Looking to purchase my first handfun, and something that may be usible for competition purposes in the future. Price range is ~400-600. I really like the 1911s, but I know those can be pricey. Hence, I am being realistic and looking for a good alternative (new or used) in the 400-600 range. For example, I've shot the Sig SP2022 and loved it.

 

Finally, I know you get what you pay for, but at the moment, would like to stay in the 400-600 range. Will definitely pay the premium for a different gun in the future. Thanks in advance.

Glock 17 and the M&P 9 would fit that budget and keep ammo costs down. You can use em for all he gun games. Don't overlook FN and some used Sigs or the Beretta 92 series. All could be had for that price point.

Glock 17 and the M&P 9 would fit that budget and keep ammo costs down. You can use em for all he gun games. Don't overlook FN and some used Sigs or the Beretta 92 series. All could be had for that price point.

Thanks sir!

CZ 75b

Thanks sir!

Ur welcome

A Glock 19 is just as easy to shoot as a 17 and you aren't restricted to 10 rd mags or spending extra for blocked 17 rd mags.

What type of competition, IDPA or USPSA or something else?  If USPSA you might want to consider a Glock G22 so you can shoot major rather than a 9mm which would be minor power factor.

What type of competition, IDPA or USPSA or something else?  If USPSA you might want to consider a Glock G22 so you can shoot major rather than a 9mm which would be minor power factor.

 

Thanks for the suggestion. I am not sure at this point, I wanted to watch matches in both and learn more before I committed to one or the other. Maybe even try both.

Go for a M&P 9.  I shoot competition (Both USPSA and IDPA) with my 9L

Go for a M&P 9.  I shoot competition (Both USPSA and IDPA) with my 9L

 

 

This..

Another recommendation for the M&P 9. I started USPSA with a 9L in production and it was an excellent gun.

I don't own a Glock but am told that the G17 is an outstanding all purpose gun.

 

I DO own an M&P Pro (son shoots it) and a Beretta 92FS (mine) and we shoot both in Steel and USPSA.  Both are chambered in 9.

 

I've found them both to be excellent firearms for our purpose, and was able to find affordable (inexpensive) kydex holsters and magazine pouches...again...good for our purpose. 

 

My next gun is a Beretta PX4 in 9...if I can ever find a full size with NJ Legal magazines. 

Glock 17 in NJ is limited to 10 round mags unless you find a FFL to block the 17 rounders.

M&P pro 40, glock 35 or 22, XD 40, or whatever else.

By getting a 40, you could shoot the same gun and rig(with minor changes) in 3 dufferent USPSA divisions. Production, L10, and limited. You could also use same gun for IDPA and steel matches. If you reload, you can load your ammo nice and light. I have posted the same response to every post this same question is asked. IMHO it is the best way to go. If you don't think so, you are a moron.

Go for a M&P 9. I shoot competition (Both USPSA and IDPA) with my 9L

Im going to start regularly shooting matches and will be buying a 9L pro. Shot my first match with a 9c. Didnt do bad but the extra barrel length will def help.

The respones have been amazing. I will look into all of these. I really like the M&P 9 but not counting out anything else.

M&P pro 40, glock 35 or 22, XD 40, or whatever else.

By getting a 40, you could shoot the same gun and rig(with minor changes) in 3 dufferent USPSA divisions. Production, L10, and limited. You could also use same gun for IDPA and steel matches. If you reload, you can load your ammo nice and light. I have posted the same response to every post this same question is asked. IMHO it is the best way to go. If you don't think so, you are a moron.

How tough is it to get .40 ammo right now? Also, is it a huge price difference from 9mm?

40 in some areas can be easier to find. Price difference now I'm not sure. Maybe someone else can chime in.

How tough is it to get .40 ammo right now? Also, is it a huge price difference from 9mm?

Not that hard to get 40 ammo. Few dollars more than 9mm.

Walther PPQ!

.40 for some reason was the one caliber I noticed was almost always available during the ammo disappearance. It is priced right between 9mm and .45.

Awesome. Thank you all, love this site.

.357sig, .40s&w, and .45acp has been easier to find than 9mm recently, so if you don't have a stash/reload, factor that in when you are deciding...  If/when things get back to normal, 9mm is always the cheapest of the common calibers.

 

Sig Pro 2022 is a fine firearm, I have one in 9mm and like it.  With night sights, I paid $500 before the craziness...

 

Glock 17/19 9mm, 21 .45, 22/23 .40 - depending on what size and caliber works best for you.  I've got a G23 gen4 .40S&W, and that's what I ended up shooting in my first ever 3gun competition.

Sig P220/226/228/229 - these would have to be used for your price point, but Sig refurb guns may be a good value and worth looking for (Sig refurbs have a red band on the grip if I remember correctly).  I own the P226 9mm, but I plan to get one of each of these.

Beretta 92/96 or M9 - new might stretch your budget a little, but very well respected firearms, if a tad heavy.

1911s are great guns, but I'd personally budget a bit more for one in the future (and did), so I'd hold off unless you find a nice used one for a good price.

 

Something I often mention is that many Glock and Sigs can be converted from their native caliber to other calibers, for example, a Glock 22 or Sig P226 can be converted to .22LR, 9mm, 40S&W, and .357Sig with conversion kits or sometimes only barrels...

 

Good luck

.357sig, .40s&w, and .45acp has been easier to find than 9mm recently, so if you don't have a stash/reload, factor that in when you are deciding...  If/when things get back to normal, 9mm is always the cheapest of the common calibers.

 

Sig Pro 2022 is a fine firearm, I have one in 9mm and like it.  With night sights, I paid $500 before the craziness...

 

Glock 17/19 9mm, 21 .45, 22/23 .40 - depending on what size and caliber works best for you.  I've got a G23 gen4 .40S&W, and that's what I ended up shooting in my first ever 3gun competition.

Sig P220/226/228/229 - these would have to be used for your price point, but Sig refurb guns may be a good value and worth looking for (Sig refurbs have a red band on the grip if I remember correctly).  I own the P226 9mm, but I plan to get one of each of these.

Beretta 92/96 or M9 - new might stretch your budget a little, but very well respected firearms, if a tad heavy.

1911s are great guns, but I'd personally budget a bit more for one in the future (and did), so I'd hold off unless you find a nice used one for a good price.

 

Something I often mention is that many Glock and Sigs can be converted from their native caliber to other calibers, for example, a Glock 22 or Sig P226 can be converted to .22LR, 9mm, 40S&W, and .357Sig with conversion kits or sometimes only barrels...

 

Good luck

Thanks for this solid info!

Question - if my local PD is ignoring (no return calls, detective in charge is always "away") my calls to apply for a handgun permit (already have an FID card), what are my options?

 

I recall seeing I could apply straight to the State Police. Is that a waste of my time? Has writing to the mayor ever worked for people?

Question - if my local PD is ignoring (no return calls, detective in charge is always "away") my calls to apply for a handgun permit (already have an FID card), what are my options?

 

I recall seeing I could apply straight to the State Police. Is that a waste of my time? Has writing to the mayor ever worked for people?

I think, you can (have to) apply to State Police only if your town doesn't have its own PD.

25 replies and no mention of the Glock 34?!?!   It's slightly over your price range, but can be found used for under $600.  The G34 has the longest sight radius that's legal for most competitions so is the easiest to shoot accurately.  9mm is best for IDPA and steel and if you shoot USPSA Production everything is scored minor so 9mm is the way to go there too.  I'm still new to USPSA, but not sure why you'd choose to shoot Limited or L10 with a Glock when you can shoot it in Production.  If you want to be able to easily get 15 round mags then go with the G19 instead.  IMO, 9mm is also better for a new shooter than .40 and it's cheaper so you can practice more.

A lot of good info here. Thanks. 

M&P pro 40, glock 35 or 22, XD 40, or whatever else.

By getting a 40, you could shoot the same gun and rig(with minor changes) in 3 different USPSA divisions. Production, L10, and limited. You could also use same gun for IDPA and steel matches. If you reload, you can load your ammo nice and light. I have posted the same response to every post this same question is asked. IMHO it is the best way to go. If you don't think so, you are a moron.

What I said earlier.

 

M&P pro 40, glock 35 or 22, XD 40, or whatever else.

By getting a 40, you could shoot the same gun and rig(with minor changes) in 3 different USPSA divisions. Production, L10, and limited. You could also use same gun for IDPA and steel matches. If you reload, you can load your ammo nice and light. I have posted the same response to every post this same question is asked. IMHO it is the best way to go. If you don't think so, you are a moron.

 

 

What I said earlier.

 

I guess I'm a moron . Not trying to start an argument or a caliber war, but if you're getting a handgun to first start out in various competitions I'm not sure why you'd want a .40 over a 9mm.

 

Assuming you don't reload, 9mm is better for IDPA and steel since there's no power factors and it's also better in USPSA Production because everything is scored minor.  If you're getting a Glock/M&P/XD (i.e., a gun that can be used in Production) why would you choose instead to shoot it in Limited against all the guys with tricked out 2011s?

 

Shooting Production is also good for someone new to competitions because it's less gear intensive and you can use the same gear for it as IDPA.  And I also think 9mm is better for someone new to handguns, but what do I know since I'm a moron