[Titan6]

I met a couple in a large gun shop today. While they were waiting for help They shared that the night prior the husband had come home and foiled a home invasion with wifeand son as victims of as assault. They had wisely decided to join the ranks of the armed. I spent about 20 minutes showing them guns as they reps were all busy with other customers and determined that the wife had experience with M9 Berreta (92F) from the Army and the husband knew nothing about guns at all.

I suggested a Glock 19 or a revolver in S&W 4'' .357 since the wife said she could not ever remember how to put the M9 back together and did not like cleaning it.

These seem good choices to me but the shop owner seemed a little annoyed and said they didn't own any guns they should only get a revolver. He did not seem to have much of a reason for this. I was wondering are pistols that much harder to figure out than revolvers for newbies?

[Black Adder LXX]

I tried to explain to my wife how to use my Beretta, and when she couldn't even rack the slide, and was confused by by the controls, I decided that my 4" 357 would be the better choice. She's a recovering anti, so I'm not forcing the issue, if she's confused or uncertain, I'll make it easier. For a new shooter, there's nothing to do but point it and shoot. For home defense and new gun owners, I think a 357 is the better choice.

[rantingredneck]

I have to agree a revolver is certainly more "point and click" than an auto. With autos you have to familiarize yourself more with the various controls and takedown procedures (even though Glocks are probably the most simple in both).

[Black Majik]

I don't see why not. I just got my friend to buy a Glock 17 as his first firearm. As long as the 4 rules are practiced (especially finger off the trigger) the Glock will serve them well.

The Glock has very simple manual of arms. No external safeties to worry about, consistant trigger pull. I'd say it was a good recommendation.

[Glockman17366]

The sole reason I always suggest a revolver to novice gun owners is I figure they'll always assume the gun is loaded (Yes, I know the rules...so read on before commenting) and, once they open the cylinder, they'll know it.
But when the magazine is removed, they may forget about checking the chamber. You know what can happen then.
I don't like magazine disconnects, so don't go there.
Anyway, they'll learn safety and be more aware as they learn their gun. Although safety should be paramount...don't always expect that with novices.

And, before you post, read my nickname...

[S&W620]

Why not?

If they are going to have a gun for home protection they need to know how to use it. This goes for any gun.

Is it easier to simply buy a revolver and know all you have to do is load, aim and pull the trigger? Sure. But how many of you would suggest that someone do that? Probably none.

Whatever gun they choose they should spend some time at the range and learn how to operate the thing as well as learn how to properly clean and field strip it.

If someone, even a newbie, buys a gun and then takes the time to put a few thousand rounds downrange they will be just fine.

Guns are not complicated machines that require years and years to figure out. Master? Yes, but simply handle and use properly? No.

As long as they are willing to take the time to learn how to use their new purchase they will be just fine. If they simply buy it, load it and put it in a drawer by the nightstand they will being doing themselves no favors regardless of the platform they choose.

[Titan6]

That is a really good point Glockman. I have seen many people do the same thing with a magazine ad a rifle or pistol.

These people were not buying out of any interest in firearms but out of a reactionary need to protect themselves so they likely will not spend as much time training as they should. Still it is good they are taking steps to protect themsleves. I will keep this in mind in the future. They went with the S&W anyway. Everyone agreed It is a good choice.

[W.E.G.]

+1 on the revolver for newbies.

6 for sure.

Much better go with a straight .38 special than a .357.
Otherwise, the newbies shoot the cheapest .38 they can find, then try to shoot full-house .357 in the same gun without proper prior cleaning of the cylinders. Been there, done that, had to pound out the stuck .357 cases.

And there is the flinch-factor of .357.

Problem is these days, most gun shops won't have a straight .38 spl. in stock except for a snubbie - and there we go back to the flinch factor. It doesn't help either that the gun shops act like every used Smith and Wesson Model 10 is some sort of historic collector's item - if asking price is any indication.

I gave my AARP-age sister a .357, and I have had to constantly re-explain the issues of shooting cheap-lead-bullet .38 spl ammo in the .357 cylinders. And I confiscated the semi-auto pistol she had not fired and had stuffed in a drawer since 1967.

[Hawk]

Nothing wrong with starting with semi.

It's rare, very rare, but my favorite anecdote on revolvers is the noob that brought one back to the shop with the complaint that "it couldn't be unloaded". She then fished the S&W from the detritus at the bottom of the purse and placed it on the counter. Cocked. 2.5# single action trigger and all.

Oh yeah, the cylinder won't release under those conditions.

Nothing's fool proof.

[Kevin108]

I think a Glock would make a great first gun. It did for me! My hands were too big for a 19, so I went with a 17 and a year later bought a 26.

Glocks are point and shoot. No confusing take down levers, thumb safeties, grip safeties, etc. If the 19 fits their hands, it's a great all-around gun should they take up plinking or concealed carry.

[JackCrow]

I think that much of the problem comes from the fact that few people treat the use of firearms as a martial art.

In days of yore :), self defence, both armed and unarmed, ment hand to hand combat. A person wishing to learn to defend themselves understood that he/she would have to commit themselves to serious training and practice to be able to defend themselves adequately.

Unfortunately, many people believe that merely owning a firearm sets up a magical, protective barrier around themselves and their home. While using a firearm effectively does not require the degree of training that employing a sword or karate does, using it well especially under pressure is a perishable skill and must therefore be practiced regularly.

I believe that this is the most important concept to impress on the new gun buyer, particularly if they are purchasing the gun in response to a bad encounter like the OP stated.



JackCrow- preaching to the choir! :D

[Gator]

Personally, I would never recommend a Glock as a first handgun. I might recommend a semi-auto with a safety, but only if the buyer was getting training first. Otherwise revolvers for all beginners, they are much safer.

[karz10]

Hmmm, Gator, I don't understand the philosophy of being willing to recommend a semi-auto w/ a safety or a revolver, but NOT a glock?

As for safety features, a Glock is the closest thing to a revolver in a semi auto, most revolvers don't have any external safeties, so I would be of the opinion that a Glock is the most like a revolver, both in the point, pull trigger, boom category, and in the reliability and easy cleaning category.

I agree that revolvers are safer/easier for beginners that aren't willing to familiarize themselves w/ the details of semis, no matter who makes them. I practice IDPA and always see new and competent shooters experience the occasional 'situation' w/ a semi auto, like forgetting to rack the slide the first time, failure to feed, especially during a mag change, failure to fire, stove pipe, etc., and one needs to be prepared for these things if they're going to use any semi auto for self defense, otherwise it may be too late to react if they do experience a problem in a SD scenario.

W/ that said, I agree w/ the OP that the Glock, especially the 19, is a very functional, reliable, predictable, and safe weapon to own and use for self defense.

As a sales person and consultant type person, not in firearms however, I would not make the assumption that I know what's best for my customer, even though that guy may have his opinions, that's the kind of BS I hate seeing in local gun stores, acting like they know what the new customer should have before even talking to them, spending some time to get to know them, ask them some questions, and if interested, provide them with enough information to help THEM make an educated decision...

They may well get the revolver, but at least that way they'd know WHY, and what other future options/benefits might be, if they become more interested later, or if their needs change.

My .02

Regards,

Karz

[Stevie-Ray]

I was wondering are pistols that much harder to figure out than automatics for newbies?I take it the word revolvers should be where automatics is?

My first handgun was an auto. Nothing wrong with that. I'm of the mind that the Glock is about as easy as a revolver, also. No safety, so it's a bit easier to think of it as always loaded. I think it would be a perfect first gun.

[Caimlas]

Personally, I would never, ever recommend a Glock for a first-time owner, let alone someone without firearm experience. Speaking from personal observational experience and my upbringing, it is foolish to have a gun with a trigger that is so easy to pull or bump, with the capability of one in the chamber and no manual safety. It's asking for an ND when the person is unfamiliar with firearms, and it does seem to be one additional level of comlexity. At the very least, something a manual safety is in order.

I would recommend a .357 revolver, personally. The manual of operation is much more straight forward, as well as the procedure for cleaning it. There are several fewer indicators that you need to check to assure yourself that the firearm isn't loaded (open wheel, look in each cylinder, OK vs. take out magazine, rack slide, check cylinder, OK).

The main problem I have with a glock, specifically, is that they don't have a visible indicator that it's loaded, and the mechanism for breaking down the firearm is prone to ND as well (due to the requirement to pull the trigger and that it can be attempted with a round in the pipe). For this reason something with a chamber indicator and/or a hammer or safety which, at the least, says "theoretically safe" or "theoretically dangerous at a glance is infinately useful for those who do not yet have the 4 rules ingrained.

Of course, training is necessary either way. But most people just want a magical fix, so no point in taking chances.

[Geronimo45]

A revolver would allow 'em to fire a gun without jamming on cheap rounds. Also has a much harder trigger pull (generally) than an automatic, which could throw your accuracy off a bit. Pros and cons to both.

As I recall, Wm. Fairbairn (in the 1920s or '30s) found that it was easier to teach new police trainees to shoot well with automatics than with revolvers - could've been the fast-firing issue, though - he had folks firing two or three round 'bursts' as he called 'em. Not too easy with a DA trigger. So autos may not be that much harder to learn that revolvers.

I'd probably be steering new gunnies to a DA/SA auto instead of a Glock - just because I think they have a bigger margin of error for sloppy handling. Personal opinion though, worth every penny you paid for it.

[Gator]

With a revolver when you start to pull the trigger you will see the cylinder and hammer begin to move; you can also easily see that it is loaded.

If you pick up a Glock it is not apparent if it is loaded, and when you start to pull the trigger...BANG! It is a lot easier to make a mistake with a Glock than a revolver, especially for a novice.

[mavracer]

As a sales person and consultant type person, not in firearms however, I would not make the assumption that I know what's best for my customer, even though that guy may have his opinions, that's the kind of BS I hate seeing in local gun stores, acting like they know what the new customer should have before even talking to them, spending some time to get to know them, ask them some questions, and if interested, provide them with enough information to help THEM make an educated decision...

They may well get the revolver, but at least that way they'd know WHY, and what other future options/benefits might be, if they become more interested later, or if their needs change.

+1000 well put

[karz10]

Personally, I would never, ever recommend a Glock for a first-time owner, let alone someone without firearm experience. Speaking from personal observational experience and my upbringing, it is foolish to have a gun with a trigger that is so easy to pull or bump, with the capability of one in the chamber and no manual safety. It's asking for an ND when the person is unfamiliar with firearms, and it does seem to be one additional level of comlexity. At the very least, something a manual safety is in order.

I would recommend a .357 revolver, personally. The manual of operation is much more straight forward, as well as the procedure for cleaning it. There are several fewer indicators that you need to check to assure yourself that the firearm isn't loaded (open wheel, look in each cylinder, OK vs. take out magazine, rack slide, check cylinder, OK).

The main problem I have with a glock, specifically, is that they don't have a visible indicator that it's loaded, and the mechanism for breaking down the firearm is prone to ND as well (due to the requirement to pull the trigger and that it can be attempted with a round in the pipe). For this reason something with a chamber indicator and/or a hammer or safety which, at the least, says "theoretically safe" or "theoretically dangerous at a glance is infinately useful for those who do not yet have the 4 rules ingrained.

Of course, training is necessary either way. But most people just want a magical fix, so no point in taking chances.


Wow, I can agree that education is needed in regards to proper cleaning of a glock or any gun, but at the risk of seeming argumentative, which I'm really not trying to start anything here, but there's a few things I'm just not agreeing with here....

As for "easy to bump the trigger" I gotta call BS on that, the Glock trigger (unmodified) is not much easier than many revolvers, and has the added trigger safety to prevent ND that revolvers DO NOT have.

Many guns w/ the glorious manual safety may also have an even lighter trigger, so if the safety is off, and they're confused by that, more potential for ND than the glock or the revolver.

As for revolver being easy to see if it's loaded and glock having no visible way to tell, have you looked at any late model Glocks? My G19 purchased this year in fact has a loaded chamber indicator on the trigger side (if right handed), where I can look, or run my finger up the side of the chamber indicator and tell it's loaded. I do this every time I load the pistol, and every time I pick it up, even after looking in the chamber. As for the revolver, if it's too hard to tell if a glock is loaded, you also can't predict the stupidity of that person w/ a revolver, how many stories have we heard of someone seeing all the 'holes' were empty, not realizing there was still one in the chamber of the revolver? I know I've heard them, the looked in all but one cylinder apparently, coz it went bang.

Again, I'm not saying that the revolver isn't a good choice for a novice, because it certainly is, and your point about training in either case is certainly valid, I just take issue w/ some of the reasons you stated as a Glock being a less safe alternative compared to another semi-auto, or some of the comparisons made to the revolver, that could easily be a point in favor of a Glock compared to other semi-autos or the revolver, depending on how you look at it.

One thing about semis, and glocks in 9MM in particular, the recoil is very manageable as well. The couple in question from the OP was new to firearms, depending on who would be using the pistol, I have to wonder if some people, especially a petite or elderly female for example, would want to start out w/ a .357 round, and have a hard time believing you'd actually recommend that to a new shooter. Now the fact you can shoot the lighter load in it is noteworthy, but as others have said, there are issues w/ that too, switching loads w/out proper maintenance etc., but many people would not want to shoot .357 much, and would have a hard time being accurate w/ it, esp for follow up shots, IMO, comapred to a 9MM semi. I wouldn't recommend anything to a new shooter, except educate them about the options, show them safety and proper handling, and then rent them some of those options on the range, and help them make an educated decision.

Again, not saying it's the best option, or the only option, just saying that IMO people generalize too much, and say things about Glocks that don't add up to me. Since it's one of the guns I happen to know the most about in my short, but intense adventure in the wonderful world of firearms. If I owned a Sig or some other gun, and someone said something about it I didn't agree with, I'd speak up then too.

Thanks for the time on the soap box. Much love...


With a revolver when you start to pull the trigger you will see the cylinder and hammer begin to move; you can also easily see that it is loaded.

If you pick up a Glock it is not apparent if it is loaded, and when you start to pull the trigger...BANG! It is a lot easier to make a mistake with a Glock than a revolver, especially for a novice.

Again, Glocks have LCI's now, and a round can hide in the chamber of a revolver too, and they don't typically have LCI's, I understand you should see the round in the cylinder rotating toward the chamber, but what I mean is, for one thing like the guy posted awhile ago, someone had the hammer back on one w/ an obviously then light trigger at that point w/ one in the chamber and didn't know it, or if they look at the wrong place and miss the one remaining bullet in the gun, pull the trigger a few times and hear only clicks, then suddenly BANG! You know what I'm saying...

At any rate, I'm not saying there's not a difference between revolvers and semis in general, coz there is, but I just don't buy the theory that Glocks are less safe or somehow more problematic than other semis, and in some cases, Glocks have a lot more in common w/ revolvers than other semis do, as for reliability and simplicity, as simple as a semi can be, IMO

Karz

[Prince Yamato]

Ok, how can you not figure out how to strip a Beretta? I mean, cripes, I figured it out without even a manual and I'm not exactly Captain Hardware. Eh, end rant.

Anyhow, I would tell someone to get an S&W model 10 as a first gun. Revolvers, I personally feel, are the best FIRST guns. They're painfully easy to operate and they don't jam. Glocks are easy to use, but I'm of the school that thinks anything without a manual safety and that light a trigger pull is verboten.

[glockman19]

Great suggestions. My first two guns were just what you suggested. A Glock 19 w/ night sights and a S&W 686 4".

Both are grat guns.

[Nomad, 2nd]

1. I am not a huge fan of glocks, but they DO work
2. I used to recommend revolvers
3. I now recommend Glocks to new shooters:
-'I' an not even concious of 'swiping' my 1911 safety.
-Glocks have no safety's a new shooter might forget.
-They have the same trigger every time. (Easy to learn)
-mags, parts, holsters... are abundant
- DA Revolvers are harder to learn to hit with than glocks
-I DO lay out the MUST of ALWAYS keeping it in a holster which covers the trigger guard.

The Glock is a good newby gun SO LONG AS: They keep their booger hooker off the 'bang button'!

[tydephan]

Why not?

If they are going to have a gun for home protection they need to know how to use it. This goes for any gun.

Is it easier to simply buy a revolver and know all you have to do is load, aim and pull the trigger? Sure. But how many of you would suggest that someone do that? Probably none.

Whatever gun they choose they should spend some time at the range and learn how to operate the thing as well as learn how to properly clean and field strip it.

If someone, even a newbie, buys a gun and then takes the time to put a few thousand rounds downrange they will be just fine.

Guns are not complicated machines that require years and years to figure out. Master? Yes, but simply handle and use properly? No.

As long as they are willing to take the time to learn how to use their new purchase they will be just fine. If they simply buy it, load it and put it in a drawer by the nightstand they will being doing themselves no favors regardless of the platform they choose.

Take a moment and re-read S&W620's wise words from above.

People get wrapped around the axle about the hardware.

It's the software that matters. I can purchase surveying equipment, but that doesn't make me an engineer.

Personally, I would invite the folks to the range and either allow them to shoot my guns or point them in the direction of the rentals. Enable them, by whatever means, to actually sample. That way, they can get an idea of what they are most comfortable shooting. If it is a revolver, cool. If it is an autoloader, cool.

If they are comfortable with a system, they will practice more with it and sharpen their software. Then...you have truly helped them.

Saying one system is inherently easier to operate than another is foolish, as we are not all the same.

[CountGlockula]

My first handgun is a Glock. I was more impressed on the affordability, simplicity and amount of ammo it holds. Prior to purchasing the Glock, I took a basic handgun course and had all my questions answered...plus shoot various brands of guns.

Yes, generally a revolver would be a good first timer. But again, everyone is different...by experience and environment. Whatever's best for the couple.

As a first timer Glock owner...the Glock has made me more aware of gun safety BECAUSE it doesn't have an external safety. Whenever I handle it at home; via dry fire pratice, clean, inspect, etc.; checking the chamber loaded has become a habit...even where there isn't a magazine!!!

Personally, Glock guarantees me to prevent any negligent discharges!

[camslam]

Another vote for the Glock. Aside from the possibility with every gun having a accidental discharge, Glocks are quite simply one of the easiest if not the easiest guns to use.

That is why I carry one for conceal carry and why I keep one loaded and ready to go in a sport safe next to my bed.

The first gun I ever shot was a revolver, but that was when I was just a kid, as I got older and learned why to have gun, when to use it, and how best to fire a gun, the Glock was a good choice for me.

Point and shoot is what I want when I need it. As a sidenote regarding safeties and such: last week I was doing some training drills with a couple of friends and one of them had just purchased a new Springfield XD45. We were taking turns pulling from a holster, firing 2 shots at different targets and then evaluating. In the course of 20 minutes, my friend with the XD45 had 2 non-fires. We didn't figure out till after the 2nd one that he wasn't gripping the gun all the way to the top and the grip safety wasn't being depressed completely. Obviously this is operator error and not a reflection on the gun, but it made me happy to know that when I pull the trigger on my Glock it is going to go bang everytime. The last thing I want to worry about when facing a lethal situation is flipping a safety off, making sure my grip is completely solid, etc... You just never know the situation you will be in and while I agree with training comes expertise, why add to the list of things that can go wrong.

Like I said in the beginning, if you are getting a gun because you need it, you better get one that is easy to operate and works. Just my opinion.

[dcloudy777@aol.com]

Revolver, hands down. THE gun for new shooters and especially "non gun-people". These folks come into my shop quite a bit, they're buying a gun for the same reason they bought a fire extinguisher. Revolvers have a manual of arms that's way, way, way simpler than any auto, glocks included. They have much lower maintaince requirements, and require less of a training committment. DAO or hammerless revolvers are even better, I wish they made an L-frame Centennial 7-shot .357....


DanO

[Alphazulu6]

Great first firearm. These are the thoughts that come to mind when comparing a Glock to other firearms such as the higher priced firearms like HK or most 1911s, revolver shortcomings, reliability, feeding issues, and maintenance trouble/costs of automatic pistols.

Here are my thoughts to the beginner shooter (as well as those of us who are not);

1. Its not going to have the jaming problems that most of the autos have.
2. Its simple to clean/maintenance.
3. Easy to shoot as there are no mechanisms to distract a new shooter while learning
4. Has enough ammunition in the magazine to make range sessions worth while
5. High quality firearm for a reasonable price

There is nothing safety-wise that would prompt me to tell a new shooter to not use a Glock. If a shooter really needs a mechanical push button safety to keep their finger off the trigger and squeezing it... they might need a better instructor :D

[DonGlock26]

It all comes down to what level of training they are willing to get. If reading the owner's manual is about it, then the .38spl revolver is the way to go. If they want to get instruction and they want an auto, then the 9mm Glock is a good first choice. I prefer the NY-1 trigger for defensive pistols,myself. An auto with a safety makes loading and unloading a bit safer, but I would only suggest it for a person that wants it. Regardless, I would recommend a maglight flashlight to go along with the SD weapon.

[Stevie-Ray]

Personally, I would never, ever recommend a Glock for a first-time owner, let alone someone without firearm experience.

I would recommend a .357 revolver, personally. I would never recommend a .357 even if I would recommended a revolver. I'd have to go with a .38. But then, for a first gun, I personally will always recommend a .22 as they seem to keep people going back to the range.

In the OP's case, I'd still go with the Glock, probably a 19.

[crebralfix]

Apparently, the population of this country is so stupid that the majority of its members cannot figure out the controls of a semi-automatic pistol. I suspect this is the result of public school education.

[Wedge]

I see no problem with a Glock as a first gun.

[middlechainringguy]

As a handgun newbie, it is much easier for me to tell that a wheelgun is loaded than a semi. For me, that counts for a lot.

--middlechainringguy

[camslam]

As a handgun newbie, it is much easier for me to tell that a wheelgun is loaded than a semi. For me, that counts for a lot.

--middlechainringguy

No offense, but how difficult is it to pull the slide back a centimeter to check the status of a weapon.

In reality, the first rule of handling a gun is assuming it is always loaded. Anytime I handle firearms, whether they are mine or not, I assume they are loaded and always check the weapons status.

I agree with:
If a shooter really needs a mechanical push button safety to keep their finger off the trigger and squeezing it... they might need a better instructor.

Well said.

[rkh]

Stay away from the Glock 36 as a first gun. :(

I'm not happy with mine, and the consensus on Glocktalk is that the 36 is Glock's only stinker.

[lanternlad1]

I always thought that a 12 gauge shotgun was recommended for home defense...not a bad first gun either. I started on rifles myself..

[Titan6]

Actually I suggested a shotgun first but they did not want one. They wanted a handgun for several different reasons that made sense to me.

[Wedge]

As a handgun newbie, it is much easier for me to tell that a wheelgun is loaded than a semi. For me, that counts for a lot.

--middlechainringguy

Umm...my guns are always assumed loaded...

As far as seeing which is "actually" loaded...well it takes as much work to open a cylinder as it does to check a slide. And with a loaded chamber indicator (as much as I hate WHY they are there) it is even easier with an auto...

The HD gun is always loaded...both assumed and actual. And it is a Glock.

[pax]

From the blog of the immortal Tamara: (http://booksbikesboomsticks.blogspot.com)

Somewhere in America today, a woman is going to operate a doorknob, lock a deadbolt, operate an alarm remote, and operate a door handle. She will then operate an ignition switch and a seatbelt latch, manipulate clutch and gas and brake pedals while simultaneously rowing a gear selector and working a turn indicator switch. Arriving at her destination, she will manipulate all these controls again in reverse order, walk into the gun store, and be told by some bright spark with a barely-room-temperature IQ: "These automatic pistols have too many complicated controls on 'em, honey; whatchoo need's a revolver."

pax

[camslam]

Love it Pax. Love it.

[longeyes]

For me the dividing line as far as recommendations go comes down to this: Is this someone who is sufficiently "into guns" to be able to field-strip a semi-auto and apply periodic basic maintenance? Someone who can deal with jams? Someone aware enough to be able to check if a gun is loaded?

I personally think semi-autos are a lot easier to shoot than revolvers but that doesn't mean they are right for many gun users.

[skwab]

I don't think anyone should own a gun without proper instruction - load indicators are fairly useless - they are very difficult to see and besides - every gun should be treated as if it is loaded! so the thought that revolvers are safer doesn't make sense to me - if a novice is irresponsible enough to pick up a weapon and fling it around and pull the trigger without checking it shouldn't own ANY firearm - revolver or auto.

So I think a Glock would be a great first gun for someone who should own a gun.

[glocktoberfest]

Revolver ,


biggest problem with my G/F was racking the slide . she also had an issue with limp wristing . She has a Stainless Taurus 5 shot 357 for carry ( loaded with 38 +p ), and a S&W mod 65 3" for house work , no more problems and she is much more comfortable with the wheelie gun . YMMV .

[Agent 86]

I think it all depends on how iterested/motivated someone is about getting a gun.

I bought a CZ 52 (my first handgun) when I was quite young (I have great parents). I saw an article about it in an issue of American Handgunner, and had to have one. CZ 52's aren't to hard to field strip and clean, but they are harder than a revo. I was so motivated to learn everything I could about the gun that I actually learned how to field strip the gun before I even held it in my hands.

If a person is motivated enough, he/she can learn how to operate any type of firearm.

[Headless]

Revolver every time. If the glock jams (could be the ammunition's fault, or bad handling/slide getting caught in clothing... don't jump on me re: glock reliability) these newbie's aren't going to have a clue how to get the gun back into action quickly. Forget about clearing a double feed. Revolvers don't have feed/cycle problems. They can easily be checked for loaded/unloaded without the excessively stiff resistance of the slide. Any time you drop all the rounds out of the cylinder you are absolutely sure the gun is unloaded - there can't be another round in the chamber and you can't accidentally rack the slide before you drop the magazine (and for those saying that it's simple and anyone can do it...'i'm the only one in this room professional enuf....' comes to mind...) New gun owners will not be familiar with the forces involved and will fall into mistakes such as trying to pull the slide back w/ the finger inside trigger guard, etc.

If i don't know someone personally enough to know how much attention they pay to these kinds of details or how much time they will really spend learning how to use their gun and deal with malfunctions such as an incorrectly seated mag, double feed, failure to extract, etc. there's no way i'm recommending them a first gun of a glock w/ a 3-5lb extremely short (single action) trigger...DA revolver all the way. Sure, anyone CAN learn...but do really think these folks who are buying a gun purely reactively are going to spend that time to learn? Maybe they will, but the revolver doesn't require it of them to be secure in their operation of the firearm. Sure; in a perfect world everyone would be enthusiastic about guns like we are and learn as much as needed about them like we do... in the real world, people simply don't. Proceed to flame; this is merely my opinion. :)

[Boats]

There is nothing inherently sexist in recommending a revolver. My youngest brother, the odd duck in our firearms savvy family, finally got around to wanting a first home defense piece when he became a homeowner.

After gauging his level of interest in regularly shooting a handgun, which was low, I recommended a pump action shotgun.

He said his wife wouldn't ever want to fire that.

Back to handguns. I recommended the 3" fixed sight Ruger GP-100 in .357 and told him to load it up and the both of them practice with .38 Specials.

No external controls. Mucho weight to tame relatively little recoil. A gutter sight that takes no figuring out. That Ruger comes with a smaller factory grip that is liable to fit the both of them adequately. It can be left loaded indefinitely. An S&W Model 10 would be the second choice, primarily because they are as rare as hen's teeth at a reasonable price.

There is no more intuitive cleaning job than that of cleaning a revolver.

My varied experience with nieces and the wives of friends I have taken shooting before is that without prompting, they will, of their own volition gravitate to a revolver. That is based on two primary complaints. Several have had issues with racking slides, especially those invested in any nail work, and the other issue is fully loading magazines, especially on high cap 9mms and dealing with the brass. "Here, you do it." (Load mags, rack slides, or clean up) is not conducive to encouraging practice. Some lasses I have had out shooting especially disliked the odd hot casing striking them directly or on the rebound, or forcing them to borrow a hat. A general dislike of flying brass has also been reinforced at the end when the gals note that they aren't policing revolver brass, only auto brass--another inducement to practice if they own a revolver.

However, it is imperative that the revolver fit a gal's hand.

I might recommend a Glock to a noob who showed genuine interest in mastering it, but its way down the list of autos I'd recommend as a first pistol.

First, Glocks require a pull of the trigger to disassemble. Stories are legion where this is done out of sequence by the careless and one of the factors that gives Glocks their legendary ND anecdote rate.

Second, though people steadfastly compare Glocks to revolvers, it just ain't so. The closest are the NY triggered ones, which are not common. The standard Glock does not possess the margin for user error that a revolver's strong DA pull provides. Expecting perfect or seasoned gun handling out of a neophyte is asking a lot and Glocks are particularly unforgiving of poor handling.

DAO semi auto pistols with the traditional 8-12 pound consistent trigger pulls are more akin to revolvers than are the lighter triggered Glocks. There are plenty of slicksided autos out there for a first pistol, and most of them are perfectly serviceable S&W, Beretta, SIG, or other name brand police retirees.

I'd recommend any of those over a Glock for the potential non-enthusiast who doesn't want a revolver.

[KINGMAX]

My two standards for home defense; one of two pistols - S&W 686 in 38/357 or a GLOCK 21 in 45 acp, and a Remington 870 express loaded w/ 2 /34 inch in # 4 buckshot.

[Eyesac]

Another vote for Glock.

But I think they should try each one out and pick the best for them.

[22-rimfire]

I agree with the initial post. I usually recommend a 22 for a first handgun, but if the interested party(s) are thinking self-defense at home, my first recommendation like Boats above is the 3" GP100 and shoot 38spl's through it with the ocasional magnums.... if you own one, you do want to feel the recoil. Second choice is a Glock 23 (40 S&W). With some practice, they will be completely safe. John Taffin said he'd choose a Glock for home defense every time.... they function almost perfectly out of the box.

[Glockman17366]

"Somewhere in America today, a woman is going to operate a doorknob, lock a deadbolt, operate an alarm remote, and operate a door handle. She will then operate an ignition switch and a seatbelt latch, manipulate clutch and gas and brake pedals while simultaneously rowing a gear selector and working a turn indicator switch. Arriving at her destination, she will manipulate all these controls again in reverse order, walk into the gun store, and be told by some bright spark with a barely-room-temperature IQ: "These automatic pistols have too many complicated controls on 'em, honey; whatchoo need's a revolver."

Pax, I think our comments struck a nerve with you...

Unfortunately women are inferior...JUST KIDDING!!!!!

Seriously, many folks buy a gun without a hell of a lot of knowledge...and that's not segregated by sex.
I'd recommend a revolver for a first ime buyer, regardless of sex, unless they have had enough initiative to do some research about firearms.
Unfortunately, I don't think most folks do put too much effort into research...again, this applies to men and women.

You know, one of the other forums I frequent concerns Compact Tractors (bigger then lawn tractors, but smaller then farm tractors). I deal with a lot of the same mentality that I've seen with some gun novices (a lack of willingness to learn the mechanisms of their purchases). I try to be as tactful as possible when I write "you're too stupid to operate a tractor".
Of course, it's not really stupidity...it's laziness.