2aHawaii

Tools and Uses => Firearms and Accessories => Topic started by: stangzilla on July 25, 2018, 07:51:52 AM

Title: affordable first handgun
Post by: stangzilla on July 25, 2018, 07:51:52 AM
friend of mine may be getting his first handgun, he's not quite sure yet
he already has an AR.  on occasions brings up "what's a good handgun to get?"
so I'm trying to give options that fit his needs, which are:  affordable, home defense gun so doesn't need to be compact, probably 9mm so ammo is cheaper, good ergonomics
so far I suggested:
Glock 17
CZP10
HK VP9
Springfield XD
S&W M&P
Ruger GP100 (just threw that in bc I'm a Ruger fan, he probably won't go for a revolver but I think its an excellent HD gun)

what other options would you guys add?
thanks.   :shaka:
Title: Re: affordable first handgun
Post by: drck1000 on July 25, 2018, 08:02:09 AM
Glock 17  :thumbsup:

I think you got it covered with the Glock 17, VP9 and CZ P10c.  I'd add Walther PPQ in there as well. 

As far as ergos, I'm a big proponent of try before you buy.  Tougher to do that in Hawaii due to limited options.  If doesn't already have his affidavit, I would recommend he take the class with LIFE.  The range of firearms he will get to try is staggering.  If he already does have his affidavit, let me know and I can bring what I got and he can try.  I'm sure you could get someone here to offer up a VP9 and CZ P10c to try, as well as others. 

Title: Re: affordable first handgun
Post by: Drakiir84 on July 25, 2018, 08:19:27 AM
Glock 17 all day.
Title: Re: affordable first handgun
Post by: stangzilla on July 25, 2018, 08:22:13 AM
he doesn't have the affidavit yet
Walther is a great suggestion. I'd like to try a Walther myself, never shot one.
Title: Re: affordable first handgun
Post by: drck1000 on July 25, 2018, 08:25:45 AM
he doesn't have the affidavit yet
Walther is a great suggestion. I'd like to try a Walther myself, never shot one.
I can help you and your friend with both.  PM me and we can set up a range day. 
Title: Re: affordable first handgun
Post by: stangzilla on July 25, 2018, 08:29:38 AM
I can help you and your friend with both.  PM me and we can set up a range day.

sure, thanks.   :thumbsup:

Title: Re: affordable first handgun
Post by: oldfart on July 25, 2018, 10:14:08 AM
If he is a newbie pistol shooter, a revolver such as your Gp100 would be great.
It's easy to teach a new shooter with a revolver.

Next to that, a Glock 17.
Title: Re: affordable first handgun
Post by: Flapp_Jackson on July 25, 2018, 10:35:55 AM
The Sig P320 is one of the most affordable Sigs ever, and has the weight and striker-fired benefits of a Glock.  To me, the ergonomics and overall performance are worth trying.

When I got my P320 9mm Full size, it was $459 -- about what I paid for my G17.  I've seen the P320C Compact on sale at OGC now for $599.  Not sure if the standard full size is more or less now. High demand could be driving the prices up. Then there are the more expensive models with the holographic sights, cut slides, etc.

I guess it all depends on what "affordable" means. 
Title: Re: affordable first handgun
Post by: drck1000 on July 25, 2018, 10:50:14 AM
The Sig P320 is one of the most affordable Sigs ever, and has the weight and striker-fired benefits of a Glock.  To me, the ergonomics and overall performance are worth trying.

When I got my P320 9mm Full size, it was $459 -- about what I paid for my G17.  I've seen the P320C Compact on sale at OGC now for $599.  Not sure if the standard full size is more or less now. High demand could be driving the prices up. Then there are the more expensive models with the holographic sights, cut slides, etc.

I guess it all depends on what "affordable" means.
I've been wanting the P320 X5 for a while.  That sucker isn't cheap.  I guess I would call it reasonably priced.   ;D
Title: Re: affordable first handgun
Post by: changemyoil66 on July 25, 2018, 11:00:30 AM
Tell him, as long as it's under $700 it's affordable and ammo is cheaper than AR ammo.  So he will make it up on the back end.  That's if it's a 9.
Title: Re: affordable first handgun
Post by: stangzilla on July 25, 2018, 12:56:57 PM
under $700 I consider affordable as long as its a good quality firearm
but I guess price is relative to each person's definition
Title: Re: affordable first handgun
Post by: jaynick on July 25, 2018, 01:22:57 PM
M&p 1.0 is real cheap now.  282 after rebate. Id buy another at that price if rapback went away.
Title: Re: affordable first handgun
Post by: drck1000 on July 25, 2018, 02:41:24 PM
CZ P10c on sale for $399 at AimSurplus. Free shipping,  it not sure if HI will be more. Even with FFL, that’s a good price. Very tempting to get one.
Title: Re: affordable first handgun
Post by: Drakiir84 on July 25, 2018, 02:44:34 PM
CZ P10c on sale for $399 at AimSurplus. Free shipping,  it not sure if HI will be more. Even with FFL, that’s a good price. Very tempting to get one.

Get me one too.
Title: Re: affordable first handgun
Post by: Drakiir84 on July 25, 2018, 02:46:14 PM
lol sold out....
Title: Re: affordable first handgun
Post by: drck1000 on July 25, 2018, 02:49:22 PM
lol sold out....
:(

Been more seriously considering a new handgun lately. But then I’ll get a lever action, then a 22 bolt gun, then... sickness I tell ya!
Title: Re: affordable first handgun
Post by: zippz on July 25, 2018, 04:34:19 PM
Midsize pistol, like glock 19, may be more versitile if he wants to carry later.
Title: Re: affordable first handgun
Post by: ren on July 25, 2018, 07:26:18 PM
Glock 17 all day.

(https://media.giphy.com/media/CkKg32KdKyMve/giphy.gif)
Title: Re: affordable first handgun
Post by: fang23 on July 25, 2018, 10:20:14 PM
+1 for Walther PPQ. M2 version has conventional mag release button. Earlier model has euro-style lever.

Or, if he can handle real steel, don't forget a Model 1911 in 9mm. Heavier, fewer rounds, but some folks really prefer the way it fits their hand.
Title: Re: affordable first handgun
Post by: stangzilla on July 26, 2018, 05:28:21 AM
My friend did ask about a 1911 and Sig p320
I've shot several 1911's and own 2 myself, I love the steel frame and love 1911's almost as much as revolvers so that could be an option
Maybe in a few weeks I'll go with my friend to shoot some handguns maybe narrow the options
Title: Re: affordable first handgun
Post by: drck1000 on July 26, 2018, 09:57:53 AM
This video came out a few days ago, but it's pretty much how I feel about gun selection.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsJSrxQ_MFw

That said, I'm all about trying out different guns and the individual deciding what is right for them.  For me, I came to pretty much the same conclusion as the Bot does in this video a while back.  I'll still try out different guns, but I have stuck with my Glock 17 since nothing else has yet to draw me to change.  The PPQ has come close and I think the CZ P10c and one of the P320 variants might, but not yet.

In any case, this is a great time to get into firearms.  Many excellent choices to choose from as well as opportunities for training. 

As for affordability, I learned quickly that the cost of the gun is the least of my "worries" as a shooter.  It's the ammo costs!   :(
Title: Re: affordable first handgun
Post by: Soleyobo on July 27, 2018, 01:17:33 AM
friend of mine may be getting his first handgun, he's not quite sure yet
he already has an AR.  on occasions brings up "what's a good handgun to get?"
so I'm trying to give options that fit his needs, which are:  affordable, home defense gun so doesn't need to be compact, probably 9mm so ammo is cheaper, good ergonomics
so far I suggested:
Glock 17
CZP10
HK VP9
Springfield XD
S&W M&P
Ruger GP100 (just threw that in bc I'm a Ruger fan, he probably won't go for a revolver but I think its an excellent HD gun)

what other options would you guys add?
thanks.   :shaka:

This was me like 2-3 months ago.  Narrowed my list down to G17, CZp10, HKVP9.
Shot the three and Glock 17 felt the best, HK was a close 2nd.  May end up getting one later on down the road.

Looks like theres a lot of Glock 17 fans in here. 
 O0
Title: Re: affordable first handgun
Post by: RSN172 on July 27, 2018, 06:44:51 AM
I have a G19 Gen 4 and it has a couple thousand rounds through it.  Not a single malfunction.  I have been to FS several times and have seen four malfunctions occur during range time.  None were Glocks.
Title: Re: affordable first handgun
Post by: stangzilla on July 27, 2018, 07:48:57 AM
nobody has mentioned this one. I've never fired one but I've always wanted to.  a lot of people really like this platform.
what do you guys think about a CZ75?
Title: Re: affordable first handgun
Post by: drck1000 on July 27, 2018, 08:14:27 AM
nobody has mentioned this one. I've never fired one but I've always wanted to.  a lot of people really like this platform.
what do you guys think about a CZ75?
I have a CZ Custom shop SP-01 Shadow and love it. In really wanted the base SP-01, but couldn’t find it on stock. Was on a waitlist at SEC for over a year. Ended up getting the Shadow when one came in. It’s a little pricey.

It’s a heavy gun, but that really helps with mitigation of felt recoil. Many will say that the ergos are awesome, but for me they are pretty good, but mostly since I’m used to shooting Glocks. I think the base guns go for around $600-700, but they are hard to find. At least they used to be.
Title: Re: affordable first handgun
Post by: changemyoil66 on July 27, 2018, 08:55:08 AM
nobody has mentioned this one. I've never fired one but I've always wanted to.  a lot of people really like this platform.
what do you guys think about a CZ75?

Not a fan, the slide rides low, so less grip.

Can it be learned, yes it can.  But still not a fan.
Title: Re: affordable first handgun
Post by: drck1000 on July 28, 2018, 11:16:32 AM
I got the CZ 75 SP-01 specifically for competition, but I wouldn’t hesitate to use it for defense. Not my first choice for a defensive handgun, but it’s been a proven performer. Just not quite as widely in the US. The frame does leave less purchase for slide, but it does offer other performance benefits. Like many things for firearms, gotta find what works for the individual.
Title: Re: affordable first handgun
Post by: Drakiir84 on July 30, 2018, 08:38:58 AM
I got the CZ 75 SP-01 specifically for competition, but I wouldn’t hesitate to use it for defense. Not my first choice for a defensive handgun, but it’s been a proven performer. Just not quite as widely in the US. The frame does leave less purchase for slide, but it does offer other performance benefits. Like many things for firearms, gotta find what works for the individual.

Picked up 5k rounds of 22 at Security on Friday.  They had an SP-01 Tactical that I was fiddling with, been on my list for a while.... think I'm gonna have to pull the trigger on that.  Just need to sell that damned revolver lol. 
Title: Re: affordable first handgun
Post by: drck1000 on July 30, 2018, 09:42:37 AM
Picked up 5k rounds of 22 at Security on Friday.  They had an SP-01 Tactical that I was fiddling with, been on my list for a while.... think I'm gonna have to pull the trigger on that.  Just need to sell that damned revolver lol.

Go for it!  Another LIFE instructor bought one around the same time I got my Shadow version.  I didn't get to shoot it, but I know he's taken it through at least one handgun course.  Another instructor has a different Shadow version as well, so quite a few shooting them now.  I mean they aren't primary guns, but I think their features are being appreciated. 
Title: Re: affordable first handgun
Post by: TooFewPews on July 30, 2018, 12:47:15 PM
i don't really care for glocks.  i was shooting someone else's glock this past weekend and it gave me a small amount of slide bite.  i think i shot maybe 4-5 rounds through it, but that was enough to knock the top layer of skin off my shooting hand.  thankfully, there was no blood.
Title: Re: affordable first handgun
Post by: drck1000 on July 30, 2018, 02:08:30 PM
i don't really care for glocks.  i was shooting someone else's glock this past weekend and it gave me a small amount of slide bite.  i think i shot maybe 4-5 rounds through it, but that was enough to knock the top layer of skin off my shooting hand.  thankfully, there was no blood.
Was that in a full size (17, 22) or compact (19, 23) Glock?  You must have some bear paws for hands because I've seen some guys with meaty hands and they seemed to shoot them fine.  If that's the only hangup, the newer Gen Glocks have an extended beavertail grip panel and the Grip Force adapter (there might be another) for other Gen Glocks.
Title: Re: affordable first handgun
Post by: TooFewPews on July 30, 2018, 03:09:43 PM
Was that in a full size (17, 22) or compact (19, 23) Glock?  You must have some bear paws for hands because I've seen some guys with meaty hands and they seemed to shoot them fine.  If that's the only hangup, the newer Gen Glocks have an extended beavertail grip panel and the Grip Force adapter (there might be another) for other Gen Glocks.

it was a full size, Glock 34.  I've had this happen to me with the the 9mm and 40 cal glocks.  i haven't tried the beaver tail backstraps.

keep in mind that i also get hammer bite from non-beavertail 1911s.
Title: Re: affordable first handgun
Post by: drck1000 on July 30, 2018, 03:21:48 PM
it was a full size, Glock 34.  I've had this happen to me with the the 9mm and 40 cal glocks.  i haven't tried the beaver tail backstraps.

keep in mind that i also get hammer bite from non-beavertail 1911s.
I see.  I haven't shot a non-beavertail 1911 in a while.  The only guns that I've shot that threaten slide or hammer bite is Walther PPK and a CZ that looks kinda similar.

What handguns do you prefer? 
Title: Re: affordable first handgun
Post by: Drakiir84 on July 30, 2018, 03:31:25 PM
it was a full size, Glock 34.  I've had this happen to me with the the 9mm and 40 cal glocks.  i haven't tried the beaver tail backstraps.

keep in mind that i also get hammer bite from non-beavertail 1911s.

Do you have chubby hands?  Not teasing, legitimately curious.
Title: Re: affordable first handgun
Post by: drck1000 on July 30, 2018, 03:46:02 PM
Do you have chubby hands?  Not teasing, legitimately curious.
TFP - He really isn’t teasing. More like drawing on personal experience. :P
Title: Re: affordable first handgun
Post by: TooFewPews on July 30, 2018, 04:00:06 PM
I see.  I haven't shot a non-beavertail 1911 in a while.  The only guns that I've shot that threaten slide or hammer bite is Walther PPK and a CZ that looks kinda similar.

What handguns do you prefer?

if i had to buy my first handgun right now, i would buy a VP9 or a p30, depending on whether i had a preference for hammer or striker.  i think that those are better than most others that are at a similar price point so it would satisfy the "affordable" requirement in this discussion topic.

i prefer the euro paddle mag release over the button.

since hawaii does not really allow concealed or open carry, i would prefer a handgun with a full metal frame to help with the recoil, which can be quite substantial for new handgun shooters.

ideally, these would be my preferences for a first handgun:
 - steel (preferably) or aluminum frame - for the added mass
 - double stack magazine - because the tapered top (feed lips) makes reloads easier than single stack guns
 - euro paddle mag release
 - ergos similar to the VP9 or PPQ
 - striker fired or single action only trigger
 - longer barrel in the 4.5 to 5 inch range


i don't have chubby hands, but i do wear a size XL glove.
Title: Re: affordable first handgun
Post by: drck1000 on July 30, 2018, 04:21:51 PM
if i had to buy my first handgun right now, i would buy a VP9 or a p30, depending on whether i had a preference for hammer or striker.  i think that those are better than most others that are at a similar price point so it would satisfy the "affordable" requirement in this discussion topic.

i prefer the euro paddle mag release over the button.

since hawaii does not really allow concealed or open carry, i would prefer a handgun with a full metal frame to help with the recoil, which can be quite substantial for new handgun shooters.

ideally, these would be my preferences for a first handgun:
 - steel (preferably) or aluminum frame - for the added mass
 - double stack magazine - because the tapered top (feed lips) makes reloads easier than single stack guns
 - euro paddle mag release
 - ergos similar to the VP9 or PPQ
 - striker fired or single action only trigger
 - longer barrel in the 4.5 to 5 inch range


i don't have chubby hands, but i do wear a size XL glove.
Cool. Sounds like you put quite a bit of though into your choice. The P30 was prettt pricey last time I saw them in stock. My first handgun was a HK USP 40c. I prefer the thumb mag release, but I’ve always been interested in the VP9. Just would need some time with the paddle release. Still messes me up on the rare occasion that I shoot my HK, but the VP 9 seems like a solid choice.
Title: Re: affordable first handgun
Post by: Drakiir84 on July 30, 2018, 05:34:23 PM
if i had to buy my first handgun right now, i would buy a VP9 or a p30, depending on whether i had a preference for hammer or striker.  i think that those are better than most others that are at a similar price point so it would satisfy the "affordable" requirement in this discussion topic.

i prefer the euro paddle mag release over the button.

since hawaii does not really allow concealed or open carry, i would prefer a handgun with a full metal frame to help with the recoil, which can be quite substantial for new handgun shooters.

ideally, these would be my preferences for a first handgun:
 - steel (preferably) or aluminum frame - for the added mass
 - double stack magazine - because the tapered top (feed lips) makes reloads easier than single stack guns
 - euro paddle mag release
 - ergos similar to the VP9 or PPQ
 - striker fired or single action only trigger
 - longer barrel in the 4.5 to 5 inch range


i don't have chubby hands, but i do wear a size XL glove.
Those aren't hands, they're bear paws lol.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

Title: Re: affordable first handgun
Post by: stangzilla on August 01, 2018, 01:15:00 PM
as voted by TFB viewers top 5 semiauto pistols of all time:
5.  Sig P226
4. 1911
3.  CZ 75
2.  Browning Hi-Power
1.  Glock 19

all great choices.  I would've placed the 1911 hgher
for a new shooter the Glock is hard to beat.  a lot of accessories for the Glock.  hard to narrow it down to 1 handgun


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAC-T1owlx0&t=917s
Title: Re: affordable first handgun
Post by: ren on August 01, 2018, 06:34:48 PM
Gov Ige should help us with an affordable handgun program like housing, since they believe that housing is a right. Well, the 2A is a right too.  :thumbsup:

Every Hawaii citizen should be entitled to a Glock 17 or 19.
Title: Re: affordable first handgun
Post by: drck1000 on August 02, 2018, 12:28:58 PM
as voted by TFB viewers top 5 semiauto pistols of all time:
5.  Sig P226
4. 1911
3.  CZ 75
2.  Browning Hi-Power
1.  Glock 19

all great choices.  I would've placed the 1911 hgher
for a new shooter the Glock is hard to beat.  a lot of accessories for the Glock.  hard to narrow it down to 1 handgun

You should to a "Top 5 Revolver" challenge!   :thumbsup: I know it's killing you that they didn't. 

I'm surprised the BHP came in second.  I always wonder what criteria folks are thinking about to determine "best".  I also am interested whether or not folks actually shoot the guns they vote on. 
Title: Re: affordable first handgun
Post by: stangzilla on August 02, 2018, 02:55:13 PM
You should to a "Top 5 Revolver" challenge!   :thumbsup: I know it's killing you that they didn't. 

If they did a top 5 handguns of all time not limited to semiauto, they'd ALL be revolvers!   :D