[AFerree]

I am looking for my first hand gun and have been looking at Glocks, 1911's, and Beretta's. What are you guy's opinion? Only thing it has to be is a full size semi-auto and a minimum caliber of 9mm.

[GaryGlock]

What's your price range? Do you have much experience with fire arms or will this be your first?

[downsouth]

Don't forget about cz in your search.

[AFerree]

I do own a few firearms and shot many but no handguns, price range from $500 to $800, and not limited to the pistols I said, I wanted ya'lls opinion on any firearm out there.

[orangello]

I LOVE my CZ75b and got a deal on it for $400 lightly used, but for you could probably pick up a Ruger P95 for around $300 (32 round promag, cheap at CDNN).

edit* If you don't mind paying for .45acp ammo, i do LOVE my Springfield XD45 with the 5" barrel. It has yet to misfire or jam. It cost me like $570 a few years ago, about $520+ffl fee now. http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/21_24/products_id/31171/Springfield+45ACP+5%22+Black+Package


The Ruger P95, like $318 + ffl fee, but the ammo savings can really add up. If this will be all target toy, 9mm will save you a bit.

[danf_fl]

Might I suggest that you change the title to "What pistols should I avoid?"

There so many "good" pistols, and just a few "bad". Your list would be a lot shorter.

[axxe55]

personally i would not really concentrate on a particular platform or brand. just go to a gun store and look and hold as many as possible until you find the one that suits your hand the best. if you have a range that rents, shoot as many different ones as possible and find the one like the best.

[GaryGlock]

Your not scraping the bottom of the barrel with that price range, you have quite a wide variety of quality semis out there.

As others have I said I would handle and if you can shoot a variety before you choose.

I would look at Cz, M&Ps, Xds, some 1911s would be on your price range, all fine pistols.

[Dizzll]

I'd shoot everything you can get your hands on. There are subtle differences in each platform these days and it's really a personal thing. If it your first firearm I'd strongly reccomend 9mm. It is easiest and cheapest to shoot and if you want to step up in caliber later, you will never regret having a 9 in you rinventory. I reccomend M&P, Glock and Springfield XD series as great starting points in your search due to price, and availability of parts and accessories.

[Old_Crow]

The Ruger P95 makes a great first pistol. It's inexpensive, yet reliable and accurate. The P95 is chambered in 9mm. It's a DA/SA and the DA is stiff enough you can carry it like a revolver. After a year or so you will have a better idea of what you want. The odds are very high that no matter what you buy for a second pistol you will keep the P95.