Advice for 1st Handgun

[Redhawk1]

stalkingbear, consider your daughter the exception not the rule.

I don't find the 45 ACP or most personal protection guns as heavy recoiling guns. Except the ultra light 357 Mags or 45 ACP. I am talking them little J frames and titanium/scandium guns.

But a new shooter most of the time will.
I go to a shooting range at least once or twice a week, and I see new shooters all the time.
Women and new shooters are intermediated with most guns over a 22 L/R.
I see new shooters and some women, closing there eyes every time they pull the trigger, and there groups are terrible.

 

[elktrout]

Easyrider's recommendation is a good one. Keep it simple with the first gun.

 

[Milkmaster]

The best "first handgun" out there for my money is the Ruger Mark I, II, III pistols in 22lr. The whole idea for first timers is to get in some range time and learn what is right and wrong to do without spending themselves out of the hobby. The economical 22lr round performs this task flawlessly and prepares the shooter for stronger pistol rounds when he or she is ready. I have seen a few shooters start out with a short compact .45acp and develop some really bad hard to break habits like flinching, closing their eyes, etc. The 22lr rounds allow some learning before the first time shooter gets the shock from the larger rounds. There is always a place to shoot a 22lr for teaching others or plinking. A 22lr is best for first gun purposes IMHO. Use the cheapest bulk rounds (500 for $9) you can buy at WalMart and move up from there.

 

[Sauer Grapes]

I have autos, but love my revolvers. Would not defend my family with a 22. That does'nt mean I don't like 22's. They are lots of fun to shoot. Good luck with your first one.
They are like candy, can't have just one!

 

[reloadn]

Have to suggest an xd 9mm 40 or 45. Great weapons

 

[indiandave]

My turn to chime in.

Home defense/stopping power. A S&W model 10. You can fire +p ammunition get one with a 4" barrel if it's not going to be a carry gun.

Accuracy. My model 10 is a good shooter. I would add Crimson Trace Laser Grips for a home defense gun.

Dependable mechanics The model 10 has been around for a long time and has an exellant track record.

Price. You can find a used model 10 for a very low price. I bought one about a year ago for 300.00 bucks.

Your wife would not have any trouble firing this gun.

 

[usmc1371]

I bought my wife a ruger mk11 and she loves it BUT she shot my friends smith light weight 22lr revolver and now she wants one of those cause"theres no buttons and stuff and its easy to load" it took a few min for her to get used to the trigger but she shot it just as acurate as the mk11.. she shoots my glock 35 but it doesn't fit her hands and she cant rack the slide to save her life and that was befor the 22# spring. I think a 4'' 357 for him and a similar size 22lr revolver for her then they are both used to the same functions IE if she picks up his gun it works just like her gun.

 

[mrt949]

Revolver it always goes bang

 

[searcher451]

Go to a range that rents guns. Bring friends with you who own guns; have them bring their guns with them. Bring lots of ammo. Then fire away until you find a gun that fits you and your hand. The last thing you want to do is take the recommendations of others, particularly over the internet, when it comes to something as personal as selecting your first handgun. Only you and you alone can make that choice.

 

[S&Wfan]

I'm relieved that FINALLY, on pg. 2 of this thread, someone recommended the proper FIRST handgun for ANYONE!

In these days of Hollywood shoot 'em outs and satellite-feed instant bad news the paranoia to get a first gun "cannon" to save the wife and kids from danger motives many for a big bore handgun.

WRONG!

A first handgun purchase for a novice should be a decent little .22LR . . . just like us veteran handgunners were started on decades ago by our parents!!!

NOTHING has changed. People STILL need to be taught gun safety and proper marksmanship techniques on a gun with MINIMAL RECOIL AND NOISE . . . lest the novice develop a flinch that turns 'em into folks who can't hit the side of a barn!

Also, .22LR ammo is cheap, so the buyer and family can afford INSTRUCTION and also afford to shoot enough ammo to become proficient in every way.

And . . . after all the money saved in mastering the .22 . . . they'll have enough skilll and experience, to be about to pick out the RIGHT centerfire self-defense pistol or revolver for THEM!

Finally . . . a good pair of ear muffs and a set of protective glasses must be added to the list of: .22 pistol or revolver; instruction; ammo; muffs; eye protection; targets.


THERE'S NO OTHER WAY to do it. No way would I start my offspring on a centerfire handgun, nor any of you . . . so please don't screw up this new poster with recommendations that will prevent them from mastering and falling in love with the shooting sports. Down the line, we'll need him and his family on the side of responsible gun owners at the ballot box!

T.

PS: On a budget? Get a Ruger MkII (used) or the new model MkIII pistol, or a Browning Buckmark, or a S&W .22 pistol All are affordable and accurate. Better yet if you can afford it . . . a S&W Model 617 .22LR revolver. Revolvers are much safer for novices, due to their design and simplicity.

Any of these choices will allow you to become proficient as a handgunner. And . . . as we all know . . . one's first handgun is not their last! Different tools for different purposes.

 

[onebigelf]

Glock if an auto. 4" .357 is a real good option though.

John

 

[seuss]

I held a XDm 9mm at the gun shop and it feels great. Might be worth a look.

 

[CZ223]

I too used to recomend the revolver

as a first pistol for any and all who asked but I have since changed my mind. I carry a Glock for two reasons. The first reason is that that are as reliable all getout. The second reason is that they are as simple to operate as a double action revolver. The only safety on either is the one between your ears. For that reason it is a good choice in my opinion. The other guns that I would also recomend are the S&W M&P and the Springfield XD. While the XD is not for me it is certainly reliable. The M&P is one that I have not tried but it fits my hand like no other. My sister has both the 40 and the 9 and she likes them equally as well.