First gun(s) suggestions?

Status
Not open for further replies.
B

borntohula87

Member
Joined
Feb 11, 2011
Messages
12
Hey High Roaders,

Long-time lurker, first-time poster, but I thought I would level the question out to you as to my first handgun purchases. Now, I'm a fairly big guy, I can conceal a full-size double stack no problem and I'm intending to have something for everyday carry. Since I'm getting married soon, my dad leveled the offer out for me to have three handguns of my choosing, provided I keep each under $500. I've narrowed it down to a few models and I'll explain my reasons why, but if you have any suggestions I am more than open to them.

1) Glock 22: I love Glocks as far as ergonomics go, my first time renting a beater at the indoor range was mostly positive and it was the smaller 23. This would more than likely be my EDC because of the weight and natural pointing of the weapon. I also love the fact that it's 15 rounds of .40 S&W goodness.

2) Beretta PX4 Storm: I love the handling on this weapon, I haven't actually fired one however. I dig the partially recessed hammer and it just feels like a natural pointing weapon. The capacity is similar to the Glock but it just feels a little wider. Reviews have been mainly positive though, so I'm still on the fence about it.

3) Rock Island Armory/American Classic II: I have a long standing love affair with the 1911 and as much as I would love a Colt or Brown, I just can't justify the price for a HD weapon. I've heard good things about the Armscor and Metro Arms weapons though, and I love single stack .45s.

4) CZ-75: I like steel frame guns minus the aforementioned Beretta and Glock selections. I would love a full size 9mm for range work and competition work. If anyone could suggest a hi-cap that could potentially do double duty, I'm more than open to suggestions.

5) Beretta 90-Two: Don't get me wrong, I'm a fan of the traditional model, but I absolutely fell in love with this gun in .40 S&W. It's just one of the sweetest shooting weapons on the planet, and this with a range beater no less.

6) H&K USP: The price point is horribly expensive, but I've been seeing used ones crop up all over the place. They're rather wide, but I think the right holster may do wonders. Would a .40 USP be worth it though? Spare magazines look rather pricey, and I shudder to think about the price for replacement parts.

7) Jericho 941/Baby Eagle/Daly Whatever: I love Israeli guns, but I'll never ever own a Desert Eagle for practical reasons. The Jericho looks like a great weapon and the reviews have been fantastic. Interchangeable mags with the Tangfolio certainly help.

So, what do you think High Roaders, do you think you could help a newbie out on picking three reliable autos? Also, I'm open to any suggestions but keep in mind that the $500 has gotta be firm. Minus FFL transfers and tax of course.

Thanks in advance!
 
Three handguns for $1500:

1. Glock 19. Good for concealed carry, good for home defense, good for the range, good for everything.

2. A .22LR pistol of your choice. I have a 22/45 that is wonderful, but kind of a pain to field strip a clean. There are many good choices here, though. 22/45, Buckmark, 22A, Neos, that goofy spaceship looking walther, the normal looking walther p22, etc. What use is a 22 you say? A box of 550 rounds is $20. With a 22, you can spend a metric ton more range time than you can with anything else. On top of they, they're some of the most fun you can have sober and with your pants on.

3. A Sig 238. Sometimes, you won't be able to conceal that G19, so you'll want a pocket gun. Of the pocket 380's, the 238 has the best trigger, the best sights, and is by far the most comfortable to shoot.
 
You don't list anything there that would throw up a {OMG don't buy that POS!".
If you like cold steel, the S&W 3rd gen pistols are great guns. {That would be used} HD and general range use, S&W 4506, 8rd single stack 45. DA\SA

M&P9 "pro series" 5" brl. are nice comp. guns. Your price would be used, if you can find one. I don't see many for sale. I bought one used for 500.00.
Might want to look at the Sig 2022, great value!

You can carry anything with a good belt and holster.

Welcome to THR......
 
First, I suggest you start with a Ruger SP101 revolver. With the ruger revolver you can dryfire to your hearts content. This will allow you to better learn trigger control from both single action and double action.

Now for a auto I suggest a S&W M&P. This weapon has an external safety and can be found for under $500. Not on your list but should be. Second choice would be the HK again the external safety. The Glock has the best trigger for the money but I don't advise this for a first weapon. External safeties are important in my view. I would steer away from the 1911 as a first gun. A 22LR pistol such as a Mark II ot III or a Buckmark will improve your shooting many times over
 
I would suggest renegotiating for 2 $750 guns or one nice 1911, depending on your preferences. Will one of these be for the new wife?
 
My opinion would be pick between the Glock or Beretta for carry, and get a nice .22 pistol and a revolver (I prefer S&W or Ruger) for the range and pleasure of variety.

Harmon Rabb listed some nice options as well.
 
I can't help but recommend that one of them be a 1911 in .45acp. It must be genetics, but I feel naked when I don't have one of them around.

The Beretta 90X series is very nice. I owned one of the Taurus copies, and I know it could shoot better than I could. Still, it's a 9mm and not that easily concealable.

There are several lower-priced but decent entries in the pocket gun category, the P3AT Keltec, the Ruger, and the new Smith. You'll save enough on any of them to let you buy a nicer 1911.

I'd buy the 1911, the Beretta 90-2, and a pocket .380 that floats your boat. Actually, were it for myself and if I owned no pistols I'd replace the Beretta with a nice target .22. That should fix you up - you'll have a serious self-defense pistol, a good target/practice pistol that will help you shoot better and double as a small game/pest control piece, and a pistol you can wear when you're wearing swimming trunks or similar.
 
Well, I definitely want a 1911 in .45 caliber. The Springfield I handled at the range was a pure joy to shoot, but I want something with some more modern accoutrements. I can understand the suggestion for a wheelgun, but my trigger control is pretty decent from what I've been told. I can easily place a 2" group with a wheelgun or a semi-auto provided I'm taking an isoceles stance.

Feel free to throw any other suggestions out there, I'm more than open to things like a 10mm. Also, I should probably preface it by saying that I'll be reloading my own rounds. And the missus just wants me to handle the weapons, I'll probably pick up a little .22 rifle for her to mess around with if she wants to shoot. I think learning with a long gun starting out is vastly more important than futzing about with a handgun when it comes to learning trigger control and breathing.

Any suggestions for a .22 autoloader? What sort of $750 handguns should I potentially be looking at? Any good sources for used handguns? I can clean and replace parts if necessary, the selection around here is pretty piss poor though.
 
If you are wandering toward $750, you can start looking at Kimber, Springfield, Colt, and Para Ordinance for 1911 style weapons and get some real quality that will last your lifetime and serve you well. Nothing wrong with a used handgun so long as it is in good shape. Check with your local NRA supporting gun dealer, they are bound to have a few.

On the less expensive side, Glock does make a nice weapon too. I have a Glock pistol which I have carried many times and always did rather well with at the range.
 
I've heard iffy things about Kimber, not trying to be a snob or anything like that. I'll check around and see if there's a NRA supported dealer around here. Springfield and Para sound like great pieces, I've seen a few GI specs in the $600 range new.

What are the opinions on the EAA Witness in 10mm? I've always wanted to give a 10mm a shot but renting one has always been a no go.
 
Those are some good choices. Consider a shotgun.

My first gun was a Glock 23.
 
so.... 1500 to spend...

Glock 22 police trade-in like new = $389
http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=F1GLK22G3&name=Glock+22+.40cal+Handgun&groupid=3

ATI FX .45 = 381
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/21_859/products_id/411541884

beretta 90-two .40 (to share ammo with the G22) = $565
http://www.tombstonetactical.com/catalog/beretta/90-two-pistol-40-sw-4.9in-12rd-black/

Heritage Arms (something extra to play at the range, plus cheaper ammo) = $159
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/87904

total price= $1495.
 
that's based on the option you first listed, but if i had 1500 dollars to spend on guns this would be my pick.

ruger 10/22 = 208
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/79/products_id/70626

mossberg 500 = 315
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/37_871/products_id/47809

Glock 22 = 389
http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=F1GLK22G3&name=Glock+22+.40cal+Handgun&groupid=3

Taurus 24/7 .40sw = 269
http://www.jetguns.com/1247409p15-m247-p-1503.html

ISSC .22lr (for the wife) = 199
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/953/products_id/61742

total price for all 5 guns = $1380 leaving $120 for transfers.
 
Last edited:
I have seen the Glocks around for under 350 on a second gen LEO model. Honestly might be the way I go. Used seems to provide a decent enough value.
 
These would be my choices on your budget

Ruger SP101 3" $400

Sig SP2022 9mm, $350

Browning Buckmark $300

Mossberg 12 guage combo that has 18" barrel and 28" hunting barrel, $270

All under your $1500 budget possibly a Mini 14 also
 
All very interesting suggestions so far. I guess a .22 is an absolute necessity for a firearm collection huh?
 
My dad told me the same thing this morning I asked for his opinion. I think I've narrowed it down to a three.

1) Glock 22
2) Rock Island Armory Tactical: Going to go rent one and bring a box of ball ammo to test it.
3) ISSC: Just for a sense of commonality in feel with the Glock since it'll likely be primary carry.

I think with the remaining funds left over I'll pick out a cheapie pump action. I've found a few Remington 870's for around $250 so that might be the route I go.

I appreciate all the save suggestions, I'll definitely have to get some range time and test a few of these out.
 
My dad told me the same thing this morning I asked for his opinion. I think I've narrowed it down to a three.

1) Glock 22
2) Rock Island Armory Tactical: Going to go rent one and bring a box of ball ammo to test it.
3) ISSC: Just for a sense of commonality in feel with the Glock since it'll likely be primary carry.

I think with the remaining funds left over I'll pick out a cheapie pump action. I've found a few Remington 870's for around $250 so that might be the route I go.

I appreciate all the save suggestions, I'll definitely have to get some range time and test a few of these out.
Click to expand...

great choices. get a police trade in g22 to save some money. if it's got a little holster wear, so what. glocks aren't pretty looking guns anyway.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

G
  • Locked
suggestions for next 9mm (or similar round) ....
2
Replies
35
Views
1K
The smiling swordsman
T
B
  • Locked
Thinking of buying a Glock 30, any reason NOT to?
Replies
23
Views
2K
Gordy Wesen
G
I
  • Locked
Sig P239 or Springfield Armory XD40 (for CCW)? Any other suggestions welcome!
Replies
14
Views
2K
Water-Man
W
T
  • Locked
What's your opinion on compensated Glocks?
Replies
22
Views
2K
DFW1911
D
I
  • Locked
I need suggestions
Replies
4
Views
633
IndridCold
I
Back
Top