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I say, drink what you like... shoot what feels good.
You really have the right idea about renting some guns, but looking for advice about which ones to try first. This approach will serve you well.
Once you begin looking at guns, there are a variety of different sizes and action types to consider. And I want to add one more factor which I think is important. You should consider whether the pistol is acceptable in its stock configuration, or whether it requires modification. This question particularly applies to the trigger pull.
I like the Smith & Wesson M&P pistols, and for a while they were the best choice in Massachusetts. But the Massachusetts triggers for M&P pistols are terrible, and most people who shoot one much have an Apex trigger kit installed. This is not a bad thing, but it adds time and expense. Also, picking a pistol which is good out of the box avoids any discussion about "Is it OK to carry a modified pistol?" There are extended threads about this question, but the easiest answer is just to avoid the whole issue.
With that said, here are some suggestions for Massachusetts pistols that are acceptable out of the box. For a full size pistol, I like the H&K VP9. The VP9 is well made, and the grips are very configurable, so it fits most hands. The Springfield XD pistols are another good choice. Springfield now has 9mm striker fired pistols in a range of sizes on the Massachusetts approved list. If you want a single stack pistol that is about the size of a Shield, you should try the Springfield before you make your decision. The FN509 and Sig P320 are also reasonable. And Glocks are also a fine choice if you can find the one you want without paying an excessive premium.
This. Go to someplace like MFS where they let you try before you buy. Pick a half dozen that catch your eye and shoot a few magazines/cylinders out of each. Buy the one that feels the best to you.
Use everyone else's opinions to narrow your choices as best you can, but ultimately the gun you pick is yours and has to be right for you.
I always recommend a G19 now. It will save you a lot of time, effort and money in the long run. The trigger is easy to learn. There are a zillion holster, sight, and accessory options. Prebans are available - if you get 1 or 2 you’re all set for carrying. If you end up disliking it enough to sell it you’ll get a higher proportion of your money back than most pistols in MA. The rail gives it some versatility and it’s just small enough to carry and large enough to shoot easily.
Any plastic striker pistol will do though. I bought a shield for my first pistol and I like it, but it lacked some features that I wanted all along.
Granite State will let you rent all their guns in one caliber for a single fee. Try a bunch, see what feels good in hand.
I would buy a used M&P fullsize, a bunch of ammo and find a good instructor. You have the perfect opportunity to learn how to shoot correctly and save a huge a mount of time, energy and frustration. Get a smaller carry gun come warm weather in 8 months. You'll be way ahead of the game by then.
The instructor is more important than the gun
Another option that's highly regarded is the 3rd-gen S&W pistols. (e.g. 5903, 5904, 5906)
They have metal frames, so they're a bit heavier than the modern, plastic-fantastic, wonder-nines. This has pros and cons: heavy means you'll notice it more when carried; it also means it potentially absorbs recoil better, which can make it easier for newer shooters to build consistency. When you can find them, their preban mags seem to be cheaper than the ones for Glocks. And because they're not the newest, they are often less expensive, as there's less demand/competition.
Of course, this means shopping on the used market, so you can't just walk into your favorite local gun shop, hand them some $$, and walk out with a shiny new gun from inventory. But you can get a pistol with a 14+1 capacity for ~$400. The money you saved on the MA-premium can be spent instead on ammo, training, and more ammo.
agree, if I could own only one pistol it's a Glock 19Glock 19 is like the carolla of pistols, and for that reason it's great.
Mike
That is a beauty!!! If that is an original Colt Dragoon, your sitting on some $$$.Get the M&P Shield 2.0.
It has a better trigger and much better grip texture than the first iteration.
Or go with my personal favorite...
The Colt Dragoon.
...and learn to whistle Dixie.
That is a beauty!!! If that is an original Colt Dragoon, your sitting on some $$$.
The problem with a glock for a first gun is the grip is different than almost every other gun out there. Start with a more common grip angle will allow you to compare guns more easily. Try a glock, if the sights don't line up naturally, then look at gun with a common grip angle
What part of Ma are you in? I am in springfield and got restrictedJust got my class a unrestricted ltc in ma. Im looking to buy a first gun one that would be good for practicing and carry. I was thinking of a 9mil semiautomatic. Like m&p shield. What's your thoughts. I have a gun shop and indoor range close i can go to try out any guns but i like to have recommendations on which to rent first..
I would buy a used M&P fullsize, a bunch of ammo and find a good instructor. You have the perfect opportunity to learn how to shoot correctly and save a huge a mount of time, energy and frustration. Get a smaller carry gun come warm weather in 8 months. You'll be way ahead of the game by then.
The instructor is more important than the gun
anything that's wood, leather, steel;no plastic guns or holstersJust got my class a unrestricted ltc in ma. Im looking to buy a first gun one that would be good for practicing and carry. I was thinking of a 9mil semiautomatic. Like m&p shield. What's your thoughts. I have a gun shop and indoor range close i can go to try out any guns but i like to have recommendations on which to rent first..