Questions/Observations re handgun selection

[p0meroy]

Greetings all.
Please see my introductory post. http://www.northeastshooters.com/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=734091&postcount=1702 I have read several very good posts on "selecting" a first gun. I am very impressed with the wealth of knowledge that is here. There is so much to be learned. I am in a "first gun" scenario. Recently finished NRA basic pistol. Planning on purchasing a 9mm this week, and a .22 in a month or so. Not sure yet if the .22 will be a revolver or s/a. I have both some general questions and some specific ones as well.

Observations: Correct me if I am off track.
1. Buying a handgun is similar to cars. What do you want it to do ? How does it fit you?
2. GM, Ford, Caddie, Mercedes, etc. Everyone has their favorites and reasons for them.

In my case, I plan on using them for target, and at least at this time non-competitive shooting. I WILL be using it for personal protection while traveling interstate. it will most likely remain in my camper, not on my person or in my vehicle. I don't feel a big need to carry at this time. I reserve the right to retract this statement in the future.

I've shot several times with friends and family, and also was able to shoot a wide variety of handguns during the class. Does manufacturer make a big difference? Warranty, Customer service. Does the country of manufacture make a big difference? Material, quality of workmanship, parts availability. Obviously fit and feel are the biggest factors. What about magazine capacity ? Different types of sights. Night, 3 dot, adjustable.

I have a few models I have looked at recently (mostly used) and was hoping for some feedback from some of you as to your thoughts.

Of the ones I am considering, I have fired (both 9 mm): Sig 239, Rugar SR9. I am partial to the Sig (they are in the next town), but I also liked the feel of it. Kind of pricey though.

Also considering but only looked at, not fired (all 9mm): Springfield XD, H&K P2000, Colt 2000 All American, Taurus 24-7, Baretta 8000, PX4 and M9. I am kind of leaning toward the Springfield. Something about it just feels very right.

Naturally the coin trough is a concern, but I would rather spend a little more up front, and get a quality gun that will not hamper my learning, than to skimp, and end up with something frustrating that is troublesome, inaccurate and unreliable.

Thanks in advance for your input. I appreciate it.

 

[vellnueve]

If the Springfield feels right, pick one up and go with it. You'll always be able to buy more down the road.

 

[Smiles1014]

If you are a new shooter and have no plans to carry at the moment I'd advise you to first learn to shoot. To aide you in this I'd start with a smaller caliber in a full size frame pistol. A general rule is the longer the barrel, or more specifically the longer the distance between the rear and front sights, the more accurate you can sight in your target. A smaller caliber will help in the recoil anticipation and allow you to feel more comfortable getting used to it. My first pistol was a 1911 (.45) and I developed a bad habit right off the bat with anticipating the big bang. Maybe it is just me who thinks this, but it took me many many trips to the range to relax myself. With that said if target practice and cost are the main concerns, start with a .22 caliber. You will get used to it fast, learn to shoot and in no time be ready for a 9mm and up with a greater comfort level.

The P239 is a subcompact gun, a CC gun. Do not frustrate yourself with such a short barrel as beyond 25 feet when first learning the pistol is useless. If you are set on a 9mm for the first purchase go with the P226 if it is a SIG you want. You are correct in the analogy of buying a car. It is the looks, feel, and fit that will guide you on your decision after you have chosen a caliber and purpose for it.

I am partial to SIG & H&K, however, recently I purchased a Beretta 92fs (M9) after many years of shooting the other makes and found that I have never shot better with a pistol. Lesson learned, try as many makes and models as you can, because you will find that just holding one in a store is not a true gauge of how you will actually shoot it.

If you are anything like me, you will analyze, discuss, and buy what you think is your perfect first pistol. Then you will do it all over again for your second and find you shoot better with it...then you are hooked, and the addiction begins....

 

[packingungal]

Yeah, go with what feels good - that may change or simply include other choices as you "progress". That first one is a confidence builder and should be more about how it "feeds" that.

 

[John C.]

Hi, I'm new to the forum, but have owned and been shooting handguns (and rifles) for a couple of years. Advice you have received so far is spot on. .22 is best pistol to learn on. You can get good to excellent accuracy for not much money. Low recoil make these guns easy to shoot and will help you to avoid the dreaded "flinch". Also ammo is cheap so you can practice, practice, practice. Of course, I didn't follow my own advice and bought a 9mm first. Then added a .22 conversion unit for my 1911, so I can't give you much advice on good .22 pistols. As for possible 9mm options - I have to agree with Smiles - if you're not planning on doing a lot of carrying the Sig 226 would a great model for you. It's size and weight will minimize recoil. Gun has a pretty good sight radius, is accurate, easy to field strip and clean, and extremely well made and reliable. I've owned one for about 4 years and never had a single problem with it. Since you live in N.H. the Glock is another popular choice. In your case I think you'd probably be looking at a Glock 17. Again you will get a high quality, reliable gun. Some people do not like the trigger and grip angle of the Glocks (myself included). However, they are pretty indestructable, and probably the easiest semi-auto to learn how to shoot. Berretta, S&W, H&K and Spingfield would also all be perfectly acceptable choices.

 

[richc]

With a Sig 226 you can buy an 22lr conversion kit. It allows you to learn to shoot the 226 with inexpensive 22, and then move up to 9mm when you want. It takes only a minute or so to do the conversion.

The only downside is that the conversion kit costs about $300. You can buy a fine second pistol for that amount. But if you want to learn to shoot the 226 well, you can save a ton of money on ammo over time. That is what I did. And I've found the conversion kit to be quite accurate for what it is.

Best,

Rich

 

[Sprocket]

With a Sig 226 you can buy an 22lr conversion kit. It allows you to learn to shoot the 226 with inexpensive 22, and then move up to 9mm when you want. It takes only a minute or so to do the conversion.

The only downside is that the conversion kit costs about $300. You can buy a fine second pistol for that amount. But if you want to learn to shoot the 226 well, you can save a ton of money on ammo over time. That is what I did. And I've found the conversion kit to be quite accurate for what it is.

Best,

Rich

Aren't the Mosquito models similar to the 226/229 WRT controls and size? And about $300 from what I've seen.

good luck in the search