Turning 21 soon...what gun to get?!

Check out the Glock 19, the Springfield XD-9 (or XDM), the FNP-9, the CZ-75 in ANY configuration and the Ruger GP-100 4" and get whichever feels right for you. Considering .40 and .45 is so expensive 9mm is really the only way to go if you're on a budget and actually want to get some range time in. Just shoot .38 outta the Ruger if you get it. Can't go wrong with anything there. We can tell you about this and that all day but when it come to it, we're all different people. My droors wouldn't fit you like they fit me....guns are every bit as personal. All quality guns within your price range. I can't recommend the S&W M&P because I don't have enough exp with it and don't like the trigger much on the one I've shot but from what I've heard it's a great gun as well!

Save up for a quality 1911 as your second gun! Can't go wrong with a Springfield but there are other options out there.

I just traded my Colt 1911 XSE for a Springfield TRP recently and don't regret it in the least. Hell of a gun!
 
Hile I like Glock, my trigger wasn't where I wanted it. Was horrible. Had it worked on and it's right where I want it for my pref. The others should be pretty good otb. Just shoot the Ruger in single ;)
 
I found a Springfield 1911 Mil-Spec not too far out of my gun range. Just don't know if I can start off with one. That and it's a .45
 
Jumping in late here (and haven't read most of the other posts, sorry if I am repeating advice): go to a range and try a variety of guns out. Go with what is the most comfortable for you. Don't worry about image or getting a big/badass gun. Think practical and comfortable. Lastly, take your time, there's no hurry.
 
pushingmongo said:
Jumping in late here (and haven't read most of the other posts, sorry if I am repeating advice): go to a range and try a variety of guns out. Go with what is the most comfortable for you. Don't worry about image or getting a big/badass gun. Think practical and comfortable. Lastly, take your time, there's no hurry.
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Late? Nooo. Any advice is appreciated. Unfortunately, other than what I already tried (.357 and 22) I don't really know anyone with guns well enough to ask to try them out at the range. In addition, there aren't any ranges "close" to me. The range I generally shoot at is at my camp. I'll look online to see if I can get a list of ranges and maybe give them a call to see if they have any guns to try out.
 
Have you looked at the price of ammunition. My suggestion is get a Smith and Wesson M&P full size or compact 9mm or a Glock 19 or 17, depending on what size you want, with night sites, get 5 factory mags for it, don't change anything on it, and buy A LOT of 9mm. Don't waste your money getting any other caliber, 9mm is jsut as capable as any other round for SD, as long as you use good hollow points. And you want to be proficient and shoot often so 9mm will net you buy more to practice more. Just something I wish someone had told me a long time ago.
 
bmilla35 said:
I found a Springfield 1911 Mil-Spec not too far out of my gun range. Just don't know if I can start off with one. That and it's a .45
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There is absolutely no reason you can't start with a 45 ACP 1911. 45 is not cheap ammo but no ammo is cheap right now and it is a lot more fun to shoot than 9mm IMHO:)

What would be good to find out is if you need to shoot TMJ rounds at your local ranges. If so then you may have a hard time finding ammo (atleast I am).

If not then you can get plenty of bulk 45 ACP ammo at reasonable prices.

Good luck and keep us posted:)

BTW, again, not trying to twist your arm.
 
Another 1911 consideration:

(+$$$) -Plan on investing in a few aftermarket magazines (McCormicks, Wilsons, Baers, etc)...the stock metal follower S.A. ones are garbage IMHO. (Flame retardant suit ON!;) )

($$$=free) - read and understand extractor tension...4 of 5 S.A. 1911s that I bought needed extractor adjustment. This IS NOT a negative aspect of 1911's, just something that can drive you nuts for no reason. It's a very easy adjustment to make.

I landed deals on two, second hand Springfields because the original, first time 1911 owners became disheartened with their performance. By tackling the two above issues, happy happy joy joy!:D:D:D

Today's 1911's are COMPLETELY reliable. I just hate seeing new, unaware 1911 owners fall victim to FTFs, FTE's, etc. because of a simple quirk.

1911's rule!:D
 
I agree, I've been using Wilson mags for the past three years w/o a single gtg with out the box ammo and maybe two jams from out of spec/damaged rim reloads.

The problem you mention with the ejector, is that on the cheaper springers or all of them? I'll have to see if it's a problem on my new TRP.


Strabs said:
Another 1911 consideration:

(+$$$) -Plan on investing in a few aftermarket magazines (McCormicks, Wilsons, Baers, etc)...the stock metal follower S.A. ones are garbage IMHO. (Flame retardant suit ON!;) )

($$$=free) - read and understand extractor tension...4 of 5 S.A. 1911s that I bought needed extractor adjustment. This IS NOT a negative aspect of 1911's, just something that can drive you nuts for no reason. It's a very easy adjustment to make.

I landed deals on two, second hand Springfields because the original, first time 1911 owners became disheartened with their performance. By tackling the two above issues, happy happy joy joy!:D:D:D

Today's 1911's are COMPLETELY reliable. I just hate seeing new, unaware 1911 owners fall victim to FTFs, FTE's, etc. because of a simple quirk.

1911's rule!:D
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Still thinking about everything guys...and will continue to keep everyone updated.

Next Saturday i'm going to the biggest gun store in the state (at least that is what they advertise), called Grice's. Some people that live in PA have heard of it...its a pretty big deal lol. Anyways, its supposed to have good prices. Best of all, I should be able to handle some different models and see what "feels" right
 
pbubsy said:
I agree, I've been using Wilson mags for the past three years w/o a single gtg with out the box ammo and maybe two jams from out of spec/damaged rim reloads.

The problem you mention with the ejector, is that on the cheaper springers or all of them? I'll have to see if it's a problem on my new TRP.
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Not the ejector, the EXTRACTOR.:thumbup:
 
bmilla35 said:
Late? Nooo. Any advice is appreciated. Unfortunately, other than what I already tried (.357 and 22) I don't really know anyone with guns well enough to ask to try them out at the range. In addition, there aren't any ranges "close" to me. The range I generally shoot at is at my camp. I'll look online to see if I can get a list of ranges and maybe give them a call to see if they have any guns to try out.
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Ah, I'm a little spoiled with several ranges near me that rent every type of gun imaginable.

So, then...I'd say a Glock 17. You can't go wrong with one, affordable, reliable, durable and simple. It's a great first gun.

:thumbup:
 
pbubsy said:
Brain fart/type-o same question tho, which do it apply to? More of a mid-low range or also among the higher end like the trp and the pro?
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I would expect anything coming out of the Custom Shop to be tuned correctly, but you never know.;)
 
bmilla35 said:
Still thinking about everything guys...and will continue to keep everyone updated.

Next Saturday i'm going to the biggest gun store in the state (at least that is what they advertise), called Grice's. Some people that live in PA have heard of it...its a pretty big deal lol. Anyways, its supposed to have good prices. Best of all, I should be able to handle some different models and see what "feels" right
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Just a few points to consider.

College student=broke for the most part
First Pistol=little or no experience shooting, but this could be completely off base here.

Just about all the pistols that have been recommended are very good. Very good for experienced shooters and shooters with steady jobs than can pay for costly CF ammo, spare mags and the like. No flame, just fact.

My first pistol, that I got for Christmas in 1962 at age 13, was a Ruger MKI target. Still have it and gave it to my son this past Christmas. Still shoots as good as it did 48 years ago.

I'm not going to recommend it per se, although it is a fine pistol.

What I am going to recommend is that you get a QUALITY pistol (whatever fits and feels best in your hand), in .22LR.

The simple fact being, you can get a brick (500 rounds), of .22LR for about the same or less than a box of 50 rounds of center fire.

You WILL need a LOT of practice, several thousand to start to become proficient. If you can afford that much 9mm/.357/.38/.45, have at it. If not, better consider the .22LR.

As far as defense, a hit with a .22LR that you can shoot beats a miss with a .454 superwizzbang magnum that you can't shoot because of lack of practice.

YMMV

Rob
 
I'll get back to this. To answer Blairdoc's question, XDM9 3.8, FNX9, or a CZ

**this could change from 9 to 40 relatively easily...but just right now i'm leaning towards the 9
 
WetDog1911 was right on a couple posts back. I would definitely look into starting with a .22

The Browning Buckmark and Ruger are both great pistols that are very accurate, cheap to shoot, and will give you a lot more "bang for the buck" than any center fire.

My first was a Buckmark, and I had that for almost a year before I started buying center fires.

It was definitely worth learning on the .2 first. There is no worse feeling that spending $500+ on a new pistol and not being able to hit the side of a barn and getting discouraged.
 
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