Hello from a complete NEWB!

[MachIVshooter]

Welcome aboard.

Here's a few suggestions for good 9mm autoloaders that might be a little easier on your wallet. All will be double-action with +/-15 round mags and in the $350-$600 range:

S&W 5906
S&W M&P
MRI Baby Eagle
Beretta 92
Beretta Px4
Ruger P-series
Taurus PT92
Walther P99
EAA Witness
CZ-75
Browning Hi-Power (single action, 13 rounds)

My personal favorite in the crowd is the Baby Eagle. They run ~$450 most places, use CZ75 magazines and no one whose ever fired mine has had a bad thing to say about it. I've got about 14,000 rounds through it and I can count the number of faluires on one hand. I also have the 92 FS and S&W 5906 and both are excellent pistols.

Good luck!

 

[ReadyontheRight]

Full-Sized 9mm.

CZ-75B.

 

[antsi]

I'm a big fan of SIG, but have to admit that they are a bit pricey.
My favorite autopistols for price-value are the CZ models. The CZ 75B model is a fine full sized 9mm and a great value for the money. It also has the added advantage of availability of a .22 conversion upper, so you could add your "second pistol" to your collection for much less $ than the price of a whole second gun.

That said, I would not rush out to buy as my first step.

Your first step should be to sign up for a basic pistol class. Most places will have guns you can rent or borrow for your first couple of classes. Once you know a little more and get to try a few different guns, you'll have a lot better idea what is right for you and what you are looking for.

I know you mentioned limited $, but classes are not very expensive and if you learn more and buy the right pistol for you the first time, you will save major $ over buying the wrong thing, figuring that out later, and then buying a second pistol once you know what you're doing.

Definitely agree with the choice of 9mm - great for inexpensive range ammo, and also offers availability of premium defensive ammo. Your second pistol should definitely be a .22 or a .22 conversion, though.

 

[JMusic]

Welcome, the Ruger semi-auto's for some reason do not get the credit due them. They in general are on the large size and a bit bulky but I have shot alot worse that cost alot more. I think a Ruger would be an excellent first pistol. I've owned the P85 have shot the P89 and one of the 45 cal models and all shot very well. All recomendations given will work I would stay with a 9mm to begin with. My personal pick in a 9MM would be the Browning High Power but they are a bit pricey. I have a Glock that has had zero issues with and I have had it for 10 years. It is my primary vehicle pistol so I depend on it. Some advise You never can have enough and reconsider your thoughts on revolvers. I don't know what idiot turned you off on them, but their wrong.
Jim

 

[blackbok]

. Some advise You never can have enough and reconsider your thoughts on revolvers. I don't know what idiot turned you off on them, but their wrong.
Jim

I have nothing against revolvers at all, and in the future plan on owning one. But, as money is an issue and I have to make a decicion, I just chose an autoloader for now.

 

[Knob Creeker]

I’ve been reading this board for a while now and I figure this is as good a time as any for a first post.

.22lr pistol:
My favorite shooter hands down is my Ruger 22/45. Since it is .22lr, it is cheap to shoot, accurate, and jam-free (so far). Fun to shoot but I would prefer something with more punch if I had to defend myself.

Revolver:
You said you were not interested in revolvers, but they are very good for a beginner (or a lifetime shooter for that matter). They are simple to operate, maintain, understand, and seem to be less troublesome than autos for a novice. I would recommend a .357 with a 4” or 6” barrel. This would allow you to shoot .38 for target practice and .357 for target or self-defense if ever you needed to. The longer barrel should help with accuracy, while decreasing recoil and muzzle blast. As for what brand to get, I like Taurus (Rossi might be owned by the same company?) because I have never had a problem with one, they are relatively inexpensive, and they have a warranty that covers the lifetime of the gun (this means if your great-grandkids have problems with it, Taurus will fix it for free). I would look for an older, used one due to the new pistols having a PC ‘safety lock’ feature.

Autos:
I have never owned a Glock because I don’t like the way they fit in my hand, but I have shot many of them and they are good guns. They are about as indestructible of a pistol as you can get, high capacity, and used ones are fairly cheap. If you decide on Glock, get a model 22. They are full-sized and chambered in .40, but can be converted to .357sig or 9mm by switching out a few parts (slide, barrel, and/or mag), so it’s like 3 guns in one. Sig-Sauer pistols are very accurate and reliable but more pricey than Glocks. I have a Sig P239 that conceals easily and shoots like a dream. Or you can dive right in with the big boys and get a 1911 .45. I have a Norinco that can reliably hit an 8x11” target at 100 yards with combat sights, and I like it much better than any of the colts I have shot including competition models. Ammo is much more expensive than 9mm and some 1911s are finicky about what types they will feed, but parts are everywhere. Do not buy a S&W auto pistol; they are badly made, jam a lot, and are simply crap (I can already feel the heat coming from this comment).

Go out and try these and any others the knowledgeable folks on this board recommend and find what suits you best.

 

[Mad Chemist]

The G19 is a geat weapon, it's my edc right now. It's light, compact, and great for concealed carry, but I don't think it's the best pistol to start with. A full size pistol will be more accurate and controllable at first. The manufacturer is less important than the "fit" of the pistol in your hand. Whichever pistol feels the best, points the best, and shoots the best for you, is the one you should buy.

Or you could just get J-frame, stuff it in your pocket, and "fuggetaboutit".

JH

 

[blackbok]

How does ordering from CDNN work? Do I have to arrange the order through a local retailer? And if so, wouldn't they be kinda upset I was buying through them and not from them?

Just another newbish question...

 

[ConserVet]

REAL MEN ONLY NEED 6 ROUNDS!!!

Its all about shot placement, right?

Gotta love a big ol' revolver or 1911 auto. John Browning rules!

 

[Bill2k1]

Get a certified pre-owned Sig. Great value and the factory has reworked it. Should be around 500-600ish I reckon.

 

[Zen21Tao]

How does ordering from CDNN work? Do I have to arrange the order through a local retailer? And if so, wouldn't they be kinda upset I was buying through them and not from them?

Just another newbish question...

You are correct. You will need someone that has an FFL to receive the weapon for you and make the FIC call for you. Most gun shop owners will do this for you though some don't like to. Some will charge you a percent of the gun cost (usually 10%) others will charge you a flat fee. For example, the FFL guy I use charges $20+tax+$5(phone call) for up to 3 guns. You can also look on the Davidson gunlocator or on Gunbroker to find an FFL near you.

Also, I have bought guns through CDNN and find they have great service.

Other places you could try too are:

KY Imports (I've bought from them. Great service)
www.kyimports.com

J&G Sale
www.jgsales.com

Glockmeister
www.glockmeister.com

Topglock
www.topglock.com

Also, check pick up a Shotgun News paper in the magazine section of your local bookstore or visit www.shotgunnews.com

 

[wardog]

Welcome to THR!

You can't go wrong with an HK USP, in any caliber. I have one in .45 and one in .357 Sig. Great guns! Sigs are great as well.

If possible, try before you buy. Meaning, go to a rental range and fire a few different models. If you can't do that then at least pick up a few different ones and see what fits your hand.

Stay away from the cheapest of the cheap. (Just my humble opinion)

If you want to save some money find a local FFL holder that will do transfers for you. Most will do it for $10-$30 per gun. Check out this site.

http://www.gunbroker.com/User/DealerNetwork.asp

Just plug in your zip code and see who is local and how much he/she will charge.

Find what you want at a place like CDNN (download their PDF format catalog) www.cdnninvestments.com , and have them ship it to your local FFL holder. Then your local FFL will transfer it to you for $10-$30.

 

[colt.45]

sig's are great pistols, some of the best but yes they are pricey. there are a few guns in the $400-$500 range that are of good quality and meet your standards.

a springfield 1911 is a sure winner the .45 acp is a little more $$$ than 9mm but still a good plinking round.

a beretta 92f is a great pistol, 9mm, good design, and good mags are cheap

browning hi power is a fun one. i shoot my uncles all the time and it has the sweetest triger ever, 9mm.

thats all i got but i hope it helps

 

[Stevie-Ray]

Welcome aboard, mateys!

I have been looking online at HK USP 9mm... any thoughts? Price? Reliability? Kick?

Well, I can't speak for the USP in 9mm, but I have a USPC in .45 ACP. It is without a doubt one of the most reliable weapons out there. Pricey to be sure, but most will say worth every penny. It would be a dream in 9mm as far as recoil goes. I wasn't particularly a fan of 9mm til I started carrying. Now I'm sold and it doesn't hurt that 9mm is cheaper than anything out there for plinking short of .22. My sole 9mm is a Glock 26 that I dearly love. It won't be my only 9, nor my only Glock for too long. If you're considering H&K, make sure you handle the corresponding SiG as well. Generally, one will point better for you. For me, that was the H&K. It is my home defense gun.

 

[Kurt_M]

Try to shoot a few different pistols before you buy one. There may be a range near you that rents guns to use on their range, that's the best option if it's available. Spending $30 to find out you don't like how a gun shoots is way better than spending $500+ and being stuck with it. Ultimately the best gun for you is the one that fits most comfortably in your hand, feeds and ejects reliably, and shoots accurately. Everything else is secondary, and you can't judge feel from a picture. Basically all I'm saying is don't get your heart set on something based on a slick brochure. Go to the store and see them in person, you may find your perspective drastically changes when the gun is there in your hands.

 

[v35]

I have been looking online at HK USP 9mm... any thoughts? Price? Reliability? Kick?

I'm by no means an expert but I shoot a HK USPc in .40 S&W. I think most will agree it's a very well made gun, some say HK is overpriced, but quality costs money and I think it's well spent IMHO. Reliability? Absolutely no problems, ever, with +/- 1500 rounds of ammunition running the gamut from the cheapest target grade I can find to high quality JHP. Kick? Less than I expected, completely manageable. The full size will probably have less recoil and be even more manageable.

As someone mentioned absolutely check out the Sigs as well. I thought them to be very similar to the HK.

Also consider the Glock line. I had been considering a Glock 19 (9mm) but was concerned about the "spongy" trigger some have made mention of. So I went to put my hands on one at Cabela's. The first salesman I spoke to instantly took a liking to me - turns out he's a cop, carries the 19, and was intimately familiar with it. He field stripped it in about two seconds - that is not an exaggeration. Needless to say he totally loves his, keeps one in the nightstand also. I found no substantiation to the "spongy" trigger that I had read about, and I generally liked the gun. Much less expensive than either the Sig or HK. The only thing that caused me some hesitation - and this is a 100% subjective, totally unwarranted, illogical impression - was that the gun had an overall "plasticy" feel. Then again I didn't shoot it, and Glock devotees say if I like shooting the HK I'd love the Glock.

Now if you really want to make me jealous you'll buy the S&W M&P. Looking at the website made me drool all over the keyboard. If I'm not mistaken they're one of the few guns actually made in the US. Supposedly they'll be available in 9mm soon. I want one!!!

 

[rangerruck]

cz is the best most inexpensive pistols you can get and you will never grow out of them, they are smooth and are very accurate. yes i would start off with a 22 pistol either a s&w 22a or a beretta neos, they are both extrememly acc and are super easy to take apart and put together. some will say ruger 22, and they are very user friendly , but if you screw up on the reassembly, you are done!. a ruger in 9 mm is also a good choice, it has ambidextrious controls and a decocker, so it is beginner friendly, though it be a little bulky, extra mags are very reasonable though.
i fyou can swing it , get cz in everything 22 pistol, 22 rifle, then various pistol in 9 mm and a rifle, you wont regret doing this. they are one of the few makers, that you can sya this about, that you will be satisfied with the cost , accuracy. and beauty, of every one of the products you got.
dont shy away form used or milsurp either.

 

[AStone]

Also consider a Kahr K9

(Please forgive these specific advice questions, the search function has not been working since my post)

Blackbok and Oldshooter, welcome to THR, one of the finest pieces of real estate on the WWW.

As you can both see, you'll get no shortage of opinions here. And better, this place is a college-level education on guns (and related issues) with no pop quizes or exams! <Cheers and fireworks>

OK, now onto your question, BB.

I don't see any advice above that I'd disagree with in the least.

But let me be the first to add another fine 9mm to your consideration list: Kahr K9.

Avoid the P9 like a plague. Not worth the plastic it's made of, from what I've read. If you want a good polymer gun, go with Glock.

But if you're looking for a good steel 9mm, consider the K9.

AND, depending on the size of your hands, it could be just the ticket for you.

Hand size? Yes, it matters. Before you make your purchase, make sure you understand how a handgun should fit your hand. (If you don't know, just ask. We can inform you. )

I learned the hard way, buying one first that was too large. It affected my shooting significantly.

For my smaller hands, I found the k9 to be perfect. YMMV.

And, I've been delighted with it at the range. Comfortable to shoot, manageable recoil (due to it's moderate weight). Very comfortable to carry. (It's in my OWB holster on my right side right now.)

Good luck with your choice!

Best regards,

Nem

 

[poppy]

Blackbok

I just don't have the money to be upgrading.

This quote tells me that you need to consider value as a high priority. Let me give you a little different approach.

You lurked here for about 6 months before asking your question. How about lurking at a few gun shows. Take the information you have gained here and apply it to the shows.

You have received good advice about trying before buying etc, but in reality it is difficult and expensive to try a whole bunch of varieties. After lurking at a few gun shows you will learn what the local market is for, say the typical value priced 9mm pistol.

For example, in my area of SW Ohio, I know from experience that Ruger P series pistols are respected, are in plentifull supply, and are easily resold. I really like the 45ACP Rugers and have bought and sold a number of them. You can do the same thing with the 9mm Rugers.

My point is this: Buy a used (I prefer ANIB) Ruger P89 or P95 for the right price for your area and give it a try. If you don't like it for some reason, sell it for what you paid for it and try something else, like a CZ or some other value gun. poppy

PS. It's usually a good idea to state what area of the country you live in when asking these type of questions. I have assumed that there are decent guns shows in your area.

 

[El Barto]

Hey, fellow lurker here.

Actually, I am the quiet type that likes to listen more than speak. I have been around firearms my whole life and the one bit of advice I like to give is that you should enjoy what you shoot. Sure everyone may have a Glock, they look cool and the salesman said it ‘fits’ you, but it doesn’t do you any good if you hate the way it feels and shoots.

 

[cosine]

Welcome, El Barto!

 

[Wiley]

Welcome all you new folks.

Blackbok, you mention recoil or kick. That can be very subjective. I've never had a real problem with recoil and I've shot everything from 12ga 3" shotgun slugs to .300 Winchester Magnum (WinMag) rifle to 44 magnum handgun. On down.

The one I find most unpleasent it my Kel-Tec P-3AT, which is .380ACP. Some would say the .380ACP is rather animic but in the P-3AT I find it very 'snappy' and not pleasent to shoot. Others have no problem with it. It also depend on how the gun fits you.

The point is that felt recoil is subjective. If it bothers you, it bothers you. If it doesen't it doesn't.

Go to a gun shop/range that rents handguns and spend a few bucks and rent a couple or three and try them. It's the only way you'll know. (Check if they have leagues for after you buy.)

Try before you buy, shoot enough to be able to compare.

See ya on the range!

 

[blackbok]

PS. It's usually a good idea to state what area of the country you live in when asking these type of questions. I have assumed that there are decent guns shows in your area.

Oh yes, I'm in California.

The advice is all great, thanks guys! As for hand size, mine are on the smaller side.

I know this may sound lame, but one reason i thought about the HK USP is that I've had one in Airsoft version for a while. It fits me like a glove. Of course, it is not the real thing, but real close as far as I can tell.

I have been very busy, but of course I intend to go to the range and try as much as possible before buying. What are the chances of finding an HK at a local range?

Thanks again, I was not expecting to be as welcomed as I have been.

 

[El Barto]

Hey Blackbok,

Im in LA!

 

[AStone]

Well, dang it, if this ain't a newb page.

Three newb THR members.

El Barto joins our party.

Yall just settle in, grab a rnd of your favorite beverage (or a rnd of your favorite ammo), do some reading (but IMO stay out of Legal & Political until you've past 100 posts {{{there be dragons }}}, and let us know if there's anything we can do to make your stay more comfortable.

Indeed, welcome.

Nem