I'm shopping for my first hand gun, primarily for home defense and occasional range shooting. I don't plan on going to the range too much unless it turns out I enjoy it more than shooting clay w/ my shotgun. I've been to the range several times and it's ok and I obviously need a lot of practice but probably won't be doing it every week.
I'm trying to choose from either the glock 19,21 (of course), springfield 1911 mil spec, sig p320 or p226. Is the p226 worth the extra $? This could be my only pistol so I do want to get something I'll be satisfied with in the long run. I'm aware a lot has to do with personal preference but just trying to get some feedback, I know there's a lot of knowledge here.
I think the p320 is, what don't you like about your 1911? A lot of people seem to like them quite a bit.
glock 19
1911 is a great range gun. All your listed options are great, but a 1911 will make the other ones feel like a cheap toy.
Own one of the Legion Series P226s and I couldn't be happier that I took the plunge. Coming up on 3500 rounds through it since March and have not had a single issue, hang up or any finish wear. It eats bulk magtech, fiochi, and Winchester without skipping a beat and is accurate as all hell. Beside quirky curiosities and relics, I'll probably never buy another handgun. They'll bury me with this gun
Find a range with rental guns and try them all. Pick one that works for you and feels good in your hands.
I've carried a p226 for 20 years. I do my competitive shooting with a 2011 (sti edge). I've never been a fan of glocks, but I see them in the stock production divisions.
At a certain point its a matter of taste and experience with the firearm.
Why do you need a pistol for home defense if you already have a shotgun
Yeah, I'm in cali so no STI. It was actually one of the first ones I was looking at. Legion too I think.
Not any variant of a 1911, or glock /xd for first pistol . Get something with a safety , once you are safe and familiar with pistols then go glock or xd. Why not a 1911 ? Hard pistol to master ,and it's single action ,low capacity, ect.
I suppose I can use the shot gun but they're for sport/trap(kind of long for indoors and 2 rounds) and thought a hand gun would be better. I guess I just want a handgun:)
OneGlove -Own one of the Legion Series P226s and I couldn't be happier that I took the plunge. Coming up on 3500 rounds through it since March and have not had a single issue, hang up or any finish wear. It eats bulk magtech, fiochi, and Winchester without skipping a beat and is accurate as all hell. Beside quirky curiosities and relics, I'll probably never buy another handgun. They'll bury me with this gun
have you shot the p320? i tried the p226 and liked it but didn't get a chance to try to p320
sicko - Why do you need a pistol for home defense if you already have a shotgun
The pistol is so he can protect himself while retrieving the shotgun when needed. ;-)
Smart thing would be to go to a gun store and try how those pistols you listed feel in your hand.
If you go .45, a G21 has a capacity advantage over a 1911. A G19 could serve dual purpose, as it is also a good carry option. Sigs have a great rep.
9MM is a lot cheaper, but if you aren't shoooting a lot it might not matter.
I recommend checking out other brands......FN, Canik, Walther.....lots of great pistols out there.
G19.
1911 not a good first pistol
yeah there seems to be ton of options out there. the ones i listed were the ones i liked after trying out a few. except for the p320 that is, haven't had a chance to try that. kind of leaning towards the sig at this point.
thanks for all the feedback.
it was strange how the glocks didn't feel good at all holding them at the store but shooting them at the range i really liked them. so many good guns out there, this is tougher than picking out a shotgun.
I would get a striker fired gun without an external safety. A glock 19 is a solid gun. HK VP9 is another great gun. Sig is also good but they are pretty heavy. whatever you get, get something with a rail so you can add a weapon mounted light for home defense. Then take some classes so you know how to use it.
You can't get the 320 in Commiefornia unless you pay through the nose and buy private party. If you plan to carry it, 19. Otherwise get the G17. 226 and 1911 are all steel and while Sig makes a solid entry, for what you want the 17 is plenty. 1911 will be expensive to shoot, but since you won't be going to the range a lot, consider getting a Springer as well. Go to the range and try whatever you're considering. The one you shoot the best and feels right in your hand is the one to get.
esssee - yeah there seems to be ton of options out there. the ones i listed were the ones i liked after trying out a few. except for the p320 that is, haven't had a chance to try that. kind of leaning towards the sig at this point.Definitely recommend sig.
thanks for all the feedback.
A lot of people will prob tell you to get a glock, but comparing glock to sig is like comparing Honda to Mercedes.
P226 is an excellent choice for home protection and carry and the one I would recommend.
The difference between that and the P320 is striker fire vs hammer, and quality (P226 is higher end).
I personally prefer a double action hammer vs striker fire. No need to rack the slide, just squeeze the trigger.
On the other side, the 320 is a modular platform, so you can easily retrofit and modify. Also cheaper and maybe a bit easier to maintain.
Sig also makes a great 1911. Recently got the sig 1911 extreme and its my favorite gun to shoot. They are a bit more difficult to take apart and clean, but if you're not an idiot, it's no problem and you'll have it down after 1 or 2 field strips.
The thing people will complain a lot about with the 1911 is round capacity, but if you need more than 8 rounds of .45 auto to dispatch a threat, you're doing it wrong and probably shouldn't have a pistol. As far as accuracy, they are outstanding (sig 1911s at least) and among the most accurate handguns I've shot (and I've shot a lot).