First Hangun?

[Joe Williams]

Thanks for all of the input so far. My budget is on the low end for a first gun - ideally under $300. I realize that cuts out a lot of good stuff, but want to start out with something inexpensive before stepping up. I have limited experience handling - mainly a Glock (don't recall model) and Beretta 92. Looking for self defense, but also something to take to the range to work on the skills.

$300 is tight.

You may be able to find something used you like, but you'll have to look and be discriminating.

For new guns, for a little more than $300 you can get a Ruger P95, an excellent gun, and the S&W Sigmas come to mind. The Sigma has a spotty reputation. Many of it's owners are adamant in it's defense, other's curse them. Between the two, I'd hunt down a Ruger P95. It's a great gun, built with Ruger's legendary reliability and ruggedness.

 

[kludge]

$300... that is tight

I think I would have to mimic Joe Williams' recommendations P98, P95, and Sigma (SW9VE). On the Rugers I prefer the ones with a "Decock Only" instead of the ones with the "safety", but they are hard to find.

Also look at Bersa Thunder 9, and Kel-Tec P11 and PF-9.

I realize that cuts out a lot of good stuff, but want to start out with something inexpensive before stepping up.

I realize that a $600 limit seems like a lot of money compared to a $300 limit, but a quality gun that will last a lifetime, that fits your hand, that you enjoy shooting, really is worth the extra money up front -- rather than "stepping up" which to me seems like a little bit of false economy. When you got to a dealer to trade in the first gun when you're ready to step up, you'll take a $150-$200 hit. A $600 limit will tremendously broaden the spectrum. For <$500 you can get an XD Service model, just a tad large for everyday concealment, The Glock 19 is a bit shorter in the barrel (~1/2") and slightly smaller grip (makes a big difference in concealed carry comfort), but still offers a full 15 round magazine. The next step smaller is a XD compact, same 4" barrel, but a shorter grip. And then there's the XD sub-compact with a 3" barrel and also the Glock 26. Also in the same price Category you have the equally excellent Smith and Wesson M&P pistols. The SigSauer P250 is new and let's just say I'm very interested... and the prices I saw at the show yesterday are more reasonable than the other Sigs.

If you just simple can't afford the $600, and won't be able to for a while, then I say go ahead and get the $300 gun. The Ruger and the Sigma are good quality and will be very durable and reliable.

 

[esrice]

Save up and buy what works. Your life will thank you.

 

[glockguy07]

Save up and buy what works. Your life will thank you.

Exactly my viewpoint

 

[Pami]

Srsly? How many of these *cough*SIG*cough* threads do we need?

https://www.indianagunowners.com/forums/handguns/17726-best_9mm_-_your_opinions_please.html

https://www.indianagunowners.com/forums/handguns/4606-glock_vs_sig.html

 

[Joe Williams]

Srsly? How many of these *cough*SIG*cough* threads do we need?

https://www.indianagunowners.com/forums/handguns/17726-best_9mm_-_your_opinions_please.html

https://www.indianagunowners.com/forums/handguns/4606-glock_vs_sig.html

It's a gun forum. Folks are gonna talk about guns.

The only problem with the same conversations is that everybody keeps advocating various forms of those darned soulless, ugly, characterless tupperware gadgets, instead of a revolver, which is both mechanically superior and better looking. Also, often chambering a more accurate and powerful round. Looks, simplicity, reliability, power, and the character of a uniquely American history clearly show that plastic guns are a passing fad.

I'm joking. Well, at least a little bit

 

[smokingman]

300 dollar budget. Id go 38 snub nose then.You should be able to pick up a charter arms,or smith for around that used. I carried a snub 38 for years,reliable and in your price range.

 

[Pami]

It's a gun forum. Folks are gonna talk about guns.

The only problem with the same conversations is that everybody keeps advocating various forms of those darned soulless, ugly, characterless tupperware gadgets, instead of a revolver, which is both mechanically superior and better looking. Also, often chambering a more accurate and powerful round. Looks, simplicity, reliability, power, and the character of a uniquely American history clearly show that plastic guns are a passing fad.

I'm joking. Well, at least a little bit

I completely agree. It's a good thing SIGs aren't made of tupperware.

*stealthily hides her surprisingly light P250 in her sneaky Raven Phantom holster*

 

[dice dealer]

DUDE all the "experts" will tell you glock , sig , springfield , ydda ,yadda
yadda....

Go to a range that rents ....go through several handguns both semi auto and revolvers ....buy what fits you ..what you can handle ...what you can shoot good ....its going to be your gun buy what you want ...listening to all the experts will do nothing but empty your pockets and build you collection of dust collectors ....

 

[Go Devil]

I have carried everything, Browning M2 to 22short, exposed and concealed.

When I was younger I had to have the largest bore size that I could fit under a button up shirt or jacket; but, extra layers of clothing in July are quite uncomfortable and the wife never approved of shirt tails hanging out.

The responsibility you will be bearing on your hip adds quite a bit of weight to whatever caliber you will be wearing; those two facts can turn into a very heavy belt.

As I have aged, the larger bore sizes, unfortunately, have been gathering dust in preference of a Beretta 22LR that sits nicely in a thin holster, in any easily accessible pocket I wish.

Granted that caliber is almost like bringing a knife to a gunfight, but I still wouldn't want one of those little, hollow point hornets buzzin' around in my guts.

And, the price is right.

Choose wisely young jedi.

Dice Dealer makes a great point.

 

[kludge]

*stealthily hides her surprisingly light P250 in her sneaky Raven Phantom holster*

Sooo... inquiring minds want to know... how do you like the P250? If you already wrote a review and I missed it just point me in the right direction.

 

[Nathan]

i carry my S&W sigma sw9ve and, although haven't had the chance to use it in action, i like it. been carrying it for about a year. i have it on my 4:00 right now, can't even feel it, in the waist holster. one in the pipe, 15 in the mag. trust me, with 16 well placed shots, you don't need no .45 with a 10 shot mag

 

[esrice]

Sooo... inquiring minds want to know... how do you like the P250? If you already wrote a review and I missed it just point me in the right direction.

Here is Pami's journey to P250 ownership: https://www.indianagunowners.com/forums/handguns/5068-sig_p250.html

And here are several reviews after other people shot her gun:
https://www.indianagunowners.com/forums/handguns/7513-sig_p250_hk_p30_-_range_report.html

And a review by epsylum:
https://www.indianagunowners.com/forums/handguns/5981-shot_a_sig_p250_today_quite_impressed.html

 

[JByer323]

My first not .22 was a G19. Good first carry gun, but I've moved on to better and brighter things. Like a 1911.

My mom and g/f's first guns were S&W .38 Special +P, and I gotta say, I love stealing my mom's Lady Smith to carry, it's a slick little piece.

 

[esrice]

My first not .22 was a G19. Good first carry gun, but I've moved on to better and brighter things. Like a 1911.

Was it sad when you had to turn in half of your rounds too??

 

[Cwood]

Was it sad when you had to turn in half of your rounds too??

I bet not, meant that he became a better shot and didn't need to carry all those unnecessary rounds.

 

[esrice]

he became a better shot

So that you guys' secret??

 

[CandRFan]

With your budget, don't be afraid to go with a used handgun either. There's probably a used 9 here in the classifieds section...and I'm pretty sure that an INGO member would definetly do you right.

Most of my 9mm handguns are surplus...I've got a Sig P6, a Walther P1 and a WWII P38. The only 9 that I would consider "modern" is my Ruger SR9 (fantastic handgun, BTW. )

 

[Joe Williams]

With your budget, don't be afraid to go with a used handgun either. There's probably a used 9 here in the classifieds section...and I'm pretty sure that an INGO member would definetly do you right.

Most of my 9mm handguns are surplus...I've got a Sig P6, a Walther P1 and a WWII P38. The only 9 that I would consider "modern" is my Ruger SR9 (fantastic handgun, BTW. )

Your post reminds me that I saw a P-38, with holster, at Premier Arms in Brownsburg the other day. Either $369 or $339, I can't remember which. Lots of years of service behind a P38.

Also saw a brand new P89 for $339. The Ruger is a tough, rugged, dependable gun, kinda big but one that can be counted on.

 

[JByer323]

Was it sad when you had to turn in half of your rounds too??

And I respond with...

I bet not, meant that he became a better shot and didn't need to carry all those unnecessary rounds.

I've gone back and forth on selling the G19. If I didn't have a full Tucker Gunleather HF1 rig for it, I probably would. Given the leanings of this forum though, I'm pretty sure a G19 will fetch what... $1500 if I decide to sell it?

Plenty to pay for the new holster set. And maybe buy a Sig.