Thread: What should I get?

you should get a gun you like

Looks good -- 1911 variant, of which there are many, Walther P99
Reliable -- P99, Glock, Sig, H&K
Fun to shoot -- anything that goes bang...

You should consider buying a good .22 auto, such as a Ruger. You can hone your shooting skills quite cheaply, and this will give you a chance to learn more about the larger caliber pistols and revolvers before buying one (sounds like you have a lot to learn, since this is a very big subject).

If you just have to have a larger caliber, then get something in 9mm, as this is generally much cheaper to shoot than most other centerfires. Perhaps the cheapest of all, since I just bought 10 boxes of CCI Blazer for $4.87 per. A smaller 9mm can also serve as a good CCW in addition to being a range gun, although I think of a range gun as being a standard sidearm-sized pistol.

The S&W Sigmas are decent and reliable pistols, but many other pistols have better triggers. For about the same price, you can also consider the Taurus Millenium Pros as well. If however you are limited to just one pistol, then I would recommend you consider a Glock, as they are a very reliable mid-priced weapon.

PhilR.

As said above the .22 Ruger is a good starting gun. Learn a little about shooing and the enjoyment of trying to become a good shot. When you can hit a baseball size target at 10yds on a regular bases then you are ready to move up to a bigger gun. You will be surprised how fast you can learn if you really try. Good luck.

As a "first timer", I'd recommend taking some basic handgun courses that has a wide range of guns you can rent. After learning the basics, try out as much as you can by shooting 50-100 rounds out of them.

Look for grip, comfort and accuracy. Once you find the one you feel that's right...BINGO.

Also...make sure you try out a Glock 17.

If your just looking for something that goes BANG!and is a hoot to shoot buy a D. Eagle in .50!

Originally Posted by GlockamaniaŽ

Look for grip, comfort and accuracy. Once you find the one you feel that's right...BINGO.

Also...make sure you try out a Glock 17.

Those two lines conflict.

This is a toughy. I don't know what, other than range use are your intended uses for a handgun. Is this your first one? You'll probably end up with several, so look at the long-term picture.
The advice I was given boils down to this: Start with basics and work your way up (or around). This would mean a Revolver with a 4 inch barrel. I suggest, as I was told, to start with a .357 magnum, light loading it with .38 Specials untill you have a real good understanding of the front sight. As you get better, up-load to the lighter weight .357s.
Buy this time you'll be ready, and have enought range time to pick out a pistol that meets your requirements, whatever you decide they may be.