Best pistol?

[Brian 11B]

I Vaguely know the difference between rim fire and center fire, but I've noticed most semiautomatic pistols are center fire. I've only ever shot the glock and "the judge" revolver, whatever that may be. I definitely enjoyed the glock but i have nothing to compare it to of its class.

First let me state the plan of use for the pistol. Well the obvious would be for home defense. Something reliable that I can trust with the right ammo. I want something that i can take to the range and provide accurate shot groups, and shoot multiple targets in a time efficient manner and accurately, soo low recoil.

My first set of questions would be, what caliber would you consider the most accurate? most powerful? least expensive? and which round would you consider to be the ideal round for all three traits put together? I myself believe its more about the placement of the shot, and the follow up shot then how powerful the shot is. So accuracy and cost would be top priority for me.

Second set would be which pistol would you recommend for range shooting for quickly being able to follow up accurate shots(low recoil)? I dont want a gun that blows my arm up and i have to completely find my sight picture again lol. I like the glock, but their are like 30 different kinds to choose from lol. I have also heard a few of you mention how you like the XD better, (Springfield XD im assuming?) Which pistol do you think will fit it best? Are there any other pistols that you would recommend? I'm currently not to much of a 1911 fan lol. Maybe its because of my inexperience, and will later grow on me, but currently that's a no-go for me lol.

I guess i wont overload the questions or alot will go unanswered! I appreciate any response at all, Thank you very much for reading/helping me!

[NGIB]

Your first question, caliber, is easy - go with a 9mm as it's the cheapest to shoot and there is a wide range of loads available from plinking to self defense. As for the "best" pistol - very subjective and there is no one answer. I've owned MANY pistols over the years and there are some I like and some I don't. The odds of you liking the same things I do are probably pretty small as what makes us like a gun is very subjective. For example, while Glocks are rugged guns, the grip doesn't work for me at all. I've owned a number of XDs and they are decent - but I prefer the later model S&W M&Ps with no mag safety.

My opinion is the "best" all around 9mm out there is the Sig P228, found mine online (a CPO) for just a tad over $500...

[Juker]

Perfect answer, NGIB.

Brian, combine a few gun show/gun shop visits with some online reading, while remembering we all have our personal faves. It has to work for YOU.

And from one 11B to another, ain't nuthin like a 1911.

[Brian 11B]

Originally Posted by NGIB

Your first question, caliber, is easy - go with a 9mm as it's the cheapest to shoot and there is a wide range of loads available from plinking to self defense. As for the "best" pistol - very subjective and there is no one answer. I've owned MANY pistols over the years and there are some I like and some I don't. The odds of you liking the same things I do are probably pretty small as what makes us like a gun is very subjective. For example, while Glocks are rugged guns, the grip doesn't work for me at all. I've owned a number of XDs and they are decent - but I prefer the later model S&W M&Ps with no mag safety.

My opinion is the "best" all around 9mm out there is the Sig P228, found mine online (a CPO) for just a tad over $500...

Thank you I appreciate the help, I was kinda hoping that 9mm would turn out on top to be honest haha. As for pistols i was just kinda hoping you could tell a difference in the accuracy and recoil of the pistols?

[Brian 11B]

Originally Posted by Juker

Perfect answer, NGIB.

Brian, combine a few gun show/gun shop visits with some online reading, while remembering we all have our personal faves. It has to work for YOU.

And from one 11B to another, ain't nuthin like a 1911.

haha I figured the 1911 would come up It's just not for me YET. I'm currently in Egypt so I dont think i want to go to any Gun Shows here, they are prolly different then the American gun shows

[Brian 11B]

also any thoughts on the USP 9?

[Double D]

Home defense? Shotgun. If you ever have to pull the trigger to protect yourself, you wont even remember the recoil.

[Alpo]

>My first set of questions would be, what caliber would you consider the most accurate?< 44 Special, followed by 38 Special, 32 S&W Long, 45 ACP and 22 Long Rifle. 9mm Luger is not even in the running. It can be made accurate, but the round is generally not.

>most powerful?< That I've shot? 454 Casull. There are others out there now that are more powerful, but they are kinda rare and really expensive. Most powerful that a normal person might pick up? 44 Magnum.

>least expensive?< 22 Long Rifle, followed by 9mm Luger, then 38 Special, then 45 ACP and/or 40 S&W

>and which round would you consider to be the ideal round for all three traits put together?< 45 ACP. It's extremely accurate, fairly powerful, and (compared to many others) quite cheap

>Second set would be which pistol would you recommend for range shooting for quickly being able to follow up accurate shots(low recoil)?< Smith and Wesson 686 with a 4" barrel. L-frame 357 magnum. Shoot 38 Special wadcutters in it all day without hurting your wrist at all, or your wallet very much (less if you reload). Extremely accurate, extremely low recoil. Put 357s in it and you have a very powerful defense gun.

[pkcgbifaid]

The Sig previously mentioned is an awsome choice. Even in 40 caliber the Sig is extremely accurate and easy to control... more so than pretty much ANY of the polymer guns out there IMHO. You will pay more for the Sig, especially if you buy new, but you wouldn't regret your choice.

In the polymer line of pistols, I really like the M&P series from Smith, though I have heard a lot of good things about the Ruger SR9. I just haven't had a chance to handle or shoot the Ruger.

What I would recommend is that you just go shoot as many different types of pistols as you can get your hands on. If you have a range that rents firearms go try several out. What fits me well may not fit you at all.

[hogger129]

If it were me, I'd pusue a 9mm or a .45.

The XDm is one pistol I've always wanted. But don't turn your head on the 1911. Nothing like that light, single-action trigger.

If you want the BEST in terms of accuracy and quality, go for an HK.

[American Leader]

For your requests I'd have to pick a 9MM and probably a Browning. That being said, everyone's a little different so check the gun shows out and some of the moderate size synthetics. Our choices are getting pretty varied which is nice. Same answer as Jukes but a little longer. Just give me any of my 1911's with Pachmayr grips and I'll be happy!

[savage170]

Of all my 9mm I like the cz 75 and Browning Hi-Powers the best but beings as they are steel guns they are not my first choice in a carry gun. If I carry a 9mm. It is usuaully my Springfield XD sub compact or Ruger SR9c

[Brian 11B]

thank you for everyones advice, im soaking it in i promise! lol, As for the recoil thing, the only reason i want low recoil is for a quick accurate follow up shot. My wrists are the least of my worries lol. I just would rather put two consecutive bullets threw a bullseye in seconds and not have to readjust anyway thanks for the advice im off to bed, i just finished my 12 hour ECP shift

[Regular Joe]

Allow me to apologize for my fellow board members. It is widely known among savvy shooters that there really is NO choice but the Gen. 3 Glock 19, if the grip fits you. If you have larger hands, it's the Gen. 3 Glock 17. Both have been very well proven to be the utmost dependable and long lived handguns available to mortal men.
The only test needed is to determine which fits you best, and then buy it. Both accept the factory 33 round magazines, if that floats your boat. Once you have either or both guns, you will spend a short while comparing them to others on the market, but you will soon realize that you have THE gun, and move on to other pressing concerns.

[hunter29180]

Originally Posted by Regular Joe

Allow me to apologize for my fellow board members. It is widely known among savvy shooters that there really is NO choice but the Gen. 3 Glock 19, if the grip fits you. If you have larger hands, it's the Gen. 3 Glock 17. Both have been very well proven to be the utmost dependable and long lived handguns available to mortal men.
The only test needed is to determine which fits you best, and then buy it. Both accept the factory 33 round magazines, if that floats your boat. Once you have either or both guns, you will spend a short while comparing them to others on the market, but you will soon realize that you have THE gun, and move on to other pressing concerns.

UUUMM...I must not be very savvy! its a well known fact that revolvers have been around far longer than your glocks. true a few less rounds but if i need 33 rounds , i think i would rather have a machine gun anyways!

Yes i perfer revolvers, but wont turn away fron any other weapon if it fits my hand!

[Regular Joe]

Steam engines have been around much longer as well, but we have moved along to jets....
There's a sensible pattern there. Where we have failed was in our complete absorption with the AR rifle platform, when the AK remains the best in that category.

[Brian 11B]

Originally Posted by Regular Joe

Steam engines have been around much longer as well, but we have moved along to jets....
There's a sensible pattern there. Where we have failed was in our complete absorption with the AR rifle platform, when the AK remains the best in that category.

i completely disagree, I'm in the US infantry and I dont know a single person in my unit who would prefer the AK. Its inaccurate, not very customizable, and no where near tactical in my opinion. The only reason i would ever agree with someone saying AK is best in the class, is if you are looking at cost and durability to the cheapest way possible. But even then, ay gun you can buy for $25 will win the class..... I've shot thousands (litterally) of rounds out of my M4, and i have NEVER had an actual jam. (i take that back, they gave us dummy rounds back in basic so we could learn how to fix a jam, but they weren't meant to fire).

[carver]

Originally Posted by Brian 11B

thank you for everyones advice, im soaking it in i promise! lol, As for the recoil thing, the only reason i want low recoil is for a quick accurate follow up shot. My wrists are the least of my worries lol. I just would rather put two consecutive bullets threw a bullseye in seconds and not have to readjust anyway thanks for the advice im off to bed, i just finished my 12 hour ECP shift

Brian, first I want to welcome you to the forum, and thank you for your service! It is generally agreed that under presure, in a gun fight, you won't see a sight picture. No target shooting here. Most experts teach front sight, front sight, front sight! These experts teach move, and shoot, shoot, and move. It will up close, and personal! They tell us that we will get tunnel vision, and lose all of our fine motor skills. Hits will come as fast as you can pull the trigger, but they may not be bullseyes. All you are supposed to see is the BG, and the front sight. IMHO, any caliber would work as long as it is .380, and up. Good luck in finding that best pistol! I personally like the larger calibers because they are a little more forgiving if the shot is not a perfect hit. God forbid that I ever have to shoot someone, but if I do, I will fire untill the threat goes away, or I run out of ammo!

[Vladimir]

You know I did not even need to read your whole post, because despite how corny it sounds, the best pistol, is the one you enjoy shooting.

I tell this story every time people ask me for any sort of gun-buying advise.

My dad has been a police officer my entire life, and I grew up shooting his Glock. I knew when I turned 21 I was buying a Glock, just no doubt about it. When I joined a range while I was at Uni they gave me five free rentals. One of the first I rented was a Springfield XD, and golly did I love that gun. Still do. I performed so much better with that than any Glock- despite the history of shooting the Glock, and the similarities between the weapon. It was I believe my fifth and final rental that, for giggles, I ended up with their .45 USP.

I fell in love instantly. I knew I wanted a 9mm because I intended to shoot regularly, on a uni-student budget, and despite not shooting the USP nearly as well as the XD, I loved what it had to offer. I loved the look, the feel in my hand, and most importantly I loved the combination of the de-cocker and safety.

I spent about eight years knowing I would buy a Glock, within a month that had changed radically. Get out there and shoot some different handguns, the very fact that there is so much available proves there is no one best handgun!

[dad2thebone]

I have to go with 45. my Ruger is out friggin standing for so many reasons but most of all it comes right back to sight when fired. Ruger has the 9mm thats the same way from what i was told by my dealer. A 45 even on a wing shot will spin em around and do enough damage to slow em way down.

[Jay]

Caliber doesn't count until AFTER you hit your target. Start small and get the fundamentals right, and you can shoot any caliber.

This is strictly my opinion, and has worked in many years of firearms training, and for men and ladies alike. Buy a handgun just like you would buy a pair of shoes. If Ol' Joe over here says he likes Charlie China tennis shoes, and you're looking for a new pair of shoes, do you run out and buy Joe's pick, just because HE likes 'em? Probably not. If a new shooter is asking what to buy for a carry gun, it doesn't matter what works for me, or anyone else. I suggest telling that new shooter to go to many gun shops, and/or gun shows, and handle all the guns they can get hold of. Just like they would try on shoes. Before long they'll be able to make a list of guns that feel ok, pretty good, real good, and "that really feels great in my hands". The last two are the ones to pursue, and here's why I say that....
If a given handgun doesn't feel "right" in your hands, you'll not shoot it enough to become proficient with it, because it's not comfortable, and you won't like shooting it. Just like you rarely wear shoes that are UNcomfortable. If you're not gonna become proficient with it, save your money, and buy a ball bat to carry. With proper fundamentals, he/she can learn to shoot almost any handgun, or any caliber. Very few folks can re-train their hands to make just any handgun feel comfortable. The last suggestion.........proper shooting techinques, practiced slowly, but proficiently, will breed speed. Do it slowly, and do it the right way, every time.......If you practice speed first, and introduce less efficient techniques into your training, you'll have to do it all over again to get it right.

By the way..... anyone who introduces a new shooter to our pastime by having them start with a large-caliber handgun, makes a very poor decision. Yes, some folks do ok starting out with large calibers, but the vast majority will not continue to shoot if their very 1st experience is with .50 S&W. Start with a .22 caliber something, and as your technique/accuracy improves, work up from there.

Again, just my ramblings.... but they work for me...

Shoot Safely....

[permafrost]

have you looked at the EAA Witness line of pistols? They make a very good rendition of the CZ 75, one of the all time great guns. And the price is excellent. Stay away from plastic guns, they will melt in the Egyptian sun.

[carver]

Jay, good advice! I relate to motorcycles, I have seen many men go out, and buy a new bike, ride it home, and then offer the wife a ride. They haul butt, and scare the wife half to death, and then wonder why their wives will not ride with them on group rides!

[ka64]

[dad2thebone]

your right on jay, but my thought was hes military and should have already shot 9mm or 45 my bad was not saying practice makes perfect