Looking for first handgun

[Ukraine Train]

I'm turning 21 in a couple months and I'm sure it won't be too long after that I get a handgun so I'm shopping now so I don't waste time later. My college budget is tight so the price needs to be low, like below $200. I would prefer it to be CCW friendly (medium frame, single stack mag) in hopes that Ohio passes a law soon. My first thought was a Makarov as they're very reliable, cheap, pretty accurate, small and my dad used one in the Soviet army so it'd be cool to have one just for that reason. The thing I don't like, though, is it's 9mm and I'm not sure I want that in a carry gun. My next thought was a Tanfoglio, which from what I've read is a decent gun. Other than that, I have no clue. Buying used is not a problem and it has to be an auto, no revolvers. Suggestions?

 

[tomkatz]

Makarov or bersa seems the best way to go, or a kel-tec p11. From what you said you don't want the 9x18 of the mak, what caliber do you have in mind?.....tom

 

[denfoote]

I recommend one of these!!

 

[Ukraine Train]

denfoote, how much is one of those? I'm not really sure what caliber I want, I was thinking .40 but 9mm isn't out of the question totally. All depends on what I can get for what I want to spend.

 

[sm]

Similar needs, same recommendations.
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?postid=538179#post538179

 

[Mastrogiacomo]

I wouldn't go cheap just because you're on a budget. I got the S&W 442 revolver because of price and regretted it. Sold it. Almost got a S&W 908 pistol for the same reason -- price. Finally came to my senses and got a Beretta. Best damn decision I made. Loved it so much, I now have three. If you're working and can save a little aside each week, look for the gun you really want. Spend time at the range, renting a few. You might change your mind between now and then. Put it on lay a way or just keep saving. Before long, you'll have a great gun thats a joy to shoot. Please don't rush it. I know you're excited but if you're willing to be patient for a while yet, you can avoid the pitfalls of getting the wrong gun simply because you wanted one NOW....

 

[Illuminate]

Makarov.

 

[BlkHawk73]

I'd be surprised to find any real quality piece for that amount. I was leary about spending much $ when I bought my first CCW when I was in college. The more I looked and thought about it, I decided that in the event I did need to use it, I wanted something that would be nearly 100% reliable. That narrowed my choices down drastcially. I found myself looking out of the price range I anticipated.
In the end, I was telling myself that I would not entrust my life to a cheap pistol. My life is worth more than $200 (my budget then too). I eventually choose a Ruger SP101 in .357 NIB for les than $400. (Never seen a revolver jam, FTE, etc) Still didn't bust my finaces. I've bought other CCWs (P7M8) but I still love that little Ruger and don't ever regret the little extra savings for it .
Don't rush into the purchase just because you can legally buy. Make the right choice first and you won't need to make a second choice later on.

 

[RON in PA]

What's wrong with a revolver? stay true to your heritage and get a Nagant, it has killed thousands.

 

[cosmonick]

You may want to keep your eyes on www.aimsurplus.com. They often times have good surplus pistols for great prices. As long as you're an Ohio resident, you can just drive to their warehouse in Middletown and buy your pistol direct from them. They will charge you $15 for paper work, but it is for as many firearms as you want to buy in one visit.

 

[GigaBuist]

Sub $200 and reliable?

Well, a CZ-75B would be close to your price range. I think I bought mine in 2001 for $280 at a gun show. Great great gun. Reliable as you can get, points well, fits my small hands well. If 9mm isn't something you'd feel comfortable carrying you can get it in .40 also.

It was also my first handgun... and I only own two right now. I got bit by the evil black rifle bug so I've been mostly buying them after I aquired two handguns. the other's a Glock 21.

I know nearly nothing about them but the CZ-52 might be an option here.... others have suggest Makaraov... same basic design from what I know.

Remember though, you'll want to train with a CCW piece regularly so ammo price might be something you should consider as well as availability. You can drop into any sporting goods store in my area and find 9mm and .40 cal ammo. Getting 7.62x25 or 9x18mm might be harder.

You might be willing to find somebody that will part with a used CZ-75B for around $200 bucks.

 

[lee n. field]

My college budget is tight so the price needs to be low, like below $200. I would prefer it to be CCW friendly (medium frame, single stack mag) in hopes that Ohio passes a law soon. My first thought was a Makarov as they're very reliable, cheap, pretty accurate, small and my dad used one in the Soviet army so it'd be cool to have one just for that reason.

Hold that thought. It's a good one.

The thing I don't like, though, is it's 9mm and I'm not sure I want that in a carry gun.

It's a 9mm _Makarov_, not the same thing at all. Weather it will work for you I guess depends on why you don't want a 9mm Parabellum.

 

[Ukraine Train]

It's a 9mm _Makarov_, not the same thing at all. Weather it will work for you I guess depends on why you don't want a 9mm Parabellum.

I thought that both the Parabellum and Mak 9mm were considered by some to have insufficient knock down power. I guess I'd just have to practice enough to hit a vital organ/artery on the first shot heh. Ammo price is a factor too, considering going through a couple hundred rounds (or more) per outing can get pricey.

 

[keederdag]

I say go with the Mak; great gun, in your price range, cheap surplus ammo, pa had one, great hollow-points availible. More ooommppff than a .380, a little less than a 9mm para; most the "experts" say you MUST carry a .45 or you'll die and be raped and be pilaged and theyll find your grandma too. Personally I the the 9x18 would do the trick just fine if need be. Try to find an east German if you can, from what I've seen the Chinese are also just about as nice. The Russians are good as well, but tend to show more machine marks. Great accurate, affordable pistols. Good choice!
Regaurds Keeder

 

[Scarface]

First handgun

Dear Ukraine,

I bought my Mak about 15 years ago. It has never failed to feed, fire or eject in that time. I can't tell how many rounds have been through it, but I trust it implicitly.

If you're going to carry, it absolutely has to be reliable. If you're on a budget, you can't beat the value for the Mak. My favorite gunshow sells 50 round boxes of 9X18 for 6 to 7 dollars, so practicing with it doesn't break the bank.

My wife used it to qualify for her CCW. She's a dainty 5'4", I'm an overweight 6' plus and it's comfortable for both of us.

Regards and shoot well,

Scarface

 

[10-Ring]

When I see CCW on a budget, my first thoughts are of S&W mod 60's & Ruger SP-101's

 

[David4516]

I found myself in a very similar situation about a year ago.

I'm now 22, and have no cash because I'm a college student.

I went with the Makarov. I have nothing but postive things to say about it. Scarface is right on, the Mak is the most rock-soild, dependable auto-loader out there. If you find yourself in a situation where you need to use your handgun, you need to be confident that it will "go bang". The Makarov does go bang, all the time, every time.

Also, as others have noted, 9mm Makarov is not the same as 9mm Luger. 9mm Makarov shoots a slightly fatter bullet (it's not a "true" 9mm, it's more like 9.2 mm), but it isn't as fast. The bullet itself is also a litte lighter in 9mm Makarov, so 9mm Luger, while a smaller diameter, is considered the "bigger" caliber. That said, it should be plenty big enough as long as you hit what you aim at...

 

[Mastrogiacomo]

If I were on a budget, which I am, I'd stick with the Ruger GP 100 or SP 101. I'm hoping to get a Beretta Brig at some point but this will be quite a while of saving -- especially since I'd like to get a couple of GP 100's in blue and stainless 3". Ruger guns are a nice option if you have to watch your spending and a 3" offers a nice alternative for personal defense. Reliable, inexpensive, easy care, and accurate....good luck however you choose.

 

[Al Thompson]

Another vote for the Makarov. One of the big plusses for the 9x19 is the 100 round value packs at Wal-Mart. Less than 11 bucks for a hundred rounds can contribute greatly to your skills.

Nothing wrong with wheelguns and .38 isn't that expensive iif you can find a commercial reloader. It's about 7$ per 50 with brass trade-in here.

Not sure where you got the "9mm is a wwhimp" idea, but it's not an accurate one. With the great JHPs now available, there's less and less difference in pistol caliber performance these days, IMHO.

 

[Mastrogiacomo]

9mm a whimp load? Stupid thinking, yes? It's shot placement, not caliber. In the hands of seasoned shooter, even a .38 will suffice.

 

[Ukraine Train]

Ok, I'm convinced 9mm isn't so bad. What do you guys think of Star Model B/BMs? So far from what I've read they're pretty decent but they're single action only so unless you carry it cocked you could lose a valuable second or two to cock it. I'll probably end up with a Mak.

What does it mean for a barrel to be linked? The Star B and B super vary in that the super is linkless.

 

[Mastrogiacomo]

I'd just go with the Markov. It's your clear favorite and important to go with your first choice.

 

[Keith]

Buy a .22!

Ohio doesn't even have a carry law, so why worry about what carry gun you should buy?

Get a .22 and learn to shoot. Later, if they pass a carry law, you will actually be proficient and experienced enough to handle a centerfire pistol. No way you're going to get the practice you need on your current budget, with a centerfire gun.

Keith

 

[BHPshooter]

Ah, yes. The search for a first handgun. It is an important one.

About 2 years ago, I decided that I wanted a Beretta 92FS. I was hellbent on getting one. Then I went to a gunshop and, just out of curiousity, I held a Browning Hi Power and a CZ-75. When I held the BHP, I knew I had to have one. Two years later, I finally had the money to get it.

Now I have two. I have only had the first one for 4 months, but I just got a FEG Hi Power clone.

Some advice? Don't limit yourself because of your budget. Save a while, and research while you save. You may just change your mind about what you want!
The Mak is a great choice, and even fits your price right now, but do your homework first.

You may also consider:

• Ruger P-series
• CZ pistols
• A Hi Power clone
• A Taurus PT92 or PT99 (copy of the Beretta 92FS, but with a much better safety)

These options offer you some very good firearms without compromising because of your financial situation -- I know how it is, man. I am in college too, and it really isn't easy, I know. But don't compromise. Your life may depend on it someday.

Good luck.

Wes

 

[lissell]

If you decided on getting the Makarov make sure you get a real makarov, not a look-a-like. I have a pa-63 that looks almost exactly like a real makarov, and shooting it is a pain. The thing has a nasty recoil, even my boyfriend, who is about double my size hated the thing after four rounds. Also, the knockoff has a lot of trouble loading defensive ammo, a sore point with me.