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So I could use some advice looking for my first firearm and I have decided that I want a 9mm and have a budget of like $500-$700. I am a big boy and have oven mitts for hands so I would not feel comfortable using something as small as a SIG p238. As this is my first handgun I would like something that would be a reliable carry once I get my CHL and fun to shoot. Pretty new when it comes to handguns as I have only shot Rifles/Shotguns with Boyscouts.

So far what has caught my eye is the;

KAHR KP9093
SIG E20229
SIG P239

This is with me just browsing online and not going into any shops and trying them out which is what I intended to before I actually make a purchase.
Any suggestions that would lead me in the right direction is much appreciated.

*edit* Forgot to mention that I am left handed but right eye dominant if that matters in picking.

I think the Smith & Wesson M&Ps have ambidextrous fiddly bits, as do the FNH FNXs (there's no compact model, though). If you don't mind having buttons and levers in the wrong place, it's hard to beat a Glock 17/19, Sig P226/P228/P229, or Springfield XD/XDm.

...a used Ruger P95 would be a great choice...highly concealable...15+1 capacity...very reliable, easy to shoot...if you can find a decocker...under $400 would be reasonable...a coupla extra mags and you're off and running...stainless if you can find it...so a KP95DC would be the model...

Go to your nearest Gun nut (said with best intentions and feelings) or local range that rents guns. Try everything you can get your hands on. Once you find one that points well, feels good in your hand is a common brand name pistol with a reputation for quality in brand AND MODEL your looking at.. Buy used.

In 9mm, big hands, may i suggest an underrated niche gun like the CZ75. Or an off the shelf XD (very plentiful on the used market)

Where are you located? Willing to travel to?

Live in North Austin/Cedar Park, I have a buddy who I am going to the range with soon and he has a few I am going to try.

Gindack,

First, welcome to the Forum.

The S&W M&P, Beretta PX4 Storm, XDm all might be what you are looking for. They are all polymer framed pistols with interchangeable grip back-straps so you can get the fit to your hand you like. I have "ham hocks" for hands (XL work gloves are tight forget about a non custom made ring) the M&P with the large grip adapter is a perfect combination. I've never shot a PX4 but I've handled one . . . I like. The advise to try as many as you can is good and ask as many questions as you can before buying.

Good luck in your quest, and happy hunting.

MoJo wrote:Gindack,

First, welcome to the Forum.

The S&W M&P, Beretta PX4 Storm, XDm all might be what you are looking for. They are all polymer framed pistols with interchangeable grip back-straps so you can get the fit to your hand you like.

I second looking into a pistol with the interchangeable backstraps. I'm on the opposite end with smaller hands that made great for being a mechanic and geting in tight spaces, not so much for handing a full sized .45. The M&P I just bought provides the best fit I've ever found. Glock Gen 4's (the newest Glocks made) have interchangealbe backstraps now too. I miss my G22, gonna have to get me one of these Gen 4's now to fill the void. The best advice I can give is definately take your time shopping. Do your homework and don't rely on just one person's answers. Happy Shopping

While I love my P239 / p226 being left handed, you may not like the way the controls are setup

Personally I love Rugers, Sr9 and Sr9c are great for me. They shoot well priced reasonably and eat anything I have tried to feed them. Oh and there a "Ruger"

You can add to your polymer framed pistols consideration list HK P30

Fnps are are awesome for a first handgun they have a safety which is one thing that I believe is a must for someone new to handguns, it's got the interchangeable backstraps like all the brand names do, they also come with three magazines which is a good value. The fnp s are very easy to shoot reliable and super acurate. I would also recommend a 9mm over a larger caliber because you want to be able to master your grip stance draw trigger squeeze sight picture strong and weak hand shooting without wedging about recoil or high ammo costs for practicing.

I will also recommend looking into the handguns with interchangeable backstraps. I either own, or have owned, the M&P, XDm, PX4, and Gen4 Glock. I also suggest looking at the Ruger SR9 family, even though the grip is pretty slim. Additionally I recommend looking into guns that can be tuned to fit your hand like the Metal Frame Sigs or the 1911 family. My Sig P226 has a good sized hefty grip, its even larger with the Hogue grips installed. To make the 1911 fit your hands better you can swap the mainspring housing for an arched one if your gun uses the flat variant (as do most guns), get wider grip panels, use grips that wrap around the front of the gun, and even use a different trigger. There are even more options out there, heck a Glock in .45 ACP may fit your hand perfectly while most people find them to be too large.

CombatWombat wrote:...they have a safety which is one thing that I believe is a must for someone new to handguns...

Do you mean a manual safety? Just curios, but what led you to this train of thought?

if it has to be plastic atleast look at somthing like walther pps or s&w m&p.

pbwalker wrote:

CombatWombat wrote:...they have a safety which is one thing that I believe is a must for someone new to handguns...

Do you mean a manual safety? Just curios, but what led you to this train of thought?

I was wondering the same thing, I dont really agree with the need to start on a lower caliber either, the difference in recoil between my 9 my .40 and the .45s I have shot have been minimal at best. is all about carring the caliber that meets your requirements for a gun, I purchased my .40 because I wanted a larger caliber single stack gun that was not a 1911, my 9 because some times I like have 20 rounds per clip