Help with first pistol

IloveNY · Jul 3, 2018

I was in the same boat. As a matter of fact, I only got a license because I felt like there would soon be a time when I couldn't, and it was not going to get easier in the foreseeable future. I bought a Ruger SR22. It was a fantastic first pistol and fun to shoot. After I got proficient with that one, then I went to the 9MM, etc. You sound like you may have much more experience then me, but I had shot others as well. That said, after spending some time with the .22, I'm a damn good shot if I do say so myself, LOL. To boot, the SR22 is fun, fun, fun. So much fun that I bought an S&W Victory .22 for competitions.

ManrisFrack · Jul 3, 2018

I'd say VP9 for you. Go with what feels/shoots better. You'll probably shoot it more.

I've got a g17 gen 4. I like the bigger mag release and swappable backstraps (I've got stubby fingers) and the finger grooves fit my hand. Some people hate the grooves. Can't really speak about the other gens 'cause I don't have trigger time with them.

Blimey · Jul 3, 2018

Wayne county was able to give me a fingerprint appointment only two weeks from when I called

Calculon · Jul 3, 2018

Don’t get hung up on which one is first as long as it provides the utility you want (training, self defense, etc.). It will have friends soon enough!

Phauxtoe · Jul 3, 2018

i am gonna be that guy...

Go look and hold them if you cant shoot them...

also look at the Glock 19, this in NY and unless you have really giant paws dont know why you would want all that grip for 10 rounds.

Podmonkey · Jul 3, 2018

Don't look too much into it. All these polymer striker guns are very similar in feel.
Glock is the ubiquitous choice with universal aftermarket support, don't discount aftermarket support and magazine availability.
The S&W M&Ps are also nearly as common with a resultant stong aftermarket support as well and it avoids the ergonomic foibles of the Glock. Tigger feel is the design's main drawback.
The P320 offers a similarly good feel along with a reasonable aftermarket support and a good blend of characteristics. If you can get past SIG's oft times baffling engineering oversights and an unwillingness to own up to them. Good pistol though, mags are expensive.
The Walther PPQ is the darkhorse darling of the market with excellent feel and trigger and overall ergonomics with the downsides of a baffling relative lack of aftermarket support and the fact that its lightweight (on par with the Glocks) and high bore axis makes it snappier than its peers. Really great hun though, I still love mine.
The newcomer CZ P10 seems like it neatly blends the strengths of all its competitors and distills it into one gun. Its still fairly new so aftermarket support is still ramping up.
And the H&K VP9. The hipster choice for those that really like the PPQ but wish it was less reliable. :flamethrower:

I will say this: I have both a Glock 19 and a Walther PPQ. The Glock is supposed to represent the bog standard, boring choice with the worst ergonomics in the market while the Walther is supposed to be the sexiest choice and the ultimate polymer stiker gun. Annnnnnnd I don't have a strong preference between the two at all in actual use. They are almost 100% interchangeable in terms of the way they make me feel when shooting them. I like the PPQ's grip better and I like how flat the 19 shoots. That's about it. Buy the one you think looks the coolest.

Steal2B · Jul 3, 2018

You are in Westchester and are within a reasonable drive to ranges in Ct or NJ where you can rent some options. If you want more traffic on your thread ask about caliber choices ( but you got to mention words wound channel and penetration) or even ask about 1911 vs tupperware. To help get some other traffic on SA vs DA/SA vs striker and Made in USA vs others,

Depick · Jul 3, 2018

If you love the VP9 I’d say get that. But I’m a Beretta fan and with that in mind I’d say any variant of the 92 would be a great first pistol to practice and learn with.

Cooolone · Jul 3, 2018

For heck of it, I'd suggest a SIG as your first... Just pick one.

Glock you can't go wrong with, but for shooting fun, I'd say SIG won't let you down.

Good luck and enjoy!

Darth · Jul 3, 2018

X2 for the Walther, but I prefer the P99.

You need to set up for intended use first. Home defense? Range use? CCW?.

Steal2B · Jul 3, 2018

I would guess most of us are assuming and giving advice based on you looking primarily for a range gun / home defense choice because of the Westchester's history with restrictions. If you plan on concealed carry with this 1st purchase you should mention if that is the case, and also if you thought about carry options (iwb, owb, pocket, appendix, etc) since that also may impact advice (weight, thickness, hammer vs striker, etc) Likewise Home Defense consideration may include night sights or rail options.

Steal2B · Jul 3, 2018

knuts said:
yes, primarily range gun. so i prefer a full sized rather than a compact.

Although it is a bit smaller, most would suggest you handle and fire a G19 when looking at a G17 since it often becomes the preffered choice. Likewise if you look at a Sig P226, also consider the P229 or even the P225A. You should seriously consider a short fun trip to a Ct or NJ range / shop that has rentals. Likewise (based on your comments) if a local FFL does not give you enough attention when making your choice, go elsewhere since there are some really good shops in the Hudson Valley.

Toecutter · Jul 3, 2018

Check out collectors in Hopewell they have a decent selection of different pistols. To put your hands on and they carry CZ as well . Precision in Carmel is not far away from collectors is another choice. They are gonna give you the best prices as well.

Phazer · Jul 3, 2018

It's just a FIRST pistol. Don't overthink things. Just put down some money, get a serial number for your application, and move along. You'll buy more in the future. Heck...get all three if they tickle your fancy.

I didn't see a 1911 on your list. You're gonna need one of those.

For potential concealed carry (though, probably not in Westchester), you'll want something thinner and smaller. So, take a peak at the Glock 43 (concealable and still fun to shoot at the range), Sig P938 (lots of variation in colors and grips), and maybe even the Sig P365 (once it is in its 3rd or 4th iteration).

All that said...if you like the way the VP9 shoots, and you shoot it well, just get the VP9. Simple!

livingston · Jul 3, 2018

IF you love the vp9 then get one . The thing about owning handguns .... You never own just one .. Save your spare change and in the near future you will own another ......

Jaywmustang · Jul 3, 2018

I don’t have a lot of experiences with different pistol. I do like my glocks so far, I have no preference between the finger groves and no finger groves. Buy whatever Glock feels better in your hand if you go with a Glock. Top is the g40 gen 4, lower is a g17 gen 5.

Phazer · Jul 3, 2018

Jaywmustang said:
I don’t have a lot of experiences with different pistol. I do like my glocks so far, I have no preference between the finger groves and no finger groves. Buy whatever Glock feels better in your hand if you go with a Glock. Top is the g40 gen 4, lower is a g17 gen 5. View attachment 30444

Ohhh....we're sharing Glock pix now. Cool!

Here's my happy Glock family:

Podmonkey · Jul 3, 2018

@knuts if all you are going to use it for is range use I wouldn't focus on polymer pistols so much.
A heavier metal framed, all steel framed especially, will be easier to control. I'd look at 1911s or Berretta M92s or SIG P226s or CZ75/SP01 and such. Since you are rounds limited you could look more into the 1911s or see if you can get hold of an old SIG P210, S&W M39 or Walther P38/P1. All single stacks that will fit in the hand easier.

BlackDragon · Jul 3, 2018

Go to guns for hire and rent all three

cardinalny · Jul 3, 2018

Here’s three of my pistols, top to bottom are Ruger SR22, Ruger SR 40C, Sig 1911-22
As IloveNY mentioned above, the SR22 is great fun to shoot. Same can be said for the full size Sig 1911-22. They are also inexpensive to purchase (around $300 new) and .22lr ammo is cheap and plentiful. The 9mm pistols you mention are all great choices with prices around $500 new. As others have mentioned, spend some time at ranges in NJ, PA which will rent to non-permit holders or go there with friends and use their pistols. Gun for Hire in NJ will rent but you need to go with another person. Collector’s in Hopewell Junction is where I’ve bought my pistols. Also, take a Florida/Utah course and you can have carry rights in 35+ states. Stay Safe

BDinPutnam · Jul 3, 2018

What's your budget and how much do you shoot?

Camaro45th · Jul 3, 2018

So I have the VP9. My first pistol, the one I shoot the most, the one I am most accurate with. It’s a great gun. I actually went to a LGS today and helps the VP9SK. I have been toying with the idea of getting it. I liked it. It’s basically identical to the full size but smaller. I also held the Sig P320 compact but in 40 cal. Every time I hold a sig I always say that it really has the weight and feel of a well made firearm. Just feels so damn solid.

seezur · Jul 4, 2018

When I first got my pistol permit I was buying a handgun every month or so for the first year, and ended up with all the modern, highly rated pistols and revolvers. I learned that, personally, I shoot a subcompact striker fired pistol (and even a pocket pistol like the LCP II) just as well as a G 19 or M&P 9c. I also learned I was more accurate with a snub nosed revolver with a very stageable trigger than a striker fired pistol.

The big difference for me wasn’t size, or weight or caliber but action type. I can shoot my 1911 or SP01 Tactical or Mark IV into one ragged hole, but I always struggle to be as accurate with any of my striker fired pistols, and tend to hit bullseye on first shot at 7 yards and then push my shots an inch left for the next 200 rounds. If you’re looking for something for the range, I guess it depends on what type of trigger you shoot best and also if you want it to serve as training for your CC. I primarily shoot my striker subcompacts at the ranges so that I can remain proficient and hopefully improve with what I carry daily.

That being said, probably the most fun pistol at the range for me is the Mark IV with Volquartzen trigger set at sub 2 lbs or the SR 1911. I honestly don’t think brand makes a difference, so go with the trigger type/manual of arms you like best and whatever you get the best deal on.

Marine Cpl · Jul 4, 2018

Unless you are going to spend your days shooting at paper and enjoying it, I'd recommend something that can serve 2 purposes. Carry and home defense. Practice with that. Something like a Glock 26 or 43 with an extended magazine that gets you a full grip would fit the bill.

I see guys buying huge guns as their first gun and 1 of 2 things happen if they only go occasionally to the range. They either get descent with the big gun and can't shoot a smaller one for shit or they relegate the big gun to a life in the safe and practice with their carry gun.

I don't enjoy shooting. So when I go to the range, I'll only shoot my carry gun so that I can get better with it. If it was a hobby for me, I'd buy all sorts of big guns. Some metal and some plastic just for the variety of the sport. But it isn't a sport for me.

Cooolone · Jul 4, 2018

Don't skimp... Get in that car and take a drive to shooters in CT or other locations that will let you handle & shoot a pistol! Is ridiculous to even contemplate buying one with handling it. It'll save some running around later should you find you don't like what you bought. Just sayin...

Help with first pistol

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