New to handgunning. Advice.

[zacschmuk]

A little background. I grew up around guns, but for whatever reason, all long guns. I'm looking for a pistol to buy. It'll be my first. My experience is limited to mostly a Browning buckmark.
My budget is about $450. The sdve series has caught my eye, and the price leaves room for ammo. I'd like to shoot one before I buy, buy none of the ranges around rent them. Do other guns in the same caliber feel similar? I.E. an M&P40 to an SD40VE.
Any advice is appreciated. Thanks.


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[sophie]

Welcome to the forum from Texas.

[retired_diver]

There is a thread here in this "SD / Sigma" forum called "SD9 compared to SD9ve". It is very well done talking about the differences between the two. If you can't rent one at a range then at least rent a 40sw in the same size and shoot that to see if a 40 is for you. The trouble with a M&P is it is out of your price bracket they are mostly going for some where around $520 in Washington. At least hold and dry fire any of your choices at the LGS pick what feels best to you.

[Mazz]

Welcome. Every gun feels different in the hand. Looks like you may have decided on 40 S&W for a caliber. Ask yourself, "What is the purpose for a handgun?" If it is for self or home defense, you may want to consider 357 mag or 45ACP for calibers as well. If it will be simply a range gun, maybe 9mm or 38. All I am saying is, really dig into why you want a handgun and what its intended purpose is, and then try to match the gun to that end. There are a lot of guns out there, a lot to choose from, so you want to do it right the first time if you can.

[zacschmuk]

Just got back from the range. Went with my brother. We shot an M&P40 and a compact XD in .40 as well. He fulfilled a dream and rented a baretta 92.
My main concern was the recoil. After talking with guys at work, and reading the internet, reviews on .40S&W were mixed. Snappy recoil being the biggest among them. I knew I'd have to shoot a few and see how I liked it. I liked it. I didn't notice much difference in recoil, nor did my brother.
The clerk and I compared an M&P side by side to an SD40VE. Pretty similar.
I think I'll be picking one up soon. The shop we were at gives 30 days of free range time. So I can get some practice in.


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[raymo2u]

The 92 is a bigger handgun and from what i recall heavier, the recoil would be negligible to compare. A glock in 40 would of been a better comparison. My first handgun was a 40 SIG p250c. I thought it would be a great gun, Ive shot lots of other heavier handguns in the same caliber and 9mm. The Sig shot low and left no matter what, i was flynching, i traded the slide and barrel for a 9mm and after switchinges i was dead on. I was became more confident in myself and then i got a 40 after a year. After a few months of practicing with the 40 i was comfortable...you should take steps it may turn you away if you Cant hit anything at first