Posted: 8/21/2013 1:18:28 PM EDT
| I am looking for a first handgun.....actually, first gun in general.... Home defense is my primary concern, with the occasional range visit to stay sharp..I have seen previous threads on the subject and the answer is almost always "get a glock" I have heard many good things about them, but as stupid as it sounds, i hate the way they look. However, they didn't get to be one of the highest rated and most widely used guns for no reason, right?The $500+ price tag on glocks is also a bit too much... I am considering a glock 17 or a sig sauer p2022 but im looking for comments/suggestions. For caliber i was obviously thinking 9mm-with some jacketed hollow points for at home and something like winchester white box for practice. |
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You're gonna get varied responses. 9mm with good ammo is fine. Glocks, while "ugly" according to you, work. Might consider less expensive alternatives such as a used Beretta 92 or S&W 5906. Lots of choices out there today... stick with a well known brand. Thanks for the response. I expected varied replies, buit i always value someones educated opinion. Is buying used guns usually safe? In terms of malfunctions or warranties? |
Get ready to lose your wallet, it may be your first gun, but it wont be your last!
If your not an avid shooter or have friends that you shoot with regularly, I would suggest finding a shop or range where you can test fire a variety of guns and calibers. You may find the ergonomics and recoil of a particular gun or caliber more favorable than another. Don't be afraid to try a bunch of different stuff before you decide to make a purchase. If you are set on a Glock, look for a good used one. A lot of shops get used ones in trade that work just fine. I personally prefer the M&P platform for every day carry and around the house. If you really want the best for home defense, invest in an AR-15. 30 rounds on a very versatile platform is a formidable defense against a variety of threats. |
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Welcome aboard.
I'm no expert by any means, but I own a Sig SP2022 in 9mm. I love it. No malfunctions, it's a Sig, it shoots great and I got a new one for $4something. I don't know if you can still find 'em for less than $500 but it's probably worth looking into. I'm sure others will be around shortly to add some suggestions as well. |
hey raf, thanks for the reply. i have read many positive reviews on the 2022 and i really love the look of Sig's. I found one without the accessory rail (which i want  ) for 450......which is almost the same price as the sig p250 or glock..... I also found one with the rail for the same price but with a smaller mag.....I know this is a dumb question, but the 10 round mag can be replaced with a 15, right? Also any suggestions for someone on a budget would help. I am considering the S&W m&p 9mm with night sights for 389.00 delivered....
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If you really want the best for home defense, invest in an AR-15. 30 rounds on a very versatile platform is a formidable defense against a variety of threats. I wish i had A-R money lol....I'm in the inner city of Chicago, so the extremely close proximity of my neighbors houses are a concern. I dont want any over-penetration issues, and i'd have a lot of corners/rooms to sweep. The overall layout and small size of my house makes me lean towards handgun.....I was favorable towards wheel-guns at first, but for someone who has never fired a gun, Itd probably be better to have more than 6 shots...Not to mention the thought of constantly reloading a revolver at the range |
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First of all you need to get to a gun shop and finger fuck these pistols -
Glock 17 and a 19 S&W MP9 and a 9c 1911 (try a Rock Island armory 9mm although a 45 will be the same dimensions for "feel") Once you have held and seen what feels natural to you in your hand then you can start making some research into what you want. Everyone is going to have their own preferred choice in handgun but just because Glocks fit right in my hand doesn't mean they will work in yours. All of those are great choices for reliability and after market support. Ideally you should get some trigger time with each to see what you shoot the best with. Stay away from revolvers until you have a bit more trigger time under your belt, the bore is much higher than your grip and as such it can be difficult to accurately make follow up shots and it can be painful for new shooters (moreso than a firearm like a glock with a relatively low bore axis) You should read up here for more info on AR's and "over penetration" btw, AR's with the proper ammo can make EXCELLENT HD firearms. http://www.ar15.com/ammo/ actually 9mm can have the potential to have more serious wounding capability through walls than some 5.56 rounds. |
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How to choose a pistol:
1. PURPOSE First decide what you what the pistol is for. Plinking guns are very different from target, carry, or service hand guns, even if all are in the same caliber.Do you need/want a scope mount, night sights, a light rail? How you plan to use the gun will decide the features you need/want . Features to consider under purpose include: barrel length, sight type, finish style, and budget. 2. Caliber- what caliber do you want? This is the most important decision and leads to many compromises. For example 5.7 is little bullet, high capacity, low recoil, while 44 mag is a big bullet low capacity heavy recoil. Every pistol caliber is a niche caliber so what niche do you want to fill? 9mm,40S&W, and 45are the compromise area and therefore the area of most debate. Please consider availability and price of ammo in your decision. 3.Capacity weight & size- these go together because after caliber size of the hand gun has the most effect on capacity. From a 5 shot J frame to a 20shot XDM . This is a major area of concern because ergonomics, shootability (grip and felt recoil ), weight and control are highly affected by size. How/if you plan to carry where you want to place your holster and you style of clothing all should play a role in deciding the size of the pistol you purchase. If you are looking for a nightstand only pistol then size is less important. 4.Trigger- In the last 10 years,many new options have come to the market and this is a major factor in what you choose as your pistol. a.Single action –(SA)1911 or colt single action army you must pull back the hammer to cock the action with a 1911 and other automatics the slide automatically does this. These offer great triggers with light short pulls and precise control and repeatability but are generally not as safe as other trigger options and need a positive safety (just my opinion). b.double action (DA)the trigger is connected to the hammer so pulling the trigger cocks the hammer and fires the gun. Think a capgun toy. This is very common on revolvers. Where the trigger pull also rotates the cylinder. DA often has very heavy long trigger pulls a version called double action only (DAO) is often used by police agencies because it is believed that this trigger will lower accidental discharges and make the agency less prone to lawsuits. c. double action/ Single action (DA/SA) the first pull is the long heavy double action but the slide then cocks the hammer during cycling making each additional shot the short light single action. This has been the most common trigger style since WWII.it offers the first shot safety of DA and the great SA trigger on follow-ups. The disadvantage is there are 2 different triggers to master on the same gun. d.Striker fired – There is no hammer. The striker is basically a firing pin, the trigger pulls back and releases the firing pin offering a lighter shorter DA style trigger pull. These have become very popular in the last 20 years and this style is offered in every large manufacturer’s line. 5. Mag release -Basically they’re three types, and this is a defining step in choosing the perfect pistol a.American- the button behind the trigger you have most likely seen before. It is very fast especially with drop free magazines and can be used without changing your grip if your hands are large enough. Often reversible for left or right hand operation. b.European- a heel press on the bottom of the pistol’s grip. You must take the pistol off target and use your non firing hand to remove the magazine. Much slower and clumsier than American style mag release. c.Paddle – a paddle release is a paddle or lever flush with the bottom of the trigger guard you can use your trigger finger to drop the mag; or like American style, use your thumb to drop the mag.as fast American style with drop free mags, if you have smaller hands this is a great option. But is still rare only offered on H&K and Walther pistols. 6.Safety-last but far from least important the safety options. There are basically two types of safeties and a bewildering number of subcategories from there. a.Positive safeties – these are a switch that locks the trigger or disengages the firing pin. b.Integral safeties- these are somewhat passive such as trigger safeties or grip safeties and are usually disengaged automatically as you go through the motions of firing the pistol. c.None- pistols with no safety often use a heavy DA trigger pull as a way of preventing accidental discharges. 7.Ergonomics How the pistol fits in your hand should be one of the most important factors in deciding what to buy. Pay specific attention to where your trigger finger naturally rest on the trigger. Also insure the pistol is high enough in the hand so that the slide does not cut the webbing of your hand in cycling. Many manufacturers offer models with different size back straps or grip side plates. Some pistols let you completely replace the grip with different sizes.Can you easily reach the mag release slide release and safety without changing your grip? on compact and sub compacts all you fingers may not fit on the grip pierce makes special magazine bottom plates for some models to remedy this.many sub compacts are uncomfortable or hard to shoot accurately if you are a beginner. The pistol you purchase should be comfortable for you to hold and aim. 8. Perceived recoil The recoil that you feel is perceived recoil it is derived from the velocity and weight of the bullet and negated somewhat by the weight and ergonomics of the gun. a big gun (like a beretta 92)in 9mm will have less Perceived recoil than a small 9mm (like a glock 26). bore axis (the height of the muzzle over the web between your thumb and trigger finger) also plays a role in muzzle flip a high bore axis causes more muzzle rise thus more Perceived recoil a low bore axis allows for less Perceived recoil through reduced muzzle rise. Shoot as many different pistols as you can. Find your preference with each area listed above then find the pistol that offers all your preferences in one package trust me in today's market it is out there unless you choose an odd caliber. |
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I don't know your disposable income so I will first recommend a Glock 19. Now the next one might get me flamed. The Smith Wesson SD9VE. I own two and they have been flawless for about 200 dollars less than a Glock. This is the SD model, basically the 2nd generation of Sigma. Do not get the SW9VE. That is the old one.
I own two and they have been flawless in the nearly 600 rounds between them so far. They are suprisingly accurate and very reliable so far for me. |
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Quoted:
How to choose a pistol: 1. PURPOSE First decide what you what the pistol is for. Plinking guns are very different from target, carry, or service hand guns, even if all are in the same caliber.Do you need/want a scope mount, night sights, a light rail? How you plan to use the gun will decide the features you need/want . Features to consider under purpose include: barrel length, sight type, finish style, and budget. 2. Caliber- what caliber do you want? This is the most important decision and leads to many compromises. For example 5.7 is little bullet, high capacity, low recoil, while 44 mag is a big bullet low capacity heavy recoil. Every pistol caliber is a niche caliber so what niche do you want to fill? 9mm,40S&W, and 45are the compromise area and therefore the area of most debate. Please consider availability and price of ammo in your decision. 3.Capacity weight & size- these go together because after caliber size of the hand gun has the most effect on capacity. From a 5 shot J frame to a 20shot XDM . This is a major area of concern because ergonomics, shootability (grip and felt recoil ), weight and control are highly affected by size. How/if you plan to carry where you want to place your holster and you style of clothing all should play a role in deciding the size of the pistol you purchase. If you are looking for a nightstand only pistol then size is less important. 4.Trigger- In the last 10 years,many new options have come to the market and this is a major factor in what you choose as your pistol. a.Single action –(SA)1911 or colt single action army you must pull back the hammer to cock the action with a 1911 and other automatics the slide automatically does this. These offer great triggers with light short pulls and precise control and repeatability but are generally not as safe as other trigger options and need a positive safety (just my opinion). b.double action (DA)the trigger is connected to the hammer so pulling the trigger cocks the hammer and fires the gun. Think a capgun toy. This is very common on revolvers. Where the trigger pull also rotates the cylinder. DA often has very heavy long trigger pulls a version called double action only (DAO) is often used by police agencies because it is believed that this trigger will lower accidental discharges and make the agency less prone to lawsuits. c. double action/ Single action (DA/SA) the first pull is the long heavy double action but the slide then cocks the hammer during cycling making each additional shot the short light single action. This has been the most common trigger style since WWII.it offers the first shot safety of DA and the great SA trigger on follow-ups. The disadvantage is there are 2 different triggers to master on the same gun. d.Striker fired – There is no hammer. The striker is basically a firing pin, the trigger pulls back and releases the firing pin offering a lighter shorter DA style trigger pull. These have become very popular in the last 20 years and this style is offered in every large manufacturer’s line. 5. Mag release -Basically they’re three types, and this is a defining step in choosing the perfect pistol a.American- the button behind the trigger you have most likely seen before. It is very fast especially with drop free magazines and can be used without changing your grip if your hands are large enough. Often reversible for left or right hand operation. b.European- a heel press on the bottom of the pistol’s grip. You must take the pistol off target and use your non firing hand to remove the magazine. Much slower and clumsier than American style mag release. c.Paddle – a paddle release is a paddle or lever flush with the bottom of the trigger guard you can use your trigger finger to drop the mag; or like American style, use your thumb to drop the mag.as fast American style with drop free mags, if you have smaller hands this is a great option. But is still rare only offered on H&K and Walther pistols. 6.Safety-last but far from least important the safety options. There are basically two types of safeties and a bewildering number of subcategories from there. a.Positive safeties – these are a switch that locks the trigger or disengages the firing pin. b.Integral safeties- these are somewhat passive such as trigger safeties or grip safeties and are usually disengaged automatically as you go through the motions of firing the pistol. c.None- pistols with no safety often use a heavy DA trigger pull as a way of preventing accidental discharges. 7.Ergonomics How the pistol fits in your hand should be one of the most important factors in deciding what to buy. Pay specific attention to where your trigger finger naturally rest on the trigger. Also insure the pistol is high enough in the hand so that the slide does not cut the webbing of your hand in cycling. Many manufacturers offer models with different size back straps or grip side plates. Some pistols let you completely replace the grip with different sizes.Can you easily reach the mag release slide release and safety without changing your grip? on compact and sub compacts all you fingers may not fit on the grip pierce makes special magazine bottom plates for some models to remedy this.many sub compacts are uncomfortable or hard to shoot accurately if you are a beginner. The pistol you purchase should be comfortable for you to hold and aim. 8. Perceived recoil The recoil that you feel is perceived recoil it is derived from the velocity and weight of the bullet and negated somewhat by the weight and ergonomics of the gun. a big gun (like a beretta 92)in 9mm will have less Perceived recoil than a small 9mm (like a glock 26). bore axis (the height of the muzzle over the web between your thumb and trigger finger) also plays a role in muzzle flip a high bore axis causes more muzzle rise thus more Perceived recoil a low bore axis allows for less Perceived recoil through reduced muzzle rise. Shoot as many different pistols as you can. Find your preference with each area listed above then find the pistol that offers all your preferences in one package trust me in today's market it is out there unless you choose an odd caliber. Nice post, a lot of good stuff in there |
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I don't know your disposable income so I will first recommend a Glock 19. Now the next one might get me flamed. The Smith Wesson SD9VE. I own two and they have been flawless for about 200 dollars less than a Glock. This is the SD model, basically the 2nd generation of Sigma. Do not get the SW9VE. That is the old one. I own two and they have been flawless in the nearly 600 rounds between them so far. They are suprisingly accurate and very reliable so far for me. You are correct to put on the flame suit. How many rounds have you shot through them so far, honestly? And what is your definition of reliable? |
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Quoted:
How to choose a pistol: 1. PURPOSE First decide what you what the pistol is for. Plinking guns are very different from target, carry, or service hand guns, even if all are in the same caliber.Do you need/want a scope mount, night sights, a light rail? How you plan to use the gun will decide the features you need/want . Features to consider under purpose include: barrel length, sight type, finish style, and budget. 2. Caliber- what caliber do you want? This is the most important decision and leads to many compromises. For example 5.7 is little bullet, high capacity, low recoil, while 44 mag is a big bullet low capacity heavy recoil. Every pistol caliber is a niche caliber so what niche do you want to fill? 9mm,40S&W, and 45are the compromise area and therefore the area of most debate. Please consider availability and price of ammo in your decision. 3.Capacity weight & size- these go together because after caliber size of the hand gun has the most effect on capacity. From a 5 shot J frame to a 20shot XDM . This is a major area of concern because ergonomics, shootability (grip and felt recoil ), weight and control are highly affected by size. How/if you plan to carry where you want to place your holster and you style of clothing all should play a role in deciding the size of the pistol you purchase. If you are looking for a nightstand only pistol then size is less important. 4.Trigger- In the last 10 years,many new options have come to the market and this is a major factor in what you choose as your pistol. a.Single action –(SA)1911 or colt single action army you must pull back the hammer to cock the action with a 1911 and other automatics the slide automatically does this. These offer great triggers with light short pulls and precise control and repeatability but are generally not as safe as other trigger options and need a positive safety (just my opinion). b.double action (DA)the trigger is connected to the hammer so pulling the trigger cocks the hammer and fires the gun. Think a capgun toy. This is very common on revolvers. Where the trigger pull also rotates the cylinder. DA often has very heavy long trigger pulls a version called double action only (DAO) is often used by police agencies because it is believed that this trigger will lower accidental discharges and make the agency less prone to lawsuits. c. double action/ Single action (DA/SA) the first pull is the long heavy double action but the slide then cocks the hammer during cycling making each additional shot the short light single action. This has been the most common trigger style since WWII.it offers the first shot safety of DA and the great SA trigger on follow-ups. The disadvantage is there are 2 different triggers to master on the same gun. d.Striker fired – There is no hammer. The striker is basically a firing pin, the trigger pulls back and releases the firing pin offering a lighter shorter DA style trigger pull. These have become very popular in the last 20 years and this style is offered in every large manufacturer’s line. 5. Mag release -Basically they’re three types, and this is a defining step in choosing the perfect pistol a.American- the button behind the trigger you have most likely seen before. It is very fast especially with drop free magazines and can be used without changing your grip if your hands are large enough. Often reversible for left or right hand operation. b.European- a heel press on the bottom of the pistol’s grip. You must take the pistol off target and use your non firing hand to remove the magazine. Much slower and clumsier than American style mag release. c.Paddle – a paddle release is a paddle or lever flush with the bottom of the trigger guard you can use your trigger finger to drop the mag; or like American style, use your thumb to drop the mag.as fast American style with drop free mags, if you have smaller hands this is a great option. But is still rare only offered on H&K and Walther pistols. 6.Safety-last but far from least important the safety options. There are basically two types of safeties and a bewildering number of subcategories from there. a.Positive safeties – these are a switch that locks the trigger or disengages the firing pin. b.Integral safeties- these are somewhat passive such as trigger safeties or grip safeties and are usually disengaged automatically as you go through the motions of firing the pistol. c.None- pistols with no safety often use a heavy DA trigger pull as a way of preventing accidental discharges. 7.Ergonomics How the pistol fits in your hand should be one of the most important factors in deciding what to buy. Pay specific attention to where your trigger finger naturally rest on the trigger. Also insure the pistol is high enough in the hand so that the slide does not cut the webbing of your hand in cycling. Many manufacturers offer models with different size back straps or grip side plates. Some pistols let you completely replace the grip with different sizes.Can you easily reach the mag release slide release and safety without changing your grip? on compact and sub compacts all you fingers may not fit on the grip pierce makes special magazine bottom plates for some models to remedy this.many sub compacts are uncomfortable or hard to shoot accurately if you are a beginner. The pistol you purchase should be comfortable for you to hold and aim. 8. Perceived recoil The recoil that you feel is perceived recoil it is derived from the velocity and weight of the bullet and negated somewhat by the weight and ergonomics of the gun. a big gun (like a beretta 92)in 9mm will have less Perceived recoil than a small 9mm (like a glock 26). bore axis (the height of the muzzle over the web between your thumb and trigger finger) also plays a role in muzzle flip a high bore axis causes more muzzle rise thus more Perceived recoil a low bore axis allows for less Perceived recoil through reduced muzzle rise. Shoot as many different pistols as you can. Find your preference with each area listed above then find the pistol that offers all your preferences in one package trust me in today's market it is out there unless you choose an odd caliber. awesome....thank you. |
Lots of good options out there 
The obvious answer are any of the big 3 poly pistols, Glock, M&P or XD. I've had all three and prefer the grip of the M&P, but your hand may like one of the others. The only pistol out of all that I've had that I really didn't like shooting was a KelTec PF9. |
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You are correct to put on the flame suit. How many rounds have you shot through them so far, honestly? And what is your definition of reliable? Quoted:
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I don't know your disposable income so I will first recommend a Glock 19. Now the next one might get me flamed. The Smith Wesson SD9VE. I own two and they have been flawless for about 200 dollars less than a Glock. This is the SD model, basically the 2nd generation of Sigma. Do not get the SW9VE. That is the old one. I own two and they have been flawless in the nearly 600 rounds between them so far. They are suprisingly accurate and very reliable so far for me. You are correct to put on the flame suit. How many rounds have you shot through them so far, honestly? And what is your definition of reliable? I have fired in local matches with them to shake them out and my kids shoot them at the ranch. They have been fired with 88, 115, 124 and 147 grain bullets. FMJ, JHP (HST, Golden Sabre and Gold Dot) to check for functioning. I fired some old 88 grain Remington JHP thru them too. No problem at all. One load that they seem to really like and are very accurate with are 9mm NATO by Winchester. They eject the cases farthest with those. I went to 9mm exclusively and traded off excess .40, .45, 38 spl. and .357 Mag ammo for 9mm. To me perfect reliable is not having one failure to feed, eject or misfire with good ammo. Even with Tula 115 grain FMJ and Monarch 115 FMJ, they move along perfect. (Just dirtier than the others). I bought the SD9VE originally for my wife because she did not want for us to spend 500+ dollars on another Glock during Xmas time last year. I had owned one of the original SD9 (black slide) when they came out two years ago and I really liked the grip angle. That one was reliable too, but it suffered from BTF. I traded it off to get a Glock 17 at the time. I got a second SD9VE in April or May of this year, Can't recall exactly, but it has been also perfect. I am a firearms instructor and have seen other pistols choke from less. I also bought an SW9VE (the Sigma) and it has also been perfect. The only drawback is the trigger pull. That is why I will not recommend it for a 1st gun. People get put off with a heavy trigger or a gun that leaves a bad impression on them. I got it for a very good price with the 16 round magazines. The two reasons I got it were because of the magazines (Was when things were crazy earlier this year) and they interchange with the SD9VE. I know the trigger can be lightened, but all my guns stay stock. The SD9VE and the SW9VE both take down like the Glock for cleaning. No flipping levers like the M&P. They operate the exact same way as a Glock too. The first SD9VE broke a trigger scale at 7 pounds and the newest one at 6 1/2. Wife likes the 7 lb trigger better. The SW9ve brings it in at close to 9 lbs. My oldest daughter actually likes the SW9VE Sigma better than the Glock or SD9VE. One Officer from a neighboring department bought an SD9VE and I saw him qualify with it. He had no problems with it at all. He says he shot better with that gun than his former departments issued Sig 226 in .40. Thse pistols get a bad rep from people who do not own them or have never fired them. I have fired an SD40VE and I admit that I do not like the recoil at all. The lightweight of those guns is perfect with the 9mm. |
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I would try to handle as many different handguns as possible before you make a decision. Shooting them would be even better if possible. That is if you want to make the right decision the first go round. If the range(s) nearby don't have exactly what you're looking for to rent, you may have to shop around. A different approach might just be in order. Maybe buy a couple boxes of ammo, hit your local range and offer a box to a shooter willing to let you try their gun out. In my experience most shooters are friendly and are willing to help new shooters out. Just a thought.
I wouldn't give up on trying the SP2022 so easily. Between your two choices, I think the SIG is hands down a higher quality gun. Most of the polymer frame handguns choices on the market are well made, reliable and accurate. I think the SIG is a step above the rest though. Together with the HK P30 (admittedly out of your price range) I think these are the pinnacle of polymer frame handguns currently on the market. Note that the SIG unfortunately only comes with one mag, while the Glock comes with three. Not sure if that influences your decision, but in an apples to apples comparison, the SIG would actually be more money. The above in bold is important. Online oppinions are a nice starting point, but only you can decide what best suits you. As a very wise man once penned "Now, the world don't move to the beat of just one drum, what might be right for you, may not be right for some." 
Konger |
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Glock 19.
It has already been recommended, but find a range where you can rent multiple pistols and try your hand at them. Glock 19 is just an easy to shoot, highly reliable, accurate, and low maintenance pistol. I carry one every day with confidence. Edit: Welcome to the addiction and practice safe weapons handling like your life depends on it (because it does). |
| See what feels good, shoot a few if you can and buy quality. Skip the HiPoints and lower class pistols. Glock, Springfield, S&W M&P, Sig and so forth are all good. It's going to come down to the feel and features you're looking for. After that I or even before you buy, I would suggest you take the NRA Basic Pistol course and hit the range. |
| The range/shop by me does allow rentals of multiple guns and i plan on trying some glocks and the m&p. Do Glocks ALWAYS come with 3 mags? I dont wanna get ripped off lol. Also the range by me overcharges on ammo and doesnt allow outside ammo......you cant even take any unspent rounds back out with you....is that common practice? or do chicago and the surrounding areas just suck |
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The range/shop by me does allow rentals of multiple guns and i plan on trying some glocks and the m&p. Do Glocks ALWAYS come with 3 mags? I dont wanna get ripped off lol. Also the range by me overcharges on ammo and doesnt allow outside ammo......you cant even take any unspent rounds back out with you....is that common practice? or do chicago and the surrounding areas just suck Mine only came with 2. It's not uncommon for places to make you buy their ammo to shoot in their rental guns. If they told me I couldn't take my left over rounds home I'd find somewhere new to shoot. |
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okay thanks for the input. I will rent a few guns at the range and see what feels right. I know just holding the gun isnt the same as actually firing it, but i might be able to get my hands on a SP2022 at cabelas or something. I am also considering the sig P250 in one of the bigger sizes as i have fairly big hands and dont plant on doing any CC. so unless i find any other "budget" contenders my list is as follows:
(all 9mm) sig sauer SP2022 sig sauer P250 S&W M&P glock 19 glock 17 |
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okay thanks for the input. I will rent a few guns at the range and see what feels right. I know just holding the gun isnt the same as actually firing it, but i might be able to get my hands on a SP2022 at cabelas or something. I am also considering the sig P250 in one of the bigger sizes as i have fairly big hands and dont plant on doing any CC. so unless i find any other "budget" contenders my list is as follows: (all 9mm) sig sauer SP2022 sig sauer P250 S&W M&P glock 19 glock 17 The SIG P250 is DAO...is that what you're looking for? Some like them, but I really didn't to be honest with you. The Cabela's in Charleston, WV has SP2022's both new and used as well as some police trade-in 226's so yours may as well. Most of those 226 trade-ins are in .40 S&W though. If you handle the SP2022, realize they ship with two grips, a small and medium. A large grip module is also available if those don't fit. Check Top Gun Supply. Good luck on your journey! Konger |
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The SIG P250 is DAO...is that what you're looking for? Some like them, but I really didn't to be honest with you. The Cabela's in Charleston, WV has SP2022's both new and used as well as some police trade-in 226's so yours may as well. Most of those 226 trade-ins are in .40 S&W though. If you handle the SP2022, realize they ship with two grips, a small and medium. A large grip module is also available if those don't fit. Check Top Gun Supply. Good luck on your journey! Konger Quoted:
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okay thanks for the input. I will rent a few guns at the range and see what feels right. I know just holding the gun isnt the same as actually firing it, but i might be able to get my hands on a SP2022 at cabelas or something. I am also considering the sig P250 in one of the bigger sizes as i have fairly big hands and dont plant on doing any CC. so unless i find any other "budget" contenders my list is as follows: (all 9mm) sig sauer SP2022 sig sauer P250 S&W M&P glock 19 glock 17 The SIG P250 is DAO...is that what you're looking for? Some like them, but I really didn't to be honest with you. The Cabela's in Charleston, WV has SP2022's both new and used as well as some police trade-in 226's so yours may as well. Most of those 226 trade-ins are in .40 S&W though. If you handle the SP2022, realize they ship with two grips, a small and medium. A large grip module is also available if those don't fit. Check Top Gun Supply. Good luck on your journey! Konger Thanks for the guidance Konger. I read about DA/SA in another post but i dont really understand the differences.....Is is all in the trigger pull weight? forgive my ignorance i just applied for my FOID, ive yet to even fire a real gun. (i do have experience with a daisy red rider, though LOL  )
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Never put a price on something when it comes to your life or someone else's.
If the handgun that works the best for you costs $800+ then so be it. Don't cheap out, it's not worth your life. Glocks' shortcomings is its cheap plastic sights that fall off or drift and horrible ergonomics for lefties or shooting left handed. Hold a glock in your left hand and try to operate the mag release and slide stop/release lever using only your left hand. Oh and my first handgun was an HK USP 9 that I bought new for $800. 
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| what are the advantages/disadvantages of the various trigger types? correct me if im wrong, but is DAO is a hammer style firing system that doesnt function by manually cocking the hammer; only a pull of the trigger-usually with a heavy trigger pull....? I thought i figured that much out but im still fuzzy on the rest and i want to seem somewhat knowledgeable when purchase time comes. |
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DAO is pretty much a revolver with the hammer spur cut off it is not usually offered as a standard cataloge item mostly found on police turn in autos like ohio state police turn in beretta 92s.
like rifle trigger the lighter shorter crisper more repeatable trigger will aid in accuracy... the trigger reset is also very important.especailly for double taps and controled pairs. the shortest is walther's PPQ at.1" some feel the PPQ's trigger is too light to be safe for regular SD carry.you'll have to try one and decide for yourself. |
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Quoted:
what are the advantages/disadvantages of the various trigger types? correct me if im wrong, but is DAO is a hammer style firing system that doesnt function by manually cocking the hammer; only a pull of the trigger-usually with a heavy trigger pull....? I thought i figured that much out but im still fuzzy on the rest and i want to seem somewhat knowledgeable when purchase time comes. SD307 posted a good rundown of the options. You are correct on the DAO operation. I used to be a big DA/SA proponent but have recently went to a striker fired pistol for simplicity. Glock, M&P, Sig, all make good pistols. I'd choose what trigger system you want first. PERSONALLY, I'm a Glock guy but M&Ps are very nice pistols. If you want a DA/SA, the Sig SP2022 or a CZ would be nice choices also. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
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Glock 19s can by difficult to shoot, especially if you have small hands. 17s are easier to shoot.
I teach lots of folks how to shoot... we use M&P 9mms as our loaner guns and everyone shoots them well. The double/single action on the Sig is a PITA to shoot. I'd avoid it. (Carried a P220 in .45 for several years...) |
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i saw his reply and his description helped a lot but i wanted a little more detail. I like the idea of a dedicated de-cocker on the sig but its not a deciding factor. Skip the Sig altogether... Thank me later. I've converted MANY dedicated Sig shooters. All it takes is a few drills and they quickly see the difference... They all shoot faster and more accurately (especially from the holster) with either Glocks or M&Ps. If your choice s down to Glock 17 and Sig 2022, then the Glock is the better choice. |
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i saw his reply and his description helped a lot but i wanted a little more detail. I like the idea of a dedicated de-cocker on the sig but its not a deciding factor. DAO is designed, IMO, with a heavier trigger pull for "safety" and isn't my favorite. If I were you I'd lean towards the Sig if you want a DA/SA gun, or a M&P/Glock if you're after a striker fired pistol. They are all good handguns and any of the three would serve you well. Decide on which system you want and go from there. ETA: I see the post above mine advised against the Sig, that's up to you. I personally came from a DA/SA to Glock just for the trigger system. You need to decide what you want. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
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Quoted:
what are the advantages/disadvantages of the various trigger types? correct me if im wrong, but is DAO is a hammer style firing system that doesnt function by manually cocking the hammer; only a pull of the trigger-usually with a heavy trigger pull....? I thought i figured that much out but im still fuzzy on the rest and i want to seem somewhat knowledgeable when purchase time comes. The first shot on DA/SA pistols (Sigs) are supposed to be fired with the hammer down, which makes the first trigger press very long and then it's followed by shorter, reset trigger presses. That means you will have to learn two different trigger presses. It sounds easy, but it's a PITA, and takes longer to master. Someone will come along and call BS on that, but I guarantee I could take them to a range and they would produce faster, more accurate first hits with a striker fired DAO pistol, like a Glock/M&P. The first shot out of the holster is the most important, as it may be the only one you get... |
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The first shot on DA/SA pistols (Sigs) are supposed to be fired with the hammer down, which makes the first trigger press very long and then it's followed by shorter, reset trigger presses. That means you will have to learn two different trigger presses. It sounds easy, but it's a PITA, and takes longer to master. Someone will come along and call BS on that, but I guarantee I could take them to a range and they would produce faster, more accurate first hits with a striker fired DAO pistol, like a Glock/M&P. The first shot out of the holster is the most important, as it may be the only one you get... Quoted:
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what are the advantages/disadvantages of the various trigger types? correct me if im wrong, but is DAO is a hammer style firing system that doesnt function by manually cocking the hammer; only a pull of the trigger-usually with a heavy trigger pull....? I thought i figured that much out but im still fuzzy on the rest and i want to seem somewhat knowledgeable when purchase time comes. The first shot on DA/SA pistols (Sigs) are supposed to be fired with the hammer down, which makes the first trigger press very long and then it's followed by shorter, reset trigger presses. That means you will have to learn two different trigger presses. It sounds easy, but it's a PITA, and takes longer to master. Someone will come along and call BS on that, but I guarantee I could take them to a range and they would produce faster, more accurate first hits with a striker fired DAO pistol, like a Glock/M&P. The first shot out of the holster is the most important, as it may be the only one you get... I don't think that is debatable at all. A DA trigger pull takes more practice to master than a SA pull. A tuned 1911 can make an average shooter look good, but put a DAO in their hands and poor trigger manipulation becomes glaringly apparent. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
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I don't think that is debatable at all. A DA trigger pull takes more practice to master than a SA pull. A tuned 1911 can make an average shooter look good, but put a DAO in their hands and poor trigger manipulation becomes glaringly apparent. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile Quoted:
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what are the advantages/disadvantages of the various trigger types? correct me if im wrong, but is DAO is a hammer style firing system that doesnt function by manually cocking the hammer; only a pull of the trigger-usually with a heavy trigger pull....? I thought i figured that much out but im still fuzzy on the rest and i want to seem somewhat knowledgeable when purchase time comes. The first shot on DA/SA pistols (Sigs) are supposed to be fired with the hammer down, which makes the first trigger press very long and then it's followed by shorter, reset trigger presses. That means you will have to learn two different trigger presses. It sounds easy, but it's a PITA, and takes longer to master. Someone will come along and call BS on that, but I guarantee I could take them to a range and they would produce faster, more accurate first hits with a striker fired DAO pistol, like a Glock/M&P. The first shot out of the holster is the most important, as it may be the only one you get... I don't think that is debatable at all. A DA trigger pull takes more practice to master than a SA pull. A tuned 1911 can make an average shooter look good, but put a DAO in their hands and poor trigger manipulation becomes glaringly apparent. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile lol, I agree, but I've had plenty of couch-commandos take exception to my opinion which is based on years of observation. |
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Never put a price on something when it comes to your life or someone else's. If the handgun that works the best for you costs $800+ then so be it. Don't cheap out, it's not worth your life. Glocks' shortcomings is its cheap plastic sights that fall off or drift and horrible ergonomics for lefties or shooting left handed. Hold a glock in your left hand and try to operate the mag release and slide stop/release lever using only your left hand. Oh and my first handgun was an HK USP 9 that I bought new for $800. The sights are replaceable. Non-issue. A Glock is actually easier to release the mag with the left hand. Use your trigger finger to release the mag. The slide stop lever would be a little harder to release with the left hand....that partially why you should reach over the top of the slide and release the slide with your right hand. If your right hand is disabled, then rack the slide down the side of your pants or off your holster and get back in the fight. You can switch the mag release to the right side of the pistol on the Gen4 Glocks if you so choose. No one says that you have to like Glocks but your issues posted above about Glocks are not valid. |
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The sights are replaceable. Non-issue. A Glock is actually easier to release the mag with the left hand. Use your trigger finger to release the mag. The slide stop lever would be a little harder to release with the left hand....that partially why you should reach over the top of the slide and release the slide with your right hand. If your right hand is disabled, then rack the slide down the side of your pants or off your holster and get back in the fight. You can switch the mag release to the right side of the pistol on the Gen4 Glocks if you so choose. No one says that you have to like Glocks but your issues posted above about Glocks are not valid. Quoted:
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Never put a price on something when it comes to your life or someone else's. If the handgun that works the best for you costs $800+ then so be it. Don't cheap out, it's not worth your life. Glocks' shortcomings is its cheap plastic sights that fall off or drift and horrible ergonomics for lefties or shooting left handed. Hold a glock in your left hand and try to operate the mag release and slide stop/release lever using only your left hand. Oh and my first handgun was an HK USP 9 that I bought new for $800. The sights are replaceable. Non-issue. A Glock is actually easier to release the mag with the left hand. Use your trigger finger to release the mag. The slide stop lever would be a little harder to release with the left hand....that partially why you should reach over the top of the slide and release the slide with your right hand. If your right hand is disabled, then rack the slide down the side of your pants or off your holster and get back in the fight. You can switch the mag release to the right side of the pistol on the Gen4 Glocks if you so choose. No one says that you have to like Glocks but your issues posted above about Glocks are not valid. This. I have a good buddy that is on with Metro Nashville. He's a lefty using an issued, unmodified Gen 3 22. He runs it like a boss. |