Sidearms & Scatterguns First Pistol?

Milan metal

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Minuteman
May 9, 2012
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getting ready to buy my first pistol but not sure which way to go. I see quite a few in Cabelas but not sure which to buy. I think I want a 9mm because of the cheap ammo but a .40 sounds pretty good also.

what are you guys thinking?
 
Re: First Pistol?

.40 cal is one of the more prevalent rounds carried by law enforcement in the US. The Glock G23 is a very popular carry gun in .40 cal. A conversion barrel for 9mm can be bought for a reasonable price from someone like KKM or Lonewolf and you essentially have yourself both .40 and 9, although I would not CCW with a conversion barrel myself.
 
Re: First Pistol?

I'm partial to Glocks but if you buy a 23 as your first pistol you'll hate it, get a 9mm as your first pistiol, to say a Glock Sig HK XD M&P is the best choice is BS, they all lock up the same and shoot about the same, try b4 u buy, many gunranges rent pistols, go try some out and decide.
 
Re: First Pistol?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lou Boyd</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You didn't say if it's for concealed carry, combat, hunting, target, or what? Caliber is only a part of matching a pistol to your application.
</div></div>

What he said.
 
Re: First Pistol?

I'd say go with a 9mm.

I was in your shoes trying to decide on what caliber to get. I'm very glad I settled on the 9mm for a first handgun. It's got cheap ammo, which allows you to shoot more, which makes you more proficient (usually.)

I prefer hammer fired handguns over striker fired handguns. When it comes to hammer fired handguns I prefer a DA/SA like in a Sig Sauer P226.

I purchased a FNP-9 when they first came out. Turned out to be an out-freaking-standing weapon. However, it's just been recently that they have started to have aftermarket support.
 
Re: First Pistol?

Glock, M&P, etc. Try them out make sure the on you get is very comfortable. I jumped the gun and got a Glock 21 as my first handgun. A week later held a M&P and realized that the glock just really doesn't go well with my small hands. I then picked up a M&P 40 a couple of months later and i can shoot it a hell of a lot better than my glock. As for caliber to start off with, if I had it to do over again i would've probably gone with a M&P 9. That being said i've been shooting the hell out of my M&P 40 and honestly it's not bad at all. I've shot a Glock 22 and can say that the M&P 40 is a soft recoiling 40 so to speak. The high tang in the M&P grip allows me to control the weapon much better than the glock, which virtually has no tang.

To start out though i still say 9mm, cheap to shoot if your not into reloading, easy to control, and will help you set the groundwork for your fundamentals so when you do step up it wont be a problem.

By all means though don't limit yourself to just glock or M&P try out everything see what is most comfortable to you, and if you can shoot them.
 
Re: First Pistol?

Try them out before you buy. Start by holding them to see if they feel comfortable in your hand. Then rent the one's you like and see if they are comfortable to you while shooting. Then drop the cash on the one you like. I own a Glock 19/23, HK P2000 and M&P9 VTAC. They are all great guns but some may not like the feel of the Glock, or the DA/SA trigger of the P2000 or the trigger reset of the M&P. That's why I'm saying that you should shoot with them first.
 
Re: First Pistol?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lou Boyd</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You didn't say if it's for concealed carry, combat, hunting, target, or what? Caliber is only a part of matching a pistol to your application.
</div></div>

well I will not carry a gun, not going to war, dont shoot at anything that is not shooting at me so I guess just target. Really I am going to blow off a bunch of rounds cause I need a new hobby. I moved back to michigan and we have the stupid 24" lift law so lifted trucks is out the window. Besides building my dads T bucket and my business I have nothing to do so I figure lets do something cheap....

I am not going to get a 22 since I am already building a sweet target 10/22. I think I am pretty set on 9mm.
 
Re: First Pistol?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shotdown</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Try them out before you buy. Start by holding them to see if they feel comfortable in your hand. Then rent the one's you like and see if they are comfortable to you while shooting. Then drop the cash on the one you like. I own a Glock 19/23, HK P2000 and M&P9 VTAC. They are all great guns but some may not like the feel of the Glock, or the DA/SA trigger of the P2000 or the trigger reset of the M&P. That's why I'm saying that you should shoot with them first. </div></div>

I think we are heading to the gun range next weekend to do exactly that.

so are you security forces or CE?
 
Re: First Pistol?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: VJJPunisher</div><div class="ubbcode-body">desert eagle 50AE </div></div>

2lo54ow.jpg


These kids have no understanding of or respect for the damned classics.
 
Re: First Pistol?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: VJJPunisher</div><div class="ubbcode-body">desert eagle 50AE </div></div>

I almost bought one. It looks like a fun toy!
 
Re: First Pistol?

I'm a 9mm guy. So I'll always suggest that. My handgun is the beretta 92fs it's never failed me and it has saved my life on more than one occasion. But try a few out see how they feel in your hand. Who knows maybe a 1911 will steal your heart.
 
Re: First Pistol?

for a first pistol, id recommend a glock. they are bomb proof and there are plenty of aftermarket options available. I have Sigs, HK's, S&W, Rugers, but the pistol I carry and shoot most often is my glock. It flat out performs
 
Re: First Pistol?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sgt. 0811</div><div class="ubbcode-body">+1 9mm. I am not really a .40 fan. </div></div>+1.

40 was the first caliber I shot a handgun in, hated it. After that shot 45 and 9mm and like them both loads more than the 40.

Someone already said it, glock, m&p, xd, in 9mm. Try out some hammer fired guns, but I dont like da/sa guns, and I definetly wouldnt suggest one as a first handgun. dont mess with 1911s. People hate on striker guns for being plastic or having an inferior trigger to a SA hammer fired gun but you can do a trigger job to any striker fired gun, they are as simple as a revolver to operate, and they cost half as much as a sig and are just as reliable. You can change alot of things on a pistol: sights, trigger, sometimes grip. But you cant change the caliber, mag capacity, and most importantly ergonomics.

Accurate, affordable, reliable. Choose two.
 
Re: First Pistol?

Get a Ruger mk II (.22 cal). It is completely safe to dry fire and you should do a lot of that, as well.

Just like a rifle, once you master the basics with a 22, you can tackle recoil management with the big boy calibers.
 
Re: First Pistol?

At risk of being poo-poo'd on, I'd suggest looking at the Ruger SR9 or SR9c. If Glocks fit your hand and you're ok with just the safe action trigger, can't go wrong there. The M&P's have a huge fan base and would also be a very nice firearm to own.

But if you only plan on shooting every so often, you can pick up a SR9(c) for ~$400, which will be about $100 less than the Glock and M&P.
 
Re: First Pistol?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TheLlam</div><div class="ubbcode-body">At risk of being poo-poo'd on, I'd suggest looking at the Ruger SR9 or SR9c. If Glocks fit your hand and you're ok with just the safe action trigger, can't go wrong there. The M&P's have a huge fan base and would also be a very nice firearm to own.

But if you only plan on shooting every so often, you can pick up a SR9(c) for ~$400, which will be about $100 less than the Glock and M&P. </div></div>

I haven't checked that one out yet. I will try to run by cabelas and see if they carry one or a few.

Thanks for the reply.
 
Re: First Pistol?

Hey man, if I were you, stop going to Cabelas (or Gander Mountain or Bass Pro Shops, etc). Those chain stores may offer a little better pricing, but it's a good idea to find a gun store with people you can talk to about different guns. That may take a little driving around but it's well worth it in the long run.

If you have smaller hands like I do, then the Glock 19 or 23 will work better. I love my 23. I did the trigger job on it so it breaks crisply, and bought the KKM aftermarket barrel for it so I've got both 9mm and .40S&W. Also, the Advantage Arms 22 conversion kit is a great tool for practicing. Three guns on one frame, but the AA 22 kit only works on Gen 1-3 so you'd have to make sure which generation Glock you get. I'm sure AA has a Gen 4 kit, I just haven't seen it.

The trick with pistol shooting is to not limit yourself with static range shooting. Once you get the fundamentals down, join a club that does IDPA or IPSC. My pistol skills improved quickly once I started shooting competitively. Plus, it's just way more fun to shoot in comps than it is at a boring indoor range.
 
Re: First Pistol?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Veer_G</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: VJJPunisher</div><div class="ubbcode-body">desert eagle 50AE </div></div>

2lo54ow.jpg


These kids have no understanding of or respect for the damned classics.</div></div>
Uhh.. What are you talking about?

cesar_romero_no_moustache.jpg
 
Re: First Pistol?

Not sure what your price range is but a little investment now will go a long way. I carry a Glock 19 and love it but when it comes to just having fun and target shooting, I find it hard to beat a <span style="text-decoration: underline">Full Size</span> 5" 1911 style .45ACP. If you learn to reload then ammo costs can be comparable to the 9mm.

Obviously if you're dead set on a 9mm go for it, but don't pass up a 1911 (even in 9mm) they are a riot. The triggers can be awesome, everyone sells something to customize it and full size ones are just dead nuts accurate. Lots of fun!

If you give one a try, make sure you try a very nice one to really get a feel for how much the 1911 can stand out. The crappy ones will leave you wondering what all the fuss is about, the nice ones, well you'll just keep staring at the nice ones trying to figure out how they work.
 
Re: First Pistol?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: The Mechanic</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Veer_G</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: VJJPunisher</div><div class="ubbcode-body">desert eagle 50AE </div></div>

http://i48.tinypic.com/2lo54ow.jpg

These kids have no understanding of or respect for the damned classics.</div></div>
Uhh.. What are you talking about?

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4jiV5roFQuo/Tf...o_moustache.jpg </div></div>

Touché, mon ami.

'Stache, no camel:

O5G4U.jpg
 
Re: First Pistol?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ZLBubba</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hey man, if I were you, stop going to Cabelas (or Gander Mountain or Bass Pro Shops, etc). Those chain stores may offer a little better pricing, but it's a good idea to find a gun store with people you can talk to about different guns. That may take a little driving around but it's well worth it in the long run.

If you have smaller hands like I do, then the Glock 19 or 23 will work better. I love my 23. I did the trigger job on it so it breaks crisply, and bought the KKM aftermarket barrel for it so I've got both 9mm and .40S&W. Also, the Advantage Arms 22 conversion kit is a great tool for practicing. Three guns on one frame, but the AA 22 kit only works on Gen 1-3 so you'd have to make sure which generation Glock you get. I'm sure AA has a Gen 4 kit, I just haven't seen it.

The trick with pistol shooting is to not limit yourself with static range shooting. Once you get the fundamentals down, join a club that does IDPA or IPSC. My pistol skills improved quickly once I started shooting competitively. Plus, it's just way more fun to shoot in comps than it is at a boring indoor range. </div></div>

I buy my guns at a small store down the road but I window shop at Cabelas. If they have a good deal I will scoop something up but for the most part it I try to support the small guy.

I have average hands but they are thicker from working my entire life. I really like full-size handguns like the 1911 but I don't want to spend a small fortune on one. It is mostly to blow some rounds off.

I have a few acres at the house so I don't really do gun ranges. We are going to turn a couple acres into a small range that will a 25yard handgun range, 50 yard rimfire range and 200-225 yard rifle and 22 trainer range ( I want to shoot 1000 yards this fall).
 
Re: First Pistol?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MR JOSHUA</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If cheap ammo is your concern go with a 22lr pistol. </div></div>

22lr is not even in the picture. Maybe later though.....
 
Re: First Pistol?

Im dying to get my hands on a 1911, but that may not be a first timers choice. Im not big on 9s but with that said this is all going to come down to your hand, what fits you and your personal prefrence.. they said it best when they said go to range and rent and try them out.. very good idea
 
Re: First Pistol?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: gotta/start/sumwer</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Im dying to get my hands on a 1911, but that may not be a first timers choice. Im not big on 9s but with that said this is all going to come down to your hand, what fits you and your personal prefrence.. they said it best when they said go to range and rent and try them out.. very good idea </div></div>

It's not like I haven't shot pistols before I just dont own one. I would love a 1911 does anyone make a $500-$600 piece?
 
Re: First Pistol?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Milan Metal</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: gotta/start/sumwer</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Im dying to get my hands on a 1911, but that may not be a first timers choice. Im not big on 9s but with that said this is all going to come down to your hand, what fits you and your personal prefrence.. they said it best when they said go to range and rent and try them out.. very good idea </div></div>

It's not like I haven't shot pistols before I just dont own one. I would love a 1911 does anyone make a $500-$600 piece? </div></div>

None worth owning. If you want a 1911 get a 1911 in 22lr now and save for a quality gun. les bear, ed brown, sti, ect. The 1911 is a complicated gun that is expensive to make, you cant make one for under 1000$ without cutting corners and compromising the functionality of the gun.
 
Re: First Pistol?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cpt. obvious</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Milan Metal</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: gotta/start/sumwer</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Im dying to get my hands on a 1911, but that may not be a first timers choice. Im not big on 9s but with that said this is all going to come down to your hand, what fits you and your personal prefrence.. they said it best when they said go to range and rent and try them out.. very good idea </div></div>

It's not like I haven't shot pistols before I just dont own one. I would love a 1911 does anyone make a $500-$600 piece? </div></div>

None worth owning. If you want a 1911 get a 1911 in 22lr now and save for a quality gun. les bear, ed brown, sti, ect. The 1911 is a complicated gun that is expensive to make, you cant make one for under 1000$ without cutting corners and compromising the functionality of the gun. </div></div>

Yeah I don't need a $1000 handgun. Not yet....

How about the smaller DE like this:

http://www.magnumresearch.com/Firearms/M...ze-15-round.asp
 
Re: First Pistol?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Milan Metal</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

Yeah I don't need a $1000 handgun. Not yet....

How about the smaller DE like this:

http://www.magnumresearch.com/Firearms/M...ze-15-round.asp </div></div>

Baby desert eagle?

Go to a gun shop or range that rents handguns and shoot all of them. Looking at guns on the internet wont help you decide what you want. I dont think you know what you want in a handgun. You need to figure out what type of action you want, there are several types of guns and you need to decide what you want. Striker fired, hammer fired DA/SA, hammer fired SAO, and DAO. Research those, then go rent some striker fired guns and shoot them, then go shoot some da/sa guns, then a single action gun, then buy one. Its not rocket surgery.
 
Re: First Pistol?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cpt. obvious</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Milan Metal</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

Yeah I don't need a $1000 handgun. Not yet....

How about the smaller DE like this:

http://www.magnumresearch.com/Firearms/M...ze-15-round.asp </div></div>

Baby desert eagle?

Go to a gun shop or range that rents handguns and shoot all of them. Looking at guns on the internet wont help you decide what you want. I dont think you know what you want in a handgun. You need to figure out what type of action you want, there are several types of guns and you need to decide what you want. Striker fired, hammer fired DA/SA, hammer fired SAO, and DAO. Research those, then go rent some striker fired guns and shoot them, then go shoot some da/sa guns, then a single action gun, then buy one. Its not rocket surgery. </div></div>

Rocket surgery?........

Either way I don't care about all of those different configurations. I just want a good, reliable pistol. I will put money on it that I will shoot the same no matter what kind it is and that is why I am asking everyone what they are shooting.

It's easy....load weapon, aim at target, pull trigger...not brain surgery.

It's not like I haven't shot a few handguns and they all feel the same.
 
Re: First Pistol?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Milan Metal</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cpt. obvious</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Milan Metal</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

Yeah I don't need a $1000 handgun. Not yet....

How about the smaller DE like this:

http://www.magnumresearch.com/Firearms/M...ze-15-round.asp </div></div>

Baby desert eagle?

Go to a gun shop or range that rents handguns and shoot all of them. Looking at guns on the internet wont help you decide what you want. I dont think you know what you want in a handgun. You need to figure out what type of action you want, there are several types of guns and you need to decide what you want. Striker fired, hammer fired DA/SA, hammer fired SAO, and DAO. Research those, then go rent some striker fired guns and shoot them, then go shoot some da/sa guns, then a single action gun, then buy one. Its not rocket surgery. </div></div>

Rocket surgery?........

Either way I don't care about all of those different configurations. I just want a good, reliable pistol. I will put money on it that I will shoot the same no matter what kind it is and that is why I am asking everyone what they are shooting.

It's easy....load weapon, aim at target, pull trigger...not brain surgery.

It's not like I haven't shot a few handguns and they all feel the same.</div></div>

holy fuck, WOW
 
Re: First Pistol?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: VJJPunisher</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Milan Metal</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cpt. obvious</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Milan Metal</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

Yeah I don't need a $1000 handgun. Not yet....

How about the smaller DE like this:

http://www.magnumresearch.com/Firearms/M...ze-15-round.asp </div></div>

Baby desert eagle?

Go to a gun shop or range that rents handguns and shoot all of them. Looking at guns on the internet wont help you decide what you want. I dont think you know what you want in a handgun. You need to figure out what type of action you want, there are several types of guns and you need to decide what you want. Striker fired, hammer fired DA/SA, hammer fired SAO, and DAO. Research those, then go rent some striker fired guns and shoot them, then go shoot some da/sa guns, then a single action gun, then buy one. Its not rocket surgery. </div></div>

Rocket surgery?........

Either way I don't care about all of those different configurations. I just want a good, reliable pistol. I will put money on it that I will shoot the same no matter what kind it is and that is why I am asking everyone what they are shooting.

It's easy....load weapon, aim at target, pull trigger...not brain surgery.

It's not like I haven't shot a few handguns and they all feel the same.</div></div>

holy fuck, WOW </div></div>

I'm glad that nobody wasted their time giving the OP the benefit of their years (in my case, coming up on 27) of experience.
 
Re: First Pistol?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Veer_G</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

I'm glad that nobody wasted their time giving the OP the benefit of their years (in my case, coming up on 27) of experience. </div></div>
carlfacepalm.gif
 
Re: First Pistol?

[/quote]

I'm glad that nobody wasted their time giving the OP the benefit of their years (in my case, coming up on 27) of experience. [/quote]

I am not sure why anyone "wasted their time". You replied with what weapon you like and for what reason and I appreciate that. Just because this is MY first pistol doesn't mean that I have not shot many others. I am prior service and have played with a lot of AR15s (M16s) but I have asked 100 questions on here on what I should build and why. I just don't go buy things without researching them first. I am not an impulse buyer.

I can get used to any trigger, firing mechanism ect....I just want the best gun I can buy without spending a small fortune. It sounds like everyone thinks Glock is the best so I may end up switching from M&P.

So that being said I appreciate everyone's posts!
 
Re: First Pistol?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Milan Metal</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
It sounds like everyone thinks Glock is the best so I may end up switching from M&P.

</div></div>

So you wanted the m&p but now youre going with glock because everyone "thinks its the best"? Have you shot either of them? Held either of them? They arnt that similar.
 
Re: First Pistol?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cpt. obvious</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Milan Metal</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
It sounds like everyone thinks Glock is the best so I may end up switching from M&P.

</div></div>

So you wanted the m&p but now youre going with glock because everyone "thinks its the best"? Have you shot either of them? Held either of them? They arnt that similar. </div></div>

Maybe the OP will read into this and Veej's "holy fuck, WOW" response from the previous page and then read between the big-ass lines?
 
Re: First Pistol?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cpt. obvious</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Milan Metal</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
It sounds like everyone thinks Glock is the best so I may end up switching from M&P.

</div></div>

So you wanted the m&p but now youre going with glock because everyone "thinks its the best"? Have you shot either of them? Held either of them? They arnt that similar. </div></div>

Feel means nothing to me. I will adapt to the feel. I can't stand the way an AR feels but I can shoot the shit out of one. I didn't like the way the m9 felt and I can shoot that well too.
 
Re: First Pistol?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Veer_G</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cpt. obvious</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Milan Metal</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
It sounds like everyone thinks Glock is the best so I may end up switching from M&P.

</div></div>

So you wanted the m&p but now youre going with glock because everyone "thinks its the best"? Have you shot either of them? Held either of them? They arnt that similar. </div></div>

Maybe the OP will read into this and Veej's "holy fuck, WOW" response from the previous page and then read between the big-ass lines? </div></div>

Whatever OP means. Why does everyone on these forums think it is cool to start shit. Most of the time they can't shoot or whatever the forum is about. Good for you man you are a real badass!
 
Re: First Pistol?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Milan Metal</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

Feel means nothing to me. I will adapt to the feel. </div></div>

On second thought, get the glock. I think its perfect for you.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Veer G</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

Maybe the OP will read into this and Veej's "holy fuck, WOW" response from the previous page and then read between the big-ass lines?</div></div>

Nope.