sig p226 in 9mm...I just got my first handgun and I got a 226 in .40 and also got a .357 sig barell for it...but I wont suggest that because all sorts of people who have never even fired a .357 sig will come out of the woodwork and try to tell you everything wrong with it. But as far as handguns go (and the proofs in the pudding all you glock guys) that the best combat/defence pistol ever made is the 226, although a little pricey.

Have you considered a .22LR? Getting something chambered for that will certainly be lighter on your wallet, and will give you lots of good practice. I LOVE my Walther P22. Great gun, cheap to shoot, great as a learning tool.

For larger calibers, the Glocks are nice. You should also check out the Springfield XD lineup, as well as the Smith and Wesson M&P lineup. I own an XD 9mm subcompact (3" barrel) and I love it. Great gun to shoot, very accurate, feels great in your hands. I chose that over the Glock 26. I felt the grip safety of the XD was nice, and it just felt like a better gun. I've also fired a full size M&P .45 ACP which was also nice. Also had a very nice feel to it, and was easy to shoot.

All in all you can't go wrong with the Glock. It's one of the most popular auto-loaders for a reason...however do some research and try and test fire a few models before making a decision. You might find that another gun fits you better.

Also, when considering ammo prices, remember that a 500 round box of .22LR costs me about $18...whereas a 100 round box of 9mm costs the same. When I'm practicing my grip, stance and trigger control, I like to use my P22 for most of it. I can fire off 200 rounds and still be able to eat for the rest of the week.

I would stay with the Glock 19 and shoot it often. There's plenty of time to buy more after you know a little more about what you want. Learn all you can while shooting it and enjoy it. Good luck.

You have done your research as any of the guns you mentioned (Glock, Walther, Beretta) are excellent weapons. The PX4 is a newer model so it doesn't have the track record of the 92FS, which is legendary. But I personally wouldn't worry about that since all guns, Glocks included, were new models at some point and the PX4 is , after all, made by Beretta and I've heard very good things about it in the Beretta forum here at HGF. You should look at the other mentions, particularly the XD and M&P lines. These are also highly regarded.

The .22LR is indeed a good caliber choice for many first time gun owners, but you stated this was primarily for HD so stick with the 9MM. And get a premium HD load for the house.

As I'm sure you have read around, handle and shoot as many as you can. You seem most acquainted with the Glock and like it's feel. Great, and if that's your choice, it's a fine firearm, but I would still suggest you at least pick-up and hold the others.

And in regard to the Glock I would definitely say make sure you shoot one before you go plop down your cash, if for no other reason than you can. Every range I've been to, in Southern California anyway, has practically every model Glock for rent. Also, with all due respect, Glocks are not for everyone. The feel of the SA trigger is sort of a like it or don't like it type deal and some people, myself included, are not as accurate with Glocks as some other guns. Others are most accurate with them. But since they are so available, you should shoot it first.

Good luck and let us know what you decide.

Welcome to the Forum from DFW Texas!

If you are one of the lucky people is actually really comfortable holding a Glock, then that's what I would get, and the G19 is an excellent pistol. The G17 is also a good choice. (personally, if I were to buy a Glock, the G23 would be my choice because I'd want one in 40 cal.

The P99 is also a great choice - ergonomically, its the most comfortable of all the modern pistols (IMHO), and probably my next weapon. While I've heard the PX4 is awesome, I have yet to shoot one so I can't give you an answer either way.

Once you get your Glock, look into 22lr conversion kits if you want to save money. 22 ammo is alot cheaper. Unless you want a separate 22 of course. I have a Walther P22 and its as fun as Selma Hayak in a bounce house.

Thanks guys, I appreciate the advice. I was browsing a gun shop after work today, and got my grubby mitts on several guns. I didn't rent any to fire, since I didn't really have the time and didn't feel like spending who-knows-what renting every 9mm I was considering. But my hands fell in love with the Glock 17. I first held the 19, but it was smaller than I expected. It felt fine, but my pinky didn't have space on the grip. Which may well be fine, but that stood out to me as something that could get annoying. The 17 fit like a glove. I also fondled a XD, a Sig (I forget the model, but all were 9mm), and a Beretta 92. I had no real qualms with any of them, except the Sig's price tag... But I'm thinking the 17 is in my near future. I'll probably go down tomorrow and warm up my credit card! (and hope my "economic stimulus" check shows up soon...)

Just thought I'd mention that if you otherwise really like the 19 then factory magazines are available with extended floor plates - this gives you and additional 2 rounds and a place for your pinky finger.

In any event, the next step is to rent one and shoot it. Let us know how it goes.

Get a Pearce grip extension. It will make TONS of difference.

Before you buy or very shortly after take a basic handgun safety course.

The G17 will come home in 8-10 days.

Range report in 11-12 days please.

I got mine for the same reasons.You cant beat a Sigma, look it up. I got my .40 Sigma for $380 in CA with a $50 rebate and extra 2 free clips (total 4). That promotion is off though, now its $30 OR 2 free clips. If you live outside of CA you can pick these up for $340, $299, $259, etc. If you want to look up the 9mm version the model number is SW9VE, Smith & Wesson Sigma SW9VE. Here is some pics of my .40. They come in all black, stanless slide green body (SW9VGE I think) and stainless/black like mine. SUPER RELIABLE, based off GLOCK design.

It's home, pics coming!

EDIT: Pics...

I am looking for a good small carry gun. I have been looking at the para NiteHawg and haven't heard much about them. Anyone have any advice or ideas on a high power high cap carry? I live in CA so we have our limit

Originally Posted by omulherin

I am looking for a good small carry gun. I have been looking at the para NiteHawg and haven't heard much about them. Anyone have any advice or ideas on a high power high cap carry? I live in CA so we have our limit

I'm not sure what you consider hi- cap because 10 is the most you can have, but you are probably best off to start your search here:

CA Certified Gun Roster

Thanks for the help on the right ones in California. What I meant by Hi-Cap in a carry is most I have seen are limited to between 6-9 +1 capacity. I currently own a Glock 21 .45 and love the .45 round. But am looking for something a lot smaller with similiar power.

The G39 is on the roster. Optional 10 round mag is available.

Thanks Wyatt for the help How are the GAP cartridges? Pretty decent? I found a dealer down here that said he can get me any new glock for 471.00. Sounds like a good deal to me. What do you guys think?

i have used all glocks, hk , etc etc . please listen to me and have hundred percent perfect and problem free hand gun . please get stoger cougar in 9mm

I can get any new Glock here for $459+tax...bone stock hi-cap. If it were me, I'd stay away from the 45 GAP unless you want to spend your next fortune on ammo. If you want something hot, just go with the 10mm or better yet the .357 SIG cartridge. Just my .02¢

comments anyone?

Originally Posted by zeeshan

comments anyone?

On the Stoeger Cougar? Well, since you asked:

1. Heavy trigger with dated crunchenticker action.
2. Safety/decocking dingus works backwards from normal human hand motion.
3. Extremely high bore axis.
4. Rotating barrel is pointless when the Browning tilting design is simpler and works fine.

Originally Posted by omulherin

Thanks for the help on the right ones in California. What I meant by Hi-Cap in a carry is most I have seen are limited to between 6-9 +1 capacity. I currently own a Glock 21 .45 and love the .45 round. But am looking for something a lot smaller with similiar power.

I just looked at the California list and the FN FiveseveN is on it. if you're looking for high capacity, that 5.7x28 would be kinda cool. I've never fired it and the only thing I've actually read about it is that it sounds like a 9mm and kicks like a .22... I have no idea how reliable the weapon is but it seems like a neat pistol to add to anyones collection

The FN Five-seveN is a large pistol, at least the size of the Glock 21, with a longer barrel.

I will not start another debate about the efficacy of the 5.7mm round, however.