First handgun - free choice

[wlewisiii]

The .357. It's the most flexible of the bunch and the manual of arms is the simplest. If it has a 4" barrel it's a no brainer that it's the best. If it's a 2" or so, then I'd go with the Hi-Power instead. Accuracy - there is no substitute for barrel inches.

The Hi-Power is next. It's what John Browning meant for the 1911 to be (oh, oh, there come the heresy police!). Arguably the finest service auto made of all steel.

1911 last. By far for a first time hand gun. They can be excellent, but are seriously harder to learn to shoot properly than either of the other two. The ammunition is more expensive as well.

 

[Rival]

Why is 1911 harder to shoot properly, especially vs revolver? I mean when it comes to actually shooting the weapon? At least you have same trigger pull, and an easy one at that. With revolver you have double pull to master. It is very hard to grip the weapon in a wrong manner, I understand that revolver maybe more forgiving with incorrect grip, but you literally have to go out of your way to screw up holding 1911 properly...

Just wondering

 

[bruzer]

If someone afford me a BHP I would not hesitate. All 3 are great choices but my .357 revolver just sits in the safe. I look at the price of .45 and always go for the box of 9mm. Your lucky to have a Dad with good taste.
Mike

 

[stevekozak]

Wow, you have a really cool (and wise) father! That is an awesome thing to do, that he has done for you. Before you made your pic, I would have said the Hi-Power would be best for what I percieved to be your purpose. The Smith is an awesome gun too, and you really can't go wrong with it. Too bad you didnt choose the Browning and your Dad make you the same deal for the Smith. I am thinking that would have been more quickly accomplished! Does your Dad want to adopt, btw?

 

[Maple_City_Woodsman]

Wow, a minty vintage S&W 357 AND a Browning HP? That is a princely gift. Sounds like you owe your dad big time now.