Which would you buy for ~$500

[sm]

Chrome wrote in Post #1 :

The guns use, from most likely to least likely is: range use, nightstand, and maybe carried. Therefore, size isn't that important. I'm looking for a good shooter that is reliable. Nightsights can always be added later.

Chrome,
Welcome to THR.

$500.

I would get a OLDer K frame revolver in dedicated 38spl.
Model 10 is blue, Model 64 is steel.
3" K Frame is THE Combat Revolver.
Dedicated 38spl means, affordable ammo, variety of loadings from light to heavy, and quality practice can be had with Speer Plastic Training Bullets.
This gun - works, and is proven. Going back to ~ 1890's.
Police Issued, Military Issued, hence the "M&P".

Good used Police Trade ins , NO locks, nothing but a quality gun.
Monies left over means, ammo, holsters, lessons, new grips/stocks.

Night sights are NOT needed.

Have a Quality Gunsmith install a Gold Bead in the front sight.
Now again, this is a OLD, proven, Combat / Gunfighter tip, that simply works.
Always has, always will.

Learning to shoot a Revolver Double Action only, makes one a better shooter- period.

If one chooses to transition to a semi later, lessons learned, quality practice from DAO with a Revolver, will make one a better shooter.

These guns are great for home duty, answering the door...
And, if matters were to get serious, the gun is not as subject to going out of battery [no slide to go back] less easily to get grabbed, have a lever. switch, or doo-dad, get out of sorts and rendered not able to fire.

Tack-Tickle, Kewl Toys, Keeping up with the Jone's, and Iwannacoolgunvirus will not keep one safe, teach correct basic fundamentals - quite like a dedicated 38spl revolver.

 

[the pistolero]

For ~$500, one of the Ruger P-Series autoloaders would be a great choice. I have a P89 and its bigger brother, the P90, and they're both solid weapons.

 

[Deanimator]

I think you'll get the best combination of quality and price by going with a police surplus Glock 17 or Glock 19, with the preference going to the latter.

Try http://summitgunbroker.com. Last year I bought a surplus Virginia Beach Sheriff's Dept. Glock 19 from them and have been VERY happy with it. I think with shipping it came in at or under $350.

The nice thing about the Glock 19 is that unlike the sub-compact guns, it's equally good as a home defense, belt and CCW gun. The 9x19mm has significantly less recoil than the .40S&W in these guns, although a lot of people do like the Glock 23. I've got a Glock 22, and decided to buy a Glock 19 as a CCW gun because of the recoil factor.

 

[Kilgor]

Great website! Thanks!

 

[Redneck with a 40]

I'd go with the XD series, my choice is 40 cal. They have awesome ergonomics, are very accurate, and mine has been 100% through 2000 rounds.

 

[Chrome]

Again, thanks everyone for the input.

Keep in mind I've already chosen the Walther P99 in 9mm. But, this is a very informative thread for those who may be still deciding.

Later,
Chrome...

 

[busy_squirrel]

If those are my options, I choose the PX4

 

[TOADMAN]

Glock 19...