More thoughts on my first pistol(s)...

[Dionysusigma]

Well, I've begun the long countdown to my 21st birthday(still ~7 months away), and I think I've settled on some criteria for the three pistols for which I'm going to save my money:

1) One must be in .22lr
2) Must have at least one example of an auto and a revolver. I'm an auto fan, so the ratio would probably be 2:1 in favor of autos.
3) Fairly simple designs (no Matebas or Desert Eagles)
4) No bizarre, archaic calibers like 7.62 Nagant or 9x23
5) Decently reliable
6) Aesthetically appealing
7) Ease of concealability is a plus, but not required
8) Fit my hands (CZ-75Bs and Beretta 92FSs fit perfectly)
9) Cannot be a Glock. They don't fit me at all, though the guns themselves are perfectly sound.

So far, the ones I'm really leaning towards are a Beretta 92FS or Brigadier, Smith & Wesson 317 or 617 with a 4" barrel, a SA 1911A1 GI, and a CZ of some sort. Any recommendations? Input towards my choices?

My thinking is thus: The .22 revolver for practice and fun, the SA 1911 because it's a 1911, and a Beretta for carry and because it's cool.

The Beretta is the most expensive one I really want to buy, which is mainly why Sigs, HK P7s, Wilson Combats/Kimbers, etc. are not being considered.
Also, if I had a CHL and ever had to use it I'd like a Beretta 92 there for me... not some little mousegun that gets completely enveloped by my hands and has five severly underpowered shots. I want something I can wield, aim, and fire with confidence. Several times, if need be. The Beretta seems best for that.

The 1911 because it's... a 1911. It's in a good caliber with easy-to-find ammo and inexpensive mags. A lot of people know its mechanism, and replacment parts are plentiful. Also good for carry.

The S&W because everyone should have a revolver and I don't trust rimfire autos. Ammo is unbelievable cheap, recoil is low, no mags to buy, and they (revolvers) have a charm all their own. Reliable mechanism. Plus, it's shiny.

And I want to get three because I honestly don't know how much longer such things will be legal to buy. Hopefully they'll still be available when I reach that age... after I get those, plans are forming for a blued .38Spl.

And, of course, a little eye candy:

Beretta 92FS Brigadier

Smith & Wesson 617, 4" bbl

...and we all know what a 1911 looks like.

Any other opinions/recommendations? Nothing is cemented yet, as a lot can happen in 7 months...

 

[TXBera]

You know, after a lot, and I mean a lot of hemming and hawing, I finally decided to get a SA 1911A1. And LOVE it. Full size 1911 parkerized. Not the GI model but the milspec. I've already put about 300 rounds through it in the past two weeks since I got it and it has appeal. Eats 230gr. ball like it's going out of style. Doesn't even choke on the 230gr. JHP I fed to her.

Not to mention the whole M1911 thing. The gun design that has been through 4+ major wars. WWI + II, Korea, Vietnam, and numerous other conflicts, including being carried by police departments and some select military units. As soon as humanly possible, I am looking into a CMP M-1 Garand as my next purchase for the military history aspect and a Springfield Inc. for shootability.

 

[BozemanMT]

Well, I don't know from your post if you have been shooting before and are buying your own, or these are your first.

But I'd vote 22lr semi-auto and 22lr revolver then 1911 (cuz well, a 1911 is always classic, even if it is expensive to shoot)

the S&W 22lr revolver you already mentioned (or a Colt Diamondback )

a Browning Buckmark, Colt Woodsmen or (can't be a ruger Mark II, you said pretty ) or ??????

and some mid-grade (700 to 800 or so) 1911, your choice.

This gives you tons of practice for no money in ammo, and a 1911 for carry, home defense, whatever. (substitue Beretta 92 if you want, still classic, cheaper to buy and run )

of course, only 3 won't do it. You'll need more soon.

 

[PJR]

If you've settled on three then I'd take a somewhat different direction.

If the .22 is for practice and the Beretta is going to be your carry gun I'd skip the rimfire wheelgun and get a .22 conversion kit for your Beretta. Same gun, controls and trigger pull. Make that .22 practice work to your benefit with your carry gun.

A 1911 is never a wrong choice. Most people like them, a few of us don't. But before I'd jump on an Springfield, take a S&W1911 for a spin. They are in the same price range and IMHO a better pistol.

So that leaves a wheelgun. It's hard to go wrong with a mid-frame .357 magnum. Use .38 for practice and the magnums when you want to make some noise.

 

[Preacherman]

I agree with PJR. Get a .22 conversion kit for one of your semi-auto's, and buy a good .357 Magnum revolver (personally, if you plan to carry it, I'd recommend a K-frame S&W, or a GP100 if you want something as tough as nails that will last as long as you do). You'll be able to shoot everything from the wimpiest of target .38 Specials up to deer-stomping .357 Magnum loads through it (definitely get the GP100 for the latter! ), and it will be lots of fun. It will also be cheaper than a good .22 revolver!

BTW, don't get a Ciener conversion kit - customer service and attitude is really bad news. Advantage Arms is a good choice if they make one for your pistol.

 

[Black Majik]

Well, heres my suggestion.

How bout' a Colt Commander (short enough to carry, slimmer than beretta, and more powerful round) and adding a ceiner or Marvel .22 Conversion kit on it?

That way you can practice for "cheaper" your carry gun should you choose to carry a 1911.

Well, since I jus' tossed you're carry gun and revolver .22 out the window, I suppose now the step is to get a medium size revolver. Say.... GP100 or S&W 686? .38 spl for plinking and .357 for magnum fun.

Damn... I completely butchered you're list, but its a new perspective to look at.

Good luck!

 

[Dionysusigma]

Actually, I just found that Beretta makes its own .22 conversion kit specifically for its full-size pistols. Might just have to get that... and a Ruger SP101 for .357 and .38 Spl.

That leaves enough room for a couple more cases of ammo (several of which I'm planning on burning up that day), holster(s), mags, and...

... other consumables a 21-year-old can buy.


(After one leaves the range and cleans the guns, though)

 

[mmay1]

Given your mix of autos and revolvers, plus something you could conceal, I would go with a Ruger MK II for .22 (5.5 " bull barrel in stainless and the extra mags you want are dirt cheap if your just order the parts from Ruger), a used S&W 66 or 19 (for 38 special/357 mag) for a wheelie and a CZ 75 B compact or P-01 in 9mm or 40 S&W, since both are concealable and the CZ's fit your hand. These are all inexpensive and reliable and maybe you can squeeze enough out of you budget for extras or even a Bulgarian Makarov.

 

[Trebor]

The CZ-75 is an excellent choice and you mentioned that it fit your hand.

Get a CZ-75B and a CZ factory Kadet .22 conversion kit. You'll have two guns in one for less than the price of a new Berretta or mid-range 1911.

This would make an excellent training gun/defensive gun combo.

 

[Domino]

i tend to agree with mmay1's suggestions. If your gonna get a wheelie get a .357 (Ruger GP100 though!) , if a .22lr get an auto, if a carry gun whatever fits you best that has a caliber that you can handle and like. good luck!

 

[jercamp45]

I agree with Trebor!

I'd go with the CZ-75 and a Kadet .22 conversion unit...for alot of cheap practise. The Nine is not the greatest round, but with the right ammo. it'll work OK.
The CZ you can learn C&L carry, its abit thinner than the Beretta for CCW, its very accurate and reliable. It would be my first choice for an inexpensive 9 m/m and is more versatile than the M9 Beretta(though if that is what YOU want, get it....it is your gun!)
You can start now and order a Kadet unit(no FFL required for this), so 15 round mags, and good holster/belt combo(an IWB and Belt Slide, mag pouch and good gunbelt are basic that will do dang near anything).
Then when you hit 21, the pistol and LOTS of AMMO!!
When you are ready, you can then look towards the 1911, already having some familiarity with C&L and shooting. You can also get a .22 conversion unit for the 1911...which is my primary tool. The 1911 is the best defensive handgun ever devised and a classic.
In fact I went out yesterday with my Colt CCO and old Ciener conversion unit. I put 550 rounds of .22 and 100 rounds of .45 through it in serious practise for a whopping 30 bucks at Walmarts. I use the .22 first to see my mistakes, then work on them...and use the centerfire last to remind me it goes Boom, Boom..not plink, plink.
The .45 auto with a .22 conversion unit was my first handgun 28 years ago, and the combo has worked really well for me, and I have tried most of the 'new and improved' as they came out. But, still packing a 1911 everyday!
Wheelguns are nice.....I have had a few over the years(mostly Jay frames for pocket and back up carry), but none now...I have simplified my defensive approach and stick with one basic type for total familiarity under stressful circumstances. The GP-100 is a sweet revolver, though I think the .357 is somewhat overrated.
My .02
Jercamp45

 

[Thirties]

Dion, another approach would be this:

Realize that a) your first gun purchase will not be your last;
and b) you are under no obligation to get three guns at once, or right away.

So lighten up a little and don't place so much importance on the task. Get your first gun, familiarize yourself with it, shoot it, maybe learn to load your own, compare your new gun to others', enjoy it.

When you feel the need for another, go for it. When you realize a certain gun you have chosen is no longer interesting to you, sell or trade it.

Enjoy shooting, and collecting. Your tastes will change and/or evolve. Count on it.

These should not be earth-shaking decisions for you.

Now, choosing a wife is an earth-shaking decision indeed. Just don't use the above advice when choosing a wife, or you may find yourself having to sell your guns to support your former wives.

 

[wrinkles]

S&W P22 , Springfield XD-40, Taurus 608 357 Mag

 

[fistful]

Thirties is so very right. Take it easy.

A 92 for carry? Little bit on the big and heavy side, dontcha think? That's what 1911 Commanders are for. But I don't carry (yet), so I could be wrong. No harm in carrying it for a while, to see if you like it.

Speaking of 1911's, if you get a mil-spec type of gun, just remember that it's a long way from the modern people-shooting arm that we've become used too. Small sights, smaller ejection port, and that beavertail's there for a reason, ya know. You might need a gunsmith and some more money if you're gonna bring it up to speed.

The 1911 because it's... a 1911. It's in a good caliber with easy-to-find ammo and inexpensive mags.

If you want to use that 1911 for its intended purpose you want the best mags you can find - price be hanged.

Before I get flamed: yes, the as-issued 1911 has an impressive record, but it's got its shortcomings.