Newbie seeking advice on first handgun

[tanuki]

Hello everyone,

I am new to NES (this is actually my first post) and really appreciate the wealth of information here. I am also fairly new to the world of firearms. I have been doing a lot of personal research but have no experience shooting. I am planning some training with a local NRA rep and will hopefully remedy this.

For now I am hoping for a little advice as to my first handgun. I will explain what I am looking for:

As soon as I get my license to carry I intend on doing so. I seek a gun which is simple, effective, and dependable. In terms of caliber I am pretty open. I am a small guy (~130 lbs, 5'10") so I don't want anything that will knock me off my feet, yet something that is effective for protection.

I had been looking into a 1911 since it has many variances and quite a long, positive history. I have also been told that revolvers are a good place to start since they are simpler to maintain and operate. However, I hadn't researched and particular models.

I anticipate many people would say this depends on the individuals likes and dislikes, so if you feel that way, just let me know what your first handgun was and your experiences.

Thanks in advance for any advice you guys have for me!

 

[RickG]

Welcome!

If you can, get to a rental range and try a few different models. You might also consider a .22 for a target/range/plinking pistol. But you should try a few different ones that interest you before you spend that kind of money. Caliber is also a consideration. The heavier calibers can get really expensive quick. Not to mention availability.

All that being said, my first handgun was a Sig P220 .45 and my first rifle was a Ruger Mini 30.

 

[Supermoto]

M&P 9mm is an excellent first handgun

 

[Silver74]

M&P 9mm is an excellent first handgun

+1

I have an M&P 40 compact and I really like it! take a look at both.

 

[jar]

If you can fit two guns in your budget, get a 22 to learn on while you try as much as you can to pick out a carry gun. I suggest 9mm because the recoil is manageable and practice ammo is cheap.

I'm partial to the Ruger Mk series of 22s. For the 9mm, it's hard to go wrong with a Glock or M&P. Try both and buy the one you like better.

 

[tanuki]

Thanks so much guys, I will definitely look into both some .22s and the M&P!

 

[richc]

Love my Sig 239 in 9mm for both carry and general range shooting.

Take a look at a CZ452 for a .22 plinker. They are more expensive than the 10/22, but built like a tank and incredibly accurate. I bought two... one with scope and one with regular sights.

Welcome to this wonderful hobby and NES. There are some amazing folks on here. I've had my license less than a year and have had a wonderful time shooting, and have met some incredibly nice people along the way.

Cheers,

Rich

 

[mac1911]

try try try before you by. full size 1911 gets heavy. I like the 4013tsw in 40cal
I just have not gotten over the plastic feel of the M&Ps. Although I recently pick up a nylon66 and I am amzed at the 1962 plASTIC GUN

 

[MassMark]

If a 1911 is in your budget, I'd say hold off and buy/build one down the road. With that in mind, you're ripe for an HK USP 9mm. They're practically unobtanium here in MA, but you should be able to find one in CT. Do a search on it and you'll find much in the way of information. As much as I like the M&P, (also a good choice), the HK USP9 is a cut above... I also agree to find yourself a nice .22 and Ruger Mark II will fit the bill nicely. They can be had for short money...

 

[JimB]

S&W

S&W has a rental range, for roughly $50 you could rent some and try
them out.

I'm not selling you on S&W but you also can get a boat load of info
there form sales folks and the range officers.

you can get a lot of suggestions but you make the final decision.

JimB

 

[Mass-diver]

If a 1911 is in your budget, I'd say hold off and buy/build one down the road. With that in mind, you're ripe for an HK USP 9mm. They're practically unobtanium here in MA, but you should be able to find one in CT. Do a search on it and you'll find much in the way of information. As much as I like the M&P, (also a good choice), the HK USP9 is a cut above....

Very good advice.

 

[BossHarley]

You should go to Hoffman's on the Berlin turnpike. They have a range and for $10 you get 10 shots with any gun - you can rent them for longer as well. They also will give you some of the rental costs off the cost of the firearm. I would pick a couple of the most widely used guns (glock, M&P, 1911, revolver etc). It will definitely give you an idea about recoil etc for different calibers (9mm, 40S&W, 45ACP or 38/357)

You definitely should get some training, meet up with some shooters who can show you the ropes. We have a pistol permit class at one of my clubs. It is very reasonably priced and you get a chance to shoot a number of different 22 handguns. If you havent done your pistol course yet I would highly recommend it. I frequently assist the instructor and would be more than willing to let you try out a number of my handguns.
www.silvercitygunclub.com

As for choice of handguns, if you are totally inexperienced I would stay away from the 1911 as a carry gun. Revolvers are excellent carry guns (I carry a S&W 340PD) and are as simple as they get - point (aim) and shoot. No safeties, no racking slides, mag releases etc.

If you do get a 1911, you can get a 22 conversion kit for it to practice / practice / practice with it and shoot lots without going broke. They are about $300 on top of the cost gun. I have a Kimber with a 22 conversion, which is one of the guns I frequently bring to the pistol class for the students to use. The others are a S&W 617 revolver, and a Ruger MKIII.

 

[Blitz1]

Find a place to rent some different pistols and see what feels best to you, or become a paid member here and come to a shoot.

People here are very generous about letting you shoot their firearms. I would suggest you buy a box or two of every caliber you are interested in though.

The $19.00 you spend here to become a member is well worth it.

 

[garandman]

S&W has a rental range, for roughly $50 you could rent some and try
them out.

I'm not selling you on S&W but you also can get a boat load of info
there form sales folks and the range officers.//

Great idea. But dealers have better prices so don't buy there.

 

[PaulD]

If a 1911 is in your budget, I'd say hold off and buy/build one down the road. With that in mind, you're ripe for an HK USP 9mm. They're practically unobtanium here in MA, but you should be able to find one in CT. Do a search on it and you'll find much in the way of information. As much as I like the M&P, (also a good choice), the HK USP9 is a cut above... I also agree to find yourself a nice .22 and Ruger Mark II will fit the bill nicely. They can be had for short money...

I agree with this advice. A .22LR pistol is something every shooter should own. Look at the Browning Buckmark also.

As for a center fire pistol, I think a 9mm full size is a good way to go. tanuki, since you're in CT, you have a lot of choices. The M&P is ok and Mark's USP9 recommendation is a great one but you can also look at the following:

- Sig 226/229 (I'm a Sig whore so I put this one on top, the rest are in no particular order)
- CZ75
- Springfield XD and XDM
- FN FNP9
- HK P2000
- Glock G17 or G19

Go find a rental range if you can and try before you buy. I made the mistake of buying an M&P9 as my first gun and realized later that it just didn't work for me.