First handgun for triple duty

Status
Not open for further replies.
S

sawdeanz

Member
Joined
Mar 3, 2011
Messages
590
Location
Florida
This will be kinda long but i want to provide as much detail as I can.

My background: Limited shooting experience but lots of interest. In college. I'm lucky to have a neighbor who is willing to teach me to shoot. He started me off on .40 compact glocks. I've also shot some other stuff.
I'll be turning 21 in a few months and I'm trying to decide on a first shooter. My priorities are 1)Range/practice/improving skills 2)Self defense 3)ccw (this isn't something that will happen soon, and i realize I may just have to get a dedicated carry gun, but it is still a consideration)

The problem of course is that from what I've heard ones that fit the 3rd bill don't fit the first 2 so well and vice versa.
I'm not against a .22, especially because I'm on a small budget, but a) no self defense b) Realistically I won't get to the range that often. I'm kind of in the mind that if I can work out a flinch on a big gun, I can shoot anything. Maybe it will be a good 2nd gun?

I've been looking at the PX4 and the Sig 2022 but even compact versions are big for future ccw use in Florida.

I've also been looking at snubbies like the LCR and S&W airweight series. I didn't mind shooting the LCR at all with light .38 loads.

Then I thought about the Makarov. It is heftier than modern sub-compacts and shoots a softer round which should make it good for practice but is small enough for carry and is affordable. But also it is surplus and I don't have the money to deal with a problem gun/absent customer service. How are the CZ versions (like the 82/83) compared to it and are there other handguns that are in the Mak league? I should have a chance to shoot one soon.

With a budget of under $500 (think bday/xmas money) what should I do? Is the Mak small enough for pocket carry? Remember that ccw is least important in my list. If they are cheap enough I could get a pistol and a super cheap .22 rifle or pistol.

sry it was so long thanks for the advice.
 
You need something in 9 Luger like Glock 19. There are also numerous choices that almost always work on used market . Examples are 3rd generation S&W, XDs, ...... At last gun show I looked at hardly used S&W 99 for $329 while not as reliable as Glock it almost always works. The PM is too heavy to pocket carry.
 
IMO: Your first handgun should be a .22.

They are invaluable for learning to shoot a handgun accurately and maintaining proficiency affordably.
The ammo is cheap enough you can afford to shoot lots of it.
For instance, a 500 round brick of .22LR can cost less then a 20 round box of good SD centerfire ammo.

While the .22 is not ideal from a CCW standpoint, I would much rather have a 10-shot Buckmark Micro or Lite in my pants then a sharp rock.

As for working out a flinch with a big gun?
Even experienced competition shooters get a flinch occasionally.
They often go back to shooting a .22 until they get past it.

rc
 
If you're not going to carry right away, I would get a good .22 pistol to hone your skills and get a shotgun for home defense. If you shop carefully, you can still come in under your $500. I got a used Ruger Mark II in my local gun shop for $225. It looked brand new. Add another $250 or so for a Remington 870 Express or a Mossberg 500, and you'll be good to go. Then you can shop for a carry gun at your leisure.

Makarovs and CZ-82s are great guns -- I have both -- but neither one is pocket-carryable IMO: too big and heavy. The 9x18 ammo can be found online for reasonable prices, but you won't find it in your local Wal-Mart or Dick's Sporting Goods.

Cheap centerfire ammo will be about about 25¢ per round. Cheap rimfire will be about 3¢ per round. That's something to consider when you think about how much practice you'll do.
 
Last edited:
Two thoughts: 1. a .22 makes a lot of sense. That's not what I did, and I regret it.

2. Lots of people will say "Glock" for a centerfire. They are reasonably priced, very reliable, accurate, durable, etc. They also lack an external safety. I think that is a bad factor for a relatively new shooter. Look at the threads on Glocks and their safety. Their defenders will point out the fact that the users who have experienced accidental/negligent discharges have all made a mistake. That's true. But new shooters make mistakes. Getting something with either a longer and heavier trigger, like a revolver, or something with an external safety, may be better for a beginner. JMHO, of course.
 
I'll be the first to dissent with the .22 bandwagon. I didn't add 22 until I already had a 45 and a 9mm. I don't shoot 22 very often. Yeah, it's fun for about 3 seconds of aimed shooting, then on to a series of mag dumps just to burn up ammo. But it doesn't find room in the range bag too often. Yeah, the ammo is cheap, but if you're going to spend a few hours getting to the range, the cost isn't always the biggest factor.

If you want to work on your marksmanship, a target 22 with a light trigger isn't going to translate all that well to defensive shooting, anyway. Might as well get an air pistol and practice in your living room. Or practice dryfiring.

The 9mm is more fun to shoot and the ammo is still pretty cheap. And when you get tired of that, there's the 45. When you get tired of that, there's the 40SW. :) But it'll take a lot longer to get tired of 9mm vs 22, and it's a good caliber for your intended use #2 and #3.

My suggestion is a well used Glock 9mm. Use it, then sell it for what you bought it for if you don't like it.

As for "Their defenders will point out the fact that the users who have experienced accidental/negligent discharges have all made a mistake." Nope. Their defenders will point out that the user woulda had the same ND whether a manual safety was there or not. Except in the very extremely rare cases where a holster malfunction or a rogue pull string/shirt tail came into play.
 
Last edited:
A .22 is good, as long as you are "commited" to a second gun before a gun is part of you Home Defense or Personal Defense plan.

An external safety can be argued either as a "good feature" (help prevent AD) or as a "very bad feature" (Is the safety on or off when you are under high stress, or the safety is on so the gun is safe (NO!)).

I would recommend a Glock Gen4 26 or 19 or 17. Just can not go wrong with a Glock 9mm. My experience with Gen3 26 and Gen4 17 has been excellent. I also can recommend a Ruger P95 as a DA/SA with safety that is both realiable and reasonably priced.

Locally I find "high quality" 9mm range ammo at $.20 a round or less. Russian steel (good enough) for $.18 a round. Check at Walmart and Cabelas.
 
I started out on a S&W 5906 and it was a pretty good starter gun i think...it was reliable cheap (paid 300 w/4 mags) and was a decent CCW gun that was mostly carried on the farm and you should be able to find a used one for a decent price and spend the rest of your cash on ammo/range fees
 
sawdeanz - Welcome to shooting. I'm not going to give you any advice because I'm no expert. If your first priority is to develop/hone your shooting skills, then I suggest that you consider the .22lr . Not sure about your area, but around here (New Hampshire) you can find nice deals on used pistols. You could probably afford to pay for more range time with the amount of money you save on the ammo. Increased practice = increased proficiency. If having a defensive handgun is a priority, then I encourage you to consider the potential risks involved should you find yourself in need of utilizing it without having taken the time to become proficient at using it.
As for CCW, if you are going to carry concealed I encourage you to look into the laws in your area. Here in NH there are no mandatory classes for a CC license. Not sure about your area. Good luck on the handgun search.
 
In my opinion if someone wants to become a shooter then there is no better training tool than the little old .22. Rifle, pistol, or both. However, just because that is the best way it doesn't mean it is the only way. If you have a concern and want something for home defense then I would stick with a 9mm. The one that fits you the best and has a good natural aim for you. As you said you can get a .22 for your second gun. I would though not try to combine your first gun into a carry gun. You should get something full size that will make the recoil minimal. Once you learn bad habits they are hard to correct.

Remember, practice does not make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect.

Good luck and let us know what you decide on.
 
Last edited:
I would have to agree with the above about a .22 to start with, cheap ammo so you could build skill, as for the cc part, I usually carry my bersa 380, I love it, it's light shoots great, very easy to cc, ammo isn't to bad, a little more then nine , also it can be had used for between 150 and 200, or new for under three, ruger p95 is good also same price range and is a great gun(thi I have had an issue I'm working thro with mine), anyhow, good luck and have fun!!
 
It sounds like you need an all around workhorse on a budget. I would suggest either a) Glock 19, or b)Ruger SP101. The G19 is a good comprimise in size and function. I have used it as ccw, nightstand gun and range gun. 9mm is cheap (relatively speaking), ubiquitousy available anywhere ammo is, and has the power in the proper bullet load to stop an agressor if you do your part behind the trigger. The Ruger Sp101 with 3" barrel is also an all-around good gun. I have used it as ccw, nightstand, truck gun, and a range gun. Get some snap caps and you can get in some quality dryfire practice without haveing to go to the range. .38SPL is probably second to the 9mm in price and availability and the Ruger will shoot the more powerful .357mag. It gives you the flexability to increase your firepower as you capability improves. They are both available on the used market, and built like tanks, so evern a used on will give you 10s of 1000s of more rounds.
 
If you liked the 40, there's many options that can fit the bill, but from the sound of it with you shooting the 38 LCR and the Makarov leads me to think that a 9mm would be a good caliber to start off with. As you have mentioned, and others have as well, a 22 is needed as well. Although a bit large, I would honestly recommend a CZ-75 for the following reasons. 1. Jeff Cooper's favorite 9mm 2. reliable 3. has great ergonomics 4. solid steel construction 5. simple, standard, ambidextrous controls safety, mag release

But, it would be expensive MSRP for the pistol alone is $800, and a conversion kit is pushing another $400, and factory magazines are expensive

If you like the 40, I would go with the Walther p99, where I am, I've seen them go for $500-600. But they also have the factory magazine cost as well at nearly $60 a piece
 
Thanks for the quick responses. I think what I am looking for is a kind of workhorse gun, good for range and defense but I think i'm probably going to not worry about whether it will make for a good ccw. In response to having a full powered gun before being proficient, I would be practicing with what ever I get, that is part of its intended purpose.
GLOOB hit on the point I was concerned about with a .22, I already have air pistols I practice with and I want to get better with double action/longer triggers etc.
I guess specifically for my first defensive handgun if I decide on that over the .22 what should I think about when choosing between the Mak, px4/2022 and a med. or snubbie revolver?
 
My priorities are 1)Range/practice/improving skills 2)Self defense 3)ccw (this isn't something that will happen soon, and i realize I may just have to get a dedicated carry gun, but it is still a consideration)
Click to expand...

I am also going to go against the grain and not suggest .22LR. If you were 100% new to shooting, and had the funds for two guns, maybe. But you have SOME experience, and only can afford one gun right now.

For your first priority, any compact or full-size 9mm will work. A revolver would also work but that is up to you if you think they are as fun to shoot. I like semi-autos, you may think revolvers are more fun! Since you have SOME experience (and are not 100% brand new) I say just get a 9mm, as ammo is cheap, it will be able to perform double duty with your priority #2 of defense, and a 9mm is pretty tame recoil (in anything larger than a subcompact). Springfield XD, Glock, Beretta/Taurus 92's, Ruger P-series, SigPro Series, S&W M&P would be good places to start. That said, Priority #3 is tough because you live in FL and you ask about pocket carry. You will need something pretty small to pocket carry comfortably, depending on your stature and typical attire. Think Ruger LCP, Kel Tec P3AT, Taurus TCP which are all in the $300 range. You CAN pocket some larger pistols like Bersas and some subcompact 9mm's, but it is tougher and less comfortable.

Best advice is to go to the store and handle as many guns as possible. Feel it in your hands, look down the sights, feel the trigger (is it DAO or SA/DA....you may prefer one or the other), rack the slide, pop the mag in and out, actuate the safety if it has one, ask questions, take notes, do whatever you need to organize your thoughts. Ask if it is okay to try putting it in your pocket or waistband and see how it feels in there. Some places let you do that, others don't. Then pick your 3 faves and try to rent each and try shooting them. Then decide.

Don't feel bad if you have to handle dozens of guns....they are used to it. Have fun!
 
I would recommend holding both a Glock 19 and a Glock 17. Then buy whichever fits your hand. Invincible to rust, reliable, high capacity, and 9mm is the least expensive centerfire round to train with.

Get your Concealed Weapon License as soon as possible, so you have it when you do want to carry. Also, a good kydex holster (Blade Tech, Sidearmor, etc.) and a sturdy 1.75" belt so that it carries comfortably.
 
You've already been introduced to shooting with a .40 Glock compact and really only have money for one good weapon. IMHO a 9mm Glock is by far your best option. Relatively cheap ammo, easy recoil and a very effective weapon. A used glock will get you in the game for well under your budgetary limit and leave some cash left over for a couple extra mags and/or ammo.

A good .357 can would be a super choice as well, and a Ruger would be my choice there. I have a 2.25" S101 in my pocket as I type this, great weapon, but maybe not ideal for all around. The 3" a poster above recomended I think would work well, and I have high hopes Ruger will offer a new version soon using the adjustable sight frame just released for the .22lr version in .357.

Regardless, hold out for a good quality weapon, you won't regret it.
 
Seriously, I'd suggest a used S&W Model 10 (or 64). .38 is still fairly cheap, it's fun and easy to shoot & shooting a revolver DA will teach you everything you need to know about shooting a handgun. Load .38 Special +P 158 gr LSWCHP (I prefer Buffalo Bore) and you have a good defensive weapon that is a little big for CCW but I carried mine until I could get something smaller - plus the 4" barrel gives a significantly longer sighting length for greater accuracy.

Enjoy!
 
I started out with 38 Special ammo in a 357 Magnum revolver. If personal defense is a goal as it sounds, you can't go wrong with a good S&W K or L frame revolver in 38 Special or 357 Magnum. Ruger has several revolvers of similar size. If you choose a 357 Magnum it will fire any 38 Special round safely even the +P rounds. For concealed carry a 4" barrel or less is not difficult to conceal if you are careful in what you wear. Revolvers are simple to operate with no safeties to fumble in a high stress situation. Reloading may be problem for some but can be mastered with practice. Also if you ever consider handloading, the 38 Special/357 Magnum combination is a good place to start. Good luck and stay safe.
 
I use a Glock 19 for everything you've mentioned wanting a gun for. It was the first pistol I personally bought, and I never regretted it. I'm not trying to recruit you into some Glock cult, but it worked out really well for me. Someone gave some good advice in finding a used one; it won't be hard to sell if you decide you want to. Aside from being a good pistol that fires relatively cheap ammo, everything that goes with a carry gun (holsters, mags, mag holders, lights, whatever) are easy to find.

I also think the .38 revolver is a solid choice. Plenty of power for SD and you can get range ammo fairly cheap. Finding one with a 3" barrel would make it a good triple duty gun, but a 4" is also very workable.

My only other advice is not to drive yourself crazy over this. People go nuts fretting over the minutia of this gun versus that gun. Find one you like, buy it, practice. Take the money you could spend on second, third and fourth guns and spend it on ammo and training. A plain Jane .38 or 9mm in the hands of a competent person is plenty of gun. Good luck.
 
Personally I like your idea of getting a PX4. It's a great gun, and in 9mm the ammo won't be too expensive. Also while not the best choice for CCW, it's not as difficult as you would think. I often carry a HK USP while wearing a t-shirt and jeans. There are a lot of good full size 9mm's out there to choose from, so handle a few before you decide.

By the way, I think a 22 is a horrible choice for what you want. For self defense and ccw there aren't many calibers that would be a worse choice. Also I don't find practicing with a 22 to be very helpful. There is just too much of a jump going to a larger caliber. Also I just find them to be boring to shoot.
 
Sawdeanz, I was in a similar position to you. Looking for my first handgun, mostly for range shooting and home/self defense. My budget was $500. I really wanted (I thought) a S&W Model 41 or a Sig Trailside. Great target .22LR semi-autos for the range. But, I couldn't find any good examples within my budget. Did a lot of reading here and on other boards along with other shooters here where I work. I decided to go with a 9mm. Went to several local gun stores and held various guns. Then I did what everyone says not to do - I bought a gun I never held. :rolleyes: A Sig SP2022. I got a great deal on gunbroker.com for a NIB gun. I shot it this weekend for the first time and love it. I don't ever see myself carrying it, but once I become more proficient and I get a good gun safe for it, it will be bedside ready to go.

I found during my search that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. I think I'm lucky that the Sig feels good in my hand. But I agree with all the wise ones here - you really owe it to yourself to hold the gun (and shoot it if possible) to make sure you are comfortable with it.

I hope this helps a bit.

btw - I held a PX4...it felt good in hand, but the price wasn't right for me.

Good luck with your search!
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

Macchina
  • Locked
Next ccw handgun: small auto or revolver?
2
Replies
31
Views
2K
Feanaro
Feanaro
E
  • Locked
Help me decide on a carry gun!!
2
Replies
29
Views
3K
Erik Jensen
E
M
  • Locked
Ruger LCR as first handgun?
2
Replies
48
Views
3K
5thSFGroup
5
S
  • Locked
ccw: Help please. :)
Replies
20
Views
1K
SwissArmyDad
S
R
  • Locked
Buying my first handgun - help needed!
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Replies
180
Views
15K
TfflHndn
T
Back
Top