First hand gun, Opinions? - The Firearms Forum

Tokyo Dreaming · 12-27-2011, 04:22 PM

Alright so.. I'm starting to save up for my first firearm, I want to get a 9mm pistol for home defense and range shooting.

I've looked around a little, I'm just not really sure what to go with since this is pretty fresh to me.

I really like Glock 17's, Berreta 92fs, Berreta Px4 Storm.. Pretty much any full size hand gun I love.

Not too concerned with price at the moment since it'll be a few months of saving anyway.

I also have thought about getting a .45 pistol instead of a 9mm.
I'm just not sure if that'd be 'too much' for my first firearm if you get what I'm saying.

gdmoody · 12-27-2011, 04:36 PM

Welcome to TFF, Tokyo.

I have owned a Beretta 92FS since the late 80's and I love it. It is accurate and well built. It is a heavy pistol since it is made of steel and not polymer like the PX4 and the Glock. I have owned a PX4 and I still own a Glock (.40) and I would take the 92FS over either one of them. Another option would be a Sig Sauer, they make some excellent 9mm pistols. I own two of the P250's (a 9mm/.40 & a .45) which is another pistol made of plastic, but still a good gun.

I personally don't think a .45 would be too much for your first gun. If you start out with a .45 then have nothing to compare it too and you would get used to it quickly.

rcairflr · 12-27-2011, 04:43 PM

My opinion, for what its worth is, for a semi-auto, there is no better home defense weapon than a Glock. The reason I say this is that, it does not have a conventional safety. You ask "why is this important"? The reason is that for the vast majority of us, we have no idea how we will react if suddenly faced with a home break-in and as such, the last thing you need to think about is the safety on your firearm. With a Glock it is simply point and shoot.

Tokyo Dreaming · 12-27-2011, 04:46 PM

Awesome.

I was really leaning towards the 92fs but the glock is still in my list, I have a airsoft version of the Glock 17 so I know how the safety works for the most part and I love it for that.

Sig Sauer has also been a possible buy.

I may end up with a .45, I have no idea at the moment. Lol.

Just trying to get some opinions so I won't so much in the dark.

Thanks.

Lanrezac · 12-27-2011, 04:49 PM

gmoody makes good points. All I would say is that 9mm Parabellum ammunition is generally cheaper than 45 ACP, at least where I live. There is another thread in this subforum about inexpensive Walther P-1's. If that deal is still going, that would be a good way to start.

And rairflr might well be right about Glocks and home defense. But the Glock has a unusual trigger. I have not shot a Glock, nor a pistol with the same kind kind of trigger (unless you count a Roth Steyr 1907), but I would be concerned that the relatively long, springy Glock trigger would make it difficult for a new pistol shooter to shoot well with. rcairflr would know more about that than I would - perhaps he will remark on it.

On the other hand, I started pistol shooting with an H&R 999 which did not have a good SA trigger pull. It was discouraging at first - just hitting the paper at 50 feet was hard! - but I found that once I could shoot it well, I could shoot anything fairly well. The low price of 22 rimfire makes learning slowly at lot less painful.

Just my $.02. Shoot safe and have fun!

(PS - I just remembered I have both a Kahr E9 9mm and a KelTec 32! (Darn, I'm getting old.) Both of them have semi-DAO triggers, like the Glock's in principle. I don't know how their triggers compare to a Glock, but neither is something I would hand to a new pistol shooter, both because of the triggers and the power-to-weight ratio, which makes their recoil a bit snappy.)

Tokyo Dreaming · 12-27-2011, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lanrezac

gmoody makes good points. All I would say is that 9mm Parabellum ammunition is generally cheaper than 45 ACP, at least where I live. There is another thread in this subforum about inexpensive Walther P-1's. If that deal is still going, that would be a good way to start. Shoot safe and have fun!

That is one of the things making me want a 9mm.
Even more so if I'm gonna take it to a range alot.

I'll have to look into Walther's also.
I know they make some nice stuff.

jacksonco · 12-27-2011, 05:57 PM

You may also want to consider the CZ Mod. 75

Helix_FR · 12-27-2011, 08:13 PM

I agree on the CZ75. Though glocks are know to be reliable I would shoot one first just to try> we have many people walk in the door that want a glock bc they heard or read or whatever that that is the gun to get. After renting one on the range, they find that the glock is not for them. I do respect the design of the glock but they don't fit me. On a quick draw im always high on shot placement and its the rake of the frame that causes that. The triggers are mushy to me to. Some people like that, some people don't. Don't just buy on a whim, go try some out. All three guns you speak of are good and reliable but completely different feels to them.

todd51 · 12-27-2011, 09:13 PM

Helix gives you great advice. All the pistols you are considering are great guns. Don't worry yourself about which is better. Worry you self about which one YOU like the best and fits you and your needs. My problem is I like them all but we all have our favorites and you just need to find your favorite. But keep the advice about ammo costs in mind because which ever one you chose you must shoot it a lot to become proficient.

Tokyo Dreaming · 12-27-2011, 10:22 PM

Good points guys.

I really love the 92fs, I think it'd be the best one to start with.
I am going to try to find a range that rents out guns around me and see if I can get my hands on a few different hand guns first.

But I'm heavily leaning to the 92fs.

Thanks again, and if anyone has any other hand guns that I might like, please feel free to post, I'm still really learning about all the different brands, makes, calibers.. Lol.

The Duke · 12-27-2011, 10:37 PM

If you narrow your decision between the 92F and the Glock..The Beretta wins hands down..If you want and can afford maximum quality, a Sig 226 is my idea of the way to go..

glowdotGlock · 12-28-2011, 02:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rcairflr

My opinion, for what its worth is, for a semi-auto, there is no better home defense weapon than a Glock. The reason I say this is that, it does not have a conventional safety. You ask "why is this important"? The reason is that for the vast majority of us, we have no idea how we will react if suddenly faced with a home break-in and as such, the last thing you need to think about is the safety on your firearm. With a Glock it is simply point and shoot.

I agree here. Not just because I am an obvious Glock fan. I would have suggested the Glock 17 but since price isn't an issue and if you're not planning to carry this gun in the future, I'd say go with the Glock 34. I have one and love it. The. 45 would not be too much for you but you should consider this: I'm assuming you are fairly new to shooting. Once you buy your gun, you're gonna want to shoot it. A lot. Get familiar with it. And unless you reload, .45 is considerably higher than 9mm. The 34 gives you a longer sight radius than the 17. They share the same mag though so magazines are readily available. It would suit you fine at the range and in the ol' night-stand. This 34 has fed 5,000+ rounds from the cheepest mix bag discount ammo to Speer gold dot. Can't go wrong with it or the 17. Good luck
buddy : )

Josh Smith · 12-28-2011, 02:43 AM

Hello,

Original, pre-decock Taurus PT92. I carried that thing in iffy situations and it saved my butt a couple times.

Browning High Power or clone. Just stay away from the compact ones.

The Taurus PT92 would benefit from a new-style Beretta locking block.

Regards,

Josh

Tokyo Dreaming · 12-28-2011, 12:16 PM

I'm actually looking at the Beretta 90two now..
I love that it has a Picatinny rail since I'd love to throw a light/laser on it.

Any opinions on it?

Brisk44 · 12-28-2011, 01:59 PM

Well TD In my opinion for a first firearm I would strongly suggest a .22 rimfire. It is going to take a lot of practice to become proficient with a pistol with no previous experience. With this in mind one should remember the cost of ammo, .22 is far and away cheaper and you don't have the recoil to deal with. You will have more than enough to concentrate on (sights and target) without having to deal with recoil also. Once proficient with the .22 you can be so with any other handgun.
That being said the most important thing to remember is " Practice, Practice, Practice."

Tokyo Dreaming · 12-28-2011, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brisk44

Well TD In my opinion for a first firearm I would strongly suggest a .22 rimfire. It is going to take a lot of practice to become proficient with a pistol with no previous experience. With this in mind one should remember the cost of ammo, .22 is far and away cheaper and you don't have the recoil to deal with. You will have more than enough to concentrate on (sights and target) without having to deal with recoil also. Once proficient with the .22 you can be so with any other handgun.
That being said the most important thing to remember is " Practice, Practice, Practice."

Good point..

I was looking at the Beretta U22 Neos if I was going to get a .22, Anybody know if its good or not?

I like the the fact it has a rail on top, for a red dot or whatever.
And I think it looks pretty damn cool.

Bigbill · 12-28-2011, 05:03 PM

For a 9mm luger/parabellum pistol the CZ75 is hard to beat there awesome. These can be found in still like new condition in the used gun case at your local gun dealer at a very affordable price.

For a 45acp / 1911 type pistol any of the springfield armory or auto ordnance GI models are a good choice also.

For a 22cal i would suggest a 9 shot revolver like a taurus model 94 or if you want a pistol i would go with a ruger Mk I, MkII or MkIII pistol.

gdmoody · 12-28-2011, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tokyo Dreaming

Good point..

I was looking at the Beretta U22 Neos if I was going to get a .22, Anybody know if its good or not?

I like the the fact it has a rail on top, for a red dot or whatever.
And I think it looks pretty damn cool.

I bought one of the Neos .22s a few years ago. Mainly because of the name Beretta, I was terribly unhappy with it. I just could not get the rear sight to screw down enough to hit what I was aiming at. I did not even consider putting a red-dot on it (duh). Anyway, after I had it for about a month, I gave it to the Men's group at my Church and we raffled it off.

Tokyo Dreaming · 12-28-2011, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gdmoody

I bought one of the Neos .22s a few years ago. Mainly because of the name Beretta, I was terribly unhappy with it. I just could not get the rear sight to screw down enough to hit what I was aiming at. I did not even consider putting a red-dot on it (duh). Anyway, after I had it for about a month, I gave it to the Men's group at my Church and we raffled it off.

Ah that sucks.

I still have a lot of time to figure out what I'll be able to afford and such.
I may end up with it, may not. No idea yet. Lol.

But info is something I always take. :P
So thanks.

RockinRiley · 12-28-2011, 11:39 PM

I wanted a glock for a very long time, but then suddenly fell in love with the M&P, wife and I rented it and we bought 2 range kits. I recommend going somewhere and renting before buying, HIGHLY recommend it. Do not buy the first thing you WANT, make sure it is a fit for you! Everything is different, no matter how much similar they are. M&P and Glock have some of the same features, but do not fit the same. Good luck, and have fun!

hansom · 12-29-2011, 01:17 AM

OP, i see that you are quite entheusiastic about your shooting , good!

THe NEOS .22 you asked about is a very good .22, look into one.

I have all the Guns you mentioned except the Nine two, dont care for it, but i do own a 92, i would not recommend a Glock to beginners, its a great gun but it can be very unforgiving.

You seem to like Berettas , the Beretta 92 is an awsome all around gun, try one of those and see , but i would recommend that you stay away from the Glocks untill you gain more experience/gun handling ability etc.

woolleyworm · 12-29-2011, 01:33 AM

I would recommend a .22 first; I'd buy a Browning Buckmark or Ruger Mk before I'd ever consider the Neos. I have no faith in the reliability of the Neos. The quality difference is night and day.
Buying a .22 first will ensure that you'll be able to develop better skills more quickly and also more easily afford to feed it.

Caneman · 12-29-2011, 03:23 PM

imo, which aint worth much, but if this will be the only handgun you own and you don't plan on practicing with it much then i would get a DA revolver... a .357 magnum and shoot 38 spc out of it, it is easy to use and the gun is virtually fool proof to operate...

if you are comfortable with handguns and you plan on practicing regularly then i would go with the semi auto, and the Glock 21 or 23 would be my pick... good luck!

BobMcG · 12-29-2011, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tokyo Dreaming

Alright so.. I'm starting to save up for my first firearm, I want to get a 9mm pistol for home defense and range shooting.

First off, do what you want, it's a free country.... for now.

Secondly, knowing I'm going to sound like a big stick in the mud, I'll throw the following out anyhow.

Man, I must really be getting old or something and I know that it happens but, I wouldn't recommend a handgun as a FIRST firearm for anyone. But then again, that's just me. IMO there are far better & safer tools to learn and develop safe firearm handling skills, familiarity and basic firearm knowledge through than with a handgun.

Now, running for cover.

Lanrezac · 12-29-2011, 05:52 PM

BobMcG, I agree with you. A rifle is generally easier to learn gun safety with, more pleasant to shoot, and easier to shoot well with than a pistol. In addition, a 22 rifle is often cheaper than a 22 pistol. Since the OP framed his question in terms of centerfire pistols, it did not occur to me to suggest a rifle - I am not as good at "thinking outside the box", I guess.

12-27-2011, 04:22 PM	#1
Tokyo Dreaming Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Alexandria, Louisiana Posts: 20	First hand gun, Opinions? Alright so.. I'm starting to save up for my first firearm, I want to get a 9mm pistol for home defense and range shooting. I've looked around a little, I'm just not really sure what to go with since this is pretty fresh to me. I really like Glock 17's, Berreta 92fs, Berreta Px4 Storm.. Pretty much any full size hand gun I love. Not too concerned with price at the moment since it'll be a few months of saving anyway. I also have thought about getting a .45 pistol instead of a 9mm. I'm just not sure if that'd be 'too much' for my first firearm if you get what I'm saying. -->

12-27-2011, 04:36 PM	#2
gdmoody Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Northeast Georgia Contributor Posts: 6,354	Re: First hand gun, Opinions? Welcome to TFF, Tokyo. I have owned a Beretta 92FS since the late 80's and I love it. It is accurate and well built. It is a heavy pistol since it is made of steel and not polymer like the PX4 and the Glock. I have owned a PX4 and I still own a Glock (.40) and I would take the 92FS over either one of them. Another option would be a Sig Sauer, they make some excellent 9mm pistols. I own two of the P250's (a 9mm/.40 & a .45) which is another pistol made of plastic, but still a good gun. I personally don't think a .45 would be too much for your first gun. If you start out with a .45 then have nothing to compare it too and you would get used to it quickly. __________________ NRA Endowment Member GeorgiaCarry.Org Member Retired US Army Postal Worker Personally, I carry a gun because I'm too young to die and too old to take an ass whoopin'.....author unknown (but obviously brilliant)

12-27-2011, 04:43 PM	#3
rcairflr Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Wichita, Ks Posts: 1,318	Re: First hand gun, Opinions? My opinion, for what its worth is, for a semi-auto, there is no better home defense weapon than a Glock. The reason I say this is that, it does not have a conventional safety. You ask "why is this important"? The reason is that for the vast majority of us, we have no idea how we will react if suddenly faced with a home break-in and as such, the last thing you need to think about is the safety on your firearm. With a Glock it is simply point and shoot.

12-27-2011, 04:46 PM	#4
Tokyo Dreaming Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Alexandria, Louisiana Posts: 20	Re: First hand gun, Opinions? Awesome. I was really leaning towards the 92fs but the glock is still in my list, I have a airsoft version of the Glock 17 so I know how the safety works for the most part and I love it for that. Sig Sauer has also been a possible buy. I may end up with a .45, I have no idea at the moment. Lol. Just trying to get some opinions so I won't so much in the dark. Thanks.

12-27-2011, 04:49 PM	#5
Lanrezac Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 687	Re: First hand gun, Opinions? gmoody makes good points. All I would say is that 9mm Parabellum ammunition is generally cheaper than 45 ACP, at least where I live. There is another thread in this subforum about inexpensive Walther P-1's. If that deal is still going, that would be a good way to start. And rairflr might well be right about Glocks and home defense. But the Glock has a unusual trigger. I have not shot a Glock, nor a pistol with the same kind kind of trigger (unless you count a Roth Steyr 1907), but I would be concerned that the relatively long, springy Glock trigger would make it difficult for a new pistol shooter to shoot well with. rcairflr would know more about that than I would - perhaps he will remark on it. On the other hand, I started pistol shooting with an H&R 999 which did not have a good SA trigger pull. It was discouraging at first - just hitting the paper at 50 feet was hard! - but I found that once I could shoot it well, I could shoot anything fairly well. The low price of 22 rimfire makes learning slowly at lot less painful. Just my $.02. Shoot safe and have fun! (PS - I just remembered I have both a Kahr E9 9mm and a KelTec 32! (Darn, I'm getting old.) Both of them have semi-DAO triggers, like the Glock's in principle. I don't know how their triggers compare to a Glock, but neither is something I would hand to a new pistol shooter, both because of the triggers and the power-to-weight ratio, which makes their recoil a bit snappy.) Last edited by Lanrezac; 12-27-2011 at 05:11 PM.. Reason: Glock note / Kahr note

12-27-2011, 05:57 PM	#7
jacksonco Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Jackson County West Virginia Posts: 2,237	Re: First hand gun, Opinions? You may also want to consider the CZ Mod. 75

12-27-2011, 08:13 PM	#8
Helix_FR TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Imperial, MO Posts: 3,625	Re: First hand gun, Opinions? I agree on the CZ75. Though glocks are know to be reliable I would shoot one first just to try> we have many people walk in the door that want a glock bc they heard or read or whatever that that is the gun to get. After renting one on the range, they find that the glock is not for them. I do respect the design of the glock but they don't fit me. On a quick draw im always high on shot placement and its the rake of the frame that causes that. The triggers are mushy to me to. Some people like that, some people don't. Don't just buy on a whim, go try some out. All three guns you speak of are good and reliable but completely different feels to them. __________________ Only cowards shoot with their eyes closed.... helixgunsmith.com

12-27-2011, 09:13 PM	#9
todd51 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Central, Ohio Contributor Posts: 2,575	Re: First hand gun, Opinions? Helix gives you great advice. All the pistols you are considering are great guns. Don't worry yourself about which is better. Worry you self about which one YOU like the best and fits you and your needs. My problem is I like them all but we all have our favorites and you just need to find your favorite. But keep the advice about ammo costs in mind because which ever one you chose you must shoot it a lot to become proficient. __________________ Retired Praefectus Vigilum NRA Endowment Member

12-27-2011, 10:22 PM	#10
Tokyo Dreaming Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Alexandria, Louisiana Posts: 20	Re: First hand gun, Opinions? Good points guys. I really love the 92fs, I think it'd be the best one to start with. I am going to try to find a range that rents out guns around me and see if I can get my hands on a few different hand guns first. But I'm heavily leaning to the 92fs. Thanks again, and if anyone has any other hand guns that I might like, please feel free to post, I'm still really learning about all the different brands, makes, calibers.. Lol.

12-27-2011, 10:37 PM	#11
The Duke Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: NW Louisiana Posts: 813	Re: First hand gun, Opinions? If you narrow your decision between the 92F and the Glock..The Beretta wins hands down..If you want and can afford maximum quality, a Sig 226 is my idea of the way to go.. __________________ Ineptocracy (in-ep-toc'-ra-cy) - a system of government where the least capable to lead are elected by the least capable of producing, and where the members of society least likely to sustain themselves or succeed, are rewarded with goods and services paid for by the confiscated wealth of a diminishing number of producers.

12-28-2011, 02:43 AM	#13
Josh Smith V.I.P. Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Wabash IN Contributor Posts: 66	Re: First hand gun, Opinions? Hello, Original, pre-decock Taurus PT92. I carried that thing in iffy situations and it saved my butt a couple times. Browning High Power or clone. Just stay away from the compact ones. The Taurus PT92 would benefit from a new-style Beretta locking block. Regards, Josh __________________ - Smith-Sights Adjustable Sights for the Mosin-Nagant -

12-28-2011, 12:16 PM	#14
Tokyo Dreaming Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Alexandria, Louisiana Posts: 20	Re: First hand gun, Opinions? I'm actually looking at the Beretta 90two now.. I love that it has a Picatinny rail since I'd love to throw a light/laser on it. Any opinions on it?

12-28-2011, 01:59 PM	#15
Brisk44 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Iowa Contributor Posts: 1,747	Re: First hand gun, Opinions? Well TD In my opinion for a first firearm I would strongly suggest a .22 rimfire. It is going to take a lot of practice to become proficient with a pistol with no previous experience. With this in mind one should remember the cost of ammo, .22 is far and away cheaper and you don't have the recoil to deal with. You will have more than enough to concentrate on (sights and target) without having to deal with recoil also. Once proficient with the .22 you can be so with any other handgun. That being said the most important thing to remember is " Practice, Practice, Practice."

12-28-2011, 05:03 PM	#17
Bigbill V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Northeast(ct) Posts: 216	Re: First hand gun, Opinions? For a 9mm luger/parabellum pistol the CZ75 is hard to beat there awesome. These can be found in still like new condition in the used gun case at your local gun dealer at a very affordable price. For a 45acp / 1911 type pistol any of the springfield armory or auto ordnance GI models are a good choice also. For a 22cal i would suggest a 9 shot revolver like a taurus model 94 or if you want a pistol i would go with a ruger Mk I, MkII or MkIII pistol.

12-28-2011, 11:39 PM	#20
RockinRiley V.I.P. Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 140	Re: First hand gun, Opinions? I wanted a glock for a very long time, but then suddenly fell in love with the M&P, wife and I rented it and we bought 2 range kits. I recommend going somewhere and renting before buying, HIGHLY recommend it. Do not buy the first thing you WANT, make sure it is a fit for you! Everything is different, no matter how much similar they are. M&P and Glock have some of the same features, but do not fit the same. Good luck, and have fun!

12-29-2011, 01:17 AM	#21
hansom Former Guest Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 81	Re: First hand gun, Opinions? OP, i see that you are quite entheusiastic about your shooting , good! THe NEOS .22 you asked about is a very good .22, look into one. I have all the Guns you mentioned except the Nine two, dont care for it, but i do own a 92, i would not recommend a Glock to beginners, its a great gun but it can be very unforgiving. You seem to like Berettas , the Beretta 92 is an awsome all around gun, try one of those and see , but i would recommend that you stay away from the Glocks untill you gain more experience/gun handling ability etc.

12-29-2011, 01:33 AM	#22
woolleyworm TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: SW Fort Worth Contributor Posts: 4,885	Re: First hand gun, Opinions? I would recommend a .22 first; I'd buy a Browning Buckmark or Ruger Mk before I'd ever consider the Neos. I have no faith in the reliability of the Neos. The quality difference is night and day. Buying a .22 first will ensure that you'll be able to develop better skills more quickly and also more easily afford to feed it. __________________ . What are you gonna do, talk the alien to death? -- (on Sigourney Weaver's worry about Guns in Aliens) "Safety is something that happens between your ears, not something you hold in your hands." "I carry a small gun to compensate for my huge Blue press." .

12-29-2011, 03:23 PM	#23
Caneman Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 1,276	Re: First hand gun, Opinions? imo, which aint worth much, but if this will be the only handgun you own and you don't plan on practicing with it much then i would get a DA revolver... a .357 magnum and shoot 38 spc out of it, it is easy to use and the gun is virtually fool proof to operate... if you are comfortable with handguns and you plan on practicing regularly then i would go with the semi auto, and the Glock 21 or 23 would be my pick... good luck! Last edited by Caneman; 12-29-2011 at 03:24 PM..

12-29-2011, 05:52 PM	#25
Lanrezac Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 687	Re: First hand gun, Opinions? BobMcG, I agree with you. A rifle is generally easier to learn gun safety with, more pleasant to shoot, and easier to shoot well with than a pistol. In addition, a 22 rifle is often cheaper than a 22 pistol. Since the OP framed his question in terms of centerfire pistols, it did not occur to me to suggest a rifle - I am not as good at "thinking outside the box", I guess.