Beretta or S and W for my first pistol?

[Will3212]

I'm new to handguns and need some advice for my first handgun purchase. I only shoot shotguns right now but want to get into handguns. The 2 handguns I had in mind was the Beretta 96A1 in .40 cal or the Smith & Wesson® M&P Ported Pistol 4.25 inch barrel in .40 cal. The beretta has a 12 round magazine whereas the S and W has a 15 round magazine. I also heard the ported barrel reduces a lot of recoil. I do think the Beretta looks nicer, I don't know if it's bigger. The purpose for the handgun is for range shooting and home defense. Maybe open carrying sometimes. (not concealed). Which would you recommend for a first pistol? would you say the Beretta or the S and W?

[sprrdhawk44]

Both are quality firearms, so I suggest going with whatever feels best to you. If possible, shoot both before buying. I'd opt for 9mm, though.

[harold63]

Both are quality firearms, so I suggest going with whatever feels best to you. If possible, shoot both before buying. I'd opt for 9mm, though.

You were supposed to suggest a Glock 22. Never mind...I'll do it.

Kicking aside, I'm also for trying both if you can. The Smith does look cool under fire, though. http://accurateshooter.net/Blog/mp1401.jpg

[ianb1116]

As sprrdhawk said, I'd opt for the smith in 9mm.

The beretta is truly battle tested but I'm partial to striker handguns.

The smith and Wesson, imho, has the best ergos of any handgun I've held.

That said, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the FNH FNS series. Great guns as well, but with less customizability.

[Will3212]

As sprrdhawk said, I'd opt for the smith in 9mm.

The beretta is truly battle tested but I'm partial to striker handguns.

The smith and Wesson, imho, has the best ergos of any handgun I've held.

That said, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the FNH FNS series. Great guns as well, but with less customizability.

what's the con of striker handguns? also, what's the difference between a striker handgun like the berretta and a non striker one like the S and W

[harold63]

As sprrdhawk said, I'd opt for the smith in 9mm.

The beretta is truly battle tested but I'm partial to striker handguns.

The smith and Wesson, imho, has the best ergos of any handgun I've held.

That said, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the FNH FNS series. Great guns as well, but with less customizability.

There's a coupe Ytube vids out there that make the Smith look like a nine under power. I likey the two barrel slots and the V8 on the slide. Cool stuff.

[sprrdhawk44]

You were supposed to suggest a Glock 22. Never mind...I'll do it.

Kicking aside, I'm also for trying both if you can. The Smith does look cool under fire, though. http://accurateshooter.net/Blog/mp1401.jpg

Hey I figured I'd just get my foot in the door and then wait for you. Once we fully breached, we could tag team it

If someone asks a question about a handgun, and "Glock" isn't the answer, it was probably a bad question to begin with.



Seriously though OP, get what feels best to you, and makes you happy.

[Beardog]

what's the con of striker handguns? also, what's the difference between a striker handgun like the berretta and a non striker one like the S and W

You have it backwards. The MP 40 is striker fired. It uses a spring loaded striker to fire the gun.

The Beretta 96 is hammer fired. It uses a hammer that is cocked and released to hit a firing pin to fire.

There are pro's and con's to each.


https://www.bing.com/search?q=strike...16&FORM=CHROMN

[Will3212]

why 9mm by the way? just curious to know your opinion

[sprrdhawk44]

why 9mm by the way? just curious to know your opinion

As far as terminal performance is concerned, there's a negligible difference between the most common handgun rounds, when loaded with quality hollowpoint ammuntion. 9mm is cheaper, and as such will allow you to shoot more. The more you're able to shoot, the better you'll be able to defend yourself if and when the time comes.