Need Help Choosing First Handgun

[Yellow Dart]

So I've decided to buy my first handgun. Before I continue, I'm no stranger to firearms and own several rifles. I also have a decent amount of experience firing pistols of various calibers so I have a basic idea of what I'm looking for.

I'd like something that will perform well in a home defense role but I don't plan on carrying so weight and size are not an issue. I would prefer if it was affordable to shoot since I would like to spend a fair amount of time at the range with it. I am, however, willing to compromise on the ammo price if the caliber is particularly interesting (i.e. 5.7mm). Also, recoil is not really a huge issue. I personally can't even tell that a 9mm has recoil beyond the kick of the slide cycling. To me a .45 ACP is completely comfortable and manageable, the bigger the caliber the better. (.500 S&W, however, is a different matter )

I also don't plan on buying another handgun anytime soon so I want it to be something that is going to last. Workmanship and quality are very important. Function is the first priority but I'm considering looks as well. I would prefer to keep the budget around or under $800 which should still give me a fairly wide selection.

I've always leaned toward the Walther P99. I think its a beautiful piece of hardware and I know Walther is a great manufacturer. I've never fired one before but I have handled several and they are probably one of the most comfortable, ergonomic, and natural fitting guns I've ever held. I would prefer it .40 since I'm not completely sold on the effectiveness of the 9mm. I have heard that the P99 performs better in 9mm though as this is the caliber it was originally designed for. I know Smith & Wesson make a .45 ACP P99 but I would prefer a German made Walther. If anyone has any personal experience comparing the .40 and 9mm P99 it would be greatly appreciated.

Another pistol I've looked at is the FN Five-seveN. I love the innovative design features and the uniqueness of the gun. I've never really been a huge fan of any pistol caliber so I like the 5.7mm round which is essentially a small scale rifle round. The idea of a pistol that is accurate beyond 200 yards also appeals to me. Seems with the low recoil, long range, and great accuracy, this would be a really fun range gun. Also, the Five-seveN holds 20 rounds in a standard magazine yet remains very light. I've never fired a Five-seveN but I have held one and it feels almost as good in the hand as a P99. My only reservation is the controversial effectiveness of the 5.7mm round. Some say the SS 190 (the "armor-piercing" round that FN no longer offers to civilians) is very effective, while others argue that the round is incapable of reliably stopping an aggressor. And the civilian round is even worse, having been compared to a .22 magnum, which is definitely not what I'm looking for.

My final consideration is the HK Mk23. I love HK firearms and the Mk23 is probably one of the most solidly constructed handguns out there. Its large size is not a problem with me since I don't plan on carrying it, and I like it much better than the USP (although USP's are much cheaper and more readily available). I know HK has discontinued the Mk23 for civilian sale so its probably hard to find one and I expect the price tag is going to hurt a bit. I do like the fact that its a .45 and the long barrel and excellent accuracy make it a perfect range gun. If ever needed in a self defense scenario, I have no doubt it wouldn't let me down.

Also, as a side note, don't bother suggesting a Glock as I personally do not like them. I know they are very well made and have a huge following but they point like a brick and don't feel nearly as good in my hand. I would like to hear your opinions and suggestions, especially if you own any of the aforementioned guns. And thanks in advance for the help

 

[Hawaiian]

The HK Mk23 is a great firearm. Another suggestion is the newer HK45.

 

[jdc1244]

I also don't plan on buying another handgun anytime soon so I want it to be something that is going to last. Workmanship and quality are very important. Function is the first priority but I'm considering looks as well. I would prefer to keep the budget around or under $800 which should still give me a fairly wide selection.

That would be a Colt’s 1911 model O1991 or O1091 (stainless). I own the latter and can highly recommend it.

 

[thirdeagle]

You're not considering any wheelguns?

For a first handgun AND as someone looking for a "do it all" firearm, I'd say at the very least consider a revolver. $800 will take you a long way in a wheel gun purchase.

 

[308sc]

It seems you already have done a ton of research. Each one of the guns you mentioned is very different. I too question the actual effectiveness of the 5.7mm round I honestly do not know much about it except it is the same round used in the P90's. It seems that it is very effective at ranges, but i honestly doubt if it is as effective as a .45 JHP or something.....oh that another good point I really don't know what types of expanding/JHP are available for the 5.7 although I have seen some loaded with Hornady V-Max's. So if it was me I would rule the 5.7 out. If you want something cheap that is somewhat similar to the 5.7 as it shoots a sub-machine gun round as well......the CZ 52.....there about $180. (i wouldn't trust my life on one, but they are fun to shoot)

I think the Walther P99 in 9mm is a great choice. sure. 40, and .45 have some more power but with a premium hollow point the gap really does close

I might would opt for a 9mm, more capacity and the 9mm is basically universal so in a difficult situation it would be easy to find. I love my .45s as well so the caliber is personal preference

I would check out Sig Sauers, they are reliable, very accurate, and durable.

HK's are great but I have heard parts are very hard to come by, and Customer service is horrible.....but thats just what I have heard, not what I have experienced.

Anyway Hope i helped a little bit.

 

[Kryzen]

1911

 

[Timradcliffe345]

Glock in your favorite flavor

 

[Jason_G]

I know HK has discontinued the Mk23 for civilian sale so its probably hard to find one and I expect the price tag is going to hurt a bit.

Yeah, about $1200-$1300 NIB would be a good deal right now. If you want an H&K in .45 ACP, the HK45 would be the one I would buy.

Jason

 

[MachIVshooter]

If I were in the market for a single, NEW semi-auto pistol for home defense and range use, I'd likely go with the Baby Eagle .45. They're about $550 in black, $750 in custom finishes like hard chrome.

That said, you seem to be leaning toward a polymer gun based on those you've mentioned as appealing. You mention HK; you won't find them in your price range most likely. Also, even if you were willing to buck up for a Mk 23, I'd suggest firing one before dropping $1,500+. They're unbalanced and horribly uncomfortable compared to most other conventional handguns. Honestly, my Desert Eagle .50 has a more natural feel than the Mk 23.

Two other polymer pistols worth mention are the Springfield XD 45 and the S&W M&P .45. I have an M&P, and love it. And I generally dislike polymer guns.

There is also, of course, John Browning's gift to mankind; the one and only 1911.

 

[Yellow Dart]

You're not considering any wheelguns?

I was mainly looking at autos but I wouldn't rule out a revolver if I find one that I really like. Personally I don't like the look or feel of most revolvers but I do like the offerings from Taurus, notably the raging bull and their other large frame series. I would say Taurus revolvers are the only ones I've seen so far that I like the look of. Also revolvers do give more options for caliber.

There is also, of course, John Browning's gift to mankind; the one and only 1911.

I do love 1911's. The only turn off for me is the single stack mags. I know that 7 rounds of .45 should be plenty but it never hurts to have more.

I'm still kind of leaning toward the P99 because of the way it fits my hand. Its like an extension of my body. Also, I know that some of the hotter 9mm loads can greatly close the gap between 9 and .40. Is the P99 capable of handling these loads?

Also, thanks for the baby eagle suggestion, I really like the look of those but I've never seen one up close. How do they perform and are they as well made as say a walther or HK? Thanks for all of the great suggestions so far.

 

[dakotasin]

I also don't plan on buying another handgun...

lol... that was my thought as well. didn't work for me - maybe you have much more self control than i do.

Workmanship and quality are very important.

kudos to you for considering quality first and foremost. your first gun will serve you well, i'm sure.

my own suggestion is for you to not rule out sig sauer; i think the p229 is about as good as it gets.

good luck!

 

[Yellow Dart]

I have been lucky enough to fire a P229 and its probably one of the best .45's I've ever used. Unfortunately it just doesn't fit my hand quite as well as some of the others. I agree that it is a great firearm though.

I'm still leaning heavily toward the P99. I was also wondering is it possible to get a barrel compensator for the P99 that looks like the ones you can get on the P22? I know it probably has little if any practical value but I think the P22/P99 style pistol with the compensator might be one of the best looking guns. So far I haven't found anything for it. I suppose its totally superfluous but if they make one, I'd be interested in it.

 

[FlaChef]

Sounds like you are in the market for a P99.
Go for it, great guns.
It is probably my second or third favorite "feel in the hand" gun I've ever tried. It was going to be my first gun until I picked up a Steyr from the display case and that was "it". I've also recently become smitten with the feel of the new xdm.
A p99 is still on my list though when finances turn back around.

As long as you are in the top tier "name" manufacturers i encourage everyone to go with what "feels" right to them and puts the controls in the right places for their hands. If someone has preferences on caliber, size, action type. etc. then go by feel from there.

As far as HK's go, I personally ruled them out a long time ago because i have never heard anyone with a good story about their warranty service or customer service. In fact a friend who is a PD dept amourer shared some vry bad ones (imaging what chance you have to get your gun fixed if the dept that buys hundreds can't get service).

there are a lot of caliber wars thread/artice/ even whole books, you can read up on those. I will send a very small Pm with my thought to avoid getting sidetracked.

 

[Rmac58]

I'll agree with the poster about the 5.7 mm, that is JUST barely larger than a .22, it's a .223.
If you get the chance, try out a CZ, they have many options in .40, I have a P-06, It's a compact alloy frame, but they offer full (standard) size all steel, the 75. They have a .45 also, the 97.
Mine is quite accurate, and reliable and they sell for reasonable prices.

 

[dakotasin]

I have been lucky enough to fire a P229 and its probably one of the best .45's I've ever used.

i don't believe the p229 has ever been available in 45... 357 sig, 9mm, and 40...

at any rate, if you don't like it, ya don't like it!

good luck!

 

[geronimo509]

you love 1911's, but dont like the single stack. I found a solution, para ord gun rights model in double stacked. It is so nice and comfortable to shoot and feels great!

 

[geronimo509]

Also, you got 14 +1 of 45 acp. I only keep 13 in the mag and 1 in the chamber. But I have never had a single malfunction.

 

[jjk308]

I did the same sort of research before buying my first pistol. Then I found out that I just couldn't shoot it well because all those reviewers and testers didn't have the same shape hands and length of fingers that I did.

Aside from ignoring oddball stuff like the 5.7 that'll probably join the .45 GAP in ammo limbo - it has NO advantages I can see - you are better off trying a few pistols in a popular round, anything from 9mm on up, and deciding which one you prefer to shoot. And don't just hold them, shoot them.

And remember that hitting your target with 7 rounds always beats missing it with 15.

 

[orchidhunter]

When you say "the idea of a pistol that is accurate beyond 200 yards appeals to me". I say, WOW. orchidhunter

 

[vector248]

If you like the 1911, might be worth looking at the Hi-Power, should be able to pick up a nice one in your price range. might also be worth looking at the taurus 24/7 OSS, i have not shot one yet, but i like how it feels in my hand. 12+1 of .45, and J&G has them for $499. I have read good things about the 24/7 line, and i love my Taurus wheel guns.

http://www.jgsales.com/product_info...7-oss-45acp-new/cPath/16_149/products_id/2340

 

[chemclay]

desert eagle .44mag

 

[CrankyOldGuy]

I went through an elimination process when choosing my CC handgun. Although I too am a 1911 guy, my choices (a Glock 36 and 26) were based on evaluating the features and shootability after shooting many pistols including XDs, M&Ps, Taurus .45s and my own compact 1911s.

For 1911-trained hands the Glocks need some practice but so did every other pistol I tried. I eliminated the M&P due to the terrible long and "crunchy" trigger pull of every one I tested. The XD trigger also left me wanting but both of these are good pistols, just not good for me. The 1911s are wonderful, but too heavy with many projections to hang up in clothing. Some people carry them well, but they weren't good enough to fit my needs as a concealed carry gun.

As you can see, I selected features and function that was right for me, and that is exactly what I suggest you do. I was looking for a carry pistol, I selected something completely different for home defense; a full sized 1911 and an S&W Model66 do duty as HD pistols for my wife and I, backing up my Winchester 1300 Defender.

The right tool is the one you can use properly. Take the time to find the right one for you (in reality that means shooting one before you buy one) and practice, practice, practice.

If you can't shoot a Glock well, don't get one no matter what the fans say.

 

[Shenanigans]

Check out the FNP series by FN. I've got the 9mm version, but they've got them in .40 and .45ACP as well. All of the models have great reviews and I love the one I have.

If you're curious, check out fnforum.net, there's a ton of info there.

 

[Yellow Dart]

i don't believe the p229 has ever been available in 45... 357 sig, 9mm, and 40...

I was mistaken, It was a p220 that I fired. Although I have fired a .357 sig and really liked the round. It seemed pretty hot, I imagine being a necked down round it has a pretty high velocity. Kind of like a more useful 5.7mm round, I imagine it performs kind of like a .357 mag?

When you say "the idea of a pistol that is accurate beyond 200 yards appeals to me". I say, WOW.

Since its primarily going to be a range gun it seemed like a neat idea

might also be worth looking at the taurus 24/7 OSS

I'm glad you mentioned this one. I have been kind of interested in one. It seems to me like a "poor mans Mk.23". Not to say that it isn't a great quality gun. Based on what I've read from the site, it's supposed to meet all of the same operational requirements as the Mk. 23. If anyone has any personal experience with them (ie quality, accuracy, reliability) I'd love to hear it.

As far as shooting them, I've shot all different types of 1911's: kimbers, nighthawk customs, taurus, etc. I have also fired an XD, a S&W 9mm compact, some SIGs and a few glocks. I tend to be a fair shot with most pistols, the only thing I've come across that gave me any trouble was the smith and wesson compact 9mm's... just couldn't seem to shoot them well. Unfortunately I have yet to find anyone I know with a P99 though and there is no range anywhere near me that rents them so I'm kind of out of luck with that one. I'm going to have to rely on your experiences as to how they shoot for now.

Thanks for all of the suggestions so far, you've been a great help

 

[okespe04]

Glock