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

[Smaug]

Another advantage to having a 22 pistol is that you can introduce your children (if you have any) to responsible shooting at an early age, and also your wife! I haven't met a woman yet who didn't like shooting 22. Whether they like bigger calibers varies a bit, but they all seem to like shooting 22. This might become a family activity, and you can help support the hobby as more than just a selfish thing for Daddy. You know your family better than I do, but it is something to think about.

 

[Claude Clay]

careful thought and---Sig 1st generation P239/40. used (well, ua...$500ish.
add a EFKFiredragon 9mmconversion bbl $160ish and 2 more mags $60ish
dies for the 2 calibrs and the mags fit and function both calibers--can do 357 si also.

3 calibers, 1 gun frame.
id sell my set up but for one reason--than i would not have it

 

[Jeb21]

Given your preference for Autos and your desire for a life time gun I would say a Sig 229 DAK in 40 would be an excellent option. Another option would be a 3rd Generation Smith in 40 cal (4006).

 

[doc.lonestar]

as per your stated needs

a glock 17/19 or 22/23 as a one gun for all tasks is a good way to go.

simply stated they are durable, reliable, and accurate. if you are only going to have one gun this would be a great choice.

I own a G23 and Glock 30 (edc) - for me the grip is great (I feel like Glock actually made the original grips for people like me lol).

If you are only going to get one though - please get to a range to rent and get your hands on some. Only way to know for sure if you are going to be happy is to get on the range with one.

 

[Wrage]

Well I went to the store today and spent some time looking at and handling everything they had. I really liked the feel of the Smith and Wesson M&P but I really didn't like the pivot trigger - but what I was surprised to see is that walking in my mind was almost set on a Sig P226, but what I found was I like the Berretta as much or more than the Sig (and its cheaper! ).

So far the Berretta 92/96 series seems to have my vote! Funny thing was I don't think I would have ever even considered the Beretta until some of you recommended that I look at. I thought it looked too 'sleek' and not the tough boxy look of sigs/glocks/etc... But once I put my paws on it...boy it sure felt sweet!

I fired one a couple years back but at that point my eyes were on the Sig pretty heavy and I never even gave it a chance. I'm going to have to see if I can connect with that guy again and fire some more rounds out of it.

He only has the 9mm can anyone tell me how the .40 compares in their opinion? I am not "sold" on the .40 and am considering 9mm for some of the reasons you all have listed, but I do enjoying shooting something with at least a little kick

Does the .40 hold up in the Beretta? Or is it just better to go with the 9mm?

I am lining up some friends who own sigmas, M&Ps, Glock 19, and Sig to give them a try out and compare. If I can get that guy with the Beretta in too I will hopefully get a good comparison actually firing.

Thanks for the input again! I feel so much more confident in making a selection based on your input! Thanks so much!!!

 

[Wrage]

One other question if you don't mind - what model of the P92/P96/M9/P90-two do you like best and why? Thanks!

 

[the_skunk]

$800, .40 cal, used for camping protection, and a lifetime gun ...... a steel 1911 with wood grips

50 years from know that will still be a classic

 

[Effigy]

It sounds like the Beretta 92/96 would be a good fit for you. I'm a SIG fan myself, but the Beretta has most of the same advantages as the P226. For a home defense and/or target pistol, a metal frame is generally better for soaking up recoil. You mentioned taking the pistol into the wilderness, in which case I'd have to give a slight nod to Glock since they're more weather resistant; that said, an aluminum frame is going to be fine for that purpose as well.

As to caliber, I prefer 9mm for cost and reduced recoil, although I'm a little biased because I've only shot .40 S&W in small pistols and was turned off by the snappy recoil. It might not be so bad in a full-size pistol. I think being able to make faster follow-up shots with a 9mm is an advantage though, as well as higher capacity. Shot placement is the biggest factor in a defensive shoot, and having extra practice with the 9mm (due to reduced cost) will help you make accurate shots. If you can handle the .40 well in rapid fire it's also a good option, since you handload.

 

[Thompsoncustom]

I would have to say if your only going to get one gun IMO it would have to be a 10mm like the colt delta elite or glock 20 even tho I'm not a glock fan. Why because it makes a well all around gun you can easily take down animals with it as well as anything else, also the 10mm can be reloaded to shoot like a .40 or a 41 magnum depending on what you are going for. I would vote the New colt delta elite in stainless which is 878 from buds so you would need a extra 30 bucks but it would be worth the money.

Also if you have any gun shows around you it would be worth stopping in and looking over everything.

 

[goon]

If I'm not mistaken, a few years back I read a write up in a gun magazine about a Delta Elite that was fitted with .40 and .357 Sig barrels and recoil springs for them so the owner could just switch calibers at will.
I've never owned a 1911 that ran quite the way it should have, but I know they exist. IMO, the 1911 isn't a gun you should start with, but it is a great gun when you have a good one. I'm convinced they exist, I just have never owned one...

 

[twofifty]

Wrage, can you tell us why your heart is set on a mode of operation -semi-auto- rather than on function? It seems like your funds are tight and will be for awhile...

To be of any real use to you, you'll have to practice with that new HG. This means ammo-lots of ammo. Some calibers cost a lot, others are somewhat cheaper, a few noticeably cheaper. Consider that it is easy in one year to spend as much on practice ammo as you spent on the gun itself.

You might want to seriously reconsider your action choice. You may not know that a revolver can be fired as quickly as a semi. For the many good reasons mentioned by others look at a .357 DA/SA revolver. It will eat cheap .38 Special practice ammo, and with full-house SD rounds outperforms most semis out there.

 

[I'm3rd]

There's one more thing you may want to take into consideration if, like myself, you handload and your shooting budget is limited. A polygonal bore such as Glock's and HK's requires jacketed bullets, and if you're into handloading for economical recreational and/or practice ammo you already know that they cost twice as much or more per round than lead bullets. I can buy excellent Dardas 9mm 124 gr LRN bullets for $68 per 1000 including shipping, while 1000 9mm FMJ bullets from Midway would set me back approximately twice that much delivered. It may not seem like a major cost factor compared to the initial cost of a new high quality handgun, but over the past many years of handloading for several handgun calibers I have saved at least several hundred $, probably a lot more, on bullets alone by loading mostly lead bullets rather than jacketed.

Note: I'm by no means an authority on this matter since I don't own any polygonal bore guns. But I have been told by some shooters who do own them that lead will accumulates very rapidly in those bores, and can even reach the point that chamber pressure is raised to dangerous levels without frequent bore cleaning.

 

[jbkebert]

I find myself shooting my 92fs 9mm more than my 96fs .40cal. Less muzzle jump, reduced recoil although not a hard kicker by any means. The 9mm is cheaper to shoot. I can come back on target quicker for follow up shots. Both are extreamly well built guns. If I had to give up one of my Beretta's the 92fs 9mm would be the keeper IMHO.

The sad thing I gave just under $500 for my 92fs and $525 for my 96 brand new in the box. Inflation just won't leave good things alone. I about had a tear when I priced new Browning Buckmarks latley. I gave $100 out the door NIB for my first one. Yikes have they gone up in price.

Good luck with whatever you decide on.

 

[goon]

Wrage, can you tell us why your heart is set on a mode of operation -semi-auto- rather than on function? It seems like your funds are tight and will be for awhile...

To be of any real use to you, you'll have to practice with that new HG. This means ammo-lots of ammo. Some calibers cost a lot, others are somewhat cheaper, a few noticeably cheaper. Consider that it is easy in one year to spend as much on practice ammo as you spent on the gun itself.

You might want to seriously reconsider your action choice. You may not know that a revolver can be fired as quickly as a semi. For the many good reasons mentioned by others look at a .357 DA/SA revolver. It will eat cheap .38 Special practice ammo, and with full-house SD rounds outperforms most semis out there.

This is a valid point, but at the end of the day you can also practice with cheap ammo in a 9mm (and sort of cheap ammo in a .40) but carry the more expensive premium hollow point loads for defense, provide that your gun is reliable with them.
The reliability testing for a semi-auto can get expensive, especially if you have to do quality control for a gun that the factory should have gotten right in the first place. Revolvers do tend to just work with anything of reasonable quality that fits the chamber and that's why I love them, but I wouldn't tell someone not to buy a semi-auto if that's what they really want. After all, the handgun that I shot the best of any handgun I ever owned was a SIG P-225.

 

[Prosser]

Warge: You have to decide what animals you are likely to face, and, if the caliber you decide on will do the job. 9mm usually is questioned when stuff like hogs and bears come up.

Originally you were sold on .40. I am going to make a rare, blanket statement here: The only calibers that work well in semi-autos for the range of issues you described are 10MM and .45 ACP.

For a reloader, revolvers are FAR more versatile, and able to do many more things then a semi-auto. The right one is far less likely to ever be out of action, and, to do what you need it to do.

One serious advantage to the autos you have mentioned is the ability to go multiple calibers, 22lr in particular. You'll have to look into that, I'm not doing all your work for you.

I hated glocks, until I shot a race prepared 34. The trigger was great, the guns drove tacks, it was cheap to repair, and you could get a barrel to shoot lead, drop it in, for 100 to 150 dollars.

I don't see why you can't find a used Glock, or used sig for half what the new ones go for, and, put the parts in to give you a great trigger, and the ability to change calibers. Berettas are another possibility to do the same in the above, for cheaper.

All that said, my lifetime guns are heavy caliber revolvers, and a couple 1911's.

For 850 dollars you can get a real Colt 1911.

You can also find someone to send you a BFR in 17-4 stainless, used, perhaps the best revolver value going.

I've found a couple Freedom Arms revolvers for around 850, and, they make
the stuff you are talking about seem like cheap, plastic or pot metal toys.

I recently bought a Single Six from Ruger, and, if that's an indication of the quality in their line, many of their revolvers are lifetime keepers, in particular their 44 magnum line, and .357's.

I'd look at what kind of bullets you plan to use, probably lead, and, how heavy a bullet you think you'll need to use, and how fast you want it going to do what you want to do.

If you are setup to reload, you should really think about casting your own bullets. Sounds like that's something you might be able to do, and save some bucks.

 

[Derry 1946]

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

What Lawdawg said.

 

[Wrage]

Lots of good advice! I'm soaking it in like a sponge

Just to help clarify a few things - I am not a handgun owner, but I am not a new shooter (although compared to some of you I'm prob a newbie by sheer volume of shooting lol). Perhaps I need to clarify that a bit - it seems a lot of the info I am getting is great for a new shooter - even though I don't own I have been shooting off and on for 20+ years (mostly my families S&W Revolvers that I mentioned above - but also a good number of other auto-loaders over the years).

The reason I have never owned a handgun is my priorities to my own family's needs (I have 4 kids - wife is stay at home mom/homeschool mom). So any "extra" money I have had went to the fam first. But what I did was dig out some things I have had in storage from when I was young, sold them - now I have money that is in a sense "mine" This is how I am able to finally after waiting for many many years to consider a handgun. That is probably why I am so freaked about this decision - I feel like it's my only shot - so I want it to be a decision I will not regret. (although as some have suggested I could prob turn around and sell whatever I bought and consider another if I messed up )

As far as why I want an auto-loader vs revolver - I just do I have shot revolvers all my life, they are fine and fun to shoot - but I just prefer the feel of the auto, I like the mags vs. speedloaders, I like the look - it's not that I think they are better or worse - I just want one - 100% preference whether impractical or not In fact it was weird Thompsoncustom posted about the 10mm Delta Elite - that was the first specific handgun I ever wanted after reading a review in Guns And Ammo when I was in the 9th grade!

As far as the 1911 style - they are nice but one thing I discovered is that I find pretty much all the single stack mag guns I held felt to skinny in my hands. I have fired 1911 and like them (.45 was fun to shoot!) but they just don't feel like they 'belong' in my hands like Sigs, the S&W M&P, and now the Beretta - even the Glocks felt good - but its just that trigger safety I don't like (and I like the weight of the metal frame vs. poly).

As far as what animals I would want protection from - the realistic answer is primarily the 2 legged ones when I'm out and about hunting/camping/hiking/etc... We don't have pigs up here and bears - well they are all black bears and not very likely to tangling with them. That's one good thing about Michigan - not a ton of dangerous critters other than maybe the neighbor's dog (although I did hear about a guy got tangled up with a badger the other day...glad I wasn't him!)

I'm hoping to go in tomorrow to take a closer look at a different shop and see what I can glean there.

Again, you all have been so helpful. I feel much more confident and have some key things to look for and ask about when I go into the shops that I didn't have before. Thanks!

 

[flanker08]

My recommendation would be a CZ 75. If you're after more corrosion resistance you could find a Stainless model. I recently acquired a nice used SS model for $450. I would then recommend buying a Kadet conversion kit. This would allow you to shoot .22lr.

I don't know how far north you are in MI, but Silver Bullet Firearms in GR(No ties/conflicts of interests, just a satisfied customer) would allow you to try out many of these, and they usually have a good used section, which is on their website.

 

[Wrage]

I haven't tried a CZ yet, I will have to look into those - I know a lot of people here have recommended them!

I'm about 2 hours N. of GR - but may be well worth the drive to try some out! Thanks!

 

[Prosser]

I'd really look at the aftermarket, and what guns have what features available for how much money?

Glocks have cheap parts, inexpensive, relatively, drop in barrels and magazines.

1911's also have a tremendous aftermarket. Need thicker grips? Super easy to find. Colts have always gone up in value, and, the 1911's they are currently producing are great guns, and a great value.

Also, don't forget Browning Hi-Powers. While I like the 1911 triggers, the Hi-powers are another fantastic design gun with a thicker grip.

 

[Thompsoncustom]

lol its a sexy looking gun that Delta elite. My personal carry weapon is a cz 75b, if you go and fell one I guaranty it will fill out your hand more then the 1911 for me it fits my hand like a glove and from what you posted it doesn't sound like you have small hands so I would give it a try also you can get the 75b in 9mm or 40. If you want something in .45 the cz 97b is a big gun holds 13rd so the grip is much wider then the 1911. Pretty sure any CZ is a great gun but if you can find some go hold them and see what you think.

If you want to drive all the way to iowa you can give my 75b a try

 

[goon]

Agreed on the BHP. The Browning, with standard wood grips, fits my larger than average hand very naturally. If you can find a Hi-Power in decent shape it might also make a good choice.

 

[BadBry]

Having owned G22 and sold off due to discomfort and inability to shoot well, I bought M&P 40 and love the grip, ease of use, night sights, etc, BUT trigger had a lot of creep. I put APEX trigger with 95% trigger improvement & better trigger reset. The full size M&P is not a great cc gun. Considered G23, G27 & M&P 40c as conceal carry. Never giving the Sig a thought due to price; I was amazed how well the Sig P239 felt in my hand. Nervous at spending $820 on a SAS Gen2 w/SRT, I took the plunge and bought the P239. My shooting skills have improved over the M&P w/APEX and the comfort of CC in a Galco Summer IWB is far better than the large frame Glock or M&P. Im sure G27,23 or M&P make great CC, But I was after a weapon that is a good conceal and accurate. I'm Very happy w/my three month long purchae decision and can say the Sig has made me into a new fan. Don't count out a 1911, but you better bring more $ to the table.

 

[Rail Driver]

I'm going to post a link and some excerpts from something I read recently that applies to this situation.

While the vast number of makes and models seems daunting don’t be too putt off by all the possible options. There is something out there for every one. Purchasing a gun for defense is easy; purchasing the right gun for you is what’s going to be hard. Especially with no one helping you out other than the guy on the other side of the counter trying to make the sale.

...

When all is said and done and you have the pistol you want and a good holster to carry it in it's a good thing. But when you have a pistol that you're not so crazy about in a poor holster that doesn't carry comfortably, your experiences can be awful.

I strongly urge you to take the time to read the article, whether it's your first handgun or not. The entire article can be found at this LINK

I hope it helps, and you find what you're looking for.

 

[WinThePennant]

If you haven't bought this "lifetime" gun yet, then I suggest that you take a serious look at the Sig SP2022. It's basically a polymer version of the P229. And, it's priced right -- $399 RETAIL.

People who buy Sigs usually aren't looking to buy polymer guns. Sig is slashing prices on their polymer guns, and you can now get a great Sig at S&W prices.

The Gen 2 Sig P250's are great, too! I own one, and I love it! Price of a new P250? You can get one for $370 RETAIL.

Don't listen to the naysayers, take a look for yourself. The Sig polymer guns are (now) great guns. I don't buy junk, and I'm seriously considering buying another P250. They had problems with the initial release, but that's now fixed. The great thing about the P250 is the modular design. You can shoot 9mm, .40, .357 Sig, and .45 through it.