i want to purchase my first semi-auto handgun. i have a taurus 85ss, so i want both a more substantial round, and either a medium framed or full-sized weapon. i think i would like to keep it to a 9mm or .40. a .45 might be an option later. i am also interested in a stainless weapon. so, to recap: 9mm or .40, stainless, medium to full sized, and the kicker......the price should be no more than $600. options?
suggestions for first semi-auto
- Thread starter carlrodd
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Nitrogen
Member
XD.
Fully integrated safeties (trigger and grip) and no hammer. (Striker fired)
Great grip, points quite naturally.
Great for a first semiauto, as well as for daily carry, as long as you don't mind it being thicker than a glock.
EDIT: Even the subcompact is fine as a first semiauto. My 9mm subcompact kicks a bit, but the few new shooters that have tried it never had any problems adapting to mine quickly.
Fully integrated safeties (trigger and grip) and no hammer. (Striker fired)
Great grip, points quite naturally.
Great for a first semiauto, as well as for daily carry, as long as you don't mind it being thicker than a glock.
EDIT: Even the subcompact is fine as a first semiauto. My 9mm subcompact kicks a bit, but the few new shooters that have tried it never had any problems adapting to mine quickly.
'Card
Member
Springfield Armory's XD series. 4" service model. Bi-tone. Available in 9mm, .40S&W, or .357SIG. (also a Bi-toned version available in .45ACP later this summer, although you said you wanted to go smaller than that)
I'm an XD fan, so you may want to take that with a grain of salt, but I think it'd be an excellent choice for a first-time auto-owner. It's simple, reliable, safe, effective, and forgiving.
I'm an XD fan, so you may want to take that with a grain of salt, but I think it'd be an excellent choice for a first-time auto-owner. It's simple, reliable, safe, effective, and forgiving.
'Card
Member
My personal preference is .45ACP, but I'd take .40S&W over the .357SIG. Of course, if you're worried about recoil and want to shoot a lot (so that ammo costs become a factor) then there's nothing wrong with going 9mm.
Bobo
Member
I'm going to go ahead and throw a vote in for Glock. You won't find a semi-auto that is easier to use or maintain...which is important for a first time SA owner in my opinion.
That being said, the rule about always keeping your finger off of the trigger until you are ready to fire is ESPECIALLY important with a Glock.
If you want 9mm then you're options are plenty. Go to the "Pistol Info" link at www.teamglock.com and you can read all the specs on the various models.
Also, if you shop around you can find them for less than $500 (I paid for $475 a couple of weeks ago). Use that extra $100 on ammo.
The Glock doesn't come with a stainless finish, but the Tenifer finish they use is as good or better than stainless (I've seen more rust on "stainless" pistols than I have on Glocks).
That being said, the rule about always keeping your finger off of the trigger until you are ready to fire is ESPECIALLY important with a Glock.
If you want 9mm then you're options are plenty. Go to the "Pistol Info" link at www.teamglock.com and you can read all the specs on the various models.
Also, if you shop around you can find them for less than $500 (I paid for $475 a couple of weeks ago). Use that extra $100 on ammo.
The Glock doesn't come with a stainless finish, but the Tenifer finish they use is as good or better than stainless (I've seen more rust on "stainless" pistols than I have on Glocks).
Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
I'm a .45 kind'a guy, but I will vote for the Springer XD series in either
caliber of your choice~!
caliber of your choice~!
USMC Tanker
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For a good 9mm or .40 semi-auto for under $600 I think your best options would be a used Browning High Power, a CZ, or Springfield Armory XD. Glocks just don't do it for me, doesn't make me go "Wow..."
doublebarrel
Member
A brick with trigger, a Ruger that is. CDNN was selling KP93D(that's a 9mm P93 stainless decock only) for $299.99. For your budget, you can get a pair...
GoBrush
Member
Either the Springfield XD or a Beretta model 92 or 96
If you can save a few more pennies go with a SIG
If you can save a few more pennies go with a SIG
robctwo
Member
Look at the recent CZ threads. Look at the targets. Most of us who own many handguns agree with the CZ accuracy and low price. My 75 BD from 2002 is almost as accurate as my $1,200 Sig 226 Stainless Stock.
I went shopping with a friend today who picked up an XD with night sites for less than the cost a Glock with regular plastic ones. It was flawless at the range, and I was very impressed by the accuracy and ergos in the couple mags I shot through it. While shooting one-handed, however, I did get get a little pinch from the grip safety. Shoot before you buy, as they say. Since you're accustomed to wheel guns with no manual safety, and you hopefull are aware of the rules of safe handling, I wouldn't be afraid to recommend this pistol as a first semi-auto under 600.
Runners up:
Glock (no stainless though)
CZ
Kahr
Sig CPO
Runners up:
Glock (no stainless though)
CZ
Kahr
Sig CPO
Marshall
Member
WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO USE IT FOR?
lee n. field
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All kinds of possibilities in that price range. Any of the Rugers will come in at that price range. Any of the CZs. Glock. Lot's of choices.
You want more substantial than a .38? Stop messing around. Get a Springfield 1911.
Ditto. That's the other thing you have to figure out.
WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO USE IT FOR?
i love to shoot, and i think i've caught the handgun bug. i have the .38, so i want something bigger and different. practically, whatever i get would replace the .38 on my nightstand as well. i think those ruger kp89 9mms look great, but i think i might want a bigger round than that.
i love to shoot, and i think i've caught the handgun bug. i have the .38, so i want something bigger and different. practically, whatever i get would replace the .38 on my nightstand as well. i think those ruger kp89 9mms look great, but i think i might want a bigger round than that.
Just_a_dude_with_a_gun
Member
Beretta 92 (9mm) or 96 (.40) ? Perhaps a second hand pistol to meet the price. A used Sig 226 may also fit the bill, though I don't think they made them all steel until recently.
The KAHR T9 or T40 look good- full size, single stack, steel, in 9 or 40.
The KAHR T9 or T40 look good- full size, single stack, steel, in 9 or 40.
brickboy240
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- Jan 19, 2005
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Under 600 bucks and a 9 or 40?
These are what I'd look at...
Pre-owned Sig P226 or P228 from CDNN (can be had for under 500 bucks)
Springfield XD-9 or XD-40 (I have an XD-40 and love it)
CZ-75 (skip the other CZ pistols, this is the best one)
Beretta 92 or 96 (a nice used one can be had for under 600)
Used FN Hi-Power 9mm (my favorite hi-cap 9mm)
Other 9mms and 40s are interesting, but these are some of the best shooters I have tried or currently own.
- Brickboy240
These are what I'd look at...
Pre-owned Sig P226 or P228 from CDNN (can be had for under 500 bucks)
Springfield XD-9 or XD-40 (I have an XD-40 and love it)
CZ-75 (skip the other CZ pistols, this is the best one)
Beretta 92 or 96 (a nice used one can be had for under 600)
Used FN Hi-Power 9mm (my favorite hi-cap 9mm)
Other 9mms and 40s are interesting, but these are some of the best shooters I have tried or currently own.
- Brickboy240
Marshall
Member
Will it be carried any?
AirForceShooter
Member
get thee to a range that rents guns. Shoot everything.
Then bed borrow every gun that someone will let you try. You'll be amazed how many of us will let you shoot our guns to see if you like it.
Then figure out which one you will buy.
You test drive a car don't you?
AFS
Then bed borrow every gun that someone will let you try. You'll be amazed how many of us will let you shoot our guns to see if you like it.
Then figure out which one you will buy.
You test drive a car don't you?
AFS
Lobotomy Boy
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The advice to go try a gun at the range is sound. Everyone has different shapes, styles, and tastes. What works for me might not work for you. Find a gun that fits your hand, that shoots where you point it, and that has a trigger that feels right to your finger. Once you decide what you like you should be able to find many options in your price range. You may end up with a Beretta, a Glock, a Para, a Springfield 1911, a CZ, a Sig, or any number of other fine guns on the market. It will be fun finding out what works for you, then fun finding the right gun.
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