new to hand guns, would appreciate help!

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02-20-2009, 07:26 PM
deermaster

new to hand guns, would appreciate help!

hey all, im a longtime rifle and shotgun shooter and hunter, and bowhunter, and have never owned a handgun other than a couple cap and ball revolvers. i would like to buy a handgun, and would like some tips on how to choose one based on what i need. i am new to handguns, only shooting some .22's and a glock (27 or 29, it was very small, i couldnt fit my pinkie on the grip). i have been told a glock is not a good starter gun, do to the trigger safety, and not a trigger locking safety. i want it for fun shooting, and eventually get my concealed permit so i can carry it in my car, i have no interest or need right now to carry on my person.
price is another issue. can a decent new pistol be had for 600$ or less?
so now, based on what i have told you, what would be some models to look into that are noob friendly and under 600$? i will definitely be handling as many as i can, but some models that fit my needs would be great, just to maybe give me a head start on what to look at first.
thanks for your time, i appreciate any help!
02-20-2009, 07:45 PM
Scratchshooter40

Good starter handgun

For a semi-auto I'd suggest a Beretta 92FS, M-9, or M-9A1, all of which can be had in your price range. Ammo is available and is reasonable compared to other calibers. 9mm rounds like the Glaser PowerBall are genuinely effective rounds as are CorBon choices, Speer Gold Dot, and Federal HydraShok.
Range ammo is great from Winchester, Remington UMC, and Blazer Brass. The weight of the 92FS is a contributor to it's performance and tolerance for recoil. Very little muzzle jump and repeatable sub 1 1/2" double taps are achievable fairly early on shooting a good bit. From your description of the smaller grip on the Glocks you tried, you will have no trouble with the size of the Beretta grip. Before you choose any handgun go to a range that rents and try several. Everyone is different and handguns are personal weapons that require a great deal of attention to shoot well. Enjoy, shoot well and often.
02-20-2009, 07:48 PM
gnet158

Add the Spring Field XD-9 (9mm) or XD-40 to your list. Both are also very highly reguarding hand guns.
02-20-2009, 10:13 PM
bps3040

:smt076
02-20-2009, 10:14 PM
bps3040

Quote:

Originally Posted by gnet158

Add the Spring Field XD-9 (9mm) or XD-40 to your list. Both are also very highly reguarding hand guns.

+1, I have both and love them....lol, so does my wife
02-20-2009, 10:21 PM
PhilR.

Quote:

Originally Posted by deermaster

only shooting some .22's and a glock (27 or 29, it was very small, i couldnt fit my pinkie on the grip).

You don't fit your pinkie *on* the grip - you curl it *under* the grip. The 27 is designed as a small concealed handgun, with a correspondingly small grip to make it such.

i have been told a glock is not a good starter gun, do to the trigger safety, and not a trigger locking safety.

The Glock has several safties built in. It will only go off if you pull the trigger. Firing when you pull the trigger is what it is supposed to do. If you do not want it to fire, do not pull the trigger. The Glock does not make any better or worse "starter" gun than any other centerfire semi-auto.

i want it for fun shooting, and eventually get my concealed permit so i can carry it in my car, i have no interest or need right now to carry on my person.
price is another issue. can a decent new pistol be had for 600$ or less?

The majority of suitable semi-autos can indeed be had in your price range. One does not need a Sig or H&K in order to have a perfectly serviceable handgun. Also, you should check your state laws about car carry and concealed permits. Many permits allow you to carry the weapon on your person, and do not address car carry. IOW, it's possible that you can car carry without the need for a permit. At least that is the way here in the country of Texas.

so now, based on what i have told you, what would be some models to look into that are noob friendly and under 600$? i will definitely be handling as many as i can, but some models that fit my needs would be great, just to maybe give me a head start on what to look at first.

Take a look at the Ruger SR's or P-series, The S&W M&P series, the Glock 17/19, the Springfield XD series, The FNP's, the CZ 75 or 85, the newer polymer Sigs that I can't remember the model #'s, and the Steyr MA1 which can be found for under $400. The Berettas already mentioned are a great choice too. Also see if you can find a Walther P99 in your price range. Might be tough, but these are my favorite polymer pistols.

There are a number of older metal-framed S&W's too, such as the 410/910 and the four-digit models such as the 5906. If you want a thinner metal-frame model, look at the 3913 which can sometimes be found in your price range.

In the end, the way a handgun fits your hand is more important than the brand, as long as you stay with a decent brand of course....
02-21-2009, 09:35 AM
deermaster

thanks for all the replies. the thing about the glock grip not "fitting" my hand, i understand how its supposed to be gripped, it just wasnt real comfortable, and id rather have a larger gun to start with. also, thanks for explaining about the glock safeties, thats good news because i really like the way the larger models feel, and i have seen several at great prices. also, thanks for all the model recommendations, its a big help, and gives me an idea of what to try first. thanks again, mike.