Posted: 2/5/2008 7:54:51 PM EDT
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I will be making my first handgun purchase in the next month or so. I have several shotguns and just built my first AR-15, so it is time for a handgun. Growing up I always shot my dad's revolvers, but it has been a while. The FFL dealer that registered my AR lower has Factory certified SIG 220s (98+% condition) that I could probably get for $475. I have also been looking at the M&P .45 recently after reading a lot of positive news - especially on their ergonomics. Are one of these better than the other? I want to keep my purchase as close to $500 as possible. I want the gun for a CCW class I want to take with my dad. I likely will not carry the gun unless I plan to travel into a "rough" area, but having that option is appealing to me. Plus, it is just something cool to do with my dad! If I intended to conceal carry this weapon from time to time, should I look to something a little smaller? I am a pretty big dude with big hands...which is why I was considering the larger guns. Thanks for any advice!! |
| Buying a handgun is quite a personal thing. Since you asked about the CPO Sig Sauer P220, I would say that the P220 is a great pistol. I have one and it is fun to shoot and accurate. I'm not a big guy with medium sized hands and the P220 works great for me. There is a lot of love/hate feelings for Glocks and I don't know how you feel about them. Seems like a full size Glock would work good with you instead of a compact or sub compact. I have a compact G19 and I am content with the grip and feel of that pistol. Revolvers are fun too so check them out also. Good luck in finding the right handgun. |
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consider the one that fits you best, and more naturally if you can, shoot em or at least handle em at your local store if you are contemplating CCW and taking a CCW class, i'd suggest you get a firearm that you WILL CCW--no sense in practicing a full size "x" brand, if you decide to carry "y" brand a P220 can be a tad big for CCW, but w/ the right IWB rig (comptac would be my 1st holster option to check out), its doable overall, i prefer glocks (G19 for all purpose) and HKs; h/w, the SA XDs, Sig line (esp older ones), berettas, rugers, SW MP/metal line, etc are others good brands to consider |
What is the metal line? All I see here is the same model over and over. It has the black plastic grip that goes up to the bottom rail (feel free to laugh at my terminology). Also, should I be looking at .45s or 9mm? The ammo for the 9mms sure seems to be a lot less expensive. For a carry weapon, am I better off stickingto the larger round though? |
If you like to practice, 9mm is better. Just practice double taps!!! |
sorry, when i say "metal line", its just an abreviated term for SW's non-polyimer line (besides the MP, which is a very good platform), such as the 469/4506/4006/etc--i.e: i'd avoid the Sigmas, sw99s, 40, etc as to 9mm vs .45acp...well, in your case, i'd opt for the 9mm, for several reasons: -cheaper to shoot per rnd (at least 1/2 the price of factory .45) -lower recoil impuse, one of the better shooting cartridges out there imo -more models out there, esp in hi-cap -a large variety of affordable loads, whether for defense, plinking, etc you may also want to consider this info: www.ar15.com/content/page.html?id=237 overall, i prefer shooting .45acp and 9mm (vs the rest), just b/c i handle em better for PD/SD, shot placement is key; having a reliable, exansion and sufficient penetrating rnd are also good, and most modern .45acp/9mm loads will deliever the one thing that 9mm may run accross some penetration problems (w/ JHPs that is), is through light barriers, but many loads can solve that issue |
| I just headed up to a local gun store/range. The M&P 4.25" 9mm sure did feel awful nice in my hand. The 226 was nice too, but definitely a lot heavier. I have mixed feelings on that. The fella there wants me to come back and shoot them at the range, but at this point, I may be leaning toward an M&P because of the $50 rebate and 2 freee magazines. |
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Have you shot handguns much? You need to actually do some shooting with several different handgun platforms to see what suits you best. What works for me might not for you and vice versa. You need to actually handle them, see what fits then do your homework about it's quality, reliability and it's value VS the cost. When you actually buy, you'll be far happier with your purchase then buying one and then not liking it or how it shoots for you. |
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IMO, buy NOTHING until you have rented/borrowed/begged at least a 1/2 dozen different models, brands & calibers. What feels wonderful in your hand at the gun counter may be a mofo when you CCW and/or shoot it. You ask 20 different arfcomers what to buy & you're gonna get 20 different answers. That's just the way it is around these parts.  One good way to learn what you like is to take FACTORY ammo to a gun range & just watch others shoot. Glance over at their gun & maybe ask them about it. 99% of the time it will be offered to you to try. Using your own FACTORY ammo is the polite thing to do & will be appreciated. Plus, that way you can run more than one mag thru the gun w/o making the owner feeling like he's adopted you.  Good luck! 
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a BIG +1 shoot every gun as its what feels and shoots best in YOUR hands |
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Consider ammo prices and accessory prices as well. I'd personally lean towards something that I can get a 22 conversion kit for. You'll shoot it way more often, and it keeps the controls the same. I believe the Sig is making 22 kits soon, so I'd look into that. M&P - I haven't heard any rumors of anyone making a 22 kit for them yet. I'm sure someone will eventually, but who knows. |