Help me choose my birthday gun!

[Lupinus]

OK so I turn 21 years old in just over a month (Oct 21st)

I'm gonna go bowling

I'm gonna have my first legal drink

And then dog gone it I'm going out the next day after I sober up and buying me a handgun just to piss off the government and rub it in their faces they can't keep me from the little beauties any longer

So what would you all go for if you were on a budget?

I am thinking of telling some of my friends that instead of everyone getting me something little to pitch into a birthday gun fund and see what we come up with.

Heck even if I can only get a hundred or a hundred and fifty mix that with my own funds and I should be able to get an XD.

But aside from that I don't know much on hand guns and most of the ones I seem to be drawn to (naturally) are the expensive ones in the 800 and up range like sigs.

So what is a good lower cost handgun?

I want an auto loader, revolvers are nice but I just prefer auto loaders.

I'd also like something that isn't to terribly small but would be good for CCW, basically something that is going to be good all around.

I've heard good things about Bersa .380's. What price range do they run in? Be a good option? Only thing I really don't like is they are DA and I'd prefer SA or DA/SA, not a big deal more of a personal preference.

Feel free to throw any other ideas at me.

PS- DOn't ask why but I want to stay with a new gun and not used.

 

[bestseller92]

Ruger P345.

 

[the pistolero]

I've heard good things about the Ruger P345s, but I can personally vouch for the Ruger P90. Great gun for not much money ($418 plus tax just over a year ago), I love mine, and my P89 too. I'd highly recommend either...or both.

 

[Jack19]

There are only two choices. Both of which were designed by John Moses Browning. You owe it to yourself to indulge in one or both of the finest handguns ever designed. My order of preference is:

1. The Browning Hi-Power (P35).

2. The 1911.

Lots of people will disagree with the order of my choices, and even the choices themselves. But, no-one will disagree that they are icons in their respective classes.

And both can be had, if you do your part and search, for not a whole lot over the cost of more "faddish" models.

 

[bestseller92]

I recommended the P345 because he implied that he didn't want a really large gun. If he hadn't said no used guns, I'd've recommended a P97. I will add, though (I hope unnecessarily) that guns and booze DO NOT MIX. Keep the two TOTALLY SEPARATE.

 

[Lupinus]

Ruger might be worth looking into.

To bad to Sigmas are such pieces of crap I might actually be able to afford one of those.

Larger isn't totaly off the table, like I said I just want it to b=have decent concealability.

And I'd very much like a 1911 but I can't really afford a decent one.

And yes I know guns and booze don't mix, notice I said after I sobered up.

 

[hexidismal]

Don't buy one.

I hope you take this the right way... but, while this might be a little hard seeing as we don't know each other.. given your post, I don't think you're ready for a handgun. And I'm surprised other THR members haven't jumped all over this.

And then dog gone it I'm going out the next day after I sober up and buying me a handgun just to piss off the government and rub it in their faces they can't keep me from the little beauties any longer

I don't know much on hand guns

Quite frankly this is an incredibly irresponsible attitude, and goes against so much of what the people working so dilligently to keep our rights to keep and bear arms are trying to prove about people with concealed carry permits. This is a perfect example of the 'over the top redneck' image that the anti's are constantly trying to portray us all as. I mean c'mon here .. I wan't to be fair , but the only way you could have made that any worse would have been by stating that you were going to go rootin' 'n tootin' 'n shootin' up road signs immediately after what you did say, which was that you were going to get drunk then buy a handgun which you know nothing about.
What I'm saying is this.. please do not just rush out and purchase a handgun without both an understanding of the amount of responsibility that doing so entails, and the knowledge of it's safe and responsible use. Being given the opportunity to carry a concealed handgun is something you have to take very seriously, not just for yourself and the safety of those around you, but also for all others trying to protect thier rights. It is not a casual thing that you should do simply to bring some fun or excitement into your life. It's a lifestyle, and it's one which requires constant awareness and total precedence over your entertainment habits.. especially alcohol or other substances.
You SHOULD get a handgun, it's your right, and I personally believe it to be your responsibility as an american citizen. BUT.. You need to buy your handgun not simply because you can, but rather becuase you're ready to be an armed citizen, both knowledgeable and properly trained.
I for one have no desire to see the anti's with any more ammunition ( no pun intended )

oh.. um.. P.S. The Bersa Thunder .380 is not typically a DAO ( which is what I think you meant ) It is a DA/SA. There is a new model released this year by bersa called the "concealed carry" which is a DAO model.

 

[possum]

When it was time for my turning 21 first handgun it was in the air a long time between the p345 and the xd. i have no experience with the p345 but i am sure they are great guns, i have read many great reviews about them, and know a few people that owns them . I choose the xd and i am so glad i did. i could not be more happy. the xd meets all your critera and would serve you well, for a long long time. could the p345 make me happy, i am sure it could but i know for sure the xd does!

 

[Marshall]

There are only two choices. Both of which were designed by John Moses Browning. You owe it to yourself to indulge in one or both of the finest handguns ever designed. My order of preference is:

1. The Browning Hi-Power (P35).

2. The 1911.

Lots of people will disagree with the order of my choices, and even the choices themselves. But, no-one will disagree that they are icons in their respective classes.

And both can be had, if you do your part and search, for not a whole lot over the cost of more "faddish" models.


Everything I ever wanted to know about Islam, I learned on 9/11.

Can't say it any better than that.The sig line either.

 

[Lupinus]

Hex, sorry if your offended. But I believe you are reading into it a tad to much.

I believe very much so in being responsible and I am looking for help in choosing a birthday present for myself.

(Thats and I've been sick and nyquil makes me silly, guess I could have worded better)

 

[Lupinus]

I wasn't sure what they (Bersa) ment I am used to seeing DAO, DA/SA, and SA. DA by itself I wasn'y sure which they ment. Being DA/SA opens them up as more appealing.

 

[Heavy Metal Hero]

Springfield XD $400 ish
SIG P226 (Pick this one!) $600+
Jericho (Baby Eagle) $400 ish
USP (Can't go wrong with H&K) $500+
Springfield 1911 (Decent price and value) $500 ish

All of these are under $800

I am just pulling from a list of mine; so yes, this is very biased.

 

[10-Ring]

Handguns on a budget? I'd go pre-owned and I'd look at Glock, Beretta, SIG, Ruger, HK....the likely suspects and get the best 9mm deal I could find

 

[Bazooka Joe71]

What is your budget? You could get a SA 1911-A1 GI .45ACP for under 500. They are great guns...Thats just if you are looking for a good 1911 thats not too expensive.

 

[Wesker]

A XD9 in either 4 or 5'' with either the stainless or blued slide would be a fine choice. Should be able to get one NIB for about $450ish. It comes with 3-4 full capacity mags (15 rds if I recall), a POS Fobus paddle holster, a liberal lock, and a mag loader.

On the other hand, if you're going for unstaunched performance and great concealability you could take whatever money you get and put a nice down payment on a HK P2000

 

[Autolycus]

I would suggest a gun from CDNN. They have great deals on HKs, Sigs, Glocks, and others.

I would also suggest a 9mm for the ammo cost.

I would say...

1) HK P2000 / HK USPc
2) Sig 228 / Sig 229
3) Glock 19
4) Springfield XD

Or a CZ though I am not familiar with the model numbers.

Ignore some people. Owning guns is not a big deal nor is carrying them. If it was do you think the founding fathers would have wrote the 2nd Amendment?

 

[CAnnoneer]

Don't buy anything until you educate yourself about guns. This site is perfect for the task in many ways, but don't stop here. Do a search, read links, etc. Go to your local range, take their basic pistol course to learn about safety. Rent different guns, try different calibers, practice, come back, ask questions, iterate.

You should seriously consider owning a gun only after you have familiarized yourself with at least several models at your shooting range. By that time, it will be clear what you like and dislike, and the list will be quite narrowed down. Then come back for a final check up here to help you make the final choice.

 

[Helstrm]

I see you are in SC. I live in Columbia and I have a very close friend in Sandy Run with some land where we shoot everything we can. We are both die hard 1911 fans but we shout a lot of different guns and rifles. PM me and maybe we can get together and throw a few rounds down range. If a 1911 is something you are interested in Rock Islands can be found under $350 and with a little tuning can be as good as any 1911 on the range. We have a full machine shop with mill, Lathe media blaster, baking oven, ect....

 

[TimboKhan]

1. The Browning Hi-Power (P35).

2. The 1911.

Lots of people will disagree with the order of my choices, and even the choices themselves. But, no-one will disagree that they are icons in their respective classes.

I don't disagree with your choices, its just that neither could really be considered "low-cost", and are thus inappropriate choices within the framework of the question.

My advice? If I were you, I would get a P90, but thats just my personal opinion.

 

[Lupinus]

perhaps dont know much was to strong, new with handguns would have been a better choice of words. I've been praying in the bathroom to the allmighty bowl with the stomache flue and hopped up on nyquil. Sorry for the confusion and sillyness. Ever go back read your post and go ***? Yeah it just happened....damn nyquil.

And hel Im working quite a bit and what days I have off vary quite a bit but I might have to take you up on that. As to the rock river 1911s I've never really handled them but when all the other brands run several hundred dolalrs more I normally consider such a price difference slightly fishy. And much as I love the 1911 platform I am thinking of sticking to something along the lines of 40 S&W or maybe 9mm. I'd prefer 45 but I could shoot a lot more with one of the other two.

 

[hexidismal]

No sweat Lupinus .. hehe. I'm sure I did read into it a bit much , and maybe it was just a good exuse to make a speech.. though you must admit, it was a very well worded speech , with a good message.
Having said that.. I'll put in my 2 cents on the topic.. that is.. if you'll have it now.
Some of the suggestion posters here might not be fully understanding the limitations of your funds as noted in your original post. I understand it all too well, as I'm quite the budget buyer myself. In regards to .. let's say the bersa for example. I just bought one myself, its a nice little gun and its pretty affordable (got mine for $229.99), but I wouldn't recommend it as a first. The reason I say that is because it is such a small gun. I should mention I actually commend you for being interested in a reasonably sized gun as a first, seeing as a good number of first time buyers tend to think they can get away with concealing anything and wind up buying something far too big based entirely on cool factor. Now, the reason you might not want quite such a small gun though, especially if it's likely to be your only gun for awhile, is that you might not want to practice with it enough if it's not that much fun.. or not that much gun..heh. The experts agree, the more you like your gun and the prouder you are of it, the better you'll get with it. Pocket guns simply aren't much fun at the range, at least not for me anyway. Also important, and this is my personal feeling on the subject only, a .380 just isn't enough for a primary carry. It'll be much more comfortable, thats true.. but me, well I'm absolutely willing to not only give up some comfort but also endure an amount of discomfort to... have the right tool for the job I guess. The bersa is a great back-up or secondary carry, but consider buying it as a second gun.
As much as I would like to endorse the P345, which is what I carry and I'm kind of happy so many others are pointing you in that direction, I can't say that's the best choice either. Being strapped for cash as you say you are, a .45 is going to be more costly to shoot than.. say a 9mm. I can tell you though, that for the price.. about $50 less an an XD45, the P345 is a great gun .. and its nicer looking and far more ergonomic than an XD also.
9mm is a very good caliber to learn shooting control with. Therefore the conclusion I come to based on price, quality, size, and caliber....I think the best gun for you would be a ruger P95. It's a 9mm ruger reliable tough as nails brick. 3.9 inch barrel, good for conceal, but still good for the range. You can get one for Under $400( maybe even more like $350 )new in the box with 2 15rd. Mags.

 

[MachIVshooter]

For a fisrt centerfire handgun, it'd be tough to beat the CZ-75 or one of it's derivatives (Witness, Baby Eagle, the soon-to-be-available Armalite pistols).

All are in the $350-$450 range and will last you a lifetime.

 

[Marshall]

I don't disagree with your choices, its just that neither could really be considered "low-cost", and are thus inappropriate choices within the framework of the question.

GunBroker has Springfield GI's for $425.00 and FN Hi Powers for $400.00, NIB. Seems pretty framworky to me.

 

[Helstrm]

The more I thought about it you may want to go with something other than a 1911. You see the 1911 has a curse around it. In your price range you would get a GI model and then you will be forced to purchase a new hammer, oh wait I need a beavertail... ect.... ect.... Not that a 1991 NEEDS any of this but most people tend to customize the 1911s... That is the beauty of them IMO, although I have lept a GI bone stock but the hammer bites me all the time.

 

[Flopsy]

I'd have a hard time narrowing it down to a few, because it sounds like you have A LOT of options.

You want to carry, and you don't want to spend too much. You didn't say it, but I'll just assume that you don't want it to be a cheap piece of crap either.

-XD's are a good gun, not expensive, multiple calibers too choose from.

-Glocks, same as above. You might want to have a different first gun because it has no external safety features (please don't flame, I love my Glock, but fact is that this should be considered)

-Walther makes some good options for you.

-Ruger would be a good choice, but I'd caution that they tend to be rather bulky. If you are going to carry then you'll want to consider the possible comfort and printing issues.

-I'd probably steer clear of a 1911, if for no other reason that a good one is probably outside of what you want to spend.

You mentioned Bersa, and I don't think they're a bad option, but you're talking about a .380 and that's a little light. However, if I didn't already have a sweet .380 carry piece I would seriously consider a Bersa Thunder, as they are concealable, very inexpensive and I've heard a lot about their good quality.