Thoughts on good but inexpensive starter pistol

[pinchel (Rob)]

Thoughts on good but inexpensive starter pistol? Go

[Chuy]

Glock 19, best all around proven reliable weapon for the money.

Navy SEALs Switching from SIG SAUER P226/P229 to GLOCK 19
http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2015/12/robert-farago/navy-seals-switching-from-sig-sauer-p226p229-to-glock-19/

Naval Special Warfare to adopt Glock 19
http://www.gunnuts.net/2015/12/10/naval-special-warfare-to-adopt-glock-19/

FBI goes back to 9mm with Glock
http://www.guns.com/2016/06/30/fbi-goes-back-to-9mm-with-glock/   

 

Glock pistols approved for special operations Marines
http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/story/military/2015/02/17/glock-19-pistols-approved-for-marsoc-operators/23548847/

[Pax (Eric)]

I have 7 different pistols and out of all the glock 19 is my favorite. to me its the perfect size and pretty accurate.

[pinchel (Rob)]

So seems like price to pay for one new is about $350, that seem right?

[Chuy]

So seems like price to pay for one new is about $350, that seem right?

I have never seen one sell used for that cheap. Blue Label I think is around $400+ new. Expect to pay between $450-$500.

$350 is what a surplus Makarov goes for or maybe a Canik.

[Pax (Eric)]

So seems like price to pay for one new is about $350, that seem right?

A gen 3 brand new is around 450 depending on the shop, Gen 4 are around 550 but you can get them used for about 400

[Unknown]

If you keep your eye out for used police trade ins you can get a good deal sometimes.

[pinchel (Rob)]

If you keep your eye out for used police trade ins you can get a good deal sometimes.

Sounds sketchy... haha

[Hammer (Avi)]

If you keep your eye out for used police trade ins you can get a good deal sometimes.

Sounds sketchy... haha

Not sketchy, they are usually well maintained.  Whatever you buy shoot it first, for me and a lot of people the Glocks have too much of an angle between the grip and barrel making them hard to shoot.  You'll want to figure out if you like single stack, double stack, compact, sub compact, or pocket.  Those are the most common carry and CC you'll run into.  I'd pick a caliber, go to the range, buy 100 rounds in that caliber and test out a bunch of guns. 

[Ghostrider]

So seems like price to pay for one new is about $350, that seem right?

I have never seen one sell used for that cheap. Blue Label I think is around $400+ new. Expect to pay between $450-$500.

$350 is what a surplus Makarov goes for or maybe a Canik.

That is excellent price, I paid more for mine.  The Glock 9 is easy to shoot, maintain and out of the box is a great value. The only thing I changed was the day sites to night sights.   I had no teething issues  like I have on my  S&W 40. All thought I like how the 40 cal shoots.

[Ghostrider]

The other consideration is it is a good carry conceal sidearm even with a 9" length.  Hollow points even up the Caliber issue. Right now until I get y mods done on the S&W 40 I trust the Glock19to fire under any circumstance.

[AZGeorge]

My thoughts:

Go to Shooter's World and rent an instructor for a couple hours ($50/hr or so) and rent various pistols.  Have the instructor help you determine which gun fits your hand; one that you feel comfortable with.  In my experience with SW just off Indian School (and 27th Ave, I think), their instructors are engaged and interested in your safety and satisfaction.  They are also passionate about their craft.

Might end up costing you $150 or so, but that's a small investment to make sure you buy the right gun.  Think that's expensive?  Think about how much money you'll waste on ammo if the gun doesn't fit well with you; the irritation you'll feel; and ultimately; never want to use the gun and that's $500+ wasted (gun and holster).

A pistol is a life-saving tool and you need to be able to use it proficiently.  Comfort plays a big part in being proficient.

[DBAX]

Uhhh, who's it for?
How about a little .22 revolver?
I'm asking, because I know our kids are similar ages, and we're looking at .22 or .380..

[Desert-X-Guy]

Can't go wrong with a .22 or .380 for starter pistol but can be a lot boring real quick.  I recommend Sig or H&K 9mm - .40 for first pistol, because its highly unlikely you will ever be disappointed with it, so kind of an investment in your happiness and security.

Although I do enjoy a good .45, its hard to justify ammo cost, less rounds per mag and bullet drop, when 40 gets the range, and hollow helps equalize the impact.

[Ghostrider]

Can't go wrong with a .22 or .380 for starter pistol but can be a lot boring real quick.  I recommend Sig or H&K 9mm - .40 for first pistol, because its highly unlikely you will ever be disappointed with it, so kind of an investment in your happiness and security.

Although I do enjoy a good .45, its hard to justify ammo cost, less rounds per mag and bullet drop, when 40 gets the range, and hollow helps equalize the impact.
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The 9MM is always a good choice.   Now I am getting into my 40. cal. shoots good with a little more recoil, however is very much controllable. 380 will end up in the closet and never used. ( Unless one uses for a SD concealed side arm.)