Handgun advise

[2is]

A couple days ago I picked up my very first handgun, a 9MM Sig Sauer P226 MK25, and the addiction came hard and fast. I had a blast my first time out on the range with it and I'm already looking for a 2nd handgun to compliment it.

I'm looking for something with a different feel to it, and at the top of my list is a Walther PPQ. It's lighter, more compact and should make for a different shooting experience. I'm debating on sticking with the 9mm variant or perhaps going with the .40?

For the record, I do prefer 9mm over .40, in that if I could only have a single handgun, it would be a 9mm without a doubt. But in this case I already own a 9 and as I stated before, looking for a different shooting experience. But at the same time, I already have a nice stock pile of 9mm ammo and purchasing more ammo would be cheaper since I wouldn't have to buy two different calibers all the time.

Decisions Decisions... What would you do?

 

[schneiderguy]

If cost is a concern (shooting only centerfire will add up pretty quickly), I'd get something chambered in .22lr. Even if you can afford centerfire ammo prices, it'll improve your marksmanship.

A Ruger MK III is a good choice if you're looking for a semiauto. The S&W Model 617 is a good choice if you want a revolver.

I've got a S&W Model 18 (no longer in production) for my .22lr revolver, and a S&W Model 41 for my .22lr automatic.

 

[irishScott]

Agreed, something in .22 to master the fundamentals more cheaply. If you're all right with a rifle, a Marlin Model 60, Model 895 or Ruger 10/22 would be a sound investment.

 

[madoka]

Decisions Decisions... What would you do?

If you're after a different experience, try a 1911.

I wouldn't recommend a Ruger Mark III though. I've got a Mark III Competition and the field strip requires tools. It's a pain in the ass to clean. If you want to shoot .22, get a M&P 22. Great pistol.

 

[Tiamat]

Ppq in 9mm Would be my choice to initially simplify ammo choice. If you want a a bigger caliber, either go with glock 20 and its 10mm or any of the many sweet 45acp around like 1911 or fnx etc. I never saw the point of 40, but then again many people swear by it so YMMV. For dumping bullets at the range and marksmanship practice, a 22lr rifle and handgun would be sweet and inexpensive. My Kidd ruger 10/22 started out cheap at $225, the ruger 2245 lite is still my favorite 22 handgun with a Bushnell red dot. Take down needs tools for the first several times (mallet, dowel, paperclip), after which no tools are required other than a paperclip or equivalent.

 

[slag]

I wouldn't recommend anything 9mm right now. At least locally, 9mm ammo can't be found on the shelf at any walmart locations or cabellas or Bass Pro shops, yet 40 cal is plentiful. I'd suggest a 40cal handgun as shooting a 22 with no recoil is a lot different than a 40 cal and imho, they are completely different animals.

 

[rudeguy]

The first thing I would do is check out a Sig P229. Much different than that MK.

I would also check out a Glock 19, 17 and 26 in that order.

But I'm a Glock/Sig snob so don't listen to me.

 

[edro]

deagle

 

[IEC]

Something in 22LR would take the cake. Easy and cheap to practice with. I was fortunate enough to stock up on all my calibers before Sandy, but I still wish I'd bought a 22LR handgun to practice with...

 

[Sluggo]

I bought a Beretta U22 for my rimfire plinking gun. I chose it mainly for the easy take-down. If something is a hassle to clean I tend to put it off for a long time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-NadmH_6AI

 

[highland145]

One of each.

/thread

 

[SpatiallyAware]

1911

 

[xBiffx]

I wouldn't recommend anything 9mm right now. At least locally, 9mm ammo can't be found on the shelf at any walmart locations or cabellas or Bass Pro shops, yet 40 cal is plentiful. I'd suggest a 40cal handgun as shooting a 22 with no recoil is a lot different than a 40 cal and imho, they are completely different animals.

I second this.

I own two Springfield XD-40s and love them. I can't stand 9mm (for handguns as least) and I only keep my Ruger P-89 around because its fun to pea shoot from time to time, if you can find ammo that is.

 

[SpatiallyAware]

Meh, we've had plenty of ammo for a few months now.. In my area, at least.

9mm is the most popular round in the world. There's some pros and cons to that. If "shit hit the fan" it would be the most accessible ammo.

I can't stand 40. There's no modern benefit with current ammunition, in my opinion, over +p 9mm. Almost all .40 chambered firearms are ridiculously 'snappy'.

I will only buy .380 (for pocket guns), 9mm (for capacity), .45 (for brute force).

 

[Genx87]

I suggest a 1911 if you want a different feel. Or get into revolvers like the .38 or .357.

 

[SpatiallyAware]

Also... regarding different ammo... I never really got that. I have no problem keeping a couple different types.

If you only have 9mm, if the store is out of 9mm you can't go shooting. That would be pretty frustrating.


I just buy whatever caliber I have when it's on sale. If I go shooting I replenish as needed. I really don't understand how the "stay with 1 caliber so you only have to buy 1 type" mentality is a good thing.

 

[Scarpozzi]

I agree with the .22 recommendation. My first 2 handguns were an XD9 Subcompact and a .22 Baretta NEOS (4" barrel).

I typically will shoot through a box of 9mm...then shoot the .22 for a bit to extend my range time before going back to the 9mm.

It saves a lot of money in the long run having a good plinking gun....plus if you ever shoot with women, they are typically less intimidated by a .22 to start with.

I suggest looking at Ruger Mark III or Browning Buckmark.....The Baretta I have is nice (I paid $238 for it), futuristic looking, but I feel like the extra money toward the Mark III or Browning is worth it.

 

[ManBearPig]

The first thing I would do is check out a Sig P229. Much different than that MK.

Isn't basically the only difference length and weight?

 

[poofyhairguy]

 

[Tiamat]

Isn't basically the only difference length and weight?

The grip is slimmer and the capacity drops to 12 I think.

 

[smackababy]

If you're after a different experience, try a 1911.

I have a 1911 and a Colt Commander chambered for .38 Super and I have to say I enjoy firing the Commander more than the standard 1911.

 

[clamum]

deagle

LOL. :thumbsdown::awe:

OP, I'd also suggest a .22LR pistol. For that, I'd suggest checking out a Ruger Mark III 22/45 Lite, S&W M&P 22, Ruger Single Six/Ten, or perhaps a 1911-style .22LR that can cycle cheaper ammo (IMO if a firearm can't handle Federal bulk ammo fairly reliably, I'm not interested).

I don't have much recommendations for a 9mm besides perhaps a S&W M&P, Glock, XD/XD(m), or other striker-fired pistol like your Walther PPQ. Although, my first thought upon reading your thread title and first few sentences was ".45ACP 1911." You can spend a lot of money on a 1911 but don't think that's a requirement to get a nice, reliable, pistol.

 

[pontifex]

there's so many personal factors, its hard to give advice.

It's nice to have another gun in another caliber, but then you have to buy 2 different calibers. Ammo gets expensive, especially when stupid shit happens like what has been going on the last year or so.

.22s are fun and were cheap to shoot, but these days trying to find .22 is not easy nor cheap.

prices are coming down on ammo and availability is more plentiful these days, but not like what it was before Sandy Hook.

 

[desertdweller]

Now that you know you enjoy shooting, you should go to a range that has rentals and try several of them out. Or, find friends that have different models to try. See what you like before you just spend some money. Lot's of different models out there and everyone has a personal preference.

Also, read through the I love guns thread. Lots of good information there.

 

[2is]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm not having a particular problem finding 9mm rounds so that's a nonissue for me, and it's seems to only be getting easier with time. I like the .22 suggestion, I didn't realize how inexpensive the rounds are. What do you think of the Rugor SR 22?