What and Why

[Sigmanluke]

I'm just curious as to what the first handgun that everyone purchased was, and why you made the decision you did. Please add ALL determining factors into your post, including but not limited to:

-brand reputation
-caliber
-capacity
-single/double stack
-feel
-manual of arms
-manual safety or no manual safety
-trigger
-looks
-quality
-accessories
-rail
-reliability
-cost

These are in no particular order, but I've heard people mention all as factors in their choice. If you have any other factors, what were/are they?

My first handgun was a SigSauer P220R which is a .45acp

When I first started looking into buying a handgun, I really didn't know much about them. I began my search by going to my local range, they rent a variety of guns so I shot them all. I first shot to determine which caliber I wanted. After shooting everything from 380 to .45, I found that I shoot the .45acp as well as any other caliber, so I wanted the bullet that makes the biggest hole.

I then proceeded to shoot all the different .45s I could get my hands on. I found that I don't like having to manipulate a manual safety. I also don't like the feel of grip, and trigger safeties. I didn't really prefer single or double stack, just a gun that fit my hand well. I like the decockers, but not the decocker/safety such as on some/all of the Rugers.

While shooting many different makes and models, I found that I had failures with these makes:

-Baretta
-Taurus
-Glock
-Springfield
-Kimber
-Ruger
I had no failures with:

-HK
-FN
-SigSauer
-S&W

After shooting quite a bit, I did some research an different brands, and read lots of reviews. I determined that the best fit for me, was the above mentioned gun.

What and how did you decide what to buy?

[Brian P]

Originally Posted by Sigmanluke

I'm just curious as to what the first handgun that everyone purchased was, and why you made the decision you did. Please add ALL determining factors into your post, including but not limited to:

-brand reputation
-caliber
-capacity
-single/double stack
-feel
-manual of arms
-manual safety or no manual safety
-trigger
-looks
-quality
-accessories
-rail
-reliability
-cost

These are in no particular order, but I've heard people mention all as factors in their choice. If you have any other factors, what were/are they?

My first handgun was a SigSauer P220R which is a .45acp

When I first started looking into buying a handgun, I really didn't know much about them. I began my search by going to my local range, they rent a variety of guns so I shot them all. I first shot to determine which caliber I wanted. After shooting everything from 380 to .45, I found that I shoot the .45acp as well as any other caliber, so I wanted the bullet that makes the biggest hole.

I then proceeded to shoot all the different .45s I could get my hands on. I found that I don't like having to manipulate a manual safety. I also don't like the feel of grip, and trigger safeties. I didn't really prefer single or double stack, just a gun that fit my hand well. I like the decockers, but not the decocker/safety such as on some/all of the Rugers.

While shooting many different makes and models, I found that I had failures with these makes:

-Baretta
-Taurus
-Glock
-Springfield
-Kimber
-Ruger
I had no failures with:

-HK
-FN
-SigSauer
-S&W

After shooting quite a bit, I did some research an different brands, and read lots of reviews. I determined that the best fit for me, was the above mentioned gun.

What and how did you decide what to buy?

My First handgun purchase was a Sig Sauer P2340 .40 cal back in about 1998.
I bought it after I had done some fairly extensive reading in magazines about the quality of Sig products, Then I noticed an add in the paper that had the above pistol on sale at Doug's S-n-S, I went and looked at it and had a chance to shoot a used one, I fell in love with it, I carried that pistol for almost 5 years, Then it sat in my desk for a few more years before it changed ownership to another member here.

Things I liked about it, Not necessarily in any order, Just off the top of my head...

weight
reputation
appearance
price compared to other Sig products
Grip size

Things that would have changed if I knew now...

I would have purchased a more compact carry pistol
caliber, I think .40 is great, But anything above a 9mm works for me.

I looked online and talked with friends about different brands of pistols they have and had also gone to a few gun shows where I looked over quite a few different weapons, I ended up with another Sig Sauer pistol It may be a much maligned(to some) p250, But with 800 rounds through it already, I'm happy with my choice.
Nice thread!

[Sigmanluke]

One thing I forgot to mention in my OP is that I don't like DAO triggers. That's my ONLY problem with the P250. I shot one belonging to a friend of mine a few weeks ago, I just can't get used to that LOOOOOOOOONG trigger pull every time.

[Brian P]

Originally Posted by Sigmanluke

One thing I forgot to mention in my OP is that I don't like DAO triggers. That's my ONLY problem with the P250. I shot one belonging to a friend of mine a few weeks ago, I just can't get used to that LOOOOOOOOONG trigger pull every time.

I hear it all the time, It really hasn't bothered me

[SAMI]

I test drove a Sig .40 and a Springfield XD40 side by side, and couldn't stand the way that the Sig felt in my hands. I was kind of bummed, because for several months I was 100% set on picking up a Sig. I felt that the extra money in the Sig would be well worth it, when compared to the XD40.. But, the XD40 felt just right. Why .40 caliber? I have no clue, I just never considered a 9mm for some reason and didn't pay much attention to the .45. I went into the whole gun purchase with little overall info.. But I doubt you get the prefect gun for you on the first purchase.

I ended up with a Springfield XD40 subcompact and enjoy the hell out of it. It's got a bit more muzzle flip than the service model that I tested, but that is to be expected and hasn't been much of an issue for me. I will say that price was a big factor one day when I saw my gun on KSL brand new at a killer price. I had to have it right then.

Prior to picking up the XD40sc I did a lot of research online on forums, e-articles, and magazine articles. I found their reported reliability to be what I wanted in a firearm. Along with that, i've not had any failures thus far.. Though i've only got 600 or so rounds through my XD. I did also like the no sight indicators that allow you to feel if you cocked and locked in the dark. I also like the safety mechanisms on the XD pistols. I do not want to fumble with a mechanical safety if/when SHTF.

I would like to find a good smaller caliber pocket pistol for a backup piece down the road. But for now, I want to get familiar and comfortable with my XD40sc. Though, I'd love to have a 1911 due to it's badassness as well..

[Sigmanluke]

SAMI

Which Sig .40 did you shoot? There is the P226, P229, (both double stack mags) and the P239 (single stack).

[SAMI]

I wish I knew. I have no clue which Sig it was. This would have been over a year ago.

[W.R.Buchanan]

The first pistol I ever bought was a S&W model 29 8 3/8" bbl. .44 Magnum

I bought it because Dirty Harry used one similar. I paid $395 in 1978. It was one of the best guns I have ever owned and I wish I had never sold it.

It was accurate, 1.5" groups at 25yds with my handloads and my cast bullets. I shot mainly .44 Special cases with cast bullets in it loaded to about 950FPS.

I was 28 at the time and could hit a 5 gallon can at 125 yds everytime.

The gun was very well made and I used to sit in front of the TV at night and hold it and admire the fine workmanship. It was a real masterpiece. When in the field with this gun on your hip you felt significantly bigger than you actually were. Definately King of the Valley, and well armed!!!

I still have all of my brass and currently load it for my Marlin 1894 rifle and my Ruger Bisley. Believe me when I say, there is no comparison between the Smith and the Ruger.

The Ruger was $575 and a new M29 is $1200 if you can find one. There is that much difference!

I will be finding another one soon but I really want one with a 4" bbl this time as there is little or no advantage in the 8" bbl velocity wise, and they are much harder to carry

Randy

[SAMI]

But the 8" barrel is sooooooo cool!

I love that you bought your first firearm because of inspiration from dirty harry.

[Sigmanluke]

I thought Dirty Harry carried a .41MAG

[Rusted]

Start about 1:45 for the classic line

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnMLGkj91Og

[W.R.Buchanan]

I had wanted one of those guns for several years because of the movie, but at the time it was very difficult for smaller gun shops to get a M29 without buying many other "less desirable" models at the same time.

I was Mill Wrighting in Taft CA, and stopped into the local hardware store after work and there it sat. It had been on the shelf a total of 15 minutes before I got there, I had just gotten paid a $1200 paycheck for one week so for me it was a no brainer.

The first shot with .44 magnum loads woke me right the F%^& up, and made my ears ring for 2 days. I stuffed cigarette butts in my ears to finish the cylinder and then I converted to .44 Special rounds for the rest of the shooting session.

I had that gun for about 4 years and put close to 3000 rounds thru it. Mostly .44 Special handloads with cast 240gr bullets.

The gun was very accurate and would consistantly put 5 shots in a 1.5" group at 25 yards. I never hunted with it and the gun was used mainly for target shooting and plinking. Something satisfying about hitting a full milk jug with a big slug like that and watching it explode!!!

I bought my first .44 mag gun in 30 years,,, a Marlin Rifle, 3 years ago, but I always wanted a .44 sixgun again. The Smiths are much more expensive now and I ended up buying a Ruger Bisley which I got last year. I haven't gotten a chance to work up accurate loads specifically for that gun yet, but I'm sure it will perform like the Smith did, back in the day. The .44 is an easy round to get to work right.

Here's a pic of the Marlin Rifle and the Ruger. I had the barrel shortened to 5" and replaced the sights on the Ruger, it will also get a free spin pawl and a lighter mainspring.
It shoots OK, but it will shoot much better as soon as I can work up loads for it. Both the rifle and pistol are more than capible of taking anything in NA, including most cars and some light trucks. .44 good!

That line DH used in the movie,,,,Well,,, it's not just BS!

Anything you hit with a .44 is gone for good!

Randy

[Tacoma]

Originally Posted by Sigmanluke

-Baretta did not like the fit of any of their pistols
-Taurus same with these
-Glock don't like the grip angle, but like the idea, may get some
-Springfield meh
-Kimber awful time w/3 different friends and their random stovepipes
-Ruger owned a P89, horrible gun. Sloppy slide, sharp edges, stovepipes, grip fell off. Hate that gun, gave it away
I had no failures with:

-HK liked the USP Compact very much, mag release was all wrong. Early models also had way-too-aggressive checkering that felt like a meat tenderizer in my palm. Muzzle flip w/ the composite frame was also more than I was happy with, but not horrible.
-FN liked these, but a wee bit too RoboCop for me.
-SigSauer got a couple
-S&W little bulky for me, also angry w/the Clinton copout, looking into their .45's though

]

My first gun was a Sig P228, which I got for the following reasons:

-brand reputation Sig has a great reputation for quality, accuracy, and functional awesomeness.
-caliber Got a 9mm mostly for capacity, and because there wasn't much in the way of smaller .45's when I got it.. Not as much of an issue now.
-capacity see above
-single/double stack see above, double stack
-feel Was very strongly considering an HK but the Sig fits my hand like a glove. All controls are usable w/out changing my grip. The HK's mag release requires me to cant the gun, which I just didnt' like.
-manual of arms Very easy to strip and maintain a Sig.
-manual safety or no manual safety No manual safety, one less thing to get in the way when it counts. I trust the trigger interlock on Sigs.
-trigger Mine is a bit notchy and kind of a heavy pull on the first shot, but has a very tangible take-up in pressure and a noticeable release point that saved at least one guy's life when he walked into my old apartment at 2am. Could be a bit smoother/lighter
-looks EBP! Looks like a GUN, not a toy.I kind of dig the angular lines.
-quality No complaints! fit and finish was good. I did change the grip screws out for Allen heads. Flathead screws aren't right on that gun ahahah
-accessories [COLOR="red"] didn't want any[/COLOR}
-rail none
-reliability No issues yet
-cost Not as affordable as some, but I got a sweet deal from a gun dealer in the family, and refurbs are a good deal now too

[HoboBoxerJoe]

My first was a Beretta 92FS 9mm. I was at Doug's Shoot N Sports and there was actually a news crew down there, right before Obama got elected, everyone was in a frenzy buying up guns. I just happened to finally have enough money, lol. Anyway, I got interviewed and told him there was no point in worrying about our 2nd ammendment being taken away. I really went into the handgun craze ignorant. I didn't know much about the Beretta other than it was a popular model. With hindsight I wish I would have gone with a Glock 19 or 26 (Which is what I'm looking for now). Eventually I sold it, even though I never had a problem with it. And I purchased a Kimber TLE 2 which I've kept. I also got a Springfield XDm .40 which I had to sell unfortunately. But I did this all within a 3 month span, lol. I went gun crazy.