Trouble picking first hand gun
I know there's dozens of threads on picking peoples first handgun.
I am new to shooting, my top three contenders were the most popular and expected guns you would find in these types of threads: the M&P9, Glock 17 or 19, and the XD9.
The M&P felt great in my hands, the XD also felt pretty good, just not as much of an instant comfort as the M&P. And the glock felt like something I could get used to, a bit like holding a block of wood though.
Here's the dilemma, I was dead-set on getting the M&P 9, but after reading all these problems with the accuracy, i'm a bit discouraged about getting one. I want the accuracy to be blamed solely on me, the shooter, not the gun.
The glock has numerous threads on reliability issues with the gen4 and being that I want to buy new, a gen3 would be out of the question.
The XD is always talked about with its reliability. But the general consensus from most of the posters here, who are obviously more experienced and seasoned, say that the XD doesn't hold a candle to the glock or the M&P. Although, everywhere I have read, it isn't picky on ammo at all.
I don't want to spend more than $550. This will be used for the range, but it'll double as a home defense weapon, as it will be my first gun.
Should I be discouraged by either the M&P accuracy problem or the Glock's extractor issue? Also, i'm in California, so I'd have to get the 10 round mags, which from what I've been reading in a recent thread, a lot of people are having problems with...
The only thing stopping me from purchasing a handgun is deciding which one, at this point. I've already obtained my HSC about a week back.
Part of me just wants to take the gamble on the M&P, but it'd be frustrating to find out if I got one that wasn't accurate out of the box. I've gambled with reliability issues on a major purchase before, I mean, I drive a VW, but I don't want to do the same for something that I may use one day for defense.
I do live in California, I do not plan on carrying whatever what I decide on.
EDIT: Buying a glock 19 after renting one today, see:
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Bodhi
Well, my father and I went shooting today, we brought his Smith and Wesson S9VE, which probably got more use today than it ever has. I rented a Glock 19...he's also been eying a glock for many years, but never bought one.
We loaded both guns up, he fired 5 from his gun, then 5 rounds from the glock. I did the same. We both agreed the glock is insanely great. I loved it, I was having a blast, no pun intended. We ended up putting about 150 rounds through the glock. We both want one, bad. The 19 fits in my hand perfectly, I had held a 17 before, but never a 19.
Thanks for the suggestions guys! I'm shopping for a 19 for now, i'm also about to do a boat load of research on the different generations. I fired a Gen 3 today with no problems, my dad's SV9E stove piped today, but other than that, his gun performed well, but it was no glock.
Glock 35 (40 cal) Glock 21 (45), HK 45 (45cal)/P30 (40cal), Walther PPQ (9mm)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Bodhi
I am new to shooting. . .
And the glock felt like something I could get used to, a bit like holding a block of wood though. . .
I don't want to spend more than $550. This will be used for the range, but it'll double as a home defense weapon . . . but I don't want to do the same for something that I may use one day for defense.
First of all the cost of the gun is the most over focused on issue! The cost of accessories (holster, mag pouches), the cost of mags, and the cost of ammo is way more an issue than X dollars. I'll tell you that the ammo, mags and accessories costs dwarf the firearm cost.
Since CA = no more then 10 rounds I would recommend stepping up to 40 or 45 in the Glock or HK (unless you plan on shooting many thousands of rounds, then 9mm).
HK 45, 45c and P30= the best quality, good ergos, mediocre triggers; Glock 35/21= the defacto standard; Walther PPQ (in 9mm)= best trigger, great quality and ergos, only minus is muzzle flip/recoil a bit more than Glock
If I were in your position I would get the 40cal Glock 35 gen 4 (or gen 3) or a 45cal Glock 21. Guns just shoot very well. No issues with these. You can be significantly more accurate than with a 23. Dont worry about the blocky thing. 40 cal gen 4s have only been a step up from the gen 3s. Or a 9mm Glock 19 (or 26 even) if you will cc.
The HKs or PPQ (similar ergos) are also "no regret" choices.
Since you are a newbie (and perhaps a bit shakey in the safe department--be honest) then I would go for a DA/SA with an external manual safety in the HK45/P30. Train a lot with the gun in the dry fire mode. You can shoot in many modes with that trigger. DA no safety, DA w safety, SA with safety (cocked and locked), DA to SA transition (live fire only). Decocking. Covering the hammer when reholstering. Think of this as learning on a truck manual transmission with double clutching. You'll be happy you did. When you go to the "automatic" ie the Glocks or PPQ you will be that much better; try going the other way and you'll be in for a surprise. I started on HK DA/SA and it was a great experience. In addition resale on the HK is excellent.
PS Just checked on prices. Right now the price gouging is INSANE re all guns. This is not logical as a total "ban" is unlikely. In 2008 dems had both houses and the presidency. Now they only have 1 house with a lower majority. This is just more gun industry hyping and gun nut behavior. If you can wait or by used. $605 for a gen 4 that is a good deal nowadays
PPS Forgot about the CA "list" nonsense. It can be legally worked around--but now it will be even tougher. Sorry Im not up on that.