Michael
I have a Stoeger Cougar 8000 9mm, all metal semi-auto. This is one sweet working gun. I have never had a FTF or FTE in about 1500 runs. I used the cheapest ammo I could buy and have used almost all of the low end brands. I purchased this gun for $376 a year ago. Cabelas has these pistols with different colors and different calibers.
Just put this gun in your hand and you will have a fit that just makes you want it now. Everyone who has held or shot my Cougar loves the feel. The low kick is because of the rotating barrel. Currently Beretta has the magazines on sale for $19.95.
If you are not knowledgeable of Stoeger, well the short story is Beretta Shipped all the CNC machines to Turkey for manufacturing and thus obtained a pistol contract from the Turkey army. Beretta then started making the PX4 series in Italy. Beretta sold this same pistol in the early 1990's for around $600-650.00

+1 Stoeger Cougar.

Try out many different styles as possible. Rentals can tell you how it really feels to you when shooting. Friends can show you how to take down clean and reassemble. that is the best way to find the one for you.

Bersa Thunder Hi Capacity Pro 9mm.

Can be bought for less than 400 in some places. All metal frame. It is the easiest brake down of any gun I have ever seen. With the mag out. Flip the brake down switch and the slide comes off the front. Thats it.
Low price High quality construction.
Poly pistols? XD, XDm, Glock or Walther P99.
Go 9mm, ammo is less expensive than all but 22lr and you can get great Self Defense or Home Defense rounds that match 40SW power. Some articles here http://firearmsforumcoali.motionsfor...r-ccw-t121.htm

Try out as many different guns as possible.

Go to a range and shoot rentals

Different guns feel differently to different people, only by shooting one can you tell how it really feels to you, when shooting.

Don't get hung up on one brand -

Be sure to check on quality - don't buy cheap guns - they rarely work out.

When I started, I only considered 9mm, .40 and .45

.45 was eliminated due to ammo cost and local availability...as well as capacity. 9mm came on top since I am a handgun newbie and wife want to use it too plus the ammo cost is the least.

Brands & models I considered are;
Glock,
S&W M&P,
Beretta PX4,
Springfield XD & XDM,
FN FP,
H&K USP,
Walther PK,

In the end I chose Springfield XDm 9 but faith intervened and I ended with XDm-40 but no regrets. (long story)

As advised, hold and try the ones you considered most and base your choice on which you liked and worked for you best.

Good luck!!!

In addition to the advice already given, you might be able to narrow down the list by deciding what kind of trigger action you like (Double Action Only, Single or Double Action, Single Action only) and whether or not having an exposed hammer is important to you or not. For example since you come from a single-action revolver background, maybe you won't like the Glock/M&P/XD style of a consistent yet longer trigger pull.

I'll second the recommendation of going to a range where you can rent a bunch of different pieces and see what you like.

I too came from the Single Action "cowboy" gun area.

Because of that I much prefer having a hammer / safety / decocker on my gun = Beretta PX4.

I own and shoot my Glock and XDm and they are fantastic guns.

But I carry my Beretta PX4 sub compact because of the exposed hammer / safety / decocker.



I own some beautiful 1911's, but carrying cocked & locked is not for me - my safety's on my 1911's have come off several times and I had to get the safety springs adjusted (tightened).

I'd rather positively know and have all the options of the exposed hammer / safety / decocker.

But just that's just my .02 - different strokes for different folks and none are "right or wrong" .

But you need to consider all of this.

Originally Posted by michael1614

I am wanting to purchase my first semi auto and need advise. Cal? I think I want a full size as CCW is not important to me at this point but mag capacity is. I want something that is soild quality, easy to disassemble and clean, and well made. Something that will work when I need for it to do so. I'm a reloader and will likely want to for this pistol. I've always been a single action revolver guy so a semi is outside my knowledge zone. Please help!

Another big plus for the Stoeger Cougar 8000 9MM. If it fits what you're looking for, you will not find a better value firearm PERIOD! They are simply outstanding. Do yourself a favor & check one out. I paid $369 for mine new a few months ago.

Well, I ended up with the G17. I liked the ease of take down and cleaning, reputation of reliability and it felt great in my hand. Stranglely, I liked the lack of safety features. I don't usually carry a loaded gun but when I do, just like my single action, I don't want to fumble around with a safety to get things going! Point and click. I got up early and went to the range for a quick 50 rounds today and it shot and felt great. Being a reloader, I spent as much time policing my brass as I did shooting. I feel really good about my choice. Thanks to all for your comments. I'm fairly sure this purchase will lead to more in the future.

Congratulations - you bought a great firearm.

I would recommend either a Glock, or Springfield XD-M both have high capacity options and are very reliable and easy to tear down. 9mm or .40 S&W
edit- you madde a great choice on the glock!! enjoy!