First spoon Walther PDP or H&K VP9?

[wilnj]

I'm looking to buy my first handgun and I've been doing the research.

I'm primarily looking to use it for recreational shooting, not home defense or carry.

I think I've landed on either the Walther PDP or H&K VP9. I'm looking specifically at the 10rd models and optic ready.

Any thoughts on these two? The Walther seems to be a couple hundred less, am I giving something up I'm not aware of?

Anything else in that configuration I should be looking at?

[craigster59]

The Sig 365 is very popular. I picked up the Macro with 4 mags.

And good deals are to be had on the Springfield Echelon if your options are still open.

[The Synergizer]

It depends on the feel you like in the end.
Go try handling a couple in a store.

I have two H&K USP and like the feel.
Don't know anything about the Walther.

[wilnj]

Originally Posted by craigster59

The Sig 365 is very popular. I picked up the Macro with 4 mags.

And good deals are to be had on the Springfield Echelon if your options are still open.

Not sure how I missed that. I though the Sig 365 was only availabe as a compact.

Just watched a couple quick videos on the Echelon and that looks interesting too.

I really need to get some range time with all of these but traveling for work has really hamstrung me.

[osidak]

the IWI 941R/Jerricho is also a nice firearm.

https://iwi.us/firearms/jericho-941/jericho-941-rs9-mid-size-steel-frame/

[Por_sha911]

You really need to shoot some different gun to find what 'works' for you. What is perfect for one person is a disaster for another. At this point it will be hard for you to determine which firearm is best because you don't have a baseline to measure by.

Do you have friend who is an enthusiast? Ask them to show you different things. They can bring different models and calibers for you to try.

Most enthusiast will be thrilled to help a newbie find their way. You can bless them by offering to pay for the ammo. It really only takes one trip to weed out the "nope"s and you may even find "the one".

Edit: one more thing - don't rule out a quality .22lr target pistol. They are a lot softer shooting so you can focus on the basics of proper grip, stance and aim. They are a ton of fun with ammo at a fraction of the cost. I have many different caliber pistols but have the most fun with the .22lr and regardless of what I take to the range, there will be at least one .22lr to shoot.

I predict that if you start with a 22, you'll step into other calibers as you hone your skills.

[Cajundaddy]

Find an indoor range where you can explore several handguns. Shoot a mag or two with each and your hands should tell you which one fits well and shoots well. Having a handgun that fits your hand is probably more important than specs or Brand name. It's far more of a personal choice than a rifle IMO.

Two years ago my wife decided she wanted to get a handgun. I am a rifle & shotgun guy and really tried to discourage her from the idea but she was persistent. Her sister got one and FOMO set in hard. We had some ideas in mind but that all changed once on the range with several to choose from. She ended up with a S&W M&P 9mm. That lasted 1 year and then she tried a 4" revolver in 38 Sp. Oh, I like this a lot better. Off to the races we go! They are a very personal choice.

[wilnj]

Originally Posted by Cajundaddy

Find an indoor range where you can explore several handguns. Shoot a mag or two with each and your hands should tell you which one fits well and shoots well. Having a handgun that fits your hand is probably more important than specs or Brand name. It's far more of a personal choice than a rifle IMO.

Two years ago my wife decided she wanted to get a handgun. I am a rifle & shotgun guy and really tried to discourage her from the idea but she was persistent. Her sister got one and FOMO set in hard. We had some ideas in mind but that all changed once on the range with several to choose from. She ended up with a S&W M&P 9mm. That lasted 1 year and then she tried a 4" revolver in 38 Sp. Oh, I like this a lot better. Off to the races we go! They are a very personal choice.

Yep, I intend to before making a final decision but not every range has every gun. I did rule out the Glock as even just handling it at the counter, it didn't fit me well.

[rfuerst911sc]

I love my revolvers , S&W and Ruger in 38/357 , 32 and 22lr . To me a revolver looks and feels right . But everyone is different . You owe it to yourself to try as many different brands/styles as you can .

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by rfuerst911sc

... . But everyone is different . You owe it to yourself to BUY as many different brands/styles as you can .

Yer welcome

I keed ... quit calling them spoons when asking local guys tho' ....they'll let ya try options ....

SpoonzRUs

[vash]

my brother has a 9mm that was suggested to him by a bud that swims for the navy.

it has almost no recoil. I cant remember what it is!! they are all fun, and in my opinion there isn't a firearm that I would categorize as "beginner". not to an adult.

[KFC911]

I've had a baby Ruger LC9S for over a decade ... melikey .

First & only one I ever held (baby 9s) was at my uncle's one day, his new one ... after one mag...

Me too !

[id10t]

Originally Posted by osidak

the IWI 941R/Jerricho is also a nice firearm.

https://iwi.us/firearms/jericho-941/jericho-941-rs9-mid-size-steel-frame/

Excellent choice, while I love my CZ75 BD I prefer the slide mounted decocker vs. the frame mounted half-cock option

[matthewb0051]

I had a HK VP9. Very odd magazine release, very odd. The hand angle was a bit odd too.

I also have a PPK/S which I love.

You may also want to look at a SIG P365X Macro Comp. I may have one of those, or it may be at the bottom of a lake, I don't recall. It has 17 rounds and it is a 1.5 stack. My only complaint is the hand grip rubs off your skin if you conceal, it needs a wrap of that tape stuff. Other than that, it is brilliant.

[matthewb0051]

Just got a Canik TP9 Elite SC. It is 15 round capacity and can affix a optic on top. Roughly $400 new. Nice size/capacity. I'm not keen on carrying a pistol with optic but this works great for my purpose.

This one too may be at the bottom of the San Antonio river.

[vash]

Staccato 2011!!!

[id10t]

Originally Posted by Por_sha911

Edit: one more thing - don't rule out a quality .22lr target pistol. They are a lot softer shooting so you can focus on the basics of proper grip, stance and aim. They are a ton of fun with ammo at a fraction of the cost of ammo. I have many different caliber pistols but have the most fun with the .22lr and regardless of what I taking to the range, there will be at least one .22lr to shoot.

I predict that if you start with a 22, you'll step into other calibers as you hone your skills.

This. For as many spoons as I have, I only have 4 pistols - 1 9mm, 1 C&B revolver, and 2 22 target style pistols (Ruger Mk II with red dot and a Browning Buckmark with irons)

[DavidI]

Wilnj, great advice from everyone. As a firearms instructor, I have a few suggestions. Prior to selecting a pistol, ensure you and everyone who may handle the firearm understands the 4 Basic Firearms Safety Rules:
1. Keep your finger off the trigger.
2. Never point your firearm at anything you do not intend to destroy.
3. All firearms are loaded unless you personally inspect them.
4. Be aware what is in the backdrop and foreground of your target.

This will ensure that your trip to the range is safe and nobody goes home with extra holes in them.

After that, watch some YouTube videos about the proper grip. There are many out there that are very good. This will help you understand which pistol feels comfortable in your hand while you employ the proper grip. This is a personal choice and my favorite pistol may not be yours.

The pistols that you mentioned are both high quality. That is one of the top priorities when making your decision. After all that, go to the range with someone who is familiar with firearms. Not somebody's uncle who shoots in the woods. Rather, someone who understands the basic principles with safety as a priority. Shoot multiple types and calibers to determine which one you prefer.

You may also want to consider whether you want your pistol equipped with iron sights or a red/green optic. The optic was a game changer for me and enhanced my shooting proficiency. The pistol you ultimately select will be "optic ready" or not. You can have the slide cut to fit an optic, but factory is usually best and warranteed.

People make shooting more complicated than it needs to be. It is simple, line up the sights or put the dot on the target, press the trigger without moving the gun.

If you have any questions as you move through the process, send me a message and contact phone number and I'll be happy to help.

There are several individuals on this BBM who are very knowledgeable.

Rock on, David

[Rick Lee]

Don't be fooled by the smooth and light pull of the newer striker guns. They feel light years ahead of Glocks when dry firing, but when live firing, that's when they can get uncomfortable. The VP9s had (since removed) a groove on the inner bottom of the trigger guard, which really pinched my index finger when live firing. Unnoticeable when dry firing, but a deal killer with live ammo. The newest models no longer have that groove. I have a few P365s and love them. Current EDC is an HK USP Compact stainless in .40 and I will soon alternate it with a SIG P229C SAS, also in .40.

[Rick Lee]

Originally Posted by DavidI

People make shooting more complicated than it needs to be. It is simple, line up the sights or put the dot on the target, press the trigger without moving the gun.

This is where it is and most people can never get past this. You have to eliminate your flinch. There are a few tricks for doing this. The most basic is to have someone load a dummy round or two or snap caps in a mag for you, but with the rest being live rounds. Then, when you hear a click and no bang, watch how far down you have jerked the gun in anticipation of a bang. That will be a game changer for someone serious about improving.