my first semi-auto. opinions needed.

[Grantonius]

I'm about to be in the market for a pistol, and I've only got about $400 to spend, I've been doing plenty of research online, and i almost have my heart set on a taurus 24/7 but I've seen a few bad reviews and alot of reports of them jamming up after the break-in period. so I'm still up for suggestions. Any help at all will be appreciated

 

[lanternlad1]

The problem with Taurus is not necessarily the quality, but the after sale service - which sucks. I don't buy Taurus for that reason. (I also know a few gunsmiths who won't work on them.)

For a first pistol I'd recommend a revolver, just until you get your shooting skills ironed out. No risk of misfires unless you have bad rounds (usually). You can find Rugers and some Smiths for about $400 if you look around.

If you are set on a semi-auto, Glocks, XDs, and Smith M&P are all very good for newer shooters, and can be had for about what you have to spend. (I've bought XDs at gun shows for $411.00 OTD)

As for caliber, if you want to shoot a lot, get 9mm as it is the cheapest center fire round available. Good Luck!

 

[Marcus L.]

Well, what do you plan to do with the pistol? If it is for defensive needs, then I suggest a used Glock 9mm. The Model 19 is a great balance of compact size, yet large enough for good handling. Glock 9mms are one of the top defensive pistols out there.

 

[possum]

welcome to thr, there are good reviews about the taurus offerings and there are bad most of the good ones that i see are about the 1911's, which all seem to be good. the semi autos they are so so. i say give the thing a try they do have a lifetime warranty, thier warranty work sometimes takes a while. if i were you i would get a used glock or xd, with either one of those they are proven and you can't go wrong, and if something does happen to the glock they will send you parts, or fix it, if something happens to the sa xd there cs will square you away.

 

[Ben Russell]

BRussell

Glocks are very good handguns. One downside to them if you are new user is that there is no manual safety. The only safety that they have is a little bit of trigger slack before it engages the firing pin. Although the Springfield XDs are very similar to Glocks and they do have a manual safety and several other safety features. If you are just plinking then a 9mm is ok but if it is self defense then go with the 45cal. I Have carried a G21 for 5 years while in law enforcement. Good self defense.

 

[Grantonius]

thanks, guys. i already have a revolver. its nothing but an old .32 s&w revolver ( it belonged to my great grand father) and id rather just leave it in the case at the moment and clean it every so often. i do have a little shooting experience under my belt, my father and grand father both were/are police officers.

 

[Smaug]

A good 22 is the way to start out. They are accurate, fun, and cheap to shoot.

Later, when you buy your 3rd handgun, you'll still be shooting that 22 when you can't afford to shoot centerfire.

Look into a Ruger Mk. III or Browning Buck Mark. You can get a nice one for well under $400.

Here's my Mk. II Target model that I got used as my first gun in 1997, along with some of its 25 yd. groups:


If you're dead-set on centerfire, a clean used Glock 17 or 19 would fit the bill.

 

[knicks118]

Welcome to THR,

Assuming when you mean $400 and under, that includes shipping and FFL fees.

I would consider a Sig 225/P6 from Aim Surplus, Rock Island Armory 1911 from Gunbroker at $375 shipped, or call CDNN and tell them what you are looking for and your price range.

I would most definitely stick with 9mm or .22 for your first gun.

 

[camacho]

If you are new to shooting the idea of the 22 suggested in a previous post is a good one. With a 22 you can get the basics easier. If you are not new to shooting handguns, then for the money you want to spend you might want to look at a Ruger which are well built, and are very affordable.

The one in the picture is $367 delivered from Buds.
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/75/products_id/13462

 

[sheephearder]

We all recommend our favorites. What you like may be different than my preference. If possible you should go to a range where you can rent several types of pistols. Personally I would recommend a 22 to start with, it will allow cheap practice, low recoil and muzzle blast. A 9mm is also a good choice as well as a 38/357 revolver. As I said the best way is to try a number of different guns. You also can find bad reports on most any gun made. There is some truth in these reports but you will also find people who have had good luck with the same arms (take all reports with a grain of salt).
I have not had good luck with Taurus but have friends who have good ones.
------Bill

 

[RPCVYemen]

Stoeger Cougar.

 

[kitsapcharly]

+1 on the rental guns at a gun range. 22 is the cheapest. I recently picked up a 22/45 convertible from EAA Witness. It works well with both calibers. Has interchangeable barrel, slide assembly and mags. Sells for about $400. Mine works fine but I hate to recommend any gun because things can vary.
I've had two Taurus pistols...one works fine but the other which was identical except for caliber that if I tried to list all its faults you'd think I was making it all up.
Xd pistols are usually very good but cost around $500. Bersa pistols cost much less and are very good for the money. Look at the XD forum and Bersatalk to read about them. Kel-tecs are low cost and very light and concealable but can be tricky for beginners. All three companys have very good customer service which some others DON'T!!
Getting a 22 and shooting it a LOT is the best way to start shooting. You can find much advice on the net.
Best of luck.

 

[Marcus L.]

We all recommend our favorites.

Not necessarily. I'm actually not a big fan of striker fired pistols, but I know that the Glock 9mm has a long track record of reliability, durability, and is a great pistol for new users. I tend to favor classic DA/SA pistols like Sigs.

 

[Dutch1911]

Wow... talk about your apples and oranges Marcus L. LOL.
To each his own.
DON'T bother with the Taurus 24/7. I spent some time with my local smithy and dry fired it and handled it for a while. Felt like I was about to break the damn thing.
Sounds like you may not have handled the weapon yet. If so... buy no gun before it is felt in your hands. It may not fit you. Or you may think it's cool as 12 year old scotch.
Either way, if you are undecided don't waste your money. Spend some time at a gun shop (not a sporting goods store). Feel up some guns, dry fire, feel the balance, the weight, the grip. There is a spirit with each 1911 I've ever owned. Hard to find in plastic.
Anyway... spend some time before you buy. The man behind the counter may only be trying to make a sale.
Happy hunting comrade.

Dutch