Out of that list, in that price range, in 9mm, the P226 or USP 9mm are the ones to look at. The USP looks like a great deal if it is in good shape. They are both proven designs that perform admirably. There are numerous 1911s there, but I didn't notice any in 9mm, and there are a few made in that caliber.
The one I'd like to get my hands on is that FN 1900. I really like FN guns, and I really like the .32acp.
9mm is a great starting caliber, especially in a heavier gun.
I don't like a 1911 as a beginner's protection firearm. You need good training to use one effectively. Most people need to face the fact that they simply aren't going to seek out that training, even though they should, and ditch the idea of getting a 1911.
Similarly, you can put the idea of a hammerless double action revolver, or any double action revolver, right out of your mind unless you plan to train extensively with it.
The extremely heavy trigger pull makes them incredibly difficult for a beginner to shoot effectively at the range without good training and a lot of ammunition to practice with. Now, try that in the dark, half asleep, and scared to hell and back. It ain't going to happen man. People jerk triggers, and end up shooting wide at very close ranges.
You aren't going to get that sight picture, and you aren't going to properly squeeze. The military doesn't do it half the time, and neither do the police once the action starts. That's why a lighter trigger is a good move, as well as a heavier firearm to help keep you on target.
I recommend a firearm with decent heft, a smaller caliber, and cheap ammunition to start out with. Ammunition cost may not seem important, but you need to be shooting frequently to be any good at all with it. You need to show up to the range with a few hundred rounds to sling, every time, and that gets very expensive, very quickly.
It will quickly eclipse the cost of the firearm twice over, and only get worse from there.
That is why I also recommend purchasing a .22 target pistol to practice with initially, building good habits in the process. It will pay for itself almost immediately.
As for the real gun to keep for protection, if you must have a handgun, I recommend a full framed 9mm, like a Glock 17, a USP, a Ruger p95, anything in this caliber and size. The recoil is manageable, and ammo has historically been plentiful and cheap. You want that full frame for control and weight, though. The compacts are hellish for a beginner to shoot, and build horrible habits.
I do not recommend anything overly complex, like a 1911. Most people will never train properly in it's employment. It is a great design for someone with the experience to use it effectively, most will not develop that experience.
Of course, I wholly jump behind anyone who wishes to train up properly and use a pistol like a 1911, or anything that requires good experience. The fact of the matter, though, is you have to ask yourself one question...
Am I really going to spend all that time in training to learn this properly?
Cheers,
Kennith
atriot:
