first timer questions

[swooshonln]

So I have been shooting with my buddy for a while now and think that it is time to finally purchase my first handgun (I already have my permit from the sheriffs office). I have tried 9mm, .40cal, .45cal, and a few revolvers.

to be honest, my favorite so far is a .40 cal. It packs a punch, and I can still aim fairly well with it (to be a beginner I'm really not that bad). I liked the 9mm, but I don't know why, but when shooting it, I feel like its not quite the amount of firepower I'm looking for. So I'm going with .40 cal.

My next question, which is asked 1000 times is "which pistol should I buy?" so I'm going to try not to ask that. I will try to get my answer by asking this: Are Baretta 96 series good .40 cal handguns? What about the Sig? I ask about those two because that is so far what my selection has come down to. I would take any input or resources to help. Thank you guys.

 

[orchidhunter]

The Glocks have well over 60% of the LE market, that should tell you something. orchidhunter

 

[Hk Dan]

Beretta 96 IS a good handgun, but it's not really suited to CCW as well as others. It's big, it's heavy, and the safety is just...odd. I sold mine a while back and don't miss it--now, you can get a "D" model. That solves the backward/decocking safety, but doesn't make it any less heavy nor any smaller.

Sigs are respectable handguns. Any 'brand name' pistol will provide you accuracy and reliability. While I agree that GLOCKs are very solid choices, go out and handle/shoot as many different guns as you can.

My advice would be to look at the controls first--is it easy to operate without shifting your hands? If that's good, look to size and weight, then at the availability of holsters, mags, and spare parts. THEN look to caliber choices (I believe pistol caliber rounds are virtually interchangeable in terms of effect, 9, .40, or .45--it just doesn't matter). Keeping in mind that any major brand pistol will come out of the box reliable and accurate, those are my criteria.

How it feels in your hand is pretty much irrelevent. You'll get used to it, trust me.

Dan

 

[kingpin008]

How it feels in your hand is pretty much irrelevent. You'll get used to it, trust me.

I couldn't disagree more.

And what if he doesn't "get used to it"? Are you going to buy him a new pistol? Selecting a firearm is a pretty big deal, unless you've got big bucks and can afford to keep buying them until you find a good one or don't mind selling at a loss.

Fit is maybe not the most important thing, but it's far from irrelevant. If a gun is not comfortable to hold, it will not be comfortable to shoot, and your training will suffer. As a new shooter, it's my opinion that you should try out as many pistols as you can to find what works for you. If you buy a gun and it doesn't feel good, you're not going to want to shoot it, and when you do, you're going to be much more likely to develop bad shooting habits.

As far as your question - I don't have experience with Berettas, but I have shot a Sig P6 (9mm) and loved it. Theyre very, very solid guns with excellent reputations for quality. If you like the Sig, I say go for it.

 

[kingpin008]

The Glocks have well over 60% of the LE market, that should tell you something.

Yeah, that Glock put in the lowest bid.

 

[AZGlock13]

If you are looking at metal frame pistols chambered in .40S&W, the Sig P229 might be just what you're looking for.

 

[crebralfix]

You really should buy one of each. The quest for the perfect handgun is a long road and lots of fun.

SIG P229: excellent choice

 

[Hk Dan]

If you can reach the controls (the first step), then the fit and feel of the gun, especially for a beginner who may not know what a proper grip might be, should be the last criteria by which a pistol is judged (IMHO).

If you can effectively employ the handgun--meaning you can hit what you aim at in a timely manner and repeat until complete--it doesn't matter if it has a shiatsu massager in the grip or barbed wire wrapped around it. Effectively employing the handgun does not require a warm fuzzy when you grab it, right?

Dan

 

[gun4funtime]

How a gun fits in the hand and naturally points is very important. Yea, you can get used to a poor fitting or designed gun. Or just buy one that is comfortable to shoot to begin with and not have to "get used to it".

Now, The Beretta or the Sig are both very fine firearms. You will be well served by either one.

The difference between 9mm and 40cal. think about the cost of ammo when you go to practice. if money is no object don't worry about it. But the cost of 9mm will be a little less allowing you to shoot more if money is a consideration.

Find a handgun that fits and points well for you. It will make shooting much easier for you.

Have fun, Be safe!!

Oh, and yes I always feel warm and fuzzy when I go shooting and pick up one of my guns.

 

[MostlyHarmless]

Depends what you're doing. I believe a manual safety, like the Beretta has, is bad for carry, so if you're going to carry it I would recommend the Sig.

 

[benderx4]

Sig 229 or Beretta 96 INOX.

Both fine choices! I might also recommend the CZ 75B, 85B, or P-06 or even the HK USP40.

You can't lose with any of these choices! Good luck and happy shooting!

 

[swooshonln]

thanks for your opinions guys! I decided to go with the Sig P229 .40 Cal. I will let you know how it shoots Sunday when I finally get time off from work. Thanks again!

 

[possum]

thanks for your opinions guys! I decided to go with the Sig P229 .40 Cal. I will let you know how it shoots Sunday when I finally get time off from work. Thanks again!

very good choice, you went big for sure and that is awesome, i am sure that you will love it, and I can't wait to hear about it.

 

[benderx4]

Excellent choice, mine was a sweet shooter!

 

[nicholas.westberg]

Glocks are plastic injection molding, which does take beatings metal won't stand up to, but it still bothers me to think about have a plastic gun. Secondly, there are very good reasons next to no elite squads in any law enforcement/military organizations who have the money to choose what they want carry Glocks, and they most commonly carry Sigs. Cops buy Glocks because in most places, cops don't shoot their guns very often and when you're buying hundreds of them, money is an issue. Equivalent Sigs are almost twice as expensive, but as a friend of mine said "when he's absolutely gotta be dead by tomorrow..." they choose what works the best.

The P229 is a great weapon, I find it to be one of the best happy-medium weapons between subcompact and full size.

 

[ACBMWM3]

my fav. 40 cal i own in my Taurus 24/7 Great gun and you cant beat the $400 price tag... Thats my personal opinion.