A little help buying my first handgun?

*First posting here

I am 23, grew up with firearms. Never owned my own handgun. I am in the market for one now. I am looking to spend no more than 750, all costs including PPE.

I am looking at the Springfield XD, and the PX4 Storm. Any advice for a green horn like myself? 9mm or 40? 45? Full size or compact?

I would like to buy an HK, or maybe a SIG, but for my first hangun, I want to start on something cheaper, so that I may learn proper handling and preventative maintenace.

Eventually I will get my permit to carry, but I want to be used to handling a handgun until it is second nature first.

Any advice out there?

My advise to someone that has not shot a gun lots would be get a .22 and shoot the fire out of it. You can buy Bulk ammo at a reasonable price where you can shoot lots. Then I would try every gun in every caliber that I could find and see which one I liked best. What one person likes the other might not. The goal in the end is to have a gun that you like and can shoot well, because a miss is the same as not having a gun at all.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by P97

My advise to someone that has not shot a gun lots would be get a .22 and shoot the fire out of it. You can buy Bulk ammo at a reasonable price where you can shoot lots. Then I would try every gun in every caliber that I could find and see which one I liked best. What one person likes the other might not. The goal in the end is to have a gun that you like and can shoot well, because a miss is the same as not having a gun at all.

---

+1

I would add that you also be prepared to buy more than one gun. As you get used to them, you'll find yourself more and more interested in different styles and calibers. What is a good gun for you today will change tomorrow.

WM

If you are dead set on the XD or PX I would get the one that feels the best to you in the service model and in a 9mm. The 9mm is cheap to shoot compared to some of the other calibers plus it will do the job just fine for self defense. Good luck.

If you get the XD40 you can get 9mm as well as 357sig barrels for it and have basically 3 gun's in 1, just a thought. ;)

How about something used?

Find a buddy that can let try out one and pick from there.

Thanks for the advice guys I will have to drop back in and let you know how it is going, Should have new firearm within 2-3 weeks!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Wandering Man

+1

I would add that you also be prepared to buy more than one gun. As you get used to them, you'll find yourself more and more interested in different styles and calibers. What is a good gun for you today will change tomorrow.

WM

---

+1

Right now my .357 snub nose is my favorite. My right hand hopes that will end soon. I've always been an automatic guy but as I shoot more revolvers and bolt action rifles become increasingly more enjoyable (it's also easier to collect brass for reloading).

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Tater

Thanks for the advice guys I will have to drop back in and let you know how it is going, Should have new firearm within 2-3 weeks!

---

I only wish I could get a new firearm in 2-3 weeks! I just purchased a new handgun (my first one) from a dealer and expect it will be about two months before I actually get my hands on it after permit amendments and such!!! :smt022

I just picked up the MRI Baby Eagle .45. Haven't shot mine yet but have shot a friends. Fantastic pistol!!! You may want to add it to your considerations. I, like many other responders, agree that you should buy the gun that fits your hand and that is comfortable for you. Also, I'm among the throng of .45 ACP fans. The MRI Baby Eagle .45 comes in at about $550 out the door with taxes and everything.