Posted on 04/27/2009 6:41:14 AM PDT by Thane_Banquo
My wife and I are planning to buy our first handguns.
My wife seems to want either one of the several S&W revolvers chambered in 357, so she can shoot 38SPL, or possibly the Walther PPK semi-auto.
My dilemma is more complicated. I want a semi-auto, but have yet to pick one, but I like the Beretta PX4 Storm, the IWI Jericho/Baby Eagle (hate the Baby Eagle moniker), the S&W Sigma, or the Glock 17. Glock 17 is probably my least favorite. I've also been told by one friend to stay away from the Baby Eagle, but I've seen good reviews for it.
What are your opinions on these?
I have been told that, as a beginner, I should shoot 9mm to start. Is this true, or is it okay to try 40S&W instead?
If she is looking at the PPK, consider a Bersa Thunder. It is nearly identical, cheaper and gets better reviews. My wife and I both enjoy shooting ours. Of course my wife likes shooting her XD9 Tactical even more.
If you like how the ‘baby eagle’ fits your hand take a look at the CZ75 and the rest of the CZ family. FYI, the CZs and the Jericho are all based off the original Browning HiPower.
If you are looking to maybe carry your gun with a permit sometime go with the Storm or (*bleh*) Glock for the lighter polymer frame. If not the all steel frame might make learning easier (more mass damps recoil and muzzle rise’). It might not though (polymer can dampen vibration and shock to your palm).
It is impossible for someone that does not know you to say what you will like best. Gun handling ‘feel’ is extremely subjective and what bothers one person might not be noticed at all by another. Anyone that tells you different is to be taken with a grain of salt. If at all possible get your hands one one or more of these so you can try them yourself.
As a rank amateur, the .40 is a damn good round from what I’ve read & shot, but it is also an aggressive, snappy, and expensive round that probably isn’t the best to start with. It’s good to rent, though, because it will show defects in your grip because (at least as I found it) it’s very “torquey”. IMHO, you’re better off developing superior technique with lighter, cheaper ammo before you commit to a particular model. Rent and practice a fair amount before you pick one (or two) out.
Regarding recoil, it is generally inversely proportional to the weight of the gun. In other words, a very light gun will produce more felt recoil than a heavier gun shooting the same ammo. Many women who buy very light revolvers discover they are uncomfortable to actually shoot. Recoil can be controlled by gripping the gun FIRMLY (some instructors advise to hold it like you are trying to crush the grip).
The small frame .357’s from Smith are difficult to manage, particularly the light ones. If you go that route, look at the model 60 with a 3” barrel. Still pretty small, but has some heft. The PPK has a crap trigger, and a case can be made for the .380 round being marginal (if you can even find any ammo these days) Get her to look at the Kahr 9 mm’s just for grins.
Of the autos you mentioned the G17 is probably the most available and reliable, but many dislike the way they fit the hand (I can’t abide by the grip shape). I’ve heard the Baby eagle has reliability problems. The Sigma? Ok for the price, but nothing to do cartwheels about. Take a look at the Springfield XD and XDM models, and possibly the S&W M&P.
The best approach once you’ve narrowed it down is to find a range that rents and try them.
For your first handgun, you’ll never go wrong with the .357/.38 - It does everything you want a handgun to do.
I like the Springfiled Armory XD. I have one that chambers .45 ACP, but they have one for everyone. They have a 9mm and 40 S&W. The gun is also available as a sub compact with a three inch barrel (but I think only the 9mm and 40 S&Ws) ideal for concealment. It’s a very reliable gun, a bit ugly if you care about that sort of thing, but really fun to shoot. Many Glock lovers leave their first love for this gun. They also came out this year with the XD(M), which won the NRA handgun of the year. Here is a fun review for you.
http://springfield-armory.primediaoutdoors.com/SPstory11.php
the review is a bit old, so they have actually improved the gun since then. Great, fun gun!
Before you make your choice, try the Springfield XDm. The grip is much more comfortable than a Glock.
Purchase a centerfire defensive handgun you BOTH like, for the second gun buy a 22lr in the same type, revolver or auto.
It's one thing to purchase, it's totally another to feed it. To be profiecient with a handgun means trigger-time. You'll get more out of the 22 because the ammo is relatively cheaper, recoil is negligble, and you concentrate more on proper sight alignment, grip, stance, etc.
DITTO. An experienced shooter can realize the benefits in the semi-autos. Conceivability, number of rounds, easy fast reloading. But there are also too many things to remember under stress. Did you chamber a round? Is the safety off? With the revolver, its just point and pull the trigger. And less parts to break down when cleaning. And you will be cleaning it allot as you learn to shoot it.
I would go with a revolver for the first handgun.
Good advice. I’d add that you then buy the one that you like the best emotionally, and think is the coolest (as long as it’s at least a 38 or 9mm.)
The intention was to have her shoot 38SP and then, if she ever gets to the point where she wants to try it, she can shoot 357M. Or I can shoot 357M through it when she's not using it. I'm 6'1", 225lbs. She's 5'3.5", 120 lbs. Not sure if she's ever bea ble to handle 357M.
LLS
The guns you’re interested in cover a broad spectrum that suggests you need to get to a range with some rental guns and try them out.
Think about what feels good in your hand, easy to maintain, and in these days, easy to get ammo for.
I second that.
Off paper is nearly a must. The advice about the .22 and a range that rents are sound, too.
The slide on the Glocks are something you definitely want to try out. I might suggest that if you go that way, you see if your wife can operate the slide, just in case she needs to use your gun in a pinch.
Good advice. I’d add that you then buy the one that you like the best emotionally, and think is the coolest (as long as it’s at least a 38 or 9mm.)
Hand Gun of the Year (Rifeman mag) -— XD-40M.
Also, any time you handle a gun for feel make sure to compare it to others of the same model in different calibers. Many guns are in 40, 9 and 45 (sometimes more) and each one has a subtlety different size and shape grip. You might think one feels a bit small and but the next caliber feels just right.
Some people have pointed at that .40s&w is a fair bit ‘snappier’ than 9 which is true. Some are saying the ammo is expensive and hard to find which is NOT true. It might be true where THEY live but it is not the case everywhere. In fact with all the demand for ammo these days it might be easier to find than the more popular .45 and 9mmm. The last time I bought 40 it was at walmart and the price was almost identical to the 9mm and they had a lot more .40 in stock.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.