First handgun?

I believe the OP was trying to decide between a 9 or a 40?Practicing with a .22 is a no brainer.:):thumbup:
 
The OP gives no idea what he wants the gun for, so how to make any recommendation? Strictly limited to 9mm vs. .40, I have shot the same model pistol in both (compact Glock and Kahrs) and found the recoil from the .40 unacceptable. Obviously wouldn't be as much of a factor in a larger gun. .40 also is more expensive.

We could give you much better advice if you spelled out what you want the gun to do.

When I bought my first handgun I thought it would be my only one, so I wanted it to do everything. My answer was a Ruger 4" .357- powerful enough for home defense, dependable, accurate enough to target shoot, can save money by shooting .38s, and in a pinch, concealable. I stand by that as a good choice, but I would not pick it if my primary purpose was concealed carry. I got a Kahr P9 for that, but later got a S&W j-frame with CT laser grips- a great CC defensive gun. For fun and "romance" nothing beats a 1911- for me- many will argue for a single action Colt to fill this slot. Its also easy to say that everyone should have a .22 for cheap practice and plinking fun.

The point is, there are lots of roles that handguns fill, the more you define your needs/wants/expectations the better choice you will be able to make.
 
I've owned a lot of guns, I would either choose the SIG Sauer 226/229 or a HK USP.

The Glock is a great handgun but I prefer a traditional trigger.

If you like something classic a 1911 .45 a Browning highpower 9mm or .40 and a CZ-75 is a good choice.

As far as revolvers I would stick with Smith and Wesson, they also have 8 round capacity versions now like the 327.
To equal the power in foot pounds of 8 .357 magnums you need 11 rounds .40 or 15 rounds of 9mm and the revolver is (normally) never going to let you down.
 
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if you decide on a .22lr, the most recommended pistol will probably be a Ruger, either one of the Marks (I,II,III) or 22/45..I don't currently own one,but started with a steel framed, heel mag catch, T 512 (5 1/2 bull barrel with adjustable sights)... If you get one, don't take it apart....use a brush on the bolt face, and a spritz of solvent, just run a brush through the bore occasionally.... a comment on shooting in general, and .22s in particular....don't count your shots, make sure the chamber is empty in addition to the traditional safety precautions....22 extractors are notorious for not extracting when hand cycled, and a shrouded chamber necessitates a positive visual check
 
For .22LR pistols, don't overlook the Buckmark. I think it feels better than the Ruger Mark anything and they're easy to take apart and put back together.
 
The rugers are an easy take down, if I recall no tools. What I liked about rugers 22. I owned 2 mk1's and a 22/45, is that they have a large grip and they have a weight similar to a CF, many 22 pistols feel like they are sized for children, im thinking about the buckmark, colt woodsman and the walther 22 (I cant recall the model). The poster was asking about what his first pistol should be, :jerkit:what we really need is some more posts debating the stopping power and foot pounds compared to recoil and mag capacity.
 
Many of the autos have .22 conversions that will allow you to get more trigger time. There is something to be said for primarily training with your defensive sidearm. Also, you might be able to gain competency with the more powerful rounds faster than others. I found very little transference of skills between the 22 autos I owned and my 45. The weight, balance, sight picture, safety location, recoil and recovery, loading, unloading, clearing the weapon, location of holster, location of spare clips and etc. were all different. If you want, get your defensive handgun in your caliber of choice along with a 22 conversion for more practice. If you don't want to, fire a few hundred more rounds of your defensive ammo. In either case you'll probably reach similar levels of competency in comparable lengths of time.
 
IMHO any of the big name semi autos as well as revolvers are good.
However, in terms of caliber, the biggest you can shoot quickly and accurately.

I prefer DA (prefer DAO for carry) revolvers, once you learn the feel/timing of the triiger pull/release you get really really good and really fast.
Its no wonder gun,but I likeem,and feel comfy with them.
 
Call_to_Arms said:
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.
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:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

Best post yet, and the most truthful.

This is something I see on the range all the time. The young guys with the cool guns who can't shoot for s. But they'er cool. I see a lot of atrocious marksmenship from these young men who went out and bought the Ferrari before they leaned to handle a Honda. Oh yeah, they can hit the full size human silluette at 5 yards, but real shooting is beyond them.

A new handgunner needs to start off with a good .22, and have some instruction from a pro in an N.R.A. class. And join the N.R.A.. Forget the video game guns and tactics for now. Unless you're born rich, the ammo cost for all the practice you're going to need in center fire will break the bank. Skill is gained by lots of practice, then more practice, until you can recite the holy trinity in your sleep. After a year or two, you'll be ready for a center fire handgun. The skills you build with the .22 will translate right over to any other gun.

Carl.
 
Have to agree with all the .45 fans. You can load it up or down depending upon need. Plenty of high quality parts around for the traditional 1911 model. It's a solid, simple, reliable, and once you get used to single action every other trigger will feel inferior.

If you think you might want to concealed carry at some point there are some great high capacity polymer models available that will serve you well.

As far a brand goes, I'd vote Springfield.
 
OK, here's my $.02. Like someone else said, it really depends what you want to use it for.

Target/Plinking/Developing Good Shooting Habits: 22 (Ruger would be my suggestion)
Range and Self Defense: 9mm (Glock, if it fits your hand - TRY IT OUT FIRST, S&W M&P, H&K, etc., lots in this category)
Primarily Self Defense: .357 or .45 (Ruger GP100, .45 by a reputable maker)
Concealed Carry: .380 or 9mm (Ruger LCP, Kel-Tec)

As you can see, I'm a pretty big Ruger fan. I've own many of them over the years, and have never had a FTF. Perhaps it's just dumb luck, but FWIW, I like them. However, there are many other fine brands that will give you years of shooting excellence.

You also didn't mention whether you plan to make this your "one and only" gun, or you plan to buy others over time. I know that they are a bit like potato chips - you can't have just one - but some folks only want one. That will also determine what to get.

- Mark
 
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