First Guns

[jhudock]

My wife and I have recently decided to get into shooting. We've been talking about it for 10+ years, but have been deterred by NY states permit laws, but have finally decided to take the plunge.

One of the strangest parts of the very byzantine NY (Westchester specifically) is that you are required to buy a gun before your permit application, which then sits with the dealer until your permit is approved. Since it will be paid for up-front and sit with the dealer for 6+ months I wanted something relatively inexpensive, so I've decided to go with a Ruger MkIII .22 after reading these and other forums for a couple of months, both for cost and ease of use/fun aspects.

Once we get our permit I intend to immediately add a 9mm and a revolver, probably .357 so I can shoot .38 at the range.

I've read lots of forum posts, online reviews, watched numerous Youtube reviews and have come to the following conclusions.

Currently the 9mm I've narrowed down to (in approximate order):

Glock 17, Sig P226, HK P30, Walther P99.

For the revolver, I'm down to:

S&W 627, S&W Model 60 and though not .357, I really like the S&W 629, especially in the Pro line, although its pretty pricey.

Opinions? Suggestions?

We are not experienced shooters, gun use will be primarily target/sport, but HD as well.

Price is not a major consideration, but it still is one. That's why I'm thinking the HK and the S&W 629 might be good 2nd 9mm/revolvers after we're more experienced, before spending up. I'm also aware that a gun that I like (I'm 6'3, big guy) may not be right for my wife. Unfortunately there are very few places in NY to go try pistols in your hand (in fact its illegal without a permit). We might take a trip to PA and try to hold some there.

We also intend to get a shotgun, but I'll post that in the shotgun forum.

 

[Dentite]

Sorry to hear you have to deal with stupid laws like that the punish the law-abiding.

Sounds like a good plan. I have a Mark III that I really enjoy shooting...good idea going with a .22LR as it's good practice, affordable, fun to shoot etc.

Your other choices sound good as well.

 

[HDCamel]

If you just want something easy to use then a Glock 17 is about a easy as it gets in the 9mm category.

 

[marine 97-03]

The sig and glock are legends ...but the p99 could be the next. Great. Gun....I say p99

 

[dudester]

I have a couple of those and I would say Glock out of that list but don't forget to try the S&W M&P auto 9mm and .40. They are really nice guns as well.

 

[marb4]

Check out the Ruger GP100 357. Built like a tank. Great gun for the money.

 

[CrazyO]

As far 9mm, I would look at the CZ 75 line. My favorite is the PCR, with a close second being the 75B. You could also look at the EAA Witness ( I have the Elite Match) this would open up options in case you would like to change caliber someday. Just a thought.

 

[Skylerbone]

I'd suggest allowing your wife to choose the next purchase. If you enjoy the MkIII, maybe a pair would be fun for a little head to head competition.

Letting her decide will give her more of a stake in the investment which often translates into more practice and better shooting on her part. It's never fun to drag the unwilling to the range and she'll know what fits her best.

 

[Remllez]

It's hard to beat the simplicity and accuracy of the Glock 17. Easy shooting high capacity FUN. Sigs may be a bit large for your wife's hand. Of course you may want to consider some formal training for you both.

Welcome to the sport and have lots and lots of FUN!!!

 

[Sgt_R]

We might take a trip to PA and try to hold some there.

Or better yet, plan a 'shooting vacation.' Do a bit of research beforehand and find out if there's anywhere within reasonable driving distance where you could rent a selection of handguns and actually fire them. Then take the missus out of town for the weekend.

For $200-300 at the rental counter (including range fees, targets, ammo, and multiple handgun rentals), plus the price of gas and a hotel room, you'll have the freedom to form your own 'hands on' opinions.

R

 

[jhudock]

Thanks for all the suggestions.

Or better yet, plan a 'shooting vacation.' Do a bit of research beforehand and find out if there's anywhere within reasonable driving distance where you could rent a selection of handguns and actually fire them. Then take the missus out of town for the weekend.

We've considered that. Someone suggested the Sig Sauer Academy in NH. We were actually scheduled to go out to CT for a day of live fire training, but my wife wants to wait until we're closer to getting a permit, otherwise she thinks it'll be wasted -- shoot for a day, then wait 7 months for a permit before you can shoot again.

 

[usmc cannon cocker]

Glock suggestion

If you are considering a Glock 17, you might consider another approch. If you were to buy a glock 22 ( 40 cal ) you could then buy a glock 357 sig barrell which fits right the same frame and uses the same mag. Now you have one pistol shooting two calibers. Then you could buy an after market ( ie Lone Wolf ) 9mm barrell to fit your glock along with a Glock 9mm mag, and you would have one pistol able to shoot three different calibers.

If you buy the Glock 17 ( 9mm ) this can't be done, because the barrell opening on the slide would be too small.

Just a thought.

 

[jhudock]

If you are considering a Glock 17, you might consider another approch. If you were to buy a glock 22 ( 40 cal ) you could then buy a glock 357 sig barrell which fits right the same frame and uses the same mag. Now you have one pistol shooting two calibers. Then you could buy an after market ( ie Lone Wolf ) 9mm barrell to fit your glock along with a Glock 9mm mag, and you would have one pistol able to shoot three different calibers.

Actually if I bought the Glock 17 or the Sig I was planning to get the .22 conversion kit (Sig made for the Sig or AdvantageArms for the Glock) so that I could shoot cheaper .22 (not exclusively, of course) at the range. I don't think there are any .22 conversion kits for the HK or Walther.

 

[searcher451]

I'm not sure adequate to indicate that the Walther P99 might be the Next. Geat. Gun ... as marine 97 - 03 stated earlier. I would simply say that the P99 already is a great gun and quite worthy of your consideration. It has a terrific trigger (best on the market, IMO), it's reliable/dependable, and its accurate.

 

[stan rose]

I live in Westchester as well if you PM me and are interested my friends and I have slew of handguns you can try out once you get your liscense.

 

[Telekinesis]

Have fun taking down that Ruger. My father has a Ruger Mk II that I used to shoot and I absolutely hated having to take it apart when I cleaned it.

I'm not much of a revolver guy, but I will chime in on the auto side of things. I think you can't go wrong with any of the guns you mentioned. I actually have a G17 and a Sig 228 (just a compact 226) and am thinking about picking up a Walther P99 too.

If I were in your position, I would probably start off with the P226 if you're looking for a range/HD gun. I think my P228 has the best trigger I've felt and is very accurate (though I haven't shot the P99, so it could very well be better). I also think the G17 is a great gun, it just isn't as fun to shoot as the Sig. It is very reliable and will shoot under practically any condition, but it just doesn't feel as good as the Sig in my hand. (I bought it as a gun for carbine courses so that I'd have something that was utterly reliable but something that I wouldn't mind getting dirty and scratched.) And the P99 is the next gun that I'm going to buy as soon as funds allow. It's probably going to be a gift to myself for my 21st birthday

Something to keep in mind with the P99 is that mags are at least two or three times the price of Sig and Glock mags. Last I checked, Walther mags were hovering around $60 while Sig and Glock mags are usually between $20-25. It may not matter much if you're just going to keep one or two mags with the gun, but if you're looking at taking professional shooting classes (which I highly recommend BTW) you're going to want more mags and they get expensive real quick.

 

[sigarms228]

I agree that you have a fine list of 9MM pistols and that as always it is best to try what you are considering before making the investment and the more you can try during the same range session the better. If I had to choose just one from your list it would be the P226 (or P229) and I have tried them all but what works best for me may not be the same for you. Good luck!

 

[Starter52]

Another vote for the Sig 226.

The new S&W 627 is great, as are the earlier Model 27 or Model 28 (both available used).

 

[daytodaze]

I'm from the school of thought that says glock does most things well... But when I got my sig p226, I lost interest in getting any other gun in 9mm.

I vote sig! .40 S&w is another story.

 

[Double Vision]

Those are some wacky gun permit laws you have in NY!

Your plan is sound as far as the Ruger .22 and then a .357/38.

Have fun taking down that Ruger. My father has a Ruger Mk II that I used to shoot and I absolutely hated having to take it apart when I cleaned it.

It's not the taking apart, it's the re-assembly. Actually, once you "get it" it's a piece of cake.

Best of luck entering the shooting sports world. It's a great hobby and you'll enjoy it.

 

[jhudock]

Thanks for all the suggestions and help, everyone.

 

[jackpinesavages]

G17, 2nd or 3rd gen., and with money saved get some training that has range time of 50-100 rounds with Instructors.

 

[tnek13]

Your choices are sound. The Ruger will shot, once you find the 22 ammo it likes ( they all like something and it is fun finding out which brand) and is a good trainer. A Glock will work well with a variety of ammo, they are easy to shot and clean . A 627 is good gun, but also look at the Performance Center 327, a bit lighter, same size , not much difference in recoil, and they shot a bit better.

 

[varoadking]

The Gen4 G17 is a great option.

For a wheel gun, look to Gunbroker.com for vintage pieces, like a 4" Colt Trooper or S&W Model 19.

Lucky you...you got my 1K post...