18 year old stepson wants his first pistol. Semi-auto 9mm, partially because ammo is plentiful as well as inexpensive.

Best bang for the buck? He'll probably have it forever.

I'd just take him and let him try some for himself. If it's a forever gun. A nice 1911 in 9mm. I can't shoot anything but glocks and s&w m&p. Everything else I've tried has had terrible results. Could be very different for him.

Glock 19

He's in Comifornia, I can't take him shooting.

Glocks concern me about the human error factor, partially why I sold mine, though I never had an A.D. I was thinking a full size Springfield XD. Yes, no?

XD Mod 2 Service model. I've had plenty of Glocks and Springfields, and that's my favorite. You can shoot mine first if you want.

In that case go find him the fanciest sling shot you can and hopefully they don't limit those too.

I think you can buy the wooden part, but not the rubber sling part in California.

if he'll have it forever then it should be a 1911. lots of different brands to look at but if it were me i'd look hard at Dan Wesson.

I love 1911's. Is there one in 9mm less than $1K? I didn't think there was.

Jeremy, bring it out, I'd like to shoot it.

Perhaps a CZ75, or even one of the many excellent "clones". I have three of the Tristar pistols (t-100, t-120, c-100), and they are among my favorite; regardless of cost. I haven't taken my P226 out of the safe in a year, and shoot at least one of the Tristars every range trip. The c-100 splits carry time with my P938, depending on clothing and conceal ability. I did add VZ grips to all of mine, but just because I like them and the pistol was cheap to boot.

Here's a pic of the T-120 and C-100. Each was about $330 with 2 magazines.

Hard to beat a Sig 226 or P229

My P226 has surpassed 20,000 rounds

There are some sub $1k 1911s out here. Kimber, Springfield, Sti, and all the rock island Taurus etc. probably more. May have to shop to find them but they do exist new and used.

I bought a Colt 1911 in 9mm for $769, I just saw one on a shelf for about that the other day at a local store. If I still lived in Texas, you would have been welcome to shoot it.

I'm partial to Glocks simply because they can take so much abuse, and keep on running. If a 1911 is in the works, my Springfield A-1 in 9mm runs flawlessly, and I picked it up for $600.00. Both mag's, original box and paperwork.

I wouldn't take for my Glock. Not sure of the "human error" issue you reference. But it's one of the most popular pistols around the world - safety issues regarding Glocks are no more problematic than any other pistol.

Why would a Glock concern u about safety if and xD doesn't? Is it the additional beaver tail safety?

Not sure what price range you're looking at but I have an fnx9. It's cheap and reliable with all the safety features u can ask for. Nothing really all that "cool" about it though. I hoe stay don't shoot mine much because my glock 19 is overall my favorite and my carry piece.

CZ 75 series!

Beretta 92FS is hard to beat.

Yes, the added grip safety is a good thing. I'm not bashing Glocks, they're fine pistols, and as reliable as they come. But I'm not handing one to an eighteen year old. And yes, he's very well versed in gun safety. I know more than one person that's had A.D.s with Glocks. I sold mine and went to a 1911, best move I ever made, with my pistols.

Dan Wesson has a 45 and 10mm for around a $1000 but I don't believe they have a 9mm for that price. there are some other nice options out there though.

Colt Light weight Commander.

https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/prod...W+COMMANDER+9MM


Springfield range officer.


https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/prod...on%e2%84%a2+9mm

Ruger SR1911.

https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/prod...11+9mm+9+1+4.25


of course there are others out there but that's a pretty good start. another option if he wanted a double stack gun would be a browning Hi Power.

OK. I will say that a Glock has no more safety/AD risk than any other pistol. There is no way to have an AD unless one is basically inept at basic tenets of gun safety. Implying that they are one iota more dangerous in the hands of an 18 year old familiar with basic gun safety than any other pistol makes me scratch my head. They are a perfectly safe weapon.

I'll shut up now.

Can he own a handgun @ 18 yo in Cali.? I believe you have to be 21 here.


Texas has no laws regarding possession of "long-barreled firearms" or "long guns" (shotguns, rifles and similar) by persons 18 years or older with valid identification, or handguns by persons 21 years or older, without felony convictions; all existing restrictions in State law mirror Federal law.

Doesn't the browning hi-power fit in here somewhere?

Big help!

I looked at all those links, and my wallet got hot. I'd like to buy all three and let him pick one, I'll keep the other two.

Operate how you like, and how you choose for your children to . I will take care of me and mine. That's my stance, it does not have to be your stance. Wife and I own many pistols, and none are Glocks. That is our choice.