The Comeback Kid

Hello, I am new to this forum and have yet another "what do you recommend?" question.

I was in the Secret Service for four years and we shot a Sig P229 in .357sig. I did very well at the range while in training and placed second in my class overall. One of the things I enjoyed most about the job was that the range was always available, if one was so inclined to go, and I took advantage of that little perk a lot. I quit to go to law school two years ago because I want to get into politics.

I really want to get back into shooting again and have been looking at pistols for about the last year. I would focus more on target shooting and hopefully some competitions more so than CCW or home defense. I was wondering what you folks would recommend.

I really like the 1911 and Springfield XD line of pistols from what I've read about them. My biggest problem right now is my budget. The budget will be a little thin over the next year but will improve after that. My limit for the pistol would be about $500.

I am open to any suggestions model and caliber wise. So, what do you think?

Welcome to the Forums.

In your price range there are a couple good possiblilities, the S&W M&P, Springfield XD, and GLOCKs.

If you are looking for target shooting all of these are good, I have a few friends that shot competitions with GLOCK 34's and they love them.

For Caliber I would say 9mm because it is alot cheaper to shoot often.

Welcome aboard!

In the $500 range, I'd skip the 1911s and look at modern poly guns like Glocks, XDs, M&Ps, etc. The CZ75B is also worth a look.

Yes by all means go poly at frist or the CZ. Later after school and you got a little better income then you can play with the 1911's. The poly will keep you practicing and that's the most important thing. Good luck.:smt1099

Welcome to the forum!

I agree with what the other "gentlemen" have already said.

Since the gun is primarily for target shooting and perhaps competition - and you are on a budget - what about a .22?

Skip the 1911's if your budget is around $500.00. XD's come in a nice package with clips, a holster, and speedloader for around that. They're great guns and well worth the price.

Go with the XD. If you get a 1911 in the future the transition won't be that great.