First Handgun...

Glock 19 FTW. It was the first handgun that I purchased (not the first I owned- I was handed down several before it). The 19 is my favorite handgun (though the 21SF is coming up fast). You'd be hard pressed to find a better combination of reliability, firepower, size, comfort and accuracy for the money. It's dead reliable, and dead simple to use. It is the most comfortable and fastest pointing handgun I have ever fired. This of course is completely subjective, but I have fired many different handguns in my time.
If you're not going to carry the weapon, a 17 might be an even better choice.

I also really like the S&W 686- but you're not likely to find one of those in your price range. If you do- get it!
 
CZ's are cheap as hell and very awesome.


Not anymore. CZ's have become very popular as people have found their quality, accuracy and design are outstanding. The weak dollar hasn't helped either. For 9MM's I would check out these in MY order of preference/value that can do triple duty for carry, range and HD. YMMV.

CZ-75D PCR
CZ P-01
Browning Hi Power
HK P7M8 or PSP
HK USPc
Sig P228
Glock G19
 
I carry a CZ 2075( Rami) and love it ! In 9MM of course. I also have an HK P2000SK and like it also. I prefer this two as they have exposed hammers and be fire in either single or double action on a first shot. For me, Glock handles are just too bulky for me and I did own a few. Also, I customized my Rami with wooden handles which you can not do with most guns( I have the model with a safety, no decocker)
 
FWIW- I've had my Glock 19 for 6 years, and have yet to have a single jam or malfunction of any kind. Can't say that about any of my other autopistols. Even the Sig P220 fails to feed every once in a while (usually operator error- you really have to bang that mag in HARD!) I've tried limpwristing my 19, firing it upside down etc. Never a hitch. A retarded monkey can successfully operate a G19- there's nothing you can do to it (or not do to it) to make it not work.
 
I love the Glocks and they are the "one" for me. But this .45 is really a great deal.
For cheap and reliable, this Ruger P-90, in .45 is hard to beat.
This was around 350 and I'm sure a lot of people find it ugly and bulky, but she's a sweet shooter and overbuilt. The platform was developed for 10mm Mag and that was dropped, because Law agencies decided not to use the powerful cartridge.
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I plan on spending a large amount of time at the range practicing shooting/reloading/manipulation of the gun so that will not be an issue. I plan on handling many different guns and not picking one based on how "sexy" it is, but how it comfortable it feels in my hand. Thanks to all for advice on calibers and brands as that is the main information I am looking for. I have done quite a bit of research myself and am simply interested in others opinions. 6.5 hours until the search begins...
 
Might consider observing an IDPA match or two in your area and talking to participants between stages or at breaks. Proficient shooters ALL started where you're at..experience is the best teacher but it doesn't have to be OUR own.

I have preferences developed over a lifetime but doubt they are any better than those expressed.

Primary - home defense - Remington 870 here..best perhaps not but very good,IMHO.

Best wishes on your quest.
 
I suggest a Glock at your price point. Whatever caliber and size you want. It took me a long time to get on board with Glocks cause I'm a 1911 guy. But they work real well and go bang everytime. You can work the trigger down to a nice 3 to 3.5 pounds for a good smooth pull with short reset if you buy something like a Ghost Rocket (I have them in all my Glocks and love them). Glocks are easy to maintain and you can smith them yourself without much education or skill at all. Pretty easy to use and care for weapon.

If you are looking into a basic 1911 for around $1K I strongly suggest a Springfield Armory. Kimber IMHO has become hit or miss on quality and workmanship. Older Kimbers are fine handguns but I haven't been really impressed with their offerings over the last few years. Just MHO. Springers tend to be the best base gun I've come across. You can add on goodies as you see fit and really turn it into something special that is set up just the way you like it. For aftermarket stuff I suggest Ed Brown. You can go with a Colt, I love colts, but I think you get more for your money with a Springer. Colt seems to carry a high price tag cause it's a Colt.
 
Hi All,
I posted this in W&C but it may be better placed here. I would like to purchase my first handgun this weekend. It will be used primarily for home defense and shooting at the range. Suggestions? Guns to look for or stay away from? I am looking to spend $500 or less. Thanks.

Nathan

I think you have gotten a lot of good but mis-directed information.

People just don't really READ or, UNDERSTAND the question. Mainly just want to spout off and tout favorite platform or caliber or both.

First Handgun is the key. You are not born with the ability to shoot a handgun well. It doesn't come from watching movies or inter active games. It takes practice and a lot of it. A couple boxes of ammo isn't going to make you proficient.

Right now, ANY centerfire handgun ammo is both expensive and difficult to obtain. Too much so to learn how to shoot well.

I would suggest a decent .22LR pistol. Ruger MKI or MKII for example. Handle some and see what feels best in YOUR hand. Just don't buy junk.

A .22 will enable you to much practice. A brick (500 rounds) of decent .22 ammo (CCI SV), is ~$25. See what 500 rounds of any CF caliber is going to cost.:eek: 500 rounds will just get you off to a good start. You will need to burn more than that to start getting good.:D

Don't worry about 'home defense' right now, worry more about shooting at the range. Yes, a .22 is not the best for home defense, but it IS better than what you have, which is nothing. To quote a wise woman:

pointy stick>>>tactical rock>>>.22LR>>>.45acp>>>shotgun +-

Once you learn the basics of pistol shooting, switching calibers or platforms is like switching cars once you know how to drive. But, you need to learn how to drive first.:eek:

Do yourself a favor, get a .22, learn how to use it, THEN go look at the uber cool hi cap 9s, .45s, .357s and whatnot.

You can thank me later.;)

Rob
 
Maybe the OP doesn't have the money to spend on a .22 that won't serve his purpose, right now. If he wants to spend 500 dollars on something to defend his home and person with, that's what he wants and a .22 is not going to do it.
Ammo may be a bit hard to find right now, but it's not impossible. Unless there is really regulations on ammo enacted, the availability will improve. People stock piling it will stop buying it all up and things will return to normal.
 
I'll thank you now for the advice as I thank everyone who has contributed to this thread (whether I take their advice or not)! I definitely agree that I will need to practice often with whatever I buy, but I would estimate I have shot around 300 rounds out of various handguns that belong to friends of mine. Obviously that is no big number, but I would prefer to purchase something that will serve dual purposes, which is why I am leaning towards something in 9mm. I just know that there are TONS of options out there and although I have done research I would like to purchase something as reliable as possible...which is why i turn to the fine folks here at BF. I don't skimp on my knives and I damn sure don't plan on skimping on a handgun! Thanks again to all.

Nathan
 
I'll thank you now for the advice as I thank everyone who has contributed to this thread (whether I take their advice or not)! I definitely agree that I will need to practice often with whatever I buy, but I would estimate I have shot around 300 rounds out of various handguns that belong to friends of mine. Obviously that is no big number, but I would prefer to purchase something that will serve dual purposes, which is why I am leaning towards something in 9mm. I just know that there are TONS of options out there and although I have done research I would like to purchase something as reliable as possible...which is why i turn to the fine folks here at BF. I don't skimp on my knives and I damn sure don't plan on skimping on a handgun! Thanks again to all.

Nathan

Sounds like the Glock 19 is gonna be a winner for ya. Probably as many accessories as the 1911 out there for the Glock.
 
Thats where I'm leaning. It looks like they're selling in my area for a little over $550. Is this about what I should expect to pay?
 
Like a couple of others above, I recommend you take a hard look at the CZ line.

I own a CZ P-01 and love it. Excellent accuracy, very reliable. Most folks find the entire CZ 75 line has great ergonomics.
 
Thats where I'm leaning. It looks like they're selling in my area for a little over $550. Is this about what I should expect to pay?


That's a little pricey. But from what I hear they are a little hard to find right now too. Shop around. Look for some gun shows. Don't be afraid to buy used just make sure it's in good shape. You can find a barely used G19 for as little as $425.00 sometimes. And Glock has great customer service should you have a problem. Impact Guns has them for $499.99 http://www.impactguns.com/store/764503502194.html but after shipping and transfer fees I don't know how much you'll save over $550.00 plus your states sales tax. There are a few on Gun Broker in the $450.00 to $480.00 Range. You just gotta look around for a good deal.
 
Like a couple of others above, I recommend you take a hard look at the CZ line.

I own a CZ P-01 and love it. Excellent accuracy, very reliable. Most folks find the entire CZ 75 line has great ergonomics.

What are some differences between the Glock and CZ? Why would I choose one over the other (aside from the comfort level)? Obviously Glock is a much more familiar name to me but that doesn't really matter...
 
Glock uses a striker fired system. I don't really care for the trigger.

CZ is hammer fired, DA/SA, and much better grip angle, grip, etc, and is a much better looking piece. (IMHO).

You really need to compare to know which of the above factors make a difference to you.

Both are fine guns so you can't really go too bad wrong.
 
Let me be the first (I think) in this thread to suggest to you that in addition to finding a quality firearm, you should find quality training. Nothing can help you become a better, safer handgunner than getting good training. And when I speak of training, I mean find someone who can teach you to shoot not only safely, but fast and accurately.

Andy
 
my first was a ruger sp-101. a fantastic firearm. can shoot .357 and .38 special. good for defense and practice. you can get them in 2, 4, and 6 inch barrel lengths, and 5 or 6 round capacity. Mine is a 4 inch 5 round. reliable. affordable. versatile.
 
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