Looking to Buy First "Real" Handgun

[Tallinar]

Don't rule out the thought of handloading. There is no cartridge that is easier to reload than a rimmed, straight wall revolver cartridge like the .38 special or .357 mag.

Handloading .38 special is the cheapest way to shoot centerfire, IMHO.

Get the 686 and invest in some reloading equipment. There you will begin the path to enlightenment.

 

[MarkDozier]

Go s&w 686

I just got my 686 4 inch barrel adjustable rear sight, i paid just over 5oo for it. Start collecting brass for 38 now so you cab reload, your cost when you roll your own should be around 5 - 6 bucks a box

 

[mwcharger]

im going to suggest a glock 17 (or 34)

you cant beat a 17 rd or 33 rd capacity, with a qaulity manufacturer and customer service, superior accuracy, and undeniable reliability (unless you do something stupid it will fire everytime you pull the trigger)

glock 17 ftw

 

[Jed Carter]

Of your choices the only real weapon is the SIG P226. I have one in .40S&W / .357SIG. The HP is a classic but would not be my first choice or my choice if "I could only have one ever". If I could only have one pistol it would be my SIG P226, I currently own 17 pistols and used to have 5 revolvers (I only have 2 now). Get the 9mm SIG with the night sights, buy exrta magazines, shoot it then shoot it some more. My P226 has nearly 10,000 rounds of .40 and 3,000 of .357 without any malfunctions ever. If you want a P226 with a target trigger, look to the X5.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

If I had $1000 to spend on a new range gun I would buy a M627 Pro.

If you are willing to buy used you can buy a 6" M686 and a semi-auto too. If you're considering reloading you might want to buy a .45 Auto. Also, you're .38 Special ammo will cost you ~$4/50 reloaded.

 

[Skylerbone]

My vote is for the High Power.

Since you don't have a 1911 on the list it seems a natural choice for someone looking for a fun to shoot range gun. Sig makes a fine pistol, some would argue quality has been spotty lately, but the longer barrel of Mr. Browning's design lends itself to accuracy in a proven weapon.

Revolvers lend themselves well to shooters with a purpose. Whether hunting or bullseye shooting, you can't go wrong. If high volume fun is your general goal, you may find yourself trading for an autoloader then wondering where your accuracy went.

I'm sure someone will argue that autos are more accurate and more reliable and their brand never jams but the Glock poster above can't even spell quality. (sorry for the jab, it is spelled incorrectly).

Back to my choice, Cabelas had a special last week which may still be running on FN High Powers NIB for $550. They were produced in 1998 and are the last of the Belgium made pistol you will find. A true steal, I would have bought myself one but was feeling greedy as I was shopping for the wife's first pistol. (would have made a great choice but I would have been sick with jealousy).

Good luck with your decision.

 

[digsigs226]

Well I'm obviously partial to the sig (I own a 226 and it's an absolute tack driver that never malfunctions), I would suggest trying to find one made in Germany and skip the occasional quality problems that come from exter.

While I personally don't like anything with a plastic trigger, nobody seems to rant and rave about their guns these days like Springfield XD owners, so it is definitely worth checking out while in the store. My friend has the XDm9 and loves it, but I still out shoot the crap out of him at the range =).

 

[oldbear]

Get an M-27

Sir, in your budget you have a wide selection of quality handguns to chose from, but I will take the liberty of adding one more revolver to your list; GET an S&W M 27, the finest production revolver ever produced! You may have to spend a little time finding just the right one but believe me the hunt will only add to your pleasure when you find the one that’s right for you.

 

[buck460XVR]

Near Eau Claire, are you a fellow Wisconsinite?

Yep, Tomah area. Was thru Eau Claire last weekend, the youngest son was playing Hockey in Chippewa Falls.

 

[searcher451]

Get the gun that best fits your hand and eye. You will likely need to go to a range that rents guns. Bring your friends along who own guns that you might have an interest in; then try 'em all until you find the one that is just right for you. And who knows -- if you try enough of them, you may just end up with one that's not even on your list. The Walther P99 comes to mind.

 

[hillestadj]

You know, the more I think about it the more I am drawn to a revolver. Just seems simpler in many aspects and from what I have been reading here and other places easier to be accuarate with.

So.....no more Hi-Power or P226 on the short list.

As of right now it sits between the S&W 686 and the S&W 627 PC. BUT, through my research I have learned of th 686 SSR and I am really drawn to it from what I've seen. I am interested in hearing what anyone has to say about it. All insight on the models being considered is appriciated. (Especially intersested in comments on the 627 PC and 686 SSR now).

Thanks for everyones responses so far, it is very much apprieciated.