1st Handgun

[MattS1022]

I'm going to be 21 here in a little while, and while I have been around firearms pretty much my whole life I haven't been around a lot of handgun. It seems like everyone I ask has a different answer for what to get. This will be my only handgun for now because I need to save up to get an autoloader for duck hunting and hopefully a long rifle for big game but that is besides the point. I have been really looking at the sig p226, which I have shot. I shot well with it as well. The other pistols I have shot are the glock 19 which I wasn't to fond of and the Beretta 92. I know that for now I just want to keep the caliber at a 9mm and preference in DA/SA isn't a huge deal for me, though I did like how both the sig and beretta were DA/SA. Any help is greatly appreciated!

thanks,
Matt

[Kyle Reese]

What's your budget?

[MattS1022]

I can spend up to $900

[Kyle Reese]

Well, I'd take a strong look at a P30.

[MattS1022]

is there any particular reason for that? I also forgot to mention I'd like to get a full size pistol

[Chefdog]

I can spend up to $900

I found out the hard way when I bought my first pistol that I should've included the expense for mags, mag pouches, holster, and ammo into my gun budget. The accessories add up quickly and are pretty much essential. You're fortunate enough to have a lot more cash to work with than I did though.

[F-Trooper05]

What specifically didn't you like about the G19?

[Kyle Reese]

Well, given your price point, as well as it being your first handgun, there's little reason to suggest other DA/SA guns. You also mentioned that you weren't fond of the Glock 19.

Have you checked out www.pistol-forum.com ? Todd did a very extensive test on the P30 in 9mm HERE


If you have the money to spend, why not buy a truly excellent platform? You'll start your shooting career at a place where many would be envious, as many folks buy truly terrible handguns as their first purchases (Taurus, etc).

Good luck to you and welcome aboard.

[MattS1022]

What specifically didn't you like about the G19?

To be honest I just didn't shoot it as well as the other two and the Beretta and the Sig both "felt" better in my hand.

[seabiscuit]

After shooting my dad's Colt and Kimber 1911s, Dan Wesson .357, and Ruger Mark II, I picked up a Glock 26.

Shot it terribly at first, but getting much, much better after 300 rounds. Just saying, don't base your evaluation of a pistol on your first shots with it.

Just because your budget is $900 doesn't mean you need to spend all that on a pistol. Get a decent holster and carrying belt - budget at least $100 for that - some spare mags, and several hundred rounds of ammo - budget $100 for that initially, and at least $20 a month, I'd say.