Comparing guns

[MrSkippyJ]

I am not asking which to get, but asking for help as a gun NOOB. I went shooting with my friends and they both had 9mm, one was a Ruger SR9 and the other a SIG Sauer P226.

I don't want to know what you think is better, but rather what should I look for when considering buying a gun. I have experience with these 2, and will more than likely be able to shoot a few more before I purchase one. I am going with the 9mm so what are things I should consider in a gun besides just how it feels in my hand? I won't use it often or ever for any kind of competition, probably just occasional trips to the shooting range or out to a friends land.

I am a gun NOOB, so maybe this is a question that is just to broad to answer, if so, what are things I need to narrow down?

[n8ball2013]

feel is number one in my book. if it doesnt feel good I cant buy it.

after that its features. I dont like exposed hammer pistols for the most part. I stick to the striker fired ones. Also dont like extra curricular devices like safeties lol.

magazine capacity is another thing to look at.

frame size is another. Im pretty sure that the two you shot were a compact. I know the ruger is.

you have subcompact compact and fullsize. smallest to biggest.

if you dont care to carry it for protection id look into a compact or a fullsize. It will be easier on your hands to shoot and more accurate as well in most cases

if i was buying a pistol right now in 9mm id look into. glock springfield XD or the springfield M&P line. the m&P line have alot of great reviews and feel really good in my hands and have a great price.

[poorfish88]

P226 is a proven weapon, and the SR9 is really a different gun .The SR9 is striker fired plus all the guns N8 mentioned are as well. The SR9 has a polymer frame and holds more bullets. The P226 is a hammer fired metal frame gun. The SR9 is better compared to the guns N8 mentioned not the P226.

[Keith77]

N8 said it best...

Feel is #1 Ive shot Glocks, Springfields, Smith&Wesson M&P.. The M&P was the most comfortable in my had and shoots very well I have 3 of them now. The have interchangable grips (small med. and larg) to fit your had. Polymer frame guns are lighter so that is another thing to look into (weight). If you can shoot as many guns as you can before buying the one you want. Nothing worse then buying a gun you dont like.

[MrSkippyJ]

cool. that is about what they said, feel is the most important. I really liked how the SIG felt, but that price tag is a bit hefty. The SR9 had a nice feel to it also even though it was a rented and well abused one! I will look into those other ones mentioned and see what they feel like. I have fairly big hands so those subcompact ones don't work well with me.

Thanks for the help!

[lifted_silverado]

N8 said it best...

Feel is #1 Ive shot Glocks, Springfields, Smith&Wesson M&P.. The M&P was the most comfortable in my had and shoots very well I have 3 of them now. The have interchangable grips (small med. and larg) to fit your had. Polymer frame guns are lighter so that is another thing to look into (weight). If you can shoot as many guns as you can before buying the one you want. Nothing worse then buying a gun you dont like.

X3 i was 100% set on buyin a springfield xd until i held it. NO WAY it was uncomfortable as all hell. I ended up getting the smith SD .40 as soon as i grabbed it i KNEW it was the gun i wanted. Couldnt be happier

[LT.Smoke]

Feel aka Comfort is #1... 2nd it depends what you are looking to purchase it for such as concealment or every day carry or a combo of both... Lastly Reputation of the firearm manufacturer is a decent way to base your selection as well

[MrSkippyJ]

i won't be concealing it. i will probably get a carry license just to cover my ass if i am transporting it. That way there are no problems if I ever get pulled over and have ammo with me. I just want one to mostly go shooting with at a range or someones land. and of course at home god forbid i would ever be in a situation like that.