new shooter on the block

[SHADOWofFAIR]

Sorry if the title is dumb but I'm a total newb looking for my first pistol before I start my battalion of firearms any advice is MUCH appreciated. Iv got tons of questions and need a bit of direction. And as always hello from the middle Tennessee area.

Edit: I am looking for a handgun with certain features of my choice I hope some one can point me in the right direction so here goes my rant. I'm new so bare with me my concerns may be dumb so set me strait respectfully please.

Ok so I do want a semi-auto pistol. I have questions as well as wants for 2 calibers. I do want a 1911 .45 but that will come later. The 9mm & 40S&W are my choices for now. 9mm for the concealable/carry comfort and 40 for the decent power. I'm having a tough time deciding between the Stryker fired and hammer fired. I know I need to go to my local range and fire some to find what I want but I want to see if my dream gun exist. The problem I have with Stryker types is about four main things which make me lean toward the hammer fired pistols. So Stryker issues. 1 almost every one I have held it does not have a well defined slide release lever mainly the glock so it takes quite an effort to release it. 2 I would like a de-cocking lever should I not need to fire it and its cocked 3 some slides I find really hard to rack mainly the glock yet again but remember I'm new, and 4 most don't have an ambidextrous mag release I do plan on learning to shoot and reload with both hands but I'm right side dominant like most.

If I could find one with the above features while fitting my hand well enough I would love it
I mainly like the hammer fired ones for the above features but the down side to those for me is I want one small enough to carry and triggers like the glock, and many others just point and shoot.

Thanks for reading I hope no one thinks I'm stupid all feedback is appreciated again.

[berettabone]

Sounds to me , like you should be looking at Sig, or Beretta........for alot of the things you mentioned above, I like Beretta 92 or 96...well defined ambidextrous slide release, hammer, reversible mag release, decocking lever.......easy part replacement, easy breakdown....I have a bit of a time racking the slide on my 84fs, but, it will loosen up after a few rounds down the pipe....I have been accused of being a Beretta rep, which is totaly false,,,,everything you mention, sounds like Beretta to me.......I must say that my Beretta's are too large for me to conceal carry in the warm months, so I carry a S&W Bodyguard...

[SHADOWofFAIR]

Exactly I love the look and feel of the Beretta but I may want to carry occasionally and I do want to be comfortable. on the other other hand SHOULD I need to use my firearm I don't want to fumble with the safety which is a big advantage but i really like the option of safely de-cocking. If I could find a striker with that feature I would throw myself at it. may be I should start a pole to see who Carries a striker fired over a hammer fired.

[berettabone]

You don't have to carry with the safety on, I don't......

[chessail77]

Take a close look at the Sig SP2022 in 9mm or .40..inexpensive, lifetime warranty and great Sig customer service and the best kept secret in firearms....9mm self defense ammo has come a long way and will give you all want in protection....JJ

[SHADOWofFAIR]

I don't like the idea of carrying with the safety off at least not at first I need to log in some hours at the range first before I am that confident. And I will check out that Sig thanks

[DJ Niner]

Welcome to the site!

On the Glocks, the slide release is VERY hard to operate if an empty magazine is still in place, as the follower and spring are putting upward pressure on the release from the inside. Once the empty mag is removed, most Glock slides release fairly easily. If you want a larger and easier-to-use release lever, one is available from the factory for about $15 (same unit that comes stock on the G34/G35, if you want to see what it looks like).

The Glock is not fully cocked until the trigger is pulled almost to the release (firing) point, so no decocker is needed.

Ambi mag releases are over-rated, in my opinion; using the trigger finger is just as fast, and possibly more sure, when a person is talking about weak-hand manipulation. Most lefty shooters learn very well how to get along with right-handed controls; I know this too well, as I've been beat by many southpaws using righty guns in shooting competitions.

[scooter]

Look at the CZ line up too.... they have safetys on some and I believe decockers on others. Just another suggestion to think over

[SHADOWofFAIR]

Out of all the guns iv looked at id say my favorite five brands of choice are HK, Bersa, XDm, Beretta, and FN. Been doing some more research and my two final choices are XDm or Bersa for decent quality and cost effectiveness. I REALLY want a 40 but the 9 is cheaper and still just as reliable to get the job done I'm leaning toward the 40 still as basic plinker ammo cost between the two is minimal. I kinda wanna make my fist gun my go to war gun until I get my 1911 nighthawk lol (dream) so I have to love it.