Help choosing my first handgun!

[BlindedByScience]

With a handgun, there is a sort of "zen" that happens when you pick up the one that's right for you. For me, it's my various Glock firearms. Might not be for you. I can strongly recommend finding a local range that has guns for rent, and try a few different guns out. You'll know when you have the right one....

You're in the right price range to purchase a high quality weapon; don't compromise there. Glock, Beretta, Sig-Sauer, S&W, Springfield Armory, H&K, Colt, Kimber, Ruger....any of these guys know how to make a quality firearm and can be trusted to provide you with a great tool for your defense needs.

Lastly, take it to the range and put some focused practice time in. A couple of lessons with an experienced instructor will prevent you from developing bad habits and sharpen your techniques. Shooting a handgun is an acquired skill, and it takes lots of practice to do it well.

Be safe and have fun - N.F.H.

[Col. Kurtz]

Sig makes a darned fine weapon. If you don't like the double stack grip, pick up one of the single stack varieties. There is a new E2 out that has a fancy looking ergo grip, may help you out some.

[Coach Deg]

I have sig 226 and sig stainless 229 for the boat. Also have the sig 522 rifle. All great guns. Good video on YouTube sig to hell and back.

Good luck

[MurphysLaw]

Originally Posted by Coach Deg

I have sig 226 and sig stainless 229 for the boat. Also have the sig 522 rifle. All great guns. Good video on YouTube sig to hell and back.

Good luck

I have a Sig 229 that I shoot way better than any other gun I've owned or carried. Sig makes a 1911 that looks awesome, but I recommend holding, manipulating, and shooting a variety of guns before investing a decent amount of money so you get what works best for you.

[Fordman4ever]

http://www.google.com/products/catal...d=0CCIQ8wIwAA#

Rock Island Armory makes a great 1911

[G G]

I love my Glock 27. Glocks aren't for everyone though. I would also say that you should stick with whatever caliber you can handle. What I mean by that is if you can group a 9 mm very well and only soso with a .40 or .45 then stick with the 9 mmm. I know you can practice, but if you can put 10 shots in a tight group then that's better than 10 shots from a bigger caliber spread out.

Jumping on the bandwagon as well about the safety of the Glock, trigger pull equals fire, no trigger pull no fire.

[SteveH]

Just want to put this out there....
Any reason why you are going w/a semi-auto ? Try a good quality S&W revolver....you'll love the trigger.
SW TRR8


But I guess if you're gonna go semi-auto; go with the best
USP Compact 45:


The only words of wisdom I can offer (after carrying on/off the job for over 10 years..) is ya gotta go with something comfortable in the hand. It needs to be an extension of your limb; not just some badass looking hunk of metal.

Also, if you are considering CCW; most of the weapons you tried will be too big to lug around and tuck comfortably.

[St. Lou Stu]

Originally Posted by SteveH

Just want to put this out there....
Any reason why you are going w/a semi-auto ? Try a good quality S&W revolver....you'll love the trigger.
SW TRR8

I have to agree with the revolver... The new Smith 686s are sweet.
Nothing says stop like the report from a 357!
I own two 686s and I would pick either up before anything else. I can drive nails fro 75 yards and the feel is phenomenal.
Sure, the 'fun' factor is lacking a bit, but you could get a really nice weapon for well under your imposed $700 limit.
The versatility of being able to shoot some .38+P rounds on days when your wrist is feeling a bit weak is also nice.

I LOVE SMITH REVOLVERS!

Can ya tell?

[mfarre03]

I love my 1911 and was looking at the H&K USP until I held it, something just didn't feel right. I have to say that my buddies Springfield XD in .40 is a great pistol. This felt great in my hands and was light enough to carry.
If you aren't going to worry about carrying then I would look at a 1911 or something in a SIG. The Sig's are great pistols, you can usually find them used pretty reasonable. I love a good .45 but .40 would be good also.

I owned a Beretta 92 for a bit, it felt nice but couldn't hit the broad side of a barn with it, lol and 9mm, just too damn small :P

[Barcode]

You can change the grip Backstrap on the XDM.

"With our interchangeable backstraps, we've added another level of comfort. Personalize your grip by choosing one of three backstraps for a more custom fit."
http://www.the-m-factor.com/html/personlization.html

Edit:And the XD is 19 + 1 Magazine

[mfarre03]

Originally Posted by Barcode

http://www.the-m-factor.com/html/personlization.html

Edit:And the XD is 19 + 1 Magazine

Not in NYS anymore, freakin BS!!

[Barcode]

Originally Posted by mfarre03

Not in NYS anymore, freakin BS!!

Glad I left NY in 89

[Stevez]

I don't mean to hijack this thread, but I'm somewhat in the same camp as the originator of this thread. Not my first handgun, but my first model 1911. I have shot one and loved it and I want a solid new Model 1911 in the $1,000 to $1,500 range. Doesn't have to be that much, but I'm willilng to pay more for a gun with good accuracy. I'm not into the custom's or into competition at all. I have my conceal carry license but don't intend to carry much at all. Looking for a very accurate, steel, full size model 1911 for my price range. I'm leaning towards a Cold National Match in Stainless Steel, but they are incredibly hard to find. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Steve

[GTsetGO]

I have a walther p99. it's the nicest gun that i have shot to date. i love that fun

my concealed piece is a Springfield XD40 subcompact.

[MiamiE]

Glock 19 or 23.

[Stevez]

Thanks guys for the quick feedback. I'm going to have to look into the M&P for sure; I've heard great things about it, but I seem to have read early on some concerns about the safety being an issue. I'll see if I can rent one to shoot before I make up my mind. Thanks.

[cigarmonkel]

Originally Posted by Stevez

Thanks guys for the quick feedback. I'm going to have to look into the M&P for sure; I've heard great things about it, but I seem to have read early on some concerns about the safety being an issue. I'll see if I can rent one to shoot before I make up my mind. Thanks.

stevez, they do have a version of the M&P with a thumb safety if your interested! They are a little harder to find but don't cost a whole lot more either. Let me know if you get a M&P

[GTsetGO]

thats the best thing to do. go to a range and put some rounds through as many guns as possible.

find what feels good to you and go with that. no sense in owning a gun that you don't like the feel of.

[cigarmonkel]

Not interested in a CCW atm. When i do i'll look into a 2nd smalller gun compacts ect ect.