I never been much on handgun at all I just have a old no Sauer western marshals 22 and I been wanting to buy one for sometime and now I jus started a new job and I am kinda in thr market for one and I really dont know what I want. I been looking at a ruger sr and a s&w sd40 and a few revolver and the bersa thunder and a few other. I am just wanting something I can take out and shoot but I want to be able carry if and when I get my ccw. I would be mostly carrying with fishing and maybe hunting or if I get another job where I can carry. I looked mostly at a 380 a 9mms or a 40 in a semi in a revolver I like to find a 357. I am just doing research before I go out and buy thanks
first handgun advice
- Thread starter jrbaker90
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Skip the .380, ammo is harder to find and expensive. I'd recommend 9mm as ammo is easy to find and inexpensive, recoil is minimal and the premium defensive ammo performs really well. Skip really small guns, hard to learn to shoot with.
Look at autos from the major manufacturers (Glock, S&W, Sig, Ruger etc.) in the mid-size range, no smaller than compact. 3 1/2-4" barrels or so and able to get all your fingers on the grip. Try to shoot as many as you can before you decide, many ranges have guns to rent.
Some specific models: G19, S&W M&P, SIG P320
Look at autos from the major manufacturers (Glock, S&W, Sig, Ruger etc.) in the mid-size range, no smaller than compact. 3 1/2-4" barrels or so and able to get all your fingers on the grip. Try to shoot as many as you can before you decide, many ranges have guns to rent.
Some specific models: G19, S&W M&P, SIG P320
CZ9shooter
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An SR9 was my first handgun, so that would be my suggestion. The SR9c would be a better choice for carry though. It comes with both full size and compact mags.
I sold my SR after a few years. Not because I didnt like it, it was as good a gun as any. My tastes just evolved over time and we parted ways in order to fund other purchases.
Ruger's 9e is worth considering as well. It is just a plain jane version of the SR. Excellent entry level pistol IMO.
I sold my SR after a few years. Not because I didnt like it, it was as good a gun as any. My tastes just evolved over time and we parted ways in order to fund other purchases.
Ruger's 9e is worth considering as well. It is just a plain jane version of the SR. Excellent entry level pistol IMO.
msmp5
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Consider a 2 1/2" bbl S&W K frame, like the older M19 or M66 or any of the newer variations thereof? Plenty of ammo choices in .38 or .357 mag; adj sights, for more "versatility"; small enough to CCW with it, if you so desire; and I think it's a great companion gun for fishing and (most) hunting trips.
As pointed out, the Ruger S-series is a good line. But, they're big for concealed-carry. Most of the guns small enough for summer-weather concealed-carry are going to be less fun at the range; that's just the nature of small guns in medium-to-larger defensive calibers.
Of course, Ruger does make the SR9C, a compact(er) gun that still holds 13 rounds of 9mm Luger ammo. In fact, there are nearly-countless 9mm pistols around that size available.
Take a look, also, at the Rock Island Armory 1911 pistols in both .45ACP and 9mm Luger. They enjoy quite a healthy reputation for their price point, and are available in both 4-inch and five inch barrel lengths, with various option setups.
Revolvers that are big enough to be truly fun to spend time shooting, but small enough to conceal-carry in the upcoming summer months (already summer here) are hard to come by. The Ruger SP-101 in .357 comes to mind; of course, you can shoot the less-powerful .38 Special ammo through it as well.
Of course, Ruger does make the SR9C, a compact(er) gun that still holds 13 rounds of 9mm Luger ammo. In fact, there are nearly-countless 9mm pistols around that size available.
Take a look, also, at the Rock Island Armory 1911 pistols in both .45ACP and 9mm Luger. They enjoy quite a healthy reputation for their price point, and are available in both 4-inch and five inch barrel lengths, with various option setups.
Revolvers that are big enough to be truly fun to spend time shooting, but small enough to conceal-carry in the upcoming summer months (already summer here) are hard to come by. The Ruger SP-101 in .357 comes to mind; of course, you can shoot the less-powerful .38 Special ammo through it as well.
I like revolvers and my wife has a K frame "Nightguard" that is a great gun. That said, revolvers are not at all size efficient. On its own, the 2 1/2" K frame looks fairly small. Overlayed on top of my full size Sig P226, it is the exact same length and height, wider at the cylinder, within a couple oz in weight (with a Scandium frame no less,) and only 7 rds vs 15+1.
I've got my eye on a CZ P07 as a carry piece. Looks like an incredible offering.
Pretty much the exact same size as a Glock 19, but with a higher cap mag, a (safer) double-action option for carrying a round chambered, and a super sexy look.
http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2012/06/ryan-finn/gun-review-cz-75-p07-duty-9mm/
Pretty much the exact same size as a Glock 19, but with a higher cap mag, a (safer) double-action option for carrying a round chambered, and a super sexy look.
http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2012/06/ryan-finn/gun-review-cz-75-p07-duty-9mm/
If you have a range near you the rents guns, you can get a lot better idea of what you like. What makes a gun good for CCW, small and compact, also makes it harder to shoot well, and comfortably. With a .357 you have the option of shooting powder puff .38 loads while your getting better at it. Semi-autos can only reduce so much before they don't feed. If you can afford it, a full size gun for the range and for open carry hunting and fishing is more pleasant for recreational use, and a 2nd compact for CCW is a more desireable option than one gun for everything. Your best decision though will be finding opportunities to try sme of them out before you buy.
No matter what, it's gonna take some time to find what you like. Maybe you'll get lucky and pick something that you'll end up keeping for life.
My first handgun was a Ruger P95 right after I turned 21. It was kind of a "jack of all trades, master of none" but it was a great firearm for the price and I wish I would have kept it as a glove box gun.
Since then I've discovered that pocket carry is best for me. I have two Ruger LCR's; one in 9mm and one in .22lr. I carry the 9mm LCR in my pocket everyday and have the .22 version because it makes a good backup (although I rarely carry a backup gun), it's great for the range, and I like .22's.
I wouldn't want either of them as a first handgun to learn on, though. I say get a full-size handgun for home-defense, range shooting, and open carry and then get a dedicated CCW piece later on. I also have two Glock 17's that I use for open carry/home defense roles.
If I had to have ONLY one handgun, it would probably be a Glock 19 or Ruger SP101 3" in .357. They can both fill most roles nicely. Thankfully I'm not limited to just one, I like multiple guns with specific, dedicated purposes.
My first handgun was a Ruger P95 right after I turned 21. It was kind of a "jack of all trades, master of none" but it was a great firearm for the price and I wish I would have kept it as a glove box gun.
Since then I've discovered that pocket carry is best for me. I have two Ruger LCR's; one in 9mm and one in .22lr. I carry the 9mm LCR in my pocket everyday and have the .22 version because it makes a good backup (although I rarely carry a backup gun), it's great for the range, and I like .22's.
I wouldn't want either of them as a first handgun to learn on, though. I say get a full-size handgun for home-defense, range shooting, and open carry and then get a dedicated CCW piece later on. I also have two Glock 17's that I use for open carry/home defense roles.
If I had to have ONLY one handgun, it would probably be a Glock 19 or Ruger SP101 3" in .357. They can both fill most roles nicely. Thankfully I'm not limited to just one, I like multiple guns with specific, dedicated purposes.
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Decide on your budget first. Do not discount buying used. It's not like buying a used vehicle. Takes a great deal of abuse to damage a modern firearm of any brand.
Least expensive shooting is still a .38 Special revolver, but go with a .357 for versatility.
Very few places allow you to go out and shoot. Better as an FNG to join a club anyway. Opens all kinds of doors.
Least expensive shooting is still a .38 Special revolver, but go with a .357 for versatility.
Very few places allow you to go out and shoot. Better as an FNG to join a club anyway. Opens all kinds of doors.
I personally prefer my wheel guns, but most are some what more uncomfortable and heavier to CC.
On the plus side, an AL offers the option of high capacity magazines.
The down sides include clearing jams, mis-fires, limp wrist induced failures, women, the weak handed, or those with arthritis who struggle to rack the slide. And AL weapons don't offer much in the way of reduced recoil ammo options, even for the reloader it's very limited.
Revolver. The down side is you don't have an option of high capacity. About 8 rounds of 38/357 is the limit, which means a big bulky firearm. Reloading is far slower and cumbersome than with an AL weapon.
The up side includes none of the negative issues associated with AL firearms.
GS
On the plus side, an AL offers the option of high capacity magazines.
The down sides include clearing jams, mis-fires, limp wrist induced failures, women, the weak handed, or those with arthritis who struggle to rack the slide. And AL weapons don't offer much in the way of reduced recoil ammo options, even for the reloader it's very limited.
Revolver. The down side is you don't have an option of high capacity. About 8 rounds of 38/357 is the limit, which means a big bulky firearm. Reloading is far slower and cumbersome than with an AL weapon.
The up side includes none of the negative issues associated with AL firearms.
GS
You solicited advice -- I recommend you get a full size gun for shooting and learning, hunting and fishing. Later, "if and when" the time comes, you can decide what to do about a CCW.
I would get a quality steel gun for shooting fun. I'm partial to revolvers but there are lots of options of all types and you'll never know which suits you until you try them.
Some of my favorites (though the 92SB may soon be switched for a Hi Power):
I would get a quality steel gun for shooting fun. I'm partial to revolvers but there are lots of options of all types and you'll never know which suits you until you try them.
Some of my favorites (though the 92SB may soon be switched for a Hi Power):
I second the suggestion that the first handgun you own ought to be geared towards learning to shoot handguns, rather than something you're planning to carry. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that 95+% of people should first learn to shoot a .22lr handgun, then get a full-size centerfire gun, and then get something carryable. Carrying a pistol before you're proficient handling and shooting them isn't really doing anyone, including yourself, any favors. It's worth taking the time - and money - to really learn how to shoot pistols before you try doing anything "real" with them.
JMHO, of course.
JMHO, of course.
^^^ Agree. Get something along the lines of a Ruger MK II or III, or a Browning Buck Mark or a Smith 617 and you'll have a lot of fun and you'll learn handgun shooting perhaps as well if not better than starting with a centerfire.
I would suggest that you first try to find a range that rents guns. That way you are able to tryout different makes and models. This way you can try as many as possible and decide which you like better. If they have a handgun course offered by a competent instructor take it. A little money spent now will go a long way to avoid a disappointment later. Good luck on your search. Sometimes the journey is just as interesting as the destination, maybe more.
RA40
Member
Black Knight offers good advice.
In past times when .22 was widely available taking the small steps in handguns was easy. With very limited .22 ammo availability, shooting .22 will be frustrating. The 38spl/.357 is a good combo and the various loadings in 38 spl make shooting softer loads easy to become acquainted. 9mm is a reasonable choice as well and there is a wealth of firearms available at varying price points. This is where being able to rent them and feel-see how each shoots in your hands will help in making a decision.
In past times when .22 was widely available taking the small steps in handguns was easy. With very limited .22 ammo availability, shooting .22 will be frustrating. The 38spl/.357 is a good combo and the various loadings in 38 spl make shooting softer loads easy to become acquainted. 9mm is a reasonable choice as well and there is a wealth of firearms available at varying price points. This is where being able to rent them and feel-see how each shoots in your hands will help in making a decision.
when I was looking for my first centerfire handgun I had the good fortune to meet a smart store clerk. He said I'm going to hand you a handgun if it's not comfortable in your hands put it back on the counter, then I'll hand you another. We'll do this until you find one that feels just right. In my case we got down the line until he handed me a 1911.
Your milage may vary. Get what fits.
Your milage may vary. Get what fits.
I have my western marshals 22 its just 22 are so hard to find here and high.I can take my 22 and almost do as good with a friend of my ruger mkII i have shot it alot but when I got to shoot a friend glock ir ruger p85 I can't hit anything so that mainly why I am looking. I really want a manual safety so that kinda rules out a glock and the s&w sd. I have looking for a 4" barrel 357 but I can't find anything I can in just 38 but not any 357. I like the 1911just not sure if I can afford one
EMT40SW
Member
New Glock $399 with 3 mags!!!
The only real safety is between your ears. My vote is get a S & W 65, 66, or 686 (stainless k frame gun) with a 4" barrel .357 mag & .38 spl. It will take on anything from a cotton tail to a bear. Then join Glock Shooting Sport Foundation for like $35 so you can purchase a new Glock at cost ($399 for a 9mm or .40) that is unless you are a First Responder, pilot, TSA, attorney, or Millitary. See below for info
http://www.gssfonline.com/GSSF_Pistol_Purchase_Program_Information.pdf
http://www.gssfonline.com/
http://us.glock.com/bluelabel
Good luck & shoot lots!
The only real safety is between your ears. My vote is get a S & W 65, 66, or 686 (stainless k frame gun) with a 4" barrel .357 mag & .38 spl. It will take on anything from a cotton tail to a bear. Then join Glock Shooting Sport Foundation for like $35 so you can purchase a new Glock at cost ($399 for a 9mm or .40) that is unless you are a First Responder, pilot, TSA, attorney, or Millitary. See below for info
http://www.gssfonline.com/GSSF_Pistol_Purchase_Program_Information.pdf
http://www.gssfonline.com/
http://us.glock.com/bluelabel
Good luck & shoot lots!
Here's a good article on finding a handgun that fits your hand, and I highly recommend looking over the rest of the site. It has a lot of good info.
https://www.corneredcat.com/article/choosing-firearms/trying-on-a-handgun/
https://www.corneredcat.com/article/choosing-firearms/trying-on-a-handgun/
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Shoot many; buy one. Find a range that rents and spend a little coin on some educational shooting. Or maybe friends that will let you try a variety of their guns.
The first handgun you buy will likely not be your perfect gun, or even your preferred gun in a couple of months if not sooner, so it's best to try a few on before you buy.
The first handgun you buy will likely not be your perfect gun, or even your preferred gun in a couple of months if not sooner, so it's best to try a few on before you buy.
bannockburn
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The Ruger SR series is a pretty good one to start with, more so as a 9mm. And the SR9c makes for both a CCW and as a range gun.
jrbaker90 writes:
you say you want a manual safety, but that you're looking for a .357 Magnum revolver... you do know that revolvers lack manual safety levers, right?
Then he adds:
The RIA models I mentioned can be had for well under $500, at or below the price range of most Magnum revolvers. The GI model typically goes for under $400.
you say you want a manual safety, but that you're looking for a .357 Magnum revolver... you do know that revolvers lack manual safety levers, right?
Then he adds:
The RIA models I mentioned can be had for well under $500, at or below the price range of most Magnum revolvers. The GI model typically goes for under $400.
rskent
Member
I think you should take your time, look at and handle every gun you can lay your hands on.
Then go buy a Glock 19. The universal handgun. As cheep as anything else to shoot.
As reliable as anything else. Easy to shoot. Easy to take care of. What more do you need?
Don't over think it. Just go buy it.
Shoot the snot out of it.
Just saying.
Then go buy a Glock 19. The universal handgun. As cheep as anything else to shoot.
As reliable as anything else. Easy to shoot. Easy to take care of. What more do you need?
Don't over think it. Just go buy it.
Shoot the snot out of it.
Just saying.
revolver suggestion Ruger gp 100 in .357 then you can shoot 38 special too
semi auto-- I am not a 40 S+W fan--but I am good with it--especially in a glock 23
I LOVE my Beretta ( 92 g 92 fs) and my CZ 75+ 85b steel framed guns no recoil to speak of-- Beretta make s a 92 compact--CZ makes either a P 06(.40 cal) or p 01 for carry or a compact 75-- you will not regret any of these choices
have a great time shopping and shooting
if you can rent some of these before buying
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