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Looking for a first handgun

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dxkj

Lifer
I live in WI so no Concealed Carry allowed (one of 4 states, grr)

Anyway, I live in a pretty good neighborhood minus gun toting punks and spray painting vandals, and I dont have a Security system/motion detector flood lights, so I was thinking of getting a handgun...


Well to be honest, I really want one mostly for shooting at the range recreationally and shooting when Im visiting my dad in PA (not at him, targets)


I read a bit online, researched a few guns, and am still stuck between 9mm and .40. I dont want to spend a ton on a handgun, but I dont want to buy a 22 pistol either...

1911 looks nice but too much $$ and probably a bit too powerful

Sig sauer P226 seems like it might work, but Ive also been looking at the Glock 17. I plan on going to the local rent and shoot and try a few of these out, but for anyone who shoots a few different caliber handguns regularly, what is the difference in price for target ammo as far as 9mm .40 and .45 are concerned? Ive done several searches online and seen a varying amount, but would probably do most of my ammo buying locally so first hand experience will be appreciated


Any other suggestions beyond the p22X or the glock? Cheaper is better, but Id prefer something that doesnt stovepipe every other clip while im at the range, and something with at least a littlet stopping power (though HP 9mm close range should suffice)


 
Check out Springfield's XD line, my next gun will probably be a 4" in .45 GAP.

Nice guns, I like them better than the Glocks I've shot. I can't stand the Glock trigger.

Viper GTS
 
For your application, 9mm is clearly the way to go IMO. You can get 100-round Winchester range packs at Wal-Mart for $10.99, yet a FMJ 9mm round packs an adequate punch for self-defense.

I strongly suggest you go to a range and try out a variety of different pistols. I went one day and tried half a dozen 9mm pistols before settling on the G17. Your mileage may differ. Personally I don't like DA/SA pistols for self-defense, which is a lot of the reason I like the Glock. If cost were no object, and I didn't care about really easy maintenance (the Glock is SOOOO durable and easy to clean), I'd probably take a Para Ordnance LDA over any other gun - I love the trigger, and, like the Glocks, it's a double-action pistol with an easy pull (but much smoother than a Glock trigger).
 
Originally posted by: mesonw
Why do you want to shoot things? Do you feel it's part of your natural heritage?
Click to expand...

Would you ask the same question to someone who throws darts at a dartboard in a club? It seems like a perfectly reasonable hobby to me.
 
Originally posted by: DonVito
For your application, 9mm is clearly the way to go IMO. You can get 100-round Winchester range packs at Wal-Mart for $10.99, yet a FMJ 9mm round packs an adequate punch for self-defense.

I strongly suggest you go to a range and try out a variety of different pistols. I went one day and tried half a dozen 9mm pistols before settling on the G17. Your mileage may differ. Personally I don't like DA/SA pistols for self-defense, which is a lot of the reason I like the Glock. If cost were no object, and I didn't care about really easy maintenance (the Glock is SOOOO durable and easy to clean), I'd probably take a Para Ordnance LDA over any other gun - I love the trigger, and, like the Glocks, it's a double-action pistol with an easy pull (but much smoother than a Glock trigger).
Click to expand...


Good advice.....but I will never give up my .40
 
Originally posted by: kogase
Originally posted by: mesonw
Why do you want to shoot things? Do you feel it's part of your natural heritage?
Click to expand...

Would you ask the same question to someone who throws darts at a dartboard in a club? It seems like a perfectly reasonable hobby to me.
Click to expand...

I might.
 
Originally posted by: bababooey
Originally posted by: DonVito
For your application, 9mm is clearly the way to go IMO. You can get 100-round Winchester range packs at Wal-Mart for $10.99, yet a FMJ 9mm round packs an adequate punch for self-defense.

I strongly suggest you go to a range and try out a variety of different pistols. I went one day and tried half a dozen 9mm pistols before settling on the G17. Your mileage may differ. Personally I don't like DA/SA pistols for self-defense, which is a lot of the reason I like the Glock. If cost were no object, and I didn't care about really easy maintenance (the Glock is SOOOO durable and easy to clean), I'd probably take a Para Ordnance LDA over any other gun - I love the trigger, and, like the Glocks, it's a double-action pistol with an easy pull (but much smoother than a Glock trigger).
Click to expand...


Good advice.....but I will never give up my .40
Click to expand...

The liberals (that's me) will be coming for your guns soon enough. You say "from your cold, dead hands"? No problem, that's never stopped me before! Dweebus.
 
Originally posted by: DonVito
For your application, 9mm is clearly the way to go IMO. You can get 100-round Winchester range packs at Wal-Mart for $10.99, yet a FMJ 9mm round packs an adequate punch for self-defense.

I strongly suggest you go to a range and try out a variety of different pistols. I went one day and tried half a dozen 9mm pistols before settling on the G17. Your mileage may differ. Personally I don't like DA/SA pistols for self-defense, which is a lot of the reason I like the Glock. If cost were no object, and I didn't care about really easy maintenance (the Glock is SOOOO durable and easy to clean), I'd probably take a Para Ordnance LDA over any other gun - I love the trigger, and, like the Glocks, it's a double-action pistol with an easy pull (but much smoother than a Glock trigger).
Click to expand...

I too :heart: the LDA trigger.

I hear too much about Para quality problems though, otherwise they would be a serious consideration. Nice guns though.

Viper GTS
 
Originally posted by: DainBramaged
Originally posted by: bradruth
Originally posted by: Viper GTS
Originally posted by: bradruth
Originally posted by: Viper GTS
I can't stand the Glock trigger.
Click to expand...

Don't like the two-stage trigger or the safety button?
Click to expand...

I don't like the mushy feel.

Viper GTS
Click to expand...

I hear that phrase all the time. 🙁
Click to expand...

Do you carry a glock, bradruth?
Click to expand...

Yes, I'm issued a Glock 22 .40.
 
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