What Should be my first gun

[tomefty]

Hey guys I should be getting my LTC class A from Fairhaven within 3-4 weeks. I have only shot 12 gage shotguns and .22 rifles when I was younger with family. Some of my friends and family tell me to get a Glock 17 gen 4 as my first gun. I plan on using it for home defense and some shooting at the range. I can spend around 400-500 on one and I was thinking of getting a shotgun.

Any advice?

Thanks,

Tom

 

[goodzilla]

Welcome to your new addiction, er, hobby.

If you're only going to buy 1 (*snicker*), the biggest question is what's your primary goal for the weapon. You could go the shotgun route to try to cover home defense and sporting. A rifle could also fit the bill, but I would lean toward a handgun if you're looking for self/home defense.

Handgun: You're not going to get a Gen4 Glock in MA for 4-500, simply because Glock prices are inflated in MA, that would probably start at around $650 if you're lucky. I would go the semi-auto route though, not revolver, but it depends on your comfort level with handguns for style and caliber. My first gun was a S&W 686 6-shot revolver (.38/.357). Based on what you wrote, probably start with a 9mm. Maybe something like a S&W M&P9 for about $500, it feels great in the hand. But you should get the APEX Tactical carry spring kit installed in it, cause MA triggers are waaay too heavy about 10-12lbs. There's also the Ruger SR9, or Beretta 92FS if you want a big honkin' piece of steel.

Shotgun: Shotguns are very versatile by the nature of the different loads they can fire. I'm a Mossberg guy, so Mossberg 500. There's also the Remington 870, but I prefer my Mossy. I have to say though, I fire my handguns and rifles a lot more at the range than my shotguns. So really think about what the purpose of the firearm is, and what skills and use are most important to you. Depending on where you live and what range you may join, you may be limited by what you can do with a shotgun.

Rifle: If rifle, the .22 route or the AR-15 route as a first rifle. The Ruger 10-22 is pretty much the universal .22 rifle that can get your feet wet. If you decide you want learn more and do the Appleseed Project to learn basic rifleman skills, then it would be perfect. On the other hand, the AR-15 is very versatile and has lots of accessories. It can be used for home defense as well. However, an AR-15 will come in around $700 or so and that's out of your price range. A .22LR version of the AR-15 would be the S&W M&P 15-22, that'll be around the $500 price point.

If I were you, I'd probably get the handgun first, unless you have folks you'd be shooting shotguns with already. But the real answer is, of course, "one of each"!

Once you narrow down your choice, the other recommendation would be to shoot before you buy if possible. Either finding a member on here willing to go to the range with you if they own something you're interested in, or head up to Manchester Firing Line or another range that will rent you one.

 

[TaxMan]

My plan was to own 1 gun... a Self Defense carry gun...

That plan has quickly degraded into a gun of each caliber...

We'll see whats next...

Either way... good luck... I bought a Kahr PM9 as my 1st and love it.

 

[tomefty]

Great advice thanks! Is an AR-15 a good first gun though? I would def spend the extra 200 on one of them? Any thoughts?

 

[rjh200]

Save more money and do your research. $500 Will get you a pretty solid gun but you have to factor ammo and accessories. Go to places like MFS Manchester Firing line where you can rent various types of guns to try out.

Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk

 

[sweed]

The first gun i bought was an sr9c, I carry 17 rounds mags, but mass guys can only carry the 10 rounders. I hear the ma trigger is really good too. It's a great carry gun, and good for home protection. The AR would be beret home protection with the bigger mags, but it's tough to carry, lol.
A 22 is a must have for fun. Good luck!

Oh the sr9c fits in your budget, you can find them around 420-450. Adding Ma tax and you're under 500.

 

[Parker Duofold]

This question gets asked every week in some form or another. OP -- use the search function.

 

[goodzilla]

AR's fine for a first gun, unless you'd feel you'd be intimiated by it. They're easy to operate, recoil is not bad at all, and they break down for cleaning easily. The $7-800 price point will get you a decent AR. You do tend to accessorize them though, and that can be expensive. But honestly, it would not be my first choice for a first gun.

If you feel you need to get comfortable with firearms first, I'd probably steer you to .22LR rifle or even .22LR handgun, or step up to the 9mm. A recommendation for .22LR based semi-auto pistol would be the Ruger SR22.

Again, it all depends on your overriding purpose for the firearm. And there are range considerations, depending on where you live.

Cost: Or "care and feeding", as I call it. AR ammo is going to run you about 42 cents/round. 9mm is going to cost about 30 cents/round, and .22LR is going to be about 6-7 cents/round.

 

[DW357]

My first gun was a full size M&P 40 but quickly bought a 9mm conversion barrel to save some money, and a BEC competition trigger job. For the $500 price range, I'd recommend an M&P, SR9, 92FS for a first handgun. Also you can always go for the older generation S&Ws and Rugers which can be found for cheap. I bought a LNIB Ruger P89 on GunBroker from a guy in NH for $350 out the door and it was mint. Also got some preban 17 round mags and a 30 round mag as well. Great trigger and well built gun. Don't have much experience with Glocks.

 

[DW357]

If you feel you need to get comfortable with firearms first, I'd probably steer you to .22LR rifle or even .22LR handgun, or step up to the 9mm. A recommendation for .22LR based semi-auto pistol would be the Ruger SR22.

Again, it all depends on your overriding purpose for the firearm. And there are range considerations, depending on where you live.

Cost: Or "care and feeding", as I call it. AR ammo is going to run you about 42 cents/round. 9mm is going to cost about 30 cents/round, and .22LR is going to be about 6-7 cents/round.

I have a couple friends who just got their LTCs and were asking me about 22 pistols. I told them to move up to a 9mm handgun since you can very easily find ammo for it compared to 22.

 

[Come and take]

The first gun i bought was an sr9c, I carry 17 rounds mags, but mass guys can only carry the 10 rounders. I hear the ma trigger is really good too. It's a great carry gun, and good for home protection. The AR would be beret home protection with the bigger mags, but it's tough to carry, lol.
A 22 is a must have for fun. Good luck!

Oh the sr9c fits in your budget, you can find them around 420-450. Adding Ma tax and you're under 500.

This. My first cc gun. Love it and really sweet trigger..

Test the waters. Rent and do reviews on guns. One recommendations might not be for you.
Good luck

 

[goodzilla]

Right, I forgot to add "if you can find it" to the .22LR discussion.

 

[2garfields]

I recommend a .22 cal handgun if you are a first time pistol shooter; once you have improve your general knowledge on shooting then move to a larger cal.

If you shop around, $500 should get you a nice .22 shooter with ammo, and possible an used 12g shotgun.

 

[tomefty]

I recommend a .22 cal handgun if you are a first time pistol shooter; once you have improve your general knowledge on shooting then move to a larger cal.

If you shop around, $500 should get you a nice .22 shooter with ammo, and possible an used 12g shotgun.

Thanks all. this is great advice. I am going to go up to Manchester firing range this weekend and see if I can try a few out!

Thanks!

 

[goodzilla]

Thanks all. this is great advice. I am going to go up to Manchester firing range this weekend and see if I can try a few out!

Thanks!

Enjoy! You'll drop some coin because they'll require you to purchase their ammo for the rentals. I will never forget going up there with my brother and firing their full auto Tommy gun though.

 

[Volkl78]

If your getting your LTC it makes sense to buy a gun you can carry around with you so a handgun is the obvious choice for carry, range and home defense. Better to go with a caliber like 9mm as they are easy to handle and still powerful enough to get the job done if need be. You should be able to find a used Glock 17 or 19 (19 would be better to carry) for around $500-550. Check out private sales on this site or if you have to go to a shop call around to get prices before you buy. I've seen S&W M&P 9 used sell for $450 with a couple mags those are really nice too.

- - - Updated - - -

I recommend a .22 cal handgun if you are a first time pistol shooter; once you have improve your general knowledge on shooting then move to a larger cal.

If you shop around, $500 should get you a nice .22 shooter with ammo, and possible an used 12g shotgun.

If your 4'6" and about 65 pounds a .22 pistol will do just fine.

 

[PaulR]

It doesn't really matter because your second gun will come a week later, and third a week after that, and so on and so forth.

 

[johnnymac101]

Might be useful to take a walk around a gun show this weekend- get the feel of it in you hands.
http://www.northeastgunshows.com/

 

[hv55maxx]

All of them

 

[Rugerfan]

This is like asking what kind of woman to marry. Only worse.

 

[R_Wilson]

Start with a 9mm that will accept a 22 conversion kit when you have the extra cash.
that way you'll be spending 5-10 cents on the 22lr around vs 25cents+ for 115g 9mm

 

[je25ff]

I'd go for the pistol first. For that price range you might be able to get a used Sig or Glock. New, you're looking at a Ruger or something similar in that price range.

If you're going to get a shotgun, get a Remington 870. With the money left over in your budget, you can put a shorter barrel on it (Mossberg makes a shorter breech barrel) and an extended tube.

 

[ColdDayInHell]

The first gun i bought was an sr9c, I carry 17 rounds mags, but mass guys can only carry the 10 rounders. I hear the ma trigger is really good too. It's a great carry gun, and good for home protection. The AR would be beret home protection with the bigger mags, but it's tough to carry, lol.
A 22 is a must have for fun. Good luck!

Oh the sr9c fits in your budget, you can find them around 420-450. Adding Ma tax and you're under 500.

Mine too.

But why did you buy a compact gun and use mags that extend below the grip? Just curious.

I vote something you can carry. An AR will come in due time.

 

[10thSFFD]

Beretta 92FS is an excellent choice. Make sure you get a nice holster with it.

 

[je25ff]

Beretta 92FS is an excellent choice. Make sure you get a nice holster with it.

Can't believe I didn't mention this in my previous post. I carry a 92fs exclusively. You can also find pre-ban magazines for it, if you're in MA.

 

[mac1911]

Not considering any particular reason other than "if I knew then"

Personally if I had a chance to do it again my first gun would be a colt or SW 357 revolver.
can shoot a wide variety of ammo. You can reload very cheap 38spl for endless range time...
Now given : my first gun a gift from dad was a glenfield 25 bolt 22lr. Still have it still shoot it
2. When I was able to buy my first rifle at 19. SKS still got it still shoot it
3. First handgun colt 1911 loved it shot it but it was well worn I traded it towards a mini 14 that turned out to be junk.
Now for carry I have a SW 4013 it has. E'en flawless accurate for a short barrel. Although its not much fun as a range gun.


My knod goes to save a few more pennies and buy a 1911.
Next save for reloader for what ever Cal you decide to shoot.
AR for a first gun? Go shoot some first. I love mine but really only shoot it for service rifle matches cause I like that stuff

 

[NixieTube]

It doesn't really matter because your second gun will come a week later, and third a week after that, and so on and so forth.

This.

Apart from that, if you're going to go to a range/club where they'll let you shoot a variety that will help. A .22 pistol is nice to have but that's not the first caliber I bought: I jumped right in with a .40 S&W 3rd Gen. and was very happy with the choice. I think the main thing is that you pick a *quality* gun that fits your budget, lets you practice right out of the box, and will be something you'll be happy to keep - particularly because you've shot firearms before. If you are getting an LTC-A I would buy a handgun first. I hear a lot of people like 9mm caliber pistols and there are some very good ones to choose from that you won't be disappointed owning.

I will say this also: in my experience, the gun you feel most comfortable with (and I mean on an ergonomic, "in the hand" level as well as the more abstract considerations) is the one you will shoot the best with in the long term, as long as it is a well-made firearm. Try a few on for size and choose a quality pistol that makes you say when you pick it up: "This is the one I feel best with." Then practice like the living daylights with it.

It is improbable that your first gun will be the last one you want to buy. So choose something that will get you started and you'll want to keep, but knowing that it's not the last one you'll buy. Otherwise it's really a matter of what you're going to use it for, and you have to decide that.

 

[Robert1]

Start with a 9mm that will accept a 22 conversion kit when you have the extra cash.
that way you'll be spending 5-10 cents on the 22lr around vs 25cents+ for 115g 9mm

When did you get your ammo. In the past 3 months, here in MA, 10c for a 22 and 30c for a 9mm is pretty much the cheapest I can find.
That includes mail order,once you add the shipping cost.
To the OP, there was a great deal posted here $299 for a Sig Sauer 250c which would satisfy your needs, and the calibers are easily exchangable.
I bought a SR22 for practice, and in a pinch it is perfectly fine as a CCW unless you hang around in some really bad neighborhoods.
I would not recommend a Glock as a first carry gun because in order to make it usable you would need to have the trigger lightened.
But now you either would have to carry it with an empty chamber, or risk shooting yourself in the leg.
Before all Glock fans jump on me for this ... emphasis FIRST carry gun !
I like Glocks, they are very nice to shoot and I am more accurate with a Glock 19 (mid size) that I am with my full size SIG 226. But is is not a good carry gun for a civillian if you consider all factors.
I likeIf you like striker fire, I would suggest the SR9c.
I personally have a Ruger 38 snubnose for a carry, a Sig Sauer 226 for home defense and target, and a Ruger SR22 for practice target acquisition and accuracy.
As another poster mentioned, I first taught that I would just have one gun. I gave up fast on the idea
I am in the minority here, but I still feel more at ease with the revolver for self defense because I know I can count on it, even if I can not count on myself.
Of course, if I knew I was going into a gun fight, I would take my SIG.
(well, actually I grab all my guns, turn around and run away as fast as I could)
To each his own.

 

[TrendSetter67]

I have a couple friends who just got their LTCs and were asking me about 22 pistols. I told them to move up to a 9mm handgun since you can very easily find ammo for it compared to 22.

Ain't that the truth. I am using my 9mm much more often at the range given the continued scarcity of .22lr. Of course, when I do pull out the 22, I am going through about 3-500 rounds at a time compared to maybe 50-100 of 9mm.

 

[TrendSetter67]

Start with a 9mm that will accept a 22 conversion kit when you have the extra cash.
that way you'll be spending 5-10 cents on the 22lr around vs 25cents+ for 115g 9mm

Various conversion kits typically cost almost as much as buying a 22 pistol outright....plus I have heard mixed reviews of how well they run even with quality ammo. I would say get the 9mm you want for EDC, and get a SR22 for a trainer since it is not picky on ammo (any bulk 22 runs) and gives more recoil that other 22 models which will help in training.