handgun suggestions

[farmerc83]

All good points made above. My guess is that you'll already know what the second pistol you will own will be by the time you've purchased the first, cause you can never have just one. Pay attention to the small features of each like whether or not it has a manually engaged safety and chamber loaded indicator. On hammerless models, see if it has a cocked indicator or not. When buying my first pistol, the grip safety and weapon status indicators sold me on the XD. After handling pistols of all types alot more since that purchase, the indicators and grip safety aren't as important.

[cwink]

I'm in the market for a pistol. Have never bought one before and was looking for some suggestions. I'm thinking 9 or 40 but am undecided. I'm not looking to spend more than $500.

Any suggestions?

The most important question you need to answer is going to be the purpose. Is it for all day every day carry, or an occasional carry but mostly for the car, for home protection???? How much do you plan to practive with it?

Home Protection - I like revolvers due to thier simplicity
Carry/Home Protection - Mid size Semi auto like the Springfield Compact, Baby Glock, S&M M&P Sheild
Leave in Car - A more inexpensive model like a Taurus or Bersa that won't hurt pocket book if it gets stolen
All Day carry - Small revolver like the S&W Body Gaurd, LC9 or similar.

[duckhunterdoc]

By your name u r in t-town? I would consider an indoor shooting range,(T-town or B'ham) probably can rent whatever cal. to shoot that ur buddy's don't have...shooting the gun u r considering will be above and beyond just handling

[cupnglide]

+1 on cwink's recommendations. And duckhunterdoc has a good point. If you are near Bham, go to Hoover Tactical Firearms and rent a shooting bay for the afternoon. They have dozens of pistols (and black guns) that you can try out on that indoor range. There's nothing like trying several side by side to help you pick the right one.

[duckkiller]

Hoover tatical firearms in Bham has indoor range and rents literally every make and caliber firearm you can imagine. Also while in the area check out marks outdoors in vestavia hills, hard to beat his prices and excellent service

[Dr. B]

pm sent.. 9mm Sig would be my choice.

Dr. B

[Anatidae]

My suggestion (since you have never bought one, I'll assume you haven't shot pistols much) - is to start-out with a revolver for satety, economy, and to develop sound shooting skills. Once you get familiar with handling one, only then would I advise getting an auto.

When my wife and I started pistol shooting we both bought 6" bbl .22's. I got a model 17 w/target sights and she got a Diamondback. Then we moved-up in caliber. Then we got eventually got autos, progressive press, tumblers, bullet casting equipment, whole 9 yards, etc.