First pistol in US...

[Adam]

Hello! Probably many times different people asked about similar problems. So I'm not the first one for sure. I don't know when we will arrive in US, but I'm sure some day we will... Ok here is my question. I want to buy a good, reliable gun for home defense and practice (after some time maybe for CC - but not for long - I will buy different pistol strict for CC some day).
Two calibers: 9mm or .45. I like both, but with .45 (thanks to our gun laws I have very little experience). With this pistol I really want to do a lot of range practice, some basic pistol class etc. My experience is limited to Glock 17, Polish pitol in 9x18 caliber called P83 and Italian made 1911 in .45ACP. Any ideas for non very expensive, but still good pistol? American gun market is soo big and I feel little Thank you for help.

 

[10-Ring]

In 9mm & not very expensive, I like the used (or pre-owned) Beretta 92fs. In 45 acp, I like the SA Mil Spec. Of the two I mentioned, I would lean towards the Beretta because the 9mm is a lot less expensive to shoot so you'll get more practice out of it.

 

[cratz2]

The full-size pistols I recommend most often are the Taurus PT92/99 and the CZ75 or EAA Witness clone. There have probably been 20 folks buy them on my recommendation and I've never had anyone come back and complain. (I must add that they all shot both of mine before selecting).

Personally, the CZ/EAA guns fit my hand better and feel a bit more rugged but I've shot a PT99 more than any other centerfire handgun and it's still runnin just fine.

I'd really have to stress the 9mm over the 45 if you're wanting to do a lot of shooting and training on a relative budget. Figure a Springfield MilSpec is probably the .45ACP equilavent of the PT92 and for the same price the MilSpec and one mag you can have the PT92, two 10 rounders and a couple 15 rounders along with several boxes of ammo. Plus as mentioned above, around here, FMJ 9mm goes for about half of what FMJ 45ACP does so you get twice the shooting for the same cost.

Also, if a female is going to be shooting, the Taurus is a bit easier to rack the slide on and easier to control though the longer trigger takes getting used to and the grip is obviously larger on the Taurus. The CZ or EAA will be easier still to control and has a smaller grip. Honestly, if I didn't have ANY handguns at all and wanted one that I was going to do a fair bit of shooting with and use to protect my house (but not carry on my person all day, every day) it would very likely be a CZ75B in 9mm - probably in single action form for myself.

 

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's And Welcome Aboard-

A .45 caliber "Blue Chipper" sure fire hit with most
handguner's is the SIG-SAUER P220A.

RELIABILITY, ACCURACY, CRAFTSMANSHIP
are all words used in association with this fine firearm.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[jrpeterman]

9 mm will meet your requirements for more affordable ammunition than the .45 acp. for practice and competition. Since you already have experience with the Glock 17, there is nothing wrong with sticking to the Glock format. I agree that there are many good pistol manufacturers to choose from. It comes down to personal fit in the hand of the owner, cost, and reliability. Get what works for you and what you feel confident carrying.

 

[SMLE]

I agree with jrpeterman. If you know the Glock, there's no reason not to stick with it. And here in the US, you'll have a much wider selection of models and calibers. For what it's worth, 9mm FMJ is relativley inexpensive and there is also a wide variety of defensive ammo that may not be available to you in Poland.

 

[megatronrules]

I'd say beretta 92 fs as well here in my neck of the woods you can score a used very good condition blued finish beretta 92fs for $400 or so. Most I've seen at this price have at least one preban high cap(hopefully in nine months this will no longer be something we need to worry about) and these guns have alot of service life left in them,also as other have mention already 9mm ammo is cheaper than .45acp so more practice. As for concealed carry? I carry my blued 92fs everyday with out any issues. I hope this helps you out some what

 

[Adam]

Thank you for your advices friends. Yes you right if 9mm is cheaper it will be my choice for first gun, and my wife could also take a few lessons. She probably will be more happy with 9mm than with .45.Thank you again.