input on Gun purchase

[DIY pete]

Now that the kids are gone I have been thinking about buying a pistol and getting back into shooting. It has been years since I have fired anything but a shotgun so I am not up to speed on the current state of good makers out there.

I am leaning towards a 9mm and would like some input if you have any to offer. This will not be used for concealed carry so small size is not a plus. I would prefer a gun with a little heft to it.

Are there any makes that stand out or any that are to be avoided? My budget is not unlimited but I am not going to cheap out, 500 to 600 dollars would be perfectly ok.

I know I should post in a gun forum but I like it here so there you have it.

Thanks
Pete

[TheGiver]

Go to a range where you can try out several popular models. Many many choices.

[DIY pete]

[quote author=TheGiver link=topic=34125.msg145254#msg145254 date=1435110265]
Go to a range where you can try out several popular models. Many many choices.
[/quote]

That is definitely part of the plan. There is a shop with a range about 40 minutes from home. Looks like a dump but it has a great reputation.

Pete

[ExpendableYouth]

I really enjoy my CZ SP-01 Tactical. It comes in 9mm, which I have, and 40. Cal. Really nice full size metal frame pistol. It has a lot of customization possibilities, but it is a great shooter out of the box that is amazingly accurate. Springfield also makes a 9mm 1911 that is a really nice practice gun if you want to get into 45. later and enjoy the platform without braking the bank. You can also pick up a used Sig 226 or Beretta 92FS in that price range. These are all full metal frame suggestions since I personally don't care for polymer, but each shooter is different so I wouldn't rule anything out until you've shot it.

[robertsccr5]

I really like Glock, however, I am also able to participate in the Glock Blue Label Program so I can get them relatively inexpensive. The only other 9mm that I've used consistently is the M9 (B 92) which is definitely heavy compared to Glock. I like both very much.

I've shot a few others but nothing really stood out to me.

[JeremyU]

Hard to beat the Glock 19...price, quality, accessories...easy to use as a CCP but also big enough to enjoy at the range...9mm is readily available and close to $.20 per round for decent brass...So many great guns out there right now though, best to go out and give them a test drive first like previously mentioned...Jer

[UBB]

If you're not going to worry about concealed carry than go with a G-17. The longer sight radius over the 19 does wonders for accuracy. Good sights and a little trigger work and you have a very nice shooting pistol.

[DIY pete]

Thanks for the input guys. This kind of information helps point my research in the right direction.

Pete

[TheGiver]

Glock....either love me or hate em. I'll leave it at that.:p

[DIY pete]

[quote author=TheGiver link=topic=34125.msg145313#msg145313 date=1435243841]
Glock....either love me or hate em. I'll leave it at that.:p
[/quote]

From my reading online you are 100% correct. Luckily I haven't formed an opinion yet so I should be able to be objective. One positive they appear to have is the availability of parts if you want to upgrade some of the bits and pieces.

Pete