Pistol advice

Bgdsub72 · March 18, 2005

Well, I am getting ready to purchase my first pistol. What is a good one for a Novice shooter? I was thinking a glock or ??? but keep in mind I don't want to spend more than $500. I have shot 22 rifle (have my NRA Pro Marksman for 50ft) and 12 gauge before but never really got into hand guns untill now. Lets hear some feedback from you pistol owners.

Edit- Talking Semi-auto should have specified...

fastdrvr23 · March 18, 2005

If you are looking for a plinking gun (targets and such) get a .22 Smith and Wesson 22s, Walther P22, Ruger 45/22 or Browning Buck mark camper. You'll be under $300 with any of these, and have a great pistol. I've owned ~15 .22 pistols, and those were my favorite brands so far.

If you're looking for a carry, defensive use, or combo of the two...

Count my vote for a Springfield Armory XD 4" Service model in 9mm. They are really simple to use, non-intimidating, easy to field strip, plenty of safety features and Springfield is a good company. Eventually I'd recommend a step up in caliber to .40 or .45 if you start carrying or keeping the pistol for a defensive role, once again though, that usually comes down to personal preference.

I'd say 9mm now though because of the price, so you can practice more as a new pistol shooter, and the XD because it's a tough, reliable, easy to use pistol under $500.

Being that I am a Glock fan (GSSF "Glock Sport Shooting Foundation for 4 years, as well as I.D.P.A. for 6 now) I'd vote for them if you were spending more. You could get a used one, but if you're like me, the thought of getting a "new" one is better since it's your first.

Find out if your range or any gun stores around offer an NRA sanctioned pistol course too, those are fun and will help with the basics.

Good luck!

99silveradoz71 · March 19, 2005

Issued weapon currently is a Glock model 22- standard .40 with night sights. Six years of service and no problems to report.

Rookie · March 19, 2005

I think the question is what you want it for. I have a few pistols. If you looking to go plinking I love my Ruger Mark II. If you wanting for concealed carry go small. I would suggest either a 9MM or 40 cal. The nice thing about my Ruger 9mm it came with 2 clips 10 rounds each and I purchased 2-15 round clips for a P89 Ruger (Pre-Ban).

I will go out and let 50 rounds fly. Its a rush. The Ruger is not as accurate as my Kimber but about 1/3 the price. I’m just rambling now so I will stop.

taco · March 19, 2005

If buying one for defense - I would also think about a .357 revolver - this way if one of your rounds is a dud you just pull the trigger again. If you get a semi-auto, don't go too cheap (you could possibly be using it to save your life) you want it to work when you need it. Glock, Berreta, Sig, Para-Ordinance.......... the list goes on. I would wait and save up to get one of the higher price ones ($700+) you will be happier in the long run. If you get a semi for defence - practice clearing the gun until it becomes second nature. As far a caliber go ahead and get a .45 --- I read somewhere that the FBI had statistics on one-shot stops, the .45 was first and the .357 was second the 9mm was about 6th on the list. Whichever one you buy - join the NRA so you have the privilage of buying one again in the future. (although it sounds that you are already a member) I better stop before I start ranting about all the anti's. Goodluck and remember to practice.

Bgdsub72 · March 19, 2005

I want to thank you guys for your input. I just purchased a Baretta 96 Brigadiet .40 cal today. I pick it up in 10 days. Can't wait to take her out and fire a few rounds through it at the range. I checked out the Glock 22 and 23 but I was not too impressed with the looks and feel of the polimer case...I hope I made the right decision.

Bgdsub72 · March 20, 2005

here is a picture of the same gun I am getting. Mine is all black.

fastdrvr23 · March 22, 2005

I want to thank you guys for your input. I just purchased a Baretta 96 Brigadiet .40 cal today. I pick it up in 10 days. Can't wait to take her out and fire a few rounds through it at the range. I checked out the Glock 22 and 23 but I was not too impressed with the looks and feel of the polimer case...I hope I made the right decision.

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You should be good to go!

I owned a Beretta 96F .40 (A little different than the Brigadier, lighter slide, slightly different frame) for about 4 years, and never had any trouble at all with it. Probably close to 10,000 rounds, mainly my handloads, and it did great. Pretty accurate too.

The NRA is good for their free firearm insurance too... Check them out if you get a chance.