First Handgun Considerations

[archigos]

Alright, I've been looking into buying a handgun for about a year now (I live in NY - I started the application process for my permit in April) and hopefully my permit should get approved soon. I've narrowed my choice down to a few possible selections. This is essentially a thread for organizing my own thoughts / collecting any information anybody wants to toss my way about these weapons. This will be my *first* handgun, so I'd like something that is somewhat versatile, but I am intending to buy more down the road.
To describe briefly what I'm looking for:

• 9mm or .45
• Manual or rear grip safety is important, but not mandatory
• Compact to mid-size models are preferred, as I'd eventually like to be able to carry though I doubt I'll be permitted to until I move out of NY. The primary purpose, however, is range shooting.
• Reliability and safety are of the utmost importance
• SA/DA preferred
• Aesthetics matter

So, here are the options I'm considering:

1. Beretta PX4 Storm F
   • Available in 9mm or .45, though .45 might be difficult to get my hands on.
   • Manual safety [+1]
   • Mid-size
   • SA/DA. Safety acts as decocker (or is a decocker only on the G model) [+1]
   • Aesthetics are godly. [+1]
2. S&W M&P 9c
   • 9mm
   • No external safety [-1]
   • Compact [+1]
   • I've heard nothing bad about the reliability recently, but supposedly there were reliability issues with S&W a year or two ago. Is this still a concern? [-1?]
   • DAO
   • Pleasant aesthetics [+1]
3. Sig P250
   • VERSATILITY. 9mm, .40, .357, .45 - whatever the flavor of the day is. [+1]
   • No external safety [-1]
   • Whatever frame size I want - flavor of the day again. [+1]
   • DAO
   • Okay aesthetics
   • Only the 9mm compact kit has been released so far. How much are additional kits going to cost? Might I just as well go buy a whole new firearm? [-1?]
   • The interchangeable frame concept is relatively untested. What's this going to do to safety/reliability? [-1]
4. Springfield XD Compact
   • 9mm
   • Rear grip safety [+1]
   • Compact [+1]
   • DAO
   • Okay aesthetics
   • Problems with slide rusting? [-1?]

Obviously, my objective summary of these isn't going to make the decision on its own - I still have yet to feel the P250 and PX4 in my hand, and that obviously is going to have a huge impact upon my decision.
I guess I'm just looking for any input anybody has, any experiences, answers to the couple questions I've asked, or information I might not have thought of.

 

[Autolycus]

I would look into the HK P2000, a Sig 229R, a Sig 228 (If you can find one!), or a Glock.

 

[archigos]

Money is an issue - hence me only looking at the P250 out of all the Sig weapons... I'll admit, the 229R seems amazing, but its just not in my price range.
I've ruled out Glocks for a variety of reasons that are not in the scope of this thread.
I've also looked at H&K, but more at the USP Compact - I'll take a look at the P2000.

 

[TTR]

I just ordered a Beretta PX4-Storm in the 45 cal. I like Beretta's. I have good luck with them so far.

If you are looking for range shooting then I would consider a full size or mid size pistol.

I have a Beretta 92FS blued version and I love this gun. I have the Crimson Trace laser on the pistol too. Very accurate with or without the laser.

Good luck on your choice. I'm sure whatever you choose it will be a fine pistol.

 

[BikerRN]

If this is a first handgun I would suggest getting a S&W Model 10 Revolver and really learning how to shoot. After that, select what you want.

Revolvers are the easiest to learn on, but the most difficult to master of all firearms, IMHO.

 

[J Lambs]

I have the Sprinfield XD Sub-compact and I love it. The only thing that I don't like is the gun is a little wide for IWB carry, but I also do not have a great holster yet ( a few pounds lost wouldn't hurt either). Also if you buy the sub-compact, it comes with an additional high cap mag that makes it the size of the compacts. It's like you are getting 2 guns...kinda.

 

[CountGlockula]

Try before you buy.

Shoot the guns on your list BEFORE you decide. I've bump into a lot of first time handgun owners who've ended up getting rid of their handgun because of disappointments.

Trust me, you'll be happy with something that you've test drove and end up liking it.

 

[Soybomb]

A CZ75 or a used s&w metal framed auto should be able to meet all of your criteria.

 

[JDGray]

Of your pics, I'd go with the XD. The rusting problem was supposedly fixed a few years ago. Lifetime warranty. I prefer Glocks trigger, but not on your list

 

[hoosiercheetah]

I just purchaces a CZ82 from militarygunsupply.com. I paid and extra 20 for hand-pick, the total price was 220 and change.

The gun I got was cosmeticly flawless, fit my hand wonderfully, and came with two mags that fit and function perfectly.

First day on the range with the pistol, I fired 250 rounds of S&B's standard Makarov ammo through it, without a single jam, light strike, or misfire. The pistol shot consistant two-inch groups, dead on target, at 20 yds, unsupported. The trigger is like butter.

For the money, I would highly, highly recomend this for a first handgun.

 

[tbreihan]

I'd go for the PX4. Of the four options you posted, I have only had the chance to shoot the PX4 and XD, although I have handled all four of them. The ergos on the M&P are great, although I hate the feel of the trigger and I dislike the (relatively) complicated take-down procedure. Also, the trigger design seems less safe to me than the scissors-action trigger on the XD.

The P250 is a nice gun with typically good SIG-Sauer ergos and a very smooth DAO trigger.

I shot an XD and I did not like it at all. The grip is comfortable but I had a hard time getting the gun to sit low in my hand. It also has the most felt recoil of any service-size 9mm I have shot. Not only does it kick somewhat more stridently than others, but I got a nice stinging shock through the grip every time I fired it. It's ashame, really, because I wanted to like it and it seems like a lot of gun for the money.

I ended up buying the PX4. Great pointability and ergos (the exception being the god-awful safety location, but being DA/SA, I rarely leave the safety engaged. The trigger reach is very reasonable and the trigger is great for a DA/SA configuration--better, IMO, than a P220-series SIG. Recoil is very soft, the sights are big and clear, and it is boringly reliable. It makes you feel like a much better shot than you actually are.

 

[Run&Shoot]

If at all possible try before you buy. Shoot a friend's or rent some. Even if you can;t shoot the exact models you are considering you can experience a revolver versus a semi, and DA/SA versus DAO, and 9mm versus .45.

Also, for me the trigger is one of the most important criteria. I want smoooooth, short pull.

Of the ones you listed I would like either the SIG or the XD. I shoot mostly 1911 and Glocks, but the SIGs I have owned and the XD I shot were plenty good.

 

[esol]

the new melonite(?) finish on the XD doesnt rust (well it resists it very well) its basically the same as the tennifer(?) finish on the glocks

my XD40SC has treated me very well so far
ive owned it since october and have put just over 2000 rounds through it with 0 issues
excellent gun i really couldnt be happier with it

 

[noskilz]

Since your stated purpose is for range shooting, I'd get a 9 mm over a 45 acp solely due to less expensive ammo and more "bangs for the buck." You also may want to consider a .22 such as a Browning Buckmark or Ruger 22/45, then you can practice till your arms hurt.

 

[archigos]

Since your stated purpose is for range shooting, I'd get a 9 mm over a 45 acp solely due to less expensive ammo and more "bangs for the buck." You also may want to consider a .22 such as a Browning Buckmark or Ruger 22/45, then you can practice till your arms hurt.

Yeah, I'm planning to eventually get a Walther P22 just for some cheap shooting - I also need to look into whether my gun club will allow the use of 9mm in the inside range - I know that large bore rounds aren't permitted but I don't know about medium bore.

 

[BlindJustice]

Have you thought or looked at the CZ 75 Compact in 9MM?
13 & 1 capacity DA or SA Cocked and Locked, good ergonomics
easy enough to find for less than $500 and CZ has a Kadett
.22 LR conversion Slide/spring/Barrel & Magazine.

Good luck, and do try to find ranges that have rentals you are
interested in shooting.

 

[Starter52]

+1 to noskilz. Good advice.

My advice: Whatever gun you buy, get a 9mm rather than a .45 ACP.

Ask any WWII vet. You do not want a .45 ACP to be your "learning" gun.

 

[Sholiz]

+1 for 9mm in whatever gun you decide to get, you'll like 9mm a lot more after you see 100rds 9mm for $15 or 50rds 45 for $20.

 

[hybridgenius]

Cant go wrong with the M&P or SIG. Have fun man!

 

[phast12]

To give you the best answer to the question I need to know how familiar you are with guns and do you have a mentor to help you?

 

[archigos]

To give you the best answer to the question I need to know how familiar you are with guns and do you have a mentor to help you?

I have a decent amount of experience with rifles and shotguns, but I've never fired a handgun before. I'm looking for a "mentor" atm, as I do care about learning the proper way to shoot one - for accuracy, not just emptying a magazine. I probably can find one at my gun club.
I'm beginning to think that everyone's right about 9mm, but 45 is a consideration only because of the XD to be honest.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

If you want a .45 Auto buy a .45 Auto. Buying a 9mm just because the ammo is cheaper isn't a dumb thing to do but if that's the only reason you will never be happy with your choice. Practice is a must with any weapon and if you don't like the weapon you bought you probably won't practice as much as you should.

I'm a revolver guy so I can't help you will all the different semi-auto's you listed but I know I'm right about the Caliber choice. Buy what you like and then get good with it... The rest is all talk...

Good luck deciding and welcome to the forum.