Newbie

[LSB]

Good morning folks....

I'm considering purchasing a pistol, but have little to no experience with them This purchase doesn't really revolve around self defense (although that is a perk,) but more that I'm just interested in it...target shooting, etc.

I'm in a fortunate position in that I can spend a little money, but I'm really struggling with the decision of manufacturers, caliber, etc. I believe a .40 is the way I want to go, but wanted to get some pros and cons from ya'll. Also, I haven't "handled" many weapons, but out of the SIGS, HK's, and Colts I have gotten a grip on, the Glock impresses me the most as far as ergonomics.

Any opinions on these (or other makes?)

;4

[DannyR]

If you are just interested in target shoting and plinking, why not get a 9mm--the ammo is much cheaper.:)

[Steve Koski]

Sig, HK, Glock. You can't go wrong either way. Pick what tickles your fancy. All things considered, for a new shooter I'd have to say 9mm is best. Before you spend all your $$$, buy a case of ammo online and have fun!!!

Regards,

Koski

[LSB]

Originally posted by Steve Koski
Sig, HK, Glock. You can't go wrong either way. Pick what tickles your fancy. All things considered, for a new shooter I'd have to say 9mm is best. Before you spend all your $$$, buy a case of ammo online and have fun!!!

Thanks for the info! I hadn't considered the cost of ammo angle mentioned above...Why do you think a 9mm would be better? Is it a recoil thing? Or something else?;d

[Steve Koski]

It's a combination of issues. You won't shoot if you don't enjoy the experience. Factory ammo in a .40 is often intimidating for new pistol shooters. The recoil is noticeably stouter than a 9mm. 9mm ammo is also significantly cheaper (30% to 50%), allowing you to shoot more for your buck. I'm serious when I recommend buying 1,000 rounds online somewhere. You'll never regret it.

The .40 is probably a marginally better defensive cartridge...but just marginally. I wouldn't feel under gunned at all with a 9mm. All things considered, a .40 isn't the best choice for new shooters. However, if you're "sold" on the .40, you'll probably love it too.

It's best to find a range that rents pistols. Sometimes for $10 they'll let you shoot a variety of pistols. This will really help you decide what you like and what you don't.

Koski

[alien-Glocker]

I find on-line ammo cheaper than what I can buy locally even if I have to pay shippng charges. Yep by the case is the way to go for range ammo. Probably don't need that much for carry ammo. I've had good luck with CCI Blazer for all my guns....9mm, .40S&W and .45ACP

www.natchezss.com

www.cheaperthandirt.com

www.ammoman.com

[Drachen27]

Resign yourself to the fact that your fist gun won't be your last one, for several reasons. Besides the fact that shooting is a great sport, and you'll "catch the bug" and want more, once you start shooting you'll find out what you like and don't like about your firearm. Maybe you'll find that recoil is not factor, and you'll buy a larger caliber, or that the recoil is a major problem so you'll find something with less recoil. If you start to carry concealed, you might find you want a smaller gun, or maybe a bigger one for more accurate target shooting.

There is no one ultimate gun for everyone. There may be one for you, but only you can find it, and only you will know when you do. Right now I have several handguns that may not be MY perfect gun, but they're still fun to shoot. Besides, looking for the perfect gun is more than half the fun.

[FESTUS]

Steve and Danny have given you good food for thought....the 9 would be the best way to go and when you get hooked you can experiment with other calibers for the future. Personally I have run the caliber gambit and shoot a .40 for GSSF but as an after thought I have considered down sizing to the 9....I vote start with the 9 ;f

[LSB]

Guys,

Thanks alot for all the advice ;f

[sgtf109]

Hey Newbe the best advice to you is that a handgun is a very personal piece of equipment what works for one might not for another. Do lots of research and ask lots of questions. just like you would any major purchase. Good Luck and buy carefully !

[RaiderRodney]

I agree with Steve I would go and shoot several pistols, then decide. On the other hand, I was the same way. I had never owned a pistol or shot very much at all, so studied and researched for months. Finally, I decided on the G35 without ever even seeing the gun and ordered it. Well..........I LOVE IT!!

GOOD LUCK;) any GLOCK you buy though, I think you will be pleased!

[Maximaking]

I love my G23, it's a great all around gun. I would look for a G23 but make sure you go shoot one first. I'd start by trying a 3rd gen and see how that fits your hand. Some don't like the finger grooves. If you have large hands you may want to think about a 2nd gen. Now here's the kicker. The .40 is somewhat intimidating to learn on so what you need to do is hop online and look for a 9mm conversion barrel. Try www.lonewolfdist.com They sell them and they work well. This way you can have potentially 3 guns in one Those are a .40 a 9mm and even .357 Sig with another barrel. Keep in mind it is recomended to get the appropriate magazines even though other ****MAY***** work. Start off with shooting 9mm at the range then maybee mix a box of 40 in every once and a while. Eventually you will become acclimated to the 40 and it won't bother you. At that time you can start to carry your G23 40. I would not bet my life on the 9mm conversion however I have never once had a single problem and I don't know of anyone who has. Thought you were done...... Think again this is more important that anything else. TAKE A BASIC GUN SAFETY COURSE BEFORE YOU PURCHASE YOUR FIRST GUN. This is for the safety of you and those around you. After that then think about a concealed carry permit.

Hope this helps
Todd

[Callcthulu]

I have a H&K compact .40 love it best pistol I have fired yet. My second choice would have to be a Glock 23.

[glockandme]

Go for a G22. My first pistol. I love it and the Potent .40. A 23 would be nice too though!:cool:

[blackhawk321]

Newbie I own multiple Glock pistols and I love my Glock 22 40 cal and I can shoot from the 9mm to the 45 cal and I always feel back at home when my Glock 22 40cal is held tight in my hands. Good luck in your travels and I want you to know that Glock is my first pick. Good luck:)

[CATATOMIC]

I don't think a .40 is a bad choice for a first gun. The .40 is not hard to handle at all. I have a G23 that I love. It fits my hand perfect, it's very accurate and target ammo at Walmart is not very expensive. Plus for self defense the .40 should have an edge over the 9mm. I do recommend one of the mid size glocks though. (G19, G23)