So I've always been interested in owning a gun, but have never gone and made the purchase for several reasons (or excuses) but would like to enter the market and possibly make the purchase within the next couple months. I was wondering what people's thoughts were on what would be a good first gun, or just what would be a good gun in general. My main intention would most likely be for sport, because I don't have a family or really anything valuable to protect at home other than myself. I know a lot of people say glocks are really good for lots of reasons: affordable, easy to maintenance, etc. but I've found that when I've used a glock at the range it doesn't really have that feel that I'm looking for. Granted I might just need to get one and then once its mine I might fall in love, who knows! But I've found I like the feel of a more weighted gun and tend to shoot better with them as well. Just figured I'd pick the brotherhood's brain on this matter as I'm sure a lot of you know way more about guns than myself. Cheers!
GUNS!!!
- Thread starter EricT
- Start date
What's up Eric. I support and applaud your decision to purchase your first gun. There's a million options out there for you. How about we start with how much you'd be willing to spend. That's really the first thing you want to narrow down.
Also, if you have any intention in carrying this firearm at all after you get a CWP, I would begin to narrow it down even further right now. I.e. Size, caliber, experience.
A very good option would be to find a range in the area that rents firearms to shoot. That way you can shoot most of your good options before you purchase.
Also, if you have any intention in carrying this firearm at all after you get a CWP, I would begin to narrow it down even further right now. I.e. Size, caliber, experience.
A very good option would be to find a range in the area that rents firearms to shoot. That way you can shoot most of your good options before you purchase.
Wow, you're going to get a lot of opinions on this one so let's nip this in the bud right now 
http://cz-usa.com/product/cz-75-sp-01-9mm-black-3-dot-tritium-sights-18-rd-mags/
(there's also a firearms sub forum at the bottom of the page)
http://cz-usa.com/product/cz-75-sp-01-9mm-black-3-dot-tritium-sights-18-rd-mags/
(there's also a firearms sub forum at the bottom of the page)
I obviously don't want to pay out the ass, but if the price is right I'd be willing to pay more for a better option. I would probably put my cap somewhere around $1000 but would probably ideally like to be in the $600-800 range. As far as carrying; whenever I get the gun I will get my CWP regardless, but for the time being I do not intend on carrying as I spend most of my time in environments where I would not be allowed to carry. Caliber wise, I would probably lean towards 9mm but would not remove any higher calibers from being an option. I've shot my fair share of different handguns but feel like I'm not any closer to my decision or finding any one that stuck out above the rest. Probably just need to shoot more!
Good advice right there. Also if you don't have a lot of experience with guns you may want to consider taking some of the available classes, more training is better than less training.
It comes down to a few things. Are you going to carry it or only use for hone defense? If only for home defense, get a pump shotgun. If you are going to carry, go to a gun range and try different ones.
The ultimate advice is get some training on whatever you purchase and practice. As for calibers of handguns, I would stick with either a 9mm or a 45. Just my opinion though based on over 25 years in LE.
Fyi, I moved the thread to the firearms sub
The ultimate advice is get some training on whatever you purchase and practice. As for calibers of handguns, I would stick with either a 9mm or a 45. Just my opinion though based on over 25 years in LE.
Fyi, I moved the thread to the firearms sub
I've shot a cz 75 and have heard that its a great gun, might revisit it because its been a while and last time I was really "looking" to buy I was more like a kid in a candy shop than an actual serious buyer. I definitely remember liking the weight and fit in my hand, but for the time being I'll check out that forum too, Thanks!Wow, you're going to get a lot of opinions on this one so let's nip this in the bud right now
http://cz-usa.com/product/cz-75-sp-01-9mm-black-3-dot-tritium-sights-18-rd-mags/
(there's also a firearms sub forum at the bottom of the page)
I agree entirely with the above. As a handgun newbie roughly 10 years ago when I turned 21, I had it in my head I was going to buy my first pistol and it was going to be an HK-USC till I went to the range and rented one. It didnt fit my hand, and my accuracy with it suffered. After that I went about renting a bunch of things to try and found I shot the best with a good ol 1911, and surprisingly Glocks. So I picked up a 40cal G23 and called it a day.
2ndly Take a class. Find a range that offers a beginners classes and take one. Not only will you speed up the learning curve, but you'll also learn how to safely handle the weapon, etc.
The best thing that I found was to go to a gun shop and hold them. I originally went to get a glock when I was looking and once I held it it just didn't feel right to me and it wasn't comfortable. After holding about a dozen guns in my hand I finally found the right one and got a Berretta. Once I found the gun I wanted I watched the add closely and ended up getting it for $200 less than the original price.
Also know what caliber your most comfortable shooting and think about ammo, I had a .45 for a while and it was just getting way too expensive to shoot at the range.
Also know what caliber your most comfortable shooting and think about ammo, I had a .45 for a while and it was just getting way too expensive to shoot at the range.
Looks like I might do some training classes, I am familiar with handling guns but it definitely could help to get guidance from an experienced individual on the proper methods. Maybe once I go through that process I might be able to make my decision.
No problem, glad you put this in the right spot! I'm still fairly new to the brotherhood so I haven't figured out all the nooks and crannies of this place.
@Angry Bill is there a reason you choose 9mm or 45? is it price/availability? or more on how they shoot?
I know I tend to shoot better with higher calibers, not really sure why, but i get better clusters and overall accuracy with higher calibers and the low the round the larger and less accurate my shots are. I probably chock that up to general inexperience, but I think its clear that taking a class is the way to go. The only reason I would not immediately want to go higher is the same reason you stated, that the cost would be much more at the range.
My dad actually has a P226 MK25 and I really like the way it handles, but I definitely want to try around before making a decision. Definitely a good gun though.
I definitely know what you mean, I just figured there were lots of opinions on here and wanted to hear what people had to say. Whether it reiterated what I've already heard or if there were any new views/opinions that I could take into consideration.Hell Yeah Man! all about what works for you. gun people just tend to get excited about gun talk
CZ makes excellent firearms. They are good to go out of the box. They are my go-to recommendation. Stick with something chambered in 9mm and choose a full-size model. You will have a good quality, reliable firearm that is easy and affordable to learn on.
Don't get wrapped up in what feels good in the hand as it is a useless metric. Go shoot models you are interested in and see what data you can gather: which were you most accurate with? Which could you most easily control recoil on? etc etc. Many people will shoot gun X better than gun Y, even though Gun Y "feels better."
HK USP Compact 9mm. I haven't checked prices in a while but it should be around $800-900 if I'm not mistaken. You can also check HK's new VP9. It wouldn't be the best for carry because it's a full size but it shoots beautifully IMO. It will also be less expensive compared to the USP.
Since we are all different, I'd suggest you go to a range and shoot all the firearms you can to see what shoots and feels the best for you. If you dont have access to a range to test drive, I'd still suggest you get your hands on as many firearms as you can to compare feel, fit, natural point of aim to help aid in your decision. Lots of exelent firearms out there to choose from in your price range.
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