First gun, recommend a good 40 caliber handgun.

[JustinH]

So, I'm somewhat new to Texas, about 2 years in to living in this great state.

I have gotten in to shooting at gun ranges with some friends and I enjoy it.

I decided to take two gun safety courses, then obtain my CHL license.

I am looking to purchase my first gun.

I have shot many different caliber handguns.

I took my CHL test with a Glock 23 40 caliber, and I seem to really like this caliber handgun.

Can ya'll recommend a pistol under $700 that uses a 40 caliber round?

I have been looking at a smith and wesson, a glock, or a sig sauer.

Thanks,

Justin

 

[whip]

You really can't go wrong with anything from Smith, Sig, Glock, Springfield, or other big names. Decide what size you want, find one that fits you well, and enjoy it.

 

[dparm]

Is the .40 size set in stone? You'll really limit yourself with that versus 9mm or .45, for example.

 

[Astro14]

If you really liked the Glock, which retails under your price cap, then it seems to me you've found your gun...

I own a Glock 23, it's a great choice.

Now, I happen to own an H&K USP Compact in .40. LEM model, tritium sights. Fine pistol...but the P2000 or USP is outside your price range if purchased new.

 

[Hokiefyd]

Justin, don't overlook CZ either. I have a CZ P-07 and a P-09, both in 9mm. Both are available in .40 S&W as well, though. CZs are excellent-shooting DA/SA hammer-fired pistols.

 

[BISCUT]

Any of the ones mentioned are good choices. If possible rent a few at a range and see what fits your hand the best and what FEELS good to shoot.

I'm an armorer for Sig, Glock, HK, & S&W M&P line. M&P or Glock would be suggestion, if they fit you well. Both are very reliable (not that the others mentioned are not) but the ease of working on the Glock and the M&P along with a flooded market of aftermarket parts and good support from the manufacturer, hard to best them. Personally I like my Sig's but its purely cosmetics. Glock has been on my hip for 14 years as LE and never had a moment of I hope this will go bang when I need it. I would feel the same about any I listed.

I do like the XD as well but do not like the limited number of parts and the Springfield Armory customer support is not anything I've found to be very helpful.

 

[bradepb]

Glock imo- But whatever you choose make sure you really want .40 cal. They can be snappy in a small gun like a glock 27. I am just so happy with my g26 I could blush and the 9mm is much cheaper to shoot.

 

[hatt]

If you liked the Glock 23 then buy one of those. I'd skip the .40 as your first gun and go with the 9mm. The Glock 19 is really hard to beat when everything is added up.

 

[123Saab]

Charter Arms Bulldog in 44 Special.

http://www.charterfirearms.com/products/Charter_Bulldog_14420.asp

Also a great caliber to reload for, A great thing to know how to do these days.....

Shoot Lead all day on a budget

 

[Astro14]

Originally Posted By: hatt
If you liked the Glock 23 then buy one of those. I'd skip the .40 as your first gun and go with the 9mm. The Glock 19 is really hard to beat when everything is added up.


I like the 19 as well, that's why I own 3 of them...

As far as the OP's question, I presume that he's chosen a caliber for some reason. I think that the .40 is a good balance of power, magazine capacity and recoil. The 9mm is easier to manage in terms of recoil, and it costs about 25 cents/round, while the .40 is closer to 35 cents/round...that might persuade some....given about 30% more rounds down range for each shooting dollar.

A good 9mm self defense round is very effective. It's no longer a poorer choice to "something that begins with 4"...

 

[bdcardinal]

My Glock 22RTF2 was my first handgun and it is still a dream to shoot. The grip fits my hand perfectly and I have not had a single issue with the firearm as long as I have owned it.

 

[Robenstein]

For an inexpensive and high quality 40, look at the Stoeger Cougar. Stoeger is owned by Beretta who used to make it under their own name as the Cougar. I had one and it was a great gun for under 400 bucks. For Beretta the Px4 is a great guns also. I will also second the CZ line. I had both in a 40 S&W and they were great. I just divested myself of that caliber and sold them and stuck to 9mm which is just as effective with the right JHP ammo, has more mag capacity, and is cheaper to shoot.

 

[cb_13]

Glock 22 or M&P 40. I give a slight advantage to the Smith as far as warranty because it is transferrable. Shoot both see which one you like the feel of. My dad is in law enforcement has been a firearms instructor for 20+ years and recommends the M&P to anyone that likes the feel of a composite gun. Of course he has nothing bad to say about the Glock either.

 

[AlaskaMike]

You mention that you've shot a number of different handguns and have a preference for the Glock 23. I wholeheartedly agree with the other guys who point out that you've already found what you want.

Caliber is much less important than finding a gun that you're comfortable with and shoot well with. Find a good used Glock 23 and you'll have found your preferred gun under $700.

 

[Astro14]

I think that I paid $550 for my Glock 23 brand new. You should be able to get a new one, if that's your choice, within your budget.

 

[JHZR2]

The three names OP mentioned are all excellent. Love the sig 226/9 and the glocks. Don't have experience with the S&W but love their revolvers.

 

[JustinH]

The glock 23 is $599 new at academy sports here in texas.

 

[HM12460]

The M&P is a good choice, as is the Glock. Have you looked at a Ruger SR40C?

 

[Nyquist]

Springfield XD(m) in 3.8" or a Sig P229 get my vote.

 

[buck91]

Somewhat recently purchased a glock 23 gen 4 for CC. Been shooting the heck out of it and really like it. About as big as i would want to deal with for concealed carry, but still easily concealed iwb...