YAGT: Recommend first pistol!

[clamum]

Yes, the P228 was replaced by the P229. I can't tell ya what the differences are off the top of my head, but I don't think they're anything major. As far as I know, it's pretty much a smaller P226.

 

[gorobei]

p228 slide was made with the same die formed sheet metal process as the old p226 (sheet metal pressed into shape with forged steel insert parts )

p229 was the first sig model to use solid stainless steel slides investment cast by ruger and assembled at sigusa. later they transitioned to billet machined slides for the 226 and 229.

sigs are nice, if you are only going to own 1 gun then sig is a good choice as far as not having anything to regret. if it fits your hand then that is the only thing that matters, since accuracy/ergonomics/function/durability should be equal to any of the other wondernines.

the only issue is that they are expensive. i lucked out and got my 229 for $600 when they first came out and everything was still german/swiss parts. but $800+ or even $1000 with nightsights and taxes just seems nuts.

 

[gorobei]

as far as beginner pistols, i'm with jpeyton: 400-500$ gun and 200$ on ammo and range time. figure out if you really want to get into the hobby before you dump $1200 on just the gun.

lowest i would go would probably be ruger sr9. maybe a ruger p95 if you arent finicky about the trigger.
the cheapest non trash metal(steel) pistol i would possibly recommend would be the EAA witness series (Italian copy of cz75 with all steel frame and full length guide rod) that came out before real cz75 were legal to import. they can still be found for less than 400 (no clue about the quality these days however)

 

[CryHavoc]

If you are looking for a GREAT first pistol that you plan to carry around, hands down the Glock 19. Seriously.

Glocks can be disassembled with your eyes closed. Parts are cheap, and they are far more comfortable to carry around than a Sig, Kimber, or any other full steel pistol.

A second choice..which happens to be my favorite Pistol manufacturer is HK.

Regarding Sigs...I own a P226, 228, 229, 220, 239, and my beloved German police trade in P225.

Pistols and AR15's used to be my main hobby before I got into large scale RC planes.

I have carried them all concealed...I always go back to the G19, Sig P225 or my HK P2000

Slim, lightweight, and comfortable to wear in a Galco pancake holster.

The P228 should still be around new, but you can always get a very nice used one.

The P229 in 9 and 40 are great, but end up, for me, to be a pain in the arse to wear for extended periods of time.

 

[Excelsior]

You really owe it to yourself to at least hold a CZ 75, and preferably shoot one as well. I've shot a number of pistols and I still come back to the CZ. Very affordable, reliable, accurate, and a decent aftermarket.

 

[Fenixgoon]

ended up going with the stoeger cougar.

it just felt so right in my hands compared to the M&P, XD, etc.

 

[shortylickens]

 

[rayfieldclement]

Go for the S&W Military and police 9mm or a Ruger Sr9

 

[Ichinisan]

OP: Get a water pistol. These are great fun. Ammunition is cheap and plentiful. Don't let your kids get hold of it, though. You would regret that dearly.

 

[irishScott]

ended up going with the stoeger cougar.

it just felt so right in my hands compared to the M&P, XD, etc.

Solid choice. Hope it serves you well!

 

[Fenixgoon]

Success! (firearm was checked to be unloaded multiple times )

http://pics.bbzzdd.com/users/fenixgoon/WP_000292.jpg
http://pics.bbzzdd.com/users/fenixgoon/WP_000293.jpg