Posted: 2/10/2010 2:35:15 PM EDT
| I am getting my first handgun very soon, but don't know what I would want...Looking to stay in the $500 range for this one, since I am kind of broke. It will be only used for firing at the range, and house...will not be a carry(i live in ny.....)So what are some suggestions, or how do I even begin the process of deciding what's right for me. |
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A lot of first timers look at the Glocks in 9mm or 40SW. Also the SW M&P series. Another in your range is the Ruger P95 and SR9/c in 9mm. Others like the Springfield XD series.
Other full size 9mm and 40sw models are available. Look around.... How about a 22LR semiauto, like a Ruger, or Browning Buckmark for cheaper ammo cost? The 1911 is a tinkerer delight, and may not serve well as an introductory handgun in 45ACP. And ammo in that caliber is much more expensive than 9mm. Stay clear of the mini handguns for your first one. They tend to be more ammo sensitive and have a great felt, stinging recoil feel. If you can find a dealer to do an internet transfer for less than $35, you would be better off buying from online dealers such as Bud's Gun Shop, etc. Check the other, riper thread just below this one. It pretty much asks the same ?? |
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Go to the gunstore(s) near you and handle everything you possibly can. Remember that anything with removable stocks/grips can be changed somewhat, but with autoloaders it's mostly just more girth. Find out what feels best to YOU and buy it.
IMO, buy a .22 before you buy a centerfire....or buy a .22 conversion if one is available for the centerfire you decide on. |
 maybe the best deal out there now is the ruger p95. it is a 15+1 polymer framed pistol that has been used by many police depts and is very reliable. i have seen them new for$300 with a black slide and $330 with a stainless one. glocks are also excellent choices in the $500-600 range, the g34+g35 offer many custom features for little increase in cost. sw m+p and spr. xdm can be adjusted to hand size and are also excellent choices!!!  
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3rd Generation S&W
Here you go: Summit Gun Broker With the shipping and transfer it'll total roughly $325, leaving plenty of money for spare mags and ammo. I know it's sexy to get a Glock, XD or M&P. But look, those guns will hit your $500 mark immediately. Then you need ammo. $25-$30 for a box, 20-25 rounds, of self defense ammo. Plus training ammo. Plus mags. Plus cleaning kits. It adds up FAST. |
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what do you want out of your pistol? any calibers you would prefer? (22lr will be the cheapest, i'd vote browning buckmark if you want to go this route).
if you don't want a 22lr pistol (best fun/price ratio i think plus having a 22lr is good for getting new shooters into pistol shooting, especailly sexy females who may dislike recoil of larger pistols), i'd vote a rock island armory 1911 tactical. lots of bells and whistles for about $500, and it's a damned good pistol. everyone needs to own at least one 1911 (i also own glocks and xds) if you don't mind getting a c&r license, i'd say get two tokarevs shipped straight to your house along with a tin or romanian ammo
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Well if its your first handgun and from the sounds of it, you're not too worried about self defense then it sounds like a .22LR is in order. .22's are cheap to shoot and because of their reduced recoil and light triggers, they are an excellent starting point to learn how to shoot a pistol from. A Ruger .22 (either MKII/III or 22/45) or Browning Buckmark should serve you well for this purpose.
Even if self defense is part of the picture and you insist on starting with a centerfire pistol, at least get one that you can get a .22 conversion for. 1911s, Glocks, Sigs and CZ's all have good .22 conversions available for them but it will be next to impossible to get the base pistol and .22 kit to go with it for under $500. Whatever you end up with, get some training from the get go. No point in trying to teach yourself and picking up bad habits which you will just have to break later. |
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Im not trying to start a debate but i recommend a 9mm for your first handgun. Possibly a XD9 or XDm9.
I say 9mm because i got my first handgun 4 months ago, my father also got his first semi auto handgun. I got 9mm and he got 40 S&W. My father is having a hard time finding 40 or under $15-17 per 50rounds. I can easily find 9mm for $9-12 per 50 and many places have the winchester 100rd value packs. I can find 9mm locally and online for reasonable prices.. So it being your first handgun, by getting 9mm you will be able to shoot it much more often and much cheaper then 40. |
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I would suggest a .22 rimfire as your first one. Semi-auto or revolver. Either would be good.
Since its your first handgun, you will want to shoot it a lot. Ammo costs money, and as you said "I am kind of broke". .22 rimfire ammo is a lot cheaper than centerfire ammo. For revolvers, a Ruger single action (it has a 6 shot capacity) in .22 is good. It comes with an extra cylinder that takes .22 Magnum cartridges too. For semi-autos, the Ruger MKIII is a good one. There are several different models to choose from. The magazine holds 10 cartridges. |
| if you are on a budget and actually want to shoot frequently, a 22 and /or a 9mm is the way to go. I suggest 2 guns-an inexpensive 22 like the ruger standard auto-by all means please find a helpfu , knowledgeablel friend and pick good USED guns- they will be better on your budget and I have never been hurt by buying used in dozens of pistols. For a centerfire a used police trade in 9mm many out there look bad outside but usually carried a lot fired little. |
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Gonna echo the .22lr sentiment. For 500 you can get a decent enough pistol and a couple thousand rounds to practice with. Learn the basics and get the fundamentals down. With that, you'll have a better idea of what you really want when you decide to step up to centerfire. You'll save yourself money in the long run. |
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Quoted:
How about a 22LR semiauto, like a Ruger, or Browning Buckmark for cheaper ammo cost? Good advice... They may not be as sexy as their centerfire brethren, but they are a lot of fun to shoot and easy on the wallet. Of all of the guns we have, the Mark II comes out more than about any other. |
| I did this a month or so ago. I went with a Glock 19. No regrets. Its a decent size but concealable if you end up getting your CPL. Extremely reliable. Lots of stuff available, different magazines(33rounders), tons of sight options and holster options(Look into Raven Concealment) |
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Quoted:
Quoted:
How about a 22LR semiauto, like a Ruger, or Browning Buckmark for cheaper ammo cost? Good advice... They may not be as sexy as their centerfire brethren, but they are a lot of fun to shoot and easy on the wallet. Of all of the guns we have, the Mark II comes out more than about any other. Except now you have one handgun which isn't very useful at all for serious social use. I would recommend a G19, especially since you are in NY and preban mags are available. |
| G19. Seems like many purchase the S&W MP9 as their first, IMO the trigger is not as solid/tight as the Glocks. Sorry I'm not an expert so not sure if that's a good way to describe it. I used to dislike the Glocks but then I realized they are a must have in your collection. |