In the market for my first gun

[beschatten]

Hey guys,

In short; I recently got into the sport of guns to get closer to my dad. Been looking and doing a lot of research and renting semi-auto's to figure out what would best suite me.

It's really a toss up between the Sig226, Browning Hi-Power and the S&W M&P 40 Pro 5".

I've heard there may be potential accuracy issues with the M&P which is kind of a bummer, but the Sig226 is a bit steeper in price. Both had great egro's, both shot well (I'm sure at this point the gun outshoots me). The DA/SA kind of threw me off, which is why I loved the S&W. I didn't have a chance to (or found a BHP).

I'm always open minded to new recommendations, and would love feedback on an ideal first handgun. I have no intentions of getting a ccw, so larger frames are great. Easier recoil and more fun at the range.

[Grizzly16]

I don't think the M&P 40s have the accuracy issues just the 9mm. That said a 9mm is going to be a lot cheaper to train with than a 40. Are you sure you want a 40 to get into competitive shooting?

[Scorpion]

The M&P40s do not have accuracy issues; that is only the 9mm, at extended ranges.

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I stopped by Wal-mart a couple times to buy ammo for rented guns. The 9mm was around 11-12$ for 50, and the .40 was around 16$ for 50. I guess at initial thought, I didn't mind the 5 extra bucks. I can see it adding up though.

[Oscar 319]

If this is your first gun, I would strongly encourage you to get a .22.

You can shoot all day for $20. You will build skill, learn the fundamentals and have fun doing it. All new shooters should start out on a .22 and work their way up. Everyone should own a .22.

Just my $.02.

[ucrt]

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Find a used Glock 19 or an M&P 9mm. Looking for a good used one might be a good opportunity for you and your Dad to get closer without having to wear ear plugs.

Although, it sounds like ammo costs are a major factor in your decision, if that is the case, get a nice Ruger .22 Auto and then just shoot the heck out of it. Ain't nothing wrong with a good .22 as a starter gun.

I'm more impressed with someone that can put .22 bullets in a nice tight little group versus someone that hits the target every now and then.

But maybe it's just me...

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[Grizzly16]

I stopped by Wal-mart a couple times to buy ammo for rented guns. The 9mm was around 11-12$ for 50, and the .40 was around 16$ for 50. I guess at initial thought, I didn't mind the 5 extra bucks. I can see it adding up though.

A afternoon at the range can easily hit 200 rounds doing drills. Extend that to a class, the last one I went through was around 400 rounds for the evening. That $5 adds up REAL quick. Plus for pure target shooting 9mm is easier to get follow up shots.

If it wasn't for requirements out of my control I'd be all 9mm. But .40 is required so I shoot it.

[beschatten]

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Find a used Glock 19 or an M&P 9mm. Looking for a good used one might be a good opportunity for you and your Dad to get closer without having to wear ear plugs.

Although, it sounds like ammo costs are a major factor in your decision, if that is the case, get a nice Ruger .22 Auto and then just shoot the heck out of it. Ain't nothing wrong with a good .22 as a starter gun.

I'm more impressed with someone that can put .22 bullets in a nice tight little group versus someone that hits the target every now and then.

But maybe it's just me...

.

Believe me I would love a Glock. Cheap. Reliable. Fun as hell. Unfortunately, both him and I are lefties :/

I wouldn't say I'm new per se to shooting; I went to the range a bit with his .357 magnums and .44 magnums, but those were a bit difficult to shoot. I'd like something to call my own, and just get decent on it without looking for a new gun within the next 5-10yrds. Shooting 9mm, .40 and .45's weren't as bad, and I got decent groupings at 7-10yds.

Anyone have any experience at Gun Expos? Ones coming to town at 4/20, are used guns avail there?

Looks like 9mm is def the best option for now.

[Iraqgunz]

Aside from a .22, I would also recommend a good used Glock 19.

[shua713]

If this is your first gun, I would strongly encourage you to get a .22.

You can shoot all day for $20. You will build skill, learn the fundamentals and have fun doing it. All new shooters should start out on a .22 and work their way up. Everyone should own a .22.

Just my $.02.

I agree, I own 4 22's. They are a blast to shoot, I am looking into getting another.