Okie and anyone else interested in getting a handgun, as long as you buy one of the leading name brand guns, you'll be getting a good product.
I've been a firearms dealer in Ft. Worth Tx. for the last twenty two years and have owned, sold, handled or fired about every make and model of handgun made. It is much like looking at motorcycles. Several different manufacturers, models, styles, sizes and intended uses. Of course, for someone who is not familiar with the makes and models, it gets pretty confusing, so the best thing to do is handle and preferably fire as many of the different models as possible before making a decision. Here in Ft. Worth there are several shooting ranges that will the rent various models to help you decide which best suits your needs and shooting style.
My main point is as long as you stay with the tried and trued such as Colt, Glock, Beretta, Smith & Wesson (don't stone me, they do make a good product), Ruger, Taurus, Browning, H&K, Kimber, Walther, Springfield Armory, and several other less known but still worthy makers/importers, you will get a well made product. Granted, some better made than others, but as with most things, the better the quality or the more features, the higher the price. What is most important is the "relationship" you form with the gun. If it feels good in your hand, performs well for you in actual shooting, and is the right type of "tool" for the intended purpose, then you have found a good choice. Don't buy a small lightweight fixed sight gun for target shooting, and like wise don't get the tricked out, accurized, target masterpieces for down and dirty hunting purposes or self protection.
A few months back I traded my local KTM dealer and his partner handguns for goods and services at their shop. One of them is from Brazil and has owned many firearms. He choose a Ruger P-90 45 acp. He loves the gun and has fired several thousand rounds through it already. The partner had only owned a shotgun, but he sprang for a Sig 229 .40 cal. with night sights. He has yet to fire it.
Different strokes for different folks!
Best advice, stay away from the under $250 (new) guns unless that is all your budget will allow, handle and shoot if possible as many different guns as you can get your hands on, and know what your needs are.
But in the end, the gun you can form a good relationship with is all you need.
I've been a firearms dealer in Ft. Worth Tx. for the last twenty two years and have owned, sold, handled or fired about every make and model of handgun made. It is much like looking at motorcycles. Several different manufacturers, models, styles, sizes and intended uses. Of course, for someone who is not familiar with the makes and models, it gets pretty confusing, so the best thing to do is handle and preferably fire as many of the different models as possible before making a decision. Here in Ft. Worth there are several shooting ranges that will the rent various models to help you decide which best suits your needs and shooting style.
My main point is as long as you stay with the tried and trued such as Colt, Glock, Beretta, Smith & Wesson (don't stone me, they do make a good product), Ruger, Taurus, Browning, H&K, Kimber, Walther, Springfield Armory, and several other less known but still worthy makers/importers, you will get a well made product. Granted, some better made than others, but as with most things, the better the quality or the more features, the higher the price. What is most important is the "relationship" you form with the gun. If it feels good in your hand, performs well for you in actual shooting, and is the right type of "tool" for the intended purpose, then you have found a good choice. Don't buy a small lightweight fixed sight gun for target shooting, and like wise don't get the tricked out, accurized, target masterpieces for down and dirty hunting purposes or self protection.
A few months back I traded my local KTM dealer and his partner handguns for goods and services at their shop. One of them is from Brazil and has owned many firearms. He choose a Ruger P-90 45 acp. He loves the gun and has fired several thousand rounds through it already. The partner had only owned a shotgun, but he sprang for a Sig 229 .40 cal. with night sights. He has yet to fire it.
Different strokes for different folks!
Best advice, stay away from the under $250 (new) guns unless that is all your budget will allow, handle and shoot if possible as many different guns as you can get your hands on, and know what your needs are.
But in the end, the gun you can form a good relationship with is all you need.