Hey Guys
Im looking into getting my first handgun, i need some help decideing on what to get. Im not looking to carry, but i am looking to target shoot i was looking for 9 mm because ammo is relativly cheaper. I have done some looking, and i like the ruger SR9, but my father says if i like that i should get a glock instead. What do yall suggest?

whats your budget? go try a few out and see what you like

I would say if you like the SR9 I would go ahead and get the Glock also. If you don't plan on carrying it ever, just range time with it. I'd go old school and get a 1911 in 9mm nothing that I've shot or held fits my hand like the 1911. I used to have one in 45 and sold it because of price of ammo, I just recently bought one well actaully 2 in 9mm and I'm very happy with them.

my vote would be glock in .40SW.
Glock 22 or 23 or 27 or 35
And then you buy a conversion barrel .40 to 9mm. This way you get "two" guns with same frame.

And later you can add .22lr conversion kit, effectively making 3 guns with same frame.

About $130-150 for conversion barrel, plus 9mm mags.
About 200-250 for .22lr kit

Glock 17

Get the one that fits your hand best / feels good to you. For me that was a Springfield XDm in the ploymer guns. Also like the 1911s. Go somewhere like bullet Trap in Plano where you can handle several and shoot them if you want.

this, I did the same thing with my M&P .40

+1. I like the Glock pistols. But get one that you like and feels good.

Springfield XD or XDm is worth putting in your hand.

The 1911's I do not recommend as a first gun, too many things to think about at first.

Sig Sauer

FN pistols

Depends on budget and how well a gun fits your hand.

Not trying to undermind others, but if you like the 9mm then get that. I completely agree with the basis of your caliber choice. My generally philosophy inhandgun calibers is...
Getting a caliber that's too expensiveto shoot and get really comfortable/familar with isless useful than having a smaller caliber that you shoot all the time and are super comfortable with.
If you can get a conversion kit, why not start with the cliber you originally wanted.

Another vote for Glock,but definitely start with what feels right to you.

40 cal barrel won't fit in a 9mm slide but the 9mm conversion is made to fit in the 40 cal slide can do down but not up.

22 comes with its own slide so you can buy it anytime.

However I agree with everything you said, it is exactly how I think and reason I shoot 9mm exclusively in my handguns.



Hogwash...

Yeah I have been looking around also like CZ75 and Springfield XD. Does anyone know if there is a gunshow soon in the dfw area? Or a good dealer other than the usual (basspro/cabelas)

You could go finger the guns you want at the box stores and then maybe contact some of the dealers on here. JP-ten sports is in North Dallas

I hate Glocks, they just do not feel right to me, I personally like my SR9 a whole lot better than any of the 7 Glocks that I have had and gotten rid of. Don't buy into the Glock BS, Ruger will go bang every time you pull the trigger and IME shot just as well. I would also go with the 9mm for cost and the fact that the 40 is just marginally better and targets generally do not complain about what they have been shot with...

Glock 17 is a great full size gun or get the smaller 19 in case you change your mind and decide you want to carry it.

I carry a Glock every day and it is reliable, simple, and I like the trigger. However my favorite gun of all time is the Beretta 92FS. Had one for 20 years and have shot 1000's of rounds thru it with zero issues. It's accurate feels great and looks great too.

Go handle some and see what you like. Just don't cheap out and buy a taurus or some other cheapo gun.

Glock is a great gun, I personally prefer a Springfield XD over the Glock, there are a few features I find convenient such as the chamber indicator and the nub on the back indicating it cocked. If your wanting to do target shooting you might want something with a lighter trigger pull. You might look into the Walther PPQ its a really awesome gun with the shortest trigger reset. The Sig Sauer is another awesome shooter.

10-4 on that

XD's are good alternative to Glock. They fit some people better and also give you a grip safety and the chamber and cocked indicators mentioned above which is a plus for some. I've shot several XD's and liked them all except for the subcompact, it felt too top heavy to me. Haven't had the chance to try an XDM but I bet they are nice too.

thanks for all the help guys ended up with a sprinfield XDm .40

You got the XDm Competition 5.25 gun?

Where did you get it at?

Yes i got the competition. I picked it up at the mesquite gun show I belive it was bachman guns who sold it to me. there near where 635 and 35 meet.

Go handle the guns and see what feels right in your hand. I have the Springfield XD and love it!