Do I need to get a Glock for my first handgun?

Status
Not open for further replies.
I

IShootMemeCalibers

Member
Joined
Nov 9, 2017
Messages
5
[EDIT at the end]
So, the title is a bit of a simplification, but essentially still my main question.

I am looking to get my first (hand)gun. I have shot before, but not since I was a kid - so I don't really have any skills, but no timidness/fear of firearms either, and a good grasp of safe handling.

I am looking for a gun to build universal basic skills, increased comfort in having a gun around/on my person, learn what I like in terms of sights, shooting styles, etc and just generally become more proficient. I have no doubt that I will eventually get more guns down the line, and do plan on getting my CCW (most likely a subcompact version of whatever full-size gun I keep for range practice/HD), but I don't have unlimited funds, and probably won't get anything else for a while.

So, I'm looking for a gun that will give me a good training base for general pistol shooting, but is also a quality piece. I've asked a number of people about this, and gotten all kinds of answers from get a 1911, "because it's really easy to shoot", or get a DA revolver "because if you can shoot that well you can shoot anything" to get a 22 "because you can shoot it more often, and the small round will stop you from building bad habits". All those sound legit, but I'm generally getting into this for self-defense reasons, and due to my limited budget, and the fact that none of those seem suitable in that sense for me currently, I'm looking into a modern semi-auto in an SD caliber (maybe I'm wrong?). The obvious recommendation is "get a Glock".

This makes a lot of sense: it's incredibly simple, not too expensive, has a lot of accessories (especially for training practice). Only thing is, I not a huge fan. I've tried a number of guns over a good number range trips, and I'm not partial to Glocks. Now, I'm not experienced enough to know what I shoot well (I don't shoot anything well o_O) but I know that Glocks don't sit as well in my hand and the triggers are a little harder for me to use. Judging by the other options I've tried. I'm pretty sure that if I already had good shooting skills, and was looking for my choice weapon I wouldn't get a Glock - I'm more partial to the hammer fired guns, especially when I consider what I'd safely concealed carry. At the same time, I recognize that it might be important to get something just to learn on, if I want to be a good shooter.

SO what should I get: Just suck it up and get a Glock - is it truly helpful to know how to shoot one, and have experience with the baseline that most handguns are compared to (i.e. does every serious shooter need to own a Glock)? Or should I shop around until I find what specific pistol I like, and then just jump in with that - will learning to shoot on a DA/SA build habits that make it harder to just pick up any gun down the line?

Sorry for the long post, but I'm hoping to get a final answer to this question.

EDIT: I guess it's my fault for not being clearer. When I said I tried out a number of guns, and some felt better or worse in the hand. I meant that I rented, and shot them, at the range.
 
Last edited:
Sounds like you have put some careful thought into this, so all I can suggest is to go out and 'shake hands' with as many types of handguns as possible. I'd also suggest 9mm as your intro caliber, it's cheap, comes in a wide array of types, and isn't hard getting used to.
Don't let someone 'sell' you on any one brand/model before you're ready. I understand working on a limited budget, so don't be afraid to tell a salesman 'no, I want to think about it a little'.
 
I'm not quite the one to ask, but... I started with a SA revolver, and am now using DA/SA revolvers in DA, and I look forward to getting a DA/SA compact semi-automatic. I strongly believe in the added safety a double-single offers the person using it and believe that under stress, it will offer a margin for a better outcome. So, no, I don't think a Glock is the only choice.
 
On YouTube is a fella called hickock45. He has many, many critiques and comparisons of firearms. Shooting away at his range.
For a first gun I usually suggest a mid sized revolver like a S&W 4" Model 19.
 
You should consider doing what my wife did when she got her first gun.

We went to the gun rental at a local range, pulled out all the guns in the caliber she wanted and she handled every one until she found one she liked. We rented it, shot it, and she fell in love with her choice so that is what we bought.

A little expensive, since she chose a Sig over the Rugers and S&W, and Glocks, but that is the way it goes sometimes.
 
The Glock usually gets recommended because it does a lot of things well enough, is reliable, and is relatively inexpensive. Add to that the fact that a Glock 19 is a good size for both carry and range use and it's not hard to see why it gets mentioned a lot.

That said, if you've shot it and it doesn't work for you, there are plenty of other good guns out there. Keeping in mind that you're looking for a cross between a range gun and a defensive gun, I'd recommend looking into things like the S&W M&P (the compact 2.0 would be a good place to start), Walther PPQ, and if you like DA/SA guns you should look into something like a Sig 229. I would recommend looking for used Sigs due to the price difference between new/used.

Learning on a DA/SA gun won't hurt you (you'll probably spend most time just in SA until you consciously decide to practice DA and the transition) and I think it can also teach you better trigger control once you get used to the DA pull.
 
If you don’t like the trigger or the way they fit your hand, why would you get one. There are plenty of quality handguns in the Glock price range to choose from. The S&W M&P series comes to mind. Available in full and compact sizes with interchangeable grip panels to adjust to your hand size.
Springfield Armory with the XD and XD Mod 2 lines are also nice guns
 
I think you should start with a .22, probably a Ruger MkII. If not that, a 9mm is fine.

But first, find a range with rentals. Most will rent you as many handguns as you want to buy ammo for for a single flat fee. Buy 250 rounds of 9mm, and shoot a Glock, a Sig, a Springfield, a S&W, and maybe a 1911. Repeat at least once, and take notes; now you'll know more about how those weapons feel to you than you ever could reading about them.
 
I've owned five Glocks. I currently own zero Glocks. Why? Because I don't like them very much. I have a lot of respect for the design, and may buy one again at some point. But despite shooting them about as well as some other designs, I don't care for the way they feel in my hands, or the trigger. That's just how it is.

So if you know you don't like Glock pistols, don't buy one. There are many other options available, and you will find something you really like if you take the time to look around. Just as examples; I handled a used Sig P250 a while back that I liked, and a new HK VP40 that I liked even more.
 
A Glock 19 would be a good choice but there are many others.
As others have said, find a place to shoot the guns you are considering. A gun that feels good in your hand isn't necessarily one you will like shooting the most.
9mm is probably the most economical to practice with, in a revolver 38 special.
 
Handguns can look fantastic and feel fantastic while at the gun counter handling them, but the only way you will know if the gun is what you want is to shoot it. I bought one because it felt good and looked good at the counter but after I purchased it the two of us didn't get along at all. I just could not shoot it well because of the ergonomics of it. The shop had a range but didn't have that model in it's rental case so I went with the looks good, feels good aspect and sold it after a couple months. I really like the one I purchased because it fit my hand well and I could shoot it well.
 
IShootMemeCalibers said:
So, the title is a bit of a simplification, but essentially still my main question.

I am looking to get my first (hand)gun. I have shot before, but not since I was a kid - so I don't really have any skills, but no timidness/fear of firearms either, and a good grasp of safe handling.

I am looking for a gun to build universal basic skills, increased comfort in having a gun around/on my person, learn what I like in terms of sights, shooting styles, etc and just generally become more proficient. I have no doubt that I will eventually get more guns down the line, and do plan on getting my CCW (most likely a subcompact version of whatever full-size gun I keep for range practice/HD), but I don't have unlimited funds, and probably won't get anything else for a while.

So, I'm looking for a gun that will give me a good training base for general pistol shooting, but is also a quality piece. I've asked a number of people about this, and gotten all kinds of answers from get a 1911, "because it's really easy to shoot", or get a DA revolver "because if you can shoot that well you can shoot anything" to get a 22 "because you can shoot it more often, and the small round will stop you from building bad habits". All those sound legit, but I'm generally getting into this for self-defense reasons, and due to my limited budget, and the fact that none of those seem suitable in that sense for me currently, I'm looking into a modern semi-auto in an SD caliber (maybe I'm wrong?). The obvious recommendation is "get a Glock".

This makes a lot of sense: it's incredibly simple, not too expensive, has a lot of accessories (especially for training practice). Only thing is, I not a huge fan. I've tried a number of guns over a good number range trips, and I'm not partial to Glocks. Now, I'm not experienced enough to know what I shoot well (I don't shoot anything well o_O) but I know that Glocks don't sit as well in my hand and the triggers are a little harder for me to use. Judging by the other options I've tried. I'm pretty sure that if I already had good shooting skills, and was looking for my choice weapon I wouldn't get a Glock - I'm more partial to the hammer fired guns, especially when I consider what I'd safely concealed carry. At the same time, I recognize that it might be important to get something just to learn on, if I want to be a good shooter.

SO what should I get: Just suck it up and get a Glock - is it truly helpful to know how to shoot one, and have experience with the baseline that most handguns are compared to (i.e. does every serious shooter need to own a Glock)? Or should I shop around until I find what specific pistol I like, and then just jump in with that - will learning to shoot on a DA/SA build habits that make it harder to just pick up any gun down the line?

Sorry for the long post, but I'm hoping to get a final answer to this question.
Click to expand...
Welcome to THR. If your funds will allow find a range near you that rents guns. Go rent ones that melt your butter and see what you like.
 
Glocks are fine guns and typically function. However that is true of many guns in the same price range.

There is no reason to restrict yourself. Look at other brands and consider them equally with Glock. Then go handle them.

Starting with s 22 is not a bad idea, but if you want one for self defense also
a 9mm is a good starting point too.
 
Last edited:
There’s nothing wrong with Glocks. But The same can be said for many other brands.

My first handgun was a PF9. I still have it and use it for pocket carry when wearing dress clothes. Shooting it taught me many th8ng, the most important one being not to limp wrist.
I’ve also had an SD9VE, and XDs 45 and I’m oggling an M&P 2.0 which will be my next purchase.

Like others said, go to a range, rent a few different guns and see what works best for you. You may find M&P, Springfield, Sig or someone else might work better for you. Or you may find Glock is right. Either way find what is best for you not what people on the web and at gun stores say
 
FYI. I have been to a number of ranges that will not rent a firearm if you are alone fearing suicide rental. So bring a friend or at least call ahead.
 
Glocks can work, and they are seldom "wrong" for people completely. I don't own any currently simply because I took a chance on the SIG P320 and fell in love. It was more comfortable in my hand than my G-19 and shot better...so the Glock went to the chopping block. I bought a Ruger American in .45 to carry while my SIG was getting the drop-safe upgrade. It felt OK and was well made, but it hurt my hand to shoot. The 320 came back, so the American went toward a new SAA.

Its tough to settle on just one gun. Many of us buy tons of them. If you are wanting a polymer 9mm, there are lots of good choices in the striker fired family. If you want to try a DA/SA in polymer, check out the FNX line. They can be carried DA/SA or cocked and locked SA.
 
If you want a Semi auto Handgun. If you want or like the SA/DA can't go wrong with a CZ PCR (Pride of ownership gun) or P-07 Lightweight, great trigger and very accurate

The P-07 also has the advantage of an inexpensive 22 conversion kit for cheaper practice.


Striker fired, I just picked up a S&W Compact 2.0. Nice trigger and a tack driver. I am biased toward CZ's though. A CZ P-10C is an excellent choice also.
 
Last edited:
I prefer the Glock, with my favorite being the 19. That said, a striker fired pistol has less of a learning curve than transitional DA pistols like a Beretta 92, and they are economically reasonable, along with reliable. I say this as a former instructor in the Special Operations community, and I have used about everything out there at one time or another. I would choose Glock, but similar guns like the Ruger SR series, S&W M&P, XD, etc. are fine choices as well.
 
I'll reiterate what has been said almost repeatedly in this thread, go to a range and rent some guns and shoot them. If you have a budget than stick to renting guns in your budget.

Personally, if you're looking for something to use for SD and it's your first then I think striker with a good trigger or a single action semi of some sort is going to be the easiest to shoot for a newcomer. Double actions can be good for learning trigger control but if you can only get one gun and SD is the goal then striker or single action will allow you to use it more effectively just jumping in.
 
FL-NC said:
I prefer the Glock, with my favorite being the 19. That said, a striker fired pistol has less of a learning curve than transitional DA pistols like a Beretta 92, and they are economically reasonable, along with reliable. I say this as a former instructor in the Special Operations community, and I have used about everything out there at one time or another. I would choose Glock, but similar guns like the Ruger SR series, S&W M&P, XD, etc. are fine choices as well.
Click to expand...

I'm curious as to your perspective. Did you find any different in skill or quicker learning depending on what people learned their basic skills on? A Glock vs something more complex like a Sig/Beretta, or even rifle vs pistol?
 
IShootMemeCalibers said:
... I'm looking into a modern semi-auto in an SD caliber (maybe I'm wrong?). The obvious recommendation is "get a Glock". ...
Click to expand...
I have been considering giving my niece a Glock 42 (9x17/.380) ... but ... considering her very limited experience with firearms (I taught her to shoot my 659 and an AR several years ago), I have found myself wondering if a pistol with a separate "classic" safety lever might be a safer pistol for a First.

Just something that I have been thinking about ...

Oh, and Welcome to THR, IShootMemeCalibers! :)
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

N
  • Locked
Do you need compact handgun for concealed?
2
Replies
42
Views
1K
ExSoldier
E
R
  • Locked
My first gun
2
Replies
29
Views
1K
Nushif
N
swampcrawler
  • Locked
Advising a friend on first handgun
Replies
23
Views
990
Shadow 7D
S
stchman
  • Locked
Just don't get the 80% Glock thing.
2
Replies
48
Views
7K
DMK
DMK
S
  • Locked
First handgun for triple duty
2
Replies
28
Views
1K
Pilot
P
Back
Top