Looking for some help, Pistol choice

[JoeMal]

Hello all, glad to be here

I'm looking into buying a pistol and have a few questions

I'm really interested in a .22 because I don't have any pistol experience, I heard they are great pistols to learn to shoot and 'waste' ammo because it's cheaper. So this interests me

However, also want something with a little more bang to it. I've heard of these 'conversion' kits you can buy for larger caliber guns that allow it to shoot smaller, .22 rounds. This would allow me to shoot cheap rounds and get comfortable with a handgun, and also have the power and capacity to shoot a larger caliber weapon. Can anyone recommend something for me?

I'm looking to get either a .9mm or a .40 cal. I've lots of good things about Glocks and Smith & Wessons...do either of these offer the sort of conversion barrel I'm asking about?

Thanks in advance for all of your help!

 

[benderx4]

CZ 75B with a Kadet 22 conversion kit

 

[hanno]

Welcome.

Get a CZ 75B (9mm) and the Kadet Kit (.22).

The Kadet Kit replaces the slide on your CZ 75 and allows you to shoot .22 instead of 9mm. Since you will be using the 75 frame, the trigger, grip, safety, etc., will be the same for both. CZs are well built, reliable and accurate pistols - a great value for the money.

Here's a review of the Kadet Kit.
http://www.wethearmed.com/index.php?topic=696.0

You can get a CZ 75 and a Kadet Kit for a good price shipped from Bud's Gun Shop or CZ Custom. The CZ 75 has to be shipped to a FFL. The Kadet Kit can be shipped direct to you.
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/index.php
http://czcustom.com/CZ-USA-Pistols.aspx

My CZ 75 SA


Kadet Kit


CZ 75 SA with Kadet Kit

 

[JoeMal]

Thanks a lot for your recommendation hanno

Do you know of any .40 calibers that offer this same type of kit?

 

[Fumbler]

Sig makes a 22 conversion kit for their 220, 229, and 226. They'll fit the 40S&W versions of the 229 and 226.
I like Sigs a lot and I shoot them well. Both of mine (a 228 and 225) are 9mm but I'd like to pick up a 220 sometime.

A conversion has the advantage of using the same frame and letting you get used to the trigger and grip of your primary gun.
But, the cost of a conversion is usually around $300-400.
I was going to buy a conversion then I thought "well darn, when it costs that much why don't I just buy a 22?"
So my wife got me a Ruger Mark III 22/45
It cost her $240+tax, less than a Sig 22 conversion.

 

[hanno]

Thanks a lot for your recommendation hanno

Do you know of any .40 calibers that offer this same type of kit?

You can get the CZ 75 in .40 S&W.

For your first pistol, I'd recommend 9mm, but you can get a CZ 75 in either.

 

[Gryffydd]

There's another option...
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=416950
Sig had a nice program going on, not sure if it still is. Basically, you buy a 220 or 226 in .22LR and they give you a coupon to get the .45 or 9mm upper.

For your first pistol, I'd recommend 9mm

+1! Ammo is way, way cheaper. With good ammo so called stopping power will be a non-issue.

 

[JoeMal]

But does the 'good ammo' for a .9mm still cost less than 'normal' .40 cal ammo?

 

[Gryffydd]

But does the 'good ammo' for a .9mm still cost less than 'normal' .40 cal ammo?

Probably not, but it doesn't matter. You're not going to be shooting 300 rounds of premium defense ammo when you're at the range either way. Once you've proven a defense load to be reliable in your gun you really don't need to shoot it much. Practice with the 250 round cases of Remington UMC or Magtech or similar, and keep your Gold Dot/HST/Golden Saber etc. ammo in the gun if you carry it or while it's on your night stand etc.

 

[hanno]

Probably not, but it doesn't matter. You're not going to be shooting 300 rounds of premium defense ammo when you're at the range either way. Once you've proven a defense load to be reliable in your gun you really don't need to shoot it much. Practice with the 250 round cases of Remington UMC or Magtech or similar, and keep your Gold Dot/HST/Golden Saber etc. ammo in the gun if you carry it or while it's on your night stand etc.

+1

9mm ammo that is just fine for target shooting and general plinking can be had for less than $20 per 100 at Wal-Mart (it sells out quickly though). There are all kinds of options for better 9mm to use for SD. You just aren't going to find .40 for the same price you will find 9mm.

 

[6x6pinz]

One of the best conversion kits out there is the Kadet kit in the CZ. Personally I am not as big a fan of the conversion kits as some on here. I would rather buy a gun for that specific caliber and go with it. Yes it is a good idea to practice with a 22 to get familiar with how a pistol operates and get some quality range time in without breaking the bank. An entry level 22 is not all that expensive, then once you get the bug you can always pick up another pistol in your preferred caliber. Spending time at the range talking to people about their particular pistol will in most cases get you the opportunity to shoot a lot of different pistols till you find a larger caliber that suites you.
Might as well face it now, pistols are like lays potato chips, you can't have just one.

May not be the best entry level 22 pistol out there but the Beretta Neos seems to be the most cost effective one currently on the market.

 

[JoeMal]

I see your point of simply starting with a .22, but I feel like I would be ready to upgrade rather quickly. I'm familiar with firearms (Shotties, rifles) just not pistols...but I think my previous experience would help with the learning curve.

 

[BlindJustice]

I have a 75B and want to get a Kadet conv. kit.

Sig has as stated .22 conv. kits for the 220 and 226/229

You might also look at Advantage Arms and see what platforms
they offer in conversion kits.

I also have a 1911 various companies make a .22 conv. kits for.

WHen I got back into handgun shooting a few years ago, I bought a
S&W 625 Revolver in .45 ACP as well as the S&W 617 10 shot .22 LR for
a pracice DA/SA as well as a plinker.

Randall

 

[JoeMal]

Those look a little more expensive than I'm wanting to spend

I think I need to just be happy with 1 gun. For the price of a nice gun with a conversion kit I can buy 2...so I'll probably just end up doing that.



I think I'm going to start with a Glock 17 9mm. Sounds like a quality, affordable gun that should be around for a while. Sometime I can upgrade to a 40 cal or even buy a .22 for cheap shooting....but when I think about the amount of time I'll have to shoot (which isn't much), I don't think the ammo factor is going to be a huge deal. If I was shooting every day or week, then yes it may be something to consider.


Anyone have a Glock?

 

[Avenger29]

You can also get a conversion kit for a Glock 17, made by Advantage Arms. But I favor dedicated .22LR pistols like the Ruger offerings or the Browning Buckmark.

The Glock 17 is a great gun. I like mine a lot, but you should still go to a range and rent one and try before you buy...

 

[JoeMal]

THANKS!

I wasn't sure if anything like this was made for a Glock. The more I think about it, I'm not sure how much the .22 kit actually means to me since I won't have a whole lot of time to spend on the range....if I was there twice a week, then yes, .22 rounds may not be a bad idea to save money. But I work part time, I'm a full time graduate student, and I work an assistant ship at my college...so needless to say I have very little time to free shoot. I think spending money on 9mm or 40 cal rounds shouldn't hurt me too bad

Also, the range closest to me (still over 100 miles) only has a .22 I don't know anyone that owns a handgun either

 

[Avenger29]

Also, the range closest to me (still over 100 miles) only has a .22 I don't know anyone that owns a handgun either

Then the best bet is to go to as many gunstores as possible and handle as many handguns as possible.

If a Glock feels good in your hands, then they are excellent guns (stick with 9mm). You'll also be doing a LOT of dryfire, too.

Sorry that you are in that situation (no close range, no time). You might also want to see if you can arrange some time off and attend a high roundcount handgun class since you can't get regular range time.

 

[Kwanger]

I also have a Glock 17, it is an excellent pistol.

There are loads of similarly excellent 9mm's out there; but the Glock does exactly the same as them, for a lot less money.

 

[JoeMal]

Ya I'm pretty excited, I officially bought a Glock earlier, should have it by Monday

Thanks for all your help everyone. Though I don't think I'll have a lot of time to shoot, maybe I'll be able to create the time. Either way, it sounds like I'll have this gun for many, many years to come so I have plenty of time to enjoy it

 

[oneounceload]

Accurate Arms, Jonathan Arthur Ceiner and Marvel all make various .22 conversion kits for Glocks and 1911's......easily found with your google search engine

 

[Polar Express]

Welcome to THR, I hope you enjoy your stay.

I have (and still own one Glock) Its a well made product, but I don't care for the way it feels in my hand.

I have never owned a M&P, but I have had the oppertunity to put about 50 rounds through one recently, chambered in 9mm. I liked how it felt in my hand.

I'm a hopeless romantic for the 1911. I sure like how it feels in my hand. Mine are chambered in .45ACP.


I've also got a little ruger 22 for plinking. I kinda like actually having a seperate gun for that. But, I also understand your logic.

Do you have a range in your area that has rental guns? You might be able to try out a few there and decide for yourself what feels good, then do some checking to see about quality, price and values for your plans.

Good luck,
PE

 

[Big Z]

The best advice is to go out and try as many as you can, first, they buy what you like the most.
autos are like socks, you will know which one fits you the best, and then don't settle for only one pair.
That being said, the best platform going is a 1911. there are more conversions to just about any caliber your little heart could desire, and more accessories than any other.