Okay so I just joined the forum and have one major question for you guys and girls. I have fired plenty of rifles and shotguns in my life, even bows and crossbows. But I have only fired a few handguns mostly when I was younger on hunting trips with my uncles. I just got my FOID card and signed up at the local range, but I was wondering what some good starter handguns would be, both for home defense, EDC, and fun shooting down at the range. I just don't have enough experienc shooting to know where to begin my search. I really like the look and feel of Glocks, as well as the 1911 my uncle had when I was a kid. I have heard revolvers are better than autoloaders, but I have never fired a revolver. My wife has also expressed interest in learning how to shoot. My nephew is a police officer and he swears by Glocks and HKS Thanks in advance for any help.
First time handgun buyer
- Thread starter Lyken23
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Skylerbone
Member
Depending on budget considerations, a pair of .22lr pistols would be great to start with. At .06-.08 per round vs. say 9mm at .20-.25 per round you can practice more often. Since ammo is eventually your biggest expense I think you'll be glad you started with a his and hers with $6 worth of ammo instead of a single centerfire pistol and sharing $25 worth of ammo.
I'd suggest a trip to the gun store with the wife and letting each of you decide on your own what feels right. Do a little research on which models have problems to weed them out ahead of time.
Best of luck and enjoy.
I'd suggest a trip to the gun store with the wife and letting each of you decide on your own what feels right. Do a little research on which models have problems to weed them out ahead of time.
Best of luck and enjoy.
AR-yoter
Member
I would recomend a good 9mm. and the .380's arent bad for your wife, they pack a good punch despite what people might say and they are great "purse guns" due to there size and being light weight. big guns arent always good for home defence simply because when ya miss they tend to go through walls and usually theres stuff or people on the other side, i agree with Skylerbone go to the gun store and let them know what you want to do with them and they should point you in the right direction the only reason i wouldnt go with the 22's is if you wanted something better for home defence you would buy the 22 and then have to buy another pistol hope this helps you good luck and shoot straight 
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reuben mishler
Member
Whatever caliber you decide to go with, I recommend ensuring whatever handgun you purchase have a integral rail so you can mount a tactical flashlight for home defense.
I've read too many stories of people getting up in the middle of the night because they thought they heard something, and end up shooting a family member because they didn't have positive identification of their target upon engagement.
Just food for thought
I've read too many stories of people getting up in the middle of the night because they thought they heard something, and end up shooting a family member because they didn't have positive identification of their target upon engagement.
Just food for thought
W.E.G.
Member
You muddied the waters by adding the "EDC" element.
Are you prepared to make the wardrobe adjustments needed to carry a handgun on a daily basis?
Are you prepared to make the wardrobe adjustments needed to carry a handgun on a daily basis?
Dave21
Member
Hey everyone and Lyken23
I hope I'm not stealing your thread but don't want to start a new thread and get yelled at. I'm in a predicament. I have lots of experience shooting semi-autos and have narrowed my choices down for my first handgun purchase to a Springfield XDM in .40, FNH FN-9 USG, or a Springfield Armory 1911 GI Mil-Spec model .45. I have chosen these three based on reliability, and price. I have fired an xdm in 9mm but haven't fired the FN-9 USG, or the 1911. I shot a 9mm, 40, and .45 just not with these particular gun models or makes. I want to shoot all three before I buy them like a good buyer should, but don't want to spend the 75-115ish dollars for range fees, firearm rental fees, ammo, targets, and what not because I could use it on the firearm.... In addition, my local ranges don't offer these specific models for 'rent'. I'm not asking which of these guns is better, just advice on how to choose one of these guns without spending tons to just 'test' them. Thanks and stay safe!
I hope I'm not stealing your thread but don't want to start a new thread and get yelled at. I'm in a predicament. I have lots of experience shooting semi-autos and have narrowed my choices down for my first handgun purchase to a Springfield XDM in .40, FNH FN-9 USG, or a Springfield Armory 1911 GI Mil-Spec model .45. I have chosen these three based on reliability, and price. I have fired an xdm in 9mm but haven't fired the FN-9 USG, or the 1911. I shot a 9mm, 40, and .45 just not with these particular gun models or makes. I want to shoot all three before I buy them like a good buyer should, but don't want to spend the 75-115ish dollars for range fees, firearm rental fees, ammo, targets, and what not because I could use it on the firearm.... In addition, my local ranges don't offer these specific models for 'rent'. I'm not asking which of these guns is better, just advice on how to choose one of these guns without spending tons to just 'test' them. Thanks and stay safe!
Jed Carter
Member
Lyken23, for a first handgun I would get a .22 pistol like a Browning Buckmark. More than likely you learned to shoot rifles on a .22. I started with a S&W 9mm and developed bad shooting habits that took a long time to correct. If your wife is like mine she is not a fan of recoil and would prefer the .22. Once you master the .22 then step up to a 9mm service pistol like a Glock G19.
Dave21, I would get the FNH 9mm or a Glock, the XD is a good pistol, but it has a lot of stuff on it you just do not need on a pistol.
Dave21, I would get the FNH 9mm or a Glock, the XD is a good pistol, but it has a lot of stuff on it you just do not need on a pistol.
I like the idea of a .22 semi auto also, but you can get 9MM pistols that have .22 conversions and that's the route I'd go. It allows you to practice very cheaply with .22's but still have a defense gun to learn how to shoot a larger caliber well.
CZ-75B or 75D PCR + the .22 LR Kadet Kit. I own all three of these and love them. Very reliable and accurate. I've had them for over 11 years and no hiccups.
Glock and Sig also have .22 conversions as do 1911's.
CZ-75B or 75D PCR + the .22 LR Kadet Kit. I own all three of these and love them. Very reliable and accurate. I've had them for over 11 years and no hiccups.
Glock and Sig also have .22 conversions as do 1911's.
Dave21
Member
Thanks for the reply Jed Carter, I'll keep that in mind, but want to shoot one first...that's the problem I can't for the life of me find a place that rents out the fn-9....
Skylerbone
Member
To qualify my posting I've learned from experience that his and hers can lead to multiple his and hers in shorter order than "mine that she also shoots". That is to say if your wife has an enjoyable experience shooting, both of you are more apt to spend time and money on future purchases ie. larger caliber pistols down the road. At that point you can trade one of those .22s off toward 2 9mms and still have a great training pistol to keep you frosty on the cheap. A brand new pair of S&W Model 22As (again, if they fit each of you) should only set you back about $500, same as one 9mm in brand x.
As my wife is an equal partner in our marriage (90% controlling interest) she has her own. If I had started her on 9mm or .357 mag. I doubt she would be going to the range with me. Her pistol, her hand it fits, her decision. Ditto for me.
I've been shooting 30+ years and have just taken to carrying. It's a decision not to be taken lightly, even with proper training and equipment.
As my wife is an equal partner in our marriage (90% controlling interest) she has her own. If I had started her on 9mm or .357 mag. I doubt she would be going to the range with me. Her pistol, her hand it fits, her decision. Ditto for me.
I've been shooting 30+ years and have just taken to carrying. It's a decision not to be taken lightly, even with proper training and equipment.
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Lyken23 - I would also suggest getting a .22lr pistol to start out with as training with it will not cost you lots of money and will help you learn proper handgun shooting techniques, but since you put in EDC in there, i'd go with a good 9mm, like a glock 19, or if money is not an issue, HK P30.
While .22lr conversion kits for full size guns are nice, I would not recommend them for someone trying to learn handguns for the first time because if you shoot too much .22lr in your pistol, it will throw off your mechanics when you switch out for the larger caliber round. Also, depending on who makes the .22lr kit, some of the gun controls will change on you and that too can mess you up as well. I would defintely be all for it if you were well experienced with handguns, but its up to you.
Dave21 - I would also recommend the FNH 9 out of those three as I have owned one before and liked the balance and ergonomics in my hand vs the XDm. Plus, you get a lot of bang for your buck - 3 mags with NS under 450!
While .22lr conversion kits for full size guns are nice, I would not recommend them for someone trying to learn handguns for the first time because if you shoot too much .22lr in your pistol, it will throw off your mechanics when you switch out for the larger caliber round. Also, depending on who makes the .22lr kit, some of the gun controls will change on you and that too can mess you up as well. I would defintely be all for it if you were well experienced with handguns, but its up to you.
Dave21 - I would also recommend the FNH 9 out of those three as I have owned one before and liked the balance and ergonomics in my hand vs the XDm. Plus, you get a lot of bang for your buck - 3 mags with NS under 450!
Go to the range with a buddy or rent what you are interested in
LYKEN,
The best advice I can offer is to got to the range with someone who is experienced and use their guns or rent some that you are interested.
If you want an auto, a midsize 9m.m. is a good place to start. A gun like the GLOCK 19, SIG 228/9, SPRINGFIELD ARMORY XD series are all good choices.
I have owned, carried on duty or shotI really like the BERETTA 92, but is it on the large size for many.
Also, do not limit your wife. Most woman I have met can shoot a 9m.m. as long as it is at least midsize. It will save you money and getting her something bigger later on.
Jim
LYKEN,
The best advice I can offer is to got to the range with someone who is experienced and use their guns or rent some that you are interested.
If you want an auto, a midsize 9m.m. is a good place to start. A gun like the GLOCK 19, SIG 228/9, SPRINGFIELD ARMORY XD series are all good choices.
I have owned, carried on duty or shotI really like the BERETTA 92, but is it on the large size for many.
Also, do not limit your wife. Most woman I have met can shoot a 9m.m. as long as it is at least midsize. It will save you money and getting her something bigger later on.
Jim
RancidSumo
Member
I would buy a 9mm if I were you for my first pistol. It is cheap to shoot and offers excellent terminal performance.
When it comes to specific pistols, there are very few 9mm options even worth considering. Look at the Glock 19/17, M&P9, HK P30, Walther P99/PPQ, and FN FNX/P are the only ones you should really even look at.
Out of those, I like the FN the least. All are proven designs (the FN being the least proven) and all will work for you.
When it comes to specific pistols, there are very few 9mm options even worth considering. Look at the Glock 19/17, M&P9, HK P30, Walther P99/PPQ, and FN FNX/P are the only ones you should really even look at.
Out of those, I like the FN the least. All are proven designs (the FN being the least proven) and all will work for you.
AR-yoter
Member
I like upgrades
i have mentioned before in a different thread that there is the EMA Tactical website they have Roni convertions that make it a pretty fun toy also, Though I dont recomend buying one just because of it, it is pretty cool, and Those .22 convertions are pretty sweet too, kinda the best of both worlds.
i have mentioned before in a different thread that there is the EMA Tactical website they have Roni convertions that make it a pretty fun toy also, Though I dont recomend buying one just because of it, it is pretty cool, and Those .22 convertions are pretty sweet too, kinda the best of both worlds.
neededausername
Member
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For the first handgun I agree with others about the .22lr pistol. If you have to buy a larger caliber get the glock. I personally don't like the way they feel in my hand, but if you like it's a great gun. They are simple and accurate.
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