Which semi-auto handgun?

Question

I've had alot of experience using firearms, but I've never actually owned a pistol.

I've done my own research, and I think I'll be picking either a:
Taurus PT92
Beretta PX4 Storm
Beretta 92FS
Springfield XD

I need help making the decision. Also, if anyone else knows a decent pistol that isnt too expensive, please feel free to reccomend that also.

I'd rather not spend more than $500

Answer 1

Fine choices but don't go by what we say or think. Go to a range where you can shoot each of those and get the one that fits the best in your hand and "feels" good to you. Just to voice my opinion, I'd go with the Springfield.

Answer 2

I would get the 92FS. Beretta has spare parts out the butt for those guns right on their website (any gun guru keeps spare parts around, regardless of model) and they have a smooth action. They are conventional and that is the way I would go. I own a Kimber and it ran me almost $650, so you can rule that one out. I have been thinking about getting a 92FS. I like gun companies that make extra parts EASY to get. The 92FS is made in Maryland so you are buying a USA made gun! The specs are precise and they are performers. People seem to worship the XD but I will never succumb to some Croatian FrankenGlock Croatian wonder gun. If they are so good, where are all the police contracts??? The only time you see a cop with an XD is in the ad put out by the company!

Wrap-up:

Taurus (no, buy the original)
Beretta PX4 Strom (too new-don't gamble)
Beretta 92FS (a solid performer that had to prove a lot for respect)
Springfield XD (no to FrankenGlock)


Try to look into the CZ-75B series from CZ-USA. You can get the DA/SA CZ-75B model or the SA only CZ-75B SA (I used to own the latter and wish I still had it-stupid me!

Answer 3

All are a good choice, and shouldn't give you problems. The 92 pistols and some of it's clones do sometimes have reliability issues with some types of ammunition, but usually work best with FMJ Ball. I've heard a few bad things about the PX4 Storm, but never having one I can't confirm or deny any of this. The Springfield XD, as far as I can tell, is a good performer, and likely to outlast most other similar pistols, especially the S&W M&P. For a concealed 9mm semi-auto, I'd have to stick to what I know is good, but a 1911's a bit large. If you haven't seen the new Springfield EMP, it's definately worth a look. It's very similar to a smaller 1911 action, with a short barrel and smaller grips. The cheapest one is a bit out of your price range, unfortunately. A Kimber CDP would also be great as a concealed pistol, but they're very expensive.

Answer 4

I bought my first pistol about 3 years ago and that was a Beretta 92 and since then its always worked and it shoots what rounds I feed it. I picked mine up for $475 and it was a used gun in real nice shape. I have heard great things about the Springfield XD in 45 but I think the prince range on them new is around $550. The Taurus pistols I hear people talk good about them online but I see them coming back to the gunshop because something broke or they want a different handgun.
I would say go to your local gunshops you might find one of those handguns your looking for on the used shelf and may save some $$. If they allow you to try some go for it and see which one fits your hand and your also comfortable with thats in your price range.
Good luck

Answer 5

Remember, you want a gun that's big, simple, reliable, holds a lot of bullets, and likely to stop your opponent.

Size, reliability, and capacity shouldn't be an issue with your choices. The thing you should be looking at is simplicity.

The last thing you need in a gunfight is to fumble with the controls in order to get your gun firing. Therefore, out of your list I would recommend the Springfield XD.

My carry gun is a Glock 19. I don't have to worry about the manual safety or the position of the hammer with a Glock.

However, many people do not like Glocks because of its feel and its trigger. Go to your gun store and talk to the clerks and handle a few of the guns to see which ones feel the best. Some ranges allow you to rent some guns to shoot.

Answer 6

Well is it just for shooting at the range or what?You say your experienced so I won't go over the basics with you.Out of those,I'd go with a XD.A surplus Makarov is also a good semi auto that can be found for less than 300$.It shoots well and it can work for self defense if loaded with the proper rounds.Still,If I were in your position I would be patient and look around for a good deal on a slightly more expensive gun.A smart,careful shopper can find 1911s,Sig Sauers,and occasionally some USPs for 500 and under.If it is your first pistol,then you should take your time to find the right one for you.Patience will pay off when you still have the gun 20 years from now.

Answer 7

Out of your list i would go with the Beretta PX4 Storm.... I got to fire one of the, the 92F and 3 of my friends own XD's 40 cals.... I fired all of these at the local range..... I prefer Beretta over just about anything for a handgun..... the 92F is nice, but an older model, I would get the PX4 Storm.

Answer 8

Don't get a Beretta, they tend to jam. Springfield is okay, I'd recommend Heckler & Koch and Sig.

Answer 9

I have had the Taurus now for 15 years and have had only one piece break. This pistol has a lifetime warranty. I did use it for competition when I shot I.P.S.C. It is a very reliable pistol. The only other one I would go for is the Springfield.

Answer 10

Take a look at the Colt Combat Commander in 45 acp before you buy.* Buy used and save $$$$$$$.*

Answer 11

They are all great handguns, but I have voted for the XD twice. I bought two of them. One is a 4" Ported 9mm and the other is the 5" Tactical .45ACP. They are both very smooth shooting and as accurate as the shooter.
I did own a Beretta Px4Storm in 9mm. It was an awesome gun I just got tired of the trigger pull and SA/DA.
I traded that in for the new SR9 by Ruger. It feels good in my hand but I have not fired it yet.

All the guns you have listed are good guns though. Good Luck