First pistol, what to get?

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MedicSeraph

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Hello, I've decided to buy a pistol. I'm looking for a pistol to both defend myself if need be, but also to do target practice at the local range. I've never owned one before. I have read that Glocks are not a good starter pistol because of the lack of safety features. Does it have a safety at all? I'm a firefighter and glock has a $100 off for LEO/Fire/EMS/Mil, which would be my preference. I have large hands, and want a decent sized gun with good amount of power, but also 'newbie' friendly.

I really don't know anything about Guns, and decided to learn. I will go to a safety class, get a conceal permit and also buy a lockbox. What else should I do? I read that you do not need a permit for pistols in Washington state and that you are registered with LE, but you do need a permit to carry concealed.

How much does ammo usually cost if I want to go to the range and shoot for 20 minutes or so?

Thanks,
Seraph
 
Glocks have their safety on the Trigger.

Most Calibers of Ammo cost about $15-$18 per 50 rounds for cheapo plinker ammo.
(Prices depend on the store)

and about $15-$25 per 20 rounds of the likes of Federal Hadra-Shock's.
 
I really think that a ruger p series is a great beginner gun. They are built like a tank, and for the money they are a great deal.

20 minutes at the range will probably mean a box of 50. That will put you at about $10 for a 9mm, which is a great round for new shooters.
 
I don't think Glocks are a bad first pistol. The manual of operation is the most basic around. There's no manual safety to engage/disengage, there's no decocker, they are easy to field strip and clean, and every trigger pull feels the same. It doesn't get much more simple than that. As long as you can follow the 4 rules 100% of the time you won't have any issues. If you care about the cost of ammo, go for a 9mm. On the other hand, I would spend a good deal of time shopping around and renting whatever you can get your hands on. Glocks aren't for everyone. If you get one, put the $100 you saved towards some training. Training can be fun and it's worth every penny and then some.
 
Also, I would most likely want to carry down the road. So being able to conceal it would also be a great perk. Zedicus, what do you mean they have a safety on the trigger? Do you mean the two triggers you need to pull to shoot? I would rather have a safety switch that you can use. I have heard stories about LE shooting themselves when pulling the gun out with their hand on the trigger.

I would definitely get training, no if, ands or buts about that. Can Glocks be upgraded? Put new sights on, lasers, whatever else I decide to get into later on?
 
Look at a CZ 75B in 9mm. It's an outstanding pistol, and they can be had for around $200 less than a Glock lightly used and broken in. Plus they're more accurate.
 
If I were you I would get the Glock 23 (Compact .40)... Take it apart, put it back together, take it apart, put it back together...etc. Dry fire it, realize what must be done in order for a round to fire, go over it over and over.. read read read the manual.

THEN take it to the range... learn learn learn... practice practice practice.
 
Medic....

First, welcome to THR.

I don't personally like Glocks, but they are damn good guns, and I don't see why they wouldn't be OK for a first timer. Many actually argue that the lack of a "safety" is GOOD for a beginner because it is one less thing to worry about.

My advise is to find a range near by that rents guns. Try a few. Many of us here have bought a gun for some reason, with out shooting it, only to find out that we did not like it at the range.

If you go the Glock I would look at the 19. It should be comfortable to shoot, yet still be concealable.

I would also look at the SIG 229. It is a wonderful mid size 9mm. Easy to shoot easy to carry, very smooth trigger, and uber reliable.

Also, look at the H&K USP compact or the P2000. also great midsize guns in 9mm, 40 S&W, 45acp, etc. The P2000 in the V3 is very nice. The USP's have a manual safety, a decocker, and are double action/ single action. I have a USP full size that is my go to pistol.
 
I'm gonna go ahead and recommend a 1911. Against the grain. And some proper training. They'll show you how to clean/reassemble it.

Reasosn?

11.99 per 50 rounds in blazer brass. Not bad. Also, you can use regular FMJ for self protection in 45. Not so much in .38, 9mm, etc. 45 Ball is a decent man stopper, if cost makes hollow point practice prohibitive.

1911's are natural point shooters for beginners. 1911s have manual safeties. It is very natural to click up the safety to lock it, sweep it down to fire it. 1911's are slim enough to carry pretty easilty.

Entry level springfield would be good, and I hear good things about RIA.

ARe you sold on an auto? Thought about a wheel gun? A good .357 magnum, or even a dedicated 38 wouldn't be bad.
 
See if you can find a range that rents guns. If so, I'd try a Glock, Springer XD, a 1911, and perhaps a Smith M&P. That ought to give you enough variety to see if any one appeals to you.
 
.22 for practice

You also mentioned target practice or plinking.

A .22 cal is ideal for this. Cheapest ammo available. There are several good semi-autos in .22 and this will allow you to spend almost as much time as you want on target practice. This will allow you time to spend working on sight picture training, trigger control as well as range experience.

Also take your carry/home defense weapon to the range at the same time. After spending time with the .22 then switch to your main weapon for final training of the day. Sort of like warming up or stretching before the big game.

RDF
 
Let's see......A good first gun that is operator friendly and can pull duty as a range toy, home defense pistol and CCW. You're gonna get lot's of opinions on this one, but I would urge something like a S&W 5906 or CZ-75. Both are pushing the large side of CCW, but are going to be much more pleasant on the range than a true compact.

In all likelihood, you're going to end up with multiple handguns-some for range, some for HD, some for CCW. One gun to do it all is going to make you compromise on it's performance in at least one category.
 
I am one of those folks who doesn't think Glocks are good beginner pistols. They have relatively light triggers, no external active safety and require one to pull the trigger to disassemble. None of that makes Glocks bad firearms, they are spectacular firearms, if a bit ugly. For new shooters, I think a pistol with either an external safety or a heavy double action trigger is a better way to go during the learning years.

Now take that for what it is worth as I am no LEOSOLDIERSWATTEAM member nor have I served with the SEALS during their stint with GSG9. :neener: I am just some low speed high drag dork who happens to know a little bit about a lot of firearms.

My personal two cents, go with a nice SIG or CZ with a decocker or a good double action .357 revolver(These can also shoot .38 special).

If you do decide to go with the Glock train yourself to rack the slide numerous times when clearing the weapon for takedown and alway visually check the chamber for empty. You should do this with all firearms, of course, but when you have to pull the trigger to disassemble it is relatively easy to brain fart and forget you have magazine loaded and chamber a round instead of clearing. Racking numerous times will alert you to this by ejecting a round. Of course all of this is simple training. Follow the rules with all guns

Ammo costs are roughly the following, in 50 round counts. Range fees will vary greatly.

9mm 7.99-9.99ish
.40 11.99-13.99ish
.45 14.99-16.99ish
.38 Special 11.99ish
.357 15.99-16.00ish

The above is for cheaper plinking ammo. Self defense ammo is typically about a buck a round or so. Usually sold in 20 round boxes.

You will need a way to safely store the gun when not in your possession, a decent set of cleaning supplies and a couple extra magazines, or speed loaders for a revolver.
Good luck stay safe,

Chris
 
I would recommend an HK P2000 variant 2. It has no safety. It is an excellent gun for concealment and carry. I would look at it in 9mm due to the fact that .40 S&W is a little expensive and you want to shoot more.

I would also look for a Sig 228. It is a 9mm that is very ergonomic and will have a heavier trigger pull on the first shot. Then the trigger will be lighter for follow up shots.

I believe you are in Washington as you said. I would go to training over at Firearms Academy of Seattle. One of our more prestigious members trains there, and I believe that she teachers there as well. Her name is Pax.

Good luck.
 
Glock is not a bad pistol at all, my first was a Smith and Wesson M&P in .40 and its very comparable to the glock. It also generally sells for less so that makes up for not having the $100 off.
 
One more thing. Don't let somebody tell you to get X pistol caliber over Y pistol caliber because it is some kind of death ray. All pistols are marginal at best. Get the caliber you are most comfortable with, that you can afford to shoot and buy the best quality defensive ammo you can find. I am a .45 / .357 magnum guy myself but a 9x19mm with quality hollowpoint ammo is no joke.....although I do snicker everytime I hear 9mm is .45 set to stun, but I digress.:neener:
 
Thanks for the replies.

The guns you recommend seem to be over $500. I am not interested in spending that much money on a gun. Also, I was reading that .22 wouldn't even drop a person if you needed to use it in self defense and you would be better of buying a BB gun??

Again, new to guns in general. You say the safety in the trigger for the glock, what do you mean? I am looking for a switch you can push so if the trigger is pulled somehow it won't fire. I believe that is how most safeteys work?
 
Glocks have this little pen...., ahhh thingy that sticks out of the trigger, it basically makes you pull the trigger perfectly back and if you just happen to pull the edge of the trigger it will not pull back.

I am not generally a big fan of external safeties that require you to turn them off to fire. Too much for my little brain to think about under stress. I prefer to rely on a heavy double action first pull like that of a revolver, or SIG or CZ etc.

In the $500ish range here are a few you should look at.
Certified Pre Owned SIGs.
New CZ 75s
New Ruger P series
New Ruger GP100 (Revolver)
New Ruger SP101 (Revolver)
Glocks
FN FNPs (Great little gun for the money, comes with three magazines)
Springfield XDs
 
Most police departments picked the glock because it is so easy to train a newbe in shooting. With glock it is simple, point gun-pull trigger. No safties or anything to mess with and it is the same reason the police chose revolvers before the glock came along.

As a first gun you can't go wrong with glock.

jj
 
Sig and Glock will most likely get the most nods for pistol mfg. When it comes to caliber you'll have to pick. The costs shouldn't matter much - money well spent when your happy no matter what the caliber / cost same goes for the gun you buy.
 
Also, I was reading that .22 wouldn't even drop a person if you needed to use it in self defense and you would be better of buying a BB gun??
Click to expand...
Many people have been killed with .22's. They're not 1 shot stoppers, but I can fire 10 shots in about 2 sec. with mine.

For most people, their first handgun is only the first of many. I'd recommend that you learn how to shoot with a .22, and then move-up to a larger caliber.
 
If you can get a $100 discount on a Glock...get it & start practicing with it. IMO, it's not the gun or the caliber that is the key, but the commitment to learn to shoot your pistol to serve your needs
 
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