now I am looking to purchase a .40 cal

[gabarber1]

ok, so now here I am a week later. I have been to four different shops, and held probably 15-20 guns. The sigma- not in my mind anymore- it did not fit in my hand! I have a large palm and fairly short fingers-( the glock did not fit either- might as well try holding on to a bowling ball for a handle, as it fit about the same.) I tried rugers, hk's, taurus, sig, beretta, etc. etc. then I got ahold of an eaa witness in .40 cal- not too bad, but the one that felt the best, and is now on the top of my list is the IMI baby desert eagle in .40 cal- it has a narrow enogh grip, it just feels right, and every other one I pick up I am comparing to the grip on the baby eagle. at $389.00 new, it was just a little more than I wanted to spend, but it is worth it for the comfort. I am sure that someone will blast me for this gun too, but all of the info I have been able to find has been positive about this particular model. It like a couple of you guys said- you gotta go with what feels good. I can now say that I found it!!!

 

[355sigfan]

Sigma's suck. I have seen a lot of problems with them. One of the biggest flaws is the trigger. Its never the same twice. The pull weight varies quite a bit. The reliability on these things varies for poor to bad. Stick with a Glock. Sig and HK also make nice .40's
Pat

 

[Srigs]

Gabarber1,

Sounds like you found a single stack that will work for you. Congrats and enjoy shooting it.

I myself was going to suggest looking at lots of different guns and picking the one that feels right to you. If it does not feel right, then you won't use it and take the time to master it.

My SW40VE is my 40S&W of choice. I have large hands and it fits me very well, I enjoy and do well shooting it. I have only 2000 rounds through it now and it still looks new. I have shot Glocks and just does not feel right to me.

Enjoy your Baby Eagle!

 

[MrBigStuff]

The sigma is ok but has a toy-like feel to it. I'd buy a second hand Glock over it.

 

[Marshall]

Maybe I missed something, why are you not considering a Springfield XD-40?

 

[gabarber1]

I stopped at small shop a few miles from where I work today, found a very nice used .40 cal baby eagle with 2 mags, cleaning kit, locking case, and a lock for $319.00 + tx- put $25.00 down and the guy will hold it till my permit to purchase shows up. he actually let me shoot it- what a great first time out- sights were right on the money, and I was able to aim with either eye! I can't to go get it and put LOTS more rounds through it. BTW, the plastic guns didn't do anything for me- not heavy enough. thanks to all who posted. I check this about once a day if anyone else has something to add, keep it going....

 

[runninmike]

Nice find!
Best-MC

 

[pistolero6869]

GaBarber Good for you! you took the time to do the leg work and found what I think is the pistol best suited to you. The grip is every thing. Next is trigger pull to get those Two things your off to a great start. keep up the good work see you at the range! Good Luck with the new pistol George

 

[sturmruger]

My dad bought a Sigma way back in 1999 when we were all worried about Y2K.

It has been a very dependaable gun that is accurate enough for what it is intended for. I myself do not like shooting it. For being a 9mm pistols it has some of the harshest recoil I I have felt. It is a sharp quick recoil that starts to hurt my hands. I shoot XD, Steyrs, and my old P89 and find them to feel much better. I would not say they are a bad gun, just differant, for the price they are offering them I think they are worth the money. I think a hogue grip on my Dad's Sigma would make it a lot nicer on my hands.

 

[BloodyRAzorBlades]

Best 40 cals in my opinion are the SmithWesson 4006 and the Glock 22

 

[MachIVshooter]

Gabarber1,

Sounds like you found a single stack that will work for you. Congrats and enjoy shooting it.

Baby Eagle is a double column.

Good choice, gabarber. The Baby Eagle is a fine pistol. They basic format is a TZ (Italian Tanfoglio) based on the CZ-75. Before finishing, they are shipped to IMI in Israel where the final machinework is done. After that, they go to Magnum Research and then are distributed. I have one in 9mm. After shooting mine, four of my friends had their own within 6 weeks. IMO, the Baby Eagle is probably one of the best pistols out there in a reasonable price range. Awesome ergonomics, reliability is second to none and they are accurate as well. The poly rifled barrel is an added bones (and one of the reasons they cost slightly more than the TZ (Witness). Your pistol will accept .40 cal Witness magazines.

Best 40 cals in my opinion are the SmithWesson 4006 and the Glock 22

I'll agree on the 4006. It is the only .40 that I have not sold/traded. The G22 I had, on the other hand, was quite easy to part with.

since you're new to guns and you probably dont know anything i would highly recommend to avoid purchasing a pistol from the internet. drive to your local gun store right now, ask for a glock. if you want to carry, get a 27 or 23 (i personally love the 23C) or if you want to shoot at the range or if you're comfortable carrying a large gun, go for the 22.

remember, those are glock 27, glock 23, glock 23c and glock 22.

if you say 22, he or she will give you a ruger mark3 or something and you'll probably buy it thinking it's a glock

That is quite possibly the most condescending post I have ever seen and is unbecoming a member of THR.