Which gun should I get for my first gun?

[Gunsmoker]

Here are the contenders:

1. Glock 17

2. CZ 75 B Stainless (It's so sexy, I could look at it all day)
http://www.cz-usa.com/product_detail.php?id=72 (I'm left-handed, so I need an ambi safety lever. The CZ 85 is ambi, but I cannot get it here in CA and the regular black 75 does not have an ambi safety. )

3. Beretta - 92G Elite II
http://www.snipercountrypx.com/pc-2304-897-beretta-92g-elite-ii-9mm.aspx

4. Beretta - 92

5. Browning Hi-Power

According to CZ's catalog, the stainless CZ is an improvement in corrosion resistance over the CZ 75. BS?


Thanks.

 

[j1133s]

What do you want to do w/ the gun? Personal protection? then, get the Glock 17, easy to learn and maintain.

 

[Gunsmoker]

This is my first gun so it will be mainly for ranges and fun, but since its the only gun I'll use it for home defense.

 

[unarmed]

I would go with the CZ cost less then the other guns you have listed and a good solid pistol.

 

[Luis Leon]

Gunsmoke,

I'm partial to the CZ, I shoot a CZ75b in the satin nickel finish, and I also think its one sexy-looking handgun. With the CZ you can also buy their rock-solid Kadet adapter kit and shoot .22s LR for inexpensive practice. I own 3 CZ handguns, plus the adapter kit, in my opinion they are very good values for my money. Good luck with your decision.

regards,

Luis Leon

 

[ugaarguy]

Gunsmoker the triggers, controls, grip widths, and grip angles among the guns you list are all very different across the brand lines. You really need to go to a range with rentals and shoot them to see what works for you. If you can't do that at the very least go to the local shop with the largest selection and handle them. The best gun is the one that fits your hand best. THR Moderator Emeritus Kathy Jackson, aka PAX, has written an excellent handgun fit article, found here http://www.corneredcat.com/FirstGun/TryOnGun.htm on her website. Take a look at the rest of it too. She's made a great site with a focus on new shooters that still has tons of info for aspiring pistoleros of all levels. As for personal favorites I'm a big fan of the Hi-Power for its ergonomics - it fits me.

 

[jlh26oo]

glock or revolver

 

[Rokman]

I have a Glock 17 and it is extremely easy to field strip and maintain. It is a rock solid pistol with mags and parts sold everywhere. I don't own any of the other pistols, so I can't vouch for them.

 

[Majic]

The Berettas and the CZ have similar trigger actions. The Glock and the Browning have tiotally different trigger actions. YOu need to decide which action you like the best.

 

[Brass Balls]

I voted Glock because of their simplicity of cleaning, maintaining and complete disassembly. It's also very reliable and durable and even though it is easy to maintain it doesn't require much.

 

[1911WB]

Agree with The Brass

Much as I like 1911s I must agree that the Glock makes good sense for a first pistol. Easy to learn to shoot with, dependable, and parts which seldom break but are easy to find and relatively inexpensive when they do. Also, the 9mm makes good sense from a cost standpoint, so you can get plenty of practice. But beware, you'll soon want another Glock, and .... -well, you get the picture!

 

[jac714]

A good quality reliable accurate one that fits your hand and that YOU are comfortable carrying.

In my case that is a Kimber CDP Pro size (Commander) for you it probably will be different.

Go to the range rent several guns in several calibers and find one that fits you.

IMHO you cannot go wrong with a 1911 or clone in .45 acp. Perhaps a good .357 mag revolver with a 4" barrel, you can use .38's for practice to save some money. It is the easiest handgun to make work, pull the trigger and it goes bang if not pull it again, no mags, no FTF's, no FTE's, pure simplicity.

Good Luck

 

[Manedwolf]

I would not go with a Glock for your FIRST gun, myself.

Something with no safety, where pulling the trigger makes it go BANG, is the most unforgiving of newbie errors.

My first was a Taurus 92, same as the Beretta. Familiarized with the classic JMB arrangement, and had a safety.

 

[Mark54g]

Owning a CZ 75 Stainless, I can say a few things. They are GREAT shooters. They are easy to clean and reassemble. I would however look at spending a few bucks and having the extractor spring replaced with an extra power spring. Its under $5. I only had a problem with aluminum cased blazer extracting poorly. After the replacement spring, it was flawless. I really like mine

 

[Number 6]

ugaarguy has given you excellent advice. We all have our preferences, but with a handgun a lot of it comes down to what fits best in your hand. They are all good designs and should be reliable. I like the Beretta's but that is my preference. My suggestion like ugaarguy, is to a gun store that has a good selection and handle and dry fire them all. If possible, go to a range and fire them all as well.

 

[tanksoldier]

4 inch .357 Revolver

If you're set on a autoloader, a 9mm Ruger w/ Decocker.

If you're set on the guns you've listed, then Glock I guess.

 

[The Good]

glock cause of its reliability. its not easy to mess up. first guns are an eye opener as far as how much work they are. dont think thats the only reason i say glock. glock is an all around great choice and very easy to shoot well but you already know that

 

[TimboKhan]

I don't know that any of your choices suck, but I would suggest the hi-power, only because I happen to like it the best of your choices. Plus, its the pretty rare shooter I meet that doesn't like the feel of the hi-power.

 

[MachIVshooter]

The CZ is definitely the best value of the bunch, and also to least likely to have any problems tens of thousands of rounds down the road. It is also the only all-steel model in your prospective line-up.

My second choice would be the Berettas (either one).

 

[Gunsmoker]

Thanks for the replys. I've fired all the pistols except for the CZ (the one I want is the one I haven't fired yet ).

There's a range near my house that rents out the black CZ 75 B or BD, but I have to go with a friend because they don't rent guns to singles.

The lack of safety on the Glock turned me away at first, but I don't really mind because the trigger pull is relatively strong. Unless the CZ turns out to be a fantastic gun, I'll probably go with the Glock.

 

[Exmasonite]

i'd take a good look at the springfield XD line. similar to the glock but added backstrap safety (a la 1911) and much more natural (edit: STANDARD, don't want the flame) grip angle. lifetime warranty. lotsa caliber options (9, 40, 357, 45) but i'd say get the 9 to start so you can shoot a lot for cheap.

 

[10-Ring]

Tough one, I own Glock 19, Italian 92fs & BHP. I like these 3 alot (which is why I still have them in my collection!)
If I had to choose one, as a 1st gun mind you, I'd probably go w/ the simplicity of the Glock. But later the others on your list WILL follow