Trying to decide on First Firearm

[raiderred11k]

Hey guys,

So I have been doing lots of research and looking around for about a year regarding my first firearm purchase. I have done lots of test firing and have narrowed it down to two pistols. I know this is odd but I have it between a Glock 19 in 9mm or a Beretta PX4 in .45. I know odd comparison. I am looking for a home defense/range gun. obviously I realize that 9mm is cheaper and more convenient to shoot than .45 at the range. And although I realize that 9mm with modern ammunition is substantial enough for home defense but I feel more comfortable with a .45 (.90 expansion vs. .70 is enough for me to want .45). the reason why I am bringing this up is because I don't know if my local rental range has a PX4 in .45 for test fire.

basically I have heard that the PX4 is the softest recoil there is. I am not at all recoil sensitive. I just enjoy shooting softer guns. I just really want to become a good shooter and I believe it would be easier to do this with a pistol that is softer recoiling as to accomplish double taps better, if that makes since. Accuracy and precision is my goal.

I have shot a Glock 21sf and was very satisfied with its recoil characteristics. it just wasn't as enjoyable at the range as a Glock 19. So if it helps to compare to a Glock 21 as far as recoil I will understand.

Other suggestions will also be appreciated. I am looking to keep price as low as possible (less than $650)

thanks guys

 

[Zerodefect]

Glock 19 is a fine choice. Stick with that until you get to shoot more.

I wouldn't overlook: S&W M&P 9mm's or Colt and Dan Wesson 1911's either.

 

[RussB]

A 22 auto is a fine choice for a first handgun, but it doesn't have the macho factor like a large caliber auto has

Of the two, go with the G-19. Lower cost ammo means more shooting.

Look at the S&W M&P, Springfield XD's and the Ruger SR9's too

 

[Shadow 7D]

for a first, defiantly get a .22 and save the pennies you would spend on ammo for your NEXT gun.

 

[raiderred11k]

Yeah I really don't want a .22 though. And I plan on getting a High priced 1911 in the future so trust me I have looked into Dan Wesson and I plan on owning a Colt at some point, just not for my first. And I have fired a S&W M&P 9 and I didnt like the trigger too much, same story with the XD. If I buy striker fired it will be Glock. Anyone own the PX4 in .45 that could give me an idea? I still think with the information I have from another Thread that I will go with the 19. Im just still curious about the Beretta. Thanks for all the replys so far.

 

[Zerodefect]

Glock 19 or 17 is the way to go then. Every collection needs a Glock and a 1911.

I skipped the .22 pistol when I was a new shooter as well. I started with 9mm. Which is still weak and cheap enough to effectively train with. But can be used as CCW or other serious work that a .22 can't.

I just grabbed a .22 later on when my budget allowed. But I sold it. It was too easy to shoot. Recoil control is a large part of the challenge or training for me. The .22 was just boring.

 

[X-Rap]

I will have to join in the g17/19 chorus, I just bought another on Friday. You should be able to pick up a used one for $300-$350 maybe $4 for a gen3 with night sights.
Get a good holster and use that safety between your ears.

 

[The Watchman]

Another vote for a G17/19. My glock 22 was the first handgun I purchased when I turned 21. A 17 soon followed. Years later I now own 5 glocks, my gen3-G17 has had ZERO issues and has probably had close to 5000 rounds down the pipe. Being that's a 9mm it sees the most range time by far. I will never sell it!!!

 

[Mr.Blue]

Try a Springfield XD45. You can get one for under $500. It holds 13+1 of .45acp. I like it a lot more than my now sold PX4. It is accurate, durable, and has the same grip angle as a 1911. Springfield also has much better customer service than Beretta.

Of the 30+ handguns that I have owned, it has always been my nightstand gun.

 

[Pietro Beretta]

Buy a 12 gauge -- with 00 buck -- great home defense gun that will penetrate as well as have more expansion.

Buy a .22 handgun -- not only is it cheap, fun to shoot -- you can even get a "girl" to have fun shooting with you.

Thats about a $500 investment if you don't get anything fancy.

 

[JohnBiltz]

Have you considered a Glock G30? Its a pretty soft shooting .45. You really need to decide on caliber.

 

[Jed Carter]

Want one or not, get a .22 and learn proper trigger control, get a 9mm-.45 and learn bad habits that could last a lifetime. I was too macho to get a .22 target pistol for my first handgun, cost of ammunition and anticipation of recoil really set me back, until I got a .22. Terminal performance aside, it is useless if you cannot hit the target, probably need more then one round with a hand gun anyway. If you must have a 9mm or .45 get a single action pistol, like a 1911 and a .22 conversion slide, also available for a G17. For your first pistol get a fullsize not a compact / subcompact. I would not consider getting a "carry" weapon until you have many thousands of rounds down range. 9mm $12+ per 50, .45acp $18+ per 50, .22lr $2+ per 50. 5000 rounds of .22 vs .45, $200 vs $1800. you will need pretty deep pockets to get the trigger time you may need to walk away from an armed altercation with a .45... unless you get lucky.

 

[ku4hx]

Whatever center fire handgun you decide on, practice, practice and practice some more. Usually 200-300 rounds for a beginner to gain acceptable "paper" proficiency. Then shoot some PPC and IDPA and get a feel for faux combat shooting. Then practice a couple of times a month to keep your proficiency up.

With a 12 GA shotgun you can gain proficiency in as little as 25-50 rounds or so...maybe fewer. Stoke it with 00 buck and use a cylinder bore choke. But even then, you still need to practice periodically. I like skeet and trap for that with an occasional sporting clays thrown in.

A .22 handgun is absolutely great for learning the basics of handgun shooting. And the ammo is considerably cheaper than center fire stuff too. At ~$20 for 500 you can do an awful lot of learning and improving with it before you face the "$25 for 20 rounds" scenario.

My wife is a relatively new shooter, and she loves my .22 pistols. She also loves my Glock 26 and claimed it for her own. And she's eyeing my Glock 19 too; she's well past paper proficiency. But no matter what you settle on finally, always remember shot placement is everything. No assailant was ever stopped but the sound and air rush of a 50 caliber loudenboomer.

 

[raiderred11k]

Well thanks you .22lr guys. Ya'll have made my decision. I have decided to go with the Glock 19 because I feel it is the best option based on all of the suggestions that you have given. I do need to practice proper trigger control and learn to shoot right. But sorry fellas I am unfortunetly one of those motcho men who must have a bigger caliber. Most of that is I have been waiting a really long time (3 years) to get my first handgun and I would be depressed if it was a .22lr. So I am going to go with a 9mm to get a lower recoil to practice with as well as a practical home defense round. Now that that decision has been made. Anyone know a good thread to read about proper trigger control and accuracy exercises for a beginner?

 

[Kiln]

Most people are advocating a .22 because the cost of ammo is low and you'll be able to get comfortable much easier with smaller calibers than large ones.

I started off with a Raven MP25 (.25 auto) and while it was reliable and amazingly accurate (Don't care what ppl say my Raven is and always has been a great pistol) it wasn't enough gun for me and I had to go for the macho factor as well. I bought a Kel Tec P40 and SUCKED with it...it also taught me how to flinch when I fired a pistol due to the heavy upward recoil.

When I went back to the Raven and a few .22 pistols I began to understand that I needed to get comfortable with smaller calibers and work my way up in order to achieve the best results. I did this and as a shooter I have really evolved to a point where I'm much more comfortable with pistols regardless of caliber. Going back to the .40 I am much better with it now.

Even though you've stated your decision I suggest you still grab a .22 pistol of some sort and practice with it along side your preferred choice, it will help in the long run and you'll be able to afford to shoot as much as you want.

 

[Jed Carter]

Raiderred: Why a G19 compact and not a fullsize G17, or G34? I shoot my G17 just a little better and faster than my G19 and my G34 which I use for IPSC/USPSA matches is my best non 1911 9mm. When it comes to pistols there is only one thing a compact can do better than a fullsize pistol, and that is conceal under a garment. Whatever you choose, enjoy it and as always, welcome to the High Road.

 

[waidmann]

It's funny how we older/experienced fellows preach .22's and training to no avail. I owned a Charter .44, New Model Blackhawk .357, and a Star BK 9mm before I got a Ruger .22 and settled into the business of learning to shoot.

Thirty-five years later, particularly if I'm having an off day, the Ruger comes out for a reality check.

The neices, nephews or others come over, a trail worn High Standard Senteniel and the Ruger come out for training.

For reading material, if you can find one, I suggest Field Manual 23-35,Pistols and Revolvers, my copy is dated February 1953. There is a lot of detail, 275 pages, and they reasonably expected engagements from the prone at 50 yards down to doubles at 6 and 8 feet.

 

[Skylerbone]

You can buy a Ruger 22/45 in .22lr AND a Sig 2022 in 9mm for $660 total. That would give you a home defense pistol with 16 round capacity in polymer and an inexpensive, fun to shoot (especially if you have a wife or kids) .22lr for extended practice.

If you really want to go all out buy a couple Hi Points and the Ruger and you'll still be under budget. I'd go with the above combo or swap in a Ruger SR 9/S&W SD 9 with night sight for the same money or less but I guess it's your choice.

Best of luck and welcome to THR.

 

[ATLDave]

Put me in the old-school camp that thinks a first firearm should be a rifle, and that it should be chambered in .22. Cutting your teeth on a service caliber handgun is just a recipe for a lifelong flinch. A handgun is a lot easier to inadvertently muzzle someone with than a rifle, and new shooters usually have inconsistencies regarding muzzle and trigger discipline. Add in the cost of centerfire ammo, and the case for a .22 rifle for a new shooter really makes itself.

But do what you like.

 

[X-Rap]

I am not a professional instructor by any means but I have introduce a few to the sport and I find adults take to mid range calibers very well so long as the gun isn't to small so as it bites in recoil. A 9mm or 38 shouldn't be a problem and it appears that you have been firing this caliber so you won't be surprise. On the other hand I shutter to think of owning only one gun but we all need to have a first, I would definitely say make your second a 22 auto like the Ruger MKI or MKII or better yet a conversion for the Glock. I have a Kimber conversion on a Raptor Pro and haven't had the 45 barrel back on it since.

Always practice muzzle and trigger control and awareness and you will be fine.

 

[smitty704]

Be VERY carefull with the newer production Glocks, I have had issues with mine from the start. I recently purchased a G19 gen 3, and it has had VERY ERRATIC ejection(most to the face/shoulder), and 4 stovepipes out of 575 rounds.(not user error, no limp wristing) I called Glock and they said this is happening with lots of the newer gen 3's and gen 4's. So they sent me a prepaid shipping label and now they have it.

So beware that the Glock reputation is not applying to a lot of the guns they are making now. The ejectors, RSA's and extractors are to blame. Although some newer Glocks are not effected by these issues.

My M&P on the other hand is FLAWLESS. I own the 45c, and over 3,500 rounds later, not 1 issue of any kind. And if you don't like the trigger, APEX Tactical has an excellent action enhancement kit for $90, that I hear is amazing. Don't overlook the M&P's, you will regret it.

 

[raiderred11k]

Okay so something happened that has completely mixed up my decision. If you guys still care... I was able to locate a rental range that had a PX4 in .45. For the record it is the softest .45 I have fired so far. As well as the most accurate. However I now face a delima of a different kind. On my way out of the range (also a gunstore) I was looking at other .45's that I might want to test. I have heard that the Ruger KP345 is also a great choice and considerably less expensive than the PX4. I plan on testing the Ruger next time but I work alot and won't get a chance for a while. So can anyone give me an idea of how the Ruger shoots? maybe reference Glock or Beretta for better comparison. Thanks you guys already for all your help.

P.S.- I also looked at .22's for all you old school guys. No matter what I plan on buying a Sig 1911 22lr at some point. You guys have convinced me of that.

 

[Skylerbone]

Buy the GSG, they make the Sig .22 and they're cheaper.

 

[StrutStopper]

I understand your point about not wanting a .22. One of these days I may get a .22 pistol but I don't have one yet. I do have a 9mm Steyr and a .40 Px4 Storm. I can tell you that the recoil from the Beretta is just as light as the 9mm even though its a heftier round. If a 9mm is fine for you in a Glock, why not in a Beretta Px4 Storm where the recoil will most likely be much lighter due to the rotating barrel design?

 

[raiderred11k]

Well the reason I dont want a PX4 in 9mm is because .45 is what I really want. But wanted a soft shooting one just because. I just liked the glock in 9mm. Although the PX4 in .40 does catch my intrest. I had a bad experience with a Glock 22 and I just haven't built up the corrage to try .40 again. Is the PX4 in .40 manageable? If it shoots like a 9mm then all this might be problem solved.