First handgun?

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Buck268

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Nov 5, 2006
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So, long time shotgun hunter and lots of range time with clays some on the .22 but new to handguns. Been considering the thought of picking up something in either 9mm or .40cal (both common, cheap with acceptable ballistics) but not sure where to start. I've heard Glock offers EMS a deal now but otherwise I don't have much of a starting point. Obviously need to put some rounds down range through some options at some point but not sure what I'm even looking at. Won't be carrying, although would like to have that option if I ever want to start.

Suggestions?
 
The best advice I could give is to hit a range and rent as many handguns as you can try. See what fits you best and feels good, also which one you shoot best. After that you figure out the rest. I personally prefer .45, but thats just me. I carry a
9mm on a daily basis and don't feel undergunned, thats just my easiest to conceal. Try the major brands-Sig, Glock, Kahr, Kimber, FN. The more common the weapon, the easier it is to find holsters and accessories for it.

What do you plan on doing with it?
 
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I'm no expert, at all, with much of anything..but..

LEO's have moved away from the 9mm and prefer to use .40cal or higher. The 9mm's don't have the stopping power according to my Brother, who is former military.

If you go with the 9mm, get hollow points with lower grains, they will stop a person better than FMJ's.

I own a 9mm, and I like shooting it, but would rather get a .45.
 
I would avoid Glocks right now. A lot of guys think they are the best thing ever, but I'd never recommend one for a first handgun. I've heard of many negligent discharges due to the trigger design. A couple occurred due to a worn/ill fitting holster.

A revolver would be your best bet for a first handgun. I like Rugers quite a lot. For pistols, the Makarov is a great choice. If you want something lighter a SIG P230/232 or a Bersa Thunder CC are very similar in design. Aside from a well tuned 1911 (again, not a good choice for a first handgun), these handguns based on the Walther PP design are extremely reliable. I would rather have one of those than most larger or smaller pistols in any caliber. Once you go below .45 ACP / .357 magnum, all handgun calibers tend to such equally. .380 is just as good as 9mm at close range, and .40 isn't much of an improvement.
 
I agree to start with a revolver.I would suggest a S&W 357 with a 4"-6" barrel. You want something medium sized that is comfortable to use at the range.Start with 38's and when you are ready you can shoot 357 from the same gun.If price is a big factor maby try a Ruger.
 
foxx said:
I'm no expert, at all, with much of anything..but..

LEO's have moved away from the 9mm and prefer to use .40cal or higher. The 9mm's don't have the stopping power according to my Brother, who is former military.

If you go with the 9mm, get hollow points with lower grains, they will stop a person better than FMJ's.

I own a 9mm, and I like shooting it, but would rather get a .45.
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Couple of things. I've owned 40's and personally no longer see the point to them. The .40 is better at going through barriers which is why leo's choose it over the 9mm. With barriers you want more mass. If that's a concern for you skip the 40 and go straight to 45.

Second, the only people who should get a 40 is people who have tiny hands. Which is another reason it's popular with leo's IMO. 40's and 9's use the same smaller sized frame where a 45 is longer and thicker generally in the grip.

Out of all three calibers(I would NOT recomend a .357 for your first gun. Made that mistake myself and have a pretty bad recoil sensitivity now) the 45 is much better at stopping an attacker and barrier penetration and doesn't have the snappy kick of the 40.

With prices now a days 40 is no longer cheap enough to justify it in the regard of cheap ammo.

The problem the military has with the 9 is they're stuck using ball ammo. A proper hollow point in any caliber 9mm and up will get the job done.

Out of all the calibers and guns I've owned the 9 and 45 were my favorites. If ammo prices aren't a concern I highly recomend the 45. If they are, and they would be for me, I'd carry a 9 with 147 grain or 124+P gold dots any day of the week and feel I have adequate protection.

As for the guns I highly recomend Glock. I found it to be the easiest to clean and maintain and it has the best trigger pull short of a well running 1911. If you know how to operate it you won't have a ND. ND's are people doing stupid S. As far as the holsters and ND's are concerned there is a legitimate concern there. A lot of holsters snap around the trigger guard for retention and can possibly discharge the weapon. However if you buy a quality holster this is a non-issue. For a good holster you're going to spend 50 bucks or more and really is a must for any type of gun you choose(if you intend to carry it). So is the belt you use. I recomend wilderness tactical's instructors belt.
 
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Glock makes good stuff no doubt about it. I just never liked the damned things. My latest best friend is a Remington 1911 R1 45 auto. It rocks. I have enough mass to carry it without it showing most of the time and it fits my hands fine. 45 is a lot of fun to shoot and an easy reload. I have 2 9mm, 3 44 mags. The 44's also rock, but its tough to conceal a Super Blackhawk with a 10" barrel.
 
I got my first handgun at 16. Smith and Wesson 657, .41 magnum. So don't shy away from something with power :D

Anyway, I reload, and by far the easist caliber to reload is a .45 acp for a 1911. You don't need to flare the casings, and you don't need to crimp; just seat the bullet and you're good to go.

9mm would be okay for plinking, but I'm a fan of big calibers.

.40 S&W isn't bad, it's going to be a faster round so it'll kick a bit more (if you're worried)

Personally, I'd get a 1911 and be done with it. The .45 acp is a great round for what it is, and ammo is everywhere. Plus, after 100 years, the 1911 has only really had 1 major change, they added a finger cut out in the frame. After 30 years, Glock has went through 4 generations.

I think the 1911 was built right, the first time. But, I also like all steel, heavy guns too. So I'm a little biased.
 
Great replies. I've always been a fan of the 1911 based on its history and its asthetics, so that is definately one to check out, sounds like the HK's are worthy of a look, too. Gonna start looking and shooting some time next year. Right now I gotta gear up for duck season (for once, no more putting it off!)
 
I did a ton of research before getting my first handgun and decided on a Springfield XD 45 Tactical. Here's some general info I found, definitely research, read reviews, hold, and shoot if possible the top three guns you're considering.
- 9mm and 40 with have smaller handles than 45 acp
- 40 will be snappier recoil, 45 will be more of a push
- You have to decide whether you want DAO or DA/SA
- DAO (Glocks, XD's, some HK's, etc) will be the same trigger pull every shot and heavier than SA (mines like 5lbs)
- DA/SA You can carry cocked with the safety on, the SA will be a lighter trigger pull (say 3lbs) with the double action being heavier (say 5-7)
- IMO 9mm good quality hollow points like Golden Saber will have plenty of power still
- 9mm/.40SW/.357sig can usually convert from one to the other at least 40 to 357 and 9mm, sometimes you can't 9mm to .40 though with a barrel and clip swap, however you can't with .45acp to any of those without more work. For mine the only conversions available are .400 corbon and .460 Rowland. Although some prefer to just buy a seperate gun than a conversion.
- I liked the XD because its more ergonomic (for me) than the glock, has an extra grip safety, cocking indicator, round in chamber indicator, and a couple other things I liked over glocks.
- I'd look at a Glock, Springfield XD's, Smith and Wesson M&P's, FNH FNP's, HK USP, Steyr M40A1 or M9A1 (cool lesser known guns with great reviews), CZ 75's and 85's, Sig P226.
-
 
Its a good idea to start with a .22 LR. Its much more easy to learn how to shot a handgun well that doesn't have much report or recoil, and then work your way up to the large bores. IMO anyway, many will disagree.

My first way back in late 70's was a Ruger single six. Got a SW model 66 a few months later, and I was very glad I had already gotton some trigger time in with the .22


If you want a self defence gun first, I have and really like the Sig 232 for its 3.5lb factory trigger, balance and acuraccy. In full SS it is very easy to shoot well, and a great one to learn with. I mostly carry a 229(in .40 or .357 sig), or a Glock 27, but both may take a bit more practice to master, and not that great for a first handgun IMO.
 
I think the Glock 19 is great sidearm.I used this one for 2 years as my duty gun.I quit working last year to take care of my Father in Ca. so he could die at home.Now I use it for concealed carry often.
 
What this thread reminds me of is kids in highschool debating what car the are going to drive. Debating the differences between a Ferrari, Mazzeroti and Porsche, A new driver does not need to worry about these things right now, because in 2 years he would wrap 4 of them around trees. What car did you learn to drive in? mine was a 1993 Hyundai Elantra, Small, cheap, fuel efficient. Any new shooter who treats his training and practice seriously needs to start with a 22lr pistol, auto or revolver is just preference. Even here in the great white north you can buy the 500rd bricks of 22lr at wal-mart for $17, and you can shoot all day on that for around what lunch will cost you. Your first pistol for a shooter should be considered a training tool, not a shiny thing. Then again, if you just want to go to the range a make noise, blow holes in targets then buy all means, colt 45. are cool, 357 magnums are bad-ass, real men own desert eagles... blah blah blah.
 
+1 Ken44..what you need[whether you want it or not] is trigger time. You will learn and enjoy shooting a first ever handgun that doesn't break your bank on ammunition. It is easier, IMHO, to develop good handgun marksmanship skills - consistantly hitting targets at various ranges..with a good .22 LR shooter.

I'm just an old trigger puller however have always enjoyed shooting .22LR. I own and additionally shoot the following;

.327 Federal
.357 mag
.44 mag
.45 ACP
.45 Colt

So I recommend a .22 LR..you'll keep it forever..and go back to shooting it more than you may think now...and it is a good option for introducing others to handgun shooting ..such as spouse or kids or other loved ones.

Plenty of time later to get a C/F and by starting with a .22LR that you've learned to shoot well you will be better informed about what you really want.
 
get a good 22 learn to shoot it first .more you shoot the better and 22's are still the cheapest
 
I love the .40 round. .45 is nice but a bit expensive if you plan to shoot a lot. Just do your homework and decide what's best for you. As has been recommended, handle and fire several guns before you pick one.
 
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I agree that a .22 is a great starter. And a 45 is a great self defense round. But in the end it comes down to practice, practice, practice. If you can possibly afford it get some professional training and get to the range at least once a week for the first six weeks - more trigger time = more confidence = better shooter.
Just my opinion.
 
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