Looking for 1st Pistol

[UltraT]

In the interest of posting more gun related threads, I'll post about how I'm going about deciding on my first pistol!

I went to the range yesterday and fondled some. I ended up renting two that felt good in my hand, the Beretta 92 (A1) and the Sig P226 (E2 grip). I'm leaning toward heavier, full size pistols since I won't be carrying it, and I'm thinking the extra weight will give better stability and recoil control when target shooting.

Here's my synopsis of what I thought of each that I shot and handled.

Shot:
Beretta 92A1 -Wow I was surprised I liked this as much as I did. I originally thought it would be too large for me. I found it to be well balanced and a smooth shooter. Recoil was very smooth. Double action was frickin' heavy! But the single action was very nice. I couldn't really reach the slide release with my primary hand. I was hitting it fine with my support hand, but I'd buy a lever extension if I went with this pistol.

Sig P226 (E2 grip) - nice gun, fits your hand well. The muzzle seemed to flip a little more than the Beretta, probably due to the higher bore axis. It had the smoothest double action I tried. But IIRC, I thought the single action wasn't as crisp as the Beretta. I had a problem shooting this one. I found that the trigger travels really far back before firing, this causes me to start hooking my finger to push it all the way and the pad of my finger gets pinched between the trigger back and frame, ouch. I'm thinking this wouldn't happen with the old style grips. (Update: the old style grips still cause the pinching)

FN FNX .45: A good shooting gun, I felt like I could recover a sight picture quickly. Muzzle flip seemed normal, maybe similar to the Beretta 92, less than the Sig P226, but the difference was slight. Regarding the .45 caliber, honestly I really couldn't tell that much difference from 9mm. The .45 maybe pushed a tad more, but was a little less snappy. I really thought the difference was negligible.

Glock 17: After finding the right backstrap that changed my mind about the grip and made it comfortable, I decided to rent it (mostly to see what all the Glock love is about, lol). Overall it shot well, but it didn't thrill me. The recoil impulse seemed very average, I thought the very low bore axis might do some magic but I didn't notice much difference. The recoil and flip seemed very standard. I noticed that the grip angle (which doesn't bother me at all when gripping) made the pistol not track as well in my hands. The sight picture needed more adjustment on my part between shots. I also thought the 'dot and bucket' sights were mediocre. The little radius of the trigger guard as it connects to the grip started to dig into my finger a bit after some shooting.

Ones I only handled:
CZ 75B: I really wanted to like this gun, but it just doesn't fit me great. I was barely reaching the trigger in DA, and I felt like I couldn't get a good support hand grip on the frame, I think because of the curved trigger guard.

Sig P320: the 5" felt unbalanced, but I liked the 4" (carry?) model. Might have to come back to that one.

H&K VP9: was very comfortable. It was the only one with an "on-trigger" safety that felt I would reliably actuate every time.

Walther PPQ and PPX: these were nice and comfortable, and I really liked the PPQ trigger but I didn't like the on-trigger safety. I have slimmer fingers and feel I could fail to actuate it on this and some other pistols. I really want to try the P99 though.

FN FNX: I liked the feel of this one. It seemed very light, but also well balanced. Trigger was nice enough, I can't remember specifics about how the trigger felt.

Glock 19: I liked the balance, it felt like it had a low CoG. But it didn't fill my palm very well. The grip angle didn't seem crazy or anything, but I think it caused the grip to not settle in my hand well. I felt some of the single stack ones, and they felt comfortable.

Round 2 of handling (not shooting though):
Update:
Held some more pistols in the store today. I didn't shoot anymore yet, but my list of possibles is narrowing nicely. Here's what I looked at today...

H&K USP: wasn't loving the grip shape.

H&K P30SK: I wanted to try the full size, but I tried the compact. I also wasn't loving this one's grip shape. Should be the same on the full size.

H&K P2000: people sometimes rip on this gun online, but I thought it was very comfortable and had a decent trigger.

Beretta PX4: I liked the grip on this one, trigger seemed nice, very nice overall.

Beretta APX: this thing felt the most like a toy of all the ones I tried. It wasn't very smooth in the slide and felt cheap, no bueno.

Browning Hi-Power: a very nice pistol, the most comfortable I've felt for use in one hand and a sweet trigger. But there's no room for my support hand, a 2 hand grip feels strange. That's a deal breaker considering the price of these things. Too bad.

IMI Jericho 941: I don't know what version of this I tried, but it was a metal frame one. It fit me better than its parent, CZ75, but it still wasn't that comfortable.

FN FNS: I liked this one quite a bit. Lightweight, great balance, nice enough trigger for a striker fired, very comfortable.

FN 509: the new one, they say it's based on the FNS, well I didn't like it at all. The shape and controls felt all wrong, strange considering I liked the FNS.

S&W M&P (gen 1): didn't fit me great and I didn't like the trigger. Felt like it was super-stacking at the end of pull.
S&W M&P 2.0: trigger was much better but still didn't thrill me. The grip fit slightly better, but I found the grip texturing to be excessive, IMO.

Kahr (model ?): grips are too small for me

Ruger SR9: the shape and size seemed decent but it's hard to remember since all I was thinking about was how mushy the trigger felt. It has no indication of when it's going to break. Maybe some like the surprise break, but I don't.

Sig P229 (gen 1 grip): I wanted to try the old style grip to see if it would stop from pinching my finger. Answer: No, it did not.

Sig SP2022: I actually liked this one quite a bit. The different grip stopped the finger pinching and was comfortable. Trigger seemed nice enough.

CZ P09: this one didn't fit me. I can't remember the details for this one, just that I didn't like it much.

Glock 19 again: picked up the G19 again. It's ok, it's just the grip isn't doing it for me. It feel like it leaves my palm unsupported in some places, and too supported (pushing) in other places.

1911:
Forgot to add I also tried a couple 1911s. I didn't really like that they didn't fill my hand as comfortably as some of the double stacks. I tried a 2011, it was better, but a bit too big.

Round 3:
Went back to the stores and did a second round of handling of the short list pistols. Here's the ones I eliminated:

Beretta PX4: upon further review, I find the trigger to be slightly lighter than the 92, but not as crisp. I find the mag release a bit too hard to press.

Sig P320: upon further review, I'm not loving the slide release, also I didn't think the trigger was as great as some people say.

FN FNX: upon further review, I don't like the safety position, I feel it gets in the way when hitting the slide release

H&K VP9: upon further review, I'm not a fan of the paddle mag release on this. I find it hard to hit.

H&K P2000: upon further review, once again I'm not a fan of the paddle mag release, but on this pistol I found it better than the VP9's lever at least.

Also in addition to the second looks, I also held the M&P Shield for the first time.

S&W M&P Shield: there were definitely some redeeming qualities about this gun, but it just didn't fit my hand that well.

Also forgot to mention I fired a FNX .45 at the range. I figured I'd kill two birds with one stone, try the FNX since it's almost identical to the FNS (except the trigger) and also try the .45 ACP round for the first time. (Added to the "fired" list above)

Some more handling:
It was like NYGuns said, the G19 I tried must have had the wrong backstrap for me. I tried a G17 in the store, it had a different backstrap, and I liked the fit.

I tried the M9-A3, it's kind of like I thought, I actually prefer the bigger grip. Funny.

CZ P-07: I also tried the CZ P-07: I liked the grip, but I found the decocker and slide stop controls to be in strange positions and strangely large, didn't like that. The slide was also hard to rack due to being under quite a bit of tension and also a slimmer gripping area. The trigger was average, not impressive, spongier than the Beretta.

One last range trip before a decision:
I decided to rent the Glock 17 to try it after finding a backstrap that made the grip comfortable. Description added to the "Shot" list above.

List of ones I still need to handle:
Ruger American
CZ P10
Walther P99
Steyr anything


The search is over! I decided on the:
Beretta 92A1

Pics when I have it in hand.....
Updated: 7/01/17

 

[Podmonkey]

That is very comprehensive list you tried! In fact you hit all the highlights. The Berreta and Sig are both legendary designs, if you are fine with the DA/SA action, which is a great action, very safe, then either of those would be a marvelous first handgun. The Berretta in its basic version can be had cheaper than the SIG.
The issue you had with the CZ is not uncommon. There are triggers available to ameliorate that reach issue.

 

[Criticalt]

I would definitely try a S&W M&P.
For the price they are great guns and the most comfortable to alot of people.
Im one of the guys that the gun must be comfortable and I cant stand guns that dont fit my pinky finger.
Of course everyone is different but ive converted 2 glock people over to M&P because of the grip alone.
Then again, my glock 20 is very comfortable too but a bit front heavy.

 

[Bananabandit]

Get the Beretta. After you get that, come back and ask which glock to get.

 

[UltraT]

That is very comprehensive list you tried! In fact you hit all the highlights. The Berreta and Sig are both legendary designs, if you are fine with the DA/SA action, which is a great action, very safe, then either of those would be a marvelous first handgun. The Berretta in its basic version can be had cheaper than the SIG.
The issue you had with the CZ is not uncommon. There are triggers available to ameliorate that reach issue.

Thanks. I would've liked to have rented more of them, but that'll start to add up $$ fast. Right now I don't really have a preference to the trigger type, as long as it's a good trigger. I figure I can train with whatever type I pick. Thanks for the input.

I would definitely try a S&W M&P.
For the price they are great guns and the most comfortable to alot of people.
Im one of the guys that the gun must be comfortable and I cant stand guns that dont fit my pinky finger.
Of course everyone is different but ive converted 2 glock people over to M&P because of the grip alone.
Then again, my glock 20 is very comfortable too but a bit front heavy.

Yeah, that's on my list. I'll go check some more out today or tomorrow. Thanks for the input.

 

[UltraT]

Get the Beretta. After you get that, come back and ask which glock to get.

 

[Marine Cpl]

Why won't you carry it? Restricted license?

 

[UltraT]

Why won't you carry it? Restricted license?

Yes, by the time I get my full carry I expect to have a bunch of pistols.

 

[Frankly]

Think of pistols as women... and you're a slut. Some pistols stay for years and others are one night stands.

I keep the low maintenance ones around but sometimes have a fling with an exotic.

Seriously all the popular ones are popular for good reason, if on-trigger safeties didn't work you'd hear about it. It's really hard to pick one simply by gripping it in the shop or shooting your first boxes of ammo so just go with whatever appeals and shoot the Hell out of it... and repeat with something different.

For every pistol you think sucks there is somebody with your size hands and eyes shooting it with precision and speed. There are people with the worst pieces of crap shooting lights out. Old Western gun slingers shot these things from the hip without even looking at sights that didn't exist.

Eventually you'll settle down and develop preferences but let that come naturally from shooting, not marketing and internet BS.

FWIW what I thought was a good or poor grip initially changed as I got more experience, guns I rejected early on are probably far better than I first thought.

 

[UltraT]

Think of pistols as women... and you're a slut. Some pistols stay for years and others are one night stands.

I keep the low maintenance ones around but sometimes have a fling with an exotic.

Seriously all the popular ones are popular for good reason, if on-trigger safeties didn't work you'd hear about it. It's really hard to pick one simply by gripping it in the shop or shooting your first boxes of ammo so just go with whatever appeals and shoot the Hell out of it... and repeat with something different.

Eventually you'll settle down and develop preferences but let that come naturally from shooting, not marketing and internet BS.

FWIW what I thought was a good or poor grip initially changed as I got more experience, guns I rejected early on are probably far better than I first thought.

I'm not too worried, I feel like it would be really hard to pick my perfect one on the first purchase, like hitting a home run on the first pitch lol. I'm just trying to decide based on what I know so far, which is 99% feel, even if it's not the best indicator. I try not to be swayed by marketing or hype, I try to keep an open mind. When talking about the trigger safeties, I'm not opposed to them or anything, but I did have an instance with my friend's XD where I failed to actuate it, so that's where my opinion is coming from. Like I mentioned above, I thought the VP9's trigger safety felt perfect.

Thanks for your input!

 

[meketrefe]

A good pistol anyone should have is a Glock 19.
Perhaps Nothing too exciting nor fancy but it is super dependable.

 

[UltraT]

A good pistol anyone should have is a Glock 19.
Perhaps Nothing too exciting nor fancy but it is super dependable.

There were a lot of things I liked about the G19, but it didn't fit my hand well. The bottom right side of the grip rested in a strange part of my palm, giving the feeling that it was pushing into my hand more so than the rest of the grip (if that makes sense).

 

[meketrefe]

There were a lot of things I liked about the G19, but it didn't fit my hand well. The bottom right side of the grip rested in a strange part of my palm, giving the feeling that it was pushing into my hand more so than the rest of the grip (if that makes sense).

Makes sense but the generation 4 comes with adaptable back straps.
This initial feeling happens quite often and it goes away after one starts shooting.
It is a different feel but it becomes effective and accurate.
See if you can go to a training range, talk to a professional and try one and perhaps
others. At the store it is hard to make an objective determination.
I am not a Glock nut but I suggested this because it one was going to have
one pistol the G19 is the most popular handgun on the planet so it
seems like a good choice for a first pistol for defense and dependability.
Same way I think every home should have a 10/22 and a popular and reliable 12ga
shotgun.
Those are good foundations for any home so it just makes sense. Nothing else.

 

[UltraT]

Makes sense but the generation 4 comes with adaptable back straps.
This initial feeling happens quite often and it goes away after one starts shooting.
It is a different feel but it becomes effective and accurate.
See if you can go to a training range, talk to a professional and try one and perhaps
others. At the store it is hard to make an objective determination.
I am not a Glock nut but I suggested this because it one was going to have
one pistol the G19 is the most popular handgun on the planet so it
seems like a good choice for a first pistol for defense and dependability.
Same way I think every home should have a 10/22 and a popular and reliable 12ga
shotgun.
Those are good foundations for any home so it just makes sense. Nothing else.

I'll keep that in mind. I'll have to handle it again next time I go. I asked the clerk about the adjustable backstraps, and he said the G19 he gave me to handle had the smallest one attached. He could have been wrong though.

 

[Dantheman]

The Walther PPQ is supposed to be Phenomenal. Walther is offering a $100 rebate on the PPQ and PPS right now. I have a S&W 99OL in 45 Auto which was the American version of the Walther P99. I like it a lot for a full size pistol. If I were replacing it I'd jump on the PPQ.




Dan

 

[Calculon]

+1 for the M&P. I have one with an Apex trigger that is my go to for range days and classes. I got to hold the Gen 2 earlier this week and it is a great pistol as well. I like the more aggressive checkering and the trigger is better than my original one.

I've also shot the 92A1 a lot as my brother has one. While it's not exactly the same as 92A1 Aim Surplus has 92FS Inox (Stainless) LEO trade ins for $450. Sweet looking if you can get them to ship without 15rd mag.

 

[UltraT]

The Walther PPQ is supposed to be Phenomenal. Walther is offering a $100 rebate on the PPQ and PPS right now. I have a S&W 99OL in 45 Auto which was the American version of the Walther P99. I like it a lot for a full size pistol. If I were replacing it I'd jump on the PPQ.




Dan

I did see that rebate, pretty cool. Thanks for posting.

 

[meketrefe]

I'll keep that in mind. I'll have to handle it again next time I go. I asked the clerk about the adjustable backstraps, and he said the G19 he gave me to handle had the smallest one attached. He could have been wrong though.

My wife thought the smaller one was large (She is a petite) but then when you actually use it it becomes perfect for control.
See if you can find a local range with professionals where they train people in tactical/practical style shooting and ask around and see
if you could try at least some of the things you have in mind.
I shot 1911 for so many years since I was a kid than when I tried the Glock I though it was weird. But as soon as you start using it
more and more you realize why it is designed like that and why is the most popular service gun in the world.
The same might happen with any pistols and also the opposite can happen.
It is very different using them than "getting a feel" at the store. Same thing goes for so many other things.
Obviously this consideration is important for anything one is intending to use for a critical role and no important for collection type of firearms.
Where are you located?

 

[Marine Cpl]

My Glock 26 doesn't feel like Nirvana in the hand but once I actually shoot it, the paper tells a different story and that's all that matters.

 

[Darth]

Walther P99.

 

[UltraT]

My wife thought the smaller one was large (She is a petite) but then when you actually use it it becomes perfect for control.
See if you can find a local range with professionals where they train people in tactical/practical style shooting and ask around and see
if you could try at least some of the things you have in mind.
I shot 1911 for so many years since I was a kid than when I tried the Glock I though it was weird. But as soon as you start using it
more and more you realize why it is designed like that and why is the most popular service gun in the world.
The same might happen with any pistols and also the opposite can happen.
It is very different using them than "getting a feel" at the store. Same thing goes for so many other things.
Obviously this consideration is important for anything one is intending to use for a critical role and no important for collection type of firearms.
Where are you located?

I guess the question is how do you know if it just "feels weird" and you can train into it, or if it's just not a good fit for you? Can't you train into almost anything? I'm located in the Buffalo suburbs, Amherst/Clarence border area.

My Glock 26 doesn't feel like Nirvana in the hand but once I actually shoot it, the paper tells a different story and that's all that matters.

Maybe I just need to shoot it then?

 

[UltraT]

Walther P99.

I'm definitely going to fondle that one next time. They didn't have it at the range I went to.

 

[Darth]

I'm definitely going to fondle that one next time. They didn't have it at the range I went to.

I've got 4.

Just saying. xD

 

[MilesTeg]

I was a Glock hater until I shot one. Now I have quiet a list of one's to buy. As far as your original question I now recommend 3 pistols for new guys: cheap 1911, S&W M&P, Glock 17 or 19 which ever fits you best.

 

[Darth]

I was a Glock hater until I shot one.

Hey, you're now in a group called "everybody."

 

[ArmedCorgi]

Makes sense but the generation 4 comes with adaptable back straps.
This initial feeling happens quite often and it goes away after one starts shooting.
It is a different feel but it becomes effective and accurate.
See if you can go to a training range, talk to a professional and try one and perhaps
others. At the store it is hard to make an objective determination.
I am not a Glock nut but I suggested this because it one was going to have
one pistol the G19 is the most popular handgun on the planet so it
seems like a good choice for a first pistol for defense and dependability.
Same way I think every home should have a 10/22 and a popular and reliable 12ga
shotgun.
Those are good foundations for any home so it just makes sense. Nothing else.

See, I heard it was the Glock 23 that was the go to for the "if you can only have one" discussion. Reason being, it's the same size as the 19 only you can convert it to a few other calibers very easily and inexpensively. I don't think you can do that with the 19, at least not as many calibers.
Plus one on the changeable back straps for the grip.

 

[MilesTeg]

Hey, you're now in a group called "everybody."

Lol very true. One day I'll try one of the Walther's you brag up.

 

[UltraT]

I was a Glock hater until I shot one. Now I have quiet a list of one's to buy. As far as your original question I now recommend 3 pistols for new guys: cheap 1911, S&W M&P, Glock 17 or 19 which ever fits you best.

Thanks for the input

 

[meketrefe]

I guess the question is how do you know if it just "feels weird" and you can train into it, or if it's just not a good fit for you? Can't you train into almost anything? I'm located in the Buffalo suburbs, Amherst/Clarence border area.
Maybe I just need to shoot it then?

I think the best thing is to talk to a professional, seriously. Go through the options, try some and get to understand
why things are this or that way. Some might give you a free introduction as they do as promotion for their
business and look for the courses in your local ranges. IDPA style clinics are great.

We cannot avoid it. I cannot tell you how many times in my life I bought the wrong thing because I had to have it.
With all that said I don't think that it would be a huge mistake if you buy some of the mentioned pistols. I bought
a shield w/o trying it and I love it but before that I bough so many pistols in my life w/o trying them and they
ended in the back of the safe. They felt great at first but didn't make a difference in the long run.

I guess my point is that we worry about the equipment but spending some time and money in professional advice
and training is going to be the best investment one will ever make.

 

[meketrefe]

Hey, you're now in a group called "everybody."

Hey, you forgot the Has-Been's and Never-Were.