auto is more involved, not undoable, but more to be aware of.

CZ and a 1911 would be my choices, but they're not on your list.

 

[Ala Dan]

I voted for the Smith & Wesson M&P~!

 

[everallm]

Not sure what your budget is but if it's a little tight you might want to consider the EAA/Tanfoglio range.

http://www.eaacorp.com/handguns.html

One advantage is that if you go for .40 and decide you want cheaper rounds and less snap you can get a conversion kit for 9mm for about $230 and vice versa.

 

[Fishman777]

Given your size...

I would probably go with the Beretta 90two or a Springfiled XD-M. I would try rent as many of the guns on your list as possible. If you can't rent them, at least fondle them. Fit is really important. What works for me will probably not work for you, and vice-versa.

The 90two is an under-rated gun. The Beretta 92 series guns, in general, are excellent choices for people with big hands. The 90two has some ergonomic and other "functional" improvements over the previous versions in the 92 series (including a recoil buffer to extend the service life and reduce felt recoil).

The Springfield XD-M gives you 16 rounds of 40 smith and wesson, melonite finish, a match grade barrel, a trigger reset that Springfield Armory claims is the shortest in any "stock" hand gun. You can also change the backstraps to customize the fit. The grip texture feels really, really good to me.

I like all of the guns on your list, but these two struck me as being the best choices for a big guy. Glocks are also great, if you feel comfortable with the grips. Glock grips are a bit thick, so you might like the glock as well.

 

[klane]

I own or have owned everything on your list but the H&K and the Sig P250 so I can not comment first hand on them. I did vote for the S&W M&P's and currently own five including the latest M&P9 Pro Series that I bought today and love them all! I like the M&P's the best but that is me. Hopefully what ever you start with you will be able to add some varity to in the future. As others have said you should be happy with anything on your list. Good luck and practice often!

 

[Sharp669]

Sigs are nice. Given that size is not an issue (its not being concealed) get a 226. Howver, since size is not an issue, why not consider something in a 45 acp? I like shooting 45 more than 40, recoil/comfort wise. Like a sig 220.

 

[SureThing]

I would suggest a Glock 19, it is the most loved glock out there.

 

[DWARREN123]

I voted Glock 19 or 22, actually my choice would be a G23.
It has to fit you and feel good in you hand. Try before you buy, handle as many as possible. 9mm is cheaper, I like the 40 cal, many think the 45 ACP is the only one.
Glocks are kind of butt ugly and utility guns but mine work very well.

 

[GroovedG19]

My vote for the smooth and reliable Beretta 90Two in 9x19mm.