Advice wanted for a handgun newbie

[s1mp13m4n]

Hello everyone. I am new to guns and do not own one yet. I have taken and passed my CHP class but do not have my permit yet. I am in the market for a "jack of all trades" handgun (if that exists). My goal is self defense, concealed carry, apartment defense, and practice at the range. I am saving for one gun right now so I am trying to find a do it all firearm realizing that there is no perfect gun. I have been doing some reading and looking at balistics and it seems that the 9mm is a good overall round to shoot and carry. I have been looking at the semi auto because of this plus the revolver seems harder to shoot to me. I have a limited firearms budget and was trying to get the best quality I can afford without buying junk. I have been looking at the Ruger LC9 but that little thing has a nice snap to it when you shoot it. I was wondering about the S&W SD9VE. It has a nice price on it but I am wondering why it is so inexpensive compared to a Glock or XD. Is the SD9VE a quality firearm or is it cheap junk? I am not planning on shooting 1000 rounds a month through it. Can you conceal a handgun of that size without buying a new wardrobe? LOL I am also considering S&W because as far as I know they are made in the USA, so that just adds to the fun rather than buying a gun made in some other country. I would like your thoughts on this and I am open to semi auto and revolver.

 

[GKC]

My first recommendation is to find a range/shop that rents handguns, and go try several. What works for me, and what I recommend, you may not like at all...and it can be an expensive proposition to buy handguns just to find out you don't like them. You can also take a class on firearm safety and use, which would be very beneficial for a first time gun owner.

Many will recommend a revolver for a first handgun. A revolver is indeed simpler to use and maintain, but it isn't foolproof, and if there is a malfunction on a revolver, you usually can't clear it in the field like you usually can a semi-auto. My personal preference is for a semi-auto, both for capacity, flatter profile for carry, and because I just like them better. That is of course a personal preference.

As you mentioned, there isn't a one-does-all weapon of any kind...but if I were you, I would buy a Shield 9mm. First of all, it is small and easy to carry. The 9mm round is sufficient for self-defense, with the right ammo. It is inexpensive, compared to other calibers, which will allow you to shoot more often. The Shield is accurate and reliable. It is inexpensive, selling for between $400 to $450 in most places...the downside is right now they are hard to find.

What pistol you can conceal is dependent on your body type, your mode of dress, and your willingness to dress around the gun. Many carry a full size steel 1911, so it can be done. The best gun is the one you will carry with you, not leave at home, so it should be one that is comfortable for you to carry. This will vary widely by individual.

The SD9 is a good pistol, but many gun snobs deride it simply because of its low price. It does have a heavier trigger than most striker-fired guns, to act as a type of safety, and many find it hard to shoot accurately because of the pull. If you practice enough to become proficient with it, it will serve you well...but I think you would like a M&P, either the Shield, or a M&P 9c, much better. They are somewhat more expensive, but worth it.

I don't care for the LC9...I've had one, and I didn't care for the trigger. A personal quirk of mine is that I like to be able to take out the striker and clean out the channel periodically, and I don't want to have to knock out pins to do so. It is very easy to take out the strikers on the M&P pistols...no pins to knock out.

I've owned Glocks, and they just don't fit my hands like a M&P does. Right now, many Glocks (Gen 4 and late Gen 3 models) are suffering from an ejection problem. I wouldn't recommend a Glock now.

Good luck with your choice!

 

[snubbyfan]

I'm a revolver guy and I'd suggest you get a full size revolver like a 4" S&W model 64 or 67 and learn how to shoot it. trigger control, loading/unloading, cleaning, sight picture, proper grip, etc.. Then after you become competent with it you can pick up or trade for a snubby. A snubby is more difficult to shoot accurately then a K frame but with practice it's possible. You also need to determine how you're going to carry it, iwb, owb or pocket carry. My 442 serves all the purposes you covered and I can carry it concealed without having to get a whole new wardrobe. It rides either on my belt under an untucked shirt or in my right front pocket.
The same applies to a semi, it's easier and more satisfying to learn on a full size gun than a compact or sub-compact. You can always trade for a smaller more concealable gun after you feel you've become proficient with your chosen platform.

 

[Tliryc]

My first recommendation is to find a range/shop that rents handguns, and go try several. What works for me, and what I recommend, you may not like at all...and it can be an expensive proposition to buy handguns just to find out you don't like them.

Excellent advice! If you are completely new to handguns I would also suggest finding a range with instructors and taking some basic handgun classes. The prices I've seen for these classes is relatively inexpensive ($50 for the first class 20 -30 for additional)considering the cost for attorneys ($200+/hr) if you have to use deadly force and miss your attacker but hit an innocent bystander.

 

[s1mp13m4n]

I have been around guns with my cousin, uncle, and step dad, but I have never owned one. I am watching NRA and Thunder Ranch training videos so I can gain knowledge at home for the moment. The M&P Shield is not in my local gunshot so I can not look at it. I am not sure if I want a small subcompact or a slightly larger compact model. I feel that a large compact though a little harder to conceal will be easier to shoot and learn with then a small pocket gun. What is the difference between the S&W SD9 VE and say an M&P9C? Why does the M&P cost so much more, they seem to be similar guns. Some say the trigger on the SD9 VE is not so good, but as a newbie would I really notice? Could the trigger not be fixed with a trigger job or spring kit for not much money? I am in my learning phase, it is fun.

 

[Tliryc]

My friend that I shoot with bought the SD40 VE and it shot well enough for him to pass his CHL class today as well with a score of 242 out of 250. I've shot it a few times and liked it but it doesn't fit my hand like the Shield does. I also own a M&P9c and prefer the way it feels in the hand compared to the SD VE. I really think it is a very personal choice when it comes to a gun. If you like the way it fits your hand and it feels comfortable then you can, with training, probably shoot well with it.

 

[s1mp13m4n]

Why is the SD9VE so inexpensive in its class compared to similar guns of its size? I realize it is not a match grade gun, but that is ok. Should I simply not worry about its good price and add it to my list of guns to check out? With this being my first gun, I am concerned that over time the gun will not hold up or last compared to a more expensive model. Maybe it is newbie fear. I am all about good value for the money, heck I am a Walmart guy and do not shop and department stores. Is the SD9 cheap because of so so quality or is it a good blend of the money being put where it is needed to make it a quality firearm?

 

[GKC]

You may want to spend some time reading the Sigma and SD subsection of the S&W Semi-automatic pistols section of this forum. I think it is fair to say that the majority of those who have a Sigma or SD finds them to be good pistols, and certainly well worth the money. I've had both a Sigma and a SD9, and I liked them...I buy/sell/trade often, and they just went to help fund other guns. I had no problems with mine.

Why are they so cheap? I don't know. They don't have the same internals in some respects as do the M&P line, but they are by no means cheaply made or have shoddy workmanship. I suppose that S&W built them to a price point to compete with Glock, and that with the advent of the M&P line, the lower demand for them is reflected in the price. They aren't designed as target guns, but I think most find them acceptably accurate. I don't know if there have been any recent developments in refining the trigger, as I don't spend any time in the Sigma/SD section, but at the time I had mine, there wasn't a lot of improvement to be had. Some, but not down to 5 pounds or so, by any means.

I wouldn't mind having a SD9 again, as a gun to carry in the car. In fact, I tried to find one recently, and none of the shops in the area had one...they had lots of SD40s, but no SD9s. Even Academy Sports didn't have any, and said they didn't have any in their supply chain either. (I don't know if the salesman was giving me a line because he didn't want to contact other stores for me.) I ended up buying a very new (Oct 2012) M&P 9 FS that I found in a local shop at a good price, and it apparently has the new Shield trigger system in it, or it has a very good standard trigger, for it feels better than any other M&Ps I have owned, other than my Shields.

 

[s1mp13m4n]

Thanks for the help on that. I will try and find the SD9 VE to look at it and try it. It may be all I really need. I do not have the budget to buy/sell/trade many firearms. I am the person who will buy one now and learn it the best I can and know the gun inside and out and get my skills up on that gun rather than change guns because of my poor skills. My thoughts are that the gun will be more accurate than I am. LOL

 

[GKC]

Thanks for the help on that. I will try and find the SD9 VE to look at it and try it. It may be all I really need. I do not have the budget to buy/sell/trade many firearms. I am the person who will buy one now and learn it the best I can and know the gun inside and out and get my skills up on that gun rather than change guns because of my poor skills. My thoughts are that the gun will be more accurate than I am. LOL

Many guns are more accurate than many of us are!

I've had a good time buying/selling/trading, because it was a lot of fun. I'm getting to a point now, though, that I need to slow down and consolidate to a few keepers, and spend my gun money on ammo. I don't know why they call retirement living on a fixed budget....it feels "broke" to me!

Good luck to you in your choice and experience...if you spend some time with your SD9, I think you will find the trigger will smooth out over time and be manageable. There may be some additional suggestions now on the SD sub-forum, as I mentioned.

 

[Tliryc]

With this being my first gun, I am concerned that over time the gun will not hold up or last compared to a more expensive model.

Maintain the gun properly and I think it will last you just as long as any other gun. Like I said the SD40 shot just fine. I was able to put rounds on target, center mass, at 7 yards (under controlled conditions) my first time shooting it with no problems and I consider myself a novice handgun shooter.

 

[Faulkner]

I think you've done a pretty good job initially picking out four quality 9mm's in the Glock, XD, LC9, and SD9. Any of these will likely do you excellent service.

I can appreciate that it's hard to determine a choice when you have no first hand experiance with any of them. My first bit of advice is don't let price determine the decision. If you don't currently have the funds to get what you really want, hold off and save up until you do and you won't be disappointed.

Personally for me, my choice would be Glock 19 or 26 first choice by a wide margin, Ruger LC9 second choice, XD and SD tied for 3rd. (By the way, the Ruger is an American manufacturer as well as S&W). Again, I think the LC9, XD, and SD would serve you well and I've shot them all, but after 10's of thousands of rounds through Glock's that go 'bang' every time you pull the trigger, my experiance is they are just about the best overall semi-automatic handgun ever made. Of course, opinions do vary and are respected.

 

[Old cop]

Excellent advise all around here. A general rule of thumb is for EDC bigger heavier guns eventually get left behind while small and light is always with you.

 

[JJEH]

I have taken and passed my CHP class but do not have my permit yet.

I don't know if I missed it, but with what handgun did you use in the class?

I had the LC9 and didn't like the trigger, but I do like the M&P9c.

Like already mentioned above, try to find a shop/range were you can rent different firearms and try them out. The one you are most comfortable with, that's the one you should go with.

Clean/Maintain your inventory properly and regularly and it will outlive you

 

[Tenn2]

I think you've done a pretty good job initially picking out four quality 9mm's in the Glock, XD, LC9, and SD9. Any of these will likely do you excellent service.

I can appreciate that it's hard to determine a choice when you have no first hand experiance with any of them. My first bit of advice is don't let price determine the decision. If you don't currently have the funds to get what you really want, hold off and save up until you do and you won't be disappointed.

Personally for me, my choice would be Glock 19 or 26 first choice by a wide margin, Ruger LC9 second choice, XD and SD tied for 3rd. (By the way, the Ruger is an American manufacturer as well as S&W). Again, I think the LC9, XD, and SD would serve you well and I've shot them all, but after 10's of thousands of rounds through Glock's that go 'bang' every time you pull the trigger, my experiance is they are just about the best overall semi-automatic handgun ever made. Of course, opinions do vary and are respected.

I have to agree with most of this but, I think the trigger pull on the Glock might be a little on the light side for a first handgun. I own several and like them. The 19 is one of my favorites. Try out all of them if you can.
Russ

 

[Lost Lake]

Hello everyone. I am in the market for a "jack of all trades" handgun (if that exists).

There is one gun that is the 'Jack of all trades'...

The M&P40c. Here's why:

The 40c accepts a factory 9mm or .357 barrel ($65 at Midway) and allows you to shoot three different calibers.

The 40c accepts full size grips so at the range you can have a full size gun, and when you put in the stock mag you have a small carry gun.

All M&Pc's come with replaceable back straps to custom fit your hand.

All M&Pc's come with a lifetime service warranty.

I wouldn't recommend a 40c for a first timer, but you could get a 9c, just know that you can't change the caliber like you can with a 40.

I buy a lot from Bud's Police and they are out of 9c's at the moment. They do have a 40c for $399. These a first responder guns so you need to qualify, but if you are security, volunteer fire, EMT, airplane pilot, cop, etc. you will qualify. There is no sales tax, free shipping and a third magazine is included at this price. S&W M&P40C 40S&W Fixed Sights NMS for Sale at Buds Gun Shop $399.00

I also saw that CDNN has the M&P .357c on sale for $399. Anyone qualifies at CDNN, but you only get 2 magazines and probably pay shipping.

 

[aquafresh9]

This is a good thread (as all of them are). I consider myself to still be a newbie, but I wanted to chime in on what I did. My first gun was a SW9VE, which the value is good and I now use it as a back up home defense gun. I carry a M&P9C and I couldn't be happier, I only regret purchasing the full size mag. It's for sell if anyone wants it.

 

[alwslate]

An often overlooked gun in these discussions is the Beretta 92FS
Centurion. This is the full size frame Beretta with a shorter barrel and
slide, like a Colt Commander. It is a bit large for a compact but it is
an outstanding gun. Best of all it can be had in a double action only
model, which is the version I own. The lack of a hammer spur and
safety levers reduces the size a bit. Double action only and with
second strike capability keeps thing simple for those with limited
experience. Same magazines and many other parts as the U S
service pistol makes for lots of owner support.

 

[kisportolt]

My girlfriend's dad owns an SD9 and i have shot it a number of times. It is a nice gun, and priced right for someone just getting started. Not sure on your build, but I know he is able to conceal carry it (though prefers OWB). If you treat it properly and maintain it well, the gun will outlast you. And as for accuracy, you will be the more important factor in that.

The best way to truly tell is to handle and shoot the guns and see how it feels to you. Visit some ranges and shops, and dont rush the decision. Brand loyalty isn't always the right answer, base your decision on your comfort with the guns. And dont think that if you get a S&W it has to be a M&P, the SD series are good guns too.

 

[Tanners Owner]

Will echo that you've had some good advice here. Think key here is to try some out- make the investment in a rental range with a few off the guns here before you buy, as after shooting you may find what you thought would be great, isn't.
Perhaps another thought is a used revolver- I found a M15 for $300 that I use in IDPA and love it. There are some steals out there on the used revolver market.
Good luck!