Going to buy my first handgun, recommendations....?

[basicblur]

A Sigma...REALLY?

Let the teeth gnashing begin!

Well I see we've expanded our choices a bit, haven't we?
Nuttin' wrong with a Sigma, although you'll hear a lot of whinning from trigger sensitive folks and those that just love to hate!

For the money, I don't think it would be a bad choice-folks are going to whine about the trigger, but as one who learned how to shoot on DA revolvers (which might not be a bad thing for all newbies), the Sigma trigger might be a good substitute.
There was a thread in here (or on .us?) recently, where one fella admitted that after learning how to shoot his Sigma, he found his trigger control improved and he was now a better shot with all his guns.

Probably a step down from the XD AFA "toughness", but mine goes boom every time I pull the trigger, and I'm as accurate with it as all my SD guns.

If I'm not mistaken:
1. The Sigma has a lifetime warranty
2. They have either a $50 rebate or 2 free magazines sale going on.

At one time I had 'bout 6 of the darn things-back when they were $250 or less, and they were giving rebates and free range bags etc-ended up with a nice set of travel luggage-ended up selling all of 'em but 2. Moved on (but I wouldn't necessarily say moved UP) to a number of the boutique/snobbish names, but my bed gun is one o' them old SW9V's with a light hung on it-if it ain’t broke…

Do a search in here and over at .us for Sigma etc (I’ve posted quite a few times on the subject).

In my neck o’ the woods, they’re currently $349 before rebate-I've seen wild price swings on 'em-I'm sure Bud's still has 'em for $299 delivered?
If you get one, consider a Hogue HandAll slip on grip (under $10).

I’d think long and hard ‘bout the 250-from what I’ve read, it hasn’t been well received, and I’m not really a fan of the modular concept. For what SIG charges for parts these days, I’d rather just buy another gun. The 250 is the first SIG I’ve handled that said “cheap” to me-couldn’t put it back in the case fast enough (my main winter CCW is a P229R/357 SIG).

Since your choices seem to be wider than your original post, handle a SIG SP2022? I wasn't really in the market, but one followed me home-local dealer had 'em for $495 with night sights and 3 magazines-price is still the same, but SIG has cut the magazines down by 1 on all? their guns.
Nice gun, but the grips are tending to get a bit on the large size, and for that money, I'd still go with an XD.

 

[sp1nrb8]

If you can find a Glock, Sig or SA 9mm that is in your price range, and you like it, I would stick with one of these top manufacturers. I am a 1911 fan and do not have a dog in this fight, I do not own a polymer gun. I don't think you can go wrong with one of the above, others have their favorites and thats fine but if at some point you decide to sell this gun there is a larger market for the named manufacturers.

 

[Guns and more]

CZ 75 is an amazing gun for the money. I have two, both totally reliable.

although the German police trade in's are tempting too.

But now that I thought about it, I'd recommend you put one in your hand before buying anything. It's amazing how the feel has to be right for YOU, not the other guy. My H&K P-30 feels like it was made for my hand. A Glock or Sig does not.

9mm. is a good choice ammo wise.

 

[wcoats]

I'm going to try to find a CZ at a local gun shop to see if I like them. I think I might like the heavier feel on a metal frame.

Anyone have good or bad experiences with the Ruger KP95PR15? It's fairly inexpensive and has single/double action. Should I consider it?

Sorry for asking about so many different guns, there are just so many interesting options out there.

 

[Jed Carter]

Most police tradeins are well used pistols, many have very stout trigger pulls, not very accurate in my opinion, but they should go bang. CZ should be the best choice around the $500 mark in a non tupperware pistol. Glock would be my choice for ease of upgrades to trigger, sights, and the mags are everywhere and are virtually indestructable. I compete with my Glock but I carry a CZ PCR. For my first pistol I would want a new, not a used firearm, snatch up a used SIG for your next (I own 5 SIGS), I have not had the P250 SIG in my hands so I cannot comment on it, but the P229 is a great pistol and the P226 is all weapon, rugged, accurate and reliable, but way more than the stated price point... pick up a CZ 75b it should feel as if you were born with it in your hand... shoots like a laser... few people have anything but praise for CZ including myself.

 

[Confederate]

Get a Ruger Mark II/III .22LR. There's nothing like having a pistol and not being able to afford shooting it.

They're also fun.

The Ruger Single-Six also is a great choice.

 

[NMGonzo]

Sig P6 ... price is right, great weapon, had one and I miss it.

 

[Guillermo]

Lots and lots of choices. Shoot before you buy.

Personally I am a fan of the ergonomics of the XD but the Glock is a very good gun. CZ's are great. Heck, you go to the used market and you can have darned near anything.

BTW, used is a serious consideration. My local store has a stack of Glocks for 325 bucks (police trade ins)

 

[ChCx2744]

A Glock 19 or Glock 23 is a superb choice as a first-time gun.

 

[millertyme]

I have a KP95DC and love it. Fits my hand well, I like the sights, I can keep decent groups and they keep getting smaller.

 

[Sauceweed]

Glock 19

 

[1SOW]

re:

I haven't seen any CZ handguns in any local gun shops. How much does a CZ in 9mm run? I've heard great things about CZ rifles, and have gotten to shoot a CZ rifle in .223, I really liked the crisp trigger pull on it. Are their handguns also know for having great trigger pull?

The CZ 75B DA/SA does not have a great trigger OOB. Most shooters new to CZ complain about the long gritty first DA pull and a rough SA that follows. It's true.

It's also true that after about 400-500 trigger pulls (dry fire works) it smooths out a lot.

With $15 worth of simple spring changes, it smooths out a WHOLE lot- fast.

It's all steel, fairly heavy (felt recoil is low), has 16 rd mags (in most states), very accurate, a safe action and is a great range gun at a reasonable price.

 

[jeepmor]

It's also true that after about 400-500 trigger pulls (dry fire works) it smooths out a lot.

It's also true that some well placed ultra fine wet/dry sandpaper will make that trigger so much smoother you'll fall in love. Not even gunsmithing it over, just knocking off the sharp edges with the wet/dry. And following up with some Flitz and a dremel felt on that particularly long DA pull assembly.

jeepmor

 

[thriftyjoe]

XD 9mm All the way!

The best bang for your buck hands down
You'll get all the gear with it too
XD's are amazing shooters and top quality

 

[m2steven]

I just ordered and received an pistol from Bud's gunshop and I can say the service I received was excellent. From order to my FFL was about 2.5 days. I Think Buds has a great selection and would be a fine place to buy your first pistol. It's really fun to look too.
Generally they have really competitive prices.
My first real pistol was a Glock 26 and it's humming like an Accutron watch after 2 years. I can say that unless you really work hard, buying a Glock or Sig is not a bad decision. I also like FN and CZ.