First handgun - free choice

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Gunny71

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My dad offered me to take one of his handguns (private party transfer - all legit), and I'm torn between choices. I don't have any guns in my place, so that's a first... Not much experience either, only very limited time at the range.

He's giving me a choice of either .45 (stainless Springfield of some sort), 9mm Browning that looks really cool (black with wood on the handle), or .357 revolver (smith wesson). These are all older guns in perfect condition, he had them for a while now. He told me I gotta choose myself.

Seeing as this is popular gun forum, you guys should have something to say on this subject.
 
45 Springfield. Great knockdown power.
9mm Browning. Cheap ammo, decent protection tool.
357 Revolver. Limited rounds in a gunfight.

I know this is your first, but do you plan to just keep it in a drawer by your bed or get involved in a competition or just plink on the weekends?

Me, I'd go with the 45...
 
Buy ammo for all of them, go to the range with your Dad and shoot them all. Take the one you shoot best, like best, or screams that you can't live without it. It's easy. :neener:
 
If I could do it all again ... in an ideal world ...

My first handgun would be something that really tickles my fancy. Something I pick up at a gun-store, and utterly ignoring any concerns about practicality ... it has to make me smile. And feel like I am about to have a ball.

This could be a SA revolver, a Sig with a laser, light and dagger on it ... a faded and old Kahr ... a derringer, you name it.
Make sure your first gun starts the habit of having fun. You can always branch out into serious shooting later. 8)
 
I know this is your first, but do you plan to just keep it in a drawer by your bed or get involved in a competition or just plink on the weekends?

-No competition. Maybe a little shooting. More of a drawer by my bed kinda thing.
 
As for me, I'd go with the .357 revolver. As a first gun, it'll be more user friendly than the others, especially with maintenance. You can buy cheap .38 Special loads for practice/plinking, and all sorts of .357 Magnum for serious use. It's a more versatile platform than any 9mm or .45 can offer
 
ya know, Manithree has a point...

If you have the opportunity to shoot all three, then pick what you like AFTER you shoot them! (Will dad give you all 3? ;) ).
 
And for home defense, a revolver is probably better for you. You don't want to worry about messing with a manual safety and a light trigger at 3:00 in the morning if a bad guy decides he wants to break in and hurt you

However, don't let anyone fool you into thinking revolvers never jam, or that you don't need to practice much with it. Anything mechanical can malfunction, revolvers included. Make sure you practice and inspect/clean it regularly, like you would any gun
 
I like all of them. The Browning just looks awesome. I found picture on the internet, it is called Hi-Power. But that revolver, it just feels so right in the hand. It feels serious. And if you don't have any bullets left you could always smash someone's head with it.
 
Hi-Powers are great guns, that would be my second choice after the revolver

However, it shares the same thing as the 1911...a manual safety. Not something I want, or would have on my home defense gun. The less things to have to remember, the better...especially when your life could depend on it
 
If the revolver appeals to you than that's the one to have. The Smith & Wesson will shoot the .357 AND .38 special. Which is good since you might not want to shoot a whole lot of full power .357 magnum at one sitting. The .38 special is also a bunch cheaper to buy.

You have a great dad.
 
Nushif knows what i'm talking about. That little "Click" in your head when you pick up the "right gun" for you is the best indicator of what will make you happy. :D

My first "right gun" purchased just for me, and not the family general collection was a Single action Schofield replica. It practically felt alive in my hand.

You probably can't go wrong with any of the three, the revolver can shoot .38 special cheaply... 9m is cheap even if you aren't reloading. the .45 will cost a bit more to shoot if you don't buy a press. All will work for home defense, or Plinking.
 
.357 revolver is very versatile and more of a user friendly machine than an automatic. You don't have to take it apart to clean it or worry about bad magazines and it isn't at all fussy about what ammo you feed it.

I'm partial to revolvers, I admit it, but that is after many years of shooting and owning a variety of automatics as well as revolvers. If you don't need a bucket full of bullets and a lightning fast reload, why not go with the friendlier machine?
 
I concur with those that suggest the .357 revolver. You can practice with the lighter .38 Special and have less moving parts to "learn in the dark". I would not recommend picking a home defense weapon based on looks, pick the one that hits what you aimed at, consistently. Consider what you want to do (protect your family), and choose the best style in which to accomplish that. Either way practice with what you choose. Alot.
 
I think another feller mentioned this but, try and talk your dad into letting you shoot the three choices before you make any decisions. If for whatever reason he won't let that occur, think of longevity, feel of the weapons, cost of ammunition and frequency of shooting.

Seeing as how you mentioned this is basically a home defense/nightstand gun, I'd go with the revolver or the .45. My Smith .357 mag. has been my nightstand gun for over twenty years and has never failed in it's purpose. And yes, it has been drawn as well, unfortunately. Just the sight of it ended the attempted break-in though and happily without any shots being fired.
 
Another vote for the revolver, especially if it's a "pre-lock" model (no built-in locking mechanism.) Strong, versatile, and well-finished solid hunk of steel; will feel good in the hands. Makes a great defensive weapon, recreational shooting is reasonable with .38SPL standard ammo, +P loads for protection, and Magnum loads for "blowin' up stuff" (or even hunting.)
 
I'm partial to the HP as it was the first pistol I ever shot but that being said, sounds like you are not going to be super hardcore about training with the weapon for now. Auto's mentioned have safeties and are single action which requires a bit more familiarity. Even more important if they have to be used under extreme stress, as in a self defense situation. I would start with the 357, a simpler, plenty power reliable wepon. If you choose to get a firearm, do yourself and your family a favor and take all necessary steps to insure that the gun adds to the safety of your family as oppose to being an extra hazard.
 
-No competition. Maybe a little shooting. More of a drawer by my bed kinda thing.
Click to expand...

You've answered your own question with this post: pick the revolver.
 
I've always wanted a top shelf Hi Power. I just never wanted to pay for it. This is your perfect opportunity. :)
 
the hi power is most likely the most valuable. If you really like it, you should pick that one. It also shoots the cheapest ammo. Sounds to me like you are young and ammo costs are going to be a major issue. The hi power is also most likely the easiest to shoot well for a new shooter. You won't enjoy shooting a gun that is difficult to shoot well.
 
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