What's the best type of trigger to start with?

[Justincase]

So, while I've been waiting to exercise my 2nd amendment, I've had lots of time to mull over what my first pistol purchase will be. It will not be used for concealed carry, but primarily a range gun and one to learn trigger control and discipline, sight alignment and other foundational pistol shooting skills. I'll also likely carry it around the house, unloaded at first until I feel comfortable otherwise, then loaded.

I've heard people say a DAO is the way to go at first, due to its longer safer trigger pull and consistency. I've also heard there's no reason to not start with a typical light striker fired pistol (ala Glock).

What say you based on my intended use for the gun? Thanks in advance for your expertise.

 

[Frankly]

How much money do you have?

It's a toss up, learning how to shoot a Glock type gun well isn't so much harder and there are improvements you can do to them. You see plenty of Glocks in competition, they must not suck that much. And they have advantages in price, reliability, and ease of cleaning.

But then a nice 1911 will probably feel better in the hand and be more satisfying in general, at the expense of a higher price relatively, a bit less ultimate reliability, a more complex break down.

A lot of people have both. I prefer shooting my 2011 at the range and have Glocks for self defense. (And I have no doubt that some of the other brands of styker fired pistols are also excellent, just using Glock as a stand in for the category.) I bypassed all of the DA/SA options, I am sure there are many fine guns to try....

You can drop $500 on a Glock and few hundred more on upgrades and have a state of the art gun whereas $800 in a 1911 just gets you started....

 

[Podmonkey]

The DAO is going to be the simplest to use, the Single action is the best range/target trigger, the double/single action is probably the safest but hardest to get used too. For range use exclusively I'd say get single action gun which will likely mean a 1911, unless you wish to get something like a Browning Hi Power used, or if you really want a connoisseur's pistol a SIG P210. None of these will be particularly cheap. But for your purpose I'd suggest something like a Glock. Simple and affordable and versatile of use. There are now many polymer striker guns on the market I would also look at the H&K VP9, SIG P320, and the Walther PPQ. There are many others, these 3 are just the newer up and comers. I very much like my PPQ, it is reasonably priced similar to the cost of Glock at the mid $500 level or even less if you bargain hunt. It is very comfortable and ergonomic in the hand and has an excellent trigger. I find it to be equally suitable for target use and defensive use, provided you exercise proper trigger discipline. The PPQ's trigger weight is not excessively light but it won't be as tolerant of poor gun handling technique as a say a Glock with a 12lb NY trigger.

 

[MikeyCNY]

My very first pistol was a Beretta Px4 Compact, after hours of online research. Prior to getting my permit I had fired a Glock, a Beretta 92 and a .357 Magnum in another state. The Beretta Px4 had a unique (I think, at the time) barrel-rotating bit that reduced recoil etc.. It is a DA/SA hammer-fired pistol.

No one around me had it in stock, though I was able to get it transferred from the Gander Mtn in Syracuse. I purchased it and took it shooting, and immediately took a dislike to the DA/SA action. Threads online said with time I would 'get used to' it.. but after almost 1,000 rounds I still didn't. After that heavy first Double-Action shot, my next shots would be wildly off because of the smooth Single-Action.

So I sold it and got a striker-fired M&P 9c. Much more consistent trigger-pull, naturally.

I also own a Ruger SR1911, and that trigger is, as you'd expect, quite nice.

Since you're saying it's not for CC, I'd say go for a full-size gun. Besides my 1911, my only other full-size semi-auto is the new M&P M2.0 M&P I picked up - makes recoil management much easier, and allows for full two-handed grip.

I'm a big M&P fan myself, but lots of people love Glocks, and both have triggers that can be upgraded (although usually by a gunsmith unless you know what you're doing).

 

[misunderestimated]

My suggestion will be based on a simple all around first hand gun, Get a Glock 17,its a nine mm so you will be able to learn your proper shooting techniques before you learn how to flinch , its considered a striker fire gun, that will just mean t you the same trigger pull every time, there are no external safeties you have to switch, Once you place your finger on the trigger you automatically disengage the only external safety. Its very forgiving to lack of maintenance.Once you master shooting a glock all the other ones are easy . and it affordable . good luck with your choice

 

[FCG LLC]

My suggestion will be based on a simple all around first hand gun, Get a Glock 17,its a nine mm so you will be able to learn your proper shooting techniques before you learn how to flinch , its considered a striker fire gun, that will just mean t you the same trigger pull every time, there are no external safeties you have to switch, Once you place your finger on the trigger you automatically disengage the only external safety. Its very forgiving to lack of maintenance.Once you master shooting a glock all the other ones are easy . and it affordable . good luck with your choice

I have to agree here. As a dude who is still LEARNING how to shoot pistols (about 20 years and counting), and who from time to time helps others to shoot, if you are not a proficient shooter your first gun - if it is going to be your only gun for a spell should be relatively large (not a micro pocket gun), in an affordable caliber, with easy to use controls.

Glock 17 is a gun I often recommend.

 

[Saltwater60]

I would say handle a lot of guns. It's hard for us to tell you what you'll like. I hate the long double action trigger, but really like my Springfield xd. I also have a 1911 and like shooting it. I would say you should train with the gun your going to carry then get a range toy. No use in getting used to and loving a gun you know you won't carry ever. Then if you get a carry gun and don't like the trigger you won't feel comfortable carrying it.

 

[Frankly]

I would say handle a lot of guns. It's hard for us to tell you what you'll like. I hate the long double action trigger, but really like my Springfield xd. I also have a 1911 and like shooting it. I would say you should train with the gun your going to carry then get a range toy. No use in getting used to and loving a gun you know you won't carry ever. Then if you get a carry gun and don't like the trigger you won't feel comfortable carrying it.

The downside is that you probably want to carry a compact and any compact is going to be harder to shoot well than a larger version.

I have a full size pistol in the lockbox under the bed and a compact on my person. I don't enjoy shooting the compact very much and only practice with it out of responsibility, I much prefer the larger guns.

 

[Justincase]

Thanks for all the replies. All are very helpful. Looks like DA/SA is eliminated. I probably should have mentioned that I plan on sticking with 9mm for the most part. Exceptions being .22lr for eventual target and trainer pistols and a revolver in .357. I plan on eventually getting a 1911, but that'll come later.

The Glock 17 was mentioned and that's a great gun, but it just didn't feel good in my hands when I shot it. It was way too big. The 19 felt much better, but if I understand correctly, the 19 is the compact version of the 17. To me though, the 19 is still pretty big as I'm a small guy. I really like the Glock triggers though, so those are up there on the list. Will definitely be getting a G43 for EDC when the time comes.

Another one that's up on the list is the H&K P30. Expensive, but that gun felt like it was an extension of my hand. And since many of you guys seem to agree a striker fired trigger is advisable to learn with, it fits the bill with the V3 version of the trigger which I guess is supposed to mimic the pull of a striker fired gun. Don't know if I can justify the price of that thing though... even if I do have nearly another entire year to save up.

 

[Podmonkey]

Thanks for all the replies. All are very helpful. Looks like DA/SA is eliminated. I probably should have mentioned that I plan on sticking with 9mm for the most part. Exceptions being .22lr for eventual target and trainer pistols and a revolver in .357. I plan on eventually getting a 1911, but that'll come later.

The Glock 17 was mentioned and that's a great gun, but it just didn't feel good in my hands when I shot it. It was way too big. The 19 felt much better, but if I understand correctly, the 19 is the compact version of the 17. To me though, the 19 is still pretty big as I'm a small guy. I really like the Glock triggers though, so those are up there on the list. Will definitely be getting a G43 for EDC when the time comes.

Another one that's up on the list is the H&K P30. Expensive, but that gun felt like it was an extension of my hand. And since many of you guys seem to agree a striker fired trigger is advisable to learn with, it fits the bill with the V3 version of the trigger which I guess is supposed to mimic the pull of a striker fired gun. Don't know if I can justify the price of that thing though... even if I do have nearly another entire year to save up.

Don't rule DA/SA out of hand, it is the hardest to learn but there are many advantages, very versatile, extra measure of safety. It's probably the hardest action to ND.

 

[Justincase]

Aww, come on. I thought I had it narrowed down to only one or two hundred possible choices.

 

[Podmonkey]

Aww, come on. I thought I had it narrowed down to only one or two hundred possible choices.

Okay, I sympathize. Tell you what, Glocks are great and I have much respect for them, but you get yourself a PPQ and thank me later. I traded in a very slick, very nice and fancy P226 Legion in for my PPQ. I have no regrets. Also I'll say this too: A pistol of the size of a Glock 19 or PPQ is the best all round size. You give up little in terms of controllability vs a full size and have something that can also be used for carry.

 

[Justincase]

PPQ is definitely up there on my list of possible picks. I've never had a chance to hold one of them though. Would also like to try the new M&P 9 2.0. Haven't yet compared the size of that vs. the P30 or PPS.

 

[Podmonkey]

PPQ is definitely up there on my list of possible picks. I've never had a chance to hold one of them though. Would also like to try the new M&P 9 2.0. Haven't yet compared the size of that vs. the P30 or PPS.

Did we have this conversation, or was it some on else? No matter. The PPS is Walthers slim single stack carry gun. Very nice piece but I went with the S&W Shield for the extra round in capacity. The VP9 is the striker fired version of the hammer fired P30. I rented one along side the PPQ before I bought it. Honestly The two are near identical in feel and performance. The VP9 is larger though, being a full size, while the PPQ is a compact more like a G19 though really the PPQ is kinda of between the compact G19 size and a full size G17. Biggest difference is price, the H&K costs $150- $175 more than the Walther. I've no experience with the larger S&W M&Ps but I do really, really like my Shield.

 

[Marine Cpl]

Thanks for all the replies. All are very helpful. Looks like DA/SA is eliminated. I probably should have mentioned that I plan on sticking with 9mm for the most part. Exceptions being .22lr for eventual target and trainer pistols and a revolver in .357. I plan on eventually getting a 1911, but that'll come later.

The Glock 17 was mentioned and that's a great gun, but it just didn't feel good in my hands when I shot it. It was way too big. The 19 felt much better, but if I understand correctly, the 19 is the compact version of the 17. To me though, the 19 is still pretty big as I'm a small guy. I really like the Glock triggers though, so those are up there on the list. Will definitely be getting a G43 for EDC when the time comes.

Another one that's up on the list is the H&K P30. Expensive, but that gun felt like it was an extension of my hand. And since many of you guys seem to agree a striker fired trigger is advisable to learn with, it fits the bill with the V3 version of the trigger which I guess is supposed to mimic the pull of a striker fired gun. Don't know if I can justify the price of that thing though... even if I do have nearly another entire year to save up.

Get a Glock 26. Why limit yourself to 7 rounds?

 

[Frankly]

Glocks need better sights ($50-100) and maybe other stuff out of the box compared to some competitors who may cost more but are ready to run. Save more than you expect, there is always something and you can't have enough ammo.

I like my Glock 19 with night sights and otherwise stock. When I had a Glock 17 I used it for comps and put double its price into a KKM barrel, race trigger, magwell, springs, etc. it definitely shot better than the stock 19 but I didn't absolutely need it. And it'd be wasteful for a defense or first gun.

 

[Podmonkey]

Get a Glock 26. Why limit yourself to 7 rounds?

Cause you live in Andy Dickfac....... er Cuomo's NY?

 

[Marine Cpl]

Cause you live in Andy Dickfac....... er Cuomo's NY?

Cuomo's NY allows 11.

 

[Podmonkey]

Cuomo's NY allows 11.

Not initially. Aren't you only 'sposed to load more than 7 at the range? I tease, even if so, no one's enforcing it.

 

[Marine Cpl]

Not initially. Aren't you only 'sposed to load more than 7 at the range? I tease, even if so, no one's enforcing it.

No. It was struck by an appeals court and a Federal Circuit Court reaffirmed it.

 

[Podmonkey]

No. It was struck by an appeals court and a Federal Circuit Court reaffirmed it.

10 still sucks.

 

[Justincase]

Did we have this conversation, or was it some on else? No matter. The PPS is Walthers slim single stack carry gun. Very nice piece but I went with the S&W Shield for the extra round in capacity. The VP9 is the striker fired version of the hammer fired P30. I rented one along side the PPQ before I bought it. Honestly The two are near identical in feel and performance. The VP9 is larger though, being a full size, while the PPQ is a compact more like a G19 though really the PPQ is kinda of between the compact G19 size and a full size G17. Biggest difference is price, the H&K costs $150- $175 more than the Walther. I've no experience with the larger S&W M&Ps but I do really, really like my Shield.

Sorry, I meant PPQ. I was handed a Performance center M&P 9 Shield and it was very hard to give back. Trigger felt great and was a nice size.

 

[71velle]

No one right answer to the question.

But, I would recommend a Glock 19. There are other good similar options that are very good too. Its a good size to range shoot with as well as learn to shoot with, and not unreasonable to carry. You cant go wrong with a Glock and worse case if you decide its not for you it would be one of the easiest to sell or trade as well as hold its value. I went through a few pistols to get to where I am now and if I were to do it all again my first would have been a 19.

 

[Podmonkey]

No one right answer to the question.

But, I would recommend a Glock 19. There are other good similar options that are very good too. Its a good size to range shoot with as well as learn to shoot with, and not unreasonable to carry. You cant go wrong with a Glock and worse case if you decide its not for you it would be one of the easiest to sell or trade as well as hold its value. I went through a few pistols to get to where I am now and if I were to do it all again my first would have been a 19.

*cough* ppq *cough*

 

[Marine Cpl]

I never understood the fascination with a Glock 19 and a neutered 10 rd magazine. A Glock 26 with a standard 10 rd magazine can be made bigger via a pinky extension or via a Glock 19 magazine and sleeve. You cannot however make a Glock 19 smaller unless you use a dremel.

 

[MikeyCNY]

I never understood the fascination with a Glock 19 and a neutered 10 rd magazine. A Glock 26 with a standard 10 rd magazine can be made bigger via a pinky extension or via a Glock 19 magazine and sleeve. You cannot however make a Glock 19 smaller unless you use a dremel.

Easier to grip full-size.. with pinky extension you can pinch yourself. I went from an M&P9 Compact to a fullsize. The 10 round limit does indeed suck though, and was the main reason I put off a fullsize for so long.

 

[Frankly]

I thought the 10-round limit was a theory not a practice?

 

[Justincase]

No one right answer to the question.

But, I would recommend a Glock 19. There are other good similar options that are very good too. Its a good size to range shoot with as well as learn to shoot with, and not unreasonable to carry. You cant go wrong with a Glock and worse case if you decide its not for you it would be one of the easiest to sell or trade as well as hold its value. I went through a few pistols to get to where I am now and if I were to do it all again my first would have been a 19.

I know there's many possible pistols to choose from, but I was just curious what most experienced shooters would consider the best trigger to start with. Personally, I like the typical striker fired triggers most. I don't think I've ever fired a DA/SA trigger that I recall. Is the Sig 226 Ohio state trooper version DA/SA or no? If so, it's likely the only one I've fired. Was a nice gun, just a bit big.

 

[Podmonkey]

I know there's many possible pistols to choose from, but I was just curious what most experienced shooters would consider the best trigger to start with. Personally, I like the typical striker fired triggers most. I don't think I've ever fired a DA/SA trigger that I recall. Is the Sig 226 Ohio state trooper version DA/SA or no? If so, it's likely the only one I've fired. Was a nice gun, just a bit big.

The P226 represents the pinnacle of DA/SA design. Unless you like CZsome, thenhance the CZ 75 is the pinnacle of DA/SA design. I like CZs too, never owned one though. I'd like to remedy that. I have owned several P226s though, excellent, excellent pistol!

 

[Justincase]

I do like the new CZ p10c. As well as the CZ p01. Haven't had the chance to hold either one. Haven't read anything but good things about them.