Recommendation for first handgun?

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I've handled Glocks before, although not fired them, and I'm entirely unhappy with the grips. Besides, they're butt ugly.
 
yea I dont like the grips on a Glock all that much myself...The xd-9 however feels great..Give it a try
 
Azrael, Isn't the XD basically a single action pistol? The striker is the loaded chamber indicator and the pistol has no way of decocking. So once you load the chamber and the indicator shows it's loaded then the striker is cocked waiting for the sear to release it.
 
sort of I guess...But it has a longer trigger pull than most "true" single actions...I think it is a "safe-action" or DAO kinda like the Glock..but dont quote me on that...I am not a gunsmith I just make holsters for them..lol..I like the Grip safety myself but others may not...Some that are more Knowledgeable than I can explain the differences better..
 
Well,
I'm definitely in the 9mm or 357/38 camp. In 9mm it would have to be the CZ75 hands down. Probably the most accurate/reliable/best fitting service 9mm (with the more expensive BHP right behind). Or for a police trade in S&W 19 or 66. They will have some holster wear, but they have hardly been shot. Then take the rest of your money and spend it on some training. No offense to your county sheriff friend but if you go to Gunsite (their classes are the most expensive starting at $750) Badlands (their classes start at $150...a STEAL!) or Front Sight, or Chuck Taylor's academy, you will most likely learn more than he can teach you.

Just a thought
Rich
 
No offense to your county sheriff friend but if you go to Gunsite (their classes are the most expensive starting at $750) Badlands (their classes start at $150...a STEAL!) or Front Sight, or Chuck Taylor's academy, you will most likely learn more than he can teach you.

If you're trying to quietly and nicely hint that most cops are barely competent...I know. My friend was on the department's competition pistol team for many years and often complains about fellow officers not putting in enough range time, though, so I figure he's one of the good ones.

The classes you mention are precluded by my lack of a car, but I may look into them sometime in the future.
 
Amib controls=CZ85 combat....
Unfortunately, CZ85 is currently not on California DoJ approved list for handguns. I too recommend you consider the CZ75B and a .22lr Kadet Kit. The trigger smooths out quite a bit after about 500 rounds and the rubber grips feel great. In my area, unfortunately, it's hard to find a shooting range that has CZ's for rent. . .:(
 
Isn't the CZ-75 sometimes nicknamed the "Czech wonder nine"?
 
My first pistol was a Beretta 92F, precisely for the price of the ammo. I also liked the fit (my hands are kinda biggish) of a Large frame.
 
The CZ-75 is the original "Wonder Nine". It led the way for all the DA/SA hi-cap 9mm pistols you see on the market today.
 
Let me try to make a link for you.

Also try this forum for info on any CZ's.

Mine has been totally reliable and hassle-free shooting 9mm (a few stove-pipes with the .22lr but it's just for practice so no biggie :rolleyes: ) but as always you want to look at as much as possible before choosing.

edited to fix links :banghead:
 
I would recommend a medium frame, double action .357 with a 4" barrel in stainless steel. This is about the most versatile gun you can have if you only have one.

You can shoot .38 special target loads for mild recoiling fun loads all the way up to hot and heavy .357 mag loads for hunting deer and everything in between. You can also use shot loads if you are in snake country. The revolver will generally be less finicky than a semi-auto in regards to ammo that you use and in maintenance needed.

The medium frame and 4" barrel will be compact enough to carry concealed if you are able to and makes an excellant gun for tromping around in the woods. The stainless steel will decrease your maintenance needs as well.

Take a look at Rugers and S&W's. You can find a used Ruger Security Six in excellant condition for as low as $300 or you could go for a nice collectable S&W 66 for a little more in used guns. Or look at Ruger's GP100 or S&W's 686 for a little heavier gun that will also cost a little more.

Even though I love my 1911's, it's tough to beat a good .357 for all around use.
 
I have the CZ75B compact, which is like the second picture, but it isn't as shiny as in the picture. FYI, the only finish for the CZ75 you can get in California is the "Black Polycoat" since for each different coating, they have to re-test the gun :banghead: :rolleyes: . Try to find a local Turner's Outdoorsman since they are an authorized CZ dealer and see how they fit your hand (check out the rubber grips if you can ;) ).
 
I would recommend a medium frame, double action .357 with a 4" barrel in stainless steel. This is about the most versatile gun you can have if you only have one.

You can shoot .38 special target loads for mild recoiling fun loads all the way up to hot and heavy .357 mag loads for hunting deer and everything in between. You can also use shot loads if you are in snake country. The revolver will generally be less finicky than a semi-auto in regards to ammo that you use and in maintenance needed.

True, but my (admittedly limited) experience is that semiautomatics simply feel more natural for me.
 
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