May I Glean Some of your Experience? (Handgun Purchase Help)

[Wrage]

I wasn't going to post this because I know there are a lot of "what gun should I buy" threads - and I have read many many many of them - but this site was unbelievably helpful to me in setting up my new hobby of reloading and I am in such a quandary - I need to ask some people who have experience advice. Here's my situation:

I have wanted a handgun since I was kid - never had the money, even remotely. I sold off a bunch of my collectible toys I had since I was little - I have about $850 to spend. I have hunted and been around guns my whole life - and have test fired lots of different handguns and have spent hours and hours researching online. I am looking for a gun primarily just to have - to target shoot mostly but also secondarily as a self-defense gun (nightstand) or something to take along into the wilderness camping or hunting trips as a carry gun (anti-animal).

I will probably only have this amount of money this one time - so I want to buy a "lifetime handgun" as this will probably be my only one I ever own. So I am terribly nervous about making a wrong or uniformed choice. I want a full-size auto-loader - probably in .40.

Unfortunately I live in a pretty remote area - we don't have the luxury of a range to go and shoot at and try out different handguns. I just find friends and friends of friends and shoot theirs

From my experiences of shooting my friends guns - I really like like the feel of the Sigs (I am leaning toward a P226 variant), the metal frame (heavy), and the DA/SA trigger, but I hate the price tag and I really wrestle with spending so much money when my family is watching our pennies. I want to like the Glock, but I just can't stand that little safety on the trigger - just drives me crazy when I shoot, is something that I would eventually be able to overcome - is this common? (I wish they made a nice heavy Glock without the safety trigger )

So here's my questions: based on your experiences -

1) If you could own 1 handgun - what you own and why?
2) If you have both a Sig and a Glock - what do you like/dislike about each?
3) As far as Sigs - is it worth the extra money to go to elite, tacops, etc...or is it a waste of $ in your opinion?
4) Are Sigs and Glocks good for years and years or do they have problems wearing out, breaking down, cracking - I mean more than routine maintenance stuff.
5) Are there other quality handguns remotely close to my price range that I should look at?
6) Used or new? (remember lifetime gun)
7) Knowing just the little tiny bit of info about my situation - what do you think sounds like would suite me best? (even options not listed)

I know this is a highly subjective thread - but what I want to do is glean your experience as much as I can and maybe that will help me in my decision. I know the decision is mine and I have to choose what fits me and I like best - but this is kinda my one shot and I want to make the best decision possible.

I really appreciate you taking the time to read this long post and any answers you may be willing to give. Thanks

 

[jbkebert]

Having owned both a Glock 17 and a Sig 229 i guess I could weigh in.

The glock is a bullet proof gun built well and very durable. However i could not shoot mine with any degree of accuracy so it was quickly sold off. I just could not get used to the grip angle. Nothing wrong with Glocks just can't get used to them and would not buy another.

The Sig 229 while a great gun is very much on the high side in terms of cash. Only problem i had was the decocking lever. I don't have all that small of hands but the gun required me to turn the pistol a little bit. To access the decocking lever rather than just being able to reach it with my thumb with a normal shooting grip.

My personal choice in a gun that will last a lifetime but not break the bank. Would be a Berretta 96FS. i have owned and currently do own a 9mm 92fs and a 96 FS in .40 very reliable gun, easy take down, dead on accurate, just a all around well built reliable firearm. I have found them used in the $450 range and new for $625. Worth every penny IMHO

 

[gbran]

If I could only have one handgun for your specified uses, it would be a Glock, but Sig lovers might differ. If you really like Sigs, there are numerous sources for reconditioned Sigs, usually former LEO guns and generally with low round counts. Google reconditioned Sigs.

 

[jawn]

I own a Glock 17, and I'm fairly certain this gun will outlast me, but if I were to only ever own one handgun, I feel like I'd get something with a bit more style to it. I'm not the biggest Sig fan, but I am quite fond of CZ75s. They're usually a bit cheaper than Glocks are, but they're full steel and feel great in hand.

 

[Water-Man]

In .40 caliber my choice is S&W M&P. I've owned Sig and Glock and to me, the Smith handles the .40 better. Nothing wrong with the Beretta, except their CS.

 

[David E]

For the multiple tasks you say the gun is supposed to handle, the gun that is the obvious choice is a 4" or 6" .357 revolver. It can handle all the duties you list and do so effortlessly.

You can shoot a blank, a wax bullet, a .38 special wadcutter target load, a .38 +P, a 125 grain JHP .357 magnum, a 180 grain magnum bear load and do so with 6 quick pulls of the trigger. No semi-auto can do that.

For a one handgun to "do it all, it's hard to neat a .357

If you insist on a semi, get one that doesn't require manipulation before or after the shot. (like most Sigs do)

 

[jawn]

For the multiple tasks you say the gun is supposed to handle, the gun that is the obvious choice is a 4" or 6" .357 revolver. It can handle all the duties you list and do so effortlessly.

You can shoot a blank, a wax bullet, a .38 special wadcutter target load, a .38 +P, a 125 grain JHP .357 magnum, a 180 grain magnum bear load and do so with 6 quick pulls of the trigger. No semi-auto can do that.

For a one handgun to "do it all, it's hard to neat a .357

If you insist on a semi, get one that doesn't require manipulation before or after the shot. (like most Sigs do)

This is actually great advice. A revolver in .357 magnum can be fed .38 special for plinking or .357 magnum for four legged and two legged critters. A full-size revolver will most certainly be a lifetime gun. Can't really go wrong with the Ruger offerings or the Smith offerings depending on your budget or taste. A 4" GP100 is still to this day one of the most fun guns I've had the pleasure of shooting.

 

[bruzer]

Here are my thoughts for my "Lifetime" Gun.
Glock 22 and the reasons why.
I can shoot .40. Swap a 40-357 barrel and shoot .357 Sig. Swap a 40-9 barrel and add a 9mm magazine and shoot 9mm. .22 conversion slide/.22 magazine and shoot .22. All conversions take less than a minute. Every gun store or internet store has something for the Glock. Police trade-ins, used parts, new parts, accessories they are all easy to get. Good luck.
Mike

 

[Telekinesis]

My one handgun would be (and is) a Sig 228. It is reliable, has a good manual of arms, is easy to clean, and fits me very well. For me, fit is the most important part of picking a gun because if the gun fits you, shooting will feel more natural and you will probably end up enjoying shooting that specific gun more.

I bought mine used because of that lovely quirk of law where you can own a pistol while under 21 but can't transfer it. But that said, as much as I love my sig, I don't think I'd pay new prices for one. You can save several hundred dollars by buying a very slightly used one. As long as you make sure it's in good condition, you should be very happy with your purchase.

As far as being a gun that you have for a lifetime and durability, my father bought a Sig 220 when they first started coming out over 20 years ago and it is still going strong. Also, the Sig 226 and the Beretta 92 were the only two weapons to survive the Army M9 trials (and the 92 was chosen on price) but both are exceptionally reliable.

 

[Tomcat47]

Glocks are of no interest at all to me and The Sigs are nice but you want a one time purchase to be pleased for a lifetime....When I read that I thought of my Beretta 92 Immediately!

Jbkbert said about all that I thought....I think in 9mm...92FS - Not much of a .40 fan but either one is awesome in Beretta. I like 9mm for affordability and broad available ammo choices...but anyway..

My personal choice in a gun that will last a lifetime but not break the bank. Would be a Berretta 96FS. i have owned and currently do own a 9mm 92fs and a 96 FS in .40 very reliable gun, easy take down, dead on accurate, just a all around well built reliable firearm. I have found them used in the $450 range and new for $625. Worth every penny IMHO

With One Additional thought:

Add 1 Beretta Conversion Kit with Adjustable Sights Beretta 92, 96 22 Long Rifle Matte from Midway...They sell it for $372.00, but it is Beretta! And you can just about find a 96 in .40 and add the kit for your money and have 2 guns in one! Or option to add kit later.

 

[onfloat]

I'll second the Beretta 96A1. All metal frame with DA/SA. I liked the feel of the Sig too, but also found the decocking lever awkward to operate.

 

[Kerf]

my nickels worth...

Wrage,

Remember, that if you’re purchasing a gun for a lifetime, that at some point that gun is going to be passed along to your surviving heirs. The more common the gun is today, i.e. the more popular/ubiquitous today, the less value it will have decades from now. You don’t want your kids questioning your judgment after you’re not there to defend yourself. “Why did he buy that?”

Looking into my crystal ball, I’m thinking steel and wood will outlast plastic in the long run. They use plastic because they’re selling them to the government and LEOs and they’re cheaper to build over steel, when you’re trying to sell a 1000 of them at a crack.

I’m thinking a 1911 in 45 ACP. Every gun owner should have at least one in their collection. It’s a very versatile platform; you can drop in a new barrel in .357 sig, 40 s&w, 9mm, .22 lr or 400 corbon. Not to mention the .460 Rowland, which is like having a ten shot .44 Magnum in your hands, if you can hang onto it. Compare the after market parts that are available to the various pistol platforms. The Sigs lack that versatility.

Whereas, the Beretta comes up lacking design-wise, with the barrel flopping around while in battery, and shot to shot performance is somewhat lacking. Good enough for government work, though.

Remember, you should do it for your children.

That’s my nickels worth…
kerf

 

[Autolycus]

I would suggest an HK P30. They have the DA/SA trigger like the Sigs but are polymer like the Glocks. They are expensive but great guns. They are rather reliable as well.

 

[Autolycus]

Oh and I am a Glock and a Sig fan. I currently only own Glocks but I am in the process of reacquiring my Sigs. I am a very big fan of 9mm but in your case I would get a .40 S&W especially with an HK as they are excellent in that caliber.

 

[Lawdawg45]

Wrage,

Welcome to the fire. In all honesty I will say that I've never seen a Firearms Instructor that would recommend a semi-auto for a new shooter, and if I read correctly you've never owned a handgun. Wrist and grip control are key to a semi-auto firing without jams, and aren't mastered overnight. I would start with a medium frame revolver such as the S&W model 19, which will shoot .38's cheaply at the range and then be able to load a powerful .357 for home defense. The model 10 is also an excellent choice, being a heavy framed .38 with 6 shots. Good luck and remember to train, train, train with your new weapon!

LD45

 

[BADUNAME37]

I agree with others who stated Beretta 92.

 

[Cryogaijin]

Much as I hate EAA as a company, my 1 gun to own is my Eaa witness in 10mm. Just about everything said about the .357 is accurate about the 10mm, including being able to digest .40S&W ammo. Fullhouse loads of 10mm pack about the same energy as .357 as well, and I prefer 15 rounds of 10 to 6 or 7 of .357

A couple bonuses: the 10mm runs about $400 for the metal frame version, and conversion kits run about $200, so for $800 you could get the 10mm with a .22 and a 9mm conversion.

 

[Canazes9]

I agree w/ those that have suggested a 357 magnum. My preference would be a S&W 686 Plus w/ a 3" barrel. The slightly shorter barrel will make carry more convenient and comfortable and give up very little in velocity. I find I can shoot a 3" barrel revolver about as accurately as a 4 or 6". The plus variant is a 7 shot. SS finish that requires very little maintenance and is easily touched up.

IMO, the do it all work horse of the hand gun world.

David

 

[I'm3rd]

For the past 50 years or so I have always advised a first time handgun buyer to find a quality built double action mid-size .38 or .357 revolver, preferably .357, that he/she is comfortable handling and firing rather than a semiauto that requires considerably more training and practice in order for a novice to become proficient with it. I realize that most modern high quality semiautos will have a higher ammo capacity plus several other desirable features that a revolver doesn't have. But even so, I believe that even the most ardent semiauto fan will admit that it takes quite a bit more instruction, time, training, and ammo to become sufficiently able to use one effectively in an extremely stressful life or death situation in which the shooter is reduced to instinct and training in order to survive. While choosing which type suits you best, you may also want to keep in mind that the extra training, practice, and ammo that a semiauto requires will inevitably translate into much more time and money in order to achieve an acceptable degree of expertise than a comparable revolver would require.

For the sake of honesty I should admit that I'm being somewhat hypocritical on this subject since I own and enjoy shooting several semiauto pistols, especially a very reliable 1911 .45acp. But the older I become the more often I find myself going back to a plain-Jane S&W or Colt .38 revolver for fun and games on my backyard firing range. It eventually comes down to the reality that only you can decide which is best for your particular needs and desires, but I advise at least trying out the two different types thoroughly enough to make an intelligent choice before laying down those greenbacks.

 

[Furncliff]

CZ... lots of choices. Great ergo's heavy metal very accurate, some have the option of .22 conversion kits (love mine).

 

[Zerodefect]

So here's my questions: based on your experiences -

1) If you could own 1 handgun - what you own and why?
Glock or 3 times out of your budget.....a good 1911.
2) If you have both a Sig and a Glock - what do you like/dislike about each?
The new Sigs are absolute garbage and very hard to sell used. I'll never try a Sig again. Sig is the new Kimber.

The things I hate about my Glock is the trigger and safety just like you, and replaceing the springs frequently.

3) As far as Sigs - is it worth the extra money to go to elite, tacops, etc...or is it a waste of $ in your opinion?
Screw Sig. Look at Glock, Dan Wesson $$$, Colt, Walther, HK, S&W.

4) Are Sigs and Glocks good for years and years or do they have problems wearing out, breaking down, cracking - I mean more than routine maintenance stuff.
Glock is good to go. You'll need to swap springs regularly and learn how to detail strip one to get the most out of it. Aftermarket spring kits, thick lube on the trigger parts, and 3.5 connectors can improve the Glock trigger.

5) Are there other quality handguns remotely close to my price range that I should look at?
S&W M&P may have a trigger you like better and the rest of the gun is Glock-like. Colt has decent 1911's that are lower priced but a hair more expensive than plastic guns. Dan wesson is flat out of your price ranga at $1300+ but is an excellent 1911 to start with.


6) Used or new? (remember lifetime gun)
New. Except for Glocks. A used PD trade in glock can be fixed up to perfect working shape really cheaply.

7) Knowing just the little tiny bit of info about my situation - what do you think sounds like would suite me best? (even options not listed)

Glock 19 in a Crossbreed Supertuck. Get a Glock 17 mag as well for reloads.

Hands down the Glock 19. You'll have to get over the trigger just like I had to. But even though it feels like poo in the hand. It's priceless on an advanced pistol course, IDPA, or combat. All of it's weirdness disappears when you actually need it and it's an excellent gun.

Glock is the only gun that keeps up with 1911's in competition in my area.

Also look at:
S&W M&P 9mm
S&W 340 revolver or M&P Revolver
Glock 23,22,17,34,35
Colt 1911, especially the rail gun.
Dan Wesson Heritage, CCO, Valor (I know, expensive, but look anyways, don't sell yourself short)

You said you need one gun, and one gun only. So you're not a collector or competitor. You need a tool. And the best tool for you is a Glock 19.

 

[Tomcat47]

Beretta 92.....Over 25 Years of Service!

It has earned its place aside the 1911 in terms of service and purpose!

I too am a 1911 fan! But My 1911's like my Beretta.....
(and Taurus counterparts for that matter)

 

[Strahley]

1) If you could own 1 handgun - what you own and why?

Glock 19. It's the best "universal" handgun on the market. The only thing it can't really do is be a hunting/anti-bear gun...but you'd want a long gun for that job anyway. BTW, don't get caught up in caliber. .40 S&W does nothing over 9mm for self defense. Especially considering you're on a budget, stick with 9mm. A miss with a 9mm is a miss with a .40. A vital organ hit with a .40 is a vital organ hit with a 9mm. They will both do the same job against a human attacker in self defense (but one is cheaper, easier to shoot, and has more capacity)

2) If you have both a Sig and a Glock - what do you like/dislike about each?

Have had both. Love both, these are my top two favorite semi-autos. SIGs look great, feel great, shoot great, and have never given me a problem. Glocks feel great (to me), shoot great, never given me a problem, and are excellent carry choices. I sweat all over my carry Glocks and it just wipes right off...not a single scratch on the slides or any holster wear, either (SIGs do scratch easier than most other guns)

3) As far as Sigs - is it worth the extra money to go to elite, tacops, etc...or is it a waste of $ in your opinion?

For a budget, a waste of money. They won't shoot 'that' much better than the regular models. You're mostly paying for the cool finishes on those guns, or the beavertail grip

4) Are Sigs and Glocks good for years and years or do they have problems wearing out, breaking down, cracking - I mean more than routine maintenance stuff.

Good for many many years. I would give the edge to a Glock though, since the polymer just won't give up. Even if something breaks, Glocks are mega super easy to break down. I can fully detail strip any Glock (down to every last spring) in about 1-2 minutes

5) Are there other quality handguns remotely close to my price range that I should look at?

I'm bias, I wouldn't look elsewhere. I'll leave this to somebody else

6) Used or new? (remember lifetime gun)

Either, doesn't matter. They will both last for a very long time regardless. For example, Chuck Taylor's Glock 17 has over 100k rounds through it, and no major parts have been changed. Do you plan on shooting even a fraction of that many through yours?

7) Knowing just the little tiny bit of info about my situation - what do you think sounds like would suite me best? (even options not listed)

New/used Glock 19, or a new/used SIG P228 or P229 in 9mm, or a SIG SP2022 (metal lined polymer frame, weighs about the same as the all metal versions though)

 

[mrvco]

1) If you could own 1 handgun - what you own and why?

S&W .357 Revolver (627 Pro - 8-shots w/ 4" barrel). Lots of ammo options, reliable, accurate and very comfortable in the hand.​

2) If you have both a Sig and a Glock - what do you like/dislike about each?

I walked in to my LGS to buy a Glock G19 and walked out with a Sig P226. If I were buying the gun primarily for CCW, then I would have probably gone with a Glock (19 or 26), but for range shooting, home defense, SHTF, etc. I knew I was going home with the Sig as soon as I picked it up, not to mention, I like having the SA / DA trigger and de-cocking lever.​

3) As far as Sigs - is it worth the extra money to go to elite, tacops, etc...or is it a waste of $ in your opinion?

I own the Elite Dark in 9mm... I liked the sites and the grips, so it was worth the additional expense for me.​

 

[BillH]

What to choose????

Of those I have (HK USP, Sig P239, P232, P290, Browning BDA-380, Keltec P11 + others) the one I wouldn't go with is the Keltec. It shoots well, but is hard on my hands (over 70) to break-down to clean. I'll either trade it or keep in the glove box (loaded) for emergencies.
I usually carry a P239 40 and keep the USP 40 near at night.