Good first pistol?

[Greell]

Hello, I was looking all over the place for a forum with several opinions---

I am interested in buying my first pistol and after gaining some knowledge about the laws and licenses I am now curious about the type of pistol some more experienced owners would recommend.

Originally I was looking at the Sigarms p229 equinox or the p226.

I've tested this pistol before and its pretty nice, but I was looking for a more affordable firearm.

Could anyone make any recommendations?

I appreciate your time sorry if my first post seems very newbie like, but truth be told it is lol. Just trying to get good information to make a right choice

 

[trueblue1776]

Look for a CPO (Factory refurbished) Sig, They usually run around 400-500, instead of $700-900. I have a P229 and it is top notch!

 

[Bill_G]

Ruger single six convertible....22lr/22wmr.

 

[glassman]

So Many Good Choices

I started with a revolver. They are easy to shoot and maintain...no jambs to worry about (it can happen but it's rare), no breaking it down to clean.
Go to a range that rents guns and try before you buy. Ask youself..how does it feel in my hand, does it point naturally, any malfunctions, am I hitting what I'm aiming at (assuming a little skill here).
Don't be in an all consuming rush to buy. Do the research, ask questions and then buy the best quality you can afford. Take a course and practice, practice, practice. Good luck with your choice.

 

[Baba Louie]

Greell, 1st off, welcome to THR.

2nd... conventional response to your query might go like this... For a good first pistol, a .22lr handgun is not a bad thing to own. It allows you to practice on the cheap with minimal recoil issues, mastering sight picture, trigger control, safety and handling skills. Having said that, the next step up is (again conventional wisdom) a revolver in .38 spl or a semi-auto in 9mm allowing for relatively inexpensive centerfire practice along with controllable recoil.

SIGs are great handguns. As you found out they are not cheap. For the same value spent on the SIGs you could quite possibly purchase both a .22 and a .38/9 of lesser dollar value.

Besides the initial cost of the firearm there are ammunition costs, range time and training to take into account. Whatever decision you make, buy as high a quality as your wallet allows... in the firearm, the ammunition and the training.

Find a range that rents out various different types and makes of handguns, handle a lot of them, shoot a lot of them to find out what works best in your hands. Take a class from an NRA certified Instructor.

Don't forget to purchase good eye and ear protection and learn your local laws. Welcome to the fold.

edited to add this link http://www.summitgunbroker.com/index.html
Just as an idea of values on slightly used quality handguns and such

 

[BlkHawk73]

First pistol...startwith a .22 revolver. Get the basics down with an easy to shoot (low recoil) one first and progress from there. Starting with a larger (more recoil) chambering can very likely get bad habits devolping and if those bad habits and quelled they'll be really difficult to get rid of later on. Much easier to learn proper techniques with the .22 and the simple to use revolver is that much easier. I'd suggest the Single Six.
Yeah it's not a flashy semi-auto so there's no tactical factor of coolness but there's even less in having poor technique due to not learning progressively. besides the inexpensive .22lr ammo will keep you shooting for a long time with little expence.

 

[Old Coach]

I teach a lot of kids and ladies how to shoot. I always start with a Ruger Bearcat 22. It is smaller and fits small hands. We work up to a Ruger Single Six then a RBH in 38-357. Single actions are much safer for learnig to shoot.
In a 2-3 hr. period we can shoot up to a brick of 22's, $15.
I have found that most new shooters can also handle a Ruger MkII with a red dot site very well. You have to be careful with the semi-auto.

 

[Ala Dan]

Old Coach has some excellent advice. For "first timer's" I too think the
.22LR is a wise choice; and the Ruger Bearcat is a classic. After learning well,
your students may want to move to a double-action revolver; and there are
several that fit this bill as well. Among them, are the S&W models 17, 18, 34,
43, 63, and 617. Although expensive, the Colt Diamondback in .22LR with a
4" barrel would make a good "training revolver"~!

 

[yhtomit]

Horses for courses

You've already gotten lots of good advice here, like thinking hard about what roles you want the pistol to play, getting training (something I'm remiss about, but that doesn't mean it's not good advice! ), trying out lots of guns to see what *you* like, and getting in-person advice from experienced shooters.

I'll toss in one more thing rather than belabor any of those: if this isn't a gun for concealed carry, you might appreciate a heavy (or heavy-ish) frame, which tames recoil quite a bit. (After a while at the range, you might find it's also more weight than you want to spend much time lifting, but ... hey, it'll make other guns seem magically light.) A heavy revolver (whether it's an overqualified .22 or a big .357 revolver firing .38 special) is one possibility you might consider -- the solidity brings stability as well as soaking up kick. There are some heavyweight autos as well; a steel gun with a full-length slide can't help being a bit heavy. The longer sight radius of a full-length slide is also nice if you're mostly shooting at targets more than a few yards away.

That said, many modern and lightweight guns compensate for their light weight with great ergonomics, and I'm sure some heavy guns are punishing despite their mass. I prefer XDs overall in this category, but decent-brand polymer-framed pistols (XD, Glock, Smith and Wession M&P, etc.) all tend to have grips that fit me (and perhaps you) very well. If it feels good in the hand while you're in the shop (fills the hand, fingers are comfortably wrapped, gun points naturally), my experience has been positive that it feels good when it's shot, too. (And vice versa -- I've never experienced a gun that felt awkward in the shop but fine on the range.)

timothy

 

[res1b3uq]

Sig

I don't know anything about Sig's, but CDNN has some police trade-in 225's in their catalog. No price on them, but last catalog had them at 360.00

 

[Redneck with a 40]

357 magnum revolver, you load it, point it, and shoot it, simple as that. You can start out with 38 special's, which recoil less than a 9mm in 4" guns, then you can move up to 357 mag if you want to. Most of the current medium frame 357's are very well built, the 357 is extremely versatile in what you can do with it. That would be my choice, bar none.

When I was 21, I bought my first handgun, and what was it? A Taurus 669 357 magnum. This gun is no longer made, I traded it off a few years a go, now I have a Taurus Tracker 357, great revolver. I got mine for $400 out the door.

 

[[email protected]]

The SIG 226 would make a great first gun. You already like it so I say get one. There are some real bargins on used ones that will make it affordable. I have seen them for as low as $350 so look around. Check out SOG, I think they have some used Police trade in for less than $400.

 

[P97]

Revolvers are usually easier for first time shooters to handle. With a little help from another shooter you could learn to use a auto pretty easy. I agree with the previous posts about getting a .22 Cal. for your first gun. You are going to have to do a lot of practicing before you get good with a gun. You can buy the Federal .22 LR at Wolly World by the Brick at a reasonable price and therefore can do lots of practicing. Good luck and I hope you enjoy shooting.

 

[Lonestar49]

9mm or 40cal

...

Hello,

I own a Sig P229R CT 9mm Carry with 2000 rounds with no jams, failure to feed, just 100%, and as you noted, very accurate. But as you noted as well, a 900 dollars plus, pistol.

But, my first gun, was a Beretta Px4 40cal, which comes in 9mm as well, and I believe that is the caliber you're thinking of going with. It would be 2 of the best choices you could make, both in cost of ammo, for lots of Range shooting/practice, as well as the Px4 is 500 - 600 dollar range.

From what I have been reading over in the Berretta Forum, the last recent buys of *Px4 9mm NIB have included Trijicon Night Sights as well. This is a big plus as well.

My Px4 has 4150 rounds without any jams, no failures to feed, nor fire, just 100% and is very accurate out of the box, as well.

The other feature, like Sigs, is the Px4's SIMPLE field breakdown ability, to inspect, clean, and reassemble procedure, IMHO, the easiest there is.

It is a combat gun, making it very forgiving of both, lack of cleaning, which will not be your case (not in a war zone) and continuous firing, as I usually average 200 rounds with it per range visit.

It is lightweight, what I consider a full, but mid-size weapon, and and it comes with 3 backstraps, so you can find your sweet-spot in your hand grip of it.

Having several other unique features which include:

Rotating barrel, which dampens the recoil effect

DA/SA with a semi DA/SA mode making for a shorter DA pull, or manual thumb cocking of the hammer, is your choice of how to Carry.

It also has a rail, for laser or flashlight attachment.

And it has a Safety-decocker in one, which if you want to make it a Decocker-only (no safety) it can be done for less than 50 bucks.

*again, if you decide to go Px4, look for one with Trijicon Night Sights included NIB at no additional mark up, from what I have read from the most recent buyers of 3 9mm's

Also, very CCW, as is mine, if you choose to go that route up the road.

Good luck,


LS

 

[fast200]

Hmmm

I'll have to go against the grain here and say pick up a 9mm Semi. If you buy that .22, you'll be spending another $300-400 to get something more potent in a month or two. Jumping right in worked better because it eliminated the most intimidating part of firearms (for me).

My first firearm was a 9mm, and while it was somewhat intimidating at first (I had only rudimentary knowledge of semi's), I quickly learned how to do things "right". The only previous experience I had was from a basic pistol course, which I highly recommend. Everything else I learned about the gun was from the manual and off the web.

Realistically, as long as you follow the basic safety rules (which you will learn in basic pistol), you can read, and you're not a moron otherwise, you will be fine. The felt recoil of most 9's is tame as long as you stick with standard ammo and the ammunition is inexpensive compared to other entertainment and education expenses.

If you want to hone your skill's later with a .22, thats great. I just think you'd be better off starting with a gun that can actually do the job you want it to do (defend your home).

 

[Snapping Twig]

I can only advise you to do what I did. For a first pistol, go the revolver route.

Further, I'd advise you to go centerfire and I would suggest .357 based on the flexibility to shoot inexpensive and low recoil .38 special ammunition.

Properly loaded, a .38 special wadcutter has about the same felt recoil as a .22LR.

If you are going to get a pistol, get a pistol, so to this end and as a S&W fan, I'd advise you to look at the L frame in either carbon or stainless and I would suggest a 4" barrel as a starter size.

As assistant rangemaster for a .45acp pistol course, I get to help out all the students. I would say that without a personal trainer to assist you in the care and feeding, safety and tactical deployment of a semi automatic pistol, you will get better results and a safer situation with a revolver as a first pistol.

 

[MrBorland]

I just think you'd be better off starting with a gun that can actually do the job you want it to do (defend your home).

Just have to point out that the OP didn't say they wanted it for defense. Which raises a good point: Greel - what do you want it for? If you're interested in defense, a 9mm or .357 revolver wouldn't be a bad first purchase, so long as you understand that even 9mm and .38 ammo is considably more expensive than .22LR ammo and may limit how much you'll to practice.

If you want a first gun to learn how to shoot reasonably (or very) well and accurately, I'd wholeheartedly agree with those that recommend a .22LR. Even very experienced shooters shoot a lot of .22 to hone their skills, so a good .22 isn't something that you'll ougrow, no matter how good you get. I also agree with those who suggest you try out different guns to see what feels and shoot best for you.

 

[Greell]

Wow, some awesome and very helpful suggestions here! I greatly appreciate the responses!...

to give my own little feedback to some of the responses---

I like the XDs myself, comfortable handling for me. Many people in my family have worked in law enforcement, and one of my old roomates was a gun enthusiast, and he had a nice XD 9 that I really liked.

I do intend on getting a ccw sooner or later, but I just want to gain an overall knowledge of the proper techniques and methods of care for pistols.

I was thinking of finding a local gun range and seeing if they offer and training courses (because if im not mistaken --at least here in GA---training courses are required before attaining a ccw anyway)

I went to Gallions (now known as the Bass Pro Shop)---and took a look at wha they had, but can anyone suggestion a good place to purchase a firearm? Some people say online is better because of gun traders/brokers and better deals.

Defense is a good reason I want to get a pistol. But also because I want to take advantage of my right to have one. I don't want to be that typical person that claims to know about pistols, when they wouldn't know what to do with one if they held it in their hand.

For me--knowledge of care and use is very important before I buy one for myself. I want to be well educated in what I'm dealing with so I can be prepared when I do make that first purchase


Thanks for all the replies also guys! You guys are fantastic!

 

[LightningJoe]

The handgun is a severe compromise in favor of carryability. Unless it's intended to be only for target-shooting or hunting (with a handgun? Whatever), your first handgun should be a gun you can carry easily, everywhere you go. You can add bigger, more powerful handguns later (we all do), but make sure you always have, keep in good order, have ammo for, and never get rid of your ultra-carry gun. All the other handguns are fine, but the one you can't do without is your deep-cover, ultra-carry gun. It can do 99% of what all the other handguns can do, but it's strength is exceptional carryability/concealability.


Ultra-carry guns would be guns like:

Kel-Tec P-32
NAA mini-revolver
Taurus PT22

 

[DDrake]

What with all this "Go with a .22 revolver" suggestions. Lets be honest, it is his first pistol but he MIGHT want to use the pistol later on.... I don't know.... self-defense. You buy a .22 anything, you got yourself a plinking gun and that is it.



1) If this is your first gun.... buy a ruger 10-22. They cost 150, a lot less used (easy to find)... and it cheap and fun. This shouldn't hurt your pocket-book too much and will give you a plinking gun as well as whatever you buy for a handgun.

2) For handgun... get a semi-automatic or revolver. Don't listen to the "revolvers are easy to use... great for idiots" comments. You will practice with your gun and if you practice enough, ANY gun will be reliable. It is mostly preference. The big downside to a revolver is they don't carry many bullets and they aren't as easy to conceal (if you carry). As others have said, semi-automatics have more moving parts are require more time .... but its not like your going to shoot the gun once and depend your life on it.

3) Buy a gun mostly for its grip. Yep that is right... grip counts a whole lot.

4) If you want a target-practice pistol (semi-automatic) that you can shoot for practice and for conceal carry..... a 9mm isn't that bad. There are tons of different loads of 9mm which can make them very effective. If you want a revolver, than a .357 is probably your best bet.... a lot of the new ones can shoot .38 specials at the range (more easy to shoot) and a .357 mag defidently can be used for self-protection.

5) If you do get a handgun and it is a compact one.... make sure its not too light where going to the range will be a pain. Those small .357 mag revolvers that weigh nothing don't feel good to shoot.

 

[Black Adder LXX]

If you're looking for a carry piece for a first gun, I would consider buying two. The XD you're looking at but then also a 22. Those smaller carry guns are going to have some felt recoil due to the size, and might not be the best range gun.

I got a full size 9mm for my first gun, and found myself flinching quite a bit, so I got a 22 as well and bring that out every time I go to help if I start flinching on the trigger pull. A few mags of 22 straightens me right out.

 

[GunTech]

While I am a Glock fan, one of the best deals in a carry type gun is a S&W Sigma. They can be had for about $300 and are a decent auto.

Other lower cost autos include the Glock - police trade ins are fairly common but even new are in the $500 range. Some of the Taurus autos are also fairly inexpensive. For an all steel gun at a great price, the CZ-75 is hard to beat, and you can add a Kadet 22 conversion kit for cheap practive. Finally, the SigPro, with it's polymer frame can be had a couple hundred dollars less than the allow from 226,228 abnd 229 Sigs.

CDNN investments has Sig P6 (225) fairly cheap, if you don't mind a 9 round magazine.

My advise is to got to a range that rents guns, and shoot a bunch of them. As long as you buy a good quality handgun, reliability and accuracy won't be an issue. After that, it's a matter of personal preference, like choosing between boxers and briefs. Get what feels good.

The whole argument that says you should ge a revolver as a first gun is fallacious. They aren't really more reliable than a good auto, and have their own issues. As long as you are wiling to learn your handgun, an auto is just fine. If you just want to buy a gun and throw it in a drawer ubtil needed, the revolver has definite advantage.

Good luck ans keep us posted.

 

[03Shadowbob]

Is this going to mostly be a range / home defense gun? If so, my suggestion is to look at a good full-size 9mm or a nice 4" .357. These 2 types of guns are very versatile, will do the job, are somewhat cheap to shoot and I think make a great first gun.
As far as brand, if you do not want to spend a lot but get a good decent pistol look at the Taurus lines. The 9mm PT92 is a great gun and not expensive at all. Or look at the 24/7 which is also a great inexpensive gun.
For the .357 you could go with any number of makers including Taurus, S&W, Ruger, etc and get a nice deal on a good used one. You can shoot .38s out of it so it helps with the costs.
Regardless, get what feels best in your hand and get to the range. It's a great feeling.

 

[GigaBuist]

Defense is a good reason I want to get a pistol. But also because I want to take advantage of my right to have one.

That's exactly why I bought a pistol 6 years ago when I was 21 years old. I think you'll fit in here just fine.

I got a CZ-75B in 9mm for my first gun. I don't think it was a bad idea but I made the mistake of buying more and more centerfire pistols over the years. I didn't buy a .22LR until I already owned 8 centerfire handguns... none of which I shot very well. OK, but not well.

The little .22LR really does help out with practice. You can hit the range and run through 200 rounds without beating up on your hands, or your pocket book. Plus, they're a whole lot of fun!

If you don't make one your first purhcase, at least make it your 2nd. It'll pay off in the long run.