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Everyday is flag day for me. Murica !

244 years ago the US Flag was adopted by the Continental Congress. The same day they created the Continental Army which became the US Army now 244 years old. Not sure which they did first that day.

I'm a big proponent of starting with a .22, maybe a Ruger Mk IV, Browning Buckmark, or S&W Victory. Try before you buy if at all possible, but at least handle them. Nothing teaches the basics of marksmanship like a .22. Then plan to follow it up with a centerfire purchase, and there are some good recommendations for those in the thread above.

Do yourself a favor and try to get some trigger time with a CZ before you make a decision . CZ-75 or CZ-SP01 for a full size or CZ-P01 for midsized handgun. Try as many guns as possible. And as Ray Ray said, don't exclude revolvers. Revolvers are simple to operate, understand and clean. And with a 357 you can also shoot the much softer shooting 38s through it. Revolvers are great first time handguns. Good luck and enjoy trying as many as possible.

But he DID turn the sprinklers on that day on us that very hot and muggy day! Thanks, Steve !!

Then I have to add my experience. I own and shoot the other three. Then I bought a full size M&P 9. The first time I shot it I lit up the target. I was surprised. Happily. So I don't think you'd be disappointed. But I'm keeping all the others.

I can go with those three, and I'd add a Walther PPQ in 9mm to the list. For the M&P in 9mm make sure it's a 2.0 version. That would be four major, solid 9mm pistols to consider. After you handle them at a FFL find a range where you can rent them and shoot them. It will be money well spent. Your preference will be yours to discover. Then start saving your money. The odds are you won't be satisfied with just one.

You are missing some Data points on these questions. 1) I want an optic but I am not looking for an optic ready pistol because I prefer to have the optic milled for direct attach. 2) None. I don’t want an optic ready pistol. I’ll pay $250-$400 for custom millwork to get what I want. The price I’m willing to pay is dependent on features, options, services, and quality. 4) My pistol is life saving equipment. I want the best equipment possible to make hits at distance under all lighting conditions - to include NODS. I’m looking for enhanced offensive capabilities. I will also use the optic for training and competition in furtherance of my end goal. I don’t care what it looks like and gaming/comps are not my primary use concerns.

Tried discussing here: ...but some in the thread have reading comprehension issues. Oh, hai there Ray Ray!

Okay now. Got my stuff. Get'n ready for Sunday to watch the final round of the OPEN while floating in the pool and eat'n ribs.

oh yes, the gear budget is SICK outside the rifles! =binos/spotting scope, rf, tripod, bags, reloading. (got a headache already) I think the 1 guy Matt started shooting w his RPR then upgraded to 2 MPA chassis builds. After seeing the MPA, im having 2nd thoughts on the AI chassis set-up.

It's a flawed list. One shouldn't have that many nice handguns without a couple of 1911's in the mix.

That's an important point. I always try to take 6 first-timers to the range every year. It's not much, it's not enough, but I like to think I'm flipping a few votes over to our side. And they always have a great time. The first two this year were college students from England (ok, no NJ votes flipped there), both studying at TCNJ for the semester, and both determined to get out shooting before they returned home, where they would have no access to firearms due to England's draconian gun laws. Range time in the US was a bucket-list item for them, and they found me right after finals, and just a few days before their flights home. We worked through a variety of .22 and centerfire rifles and pistols, and I've never seen such happy young people--they were absolutely giddy to have the chance to go shooting.

Not to mention... with a .22, you get all of that initial training and learning done at far lower cost (due to the lower ammo cost). I truly think a modestly priced .22 will pay for itself over time with the ammo cost savings. Then, once the OP gets a centerfire and is a more experienced shooter... it will be time to turn to the next phase of gun ownership... becoming a good "ambassador of the shooting sports". For that phase, once again, it's nice to have a .22 when you bring your own newbs to the range. Be future-oriented with your purchase!

G19 S&W 686

It's a personal decision only you can make. But, you should check out a CZ 75 SP-01. Awesome pistol. Beware though. Once you own and shoot a CZ, it won't be long till you buy all of their different models. So start your CZ slush fund now.

Obviously this topic has been discussed a lot on forums, youtube, print and social media, at gunshops and wherever. But my answer always is the same. A 4 inch 357 is an excellent option. It is capable of doing everything you need. They are reliable, cost effective and last forever.

If you shot a Glock 19 you pretty much have a good idea what a Glock 17 is like. Going to the range with friends and trying their guns is a good idea. IMO the Glock 19 is the best all around 9mm made. Spend some time figuring out what else you want to try before you go renting guns. You can easily can spend more than your gun is going to cost on rentals. Keep in mind that you will spend thousands more than the original price of your gun on ammo. Taking that into account for a centerfire handgun a 9mm in a semiauto or 38/357 in a revolver makes sense. I've always been of the opinion that a double action revolver is a good handgun to start with. It takes a bit more to learn the DA pull but when you master a DA revolver everything else is easy. JMO. Getting some instruction is important. You can take formal classes or learn from an experienced shooter. Doing this early will save you a lot of time and ammunition. It will also help you prevent developing bad habits that will be difficult to break. I know many good shooters who were self taught. They will never be great shooters because of the bad habits they developed.

I would vote against VP9, I have it but the mags are expensive and maintenance is complex. glock if it fits your hand but m&p checks all the boxes. also CZ p10 c is a good option with trigger out of box better than glock and m&p.

Hopefully NJ2AS doesn’t piss him off again between now and then...

What do you want? Rent borrow as many different as you can.

I would think a full size 9mm semi auto or a .357 magnum revolver is a good choice for a first handgun. In full size 9mm, there are S&W, Beretta, HK, Sig, Glock, CZ, Walther, and others in polymer, aluminum, and steel frames, and various trigger types. In a .357 Magnum revolver, you have S&W, Ruger, a few Colts and some others. In a .357 Magnum, .38 Special ammunition can be shot for lighter recoil. Visit some stores, hold some guns, see what feels good.

I’d give the other members here a price range on what you’re willing to spend to help narrow it down. I’d recommend a full size 9mm handgun. M&P9, H&K VP9, Glock17. I’d also recommend hitting a local gun shop/ range that has a decent inventory and handle the guns and shoot them before you put down money and your p2p purchasing one.

I had him do a brake and remove bayonet lug. Charged me $130. That was last summer. Few months back I used Cheyenne in bordentown. They did same work and charged $55.

Who shops in Dicks?

Once the short ribs are done.... First, you make a roux. Then, strain the solids from the braise liquid, and make a gravy. Use a little bit of fresh thyme in the gravy to tie it all together, Then, plate it. A little gravy, garlic mashies, topped by a lovely braised short rib. Garnish with a little green onion.

Beef short ribs....not pig. Reading is fundamental. They were seared on a cast iron skillet, before being placed on a bed of onion, celery, and carrots. Then, 2 cups red wine, and 4 cups beef stock is poured in the Dutch oven, a few sprigs of thyme on top, and a nice rest in the oven for a few hours. My house smells amazing right now.

Did you serve your pig soup with saltines or ritz?

See this is how I know you are a plant, willing or not. Has ANY surtax on ANYTHING actually gone to fix the thing it was supposed to fix? NJ Lottery? Casino gambling? NJ Income tax? Tolls for the roads? Ciggy taxes? Not in NJ! what may actually come of it, will be put into the 'general fund' and used for bringing in more illegal aliens, giveaways to connected people, etc. You are plainly trying to shill up this idea to make the tax look not so bad. Go back to your Soros-masters and report their tricks don't work anymore on people that can think without the brainwashing of the media

Trick or Treat !!!!

That's your Blue Team's Liberal Logic at work. ... and you still vote Democrat, so sad...