First Handgun for Personal Defense

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Atomic_Dog9601 said:

I am currently considering a few options for my first handgun purchase (availability permitting).
I don't have much experience with handguns but have narrowed down a few choices that I think would suit my purposes.
The list is not in order of preference. Just how I wrote it down.
1.) Glock 17 gen 5 standard.
(I've shot 9mm before and know what to expect in terms of kick.)
2.) Springfield XD 9mm. Have heard good things about the XD series in terms of performance and function.
3.) S&W M&P Shield 9.
As you can see I would prefer 9mm. But am open to other calibers up to a 45 acp. I would prefer something higher capacity with good availability of aftermarket and factory parts. Something with easy takedown and cleaning and generally user friendly. I understand about break-in and proper cleaning. But am interested in what those with more experience have to say about my choice in models and caliber.
Any feedback is welcome.

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Hmmm...late comer to this thread, so pardon me if someone addressed these before.

You have a list, which is a lot more than most who start out. That's good.

Have you at least handled any of these? Shot any of them?

This is important, because if the pistol doesn't fit your hand well, doesn't feel good when you shoot it, or any number of other things you're not going to know until you actually handle/shoot them, then you're not going to be comfortable with it. It will annoy you, perhaps affect the way you shoot, or otherwise make shooting it either unpleasant or less than fun. This means you won't want to shoot it, and if you don't want to shoot it you won't spend the time properly learning how to handle your pistol and maintain some level of proficiency with it.

So go to gun shops, gun show, visit ranges which rent these guns, or go shooting with a buddy who has something you're considering and see how they feel and what it's like to put a few rounds downrange with them.

Atomic_Dog9601 said:

I am currently considering a few options for my first handgun purchase (availability permitting).
I don't have much experience with handguns but have narrowed down a few choices that I think would suit my purposes.
The list is not in order of preference. Just how I wrote it down.
1.) Glock 17 gen 5 standard.
(I've shot 9mm before and know what to expect in terms of kick.)
2.) Springfield XD 9mm. Have heard good things about the XD series in terms of performance and function.
3.) S&W M&P Shield 9.
As you can see I would prefer 9mm. But am open to other calibers up to a 45 acp. I would prefer something higher capacity with good availability of aftermarket and factory parts. Something with easy takedown and cleaning and generally user friendly. I understand about break-in and proper cleaning. But am interested in what those with more experience have to say about my choice in models and caliber.
Any feedback is welcome.

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I would recommend a larger gun than a Shield, although I have one and it is great for concealed carry. But, it's easier to learn the fundamentals on a compact or full-sized handgun, especially with recoil, grip, sights, etc. So maybe the 17 or Springfield. But, I'd try others too. A lot of people start with a Glock due to branding and popular culture then realize they like other guns better.

Jonesy814 said:

The Shield is a great gun but it is not the easiest gun to shoot.

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Shield isn't any harder to shoot than other small guns, and possibly easier than some.

WheelGunMan said:

I agree with several others. Get your hands on all of them and see which one feels and points the best, If possible find a range that rents them and take them for a test drive. You'll know which one is for you after that. I went the harder route and purchased several before I found "THE ONE"...but that's OK cuz I have a nice collection going now.

I personally ended up with the Shield Plus with a 10 and 13 round mag as my go to EDC.

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Good advice. I shot a Shield Plus tonight for the second time, and a CSX. Range rentals. One day I'll likely get a Plus, but for now have my 1.0 Shield, which I also shot tonight . I also shot my .380 bodyguard tonight, so it's been a all Smith range outing.

My issue gun is a GLOCK 19, but for ccw, I would go with the SPRINGFIELD ARMORY XD9 Sub Compact if it was up to me for concealed carry on duty. I prefer the grip shape on the XD9 and the addition of the the grip safety. I find I can shoot this compact 9m.m as well as the GLOCK 19.

JIm

RUGER SP101 snubby .357, Now it's a Ruger LC9S PRO 9mm

Getcha a Kel-Tec .380 w/pocket holster and you will never leave it at home.

G17 Gen 5 would be my first choice.

I prefer the XD of those. If not those HK VP9

Glock 17.

Glocks are perfect for beginners. Give or take the piss poor sights. But any decent LGS can fix that. I dont get where the beginner hate is coming from. Follow the 5 safety rules and you'll be fine.

Get a high quality kydex holster for it. Try KT or Bravo.

Get training. TDI is a good start.