i have always shot pistols growing up but i never owned one. i shoot my buddies all the time, and now that he just got a new kimber tactical it has given me the itch to get one.

so what one would you suggest and what caliber? i was thinking 9mm because i am only going to use it for plinking in the back yard. also can you list about how much the gun will cost

thanks killer243

Recommend Sig 239 or 229 (8shot vs. 10shot), both available in 9mm. I've got a
Sig239. No external safeties to mess with, excellent trigger, very accurate, and function
has been flawless. Approx. cost of new 239 is now up to $550. I think the basic 229 runs about another $100.
For less money, and very reliable, check out the Ruger semi-autos. I like the Sigs - they
just fit/feel better, and I use mine for CCW.

Love my Springfield XD9 Service model (4" barrel). Eats every type of 9mm ammo I feed it. Recommend it highly.

Good pistols mentioned above.

Also the Glock 17 & 19, CZ75, Browning Hi-Power and SA 1911 9mm are all good pistols.

Go out to some local stores and try some on for size and see which ones feel good to you and you feel comfortable with. Also try to hit a range and rent some to see which ones you like.

Good luck!

Ruger makes some fine firearms.

If you're looking for something tough but not too pretty, go with either a glock or (my preffered polymer pistol) a springfield xd9. Personally, when shooting a DA auto, i just like using guns with external hammers. in this case, the beretta 92, a ruger p-series pistol, or a cz75 would be a good choice. I have to agree with your choice of caliber for what you'll be using the gun for, 9mm is very underrated and a case of shells can be had cheap.

I have a Ruger P89D in 9mm and it is a good inexpensive rugged gun for self defense and plinking. I buy 1000 rounds of wolf ammo for about $100 and when it is gone I buy another 1000 rounds. New they are only around $350 and I got mine used (looked new) for only $230. I like the decocker better than the safety model.

Sig is a very nice gun if you want to spend the money on them.

thanks i am going to looking some of these up, i don't mind spending more money i just want something that shoots good and will last. i really like the kimber however i don't think i need to spend that much to get something i like.

If I were to buy another 9mm it would be a XD-9 or a Browning Hipower. Since there is a huge difference in price and you want something good to use for plinking, I would go with the XD-9

i just picked up my XD9. I love this pistol. I looked at alot of pistols and this one just seem to fit my hand the best which is the most important factor. I didn't like the glock at all. The sig would have been my next choice, however, the XD9 was about $150 cheaper and it has all the bells and whistles. I would seriously check out the Springfield XD9.