Buying my first handgun, looking for suggestions and input
- Thread starter Dirty Hipsters
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Agreed. However, from the choices given... My Baretta has NEVER failed me, with umpteen boxes of ammo sent downrange. DO THAT.soren7550 said:From what I know, this baby is the way to go:
That was the US service pistol for 75 years I believe (ok, not the A1 since that's the civvy model, but the original M1911) before we switched to the M9, since it uses the 9mm NATO rounds.
Sure thing. *hurls box of ammo*prowll said:Agreed. However, from the choices given... My Baretta has NEVER failed me, with umpteen boxes of ammo sent downrange. DO THAT.soren7550 said:From what I know, this baby is the way to go:
That was the US service pistol for 75 years I believe (ok, not the A1 since that's the civvy model, but the original M1911) before we switched to the M9, since it uses the 9mm NATO rounds.
I have never touched, much less fired a hand gun in my life. However, I have read about them.Dirty Hipsters said:
According to one of my favorite authors - who also happens to love guns and do lots of research into guns - you cannot go wrong with a CZ75. It is one of the best hand-gun designs in the world. The original CZ75 is the most accurate hand gun ever made. It is also a super expensive, super rare collector's item.
CZ75 SP-01 is less accurate than the original, but it is still a solid choice. I don't know what that other CZ75 is, but if it's the budget option, it is probably inferior to the CZ75 SP-01.
Go with the CZ75 SP-01.
Of those three, the CZ75 is probably your best bet. The CZ75 is world renowned as a solid and reliable handgun. Apparently, the new CZ's are having some problems so I'd let them work out the kinks before buying one. The Beretta 92 has its followers but it has an unconventional action that I am not very familiar with. So, if you've got the $$$ for the CZ75, go with that; CZ owners swear by that gun.Dirty Hipsters said:
Personally, I prefer revolvers. My go-to gun is a 6 inch stainless Ruger GP100 chambered in .357. It's my baby
If you haven't given much thought to revolvers, I highly suggest that you do. I would only ever carry a revolver for personal defense and at the range (imho), nothing is more pleasurable that shooting a fine revolver. If you're interested at all in revolvers, check out Ruger's lineup. Happy shooting!
EDIT: I forgot to ask what your experience level is with shooting handguns. If there is one thing that I WISH someone had sat me down and forced me to understand when I was a beginner, its that ammunition is expensive. Looking back, I really wish I would have bought a .22 before anything else. You might even consider buying a .22 in addition to your 9mm of choice. A warning though: if you buy a .22, stay away from the winchester white box garbage. The casings are too often sized incorrectly and jam up the action in my .22 revolvers. CCP ammo is just a hair more expensive but the leap in quality is massive (never had the jamming issue with CCP).
Personally, I prefer .45 pistols. Taurus sells some 1911 copies for around 600 bucks. I've shot a few and quite like them. Course, I prefer the original. They also sell some more compact .45s for a lower price as well. The ammo is more expensive but I find it more fun to fire. The only 9mm I really enjoy firing is my father's smithfield armory custom 9mm compact. It's a snappy little gun.
Don't own a handgun, and in fact can't, but if I could I'd go for either the CZ52, for its flat trajectory and armour piercing:
The grip doesn't seem to comfortable and the way the gun sits in your hand results in you feeling the recoil. The ammunition is 7.62x25mm as opposed to the 9mm you requested, but a conversion barrel for 9mm is available, but pretty much gives up the advantages of this particular gun so you may as well pick something else.
Or I'd go for the Colt Single Action Army, also known as the Peacemaker, and a few other names. They come in a variety of barrel lengths and calibres. It is simple and reliable, and accurate.
And it can't be topped for beauty:
Or for the more "sane" people:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CZ52
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Single_Action_Army
The grip doesn't seem to comfortable and the way the gun sits in your hand results in you feeling the recoil. The ammunition is 7.62x25mm as opposed to the 9mm you requested, but a conversion barrel for 9mm is available, but pretty much gives up the advantages of this particular gun so you may as well pick something else.
Or I'd go for the Colt Single Action Army, also known as the Peacemaker, and a few other names. They come in a variety of barrel lengths and calibres. It is simple and reliable, and accurate.
And it can't be topped for beauty:
Or for the more "sane" people:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CZ52
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Single_Action_Army
You could always go with revolvers and pick either the U.S. made Smith & Wesson Model 500 or the German JTL-E .500 S&W Magnum 12".
Have you considered a browning-Hi power? They are a little on the heavier side and depending on what model you get it might take a bit to get the hang of with the way some people have a problem of getting the hand caught by the hammer but the military model doesn't have that problem and they are a great reliable solid gun and I love shooting them.
I own a Beretta and an M1911. I like both pistols, and I know you said you wanted a 9mm but I must say you can never go wrong with an M1911. Its reliable, dead accurate, has awesome stopping power and is classy as fuck.
Personally, I really like the Ruger LCR .38 Special revolvers. They're compact firearms that weigh 13 ounces, which makes this an attractive weapon for conceal carry and/or people who don't have the greatest arm strength. Even if your intent, as of now, is only range play, getting a more compact firearm is a good move if you ever needed to carry.
One thing I like, for my wife, is the lack of 'thinking' required other than pointing and pulling the trigger. You don't have to insert clips, chamber rounds, ensure your hand isn't in the way of the slide, remember to disengage the safety (since the safety for this firearm is the finger nearest your thumb) or even deal with double-feeding, jamming and misfires from impact. For her, this is great because I was always concerned she would panic, forget a step or have a mechanical failure when she needs it most. For good measure, we put the Crimson Trade handgrip on the firearm and have it adjusted for 20ft -- the distance from our bedroom door to staircase at the end of the hallway. That way, she needs to keep the red dot on her target and pull the trigger until it goes 'boom'.
Although this firearm is a big no-brainer to use, it does have some points of consideration, like the capacity -- The ease of use and reliability is somewhat offset by only having five-rounds in the .38 model. (The .22 carries 8 rounds) This means you need to have a steady shot, or be really fast with your reloads. Also, I feel like the trigger pull is a bit heavier than I like. I'm not sure if it's because of the light-weight nature of the firearm, but it does require some pull... 8lbs, perhaps? Lastly, the firearm is uncomfortable in the hand after 150 shots. I do fine for 100 rounds, but three boxes will leave my hand feeling bruised.
One thing I like, for my wife, is the lack of 'thinking' required other than pointing and pulling the trigger. You don't have to insert clips, chamber rounds, ensure your hand isn't in the way of the slide, remember to disengage the safety (since the safety for this firearm is the finger nearest your thumb) or even deal with double-feeding, jamming and misfires from impact. For her, this is great because I was always concerned she would panic, forget a step or have a mechanical failure when she needs it most. For good measure, we put the Crimson Trade handgrip on the firearm and have it adjusted for 20ft -- the distance from our bedroom door to staircase at the end of the hallway. That way, she needs to keep the red dot on her target and pull the trigger until it goes 'boom'.
Although this firearm is a big no-brainer to use, it does have some points of consideration, like the capacity -- The ease of use and reliability is somewhat offset by only having five-rounds in the .38 model. (The .22 carries 8 rounds) This means you need to have a steady shot, or be really fast with your reloads.
Also, I feel like the trigger pull is a bit heavier than I like. I'm not sure if it's because of the light-weight nature of the firearm, but it does require some pull... 8lbs, perhaps? Lastly, the firearm is uncomfortable in the hand after 150 shots. I do fine for 100 rounds, but three boxes will leave my hand feeling bruised.Concern yourself more with the person behind the firearm, and not the firearm itself. It's a tool, just like any other tool in the shed.Mr F. said:
Edit: I live in Virginia. People don't need to be registered to carry a firearm strapped to their leg, waist or slung on the back. As long as it's visibly open, you can carry it. I never feel threatened by people with firearms. I imagine I would if they pointed one at me, though.
CZ makes a fantastic handgun. Their original designs were copied from the Browning Hi-Power. If you don't know what that is, it's a 1911 model 9mm handgun and at one time was one of the best handguns you could get (still is in my mind). There's a reason why the 1911-style frame is still in use today, that's because it's effective and reliable. CZ recognizing this modeled there automatics from this style of gun. The CZ75-SP01 carries more rounds in the magazine than either of the two pistols your looking at and also comes with built in accessory rails to attach a laser sight or tactical flashlight. CZ75 BD is an older model but still well respected and as reliable as the SP01. These are the guns I would recommend that you purchase. The M92 Beretta, I sort of have a love/hate relationship with. It's a classic gun from the 80's that's appeared in almost every action movie I can think of. They are accurate and can carry 15 rounds in it's standard factory magazine. However, perhaps this is because of its wide use in North America by the armed services, I always hear stories of people having their beretta's stove-piping (when the spent casing fails to clear the ejection port and fails to strip in the next round off the magazine). This is all hear say, as I've read reviews from folks who've had an M9 forever and never had any problems with it. Your choice sir is a tough one, I like the CZ line of handguns, but thats me. My advice is to visit a local gun range where you can rent pistols and try out the ones your looking at. Having the opportunity to handle the firearms in questions will give you an idea of their weight and feel, one may fit in your hands better than the other. Also do some research online, check out thetruthaboutguns.com they have plenty of thorough and excellent reviews for all manner of weapons.
Being someone who has had firearms pointed at me on multiple occasions (I am not a bad person, I promise) I can safely say that guns are terrifying. Plus, unlike most tools they are designed to put little bits of lead into fleshy bits. Which makes them terrifying.Chickenooble said:Concern yourself more with the person behind the firearm, and not the firearm itself. It's a tool, just like any other tool in the shed.Mr F. said:
Edit: I live in Virginia. People don't need to be registered to carry a firearm strapped to their leg, waist or slung on the back. As long as it's visibly open, you can carry it. I never feel threatened by people with firearms. I imagine I would if they pointed one at me, though.
I was raised to hate guns. Plus, well, they ARE dangerous. So are all tools, true, but when your tool is designed to kill people mistakes are usually more deadly. If the cops over here dont need them I dont see why I would need one.
Guns are baaaad.
EDIT: Guns are not bad, guns are neutral, I understand that, everyone understands that. It is not the fault of the gun, blah blah blah. They still kill people and I still hate them for what they represent.
All three guns you have picked are quality. Out of the three, I would recommend the SP-01 (although you can't go wrong with a CZ, so go for the budget one if you prefer).
I know you said you don't like Glocks, but have you looked at Sig at all? The P226 is an excellent handgun. It's steel frame and chambered in 9mm, as per your requirements. It's also accurate and reliable as all hell.
Really, you've picked good guns, so no matter which you choose you'll be happy with it.
Also, as other people have mentioned, picking up a .22 at some point is a good idea. It lets you practice a lot more for a fraction of the price.
I know you said you don't like Glocks, but have you looked at Sig at all? The P226 is an excellent handgun. It's steel frame and chambered in 9mm, as per your requirements. It's also accurate and reliable as all hell.
Really, you've picked good guns, so no matter which you choose you'll be happy with it.
Also, as other people have mentioned, picking up a .22 at some point is a good idea. It lets you practice a lot more for a fraction of the price.