looking for some helpful information

[sherrylynn]

Hello all,i am in the market for a good handgun(for protection and also doing some target shooting) i tried out a glock 40 cal and a glock 19 at the range today.i liked them both but the glock 19 seemed a little bit easier for me to handle.If anyone has anykind of feedback for me on what others i might should try PLEASE let me know.Thanks a bunch.

[Big45]

Get the Glock. Hope that helped.

[DoubleTapDrew]

Get what you do best with. There is will always be a caliber war about what is "best" but whatever you shoot the best is the best gun for you, and with the advances in bullet design all of the major calibers (9mm on up) are sufficient to stop a threat as long as you do your part (hit in a critical area).
You might also want to try other brands such as Springfield XD and any others that strike your fancy, but just make sure it feels natural in your hand and you can shoot well with it. Glock is a very reliable brand so you won't go wrong with one. I carry one myself.
If this if for self protection and concealed carry, you might also try the glock 26. It's the same caliber, just a smaller gun, meaning it's easier to conceal without "printing" (obvious protrusion in your clothing that looks like a gun).
The guns in .40 cal do tend to be "snappy" because it's a high pressure cartridge and they take some getting used to, but like I said, 9mm is just fine.
P.S.- Welcome to The High Road :)

[86thecat]

If you haven't found this site yet-

http://www.corneredcat.com/FirstGun/tryongun.aspx

Don't forget to look at medium frame double action revolvers.

[3KillerBs]

Take an NRA Basic Pistol course before you buy. You'll learn gun safety, the basics of how guns work, and the fundamentals of marksmanship. You might also, depending on the questions asked and the inclinations of the instructors, learn some basic self-defense concepts.

Its critically important that your gun fits. They're like shoes or office chairs that way.

[LWGN]

I'm fond of my Bersa Thunder .380

[poet]

if you are new to this, 3KillerBs' advice is excellent. If you are already an experienced shooter, then get what you handle the best and have the most confidence with.:D

[308sc]

hold all the ones...you would consider buying....I personally don't like glocks because of the way the grip feels....but they are one of the best handguns on the market...they are just not for me.....so try an XD....or beretta PX4...those feel better to me but its all a matter or personal preference.

For caliber 9mm, .357 sig, .40 S&W, and .45ACP...are all fine..pick the ones that fits you best...and when you need it for defense make sure to use some sort of hollowpoint round....I like Federal Hydrashoks....Speer Gold Dots....and Winchester Silver-Tip.

Good luck!

Ryan

[3KillerBs]

I forgot to mention,

www.corneredcat.com

[akodo]

i tried out a glock 40 cal and a glock 19 at the range today.i liked them both but the glock 19 seemed a little bit easier for me to handle.If anyone has anykind of feedback for me on what others i might should try PLEASE let me know.Thanks a bunch.

Two things stand out here. The 9mm is a slightly less potent round, which means it kicks less. This might be what you are experiencing. The second factor is that glock only makes 'double stack' designed guns. This is how they get high capacity. In the magazine there are two stacks of ammo right next to eachother, which makes for a wide grip.

Try shooting a 1911 see how that more narrow grip feels. It will recoil more, but different than a 9mm double stack, so it may be more controllable for you.

Alternatively, check out a Sig 239 or a Kahr, both of those guns are single stack and avaialble in 40 and in 9mm, this will allow you to contrast 40 vs 9mm in a different format.

Also, even if you do decide you can handle a double wide gun just fine, check out the springfield XD before purchasing, it is Glock's main competator.

[The Bushmaster]

Don't just pick up a glock. There are a lot of firearms out there in all price ranges. Some are junk and some are real jewels. Some are also over priced. Handle as may as you can and shoot as manyas you can.

You need to look at how you are going to carry it. Practice or plinking will be needed with whatever you deside on...

[sherrylynn]

All of you have been such a big help to me!! i will surly take it all into consideration. I have alot more research to do before i go and buy my handgun.Again thank yal so much:)