Thanks for the offer. I really appreciate it. Sorry if I'm rubbing anyone the wrong way in asking all these questions. You need to understand this will be my only non-.22 pistrol purchase and my last pistol purchase for sometime. I want to get it right and the only way I know how to get an understanding is to read, watch footage and ask questions, all of which I've been doing.

 

If this will be your only pistol for some time, then I suggest you go to a range and rent 3 or 4 guns. It would be about $60 to do this for an hour, but well worth it in the end. Additionally, if you aren't sure, buy used. That way you can sell and get another one with little money lost.

 

If I did not live in NJ, I would probably get a Ruger SR9C for versatility (if I could only have one gun), or maybe one of the new FN FNS-9s. In NJ the most versatile combo, I think is a Glock 23 w/ a 9mm conversion barrel and an assortment of 19 magazines and Glock 22 and 23 magazines for it (Yes, I know we are not talking about Glocks). I love that gun for what it is, but I don't love that Glock gun. The Beretta 92 is an awesome gun and 15-rounders could be had for it. For me, it just doesn't fit my hand the way I want it to. The trigger reach is just a tad too far for my comfort. I am not sure why the 92A1 isn't popular, but I would get that over the Beretta 92FS because of the ability to swap out the front sight. A cheaper option for a DA/SA would be Beretta/Stoeger's Cougar 8000. It has a more comfortable grip than the 92, still has 15-round magazines (although 92 mags won't work with it), and it is a little shorter and more versatile, not to mention the price is right. However, you lose the Americana of the 92FS and the ability for cheap magazines and lots of aftermarket accessories (holsters, etc.) and it doesn't have the same resale appeal.

 

I don't think you can go wrong with either the Ruger or the Beretta. If you plan on practicing at 25 yards, the Beretta would probably be a better bet. Either would probably work great for a night stand gun, however, the extra 5 rounds the Beretta has would probably give it an edge, as long as you practice with the da/sa trigger. You can pin the Ruger magazines, but I wouldn't use those in a defensive gun.

I have DA/SA Metal (Sig P226), Striker Plastic (Walther PPQ) and SA Metal (Ed Brown 1911). I went this way for my initial firearms so I could practice and use the variations. My actual preference for a 'pick up and use' firearm is the Striker Plastic, however all three trigger/frame styles work well (and have pros and cons).

 

As others have mentioned, I'd recommend going to a range and renting a variety of firearms. I would not worry so much as to whether they are DA/SA, Striker etc as you'll get many different personal perspectives, some or none of which may be relevant to you as everyone is different. Instead see which one 'feels right' and you are sufficiently accurate with. The chances are that over time you will end up purchasing more than one style as your inventory grows and changes.

 

Personally I found that for me the Beretta did not 'feel right' for me even though I shot it quite accurately. I actually found I preferred the Springfield Armory XD/XDM series which ended up taking me along the journey to the Walther PPQ.

 

Also what is the purpose of the firearm and what is your environment. Consider some of the following questions:

• Do you plan to use the firearm for competitions?
  
• Do you plan to use the firearm for plinking at the range (and at what distance)?
  
• Do you plan to use the firearm for Home Defense?
  
• Do you plan to use the firearm for CCW out of state?
  
• Do you have children in the house (this may or may not affect your choice depending on personal views on safeties etc)?
  
• Do you have a partner/family members that you are looking to introduce to firearms?
  
• What is your budget (for firearm + accessories e.g. holsters, magazines, lights/lasers, after market sights etc)?
  
• Do you want a .22 conversion kit for the firearm?
  

While we may not be able to carry in NJ yet, many of us have Utah/Florida CCWs and carry out of state.

 

hth

 

TheWombat

Even up to the day I purchased my 92A1, I was a bit apprehensive about the DA/SA action that gun has. After owning it for a few weeks, I really like having it setup that way. I can still go SA on the 1st shot if I'd like, but have the option to have the heavier pull of the DA on that 1st shot if I so desire. I'm pleased with my choice. If/when I ever decide to make this a nightstand gun, I'll feel confident knowing that the 1st shot is less likely to be accidentally discharged in case of an emergency.

I own all three. I was shooting my Glocks a lot and I was going to sell my Beretta Centurion until I pulled it from the safe and shot it. I forgot how nice it shot and recoiled. My Sig P229 is also a very nice shooter. For me, I like them all. All for a different reason. If you shoot it a lot ot doesn't matter which onr you get. It will be yours and you will get good with it.