Which gun would you get?

[Swimmerboy2112]

Hello all,

I am looking at purchasing my first handgun. I have been shooting a few (15-20) times and figured it is time to purchase a handgun for myself.

I will be using the gun for sport shooting as well as home protection.

At first I was dead set on a 9mm. But the more that I shot I realized that a 40 cal fits my hand better (i'm a big guy, 6'7").

I am torn between the 9mm and 40 cal.

So far, I like the Glock 17, Sig Sauer 229, Springfield XDm 9, S&W MP&9, H&K USP 9, FNP9, and CZ SP-01

The Glock 17, CZ SP-01 and Sig 229 stick out in my mind the most.

I'd like to hear what you guys have to say.

-Brian

 

[RunninInGA]

You'd be happy with any of those three. I've handled one of each and lean towards the CZ for overall fit and feel.

 

[bofa]

Well, the caliber typically doesn't change the size of the frame, so I wouldn't let that sway you. The real differences between 9mm and 40 are kick (minimal), number of rounds, stopping power (negligible imo, especially with HPs and +P rounds), and cost to shoot (9mm is typically cheaper).

If finding something that fits your hand is important, especially with big paws, I would look into something with changeable backstraps or you can simply add something like a Hogue grip. If you aren't planning to conceal carry, something with finger extensions for the mags would be a good idea too.

You've narrowed it down to some solid firearms. Any idea what features you prefer and is price important?

 

[Swimmerboy2112]

You'd be happy with any of those three. I've handled one of each and lean towards the CZ for overall fit and feel.

I had a chance to shoot a CZ today and I really liked it, fit good, shot well. That is definitely a contender.

Well, the caliber typically doesn't change the size of the frame, so I wouldn't let that sway you. The real differences between 9mm and 40 are kick (minimal), number of rounds, stopping power (negligible imo, especially with HPs and +P rounds), and cost to shoot (9mm is typically cheaper).

If finding something that fits your hand is important, especially with big paws, I would look into something with changeable backstraps or you can simply add something like a Hogue grip. If you aren't planning to conceal carry, something with finger extensions for the mags would be a good idea too.

You've narrowed it down to some solid firearms. Any idea what features you prefer and is price important?

Right, the caliber isn't necessarily a final determination of the size of the frame, take the Glock 17 for instance. 9mm rounds, at least where I am anyway, are pretty hard to come by and .40 cal ammo is not much more expensive, only $2 more per box of 50 rounds.

Regarding the interchangeable backstraps, that is one of the reasons I am drawn towards the Glock, the gen 4's come with 3 different sized backstraps.

I am planning to get my carry permit but I am not intending to carry.

 

[bofa]

Right, the caliber isn't necessarily a final determination of the size of the frame, take the Glock 17 for instance. 9mm rounds, at least where I am anyway, are pretty hard to come by and .40 cal ammo is not much more expensive, only $2 more per box of 50 rounds.

This is the comment I was getting at-

At first I was dead set on a 9mm. But the more that I shot I realized that a 40 cal fits my hand better (i'm a big guy, 6'7").

For practice - which is probably the most expensive part of owning a handgun - 9mm is much easier to find in bulk packs and at ranges. Take it from a guy that tries to buy at least 2 boxes of 9mm, 40, 45, 22LR (okay maybe 4-5 of these), 357 Sigma, and 357 Magnum each trip.

Regarding the interchangeable backstraps, that is one of the reasons I am drawn towards the Glock, the gen 4's come with 3 different sized backstraps.

The M&P does as well. I would add that back into the mix as it easily give the Glock a run for its money and is cheaper.

I am planning to get my carry permit but I am not intending to carry.

Then full sizes shouldn't be a problem and you can consider capacity and ignore the compacts.

 

[SV_Dude]

Your choice of pistols is interesting. What are you looking for in a pistol? Safety? Price? Function (sa vs. da/sa)? I only ask because those 3 pistols are all different animals.

 

[Spunk]

Sup Swimmerboy! first off, happy pre-congrats on your impending firearm purchase! :guitar2:

If I were in your situation, I'd suggest going to a range. At the range, I would rent all three guns in one sitting and shoot them. I do not know how common that is in PA, but renting guns before choosing a firearm is common practice where I live. For example, I have put around 2000+ rounds into rental guns myself, so I recommend renting to shoot first. That way, its easier for you to compare and make the purchase. I would pick the pistol I was smoothest with and shot most accurately. I chose to buy a SIG P226 using this method. An ACR, KRISS and a few other guns are on my shopping list too after comparing them to other guns in their respective classes.

Depending on how intense you want to be in training for home defense, I also recommend purchasing a training equivalent/dummy of the firearm you decide to buy. That way, you can still practice technique and drills safely at home without endangering others by using the firearm off-range. There's also a side benefit: huge savings on ammo! Lol.

Blue plastic guns are cool, but they're usually non functioning. Airsoft guns are excellent, but the gas operated ones often stink (literally, using propane smells bad). Simmunitions are gold, but they cost as much and are usually more expensive than the real firearm. In addition, simmunitions usually use paint/marker style rounds that stain carpet. A significant benefit of airsoft and simmunitions is that they're designed for force on force (person on person fighting), so that stressor can be added in if you wanted. Both the gas blowback airsoft and simmunition trainers are function accurate to the real firearm counterpart, so all the buttons and triggers work as they should. Trainers are great tools to practice techniques such as trigger pull, stance, reloading and disarms. Out of the three options, I use airsoft guns myself to practice clearing my own home. I have attached a picture below showing one set of my firearms and trainers side by side. It's a SIG Sauer P226 and a KWA M226 in the photo.

 

[Swimmerboy2112]

This is the comment I was getting at-


For practice - which is probably the most expensive part of owning a handgun - 9mm is much easier to find in bulk packs and at ranges. Take it from a guy that tries to buy at least 2 boxes of 9mm, 40, 45, 22LR (okay maybe 4-5 of these), 357 Sigma, and 357 Magnum each trip.



The M&P does as well. I would add that back into the mix as it easily give the Glock a run for its money and is cheaper.



Then full sizes shouldn't be a problem and you can consider capacity and ignore the compacts.

It is difficult finding 9mm ammo by me, whereas .40 cal can be found almost anywhere.

I need to re-shoot the M&P it's been a while since I shot one.

I agree with you about full sizes being the way to go.

 

[Swimmerboy2112]

Your choice of pistols is interesting. What are you looking for in a pistol? Safety? Price? Function (sa vs. da/sa)? I only ask because those 3 pistols are all different animals.

I am looking at a gun I can use for sport shooting and also if need be, home protection, I much prefer a double action.

 

[Swimmerboy2112]

Sup Swimmerboy! first off, happy pre-congrats on your impending firearm purchase! :guitar2:

If I were in your situation, I'd suggest going to a range. At the range, I would rent all three guns in one sitting and shoot them. I do not know how common that is in PA, but renting guns before choosing a firearm is common practice where I live. For example, I have put around 2000+ rounds into rental guns myself, so I recommend renting to shoot first. That way, its easier for you to compare and make the purchase. I would pick the pistol I was smoothest with and shot most accurately. I chose to buy a SIG P226 using this method. An ACR, KRISS and a few other guns are on my shopping list too after comparing them to other guns in their respective classes.

Depending on how intense you want to be in training for home defense, I also recommend purchasing a training equivalent/dummy of the firearm you decide to buy. That way, you can still practice technique and drills safely at home without endangering others by using the firearm off-range. There's also a side benefit: huge savings on ammo! Lol.

Blue plastic guns are cool, but they're usually non functioning. Airsoft guns are excellent, but the gas operated ones often stink (literally, using propane smells bad). Simmunitions are gold, but they cost as much and are usually more expensive than the real firearm. In addition, simmunitions usually use paint/marker style rounds that stain carpet. A significant benefit of airsoft and simmunitions is that they're designed for force on force (person on person fighting), so that stressor can be added in if you wanted. Both the gas blowback airsoft and simmunition trainers are function accurate to the real firearm counterpart, so all the buttons and triggers work as they should. Trainers are great tools to practice techniques such as trigger pull, stance, reloading and disarms. Out of the three options, I use airsoft guns myself to practice clearing my own home. I have attached a picture below showing one set of my firearms and trainers side by side. It's a SIG Sauer P226 and a KWA M226 in the photo.

Thank you!

First off let me say that I am typing this on my phone so bear with me.

Regarding going to the range, I was actually there yesterday. Had a chance to shoot a few .40 calls but no 9mm due to the ammo shortage.

I agree 100% on getting a dummy gun for practice on home defense, I'd rather be prepared and never need to use my knowledge than to not have it and need it.

 

[Ol'Blue]

Out of all the guns listed above I would go with the 229. I'm not sure if you have shot the DAK but try it out. I liked it after shooting it a bit. I have shot countless rounds over the last thirteen years for work and what not. The glock and the Sig are by far some of the best around. They will shoot almost anything you put in them. I would suggest taking a professional shooting class. Not just some ass hat that claims his BS credentials. The things you will pick up will blow you away. I have been shooting for a long time and every time I go to one I always learn something new to put in my tool box of tricks. Like shooting upside down on a rope. Fun stuff. Anyhow, hit us up if you have questions. I'm sure there are enough of us around to give you a view on things.

Blue

 

[SV_Dude]

I am looking at a gun I can use for sport shooting and also if need be, home protection, I much prefer a double action.

If you prefer double action then I would rule out the glock. Glocks are well known pistols but I have never liked them and never will. I don't like the feel of the grips nor do I like the fact that there isn't a safety on the pistol. I have never shot the cz so I cannot offer any good info on them. I have shot a few sigs and I really enjoyed shooting them. Most of them are da/sa setups and have an actual safety lever, decocker, and more ergonomic grip than most other pistols. Another one to look into is the hk-p30. It has all the same goodies as the sigs as far as da/sa, decocker, safety, ergonomic grips, night sights, etc. I just picked one up in lieu of a sig because I liked the grips better. They are both in the same price range too.

Edit: I second what blue says. Get some formal training. Putting holes in a paper target in good weather while in your preferred stance is far from realistic IF you ever have to use the pistol for protections.

 

[TOY2G]

That's a diverse group of firearms you are comparing there.

I am a huge Glock fan (I own more Glocks than I do shirts). That said, the Glock is not likely the choice for you. For one, there is nothing but a trigger safety on it. Not a big deal if you are seasoned and are use to it. But for your first firearm, it may be a risk not worth taking. Not to mention you want DA.

If you just like the feel of the Glock, you may want to shoot the Springfield XD, it is very similar but has a safeties.

If you are going to buy a gun you need to shoot several. don't pay attention to the caliber. Find a firearm that you feel 100% comfortable and confident shooting. Find one that has the recoil you feel comfortable with, fined one with a safety system that you feel safe with, and find one you can shoot accurately with that does not fatigue your hand or arms. It may end up being a 9mm, 10mm, .40, .45 or even a 380.... but it has to be YOUR ideal gun.

Many of us on here have shot so many guns for so long muscle memory takes over and the firearm in your hand is of little significance. But that can be a problem also, we end up with favorites (because you can tell the difference), and when you shoot enough, you just learn what you like. My point is, your first gun should not be the coolest gun, the biggest gun, the most expensive gun....all that can come later, your first gun should be the most appropriate and perfect gun for you. Except for Lorcin....NEVER buy a Lorcin.

 

[nevada]

It is difficult finding 9mm ammo by me, whereas .40 cal can be found almost anywhere.

I need to re-shoot the M&P it's been a while since I shot one.

I agree with you about full sizes being the way to go.

ive noticed the same thing around here, and its an important point. the firearm isn't much good if you cant find enough ammo to practice with.

I have no opinion on your choice. personally, I have a HK uspC in .40 and I love it.
my advice is to shoot as many as you can, as many times as you can. the winner will be evident.

my girl has a stoeger cougar, it was almost half the price of my HK, but I like the grip on it MUCH better. its much more comfortable.

 

[montana_jeepn]

None of your options are bad choices. I personally don't like the .40 round, but that is just my preference. I favor HK P30's....they are fully ambi, have interchangeable grips to tailor it to you hand, and are pretty bullet proof. A couple months ago I attended a 3-day course at which it down poured for the whole time.....lots of mud/water. My P30 went through 1k rds without a hiccup. They also make the HK45 with similar ergonomics.....very sexy. (p.s. I saw a Glock choke after it got too much mud in the magazine....lol...could have happened to any of us). The above poster who said you should try them all side by side is very wise......but please do pickup a P30...you won't want to put it down.

Out of your list, I would pick Sig, Glock, CZ.

 

[ddnww]

those are all good choices, some better than others. I personally like the s&w.
It boils down to what fits you best. What features, safeties your most comfortable with. WHat feels best in your hand, what you can group your target with best.. Im assuming this is for personal safety, and you stated this was your first handgun. So you want to consider the heat of the moment(God forbid) that you would use it. Which one will you be able to most easily and comfortably put to use and fire most accurately.

Good Luck with you choice and whichever you choose put lots of rounds through it so handling it is like second nature.

 

[Swimmerboy2112]

Thanks for all the advice guys!

Basically it sounds like I need to get back out to the range, gather up a few different guns and shoot them back to back.

Once I pick a gun, shooting lessons from a professional will be on my to-do list. And of course I will be putting plenty of rounds through this thing so shooting it will be like second nature.

I live close to a Cabelas so I think next Monday night I am going to head up there and fondle a few guns.

-Brian

 

[bofa]

I say you rock dual Raging Judges. 12 shots of pure badass. :gun6:

 

[Swimmerboy2112]

I say you rock dual Raging Judges. 12 shots of pure badass. :gun6:

Haha someone actually told me I should get one, no thanks. lol

Not that I think it's a bad gun, just not what i'm looking for.

 

[gecko0]

I have an XD(M) 9mm as my primary and a Ruger Mark III 22/45 for general practice. I like using the .22 to practice the basics such as breathing, trigger pull, etc and it's a whole lot less fatiguing to use it...not to mention less expensive. I'll switch between the two at the range to keep it interesting. Regarding the XD(M), I like it a lot. I'm not that experienced (only been shooting handguns for a few years), but can tell I'm growing into it.

Good luck with your search!