Suggestions on my first two firearms to get?

[Mike4325]

The M&P 2.0 is what I have and I really like it, but the CA-compliant version does not come optic ready. You’d have to separately buy the slide. Also, beware the S&W 10 round mags. They are impossible stiff for the 10th round and are basically 9 round mags.

This gun is severely crippled by CA laws. I think the PDP is a better bet here. It has the LCI at the top but at least it’s optic ready.

 

[M_N04H]

The M&P 2.0 is what I have and I really like it, but the CA-compliant version does not come optic ready. You’d have to separately buy the slide. Also, beware the S&W 10 round mags. They are impossible stiff for the 10th round and are basically 9 round mags.

This gun is severely crippled by CA laws. I think the PDP is a better bet here. It has the LCI at the top but at least it’s optic ready.

The more recent 2.0 is optic ready

 

[Deleted member 16735]

The M&P 2.0 is what I have and I really like it, but the CA-compliant version does not come optic ready. You’d have to separately buy the slide. Also, beware the S&W 10 round mags. They are impossible stiff for the 10th round and are basically 9 round mags.

This gun is severely crippled by CA laws. I think the PDP is a better bet here. It has the LCI at the top but at least it’s optic ready.

it's actually the opposite now, you can only get the optic ready M&P they stopped selling the non-optic ready versions.

 

[tango87]

Make sure to wear gloves when loading the ammo so you don’t leave finger prints on the cases.

 

[Tere_Hanges]

Staccato HD
VP9
Shadow Systems MR920 or XR920
M&P 2.0 polymer or metal frame
PDP
P365 Xmacro
Echelon
Rost Martin
Hellcat
Taurus Gx2

 

[JackRydden224]

Shadow Systems MR920 + Ruger PC carbine for the Glock mag compatibility

P365 XMacro + Ruger 10/22 takedown for flexibility and portability

 

[Sheepdog1968]

I think a 9mm Glock should be first. I have two 34’s identically equipped. One is my bedside gun. The other is hidden elsewhere in my home.

Your second gun should be a 12 gauge shotgun with 00 buckshot.

After that, get what you want.

It makes for a fun conversation on the order of things. A pistol, shotgun, rifle, 22 rifle and pistol are all well worth owning. If I had to cut down to two, I’d probably want a shotgun and pistol. However, if someone wanted a rifle and a pistol, I could see arguments being made that way as well. Training early with what you own is probably critical as well.

 

[Ryan Gosling]

$700 and safety/defense and also for fun to take to the range.

Featureless AR15 psa special if you can find it, and an echelon/9mm mid to full size pistol like everyone suggests here. If no ar, get a 10/22

Simple as that for reasons others have already said. Your budget will need to factor in a reliable optic as well. Buy once, cry once is incredibly true in firearms

 

[jayson_b24]

I have opinions, but I'm a poor, so...

 

[thebossjocelyn]

I have opinions, but I'm a poor, so...

No judgements. Just open conversations and opinions here as adults

 

[Mike4325]

it's actually the opposite now, you can only get the optic ready M&P they stopped selling the non-optic ready versions.

Damn I got fleeced

 

[Spork]

Damn I got fleeced

Don't worry my dude same thing happened to me, just bought my MP 2.0 and then turners Reseda had the sale on the old model.

All in all I'm still happy I got the gun I wanted, and I already got me some goodies to make it better when I pick up next weekend.

 

[jayson_b24]

No judgements. Just open conversations and opinions here as adults

Fair enough. I have a couple of suggestions that should fulfill your criteria. I believe you said that your budget was ~$700 and you wanted two firearms. I believe you also stated that you would like a pistol for primary defense and range fun and a second firearm, mostly for the range. Correct me if I'm wrong.

I see a lot of good suggestions on here, and I'm not arguing against any of them. However, if you just want a couple of simple firearms that fit all of your criteria (especially the budget), I'd suggest two that I personally own and have had zero issues with.

For the first, the handgun, I'd suggest a first Gen Springfield XD in 4" or 5" in 9mm. If you're not planning on concealing, the 5" might be the better choice. The 4" though, is the one I have and not impossible to conceal. You have a rail on the bottom of the frame to attach a light for home defense. That's it. Upgrades are available, though not as plentiful as many other platforms. I don't recall upgrades being a part of your post though, so if you're looking for a simple, easy solution with an actual military pedigree, this is a solid option in the $500-550 range. Used examples are going for quite a bit less.

For the second, the rifle, I'd suggest a Rossi RS22 in .22LR. Again, not as fancy as some other suggestions, but one I've had a lot of fun with. For right around $150 you get a synthetic Monte Carlo stock (numerous color options), adjustable fiber optic front and rear sights, sling studs, removable magazine (interchangeable with the Mossberg 702 Plinkster), and a dovetail receiver, so you could mount a scope in the future. And the whole thing weighs in right around 4 pounds.

There you have it! Reliable budget options that I can personally recommend.

 

[vplaza96]

For the first, the handgun, I'd suggest a first Gen Springfield XD in 4" or 5" in 9mm. If you're not planning on concealing, the 5" might be the better choice. The 4" though, is the one I have and not impossible to conceal. You have a rail on the bottom of the frame to attach a light for home defense. That's it. Upgrades are available, though not as plentiful as many other platforms. I don't recall upgrades being a part of your post though, so if you're looking for a simple, easy solution with an actual military pedigree, this is a solid option in the $500-550 range. Used examples are going for quite a bit less.

I agree with this. I started my striker fire journey with the XD9 4". I swapped to the OSP slide and added an optic, added Talon Grips, and a TLR-1HL light. It's my main carry right now (until I renew and add my Echelon 4.0C) and love it. Extremely reliable and no issues.

 

[PlinkyDinky]

Can't go wrong with a Glock and a 10/22.

100%!!

 

[PlinkyDinky]

why do you need a firearm?

 

[PlinkyDinky]

If that is the case and you have a G26, get the Advantage arms slide adapter (you can get them for $150-200 used). Cheaper and has hardly any recoil + cheaper rounds. Like having 2 guns in one and buys you more range time to form an opinion for your 2nd firearm.

I second this: The AA .22 kits are good quality, and really great for training.

DO NOT GET A GLOCK 26

My fat fingers will absolutely not cooperate with a 26; what are your thoughts on the 19?

 

[Deleted member 16735]

I second this: The AA .22 kits are good quality, and really great for training.


My fat fingers will absolutely not cooperate with a 26; what are your thoughts on the 19?

they are very similar the 26 is just shorter.

 

[WWJMBD]

I get the impression that though you are asking a question, what you really want is affirmation to follow your heart…get a 1911.

You’ve had a Glock before and didn’t feel love, maybe you wonder if love can even exist…get a 1911.

You’ll feel the exhilaration of the Fudd coursing through your veins as you bask in the legacy of John Moses Browning…get a 1911.

Now is the time! Jump into your Tesla, crank up up the volume on “Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition”, stick on a fake mustache (or not) and…get a 1911.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again:
There are two types of handgun. One of them is the 1911.

 

[spacetime]

For defense? Shotgun.
For fun and plinking? 10/22
For building, modifying, learning? Glock 19 or PSA PA15