What first pistol?

[Hogie135]

So after 6 years of having my PAL I decided to take my restricted course. Not yet but in April I’ve registered for it. Looking for recommendations on a first and probably only handgun. It’ll be for bear defence and home defence...just kidding but seriously what would you get? I’m seriously considering a 1911 in 45 ACP but a bit expensive.

[hogie]

1911 was my first but not last lol.

Go find a range that has pistols to rent and try. Try a few different ones to see what feels good in your hand and you like to shoot. Costs a bit but not a bad way to spend an afternoon.

I really like the 1911 but HK45 is much nicer to shoot and what I usually take to range.

[tikka250]

Originally Posted by Hogie135

So after 6 years of having my PAL I decided to take my restricted course. Not yet but in April I’ve registered for it. Looking for recommendations on a first and probably only handgun. It’ll be for bear defence and home defence...just kidding but seriously what would you get? I’m seriously considering a 1911 in 45 ACP but a bit expensive.

if your looking for a low cost 1911. you can pick up a used norinco for roughly 350 bucks thats what i bought and it has performed flawlessly.

[fish_e_o]

Originally Posted by tikka250

if your looking for a low cost 1911. you can pick up a used norinco for roughly 350 bucks thats what i bought and it has performed flawlessly.

They are new for 350 from cabelas and if it doesn't work you can throw it

[Scott N]

I can understand the appeal of a 1911 in 45 ACP... certainly a classic combination with endless options for pistol choice. Cost of ammo is the main drawback in my mind.

Another suggestion that I might make is a CZ 9mm. Now that they have the Shadow 2 model out, the original Shadow can be found for pretty good prices. 9mm ammo can be found fairly cheap these days... I just bought a case of 1000 CCI rounds for $249. I couldn't help but notice how popular CZs are at IPSC matches.... accurate, good triggers, and solid steel construction.

Even if you only plan on buying one handgun, seriously consider buying a 22 pistol as a second gun to complement your first choice, whether that be the 45 or a 9mm. 22 pistols are great for introducing new shooters to our sport, ammo is cheep, and you will be able to get more practice time in.

[Pioneer2]

Like a used Ruger MKII then a CF if you find you are using it and like the sport.

[gunluvr]

If you should decide to hand load for handguns, or if your range requires it, shooting an auto is nothing but an ass-pain to gather up spent casings for. A revolver makes it so much easier.

[brendan's dad]

Glock Gen 4 with modular grips in 9mm. There is a reason it is the number 1 law enforcement sidearm by a landslide.

[Homesteader]

Originally Posted by Pioneer2

Like a used Ruger MKII then a CF if you find you are using it and like the sport.

This should probably be your first handgun, or a M&P22. Get one that will closely mimic your "one and only" centerfire

So Maybe a Ruger 22/45 if going the 1911 route, or the M&P22 then go M&P 9, 40, or 45. I vote 9, or 40, for two reasons. Frame size, and ammo cost.

Also you really need to handle all of them. One size does not fit all.

[Newview01]

In what scenario do you see yourself defending yourself against a bear with a handgun?

Get a 9mm. Cheap ammo, easier to shoot.

[Norwest Alta]

Originally Posted by Homesteader

This should probably be your first handgun, or a M&P22. Get one that will closely mimic your "one and only" centerfire

So Maybe a Ruger 22/45 if going the 1911 route, or the M&P22 then go M&P 9, 40, or 45. I vote 9, or 40, for two reasons. Frame size, and ammo cost.

Also you really need to handle all of them. One size does not fit all.

Got a mp40. It is a nice gun to shoot and I don't think they're unreasonably priced. It was my first pistol. Taurus judge is one I'd look at as well if you're looking for a home defense wheel gun. If this is something you're looking at I'd go with the one that shoots 454 casul and 3" 410.

[wolf308]

45 acp ,1911

Murica

[Attilathecanuk]

1911 in .45 are awesome but I would not recommend it as a first pistol, I would go with a 9mm if you are serious in only buying one gun. Once you get familiar with the 9 you will appreciate the .45 even more.

[Hogie135]

Originally Posted by Newview01

In what scenario do you see yourself defending yourself against a bear with a handgun?

Get a 9mm. Cheap ammo, easier to shoot.

I was just kidding

[heybert]

Originally Posted by Newview01

In what scenario do you see yourself defending yourself against a bear with a handgun?

Get a 9mm. Cheap ammo, easier to shoot.

Bear wanders into town feeling a bit groggy since he should still be asleep. Got woken up by a bunch of squirrels arguing who's stash is who's. With all the snow, the bear didn't realize that he left the forest and was on Hogie's street. Hogie was baking a nice sweet honey apple pie with extra honey. Bear got a wiff and off he goes!!!! Hogie's house was a bit smokey since he was also cooking some honey bacon. He opened the back door for a sec in order to get some airflow going through the house. Mr. bear casually walked in since the door was open thinking it was an open invitation......

[jungleboy]

Originally Posted by heybert

Bear wanders into town feeling a bit groggy since he should still be asleep. Got woken up by a bunch of squirrels arguing who's stash is who's. With all the snow, the bear didn't realize that he left the forest and was on Hogie's street. Hogie was baking a nice sweet honey apple pie with extra honey. Bear got a wiff and off he goes!!!! Hogie's house was a bit smokey since he was also cooking some honey bacon. He opened the back door for a sec in order to get some airflow going through the house. Mr. bear casually walked in since the door was open thinking it was an open invitation......

seems viable

[Dewey Cox]

If you want a 1911, get a 1911.
If cost is bothering you, get a norinco.
My first handgun was a norinco 1911, and it's still running strong.

[Savage Bacon]

A 1911 was what I wanted but because of the price of ammo I decided to get a 9mm first. Cheap to shoot in comparison. I'll still be getting my 1911 in .45 but what I got was the S&W M&P 2.0 in 9mm and holy crap I love this gun. I'm almost through my first case of 1000 rounds with no issues. For a decently priced handgun you can't go wrong with the M&P

[CNP]

9mm vs 45acp ammo price example

https://www.westernmetal.ca/shooting...ion-arw-45-230

Norinco 1911A1 Government .45 ACP $399

If you don't like the handgrips or trigger or...............1911 parts are interchangeable between manufacturers. Marstar used to give 10% to Military................ask them

[Lefty-Canuck]

My first was a Ruger single six with .22lr and .22mag cylinders.

LC