First time buyer

[TexasBill]

The Walther is a nice pistol and I really like the decocker. It's on my short list of future acquisitions.

I prefer the Beretta PX4 F to the S&W, but you owe it to yourself to take a good look at the FNP9 or FNP40; they are very nice pistols with great triggers and they come with three magazines. I went with the 9mm which is a competent round, widely available and less expensive than either .40 S&W or .45 ACP.

One pistol no one has mentioned is the Stoeger Cougar. It is the Beretta Cougar, a very well regarded 9mm pistol, that Beretta makes in its plant in Turkey. This results in a very low cost for a handgun of this quality. It has received excellent reviews.

 

[Harvey]

Plastic pistols? ... bah.

 

[Nushif]

I have an LCR that has the option for additional sights, but because they're expensive I just painted the front sight a bright yellow.
I don't think that'd work on the Glock sights, though.

 

[Lonestar49]

Maybe take a look at one of these

...

Beretta has a promotion going on their full size Px4's in 9mm or 40cal. Now the MRSP for either gun is 500 bucks.. NIB

Either gun, caliber, are very soft/forgiving shooters and are lighter weight with the polymer frames with 4.1" barrels, IIRC.

I've owned a Px4 40 now for just over 3yrs and it has just over 10k flawless rounds thus far and is "very accurate" up close or at distance, to say the least..

Gun has never hiccuped once during any type one-handed shot as well, be it weak hand, poor grip, limp-wristing, upside down, it just keeps going bang every pull of the very smooth (out of the box) DA pulls and clean/break SA pulls and just keeps getting better and better with every shot/pull..

Eats just about anything one feeds them.. as well.

Low maintenance required, with the exception (but this is good) of the rotating barrel, as it needs a tad of grease there vs good gun oil on the rails and guides and is one of, if not, the easiest guns to disassemble, inspect, clean, and reassemble, out there, bar none

Great platform/balanced/accurate/ soft-recoil shooter in either caliber..

FYI, they also offer a limited few out there in a Px4 45, which, from much I have read, the owners luv them and repeat what I have said above about my 40cal, and those with 9mm.. Very soft/forgiving recoil shooters making for quick, accurate, follow-up shots..

They come with a rail as well..






It is almost the exact same size as my 3 Sig P229's just a tad taller/longer, but not much.. and that is good in my book.

And, may I add my "thank you for your service" as well..

Luck,


Ls

 

[meytind]

You should find a Glock law enforcement dealer and find out if you still qualify for the LE/MIL discount. Brand new Glocks for $398. It applies to all models except the .45 and 10mm ones. Those still cost a bit extra because of the large frames and slides.

 

[JoeSlomo]

Decide on the round you want to use, than check out the models available.

Hold and fire them, and pick the one you shoot the best that has the features / fit you like the most.

First time, or any time, autos:

9mm

Poly - Glock 17 or 19, Springer XD, Smith M&P
- All are reasonably priced and have excellent reliability.
- All are extremely simple to operate. Load, point, press.

Steel - CZ-75
- Reasonably priced and reliable.
- This thing has great ergonomics and just plain feels great in your hand.
- Provides double action option for point, press simplicity.
- Well positioned external safety for ease of operation.

.40 cal
- Same as above.

.45 cal

Poly - Same as above.

Steel - 1911 from Springer, STI, Colt, Dan Wesson
- More expensive.
- More complicated to operate.
- Great ergonomics.
- Can be tuned for your individual preferences like no other platform.

 

[Doctor Sprinkles]

The first gun I purchased was a S&W M&P 9mm, and I have been very happy with it. It's easy to take apart and clean, shoots fairly accurately, and with the interchangeable back straps that come with the firearm it's easy to find a set up that fits your hand. Of course I'm biased, but I'd reccommend this one out of your potential choices.

 

[Ramman911]

Hate to rehash my old post here but I finally bought my first pistol today

Took ALL of the ideas and suggestions here and went on the prowl.

Got a Smith & Wesson M&P.40. Think I got a pretty good deal on it paid $495 Brand new and it came with 3, 15 round magazines and night sights (along with all the other stuff that came in the case - 2 grips, lock, etc...). I can't wait to get it out to a range and let it loose a little


My thanks to everyone for all the help. THR rocks!!

 

[skoro]

Appreciate any suggestions.

I have an M&P9c and really like it. I'm sure you'll like yours.

All of our suggestions are worth exactly as much as you've paid for 'em.

But from a guy who owns more than a dozen handguns of different makes, calibers, and designs, I can say that there are two particular handguns that really make me smile when I shoot them.

1. Colt 1911

2. S&W 4" k-frame revolver

I know - both are very old school. And I kinda like some hi-tech stuff, too. But these two always feel "just right" to me, anyway. They could (and do) serve as home defense weapons.

As always, YMMV.

But beware... handguns can become habit forming.

 

[tiro6]

The M&P 40 is a very nice choice. Congrats on the new gun! If its brand new, it should qualify for the $50/2 Mag rebate S&W is offering - http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...4_750001_750051_757993_-1_757992_757992_image.

 

[Ramman911]

If its brand new, it should qualify for the $50/2 Mag rebate S&W is offering

Oh ya totally forgot about that Thanks Tiro6. Just filled it out and going to get the 2 magazines. 5 of them in total should be enough for a while

 

[leVieux]

We have many of the pieces named above. My main carry is a Kimber UCDP 3" in .45acp.

The most used piece is the G26, for many reasons. It is our go-to piece.

Large selection of holsters & accessories, ammo available anywhere, fits in pocket/purse, takes extended magazines, very accurate, reliable, liked by wife, etc.

The G19, only slightly larger, stays in the safe more.

If you are to have only one weapon, the G26 is hard to beat.

(For pocket/purse carry, always use a pocket holster or some sort of holster.)

Good luck,

leVieux