Thinking about getting a Pistol, need some advice.

[68Hawk]

My Kimber 1911 is my favorite too, but ammo costs are starting to bite my training regimen.

Beretta 92s are solid, tried and true.  I have a 90-two myself, which is a little bit of an upgrade.  It's got better grips, sights, lines, tac rail, and it holds 17+1.  There's not as much out there in the way of mags or replacement grips though, but it'll use the same holsters.

The best thing is to find something that fits your hand well.  It's like a shoe.  It doesn't matter what it looks like or what the box says it'll do, if it doesn't fit you'll be sorry.   Go to a gunshop and try a few on for size.  If you have a place to rent pistols and try them don't pass it up.

Springfield XDs are excellent weapons.  They're inexpensive, high quality, accurate and they have a really good company behind them.  You can't go wrong with Springfield Armory (I've actually been there). 

Glocks are very popular, but they're not my thing.  I don't like how they fit in my hand.  If they're comfortable for you this might be a good selection.

Sig Sauer are excellent pistols.  I have three.  I actually have a 226 in .40 and a 220 in .45 that I'm selling right now, NIB, 10th Mountain special edition.  They're simple, reliable and accurate.  Very hard to beat Sig.

There are a lot of really great 1911's out there.  1911's are just a different animal from other pistols and people tend to love them, with few exceptions flying to the opposite opinion.  They do take some practice though.  In the long run, if you want a target pistol that'll be good for stopping zombies, think about getting a nice .45 with a .22 conversion kit.  These save on ammo cost as well as providing important training in fundamentals.  I personally love my Kimber.  It's my favorite to fire and it's my carry.  It' actually conceals better than my Sig 229.  There will be a 100th B-day party for the 1911 at my house within the next year for anyone who wants to come. 

A Beretta would be an first pistol, but there are also some other good candidates.  Try as many as you can, on the range if possible.  Over time, you'll find your favorites.  Gunbroker is your friend.

Send us pics when you get something!

[Otaz]

My (partial) gun collection from top to bottom:

Remington 572 .22 bolt action (have had it 40 years)
Thompson Center Hawken .50 Cal (killed a few deer with this)
Enfield .303 (made in 1924 according to the stamping, won't fire it...barrel has micro-fractures in it)
Yugo M48 Mauser (mint condition, Hasn't been fired since production, was still packed in cosmoline from the factory when I bought it)
Polish Made Mosin Nagant M1944 (Hadn't been fired since production until I got it, was still packed in cosmoline from the factory when I bought it, has been fired less than 200 times since purchase)
Winchester 1894 (Pre 63 model) 30-30 (Dad and I have killed lots of deer with this)
Kimber Custom Combat .45 (low serial number, bought nearly as soon as the line was released)
Uberti Saddleman .45 Colt Clone

I have several other guns that are cap and ball revolvers but aren't shown.
 

[redman555]

AS others said, what do you want it for?

The problem with the 9mm is that it's a light, fast bullet.  It might not stop its target (not an issue for target shooting).  That's one reason for the .40 cal.  A .40, .45 or a magnum might be a better defensive round because it will stop what it hits.  If you want cheap, it's hard to beat a .22.

But, its your choice.  Try to find a range where you can rent one.  If you like the feel, go for it.

The most comfortable gun I ever fired was a Luger.  My 1911 Kimber is a real close second.

Truthfully, I have a shotgun under my bed for home def and sport, this is more for target shooting. Lol


-BigBOBCH

[Jayhawk]

There really isn't anything in this thread I can disagree with.  A .22 is definitely the most affordable option for target shooting, I have a Walther P22 myself.  However, I can't blame you one bit for wanting a larger caliber for shooting.  It wasn't long after I got my first pistol, the P22, that I decided I wanted something with a little more recoil.  I chose the Glock 19 (Compact 9mm).  I like the Glock and the 19 fits my hand well, definitely hold it before you make any commitments.  I had a Bersa Thunder .45 for a while; it was a little cheaper but a pretty decent gun.  My latest purchase is a Kahr PM40, it's a subcompact gun I got specifically for concealed carry.

I don't have any experience shooting the 92FS, although I would like to own one some day, they are a beautiful looking gun. 

Glock 19/17
Sig Sauer P series
Springfield XD series (they've grown on me since I first saw them)
Ruger SR9

Are a couple possibilities I can think of.

[ebfd11]

I thought he was getting a pistol. 9MM, BAH those pea-shooters couldn't stop a goat.

My personal fav and 1 I carry is my Desert Eagle .50 cal. In the line of work I did I needed some protection, so I picked up 1 for a good price and I haven't looked back.
The only drawback is it holds 7+1 and rpunds are a tad bit expensive. The upside to having this firearm is 1shot 2 halves.. They may go bang bang at me but when I respond its BOOM BOOM.. Just my 2 cents worth.

[Captain Virgil Hilts]

Truthfully, I have a shotgun under my bed for home def and sport, this is more for target shooting. Lol


-BigBOBCH

Then you certainly do not want a Beretta 92FS.

A good revolver will be far more inherently accurate. You mentioned a 44 Magnum, oddly enough, the 44 Magnum is an inherently accurate cartridge, and some of the better 44 Magnum revolvers are extremely accurate. The 357 Magnum is accurate, but not on the same level as the 44 Magnum.

If you really want an automatic, then get a 1911 pattern in 45ACP, from one of the better manufacturers. The aftermarket is flooded with all sorts of things to make the 1911 more accurate and more fun.

My Dan Wesson 44 Magnum is the most accurate handgun I've owned, it rivals some of the single shot hand guns. My Para-Ordnance P-14 45 is also very accurate, a Navy Seal hunting buddy was stunned at how well it shot, and a week later I shot a 250/250 for my qualification test, the instructor was somewhat surprised at how well the "old single action dinosaur" put rounds in the ten ring with so little effort on my part.

It doesn't matter how good a deal you get, how cheap the ammunition is, or how "cool" the gun is, if it isn't really accurate, and a good shooter, it won't be nearly as much fun.

[katanaso]

I thought he was getting a pistol. 9MM, BAH those pea-shooters couldn't stop a goat.

My personal fav and 1 I carry is my Desert Eagle .50 cal. In the line of work I did I needed some protection, so I picked up 1 for a good price and I haven't looked back.
The only drawback is it holds 7+1 and rpunds are a tad bit expensive. The upside to having this firearm is 1shot 2 halves.. They may go bang bang at me but when I respond its BOOM BOOM.. Just my 2 cents worth.

I'm curious -- what line of work required a .50?  

I've owned my DE .50 for at least 6 years now, and it's the most impractical firearm I own.  I really can't think of any practical use for it!  I still can't get myself to sell it though.  

mir

[Jayhawk]

I'm curious -- what line of work required a .50?  

  I was going to ask too, shooting something big, slow, and close?

[katanaso]

Somebody mentioned the S&W 686 several posts back.  I shot a 686 with a 6" barrel and it was one of the best feeling handguns I've shot, shooting both .38 Special and .357 Magnum rounds.

Also, speaking of .44 Magnum, you can use .44 Special rounds for practice as well.

Then you certainly do not want a Beretta 92FS.

A good revolver will be far more inherently accurate. You mentioned a 44 Magnum, oddly enough, the 44 Magnum is an inherently accurate cartridge, and some of the better 44 Magnum revolvers are extremely accurate. The 357 Magnum is accurate, but not on the same level as the 44 Magnum.

If you really want an automatic, then get a 1911 pattern in 45ACP, from one of the better manufacturers. The aftermarket is flooded with all sorts of things to make the 1911 more accurate and more fun.

My Dan Wesson 44 Magnum is the most accurate handgun I've owned, it rivals some of the single shot hand guns. My Para-Ordnance P-14 45 is also very accurate, a Navy Seal hunting buddy was stunned at how well it shot, and a week later I shot a 250/250 for my qualification test, the instructor was somewhat surprised at how well the "old single action dinosaur" put rounds in the ten ring with so little effort on my part.

It doesn't matter how good a deal you get, how cheap the ammunition is, or how "cool" the gun is, if it isn't really accurate, and a good shooter, it won't be nearly as much fun.

[ebfd11]

FYI I was doing automobile reaquistions for Ford Motor Credit. Just the sight of the grip sticking out of my holster was imtimidation enough to keep people at bay.

[Jayhawk]

FYI I was doing automobile reaquistions for Ford Motor Credit. Just the sight of the grip sticking out of my holster was imtimidation enough to keep people at bay.

  Wow.  Wouldn't be my choice for a defensive weapon but it's definitively scary.

[katanaso]

C'mon, you used the 6+ pounds of gun as some type of club! 

I kid...I kid.

It does look intimidating, but it's such a beast.

FYI I was doing automobile reaquistions for Ford Motor Credit. Just the sight of the grip sticking out of my holster was imtimidation enough to keep people at bay.

[Jebus]

I am with CVH.  I did this process a year ago, and he gave me the same advice with going with a revolver.  I tried them and shot some very well, but ended up with a Sig P228 NIB.  The reason why I say listen to his advice is because revolvers are easier to shoot, maintain, and nearly never have a problem.

The Sig P228 (M11 is the military name) is the other lesser known Military Contract Side Arm for our arm forces.  I believe mostly Navy pilots, NCIS, and other military law people get this weapon because of its easy of conceal carry.  It is the same size as the Sig P229 but mine has a rolled Carbon slide instead of a stainless steal slide.  Making it a little lighter.   Let me tell you the balance of the gun is nothing I have felt before.  It fit my hand perfect and it is a blast to shoot.  That is the reason why I picked up this pistol.  Just something about it in my hand felt so perfect.

I do have a Glock 26 (CCW) that I also shoot very well.  Glocks are very easy to maintain and I have yet to have a problem with it.  Whatever you do when you buy your first handgun dont skimp on price.  Buy what you feel comfortable with, that you will enjoy, that you can hit the target with accurancy, and you can have fun with. 


Remember when  you go to the range to shoot targets its about having fun.

[Masherbrum]

I like my HK USP 45.

[Dichotomy]

I'm curious -- what line of work required a .50?  

I've owned my DE .50 for at least 6 years now, and it's the most impractical firearm I own.  I really can't think of any practical use for it!  I still can't get myself to sell it though.  

mir

Makes a fairly decent hammer in a pinch.