needing advice on a handgun.

[Binky]

Most handgun reviews are bullshit. Find what feels comfortable to shoot.

I love my beretta 92 compact, but my friends hate it. And thats just fine because its mine, not theirs.

[bottlerocket]

HK Compact USP .45

Had mine for years and love it.

Even used thats just over his price range by $100 or so

Best advice has already been given....go to a range and spend a day with your wife shooting a bunch of guns. With that said, Glock, Springfield, Sig, Beretta, CZ, Ruger, HK all make great firearms. Every pistol shoots differently. What is perfect for one person might not work for another.

I own a Beretta 92A1 (full size) and Sig P239 (compact). Both are alloy frame guns (I can't get use to poly guns) and both are 9mm. They are extremely accurate with minimal felt recoil. My wife shoots both very well, which was important to me.

Good luck and post up once you get something. :-)

Marcus

Even with this, there are many other brands that you cant overlook when seeing what feels most comfortable in your hand: Kahr, Walther, S&W (M&P, not Sigma), etc. Try em all, pick 3 or 4 that fit your hand the best and go through a few rounds.

I will say IMHO a 9mm would probably be the way to go for a first weapon. Rounds will be cheaper and it adds up in the long run. Not to say that .45 isnt a great round but if you're just starting out at least learn the basics for a little less cash

[stang2be]

Just to throw in my recent experience. I went and tried a XD45 and liked it but the 45acp was a bit more kick than I was wanting for my first handgun. I ended up getting a Rock Island 1911 in 9mm with 5 clips for $420 from a local shop that had it on consignment.

I just liked the fit and feel of it in my hand even compared to a glock. Also for some of the same reasons others mentioned I obviously need to spend some time practicing and the 9mm will be cheaper for learning on.

I will admit the 45 was fun to shoot though

[bottlerocket]

Just to throw in my recent experience. I went and tried a XD45 and liked it but the 45acp was a bit more kick than I was wanting for my first handgun. I ended up getting a Rock Island 1911 in 9mm with 5 clips for $420 from a local shop that had it on consignment.

I just liked the fit and feel of it in my hand even compared to a glock. Also for some of the same reasons others mentioned I obviously need to spend some time practicing and the 9mm will be cheaper for learning on.

I will admit the 45 was fun to shoot though

Just to clarify, you probably got a 1911 with 5 mags

[petyweestraw]

If you're anywhere near Plano, Bullet Trap is a nice place to go if you're in the market for a new gun. They have dozens of models in basically every caliber that is common.

Yeah my buddy shoots out there with his g30

[petyweestraw]

Well its down to two. The g30 or the xd. Both happened to be there to shoot. So its gonna be between these two. Both are handsome weapons to look at I think and they fit my hand well. Was a little more kick than I expected but I've never shot a .45 til today. I think a 9 mm would feel perfect but the noise the .45 and kick it had really turned me on lol. The g30 came with a 13 round clip and made it made it feel a bit more balanced to me. He's ordering a 27 round clip for it but that's just for fun. So I like them both. So now to decide wich to get. Need to get ahold of a 9mm to be sure But I think I'm going. 45

[bottlerocket]

Well its down to two. The g30 or the xd. Both happened to be there to shoot. So its gonna be between these two. Both are handsome weapons to look at I think and they fit my hand well. Was a little more kick than I expected but I've never shot a .45 til today. I think a 9 mm would feel perfect but the noise the .45 and kick it had really turned me on lol. The g30 came with a 13 round clip and made it made it feel a bit more balanced to me. He's ordering a 27 round clip for it but that's just for fun. So I like them both. So now to decide wich to get. Need to get ahold of a 9mm to be sure But I think I'm going. 45

Look up a few posts lol!

[Pokulski-Blatz]

Buy a USP compact .40 and dont look back. Here is a like to get one for $535

http://www.summitgunbroker.com/USP_Compact__.html

[TheBeastAv]

Buy a USP compact .40 and dont look back. Here is a like to get one for $535

http://www.summitgunbroker.com/USP_Compact__.html

+1

[Moose242]

Buy a USP compact .40 and dont look back. Here is a like to get one for $535

http://www.summitgunbroker.com/USP_Compact__.html

+2

[Mach1Run]

Anything other than a S&W sigma.

[Jeremycg777]

Hk is garbage. XD and dont look back.

[bronco71]

go with a .40 or a .38 super.......

[GrayStangGT]

Sig 239 in .40 might be a good option for you. Small enough to carry, but big enough to have fun at the range. You can find them used in the 400-600 range. Sig also has a factory refurbished program where you get a warranty.

[Hell-Bent SS]

I bought the Xdm 3.8 9mm compact couple months ago and love it. I went with it because it felt great and has the option of a 19 round clip or 13 round(great to carry) picked it up for $550 at the gun show