Hello!
Im hoping to purchase my first pistol at the upcoming Concord gun show. I have a ton of experience with rifle competition but only limited experience with pistols beyond renting, plinking, etc.
I am looking to buy a pistol to do general recreational target shooting, but also wanted the ability to carry and have it for home defense. I am torn because almost everyone suggests a .22 for a first pistol. While I agree that will be much cheaper ammo-wise, it doesnt fit my desire for home defense and general carry as when SHTF, a .22 is not a great solution, but is obviously better than nothing.
My budget is around 500 for the pistol and accessories. My options that I am considering are:
1. A nice .22 pistol such as a Ruger MKIII, Browning Buck Mark, the SW22-A thats currently in the classifieds. This will run me under my budget and still leave room for a few bricks of ammo and any other accessories ill want (holster, bedside safe, etc)
2. A 9mm variant of some kind, such as a glock 19. Ive tested a bunch of different models. This fits my home defense and carry desires, and ammo is still relatively cheap. I could always get a .22 conversion at a later date if i really wanted. Pricewise this will max my budget and not leave a huge chunk for the rest of the junk I want to get.
What would everyone suggest? Obviously its partly personal preference, but I wanted to get some advice based on other peoples' experiences getting their first pistol and what route is the best to take.
Im hoping to purchase my first pistol at the upcoming Concord gun show. I have a ton of experience with rifle competition but only limited experience with pistols beyond renting, plinking, etc.
I am looking to buy a pistol to do general recreational target shooting, but also wanted the ability to carry and have it for home defense. I am torn because almost everyone suggests a .22 for a first pistol. While I agree that will be much cheaper ammo-wise, it doesnt fit my desire for home defense and general carry as when SHTF, a .22 is not a great solution, but is obviously better than nothing.
My budget is around 500 for the pistol and accessories. My options that I am considering are:
1. A nice .22 pistol such as a Ruger MKIII, Browning Buck Mark, the SW22-A thats currently in the classifieds. This will run me under my budget and still leave room for a few bricks of ammo and any other accessories ill want (holster, bedside safe, etc)
2. A 9mm variant of some kind, such as a glock 19. Ive tested a bunch of different models. This fits my home defense and carry desires, and ammo is still relatively cheap. I could always get a .22 conversion at a later date if i really wanted. Pricewise this will max my budget and not leave a huge chunk for the rest of the junk I want to get.
What would everyone suggest? Obviously its partly personal preference, but I wanted to get some advice based on other peoples' experiences getting their first pistol and what route is the best to take.