[FenderBender]

I finally got my permit to purchase a handgun and need some help narrowing my choices down. Which would be a better choice for a first handgun, a Beretta Brigadier or a Colt Defender? I am also open to other full and compact size suggestions. Concealed carry is not a big deal at the moment, because of living in Iowa. It will be in a couple of years when I graduate college and move to another state. I will just be using a gun for target shooting at present. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[Sean Smith]

My advice?

Start with full sized in 9x19. Work up to bigger calibers and/or smaller guns later. Bigger guns are easier to learn to shoot well with (less recoil, longer sight radius, better ergonomics generally), and cheap 9x19 ammo means more practice for the dollar. Since CCW is not a priority, no reason to start with a gun that will be more frustrating to learn on.

[Mastrogiacomo]

I currently have the full size 92FS and two Beretta type M compacts. I'm planning on making the Inox 92 Brigadier my next gun...:D I think the Beretta is a great choice to start with -- cheap ammo too with mild recoil -- especially with the Brig. Get good with the 9mm and move your way around to the other calibers as you get the funds.

[jercamp45]

The Defender is a great little gun and can be equipped with a Ciener .22 converion unit....it would be good for CCW later....and you can learn alot with it.
But it is not the easiest pistol to start new hobby with......it'll have a bit of recoil, and not alot of 'range', though for 5 to 15 meter defensive shooting, it'll do fine. Actually, if you do you part some one it'll go out aways...not match grade...but MOT(Minute of Torso)
If you go 1911...get a full size or something similar too the CCO(4 inch bbl, Officer's frame). Nothing wrong with 1911's. You can learn on them, though the ammo is more expensive.
And they'll last you a lifetime.
The Government 45 auto was my first centerfire handgun, got in 1976 at the age of 16...still got it...tried alot of others too.....wish I had used that money for more .45 ammo and more training personally.
Might find a commercial reloader to make up bulk quantities of .45 reloads too....you can get 'em made a little lighter in power than factory for alot of practise.
My .02
Jercamp45

[45auto]

If it were me, I would buy a 22 auto tomorrow, like a Ruger or Browning for not much money- nothing wrong with used. At some point in your shooting life, you will own one so you might as well start out with it now-IMO.

Shoot that a lot while you decide which centerfire gun you want since you are pretty open to all types. Perhaps, you could try some which would make your decision a lot easier.

If you don't go that route, I'd buy a full sized 1911 with adjustable sights in either 45 or 9mm. Just check your ammo costs, if the 45 is too expensive, go for the 9mm. Springfield and Kimber have these at a reasonable price and should give you the accuracy and trigger pull needed for target shooting.

Of course, there are many other guns to choose so you will get a lot of other valid opinions I suspect.

[Roadkill]

I also strongly recommend a .22, handguns are not easy to shoot well without a lot of practice, can't get better than with a .22. Second choice would be a medium frame .357, .38s are inexpensive and if you want then you can load it up with .357s for effect. I've got a Colt trooper that is one of the best shooters I own. Next would be a Browning High Power or a CZ75. Last choice for a first gun is a 1911 type. If you get a 9mm or .45 start relaoding asap. You can shoot a lot more for a lot less.

rk

[JoeHatley]

fenderbender,

I agree with the other posters, start with a .22, have fun and learn the fundamentals.

BTW: have you actually checked with your local Sheriff? I've got my CCW in Iowa, and it couldn't have been a more straight forward process.

Joe

[SteelyDan]

If I knew I could only own one handgun for the rest of my life, I'd probably get a .357. But if, like you, I were still in college and had a whole lifetime to buy stuff, I'd start with a .22, just because they are relatively inexpensive to buy, very cheap to shoot, lots of fun, and they won't be at all intimidating to shoot. Ruger or Browning. If you feel compelled to get something more powerful, a 9 mm. isn't a bad choice.

[Lofland]

Go to a gun show or a range that rents out guns, and hold as many guns as you can. See which one fits your hand the best. Once you buy a gun, go get some training. Good training will pay off for the rest of your shooting life. I think you can find an NRA Basic Pistol instructor at the NRA web site. Also, go and watch a local USPSA or IDPA match. You can find a local club at www.uspsa.org or www.idpa.com.

[Checkman]

I started with a 9mm FM Hi - Power in 86 (still Own it). My first revolver was a Colt Lawman in .357 (still own it as well). I learned how to shoot with those guns and I'll never let them go. But I carry a Sig 220 (45acp) when it comes to the everyday. The 9mm fun to shoot though (like the 22LR).

[BevrFevr]

.22 revolver w/ 5 or six inch barrel
.357mag with a 6 inch barrel
.22 auto
9mm CZ, SIG, Berretta, Glock, XD etc.
.45acp CZ, SIG, 1911, Glock
.38/.357 snubbie
small autos

If you complete this list you will have a fairly rounded collection. The rest is fluff.

If you get one and only one gun for your entire lifetime get a .357 S&W 686 with a 6 inch barrel. You will not regret it.

-bevr

[CZ52GUY]

...Can't beat the price of 22LR

If price sensitive but want Carry option later, I'd vote for Mak'.

Brigadier & Defender are legit' defensive HG's, I'd say you would do well with either...if fiscally challenged, you might consider CZ-75B, or even an Arcus...getting some good write ups around here lately...I just ordered one.

Good luck!

CZ52'

[FenderBender]

Thanks for all the good information.
I believe I will start looking around for a .22 handgun.