First handgun advice

moshow9

moshow9

Joined
Jun 28, 2010
Messages
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For the past few months I've been thinking of taking the plunge and picking up my first firearm of any type. I've researched certain brands/models and have watched various youtube videos. Still, I am left with some questions and welcome any helpful advice. I am completely green in this area, having never fired a shot. One thing I have definitely picked up is to never have your finger on the trigger unless you are ready to fire, and always have the handgun pointed in a safe direction (okay two things).

Where to begin?
Purpose would be for home protection and eventually obtaining a CHL.

I have an idea of what I am looking for (compact semi-automatic) but may have a bit of a dilemma in determining what to go with. Here are some handguns I have on the list in...

.380 ACP
Kel-Tec P-3AT
Pros: Price point, very compact
Cons: sights, magazine catch (or is it release) can be pressed unintentionally, read of jamming or ftf occurrences

Ruger LCP
Pros: Price point, very compact
Cons: sights, (need to look into this one a bit more)

Sig P238
Pros: Looks, quality, stock night sights, safety (I'd really like to own one at some point)
Cons: Pricey

Others: Kahr P380, North American Arms Guardian 380, Walther PPK

.9mm
Glock 26
Pros: High capacity magazine (for it's size), after-market accessories, no need for break-in period (from majority of what I have read/heard)
Cons: a bit bulky compared to others

Others: Kahr CM9, Sig P290

If I ever went to .40 caliber I would more than likely look into a Glock 27 and Kahr as well.

This is what I've been looking at "on paper" but my question now becomes how to work past this stage? I've read that .380 is a bit harder to come by than other ammunition. The Glock 26 fit well in hand when I was in a local gunshop. Still, I know I have to hit the range and take some shots. The same gunshop recommended a local firing range when I inquired about this..however, it is private and you must take your own handgun (cannot rent one out).

Today I decided to search for others online and found one that is public, however, I do not know if they rent out. Upon calling today, I received a message stating they are only open on the weekends. If it so happens that this range does not rent out, what would be the next recommended step? Would it be to just take the plunge on one of the choices? I do have a cousin that owns a handgun, although not one that I happen to be looking at. He did tell me he would take me shooting the next time he goes but that may be a while.
 
You will get lots of advice on models certainly. I understand your positions regarding test drives and firing ranges. it can be frustrating. There is a healthy market for used firearms, and by buying your first handgun used from a reputable dealer you can get a lower entry price for the same firearm and resell for a large portion of that value.

I also recommend, although you seem set on calibre, which is fine, that you either start with a 22 or buy a second hand 22 pistol for practicing on the firing range. Mistakes acquired on a 9mm are hard to correct later. Learn to shoot well in small calibre and you can more easily adapt those skills to larger ones.

Good luck and have fun!
 
I would go with atleast a 9mm for self defense. Also the ammo is generally cheaper than the 380acp.

Beyond that, you really need to get to the range and try a few different firearms to see which suits you better.
 
3) Always know what is behind your target.
4) Handle every gun as if it were loaded, and be sure by checking the chamber whether it is or isn't.

Most will argue that 380 is weak for home defense/self defense. Ideally, you want a round that will stop someone from continuing to advance to you. Still, if 380 is all you have, 380 is better than nothing. If it were me, I wouldn't look any lower than 9 mm in JHP for a home defense/self defense round. 147 grain 9 mm JHPs are great on paper (lots of documentation behind that round).

IF you're set on the 380, pick the Kel-tec. It gets rave reviews and is pretty low cost. Quality is decent though. Also look at the Kahr equivalent, which is even better, but more expensive IIRC.

If you decide on a 9mm, look at the CZ 75 line as well as the Smith and Wesson M&P 9. If you want a .40, Buds has a great deal right now for a .40 Smith and Wesson M&P limited edition pro model. The LE is a non-catalog item with an extended, 5 inch barrel, and tritium night sights. You also get 3 15 round magazines with it. The gun is slim for a double stack. IMO, you can't do better for that price range. My bro shoots the 9 mm version. He just past 4800 rounds without failure, 2000ish of which were hollow points, and reloads no less. That is testament to how reliable the guns are. Hollow points are considered to be more difficult to feed because they don't have a smooth ogive. Also, in my hands, the M&P feels more ergonomic than the Glocks. He and I tried both and also the Springfield XD series before settling on the M&P. That reminds me, check out the XDs as well. I don't recall price range of the top of head, but they are tried and true pieces. http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/411545792
M&P%2040L.jpg


Buds also has the Ruger LC9 (like the LCP but 9mm) for 349 shipped right now. Can't beat that for that price range. http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/73923 Act fast on the LC9 if you want it. It's only a Labor Day special.
73923.jpg


(This shouldn't count as deal spotting since I'm linking firearms and not knives. Plus it's Buds. Most people have heard of Buds)
 
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definitely try some guns before buying. Research can only tell you the gun's reputation for reliability but nothing about how well it suits you. And how it feels in the store does not mean that you will shoot it well. For instance, SIGs are great quality guns, as are HKs, but by renting them I learned that I don't like them at all. & I hate the feel of Glocks but shoot them better than most other pistols.

Do you know anyone who shoots and has some guns they can shoot with/teach you about? I mean, you are in Texas, right? There may also be a local internet shooter's forum you could check out for resources.

once you find a gun you shoot decently, getting a 22 pistol that is as similar as possible in ergonomics is a good way to improve your shooting more cheaply in the long run.
 
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Keep in mind that the smaller, polymer .380’s are great for concealment and but not necessarily range guns where you’re going to get a substantial amount of practice. My wife carries a P3AT and is now considering something a little larger with the additional focus for a comfortable holster/carry system.

For your first gun I would recommend something in the 9mm or .40 cal range…ammo is pretty inexpensive compared to .380 and .45. Also, it will give you better handling practice due to their larger size. I just returned from a trip to the Smokies and carried a Glock 26 all weekend (my wife carried her P3AT). As much as I like the 26, I often recommend the Glock 19 as a first semi-auto. They are a little larger and easier to handle.

If you’re really focused on your choices, I would recommend the Glock 26. My buddy as the P238 and swears by it, but it is small; best feature is the structure and ability to put more rounds down range. Of course it’s a small SAO which isn’t a bad thing, just something to consider when exercising safety and manual of arms.

The good about the G26 are the aftermarket accessories. Grip extenders give you more hand-filling grips. You can get the .22LR conversion kit and get even more inexpensive training done, especially when doing draw-engagement drills.

There are a ton of other choices, but you have a solid selection. Just bear in mind the smaller 380’s aren’t easier to shoot, just easier to carry. My wife loves to carry her P3AT, but much prefers to train with her Bersa .380 and really enjoys shooting my DW .45 CBOB 1911. What is most comfortable to train with should be your future carry piece…size/weight can really be mitigated with a good holster-system, location for carry and a slight adjustment to your clothing attire.

ROCK6
 
as ROCK6 commented.... I would also suggest a Glock 19, but option for the night sights... they are more money, but Glock factory sights are terrible, and you can find PD trade in pistols on the used market....the small pocket pistols like the KelTec or Ruger are probably not the best option for a first pistol...I carry a KelTec daily, but would not suggest it for a first .....as other threads have commented, ammunition cost is a consideration you should evaluate...if you plan on more pistols at a later time, it is hard to argue against a .22 autoloader as a learning pistol, especially if you have a significant other that may not be into firearms....the SW M&P 5" gun gives you a good trigger and good sights....I shoot practical competition and shoot a G34, but the M&P's are making a good showing for themselves, they don't have the track record that the Glock has yet..
 
I was lucky to grow up with a father who was in the Marines and Law enforcement so firearm safety and training where something I was around all the time. Since you have no experience I would recommend looking around for a local firearms safety and training class. Besides the obvious safety training you receive you will be taught how to shoot and hopefully allowed to shoot various calibers and firearms, which may help you in your choice of firearm.
 
I suggest a Glock 19. It's small enough to conceal with a good holster, yet is still in the arena of a fullsized combat handgun. If you're thinking about getting a Glock 26 and then putting a mag extension on it so you can get a full grip... might as well go with the Glock 19 at that point as they will be similar in dimensions. James Yeager is quoted in his "Fighting Pistol" video "All handguns should be Glocks! All Glock handguns should be 9mm! All Glock 9mms should be Glock 19s!" They're accurate, easy to use, durable, reliable, easy to work on youself, easy to find parts for, and always go bang. They're not pretty or blingy or ultra slick lookin. But they are a workhorse fighting handgun.

Good point above... always get night sights on a fighting weapon. They can come in handy in low light and take nothing away from the weapon at all. I suggest meprolights (I think Glock factory night sigts are meprolights).
 
Just some comments to throw into the mix. Whatever caliber you choose the bullet needs to be delivered to a vital area. Eventually you will want to use the most effective (powerful) caliber THAT YOU CAN CONSISTENTLY SHOOT ACCURATELY. I would say that bullet placement and speed are more important than caliber.

No advantage to a big caliber if you are slow and inaccurate. I know LEOs who have left the 40 and returned to the 9mm because they perform so much better with them. And with major developments in handgun ammo in recent years you will in no way be under gunned with a 9. But if you can do well with a larger caliber, go for it.

I second others who encouraged obtaining a .22 for learning and practicing. It will be economical and encouraging, especially if you can get coaching from someone who knows what the hell he/she is talking about.
 
My standard suggestion for a first handgun is a .38 Special revolver with a 4" barrel. Completely adequate for target, plinking and self defense and you'd be hard pressed to find a safer, simpler platform on which to learn and practice the fundmentals of fireams handling and use.
 
Badhammer said:
My standard suggestion for a first handgun is a .38 Special revolver with a 4" barrel. Completely adequate for target, plinking and self defense and you'd be hard pressed to find a safer, simpler platform on which to learn and practice the fundmentals of fireams handling and use.
Click to expand...
Absolutely the best advice anyone has submitted so far. Learn to shoot a revolver then decide if you want a semi-auto. I have 5 revolvers and have never felt undergunned in any situation.--The world is not flat and your pistol should'nt be either.:D:thumbup:--KV
 
Revolvers are slow to reload and hard to shoot accurately in DA for inexperienced shooters. I would not suggest one to a new shooter that may only want one handgun that needs to do everything. While a defensive shooting scenario in the streets is usually 2 rounds and less than 5 seconds, home invasion scenarios are much different. An auto that is quick to load and holds 16 rounds of an proven caliber with night sights is (IMHO) a better idea than a 5 or 6 shot wheelgun. It takes a lot of practice to get over the trigger jerk when you're scared. A heavy DA trigger will only compound this problem for a new shooter.
 
Kahr CM9 9mm automatic
Ruger SP101 .357 mag, also shoots .38 rounds.
XDM 9mm subcompact
 
Go and learn to shoot properly first. Seriously. Then decide what is best for you in terms of practicality, preference, size, caliber, price. That will narrow down your options to the point that the choice will be obvious.
 
I go against the grain on first gun purchases.

First off, do not buy a .380 as your first gun. The ammo is not, nor will it ever be as inexpensive as 9mm or .40S&W. The .380 acp cartridge is an acceptable self defense round when you combine high quality ammo like Hornady Critical Defense, with great training, and the right circumstance, which is, any gun is better than no gun. I bought a .380 for summertime shorts carry or "smart carry" which is a groin underpants type holster. Sig p239 is a great gun, and I would recommend it as a backup or small carry when you cant carry anything else.

Some will say buy a .22 first. This is great advice, and even though a .22 "can" save your life, I would not buy it as a first gun. I would buy a defense gun first, then a .22 practice gun or .22 conversion kit for your defense gun. The reason is this. My friend Jeff is a typical new shooter. He got into shooting, bought a 9mm Sig compact, and shoots maybe every 2 months. He shoots so rarely because of time, not money. If money is the deciding factor, then maybe you start with a .22, but if it is borderline, get a gun you can carry for defense, defend your home, and put 100-200 rounds through each month or every other month without breaking the bank.

If you then get the bug for guns, and want to practice alot to become a marksman, you can buy a .22 pistol or rifle really cheap, and will justify itself in 1 summer of shooting.

Regarding caliber -
9mm - good defense round, plenty to choose from, widely available and inexpensive
40 S&W - although it has a stigma against it from real men, it is a fine round, and is an upgrade from the 9mm, without going full masculine into the .45acp. The .40S&W is the first time we created a round because the people shooting the latest round wanted a less powerful round, so the 10mm was shortened into the 40. Take that part out, and on its own its not a bad round and widely available, and cost effective.
45 acp - my favorite, but not a good starting point. Too much recoil to practice correctly for beginners. Too expensive to shoot often. After you are experienced, and work the flinch out of your shooting, a .45 is a great gun, but dont jump the gun, and buy the real man's gun. Step up to it, and you will save alot of money.

Brands- So many to pick from. Ruger's LCPs and SR's, Sigs, Glocks, Springfield Armory's, etc. They are all great guns. Buy which gun YOU like, and buy a gun that is well made and reliable. I like Sigs and SA's, but there are people that like S&W and Glocks. This is like arguing thin crust vs thick crust. It is all personal preference.

Buy a GOOD holster. Dont waste money buying a bunch of cheap holsters until you give up and buy a custom or semi custom. You can get a semi custom great quality holster for $60-100 from makers like Fist, Crossbreed, Raven Concealment, and many more.

my 2c
 
Oh, and take lessons at a place you can rent guns, where in the class you get to shoot all of the other guns from the other students. That helps get your feet wet with different platforms.
 
for someone who is new to shooting, find a range that rents and shoot the hell out of all sorts of dif. guns. find what feels good in the hand and you can shoot good with, and that you like. and go from there. i carry a glock 23 and a back up .38 spl snub nose. i hate glocks factory sights so i opted for trijicon night sights. their a 3 dot setup wich i find much easier for finding targets.

i learned to shoot in the marines. and me personally, i wouldnt waste my money on a .22 pistol. id practice the most with what you decide to carry.

id say once you start, you wont stop! :D guns are like knives, you cant have just one....

good luck with whatever you decide to go with and keep us posted on the results.
 
Yea, I go against the convention as well and say don't start with a .22. A .22 is great for trigger control and sight picture. Beyond that, going from a .22 to a 9mm or something, if you're used to the relative non-existent recoil of a .22 you will be in for a surprise switching to 9mm. You can practice trigger control and sight picture just dry firing with a snap cap on a 9mm.

Hell, get a laser light training aid to really dial in on trigger control. A laser light training aid is basically a snap cap with a laser that goes off when the striker or firing pin hits a button on the back of the snap cap. If you have proper trigger control, that laser will only show a dot. If you jerk the trigger, you will see some sporadic squiggly line. Practice that a few hundred times a day, every day or every other day.

I started on 9. I shoot every week. I put 100 - 150 down range with each session. I've been going for about a year and a half. I have over 6000 rounds down range in that time.

I bought a .22 after, not to brush up on firearm handling skills, but just for "fun."

I also reload.
 
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