Thoughts on this as first gun...

[Solo]

Sorry to start yet another "first gun" thread, but I was at a local gun shop today and need some advice...

I was lookin to get a 22 but the dealer , and a customer, advised me to go with a 9mm...

The gun I ended up lookin at was a Taurus PT99 9mm used for $349. It has wood grips and a 15 round clip. I believe it also comes with 2 standard 10 round clips. The store has a one year warrenty and the gun comes with a factory warrenty as well...

What do you all think? I haven't shot a gun of any type since I was a kid (even then only a few times)... About 12 - 15 years ago...

[TBT]

I can't say anything about that particular model save that I have had zero luck with Taurus. The PT140 (40SW) and PT111 (9mm) are a nightmare to own. Take your slide off to clean it and several small plastic pieces fall into your hand. Shoot the gun and get hit in the face with oils etc.

Not good, hopefuly the one you are looking at is better though. The ones I have exp. with were Milleniums, which had all sorts of problems.

[9mm]

Interesting.

Its modeled after the Beretta 92 yet it has the ability to carry cocked & locked.

I've never shot one, I've shot Beretta 92s and Taurus 92s.

Taurus is supposed to have good customer service.

After some practice with the gun, you may think the trigger is a little mushy and requires a very long pull. There are spring kits that firm things up a bit for the 92, they may work on this one as well.

["DoubleAction"]

Welcome to our forum, Solo; I often wonder for myself which Handgun would be a good first. The 9mm might prove to be less expensive to shoot than most other center fire calibers, if it's a recreational pistol. The purchase of a used Taurus P-99 for $349. seems to be a good price, if it's in new condition. The extra high cap ammo magazine will prove to sweeten the transaction only if it is a factory magazine. With the Dealer's warranty that the pistol will shoot, is no guarantee that it will shoot ten rings at 15 yds.
I usually obtain most of my used pistols for around $500., and most of those are Sig Sauers or S&W revolvers. I have heard from many owners who are very happy with their Taurus PT series pistols, but I would make sure the slide to frame is snug, with no vertical of horizonal wobble. If you have someone who is experienced with pistols to look it over, I would ask for their company on a visual inspection.
The best asking price, based on most of the used pistols I've purchased, is $525. for a PT-99 that is new in the box, $425. in excellent condition, and $325. in very good condition.
Since I do not own one of the Taurus Pistols, it would be unfair for me to give an honest opinion on their quality, workmanship, or performance.
Make sure the Owner's Manuel is included with the pistol, and all safety precautions are followed with it's use, whether your first piece is a Taurus or Sig (hint) ;D.

[Mountaineer]

Solo, I have a Taurus PT92, which is the same gun except it has fixed sights. I bought mine new several years ago and I've done some customizing on it. Mine has a JP Enterprises compensator and a B-Square Mount and a Tasco Red Dot Scope. I haven't shot it a lot but I haven't had any problems with it either. Taurus has a lifetime Warranty for the life of the gun, no matter if you're the 2nd or 3rd owner etc. If the gun is in like new condition, that's not a bad deal.

[Oregunner]

Solo, what kind of shooting were you planning to do
with your first pistol?
I'm a big fan of .22s and think if you wanted something
cheap to shoot at targets or small critters you can't
beat a .22.
If you're looking for a self defense handgun that Taurus
sounds like a fair deal.
I think it depends on the use you have planned for
your new pistol.
My .02

[MLB]

I've got to agree with Oregunner if its exclusively a plinking and target gun. Those cans & paper targets won't know the difference, but your wallet will. I love my Ruger .22.

[Flipper]

Right On MLB! Can't go wrong with a Ruger 22.....Love my Mark II.