Suggestions for first handgun

[Guest 70below]

Another possibility for you.......consider a CZ-82....right now you can get them for $150-200, they are chambered in 9mm Makarov (9x18) they have 13rd mags, and are very well made. I've always liked the makarov round. Its in between the 380 and 9mm Luger power wise, has enough pop to use for self defense, are fun to shoot, and ammo is fairly reasonable. Typically I pay $9-10 a box. It seems to stay in stock a little better, but you should stock up when you start to run low because you rarely find it at your local walmart.

[Guest pws_smokeyjones]

while i agree to a certain extent, that is more how i would look at my second purchase. right now i am thinking about being able to defend myself if the need arises. if that happens sometime before i can afford my dream gun, well then that isn't a very good solution.

Good clarification, that sounds logical. Have you considered a quality used handgun? I did a quick search (just to get an idea of prices) and found a used P226 for $250 for example. http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=125848113

Something like a used H&K, Sig or Springfield that maybe is banged up a bit, but otherwise a perfectly functioning handgun might suit your immediate needs quite well.

[nolo]

You could also look at the Stoeger cougar. I saw one at a shop the other day and was impressed with the quality. It was $379 new. You might be able to find one around $349 new.

[clarky07]

I've looked at the CZ-82 and I think that might be a good fit as well. What does everyone think about the 9X18 Makarov round?

[DaveTN]

Hero Gear is having their big customer appreciation sale this weekend. Go talk to Joe and see what happens.

Don’t buy a junk handgun for personal protection.

[clarky07]

i wish i could, alas I am out of town this weekend.

[Guest PerazziTM1]

I think the OP needs to think about what they want to do with the gun. If you just want a handgun to have and take to the range to shoot and have some fun with then you should certainly consider a 22. They are fun and very affordable to shoot and ammo is available most of the time at your local store.

CZ-82 was mentioned, I have a couple of these and they are excellent guns, I just got my second one last week and have not shot it yet. But the first shoots very good, it surprised me as to how well it shot. These are 189.xx at aimsurplus, and 199 at classicarms.us . I think these are the best deal available in C&R handguns. And I expect the price to up a bit as soon as the supply starts to thin.

Good Luck,