Looking for a first handgun

[dxkj]

I live in WI so no Concealed Carry allowed (one of 4 states, grr)

Anyway, I live in a pretty good neighborhood minus gun toting punks and spray painting vandals, and I dont have a Security system/motion detector flood lights, so I was thinking of getting a handgun...


Well to be honest, I really want one mostly for shooting at the range recreationally and shooting when Im visiting my dad in PA (not at him, targets)


I read a bit online, researched a few guns, and am still stuck between 9mm and .40. I dont want to spend a ton on a handgun, but I dont want to buy a 22 pistol either...

1911 looks nice but too much $$ and probably a bit too powerful

Sig sauer P226 seems like it might work, but Ive also been looking at the Glock 17. I plan on going to the local rent and shoot and try a few of these out, but for anyone who shoots a few different caliber handguns regularly, what is the difference in price for target ammo as far as 9mm .40 and .45 are concerned? Ive done several searches online and seen a varying amount, but would probably do most of my ammo buying locally so first hand experience will be appreciated


Any other suggestions beyond the p22X or the glock? Cheaper is better, but Id prefer something that doesnt stovepipe every other clip while im at the range, and something with at least a littlet stopping power (though HP 9mm close range should suffice)

 

[Viper GTS]

Check out Springfield's XD line, my next gun will probably be a 4" in .45 GAP.

Nice guns, I like them better than the Glocks I've shot. I can't stand the Glock trigger.

Viper GTS

 

[laurenlex]

Get a 9mm or 45acp. The 40 was invented to solve a problem that did not exist.

Tons and tons of info on this forum.

The glock vs. sig vs. beretta vs. 1911 is like Ford vs. Dodge vs. GM trucks. They are all good, but pick what is right for you.

Are you gonna shoot those punk kids?

 

[mesonw]

Why do you want to shoot things? Do you feel it's part of your natural heritage?

 

[CHfan4ever]

get this gun!

 

[Slacker]

A Glock G17 is a great first gun.

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

For your application, 9mm is clearly the way to go IMO. You can get 100-round Winchester range packs at Wal-Mart for $10.99, yet a FMJ 9mm round packs an adequate punch for self-defense.

I strongly suggest you go to a range and try out a variety of different pistols. I went one day and tried half a dozen 9mm pistols before settling on the G17. Your mileage may differ. Personally I don't like DA/SA pistols for self-defense, which is a lot of the reason I like the Glock. If cost were no object, and I didn't care about really easy maintenance (the Glock is SOOOO durable and easy to clean), I'd probably take a Para Ordnance LDA over any other gun - I love the trigger, and, like the Glocks, it's a double-action pistol with an easy pull (but much smoother than a Glock trigger).

 

[CraKaJaX]

Originally posted by: mesonw
Why do you want to shoot things? Do you feel it's part of your natural heritage?

fun stuff

 

[kogase]

Originally posted by: mesonw
Why do you want to shoot things? Do you feel it's part of your natural heritage?

Would you ask the same question to someone who throws darts at a dartboard in a club? It seems like a perfectly reasonable hobby to me.

 

[Eli]

Originally posted by: CHfan4ever
get this gun!

lol

:thumbsup:

 

[BabaBooey]

Originally posted by: DonVito
For your application, 9mm is clearly the way to go IMO. You can get 100-round Winchester range packs at Wal-Mart for $10.99, yet a FMJ 9mm round packs an adequate punch for self-defense.

I strongly suggest you go to a range and try out a variety of different pistols. I went one day and tried half a dozen 9mm pistols before settling on the G17. Your mileage may differ. Personally I don't like DA/SA pistols for self-defense, which is a lot of the reason I like the Glock. If cost were no object, and I didn't care about really easy maintenance (the Glock is SOOOO durable and easy to clean), I'd probably take a Para Ordnance LDA over any other gun - I love the trigger, and, like the Glocks, it's a double-action pistol with an easy pull (but much smoother than a Glock trigger).

Good advice.....but I will never give up my .40

 

[mesonw]

Originally posted by: kogase

Originally posted by: mesonw
Why do you want to shoot things? Do you feel it's part of your natural heritage?

Would you ask the same question to someone who throws darts at a dartboard in a club? It seems like a perfectly reasonable hobby to me.

I might.

 

[kogase]

Originally posted by: bababooey

Originally posted by: DonVito
For your application, 9mm is clearly the way to go IMO. You can get 100-round Winchester range packs at Wal-Mart for $10.99, yet a FMJ 9mm round packs an adequate punch for self-defense.

I strongly suggest you go to a range and try out a variety of different pistols. I went one day and tried half a dozen 9mm pistols before settling on the G17. Your mileage may differ. Personally I don't like DA/SA pistols for self-defense, which is a lot of the reason I like the Glock. If cost were no object, and I didn't care about really easy maintenance (the Glock is SOOOO durable and easy to clean), I'd probably take a Para Ordnance LDA over any other gun - I love the trigger, and, like the Glocks, it's a double-action pistol with an easy pull (but much smoother than a Glock trigger).

Good advice.....but I will never give up my .40

The liberals (that's me) will be coming for your guns soon enough. You say "from your cold, dead hands"? No problem, that's never stopped me before! Dweebus.

 

[judasmachine]

just refuse to live in fear man...

 

[Viper GTS]

Originally posted by: DonVito
For your application, 9mm is clearly the way to go IMO. You can get 100-round Winchester range packs at Wal-Mart for $10.99, yet a FMJ 9mm round packs an adequate punch for self-defense.

I strongly suggest you go to a range and try out a variety of different pistols. I went one day and tried half a dozen 9mm pistols before settling on the G17. Your mileage may differ. Personally I don't like DA/SA pistols for self-defense, which is a lot of the reason I like the Glock. If cost were no object, and I didn't care about really easy maintenance (the Glock is SOOOO durable and easy to clean), I'd probably take a Para Ordnance LDA over any other gun - I love the trigger, and, like the Glocks, it's a double-action pistol with an easy pull (but much smoother than a Glock trigger).

I too :heart: the LDA trigger.

I hear too much about Para quality problems though, otherwise they would be a serious consideration. Nice guns though.

Viper GTS

 

[Xionide]

Dude for less than $50 you can get a camera on ebay.

 

[Tylanner]

gunz=fun for everyonez!

 

[tommywishbone]

Guns are bad.... mmmmkay

 

[winr]

Whats a "Dweebus"?

 

[bradruth]

Originally posted by: Viper GTS
I can't stand the Glock trigger.

Don't like the two-stage trigger or the safety button?

 

[Viper GTS]

Originally posted by: bradruth

Originally posted by: Viper GTS
I can't stand the Glock trigger.

Don't like the two-stage trigger or the safety button?

I don't like the mushy feel.

Viper GTS

 

[bradruth]

Originally posted by: Viper GTS

Originally posted by: bradruth

Originally posted by: Viper GTS
I can't stand the Glock trigger.

Don't like the two-stage trigger or the safety button?

I don't like the mushy feel.

Viper GTS

I hear that phrase all the time.

 

[DainBramaged]

Originally posted by: bradruth

Originally posted by: Viper GTS

Originally posted by: bradruth

Originally posted by: Viper GTS
I can't stand the Glock trigger.

Don't like the two-stage trigger or the safety button?

I don't like the mushy feel.

Viper GTS

I hear that phrase all the time.

Do you carry a glock, bradruth?

 

[bradruth]

Originally posted by: DainBramaged

Originally posted by: bradruth

Originally posted by: Viper GTS

Originally posted by: bradruth

Originally posted by: Viper GTS
I can't stand the Glock trigger.

Don't like the two-stage trigger or the safety button?

I don't like the mushy feel.

Viper GTS

I hear that phrase all the time.

Do you carry a glock, bradruth?

Yes, I'm issued a Glock 22 .40.

 

[Viper GTS]

So do you like the trigger?

Viper GTS