So, I’ve kinda been tasked with picking out a gun for a novice shooter. As in, has practically zero experience with handguns. It’s just a handgun to keep handy while traveling the US in a motor home. I’m posting this to see if I’ve missed anything that meets the following criteria:
1) Semi-automatic: Their choice, not going to try and talk them into a revolver either. I don’t much care for them myself.
2) Manual safety: They’re not comfortable with the idea of a gun that doesn’t have one. Not going to argue on that one either.
3) Legal in all 50 states (eg: no more than 10 round capacity): This is something I brought up. Said person will be traveling with it and doesn’t need to end up a felon because they decided to drive into California with a 15 round magazine for a CZ-75B.
4) Full-sized or reasonably large sized pistols only: No pocket rockets, this is a novice shooter we’re talking about.
The only thing that comes to mind is a 1911 of some kind, probably either a Government or Commander sized one with a heavy steel frame to make for more comfortable range sessions.
Am I missing any other good options?
Stoeger Cougar if you can still get it with 10-round mags. When I bought mine they were only sold with 10-rounders, but the website now lists the hi-caps as included. Great gun, easy to shoot, steel frame, manual safety.
I’m really a fan of my XD … I know it doesn’t have the manual safety, but it has a trigger safety and grip safety (something Springfield is calling Ultra Safety Assurance) – both have to be depressed before the pistol will fire.
One other point I’d add to your list – ease of maintenance. Something that can be easily broken down and re-assembled. And no Dremel required :)
PT-92 with a 10-rd magazine, or the variant in .40 (PT-99, I think)?
I’d say the Beretta 92FS would be a good choice. It was my first pistol and I’ve had quite a few first timers shoot it with no problem. You can get it with 10 round mags and upgrade to 15’s later.. Plus 9mm is a popular round and easy to shoot. The weight of the 92 makes it a breeze to handle.. Easy to clean and dependable as well. Plus you can get them more interesed by relating it to the Die Hard and Lethal Weapon movies.. Or military M9. :)
1911 5″ Government model. Springfield Armory (Pic your model). Mec-gar mags or wilson combat mags second choice, for life saving reliability. Note: ACT or Wolf mags are great too, same design as the Mec-gar mags. FMJ Ball ammo (Federal or Speer)for feeding reliability (who needs a hollow point when it’s a .45 !!! ). My choice for sure if I only own one gun.
I know they hate us, but the H&K USP .45 compact (not so small)fits your criteria pretty well.