First handgun

**kronik** · 03-10-2011, 12:11 AM

This will be my first handgun purchase. I'm looking for suggestions, would like to stay around $500 or less. I'm going to the firing range in the next couple of days to fire a few and see what feels the best. Just would like a place to start. Was thinking more of a .40 or .45, or should I just look at 9mm. Any suggestions/advice would be greatly appreciated.

**BLK2KSS** · 03-10-2011, 03:11 AM

ive got a steyr M40 and love it! imo it has the best feel of anything out there.

**garver** · 03-10-2011, 05:19 AM

beretta px4 or springfield xd for me. As long as you stick to the big name companies, you really cant go wrong.

**txz28** · 03-10-2011, 06:53 AM

if your looking for 500 or less I would go get the new rugar sr40 its a 40 cal. 15+1. For an all stainless steal one and 2 mags and a speed loader (i think) bass pro shop wanted like 475.00. I have been told i have bear hands, large palms short fingers. that being said most 45 acps don't fit good in my hands well the ones that are double stacked (more than 8 shots). Thats another thing to keep in mind before you buy is what will the gun do as its being fired "will I be able to keep the gun on target". most of your double stack 45 acps are just a little to wide. now step aside and let all the key board warriors

rant about what i said lol

**TLS_Addict** · 03-10-2011, 07:21 AM

Most double stack 45s are very wide, long fingers helps with this though.

For $500 you can have lots of decisions to make, a ton of decent pistols in that range.

Magnum Research, Ruger, not a fan of Taurus myself but your call, even a used Glock would suffice.

The SR series is not bad at all. Even some of the cheaper 1911 pistols are decent. If you have friends with guns see if they will let you shoot them to see what fits you best.

**INMY01TA** · 03-10-2011, 08:58 AM

For home defense or concealed carry? Or both?

**kronik** · 03-10-2011, 10:41 AM

It would be for both for now

**bluehawk2000** · 03-10-2011, 11:19 AM

700 for a brand new xdm .40 16+1 2 mags cleaning kit 3 different backstraps 2 mag holder paddle holster and the case. Plus ammo that I had bought with the weapon itself.

**BKHgto04** · 03-11-2011, 06:27 AM

I just purchased an XDM .40 as well and it is an absolutely great handgun.

**Zinergy** · 03-11-2011, 08:24 AM

I have a xdm .40 aswell and while it is great the new ones are still 599.99 at least, some shops still want 699.99 or 649.99 for them. The XD .40s can be had for 499.99 these days and are just as realiable as the xdm the XD is just minus a few features.

**lmyers1** · 03-11-2011, 09:24 AM

Have an XD40 for four years...shoots great...put over 3000 rounds through it and no problems.

**bluehawk2000** · 03-11-2011, 12:43 PM

Originally Posted by Zinergy

I have a xdm .40 aswell and while it is great the new ones are still 599.99 at least, some shops still want 699.99 or 649.99 for them. The XD .40s can be had for 499.99 these days and are just as realiable as the xdm the XD is just minus a few features.

Match trigger and barrel, round notification piece where the breach is, also the XD holds about half the rounds the XDM does. I could be missing a few things but that's the jist..

**Zinergy** · 03-11-2011, 01:52 PM

Originally Posted by bluehawk2000

Match trigger and barrel, round notification piece where the breach is, also the XD holds about half the rounds the XDM does. I could be missing a few things but that's the jist..

The XD .40 holds 12+1. Only 4 less which 25% less than the XDM. But someone who doesnt shoot every weekend would probably do about as good with either gun.

**bluehawk2000** · 03-11-2011, 01:54 PM

Originally Posted by Zinergy

The XD .40 holds 12+1. Only 4 less which 25% less than the XDM. But someone who doesnt shoot every weekend would probably do about as good with either gun.

I was thinking it only held 8+1 for some reason that was my fault.

**lmyers1** · 03-12-2011, 10:08 AM

Originally Posted by Zinergy

The XD .40 holds 12+1. Only 4 less which 25% less than the XDM. But someone who doesnt shoot every weekend would probably do about as good with either gun.

Here in CA the XD40 is 10+1.

**Lunatikgixxer** · 03-12-2011, 10:15 AM

my buddy that was a expert shooter in the marines has a baby desert eagle jericho and says its a great gun. Ive never shot it but he swears by it. He also swears that glocks are pieces of shit lol.

**bluehawk2000** · 03-12-2011, 11:16 AM

Originally Posted by lmyers1

Here in CA the XD40 is 10+1.

Yea cause you can't have high capacity mags!!

**INMY01TA** · 03-12-2011, 03:44 PM

Originally Posted by kronik

It would be for both for now

Then I'll say get an M&P compact in 9mm or 40. Small enough to conceal yet not too small for my big hands. Can also accept full size M&P mags for home defence. I have an XDm9, XD 45, and an M&P9c. Love my XDs but feel the M&P makes for a better carry gun.

**Willfully Armed** · 03-13-2011, 05:13 PM

Originally Posted by BLK2KSS

ive got a steyr M40 and love it! imo it has the best feel of anything out there.

The low profile slide and trapezoidal sights are unmatched by any pistol manufacturer. I've had mine since 2006 and love it. Just wish it were a bit thinner.

For under 500?

Glock 17
M&P 9L
FN FNP9
Sig 250
Steyr m9
Taurus 24/7
RIA 1911 9mm

**BLK2KSS** · 03-14-2011, 02:19 AM

Originally Posted by Willfully Armed

The low profile slide and trapezoidal sights are unmatched by any pistol manufacturer. I've had mine since 2006 and love it. Just wish it were a bit thinner.

For under 500?

Glock 17
M&P 9L
FN FNP9
Sig 250
Steyr m9
Taurus 24/7
RIA 1911 9mm

I was wondering if there was any more steyr love out there. My buddy is a cop and has lots and lots of guns but everytime we go to the range he tends to end up with mine