How did you choose your first handgun purchase?

For a very long time now, i've been debating about what to buy insofar as a handgun goes. I'm pretty sure I want an autoloader (bottom feeder, i know :P) and I change my mind dramatically in regards to the caliber (9mm, .45, .38 Super :Drools). Did anyone else wrack their brain so badly when deciding what to buy for their first handgun? If so, how did you narrow down what exactly it is that you wanted?

for me, i knew i wanted to shoot it a LOT and not break the bank on the gun nor the ammo... so for my first handgun i got a .22. after that, more guns came and now i have the bigger calibers more suitable for defense (although shotgun is primary home defense so i'll go for that before a handgun). but all in all, for me my motivations were to just get out and have something to shoot a lot and have a great deal of fun with.

my first handgun capable of real defense was a .357 revolver that could, of course, also eat .38 specials. again, the flexibility of the two rounds was desired for being able to have the choice of cost of shooting or knock-down power, and i liked a revolver to avoid possible issues with jamming, etc, if i was to grab it for defense while at home.

1. First and foremost, take an NRA Basic Handgun Safety course.

2. Read specific manufacture online websites such as: Glock Talk, Sig Forum, HkPro, etc... And also, manufacture site to learn more about the specific gun.

3. Read, read, read and continue on reading.

4. Go to your local fun shop and hold different types of handguns. Ask a lot of questions: Ammo costs, gun value, popularity, etc.

5. Once you've found the right brand, at least top five...then go to your local range.

5. Rent out different handguns and different calibers. Shoot about 50-100 rounds after each, paying attention to comfort and accuracy.

6. Buy the pistol and enjoy.

7. Take additional self defense handgun courses.

The world is yours.

Agree with CountGlockula - lots of research.
My first was for home defense. I decided that reliability and ease of use was utmost importance. I also considered use by my wife.
Choice became easy: 357 revolver (based on all my research).
After that, I just shopped for what I wanted at a good price.

Back then it was simple, Colt or Smith or Ruger if you went revolver then Colt 1911 or BHP were the common Auto's.

I could not afford a new Ruger or Smith and the used Colt was in great shape and it was a 38 special. Thus I bought a Colt Diamondback. Very simple.

Today I can see the problem of more choices, so I suggest buy quality!

My first handgun was a carry gun so that narrowed it down a bit: I wanted a double-action compact pistol. Ultimately I settled on a Sig P229 in .40SW.

I ruled out Glock because I did not like the trigger or grip. It is also an ugly gun. I ruled out HK, Walther and Ruger because I did not like their magazine release buttons. I was indifferent towards Smith's offerings.

I agree with Countglockula's recommendations.

Did anyone else wrack their brain so badly when deciding what to buy for their first handgun?

Happens all the time here. It's the fuel for endless "what gun for $X" threads.

If so, how did you narrow down what exactly it is that you wanted?

I still don't know, completely, totally and finally what I want, and I've owned handguns since the 80's. Let's just say I'm "refining" the collection continually.

Pick something and buy it. Shoot it a bunch and see if it's right for you. If not, trade or sell it off and get something else.

A long time ago in a place far away, when I was 15 and nobody cared, I went to a gun/pawn shop (Al's) and bought the cheapest thing he had: an ancient five shot .38S&W caliber Bulldog with an octagonal barrel for $15. Al threw in 5 rounds for free. I bought it because I lived in a tough neighbor hood, was not in a gang, was a loner and the gang guys loved using bicycle chains on anyone they caught out of place. Never had to use it but I did move on to a razor sharp Bowie knife which I had to flash at least twice, both times against about five guys who each decided they really did not want to be the first one gutted out in a fight. I bad mouthed them pretty badly as part if my intimidation.

Heh. I was 21. I had just picked up my pistol permit from the state police about 25 minutes before I walked into the gun shop (which oddly, was 25 minutes away from the station...funny how that works out).
I knew I wanted a mid-frame .357mag revolver. I had plenty of experience with handguns, but i knew I wanted something that would be VERY simple, and a great gun to learn on and practice with and shoot ammo cheap enough that I could afford to practice. I also wanted it to be something that I would not outgrow, and something that could be very useful to me always, both for training and for SD. The mid-frame revolver fits that bill perfectly.

I walked into this gun shop and there under the glass is a beautiful S&W 19-3. I felt it, and put the money down right there. $295 for a revolver in about 95% cosmetic condition and 110% mechanical condition, and a 20 round box of Federal Hydra-shok, and a cheapo pistol box. (the extra 10% because I think it had an expertly done trigger job at some point. it has a trigger as good as the few pythons I have shot).

I trained and trained shooting .38spl, and it sleeps in my nightstand loaded with .38+p. It's still the first gun to go with me to the range. It's only been 2 years since that, but still...i do have other options. It's still my favorite. I am more accurate with that gun that with any other that I own.

Back in 2002, I read a Guns&Ammo report on the just released Springfield XD series. Guns&Ammo could not say enough good things about that pistol, I still have the article.:D Based on this, I went down to my local dealer, handled one in 40 S&W, my favorite caliber and fell in love with it. The XD fits my hand better than any other gun I have handled, it pointed naturally, balance was good, I really liked it. I said "I'll take it", whipped out my capital one and walked out with it.:D 3000 rounds later and not a single hiccup with my reloads, I'm extremely pleased with this gun.:D

Back in 2002, I read a Guns&Ammo report on the just released Springfield XD series. Guns&Ammo could not say enough good things about that pistol, I still have the article.:D Based on this, I went down to my local dealer, handled one in 40 S&W, my favorite caliber and fell in love with it. The XD fits my hand better than any other gun I have handled, it pointed naturally, balance was good, I really liked it. I said "I'll take it", whipped out my capital one and walked out with it.:D 3000 rounds later and not a single hiccup with my reloads, I'm extremely pleased with this gun.:D

My dad has a Mod 36 Chief's Special which was the handgun that I shot most growing up. Right after college I decided to buy my own, but I went with the stainless Mod 60 instead.
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First gun, Buckmark .22 for the shooting fun and inexpensive ammo. Second gun, XD9 for the same reasons. I think a .22 caliber gun or rifle is a must in any collection and handy for a lot of situations.

I wanted something that I could both afford to practice with a lot yet would also be of sufficient caliber to stop an attacker; as a result, I settled on 9mm for my first pistol. After looking at different guns that could be both concealed and useful as a primary weapon, I decided that I liked the look and feel of the HK USP Compact (even over the P2000). It was a little expensive, but I have no complaints.

If I had it to do over again, maybe I would have gotten a pre-owned SIG 228 or 229.

All the major manufacturers make high-quality guns. For your first handgun, find something that helps you learn. If you like the feel of a Glock, a SIG, an HK, a CZ, etc., you're not going to go wrong. Go to a gun store or gun show and look at a bunch to see which ones jump out at you. Then go home, research prices, and if they have a good deal, jump on it. Also check the sell/trade forums here, as someone in your state may have what you like for a great price.

I wanted something that I could both afford to practice with a lot yet would also be of sufficient caliber to stop an attacker; as a result, I settled on 9mm for my first pistol. After looking at different guns that could be both concealed and useful as a primary weapon, I decided that I liked the look and feel of the HK USP Compact (even over the P2000). It was a little expensive, but I have no complaints.

If I had it to do over again, maybe I would have gotten a pre-owned SIG 228 or 229.

All the major manufacturers make high-quality guns. For your first handgun, find something that helps you learn. If you like the feel of a Glock, a SIG, an HK, a CZ, etc., you're not going to go wrong. Go to a gun store or gun show and look at a bunch to see which ones jump out at you. Then go home, research prices, and if they have a good deal, jump on it. Also check the sell/trade forums here, as someone in your state may have what you like for a great price.

Mine were easy: Walther P99 followed shortly thereafter by Walther PPK/s.

All the purchases since then took a little more thought.

I was born in the mid 50's.

Maternal grandma stuck a Hi-Standard Sentinel nine shot revolver in my dresser draw crib when I came home from being born a month early.
Age 3 , I shot my gun.

Grandma carried always a Model 10, she also shot BHPs and 1911s.

She, Mentors & Elders raised me and other kids this way:

One shot a variety of guns for gun fit, which includes reaching trigger, all controls and working the gun.
One also actually shot a sheet of paper, very much like Jim H shares.
The paper don't lie.

Applied to handguns, shotguns and rifles...

K frames, J frames, BHPs, 1911s and small Beretta tip up in small calibers fit me, and I knew from actually doing as raised to do.

I still use these guns I chose w-a-y back then.
I may have added a few, as I got bigger, still the same way of knowing what fit me, was applied.

I have always done this with assisting others.

Hence the reason I never really cared about the latest greatest, or new calibers coming out.
My choices fit me, are proven in history in make, model and caliber.
I just don't care what everyone says ,or posts on Internet.

I was raised right.

Went through a Guard firearms training class. I got to handle a few different guns... Beretta, S&W automatic, and a Sig P226. Beretta controls were awkward, indifferent toward the S&W. The Sig fit my hand like a dream. When I went to buy a pistol, I knew exactly what I wanted.

I just had the good fortune to find a model of pistol that fit well in my hand, and had a reputation for excellence and reliability.

I bought the least expensive pistol they had for sale in a gun shop in Las Vegas (yes I was young, poor, and had no gun savvy), so I would have some protection on a trip I was about to take. The thing was it was probably also the cheapest pistol I could have bought. Put some thought into buying your first pistol, you will be better off for it if you ever need to depend upon it.

All the best,
Glenn B

Easy as pie. There was blued Govt. Colt .45 acp at the local Walmart that was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen or held that wasn't female. I socked away $10-$20 a week until I had enough saved up for it; as I recall it was $600.

Sam

I started looking at the ad and reading the websites. I then stumbled upon two of the best little pistols I've ever put in my hand. The USPc and the Sig P225. I absolutely LOVED the USPc, it was kinda pricey but was a VERY nice heft (although it was a bit on the pricey side...). From my budge I had a few $$ left over so I looked at what fit my budget. I then stumbled upon the Sig P225. Again, it fit my hand Sssoooo nicely and was all metal. AND from reading about it, it was an absolute STEAL given the right price.

Now i'm hunting after a nice 1911, so we will see what happens.
-bix

Mine was easy. I went with what looked coolest on the movie screens. :D

Ended up with a Colt Government as a result. Worked out pretty well for me..

Does the pistol fit your hand?
what type of cal. do you want? are you willing to pay the cost for that particular round?
what is the capacity on the mag, how many rounds does it hold?
read up on diffrent brands of pistols,calibers..
Price, quality, are you willing to pay the price,quality of pistol?

those are a few questions I asked myself when I purchased my first, and only pistol 4yrs. ago.. I been happy with my choice..

ISR

Shot nothing but .22 rifles and sporting clays with shotguns until I decided I wanted to learn how to shoot a pistol.

Decided it should probably be .22. Cheap ammo. I had plenty on hand. Perfect for target shooting, which is all I do.

Liked the revolvers, but I didn't know enough about them to know what to look for used, and new ones were too expensive. So I decided an auto pistol was it.

Can't remember how I found out about Ruger Mark IIs, but I did. Loved hearing all the positive remarks about them and their history. Saw the price was very affordable.

Went to the shop and held a 6" Standard model. Thought about holding out for a Target model but I figured fixed sights were good enough for my first pistol to learn on, and the price was great. Bought it.

delete

I needed a gun for self protection (business owner). I bought a Mod 37 S&W.
I joined a local gun to learn how to use it safely. From there I fired other members guns.....like what I fired and my collection grew.

New Gun Buyers....Understand how your pistol/revolver functions before you load it.
I know a Doctor that bought a 25cal Beretta ...carried it loaded/cocked...took it out of the holster to show it to someone and it discharged firing a round into the wall. He does not understand how it went off.

When I bought my first handgun in 1979, I knew exactly what I wanted, a .45acp Colt Series 70 Mk IV. I carried that gun on the DMZ in Korea and as a pay officer.

I've still got that gun, although it's no longer a self-defense firearm. It's my bullseye wadcutter gun with a slide mounted dot sight.

How did you choose your first handgun purchase?
i was in iraq, and about to turn 21, which this was on my first deployment. and i was reading the 20,000rd torture test that they did in one of the gun mags on the xd line a 9mm in the article, then i got to looking, learned that it earned some awards, and looked up the history ie. hs2000/xd all that stuff, and when i got home and my per diem check i went to the gun shop fell in love with the feel and overall gun and i bought it.

I went in a gun shop with the intention of buying a cheapish .22 revolver. I'd been raised on rifles and shotguns and wanted to get more trigger time on a handgun.

After looking at a couple I spotted one that appeared to be nicer. After handling it I decided that it was worth a few bucks extra. It was 1972 and the Single-Six Convertible cost me a little more than $50.

I suppose I'd handled enough guns since I was kneehgih to be able to tell a good one when I saw it.

Little did I know that all handguns didn't come with a 2-pound trigger like a good rifle. My Ruger did and spoiled me.

John

Early '70s ... I knew I wanted a .357 so that I could feed it .38spl also (at the time I had been reloading for ~5years) and I wanted 4" barrel as a balance between long range accuracy and "handiness". I got a blued Ruger Security Six because it cost much less than the S&W Model 19 that I really wanted.

The Ruger was a good choice for me ... accurate & reliable & durable.

A very looooong time ago, as a juvenile, and ALWAYS in trouble, with Mom, Dad, and the local Judge-----I somehow "talked" them into letting me get a 22 pistol, the reason being,I could go back in the woods and be by myself and "target practice".
Different time, different world,,,,,,back then.!!!!!!
Went to town, and the only place opened, was the local pool hall and BAR, but they SOLD guns!!!!
They had several 22 pistols,along with other "bigger" ones, but the one I choose was an H&R double action 9 shot revolver.
My only training came from my Dad-----" You better be God Damn sure you don't shoot nothing of mine!!!!"
Found a holster, probably from an old cap gun,,,,,wore/carried that H&R everywhere----got pretty darn good with it----finally did something that impressed Dad!!!
And NO I never shot anything of His!!!
Probably sold it for smokes-----can't remember.

UJ

I picked the Walther P22. I wanted to get used to shooting, so I decided on a 22. I also wanted to pick a gun that acted and felt the most like a higher caliber handgun, unlike most other 22s. The Walther has the look, feel and manual of arms most like most normal weapons. It was also inexpensive and looks cool as well.

She was a beautiful Chrome Colt Python .357 magnum with a trigger as smooth as warm butter. I was young and the world was my oyster - need I say more.

When I bought my P90, I basically bought it off the basis that:

1. My dad is a major Ruger fan, as am I. Thus, I felt you couldn't go wrong with a Ruger.

2. My platoon Sergeant in the USMC had a P89 and told me that he thought it was the best thing since sliced bread.

So, with those two things in mind, I marched in, looked at no other guns whatsoever, and bought my P90. 15 years later, I am still very happy with my decision, although I generally put more research into my purchases now.

hello mike,

i started off researching the reliabilty of all brands of pistols that were in my budget.

after i narrowed the field, i researched what manual of arms worked best for me.

finally, after i found a reputable brand with a suitable manual of arms (the more simple, the better for me) within the budget, i went and bought it.

went with a glock 23 by the way. caliber doesn't make much of a difference IMHO if you practice and learn to hit with it.

I wanted a semi-auto, with a safety, and a relatively small frame. Only thing that fit the bill was a Taurus Millennium Pro, and I was sure of my decision about 20 seconds after my palm hit the grip, perfect fit for me. I had made my mind up already, but holding it just made me want it more.

Was going to get a .40S&W but wasn't in stock at the only gun store in the area, but they did have a 9mm blued (not Stainless like I wanted) so I got it. Cheap to shoot, the 9mm isn't as bad as people say it is, and it's great for a double tap or quick follow up.

A love for Single Action Revolvers and .357 magnums.

I didn't spend an excessive amount of time.

I casually looked at several guns, from a Japanese 9mm revolver to a "parts" Luger.

I finally settled on a Colt Series 70 M1911. They were good guns (1979), it was reasonably priced NIB, and since I was going to be an Army officer soon, I'd likely be able to get away with carrying it on duty (which I did on numerous occasions).

I've still got that gun, although now it's a bullseye wadcutter gun with a slide mounted dot sight.

I had never gone shooting before I bought my first handgun. Whatever I chose would be the gun I would learn on. So I bought a .22 because it was cheap, ammo was plentiful and affordable, and I would be able to practice with it often without developing a flinch.

I bought a Ruger 22/45 because I knew that my preferred platform was going to be the 1911. The 1911 is strong, good-looking, and a classic design. It fires a big bullet. The 22/45 approximates the 1911's controls, so I thought it would make a good trainer.

I wanted a stainless 1911, always had. If I was going to spend my money one something a SS kimber was it... Follow your heart!:neener:

I looked around a lot, did a lot of research and reading, then shopped around until I found a good deal. I knew the caliber, but no specific models at that point, but the price was good and the gun looked great to me. So I got it knowing I could always get another one later.

For my first handgun, I knew, KNEW I wanted a 1911 variant of some sort. I must have handled every new Springfield, S&W, Kimber and Para the local shop had before my birthday, trying to pick the right one. Let me add, I've been around firearms since I was about 7-8, and had been through a couple of pistols by my 21st birthday. So I KNEW a 1911 in .45 ACP was what I wanted and needed, just as God, J.M. Browning and Col. Cooper intended.

About 2 weeks before the day, the shop turned up a nice, likely unfired, used S&W 629-1 .44 Magnum with 6" barrel. I couldn't put it on layaway fast enough and lost sleep until I was able to pick it up and make it mine.

Do I still want a 1911? Yes. But in the last 3 years I've put over 3000 rounds on that S&W and still enjoy it as much as when I bought it. :cool:

How did I choose mine? Same way I've chosen cars. Dumb luck combined with basic logic.

Basic logic consisted of:

- I used to shoot a Colt Police Positive with my father.
- I liked it because it was easy to clean and easy to fire.
- I liked it because it was accurate (for me).
- There's a reason that Smith, Colt, and Ruger have been around so long.
- Longer barrel means less recoil.
- .357 Magnum is a flexible gun because it allows using .38 Spl and .38 Spl +P as well.

Dumb luck consisted of:

- Finding a S&W Model 19-4 in a local shop for a good price.
- I just like the way revolvers look.

8 cars and two guns so far and I haven't regretted a purchase yet. :)

I did, at least, research the model once I determined that I was serious about buying it. I didn't spend weeks researching. I didn't spend time in classrooms. I just grew up with guns and knew how to treat them with respect from watching others. When the time came that I wanted to buy one of my own, I decided what I wanted, spent a day looking up information on it as a sanity check, and when the information showed it was a pretty decent gun, I bought it.

The selection process should take quite a bit of thought and preparation. For my part...

0. Understanding [basic recreational handgun course & buying certificate]

1. Caliber [.40]

2. Action [SA/DA]

3. Reputation [SIG SAUER]

4. Isolation [basic P229 [w/ night sights & tac rail :o]]

5. Opinions [review columns & message boards]

6. Handling [display gun & shooting range]

7. Price [used, certified, or bran-new]

8. Pause [you might not feel so strongly if you give yourself some time to reflect ... or the feeling might be reaffirmed]

...Dumb luck combined with basic logic...
bingo.

The department in which I was first introduced to law enforcement used Sig P226's as duty weapons in 1992; as such, I learned how to shoot a semi auto on it and being new to guns, figured I should stick with a pistol on the Sig platform.

While enamored with and hoping to find a P226, I came across a guy who was selling a Sig P220 with 7 magazines, a holster, 100 rounds of ammunition and a spare set of Pachmyer grips in a large steel carrying case designed for camera equipment - all for $525! The guy was having a baby, and his wife wasn't too keen on him having all his guns around so he had to sell them. He chose the Glock 22, and I wound up buying his P220 as my first pistol. In my mind, one heckuva deal back then, and I still have it. Have no plans to get rid of it, even though it never sees much range time anymore.

Oh, how far I've come, but I still love that Sig like it was my firstborn. There was no internet back then to read and study from; I talked with Deputies who carried them and had to rely on a few gun magazines to tell me I had found a good first gun.

I was raised on rifles and shotguns too. I shot a couple of pistols/revolvers as a kid at times but not very often. I shot a .45 1911 once when I was 10. I shot the .38 in the AF. First firearm after 20 years was a Ruger GP100 .357mag mainly a house SD revolver. Original point and click interface, no worries about forgetting to drop the safety in a SHTF situation etc.

i may have told this story before; here it goes again:

when i went to buy my first handgun, i knew very little of them. i went to gander mountain (which i strongly advise against now that i know better), with $800 in my pocket and as many questions.

i asked one of the salesmen, an older gentleman with U.S.M.C. tattoos, what semi auto would be good for a first time owner. i have shot guns and rifles before, so i had no real fear of them, but all i knew of ballistics for guns were 9mm, .45 ACP, .38 sp., .357, and .380 ACP. he went on to show me a whole bunch of different rounds, including ones i didn't know existed, like .40, .32, .25, and others. he asked me what brand i liked, and i told him i honestly didn't care, i just wanted one that would work. after deciding to go with 9mm, for practical reasons, i asked him to show me what he had for $800. he began to pull out various brands, and pointed out there pros and cons. he let me handle each one for a few minutes, showed me how to take them apart for cleaning, explained SA, SA/DA, and DAO, and told me their respective histories and reputations as reliable firearms.

during our Q&A, one of the younger guys walked on over. "first time gun?" he asked. the older man said yes. "just get him a glock! can't go wrong with a glock." the older one said, "why don't you shut up and go on break or something? i'm working!"

the younger guy left, and we continued. after looking at about 16 different guns, i settled on a springfield XD subcompact, a glocks 19 & 26, a S&W sigma and M&P, a taurus mil-pro, a sig 229, and kahr. after picking each one up and sighting them in repeatedly, i finally narrowed it down to the M&P, the sig, and the sigma. i finally asked how much each cost.

sig: $799

M&P: $499

sigma 9: $350

winner! winner!

i took the sigma home 30 minutes later. that was 2 years ago, and over 2,000 rounds later, i'm still a happy man.

I was all wound up about the triangular barrels on the Desert Eagle pistols, back in the day. I went shopping for one until some middle aged ratchet jaw customer started yacking about the 16 inch barrel on his that he hunted and killed elk with and blah, blah, blah...
so I left without a Deagle.
A year later, I'm standing on the ground in Honduras and get an old Ruger security six cosmically gifted to me. I carried that with me for quite a while, then sold it when I left.

My first pistol was a revolver, a 586 6".

I selected it based on the fact that it shot .38spl and .357 so that I could practice with low power wadcutters and still shoot high power.

Additionally, the 586 is a medium size frame - not too big, not too small.

Hogue finger grips fit me well, so that is what I put on the handle.

Like others have said, think about fit and costs, how does it fit your hand, what does the ammo cost?

Take a safety course. Unlike other things, mistakes with a pistol are unacceptable - no room for errors.

Rented various ones at a local range until some patterns began to emerge. Liked the way the Ruger revolvers handled and shot, and ended up buying 4 of them in various calibers, but not all at once.

I was coming up on my 21st and had developed something of an infatuation with the Makarov pistols.
After I hit 21 I went to a gun show and a local dealer had a beautiful example made by Arsenal chambered in .380.
Bought it, still own it and still shoot it regularly.

My first pistol was good luck. A retired WY Highway Patrolman needed blackberries cleared from his yard. Two days of hard work and I had a S&W model 19. Worn blue but mirror bore and tight lock-up. The most accurate handgun I've ever shot.

My first was a 22 revolver. I liked revolvers as a kid and really didn't consider a semi-auto pistol at the time. I bought an inexpensive revolver, a H&R 999, shot it a couple of years and learned the ropes. I had no plans for another handgun of any kind then. Defense was not an issue. There were no ranges that rented handguns that I was aware of and there was no range period within a reasonable distance. We just headed to the woods and shot. Up to that point in my life, I had never shot a handgun of any caliber. After a few years and life had settled down a bit, I started buying Colt's. My first semi-auto was a High Standard Victor (22lr). It was not cheap. The H&R has disappeared a long time ago, but still have most of the Colts and the HS. Since that time, I have other semi-autos now, but my love has always been with 22 revolvers.

I was pretty frugal (read, cheap) and didn't understand why a Colt or Smith cost so much more than a High Standard, Charter Arms, Ruger, or H&R revolver at that time. There were no forums and you learn as you go. It is one of the reasons that I try not to be too hard on new shooters who are considering a Heritage Rough Rider 22. It is more important to take the plunge and begin to learn and shoot than it is to choose the ultimate handgun the first time out of the gate.

I recommend folks buy a 22 the first time and follow up with something like a 38spl, 9mm, 40 S&W, or 357 next depending on your preference for a revolver or semi-auto. Buy new first and then after you learn a few things, start looking at used guns. Nothing wrong with new guns. That is what keeps the wheels of commerce greased.

A carry gun was never a major deal for me even though I have a concealed carry permit. I do have several carry guns now. I have the permit because of the work I do and I have always liked to keep a handgun in my vehicle loaded. Loaded is illegal in my state unless you have a CCW permit. I just decided to get legal on the off chance it would cause me a problem in the future. I never carried then unless the situation that I was in placed me in potential danger and I had no choice as to being there.

My first handgun was a black powder .41 caliber Derringer repro kit. I got it because it was the only thing I could afford and get through mail order at 12-13 years old. I still have it.

I got my initial training from a nationally ranked IDPA competitor. Tried his Glock 19 and ended up buying one for myself.

Scott

My first handgun in 1960 was based only on price.

I had $20.00 saved up, and my gun shop had a nice S&W 1917 for $25.00.

We split the differance and I got it for $22.50 the next payday.

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j219/rcmodel/KTOG/1224.gif
rcmodel

i knew i wanted a HD handgun. it was sitting in the used case in good condition and at the right price. it was a revolver, which my wife is more comfortable with. it was from a well-known manufacturer with a good reputation.

SOLD!


i put a bit more thought and research into it nowadays...

The first issue of "Guns and Ammo" magazine I ever saw, back in the late 60's had a picture of a Smith & Wesson Model 19, "357 COMBAT MAGNUN" with a 4 " barrel on the cover. I knew right then THAT would be my first handgun.

It was a few years later.

Like an idiot I traded it off. :banghead:

But at least I traded it off for a Colt 1911, 45. Satin nickle, black Pachmeyer grips. :D

Which I don't have anymore either. :banghead:

I bought mine the 'wrong' way. I didn't even know any gun boards until after I bought my first. I went to a gun shop and paid too much for my Beretta 90-two. I knew the Beretta reputation, and went with what I remembered from the Army, so I ended up with good pistol, but I went for brand recognition (known quality) and fit/feel. If I had it to do over again, I'd still probably get the same gun, but I would have bought it someplace else... That was the only gun I bought without research though. Every one I've added since, I've gotten great deals and ones that were commonly known as the 'best bang for the buck' so I guess I broke even in the end...

I spent a lot of mental energy in selecting my first center-fire handgun back when I was 21 (I had previously inherited a Ruger .22 Single six convertible). As I couldn’t afford more than one pistol, I wanted something very versatile. I ended up selecting a 3” Ruger SP101 in .357 magnum. It was pleasant to shoot with .38 Specials, and easy to shoot accurately single-action - awesome little plinker. Plenty powerful for defense with .357 magnums. Small enough to carry easily, if a little heavy. After a couple of years I decided that more round capacity would be neater, so I sold it to fund a .40 S&W, and have regretted it ever since.

If I was new to handguns today and looking for a first center fire pistol, I’d really consider a 9mm, simply due to factory ammo cost. While I prefer to shoot my .45 acp‘s, I reload for all of those (and even then it’s become ridiculously expensive).

Essentially, unless your open for a .22lr, I’d look for a reliable and durable 9mm pistol produced by a major manufacture that fits your hand well. I think just about any model from a big-name brand will have sufficient mechanical accuracy. I really think that handling a pistol is important in the decision to purchase. Others might argue that you should be able to adapt, but in the long run I have always been happier with the guns that felt “right” to begin with.

I would consider this folly nowdays but I went into a gun shop, told the owner I was interested in buying a pistol but didn't know much about them. He could have really screwed me, but I walked out with a like-new Colt Trooper Mk III .357 for $250. It was an excellent pistol and I wish I had kept it.