Hey Newbies , plan on buying you're 1st semi auto?

Trip; that's pretty sound advice. You know anything 'bout picking holsters? Maybe you can save someone else from wasting all the money I've spent on 'em.

I generally agree with with this exception

My advise is:

1. Do not buy a cheap brand - I'm not suggesting what brand you buy.

I've done it and never kept any of them.
I say buy high quality brand of gun used if price is a problem.

2. All guns shoot differently.

They may "feel" good in a gun store ... but you and your wife (if you looking together) need to shoot them to really know how they "feel / shoot".

And do not be surprised if one brand & one model of gun does not fit you both.

For instance my wife loves & shoots her Beretta PX4 Storm in 9mm

I shoot a Sig Sauer in all calibers.

Both brands are right for each of us.

Beg / rent / ask to to shoot a lot of different guns.

I disagree on a couple points.

1st off don't get locked into name brand & price. Buying a handgun just because of it's brand or thinking that the more you spend the better the gun is foolish.

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Not true. I would suggest that, if you are searching for a reliable, proven firearm to CARRY, then look to what the Police and the US military use. Especially the military, their testing requirements are extremely thorough.
I agree that price and brand are not the only indicators of a fine firearm, but often times you get what you pay for.

What's wrong with buying a gun from a forum? As long as it's reputable seller that has sold a bit on a forum, I see minimal risk.
The only downside I see is you're unable to see it before you buy it and you're also unable to 'fondle' it and see if you like how it feels.

Some firearms offer lifetime warranties and others have just darn good ones (i.e. Taurus for the lifetime regardless of owner, and Ruger with their reputation for standing by their brand name and fixing mistakes that are not misuse).
I'd suggest if you're looking to buy a used firearm, you buy the book, The Gun Digest Book of Combat Handgunner. Great buyers great in there for both semi-autos and revolvers, as well as a lot of good information about handguns in general.

Again, I disagree with that. I would say first and foremost, find a range with a rental version of the gun you're looking at and go put a couple hundred rounds through it. If you buy 1,000 rounds of ammo for it and you decide you don't want it, you're not going to recoup what you spent on the ammo.

I've been shooting guns for almost 30 years now and I disagree with almost everything you said.

1. For the most part, you get what you pay for. No, you don't have to spend thousands, but some of the lower priced handguns are total junk. Buyer beware.

2. So how do you know which guns to beware of? Well, internet forums are an excellent place to start. For example, it's where I learned about the myriad of cracked frame problems that the Beretta Tomcat had. Otherwise, it just looked like a cool small semiauto.

3. I currently own about 30 guns - I bought exactly one of them brand new. Educating myself on the basics of what to look for has literally saved me thousands of dollars over the year. For the most part, you can tell if a gun has been cared for or not by its overall condition. Now, if you want to pay big bucks for an older Colt Python, that's a different story.

4. Agreed. Practice makes perfect. Beware the man who only owns one gun too, because he is probably extremely proficient with it.

Happy shooting!

I've found with regard to guns, you get what you pay for. I also question the need to put 1000 rounds through one to learn to shoot it. Twenty boxes of center fire ammunition is likely to cost more than the purchase price of the gun.

Well I might have something to say as well.

1. I agree you get what you paid for. I can hardly think of an above average priced handgun that is actually junk. If you are not shopping in a certain budget then definately check out high end brands. You don't want your first experience to be miserable.

2. Decide by handling or shooting at range, if you want all metal or polymer. This will automatically narrow the list to a point.

3. Decide on the what will be the purpose or intended use of the gun. This will also narrow your list further. For example, for sports you will look at different guns then if your intended purpose is SD, and for that matter if its an HD gun you are looing for it may also differ then SD choice. If SD, then you will again have to decide if you want to conceal carry or not. For conceal carry then you will have to see which size you can best conceal and use effectively. This is a whole different debate.

4. Decide on the type of action that suits you best. For this you will need to actually fire some guns with different actions, and you will also need to do some reading/research on different actions to see which is bets match between your preference and intended use.

5. Decide on caliber. Generally speaking the top three most popular in semi autos are 9mm, 45 and 40SW. For this you will have shoot some on different calibers to see which you can shoot better, and you will have to again do some reading/research on the potential of these calibers with respect to velocity, energy, and capacity.

6. Decide house important are tactical accessories for you. If they are, then chose a weapon that have rail and has after market accessries available.

These are my humble thoughts for now. I am sure I missed some points.

Regards

Triplebike,
I beg to differ on your notion of disregarding the intended use.

If I want a competition/sports use pistol, my choices will be Beretta 92 Combo, CZ Czechmate, Sig Sauer X6 or USK Match. None of these guns can be concealed.

If I wanted for HD, I might get away with aforementioned competition guns, but I much rather focuss on (my favorites for example, not suggestions) HK USP/Mk23, Glock 17, Sig Sauer 226 TacOps etc.

I wanted conceal carry I would probably (again examples not suggestions) Glock 19/26/29/30, USPc, P2000/sk, P30, Sig Sauer 229/239/250 Compact/sc.

Thus in my view intended use is a paramount factor in deciding before you venture out to shop.

I think Triplebike's advice is solid. The only adders I'd have are that a .22 is a great first semi-auto and a Glock, the Toyota Camry of handguns, is so practical and re-sellable that I'd think hard about one of those too...if it fit in the person's hand. Rent one and see.

And last but most important of all, Buy the handgun that BEST FITS YOUR HAND, PERIOD!

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I've never quite understood why this myth persists? I can shoot ANYTHING. I've been shooting handguns for 45 years, own single action revolvers, own DA revolvers, own all sorts of autos with all sorts of grip dimensions. None of them slip out of my hand when I pick them up. Some point a LITTLE more naturally, but if I shoot 'em enough, I can hit with ALL of 'em after a while by point shooting or aimed fire.

Just because you don't like the feel of the gun when you pick it up in the store does not mean you won't get used to it on the range. Sometimes, you might wanna change the grip, grip angle being easier to modify on a revolver, but I've never fired the handgun that I didn't like just because of the grip angle. I do like Hogues on my revolvers or my autos, but that doesn't mean they're mandatory for me. I just like the finger grooves to index my hand for a quick presentation and I like the feel of Hogues, very natural ergonomic fit on my DA revolvers or my Ruger P guns or the Handall I have on my Kel Tec P11 that I carry.

Whatever floats your boat, though. Me, grip or grip angle is way down my list of important things to look for.

Triplebike
The point is that when a new to guns persons asks for advice, they first thing to consider is his intended you. For exanple I read many threads where people without thinking say "Glock.". For that reason intended purpose must be matched with gun made for that purpose, thereon whatever suits you better. If the person is buying a gun for conceal carry he would not be happy with a competition gun no matter how well he can shoot it at the range.

I disagree with several points. I have owned and fired a lot of handguns. I have a significant amount of professional experience with handguns of a variety. I would say that I'm very comfortable with most platforms - Glock, CZ, Sig Sauer, S&W, Ruger, Keltec, Bersa, Springfield, 1911s, etc.

While buying from a gun store is fine for many people, someone on a budget that wants to upgrade to a gun outside their budget can get a great deal on a used gun FTF. They should get a gun-knowledgable friend to help them pick one out. The savings can be as much as 20%!!!

While there are handguns that are designed to custom fit to your hand, a good shooter will conform his/her hand to the weapon system. Fit is not the most important thing; with training and practice you can adjust your hand to fit a gun, which is what you should do IF you need to.

When I make recommendations for guns for newbies, which I do, here is an example recommendation:

The three main decisions for a handgun. Size/weight, type (semi-automatic vs. revolver), and caliber.

1. Size/weight will largely be determined for you.

a. If it's a strictly home defense gun, then it should be larger framed because it will inherently have larger capacity, sight radius, and weight for better accuracy and follow up shots.

b. If it’s a gun intended for carry, however, then it will necessarily be smaller and lighter with inherently less bullet capacity.

2. Type:

a. Semi-auto is appropriate for someone who is more mechanically inclined. It requires hand strength to rack the slide to load it or clear malfunctions or unload it. There are more moving pieces so in reality more chances for a failure or jam of some sort requiring the use to manipulate the weapon to fix it. Also, some have external safeties which are a double edged sword. It may be ‘safe’ but in a stressful situation you forget to disengage the safety and fail to fire the gun. I’ve heard that some people have been found dead with a gun in their hand that is still on safe. This is precisely the reason that many companies DO NOT put manual safeties on their guns, such as Glock. But understand Glock still has internal mechanical safeties that are arguably MORE safe than a gun with an external manual safety. The advantages of a semi-auto are typically a thinner profile for carry, a higher ammo capacity in the magazine (typically in a carry gun about 9-12 rounds), and faster reloads for most people by using a magazine.

b. Conversely, a revolver is nearly dummy proof. You load it and when you need it you have 5 or 6 shots. No external safety to worry about, and it is incredibly rare for a quality revolver to jam due to their design. The only real drawbacks are that they are slower for reloads for most people and carry less shots (typically 5-6 for a carry gun). Reloads can be carried in speed strip for easy access. Also, if you buy a .357 magnum, you can shoot less expensive training .38special bullets in it. But both are expensive bullets compared to semi-auto ammo.

3. Caliber: There will always be arguments on which caliber is better. Frankly, the truth is that as long as you have an acceptable ‘minimum’ caliber for self defense, your shot placement of your bullet is the most important factor. The suggested calibers include from smallest to largest .380 ACP, 9x18mm Makarov, 9x19mm Luger, .38 special .40 SW, and .45ACP and .357 magnum. Keep in mind ammo cost. To be effective you MUST be able to use the gun in an emergency and hit your target. That only comes with training. 9x19mm is half the price as .357 magnum, which means that you can train twice as much with 9x19mm. However, 9x19 is about the same price, maybe a little cheaper, than .38 special to train with.

For a truly new shooter, my recommendations would be to stick with either .38sp, 9x18 or 9x19 (possibly .22 or .380 for a truly recoil sensitive shooter - but I don't go into this as most adults can learn to fire these main three calibers).

Here are my recommendations:

1. Work on getting your carry permit. It takes time and you’ll need to schedule a course and take your gun.

2. Go to a gun store with a wide variety. Handle a lot of guns. Here’s what I would hold, examine and buy, all within the $300-600 range. These are in no particular order.

a. Revolvers: .38 or .357 magnum – versatility to train with .38 special but shoot .357. .357 will have a lot of kick and I don’t recommend it for a new shooter. .38 is plenty sufficient and more affordable.
i. Ruger SP101
ii. Smith and Wesson model 10, model 64.
iii. Taurus or Rossi (more affordable, but still good revolvers)

b. Semi-auto handguns: I recommend sticking with either 9x18 Makarov or 9x19mm

i. CZ 75 P01 9x19mm
ii. CZ 82 9x18mm
iii. Smith and Wesson M&P compact or subcompact
iv. Springfield XD compact or subcompact
v. Glock G26 or 19
vi. Smith and Wesson 6906 9x19 (used a CDNN for $329)
vii. Sig Sauer P6 (used online for $400)

Note there is no *Magic bullet* for guns. Standard full metal jacket bullets will get the job done. If you want to spend more for quality hollow points, they are supposedly more effective at causing damage to an attacker. But keep in mind the most important bullet is the one that hits the target and that means you have to train.

I will also add that it may be a good idea to consider getting a dedicated .22 or a .22 upper receiver for your pistol for cheap training for shooters who are initially not accurate or cannot handle recoil. This will build confidence and muscle memory.

When you get your gun order a box of 1000 or more rounds (much cheaper that way) online and then go to the range and train train train. Go to your concealed carry class and get your permit ASAP.

Research and invest in a quality holster carry setup.

Finally, remember this rule in guns, magazines, and holsters: The cheap guy pays the most in the long run. I've bought plenty of cheap holsters and guns to know that you simply take a loss on them in the long run.

Not really sure what point you're trying to make. I don't care what you plan on doing with your new 1st handgun. You will shoot the handgun that fits YOUR hand like a glove better than one that doesn't.

For instance if your a target shooter & your comparing three different target handguns that are all of equal quality, one of the three fits YOUR hand perfectly. You will shoot that one more accurately than the other two.

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In MY experience, I can shoot anything from recurve bow to pocket pistol well with enough practice. The ONE grip I will concede worthless comes on the NAA mini revolver, but I've modified mine with the folding holster grips, a full size grip, and shoot them well. I just cannot grip those guns with the little one finger bird's head grip, let alone point them rapidly.

I agree on buying new.

I agree on buying what you can handle and shoot better.

However, before you get to buy and chose what you can shoot better you need to have concept clear what is then indended purpose of your gun. You may shoot Taurus 24/7 and enjoy the feel, but if you need gun for competition then you are out of luck unless you are one thos experts that we don't know of.

For instance if your a NEWBIE target shooter & your comparing three different target handguns that are all of equal quality, one of the three fits YOUR hand perfectly. You will shoot that one more accurately than the other two.


TRUE or FALSE?

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For ME? False. For instance, I have no preference between standard Ruger and .22/45 grip angle. I couldn't care less, adapt to the weapon in question and go for it. Neither one slips out of my hand, both function and I can hit equally well with either. I might think one more comfy, but it doesn't affect how I shoot. In this case, I kinda prefer the standard grip angle because it's just more comfy, but that doesn't mean I'll score any better with it than a 22/45.

Were I looking for a bullseye pistol, I'd get some Hammerli target pistol or something, whatever's the hot set up, or maybe a S&W41, hang the fit. I'd adapt to whatever grips I had available for it. Fit is important on shotguns, but pistols, not so much, not to ME, anyway.

triplebike said:

This is just my humble opinion , so take it for what it's worth.

Four years ago I was just that.

I've seen so many threads started asking, what should my 1st semi auto handgun be, what gun should I buy, so forth & so on.

I'm going to make this real easy for you newbies.

1st off don't get locked into name brand & price. Buying a handgun just because of it's brand or thinking that the more you spend the better the gun is foolish.

2nd buying a handgun on an internet gun forum recommendation is also foolish.

3rd I highly recommend that you purchase your first semi auto new. Unless you have a friend that knows what to look for in a used handgun you will be much better off with NIB. Greater piece of mind & less hassle about warranty issues. Reputable gun shops will take the time to show you how to field strip your brand new gun & will go over the entire weapon for you.

4th once you've decided on which caliber firearm you are going to purchase,
buy a 1000 rds of range ammo & fire every one of those 1000 rds through your new weapon. A handgun without ammo is as useless as a car without gas.

And last but most important of all, Buy the handgun that BEST FITS YOUR HAND, PERIOD! If it best fits your hand YOU WILL FIRE IT MORE ACCURATELY.

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Thanks for posting your expereinces triplepike and I pretty much agree with them and think they are very helpful for those who are new to purchasing a pistol.

I would add that IMO and experiences how a gun feels in the hand can sometimes be deceptive to a new purchaser and I always emphasize that a user always try to rent/borrow/steal whatever they are considering to see how it actually works for them including shot placement and recoil. Though even that can be deceptive because of lack of basic skills of a new user. Many ranges have low cost instruction classes that teach a user the basics such as stance, grip, and trigger control, the differences between trigger action types, and may even let them try a variety of pistols before purchasing their own.

I also emphasize to a new purchaser that being confident with their pistol and shot placement are much more important than anything else among the reputable brands out there or which caliber they choose assuming .380 or larger.

I agree that the price of a pistol does not have much bearing on the quality or performance to a degree and there are a LOT of excellent NEW pistols in and around $400 to $600 range but at the same time to not be fixated on price if spending another $150 or so dollars will buy the new purchaser a pistol that they will mosy likely shoot the best and be statisified with over long term ownership.

triplebike said:

ObsidianOne

you need to reread my original post.

I said , buying a handgun on an internet gun forum recommendation is also foolish

There are handguns in the under $500 range that fit your requirement of Police and military use.

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My apologies, your wording could have been interpreted either way, but I see your point now.

And many more that don't. What's your point? I was merely suggesting that it is where one should look when searching for a reliable handgun.

triplebike, I think you're drumming up the comfort factor a bit. Sure it is important, but like the others, I've never had the issue of a gun being too big or too small for my hands, and I don't have large hands.
I do agree that it is a factor to consider.