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New to OC.org First Handgun Suggestions?

Mozer!

New member
Joined
Jun 19, 2012
Messages
3
Location
Arizona
Hey everyone!

I know you probably get lots of posts from newbies like me looking for their first handgun however I find myself in a tight situation. I'm 20 years old and I'm looking for a potential handgun to buy (or get my dad to buy). I'll just list the requirements I'm looking for.

1) Ambidextrous. I'm a left handed shooter.

2) Uses inexpensive ammunition. I enjoy the fire power of a .45 but I'm not made of money and I would be fine even with a 9mm.

3) Use for open carry.

3) Hammer or striker? I don't know anything about the difference between these two mechanisms. I assume an exposed hammer would be more robust. Maybe someone could help me with that.

4) Full length grip. I don't understand those short grip handguns especially when they just add a grip extension to the magazines.

5) Under $500 if possible. I know that might sound cheap but lower caliber firearms tend to cost less.

One handgun I liked when I first saw it was the Ruger P95, the only downside was it isn't ambidextrous.

Thank you so much for your help!
 

MAC702

Campaign Veteran
Joined
Jul 31, 2011
Messages
6,331
Location
Nevada
Don't let being completely "ambidextrous" make or break a deal.

A Ruger P95 is ambidextrous for the both the magazine release and the safety. The slide release being ambidextrous is quite rare, actually, and not needed to manipulate under pressure.

The Ruger is an exceptional value, and its size is just fine for OC. I don't think you can go wrong with this choice if it is on your list.

You can also find used Beretta M92's, M96's, S&W 5906's, etc for around $350, not much more than a Ruger P95. A Sig P6 (P225) can be gotten for less than $400.

Where in AZ are you? We might be able to recommend a good shop where you can check out some good deals. J&G Sales in Prescott will have some surplus stuff for decent deals.
 
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Mozer!

New member
Joined
Jun 19, 2012
Messages
3
Location
Arizona
Don't let ambidextrous make or break a deal.

However, a Ruger P95 is ambidextrous for the both the magazine release and the safety. The slide release being ambidextrous is quite rare, actually, and extremely rare to need to manipulate under pressure.

The Ruger is an exceptional value, and its size is just fine for OC. I don't think you can go wrong with this choice if it is on your list.

You can also find used Beretta M92's, M96's, S&W 5906's, etc for around $350, not much more than a Ruger P95. A Sig P6 (P225) can be gotten for less than $400.

Where in AZ are you? We might be able to recommend a good shop where you can check out some good deals. JG Sales in Prescott will have some surplus stuff for decent deals.

Thanks for replying so quickly. I'm in Tucson and I found a place http://www.marksmanpistol.com/ They seem really promising and I was planning on taking their basic handgun course there. I was thinking about buying used as well so I'd probably stop buy their store to see what they've got.
 

Grapeshot

Legendary Warrior
Joined
May 21, 2006
Messages
35,317
Location
Valhalla
IMHO revolvers make excellent "first guns", particularly used Smith & Wessons in.38/.357

Shoot a few of them. I think you like 'em.
 

Eeyore

Regular Member
Joined
Aug 25, 2007
Messages
551
Location
the meanest city in the stupidest state
..... I'll just list the requirements I'm looking for.

1) Ambidextrous. I'm a left handed shooter.

2) Uses inexpensive ammunition. I enjoy the fire power of a .45 but I'm not made of money and I would be fine even with a 9mm.

3) Use for open carry.

3) Hammer or striker? I don't know anything about the difference between these two mechanisms. I assume an exposed hammer would be more robust. Maybe someone could help me with that.

4) Full length grip. I don't understand those short grip handguns especially when they just add a grip extension to the magazines.

5) Under $500 if possible. I know that might sound cheap but lower caliber firearms tend to cost less.

Here's a discussion of left-handed friendly guns: http://forum.opencarry.org/forums/showthread.php?42988-Pistols-for-Lefties

Some that meet all your criteria are:
- Smith & Wesson M&P9--striker fired
- Walther PPQ--striker fired
- Sig P250--hammer DAO
- CZ85--hammer SA/DA (probably hard to find)
- STI GP-5 or -6--hammer DA/SA (even harder to find)
All are fully ambidextrous, full size grip, cost just under $500, and available in 9 mm so economical to shoot. I highly recommend the first 2.

The advantage of a striker fired gun is that every trigger pull is the same--usually in the 5-7 lb range. The disadvantage is that if the round doesn't fire, you can't pull the trigger again--you have to cycle the action to eject the dud round and cock the striker. (There are exceptions, but they don't apply to the M&P or PPQ.)

Hammer-fired guns are available in single-action (they act just like the striker-fired described above), double-action only (DAO, every pull is the same, but it's longer and heavier), or double/single action. DA/SA can be carried with the hammer down, so a long, double-action pull is required on the first shot (or for a second strike on a dud round). Subsequent shots will be single action, with a shorter, lighter trigger pull. The double-action first shot has advantages (it's sort of a safety feature) and disadvantages (long, heavy trigger pull = less-accurate first shot; 2 different trigger pulls to learn).

If you prefer a revolver, Charter Arms makes the Southpaw--a left-handed revolver.
 

SovereignAxe

Regular Member
Joined
Jul 29, 2011
Messages
791
Location
Elizabethton, TN
Lefty here. Just doing a quick browse of the interwebs and my memory we've got...

Full ambi, hammer fired:

-FN FNX
-H&K P30
-H&K P2000
-CZ85
-H&K HK45
-Bersa Thunder 9
-Sig P250

Full ambi, striker fired:

-Walther PPQ
-S&W M&P
-FN FNS
-Caracal Pistol

Mostly ambi (usually missing the slide stop. Not a big deal if you train to slingshot the slide. Usually have at least an ambi mag release and safety/decocker), mixed actions:

-Ruger P85, P95
-Walther P99
-Walther PPS
-Ruger SR9
-1911 (I think most modern ones not only have an ambi safety option, but can have the release reversed and I'm sure a competent gunsmith can fashion on a slide stop)
-Beretta Px4, 92, 90-Two (ambi safety/decocker, reversible mag release)

AFAIK, all Glocks, all XDs, most Sigs, and the FN Five-seveN have reversible mag releases, but none of the other controls are. Also, all of these are available in 9mm except the HK45. I'm not sure all of them fall within your budget, but I'm sure you can at least find all of them used for your price except maybe the H&Ks. Same deal with the 1911. You'll find it for your price, but the mods wills push you over your budget.
 

Wolfstanus

Regular Member
Joined
Jul 13, 2012
Messages
126
Location
Colorado springs
You don't need a ambi slide stop on a 1911.

Last round or other malfunction that causes the slide to lock back.
Load new mag or clear jam or mag caused the slide to stop as if it was the last round.
Grab ass end of slide. Pull on slide. Release slide.
Ambi manual safety is all you need and maybe a custom made mag release. Again not needed with training yourself.

And M&P model can be made for the left. Did so for my brother. I'm a righty he's a lefty.

If thinking about a 1911 get a ria tactical.
 
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jeeper1

Regular Member
Joined
Sep 29, 2008
Messages
692
Location
USA
If you prefer a revolver, Charter Arms makes the Southpaw--a left-handed revolver.
I had one, never again.
Problem #1 You can not use a speed loader with it.
Problem #2 The trigger reset required me to all but remove my finger from the trigger.
Problem #3 Many of the edges were sharp enough to draw blood.
 
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Gil223

Regular Member
Joined
Jan 5, 2012
Messages
1,392
Location
Weber County Utah
Glocks are easily adaptable for the left-handed shooter. The magazine release catches are enlarged and reversible for southpaws, and the "safety" (trigger) is already ambidextrous. However, I know of no mass-produced autoloading pistol that ejects to the left side for anywhere near your $500 ceiling, so you may have to dodge ejected cases no matter what semi-auto you buy. :eek: Pax...
 

Nascar24Glock

Regular Member
Joined
Jun 29, 2011
Messages
252
Location
Johnson City, TN
...
AFAIK, all Glocks, all XDs, most Sigs, and the FN Five-seveN have reversible mag releases, but none of the other controls are. Also, all of these are available in 9mm except the HK45. I'm not sure all of them fall within your budget, but I'm sure you can at least find all of them used for your price except maybe the H&Ks. Same deal with the 1911. You'll find it for your price, but the mods wills push you over your budget.

This is true of the Gen 4 Glocks. To to this on a Gen 3 or earlier, as I understand it, requires after-market modifications.

And, to the OP, I would recommend the Gen 4 version of either Glock 17, Glock 19, Glock 22, or Glock 23 (full-size 9mm, compact 9mm, full-size .40 cal, and compact .40 cal, respectively).

1. Ambidextrous: the magazine release is reversible. Like someone pointed out earlier, you never have to use the slide release button unless you are intentionally wanting to lock the slide back (say, to check it before cleaning).

2. Inexpensive ammo: check (note that 9mm is a little cheaper than .40 cal; but many argue that .40 cal is a better defensive round).

3. Open carry: check. I actually OC and CC the subcompact Glock 27 (you won't want the 27, though, since it doesn't have the full grip length). Law enforcement usually open carries one of the above guns that I mentioned (usually the 22) as their duty weapon. Plus, it is extremely easy to find Glock holsters.

4. The Glock is striker-fired, with no external hammer. But, my philosophy is that fewer moving parts (including external hammer) is better.

5. Full-length grip: check. All models I listed have a full-length grip.

6. Under $500: The Glock 27 sells around here for $499; the models I listed sell for comparable prices (yes, that's under $500, but only by $1; whether it is a good option will depend on how far under $500 you're looking for).
 

Big Gay Al

Michigan Moderator
Joined
Aug 27, 2006
Messages
1,944
Location
Mason, Michigan, USA
I shoot with either hand, and as I've been experiencing problems with my right arm, I've been carrying more often on my left side. I have the RIA 1911-A1 Tactical, which has ambi thumb safety. What I've discovered is this. First, I never use the slide release, I always release the slide by grasping the rear part, pulling to the rear and releasing. The mag release doesn't need to be ambidextrous. I can reach it easier with my left trigger finger than I can with my right thumb anyway. The safety, it's already covered. :)

Now, for other firearms, I know Bersa makes a line of pistols in .45 and 9mm that have all controls fully ambidextrous, including the slide stop. I've often thought about getting one. I'm just concerned about my choices as to an OC type holster for them. But I'm told they're very reliable, and are even in use by some South American police and military agencies.

When in doubt, Google Bersa Thunder reviews. :)
 

hermannr

Regular Member
Joined
Mar 24, 2011
Messages
2,327
Location
Okanogan Highland
I OC a CZ85 quite frequently. I like the HK45 also...The CZ85 is less expensive...Average maybe $350 used, $500 new. The HK is quite a bit more expensive.

Choose the one that will fit your hands and style. Both are full sized.
 

EMNofSeattle

Regular Member
Joined
Aug 7, 2012
Messages
3,670
Location
S. Kitsap, Washington state
I'm a south paw too

I recommend blocks, they don't have ambi controls but the mag release button is pretty large and easy to hit with the index finger when holding left hand. I never use the slide release, when reloading I slap in the mag and give the ever so slightest tug on the slide itself and it slams home. Glock are extremely easy to operate lefty. Personally my favorite is the 19 which is a compact 9mm glock. I shoot these in competition all the time.

The glock 19 can be carried openly or concealed is a happy medium for both.

As far as price if you have been a member of glock shooting sports foundation or know someone who is you can get one at LE price. My dad got a glock 17 this way.

I think you can pick up an m&p shield from smith and Wesson for that price too.

Rogers are nice pistols. But don't let lack of ambi controls get to you, I'm left handed and have no problems whatsoever operating a right handed gun
 

MAC702

Campaign Veteran
Joined
Jul 31, 2011
Messages
6,331
Location
Nevada
I recommend blocks, they don't have ambi controls but the mag release button is pretty large...

Rogers are nice pistols. But don't let lack of ambi controls get to you, I'm left handed and have no problems whatsoever operating a right handed gun

Gen 4 Glocks have reversible mag release buttons.

Rugers are ambidextrous for both safety and magazine release.
 
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ScottE

Regular Member
Joined
Aug 10, 2012
Messages
140
Location
Minnesota
***** ******Language there is some wrong info on Glocks in this thread. :banghead:

Anyways, get a Glock 19 Gen 4, and you're done - this WILL meet your needs. PLEASE research this for yourself.

And while not popular advice on this forum, if you carry concealed (at least in more urban/suburban areas), you won't have 95% of the problems that people that post on this forum have. :cool:

Again, while not popular advice on this forum, once you get your firearm, please get some basic training that will educate yourself on the laws regarding carrying in your state.

Then seek out more advance training, so when something goes down, you'll actually be able to react in a real situation.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Grapeshot

Legendary Warrior
Joined
May 21, 2006
Messages
35,317
Location
Valhalla
***** ******Language there is some wrong info on Glocks in this thread. :banghead:

Anyways, get a Glock 19 Gen 4, and you're done - this WILL meet your needs. PLEASE research this for yourself.

And while not popular advice on this forum, if you carry concealed (at least in more urban/suburban areas), you won't have 95% of the problems that people that post on this forum have. :cool:

Again, while not popular advice on this forum, once you get your firearm, please get some basic training that will educate yourself on the laws regarding carrying in your state.

Then seek out more advance training, so when something goes down, you'll actually be able to react in a real situation.

What is not popular on OCDO is constant sniping and negative insinuations. You should take heed to that regard. Pushing the limit on what is acceptable here is not a way to insure your continued enjoyment of this forum.

It has been said countless ways that educating and training are good - one can never have too much. Even at that, the lack of same should not preclude anyone from the right of self- defense.

Also continued misdirection/sidetracking/highjacking of a thread is bad form. In this thread the OP has asked for "first handgun suggestions" - the rest is off-topic.
 

EMNofSeattle

Regular Member
Joined
Aug 7, 2012
Messages
3,670
Location
S. Kitsap, Washington state
***** ******Language there is some wrong info on Glocks in this thread. :banghead:

Anyways, get a Glock 19 Gen 4, and you're done - this WILL meet your needs. PLEASE research this for yourself.

And while not popular advice on this forum, if you carry concealed (at least in more urban/suburban areas), you won't have 95% of the problems that people that post on this forum have. :cool:

Again, while not popular advice on this forum, once you get your firearm, please get some basic training that will educate yourself on the laws regarding carrying in your state.

Then seek out more advance training, so when something goes down, you'll actually be able to react in a real situation.

OK well I'm sorry that I've never owned a gen4 and my competition gun is a Gen2 G17 and I can sometimes borrow my mothers Gen3 G-19. I've never owned or fired a gen4 and my advice is 100% correct for a gen2 or 3.

Thanks for playing.
 

mpguy

Regular Member
Joined
Mar 25, 2012
Messages
689
Location
Suffolk Virginia
If you don't mind shooting steel ammo, you can get .45 ammo for 13 bucks at wally world buying Tul ammo. I normally shoot brass, but I have put 500 rounds of it through my pistol, with no problems.

It's dirtier, but I break my gun down every shooting and clean it. I do try to shoot brass, as I'm saving for a re-load kit this spring.

Best thing is to go to a range/store and spend the rental fee, and find what you want. Do yourself a favor and spend good money on a quality holster and belt when you buy your gun. Your milage may vary.

Sent from my XT912 using Tapatalk 2
 

MSG Laigaie

Campaign Veteran
Joined
Jan 10, 2011
Messages
3,239
Location
Philipsburg, Montana
#1 While not popular advice on this forum, if you carry concealed (at least in more urban/suburban areas), you won't have 95% of the problems that people that post on this forum have. :cool:

#2 Again, while not popular advice on this forum, once you get your firearm, please get some basic training that will educate yourself on the laws regarding carrying in your state.

#1 That could be, you see ScottE, this is an open carry forum. It's what we do.

#2 You could be incorrect on that one. I think the "search" program would verify that.

#3 I believe your perceived attitude is "not popular advice on this forum". I, for one, am tired of your negativity.

I apologize to the rest of the forum for my rant. Somtimes I just get tired of it.
 
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