First Gun?

[Lord_Balkan]

I just got my FOID card and am really overwhlemed at the options. I think I want one to practice and use at the range. Where do I even start?

 

[V84mystang]

The big question you need to nail down first what do you intended to use the firearm for?

Guessing some range use and also self-defense?

 

[GotSteel]

Not sure how much experience you have or what your budget's like so I'd try to find a shop that has a range where you can handle and test fire bunch to get a feel for size and different calibers, if you're interested in modern semi-auto H&K makes some really nice, reliable guns.

 

[Lapedog]

I think the Smith and Wesson M&P family is a great first gun. It has all the features which make a glock so user friendly, while having a grip angle and style that more people seem to find suits them than the glock grip.

They have models like the M&P shield which are great for CCW.

 

[SpyderPhreak]

Not sure how much experience you have or what your budget's like so I'd try to find a shop that has a range where you can handle and test fire bunch to get a feel for size and different calibers, if you're interested in modern semi-auto H&K makes some really nice, reliable guns.

I think the Smith and Wesson M&P family is a great first gun. It has all the features which make a glock so user friendly, while having a grip angle and style that more people seem to find suits them than the glock grip.

They have models like the M&P shield which are great for CCW.

Both GREAT suggestions, especially the part I bolded. Springfield is another good brand for CCW-sized firearms I would throw into the ring. Really though, there are a TON of good options from H&K, Sig, Glock, Kimber, Springfield, S&W, and others. You really need to check them out and shoot the ones you think you like if at all possible.

 

[V84mystang]

I'll also as a full-on Glock fan (disclosure) that there are no bad options if you're buying a "main stream" pistol. Don't bother with the budget guns like Sccy, and I've heard QC horror stories about Taurus and lived such stories with Kel-tec.

It's important to note that all of these pistols work very well and as advertised, but don't get sucked into the vortex of arguments that one is way superior to the other. If one could be called superior then rather than going off of marketing hype and some enthusiastic online reviews, we'd have to go with which ones have the 3 decade track record of reliability and performance...and perfection (snicker snicker).
But seriously. The suggestions are all solid (though Springfield's currently getting bad press but I'm not entirely up to date on all that). Glock, Sig, S&W, Walther, H&K...can't really go wrong with any of them. Find a range that'll let you try a few out.

I will also say I recommend just going with 9mm. I have years of experience with .40 and I'm slowly changing over to 9mm. The ballistics aren't different enough to make the added cost and recoil of the .40/.45 worth it. There are some interesting articles about the real world differences between all these rounds in actual shootings and the playing field is pretty much level between them. 9 is cheaper and faster to shoot and has higher mag capacity. My .02.

Also, if you intend to conceal carry, bear in mind that the little single-stack 9mm's that are in style now are very difficult to shoot compared to a mid sized pistol. They are shootable, but with a s&w shield or Glock 43 sized pistols don't expect to take it to the range and shoot for hours...it'll hurt. They do conceal nicely.
I carry a Glock 27 (sub compact double-stack .40). My petite wife carries a mid-size Glock 19, not because it's small but because it's big enough and heavy enough for her to shoot well. The S&W Shield just about flew out of her hands. Small (read: weak) hands doesn't equal small gun.

 

[GermanyChris]

Shoot and pick the caliber then worry about the gun itself

 

[The Aflac Duck]

Lord_Balkan Are you in Illinois?

My suggestion would be anything made by CZ, especially something in the 75 platform (75B, P01, SP01, etc.). If you're in IL north of Chicago, there are plenty of ranges I can reccomend to rent some guns out. Hell, I'd even meet up with you and let you try some of mine at the range.

 

[The Aflac Duck]

Shoot and pick the caliber then worry about the gun itself

But many guns shoot differently even under the same caliber. My CZ 2075 feels more like a .45 due to the short barrel, yet my 75 feels much more controllable that my Glock. Better yet, my S&W 629 in 44 mag has very little muzzle flip because it weighs about 25lbs

 

[3fifty7]

For practice and range use I'd suggest a full size 9mm. Without a budget and any other preferences is difficult to elaborate any more. If feasible try to test drive as many models as possible. Seek professional instruction, a shooter at any level can be improved.
Stay safe.

 

[Lord_Balkan]

Lord_Balkan Are you in Illinois?

My suggestion would be anything made by CZ, especially something in the 75 platform (75B, P01, SP01, etc.). If you're in IL north of Chicago, there are plenty of ranges I can reccomend to rent some guns out. Hell, I'd even meet up with you and let you try some of mine at the range.

Thanks for all the replies. I am currently in Central IL. I made this thread because I really don't know where to start. I just don't know what I want. I am not an experienced shooter at all, I've only been to the range once. I don't know if I should start with a .22LR rifle to just practice then go to a handgun, or where to start spending my money or how much I should spend as a beginner. Of course I don't want to really go in deep because I am just starting out.

 

[Wheeler80]

You should at least handle a few different firearms even if you can't shoot them. Pay attention to trigger reach and how easy it it to manipulate the controls (slide stop, mag release, etc.). That will save you some $ in the long run. I've owned CZ's, Glocks, Sigs, SA, and a few other brands. I loved how most of them shot but because I have short fingers I couldn't shoot many of them well. Or I couldn't manipulate the slide stop or mag release. Just something to think about.

And don't let anyone talk you out of a single stack 9mm. My wife and I both have Glock 43's. We can both shoot them accurately all day long. Everyone's different.

 

[JJ_Colt45]

Best suggestion I could give would be to find a shooting range that you can rent different guns and shoot ... plus most ranges like that will have some people that can give you some pointers on shooting and explain differences in your options.

And you will find what fits your hand well and what doesn't ... and with some practice you'll learn what you shoot well.

I could give you my preferences but I always think it's best for a novice shooter to try different options and find what you like ... after you learn some guns that appeal to you then you can research them a bit and find out which are more reliable and compare prices.

And a range with someone to help get you started is a good idea ... just to learn the basics of safety and proper grip and how different guns function ... alot of information to be had just ask anything you have questions about ... they should be helpful to get you started.

 

[Lapedog]

Lord_Balkan Are you in Illinois?

My suggestion would be anything made by CZ, especially something in the 75 platform (75B, P01, SP01, etc.). If you're in IL north of Chicago, there are plenty of ranges I can reccomend to rent some guns out. Hell, I'd even meet up with you and let you try some of mine at the range.

BeforenIneven read your post I was about to recommend a CZ of some sort. I have never shot one personally but I have heard nothing but good things about them. For the price you get a very good gun.

Personally I always liked the look of the IWI Jericho aka the Baby Desert Eagle. (The gun has no mechanical relation to the deagle)

 

[madcap_magician]

Doesn't matter. Just pick one. You'll get it, it'll work fine, and then after a few months or a year, you'll wonder about another gun. So you'll get that one, maybe sell your old one if you don't have lots of hobby money, maybe just put it in the safe if you do. Then you'll wonder about DA/SA guns, or 1911s, or revolvers, and you'll get something else...

 

[V84mystang]

If you want a solid suggestion, the Glock 19 does it all and it's pretty hard to argue with.
It's the (unofficial) benchmark other pistols are measured by for a reason. I'm not trying to step on other's suggestions, this is just my suggestion.

Again, they all are about the same in terms of function. I know the myriad of options could get overwhelming.
I officially recommend you a 19. If you want something a little different down the road then get something else or trade but it's a perfect starting point.

 

[The Aflac Duck]

BeforenIneven read your post I was about to recommend a CZ of some sort. I have never shot one personally but I have heard nothing but good things about them. For the price you get a very good gun.

Personally I always liked the look of the IWI Jericho aka the Baby Desert Eagle. (The gun has no mechanical relation to the deagle)

Yep, great guns, I'm a huge CZ fan. I carry a 2075 with me everyday and am shooting in an IDPA match tomorrow with my 75-SA. On a good day, I can shoot a smiley face at 21' with my 75.

I would specifically recommend an SP-01 Tactical to the OP, you get a decocker and nightsights as standard features. This was my moms first gun, and she went from not being able to hit the target at 21' to shooting a beautiful 3" group within a few months. I was just shooting steel plates with my Ma last weekend!

But for the sake of the thread, try not to overthink the many different mechanisms and be overwhelmed. Just think how a new-comer to the knife hobby feels:

"Should I get a flipper? Does it really need bearings? Or maybe I want a backlock, but I heard the triad lock is the strongest. But the knife I really want doesn't come in the steel that the guy in that one thread says is the best."

I've shot tons of guns, everything between from a revolver, to a Glock 18, to a full auto SBR. I think as long as you buy from a reputable manufacturer and train as much as you can afford to, you will be absolutely fine.

One last tip, do not buy the cheapest ammo you can find!!!

 

[Lord_Balkan]

Is it worth looking into a simple .22 Long Rifle before a handgun? I think I should rent and try to do as much training before I buy though.

 

[jaseman]

Your first gun is always the hardest. You don't know what you want out of it, or where your shooting hobby will take you in 6 months, a year, or beyond.

Answer yourself some simple questions:
- why do I want a firearm?
- what is my budget?
- will this be used for primarily for plinking, or self defense?

There have been some great guns listed, but some, like the CZ's, HK's, or Sigs can get real pricey, real quick, when compared to an M&P, XD, Glock, etc. For a first time gun owner, $800+ is a big leap of faith for the unknown. $350-$500 will get you something solid and reliable to get your feet wet. Just something to consider.

Once you figure your budget, decide why you want one. Is it going to just be a range toy? Is it for self defense, and if so, are you planning on CC'ing it? What's good for one, may not be good for the others. A 6" bull barrel .357 is great to keep in your nightstand - simple, reliable and controllable in a stressful situation, but semi-expensive to shoot, and not very easy to conceal. A .22 pistol is great for plinking, but not an ideal weapon for defense (though, personally, I don't want to be shot by anything!) and a pocket .380 is perfect for concealed carry, but no fun to shoot a lot at the range. Most pistols are either really good at one or two things, but compromise on others.

All that said, my recommendation to new shooters is usually to get a nice .22 pistol to start out with. Ammo is super cheap compared to anything else, and it's very soft shooting, which will allow you to practice as much as you want with minimal fatigue. And there is nothing better for honing skills than a .22, because it is so cheap and easy to shoot. No, a .22 is not a great defense gun for home or carry, but it's the best way to learn and practice fundamentals, which for me, is more important, especially once you do decide to carry. One of the best .22's you can get is a Ruger Mk-II, Mk-III or Mk-IV. Super easy to shoot, comes in various barrel configurations, reliable and accurate,will eat any ammo you feed it, and best of all, can be found under $400 new and $2-300 used (depending on condition). There are better or cheaper, but it's probably the best overall value in a .22 pistol.

If you have to have something bigger (like if defense is your primary concern) I agree with the general consensus: buy a good, mid sized 9mm. It's the cheapest of the 'big' calibers to shoot, as well as the easiest to shoot/practice with (at least in the same frame size as .40 or .45). I specifically say mid-size as, the sub-compacts get a bit harder to shoot the smaller they get, and the full size frames start getting big and heavy to carry (especially in a double stack). Something like a Glock 19 or Springfield XDs would serve a new shooter well... small enough to reasonably carry, but big enough to shoot and absorb some of the recoil. And there are lots of others in this size/price range. Either would last a new shooter a few years if they wanted. But go to a gun shop, and see what fits in your hands the best. If it's not comfortable for you, you're not gonna shoot it nearly enough to become proficient.

Finally, get some instruction from a qualified person. Preferably someone NRA certified. At least pay attention at the range and ask for pointers from the guys who are taking it seriously. Just because your neighbor or cousin likes guns, and has 75 of them stashed around the house, doesn't mean he's the guy to learn safety and fundamentals from....

And have fun. Shooting should be taken seriously, but it's also a seriously fun hobby. If you think knives are an endless rabbit hole, just hold on!

 

[Lapedog]

.22 long rifle is a great first round to shoot. I think everyone should fire it as their first round so they can develop good shootinf habits. Sometimes when people go straight to overly powerul cartridges they can develop a flinch.

If you can learn to shoot well with a .22 lr you will be miles ahead of the competition. Even the military trains with .22 lrs.