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First Semi-Auto Pistol

hilegahilega Member Posts: 16 ✭✭
edited November 2001 in Ask the Experts
I am looking for my first semi-auto pistol. I hunt quail, so my only firearms experience is with shotguns (semi-auto, over and under...). I have shot a .22 revolver a bit, but other than that, no prior handgun experience or actual training. I am looking at 9 mm (I am a small framed guy, so I think the smallest recoil to start with would be best). I don't intend on carrying or using it for self defense, but I like the 4" barrel guns (from holding Glock 23). I am looking at Glock 19, Sig Pro, Ruger P93, Beretta 92 compact, H&K USP, S&W tacticle. So I really don't have it narrowed down. I know you are going to tell me to shoot all of those to see what I like, but are there any pros or cons or favorites of yours? Price is a concern, I would like to stay under $500, I know that is pushing it, especially with the H&K. I could shoot my buddy's Glock 23 (I know it is a .40 S$W) but other than that I have to go to a range. I would like to go to the range with my list narrowed down a little and know somewhat what I am talking about. Any advice would be great. Thanks.
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Comments

  • Gene B.Gene B. Member Posts: 892 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I would go with H&K, Pros, it reliable, and very accurate, cons, its expensive, and the grip is a little thick.If you want Glock, I would go with the Glock 17, it costs about $450, its 9mm, not as reliable as H&K since it could "kb", and not as accurate as a H&K.Sig, is almost the same as H&K, very accurate, and reliable.What you should do is go to a shooting range, or gun shop, and ask to hold the gun in your hand just to see which one feels better in your hand.
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  • smooth_operatorsmooth_operator Member Posts: 227 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    If you want accuracy, stick with a Beretta 92/96 or SIG(and not the SIGPRO).Reliability: HK USPSturdiness: Defenitely a RUGER, besides they have a rebate going on till December i think.Glocks are a matter of preference, dont get carried away by the hype (KB or not).In essence, get the pistol that suits you best. The one that feels like an extension of your arm when you hold it. In the end, your compatibility with the equipment will contribute a lot to its effectiveness.more than my two cents, but then again.-Smooth
    Life is the leading cause of death.Everything else is just a contributing factor.
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  • raskilraskil Member Posts: 250 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Pick the one that is most comfortable in your hand. You do not want to lose your grip or be distracted by the feel when you are focusing on your shot. I find the Glock grips too square, the Ruger kp95 has very little muzzle flip for a 9mm but I think the grip is too thick. I like the feel of the Beretta best, 92FS for 9mm or 96FS for .40 cal. Good Luck!
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  • 22WRF22WRF Member Posts: 3,385
    edited November -1
    Before you jump into the big bore stuff get you a nice 22 that you feel conformable with.Maybe a Ruger MKI, MKII, Browning Buckmark?When you feel proficient with that then look for something heavier.
    Home of the Blue Angels, P'colaSemper Adveho AbsconditusNever miss a good chance to shut up (Will Rogers)
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  • lighterknotlighterknot Member Posts: 2 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Question?-- What is KB?Also i am looking at getting a 9mm also. I like the Glock 19 and also the Ruger P95. I am left handed are there any guns or any certain setups(manual safety,decock only, DAO) that would be better for a lefty?What is the difference between the diff Ruger P-series 9mm's?
    Chad Sontag
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  • Gene B.Gene B. Member Posts: 892 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    A "KB" is when the gun literally blows up in your hand. And it stands for "KaBoom"!H&K USP's are made for left or right handers, you can put the safty, and slide release on which ever side you want.
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  • hilegahilega Member Posts: 16 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Thanks for the info! I also forgot to mention that I want double and single action capabilities (I know the glocks are double only). As far as starting with a .22, I have received that advice before, but I would rather not spend the money on a gun and then trade it in when I am ready to get a bigger bore. It would be like spending $700 on a $500 gun I think. I don't know, you guys are the experts here. Someone mentioned not to get the Sig pro, so what then? A 228 or 229. Other than the materials used, what is the difference? Anyone had experience with the Berettas (92 centurion or compact). I have held my State Trooper buddy's Centurion and it felt pretty good (not having much to compare to). Thanks for the info.
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  • badboybobbadboybob Member Posts: 1,658 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    It's been said before: go with what feels best in your hand. That said a Ruger is hard to beat if it feels good.
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  • 22WRF22WRF Member Posts: 3,385
    edited November -1
    Trade it in??? Your never trade in! Just buy more!!!!!!!
    Home of the Blue Angels, P'colaSemper Adveho AbsconditusNever miss a good chance to shut up (Will Rogers)
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  • Gene B.Gene B. Member Posts: 892 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Ive had fired a Beretta, its very accurate, I was shooting golf balls with it at about 25-30 yards. I think I have pretty small hands, but the beretta felt good in it. As for stopping power I shot a cinder brick with it a it completey blew it up in one shot. The only problem is that a little bit of dirt or sand can jam it up, but my friends dad has a beretta with something inside it to crush all dirt and sand, he said the same thing was used in Desert Storm so theres wouldnt jam. Have no idea where he got it.
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  • oldsoldiersneverdieoldsoldiersneverdie Member Posts: 43 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have to agree with the Beretta 92FS or the Browning HP - both very accurate and reliable. I have a slight preference for the 92FS as it has SA/DA which allows some variety in shooting.
    Illigitimi Non Carborundum (don't let the bastards get you down).
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  • oldsoldiersneverdieoldsoldiersneverdie Member Posts: 43 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have to agree with the Beretta 92FS or the Browning HP - both very accurate and reliable. I have a slight preference for the 92FS as it has SA/DA which allows some variety in shooting.
    Illigitimi Non Carborundum (don't let the bastards get you down).
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  • oldsoldiersneverdieoldsoldiersneverdie Member Posts: 43 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have to agree with the Beretta 92FS or the Browning HP - both very accurate and reliable. I have a slight preference for the 92FS as it has SA/DA which allows some variety in shooting.
    Illigitimi Non Carborundum (don't let the bastards get you down).
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  • lighterknotlighterknot Member Posts: 2 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    so any one know the diff in the 9mm Ruger P-series guns? Also what is this u are sayin about Glocks blowin up I know several people with them that swear by them.So for a lefty i should look at H&K anything else?
    Chad Sontag
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  • gravediggergravedigger Member Posts: 945 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    If you are considering a Sig, I would go with a Sauer P226 instead of the Pro. I've shot a Pro in .40 & it has too much recoil due to the polymer frame and slightly shorter lenght.-Marcus
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  • prebanfanprebanfan Member Posts: 75 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    For the money, Ruger is the best buy with the rebates going on. The difference in the model numbers you were asking about on the rugers, is for double action only, de-cocker only...etc..etc.. The swing safeties look plain goofy for lack of a better word. Plus there is really no need for them since the first shot is double action, unless you cock the hammer, and only an idiot would carry one cocked. So the de-cocker only rugers are just as safe if you ask me. For the money you can't beat a Ruger. Plus they will shoot led with no problems. Glocks do not like lead. I learned that from friends who re-load. Good luck on whatever gun you choose.
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