First Handgun... so confused...

[hurrakane212]

Just how... concealable is a p226? and can I just swap barrels to make it a 9mm/.40/.357? If so that would make it a fairly good choice since all calibers are right there in the same package... I do like how they feel and look its just... cabela's employees look at you funny if you try to "hide" a gun under your clothing so I figured it probly wasn't a good idea to try.

It all depends on you... I am 5'10" and a wide-shouldered/barrel chested 250lbs. When I am at 200lbs I could conceal a Desert Eagle with an untucked button down, especially if I were inclined to SOB carry. A little spare tire means I don't have quite as much free space around the waist at the moment, but I can still carry my Service XD and my wife can't spot it.

As for the sigs, there isn't a major size difference between the 226 and 229 or the 229 and 239, but there is a major difference between a 226 and a 239. In other words the increments are not that large.

The 239 is thinner, being a single stack and all. I think the 229 is just a little easier to carry than a 226, not much though, and it's still a good range gun.

The two most important things to consider (other than reliabilty) are weight and feel. If the gun is too heavy (to you) you are less likely to carry it and if you don't like the feel you are less likely to practice with it.

The later part of the argument is also why I advocate 9mm for a first CCW for us younger guys. I have to pay for college and law school, scrapping up money for hobbies can be difficult (also, I am married). If you carry it and shoot it often then you will be better prepared if you have to use it in a real situation.
And while I love big catridges, better the 9mm I've practiced with then the .44 mag I haven't.~Nathan

 

[Waitone]

Welcome

I'm the resident contrarian. I suggest noobies head the for ammo shelf and spend some time looking at the cost of various calibers and types of ammo. Your ability to practice is inversely proportional to the cost of ammo. Figure out your objective in the shooting sports. If you want to get good at shooting then look at ammo costs. If you want to collect paper weights then ammo costs are not an issue.

Clue alert!
--.22LR is the cheapest out there at $12.00 / 550 rounds
--Next price band is 9mm and .38spl at about $7.00 / 50 rounds
--Third band is .40, .45ACP at about $15.00 / 50 rounds.

The cost of ownership is much higher than the cost of acquisition.

Once you've finalized your ammo cost band, then proceed to a reputable deal or gunshow and enjoy fondling appropriate hardware. Gunshows are great places to see what is available for sale. Unless you know what you are doing, gunshows are bad places to buy.

Word of advice. Guns are like potatoe chips. One is not enough. You will buy another.

 

[45+]

You are 2/3 of the way home. You have decided to buy a handgun. If you get your CHL and begin to carry, ANY gun you carry is better than no gun. Now for the remaining 1/3.

I have owned and traded a large number of handguns over the years. Each has its own charm and allure, and each is the "ultimate" for someone in some situation. The NAA 22 mag is the only thing small/light enough to bring on some expeditions. A S&W 44 Mag is not enough gun for some bears. Different guns for different missions.

As others have said, this is your decision. You will live with the consequences (good or bad) of that decision. It is not as expensive as buying a different car or house, but it is still a signifigant purchase.

I have bought the "ultimate" gun so many times...and then found out that it rubs the scar on my right thumb where the nerves are bundled, or it stabs my leg when I sit down in a car, or the magazines are expensive...

There has been much good advice offered here. You may not find the "ultimate" the first try, but don't let that discourage you. I like what John Taffin says. "Finding the perfect packin' pistol is as much a quest as it is a destination."

Good luck on the quest. Only you will know when you have arrived but I am delighted when I meet others that are on the quest. Welcome.

 

[up_onus]

Have you looked into Kimber ultra II?
seems like a nice size for a .45, and I have been enquiring about them lately, seems those who have them like them.

 

[Rotorflyr]

There has been much good advice offered here. You may not find the "ultimate" the first try, but don't let that discourage you. I like what John Taffin says. "Finding the perfect packin' pistol is as much a quest as it is a destination."

Also remember what's perfect for one, isn't perfect for all...........

--.22LR is the cheapest out there at $12.00 / 550 rounds
--Next price band is 9mm and .38spl at about $7.00 / 50 rounds
--Third band is .40, .45ACP at about $15.00 / 50 rounds.

Prices are pretty close to what I've seen by me.
.22 @ $9-$11 / 500-550 rounds (depending on brand)

9mm and 38spl around the same, depends on where you get it, I've seen .38spl go for $10.50+ at ranges / 50 rounds

Not sure about .40, but .45 (WWB) at Wally World was $22 / 100 rounds (this was just the other day, up from $20)

 

[10-Ring]

As a first gun, I would go w/ 9mm for economic reasons and its relatively 'easy' recoil. You can get more trigger time in & build your base faster. Then once you get a couple 1000 rounds under your belt, you would have developed an opinion of what you like & don't like and can get a 2nd firearm to better meet your requirements...
That said, I'd go w/ the SIG 226 on your list and start building that base...stop over thinking it and go enjoy yourself.

 

[Doc_rab]

I'm a newbie here and the pistol world for that matter. I got a great deal on a demo USPf .45 from a shop here in town. I was in the market for a pistol and hadn't really given much thought to ammo cost. Well a year later and about 2k rounds through it I'm looking for a 9mm cause I love to shoot, but the .45 ammo just doesn't last as long as my friends 9mm (more for the money).

So I'd have to agree with these guys, go with a 9mm and have fun. Then when you have a better cash flow, look to the other calibers. But just my .02. BTW I'd never give up my USP.

 

[el44vaquero]

You might also look at a good revolver.

 

[HippieMagic]

I am in northern West Virginia... just beside Ohio. I think I am going with 9mm. My friend bought a .40 as his first gun and never has ammo for it because he doesn't have enough cash. What good is a handgun for protection if you cant afford to keep ammo in it? So that puts me back at my original idea of purchasing a p226r and I keep thinking about it so I guess thats where I am going to end up eventually anyway so I might as well give in and buy it.

I wasn't thinking much but my dad actually has a 9mm... I guess I could always just get it and take it to a range to see if I like it. I think it would be better to get a 9mm and be able to afford to shoot it and actually hit something than be like my friend and brag about his .40 that he can't hit anything but dirt with... You know I kinda like arrogant friends... they never fail to amuse me haha.

 

[razorburn]

Just how... concealable is a p226? and can I just swap barrels to make it a 9mm/.40/.357? If so that would make it a fairly good choice since all calibers are right there in the same package... I do like how they feel and look its just... cabela's employees look at you funny if you try to "hide" a gun under your clothing so I figured it probly wasn't a good idea to try.

BTW, keep in mind that .357 is 357SIG, and completely different from .357 magnum. The mag can shoot loads heavier and faster, and that makes it much better for protection in the woods.

 

[sfhogman]

I think Waitone hit it just right.

I would add this: for a first gun, I think you'd be wise to get a .22. That way, you can learn and sharpen your shooting skills whhile further researching your next centerfire purchase. A lot of fun can be had on a brick of .22LR ammo (about 9 bucks at Wally World). 22s are also good for introducing newbies to the shooting sports.

No matter which of my too many guns goes to the range with me, I always pack a .22 along. So do most of my friends.

Best,
Jeff

 

[Monkeybear]

CZ spo1 and the CZ kadet .22 kit

 

[hmp32]

I owned an XD40 and didn't like it either and sold it. But I own an XD45 and love it.

I also am considering a Sig Sauer in 229 or 239 .40 cal. I have shot both, and the recoil isn't bad in those platforms. I am also considering a Glock 23.

Depending on what you mean by "wilderness", you may want to limit yourself to .40 or .45. On thing to consider about the Sigs if you get the .40 cal version of it or the Glock, you can get a 9mm conversion barrel for practice. However, the 9mm Sigs and Glocks can not be fitted with a .40cal barrel.

 

[shu]

As you say,
Reason for wanting: Mainly for consealed carry, wilderness protection, and range fun...

For concealed carry, get a S&W M36.
For wilderness carry, get a Ruger GP100.
For range fun, get a Berretta 92fs.

As you say, it's your FIRST gun. It need not be your last.
Get a Glock 19 and practice alot.

 

[hkusp]

I'd opt against the 22lr idea. My 9yr old son is getting bored with his Ruger MKIII and wants a 9mm. You can only learn so much from 22lr that carries over to centerfire pistol. Learn to relax through recoil, so not to flich, and you are over the most important hurdle. The rest are minor details. Don't go over board and get a 10mm for your first, but find a 9mm you like. If you start with too much gun, it will take you much longer to get over flinching.

 

[BenjaminR]

9mm or .45 cal

For personal protection my #1 choice is the .45 cal. There is a reason the military adopted this round in 1911. It is extremely powerfull and will stop just about anyone...more than one shot to the chest or head would be overkill.

While I haven't shot the 9mm much, I think this will be my next gun for a few reasons; The ammo is cheap...I can't shoot my 45 as much as I'd like cuz ammo is so dang expensive. Next, 9mm is a NATO round...which sounds cool...and I'm sure it helps with being able to get ammo just about anywhere. This is a fun round to shoot--there's not much kick so you can let 'em off as fast as you want. I'm a big guy (6' 220lbs) but rapid firing the 45 can still almost knock me off balance when unloading 10 rounds in ~3 seconds.

I wouldn't get the .40 cal just because, to me, it's an oddball round. I don't know why it's so popular. Just decide between the 9mm & .45.

Just my 2cents...

-Benjamin

 

[dlcrouch]

P226 9mm DAK

CPOs are a great deal if you can find one in the configuration you like. Sigs also seem to hold their value pretty well.

+1 on shooting a rental (when you turn 21) or friend's gun before you buy.

 

[MatthewVanitas]

If you're looking at the SiG, be aware that there are some good deals out there through SiG's CPO program (certified pre-owned).

www.cdnninvestments carries used SiGs frequently at very good prices. Not sure if they're CPO or just police surplus. Usually their used SiGs are about the price of used Glocks in most stores. Add $10 for shipping and $15-30 for the FFL transfer at your local gunshop.

-MV

 

[MikePGS]

I remember reading years ago when the .40 cal first came out that both it and the .357 mag rounds had the greatest percentage in regards to one shot stops. I'm not sure where this information is from nor its accuracy, but perhaps this idea is common place and thus responsible for many people wanting a .40 cal. I know its why i wanted a glock 23 at one point, but like some people have already commented on here so far the way it shoots is weird. To me at least.

 

[Doc_rab]

I wound up buying a CZ P01 today and love it, But I called CDNN a couple days ago looking for some used sigs, they don't have much to choose from right now said to check back after christmas. Also check bud's and ordance outsellers both were nice on the phone. And you can email/phone to see what they have in stock.

 

[hkusp]

Great choice for a gun and vendors. CDNN, Ordnance, and Buds are three of my favorites.