I am looking into buying my first handgun. I have virtually no experience with them, but I would like to get a 9mm to start off with, so I can practice and move up to a .45

I am sure this question gets asked a lot, but what would be some good choices?  I am not looking for a really high priced handgun, something for like $550 or below would be nice.  Any suggestions?  

Also, how come hi point is so cheap?  Is the quality just not there or what?

Thanks for any replies

I would suggest a Taurus PT92 as a good "starter" handgun. They can be found new for $350. Lifetime warranty.

i would go with a Ruger P95 or a Springfield XD

If hi-(normal)-cap magazines aren't a requirement, that makes it easier, as pointed out, some makes are pricey and hard to find.
I assume you have visited some gunshops or shows or at least looked a catalog or two.
I would avoid the tiny compacts, IMO, for a first gun.
I suggest laying your hands on a few to get the feel of whats out there...$550 should be more than enough to cover most 9MM pistols.
The CZ-75, Taurus PT-92, Ruger P-89, to name a few, should leave you with (ammo) money left over.

In my humble opinion, get a Springfield Mil-Spec. Can be had for around $400.  Learn to shoot a 5" before you start with a shorter barrel piece.  5" gun is easier to shoot and hit with than a shorter barrel.

Get a Browning Hi-power clone from CDNNINVESTMENTS.COM (call they don't list the guns on the net). (one of the newer FN Argentine Hi-powers)< they sell a detective model that is very nice and has polymer grips and looks like $500 but only costs $239.

I have had 2 hi-power clones (one from bulgaria and the other from argentina) and both had nice single action triggers and shot below 4 inch groups at 25yds.

My theory is that it is almost impossible to fuck up a Hi-power.

Thanks guys for all the replies.  I have looked at all the ones you all suggested, and so far I like this Tauraus PT-92.  

http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?model=92SS5&category=Pistol

Quoted: I would like to get a 9mm to start off with, so I can practice and move up to a .45

If you really want to get a 45 you might go rent a full sized 1911 and see what you think. I don't find the recoil from a full sized 1911 to be that bad. It is more than say a 9mm Browning HIPower but the 45 recoil is quite mild compared to some of the 'magnum' revolver calibers.

In the 9mm I like the Browning Hipower also. Its an old design but a good one.

Quoted: Thanks guys for all the replies.  I have looked at all the ones you all suggested, and so far I like this Tauraus PT-92.   http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?model=92SS5&category=Pistol

Go for it. You won't be dissapointed with that choice

What is the cost of the Taurus PT-92 compared to the Beretta 92?

For a first handgun, I would probably recommend the CZ75 9mm.  It is very comfortable, accurate, reliable and priced right.  That was my first handgun and I have it to this day.  It goes to the range with me every time  

I was going to suggest the Springfiled XD but I think a newbie would really benefit from having an external safety.  

I have noticed the CZ 75 come up a few times, but I don't know a link on the net to their website to check it out.

Anyone know where I can check em out?

Thanks again everone, you are very helpful!

Nevermind, I found their site.

www.cz-usa.com

Wow, now that I see the CZ-75B I really like it.  I am now torn between the CZ-75B, and The Taurus PT-92.  Decisions........

What is the average price on a CZ-75B (Nickel Finish) and the Taurus PT-92?  I live in a small town, the gun shop here is pretty limited in its selection, and would like to know the average going price, because some of their guns are overpriced.

I see lots of really good advice posted already and I know this is not a direct answer to your question...but.

I would purchase a S&W 617 10 shot w/6" barrel and have my gun shop perform a trigger job.  You now own one of the best handguns available- period.

Now you can practice for $.03+/- per trigger pull and be able to send 500 rounds down range for $10.  Accurate, low maintenance, affordable to purchase and fire. This firearm will out last you.  If I remember correctly a new 617 is in the $475 range and used from $325 up.

The double action revolver fired in double action mode closely resembles the tactile effect of firing a semi automatic pistol, well kind of anyway. Sight picture, trigger control, grip, stance, breathing control, you know the stuff you have to learn before you can manage to keep 10 on paper much less in the black.  Make sure you practice on paper targets at least 50% of the time.

I have seen S&W M-17 (the blue finished sister to the stainless M-617) sell for $235 in my home town.

After a few thousand rounds down range you will competent with a handgun and ready for a step up in caliber and recoil…don’t forget about the cost of ammo!

My brother is a proponent of the 9x19 while I am a fan of the 45 ACP.  He loves Locks, I love 1911’s and H&K pistols. He is a better shot with a handgun than I am…any connection here?

You'd be happy with either pistol.

check out auctionarms.com to get a feel for prices

Maybe it's just me but I think my 1911 kicks less than a M-9 (I haven't shot the 92 but they should be the same).

The M-9 has a very snappy kick and the 1911 has a push.

The Browning HP and clones (especially the Arcus 94) have almost no kick at all the Arcus has a very light frame and a very heavy slide that makes it kick litterally like my 1911 with the ciener .22kit.

.40 can not beat it let the 9mm go..Evryone else has started.

Here is my $.02 I have owned Berretta's since 1989 when the USCG made the switch from the 1911. The Taurus is a good value but the grip is too big for my hand. I have tried them with after market rubber grips and that makes it worse. The 92f has a slimmer grip with the plastic. I have a 92f and a 92/96 combo with interchangable 9mm and .40sw barrels and slides. You can pick up a brand new 92f for $499 almost anywhere and it has better resale than the Taurus. A clean used one is a good idea too.
The best advice? I think you should go to a range with wide sellection of rentals and shoot them all. Spending $100 in rental fees could save you hundreds if you buy a pistol you don't like. Also, consider taking a class. Sometimes they will let you shoot several different calibers for just one rental fee. I love the 92F and the hi-power for a first semi-auto.

Lots of good advice here already, and I'm not here to challenge what's already been said.  Having owned (and enjoyed) both Taurus 92/99s and Beretta 92s over the years, I have one more suggestion - IF you are leaning toward the Taurus, consider the Beretta instead.  Other than the safety, they operationally identical.  The Beretta (new or used) will hold its value much better than the Taurus (if you ever decide to sell/trade it).  And full-capacity (don't fall into the liberal trap of calling them "high-capacity") Beretta 92 factory magazines are much more plentiful (new & used) than similar Taurus mags.  

I will go further and suggest that you look for a USED Beretta.  There are many former PD Berettas floating around out there from "the Great .40 Migration."  Take someone with you who can assess the condition of a used gun or buy from someone local that you trust.

Nothing against the Tauri (I still have a couple in my collection), but I believe the Beretta is a better & wiser overall investment.

I actually have decided on getting the CZ 75 B in nickel finsih.  But I keep looking at the beretta 92........  they are both so nice!

Good choice!

Especially since you area beginner, there is no gun that will be more comfortable to shoot.  This should help when getting used to shooting.