How did you choose your first handgun purchase?

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MikePGS

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For a very long time now, i've been debating about what to buy insofar as a handgun goes. I'm pretty sure I want an autoloader (bottom feeder, i know :p) and I change my mind dramatically in regards to the caliber (9mm, .45, .38 Super :Drools). Did anyone else wrack their brain so badly when deciding what to buy for their first handgun? If so, how did you narrow down what exactly it is that you wanted?
 
for me, i knew i wanted to shoot it a LOT and not break the bank on the gun nor the ammo... so for my first handgun i got a .22. after that, more guns came and now i have the bigger calibers more suitable for defense (although shotgun is primary home defense so i'll go for that before a handgun). but all in all, for me my motivations were to just get out and have something to shoot a lot and have a great deal of fun with.

my first handgun capable of real defense was a .357 revolver that could, of course, also eat .38 specials. again, the flexibility of the two rounds was desired for being able to have the choice of cost of shooting or knock-down power, and i liked a revolver to avoid possible issues with jamming, etc, if i was to grab it for defense while at home.
 
Count's way of doing things.

1. First and foremost, take an NRA Basic Handgun Safety course.

2. Read specific manufacture online websites such as: Glock Talk, Sig Forum, HkPro, etc... And also, manufacture site to learn more about the specific gun.

3. Read, read, read and continue on reading.

4. Go to your local fun shop and hold different types of handguns. Ask a lot of questions: Ammo costs, gun value, popularity, etc.

5. Once you've found the right brand, at least top five...then go to your local range.

5. Rent out different handguns and different calibers. Shoot about 50-100 rounds after each, paying attention to comfort and accuracy.

6. Buy the pistol and enjoy.

7. Take additional self defense handgun courses.

The world is yours.
 
Agree with CountGlockula - lots of research.
My first was for home defense. I decided that reliability and ease of use was utmost importance. I also considered use by my wife.
Choice became easy: 357 revolver (based on all my research).
After that, I just shopped for what I wanted at a good price.
 
Back then it was simple, Colt or Smith or Ruger if you went revolver then Colt 1911 or BHP were the common Auto's.

I could not afford a new Ruger or Smith and the used Colt was in great shape and it was a 38 special. Thus I bought a Colt Diamondback. Very simple.

Today I can see the problem of more choices, so I suggest buy quality!
 
My first handgun was a carry gun so that narrowed it down a bit: I wanted a double-action compact pistol. Ultimately I settled on a Sig P229 in .40SW.

I ruled out Glock because I did not like the trigger or grip. It is also an ugly gun. I ruled out HK, Walther and Ruger because I did not like their magazine release buttons. I was indifferent towards Smith's offerings.

I agree with Countglockula's recommendations.
 
Did anyone else wrack their brain so badly when deciding what to buy for their first handgun?
Click to expand...

Happens all the time here. It's the fuel for endless "what gun for $X" threads.

If so, how did you narrow down what exactly it is that you wanted?
Click to expand...

I still don't know, completely, totally and finally what I want, and I've owned handguns since the 80's. Let's just say I'm "refining" the collection continually.

Pick something and buy it. Shoot it a bunch and see if it's right for you. If not, trade or sell it off and get something else.
 
first handgun

A long time ago in a place far away, when I was 15 and nobody cared, I went to a gun/pawn shop (Al's) and bought the cheapest thing he had: an ancient five shot .38S&W caliber Bulldog with an octagonal barrel for $15. Al threw in 5 rounds for free. I bought it because I lived in a tough neighbor hood, was not in a gang, was a loner and the gang guys loved using bicycle chains on anyone they caught out of place. Never had to use it but I did move on to a razor sharp Bowie knife which I had to flash at least twice, both times against about five guys who each decided they really did not want to be the first one gutted out in a fight. I bad mouthed them pretty badly as part if my intimidation.
 
Heh. I was 21. I had just picked up my pistol permit from the state police about 25 minutes before I walked into the gun shop (which oddly, was 25 minutes away from the station...funny how that works out).
I knew I wanted a mid-frame .357mag revolver. I had plenty of experience with handguns, but i knew I wanted something that would be VERY simple, and a great gun to learn on and practice with and shoot ammo cheap enough that I could afford to practice. I also wanted it to be something that I would not outgrow, and something that could be very useful to me always, both for training and for SD. The mid-frame revolver fits that bill perfectly.

I walked into this gun shop and there under the glass is a beautiful S&W 19-3. I felt it, and put the money down right there. $295 for a revolver in about 95% cosmetic condition and 110% mechanical condition, and a 20 round box of Federal Hydra-shok, and a cheapo pistol box. (the extra 10% because I think it had an expertly done trigger job at some point. it has a trigger as good as the few pythons I have shot).

I trained and trained shooting .38spl, and it sleeps in my nightstand loaded with .38+p. It's still the first gun to go with me to the range. It's only been 2 years since that, but still...i do have other options. It's still my favorite. I am more accurate with that gun that with any other that I own.
 
Back in 2002, I read a Guns&Ammo report on the just released Springfield XD series. Guns&Ammo could not say enough good things about that pistol, I still have the article.:D Based on this, I went down to my local dealer, handled one in 40 S&W, my favorite caliber and fell in love with it. The XD fits my hand better than any other gun I have handled, it pointed naturally, balance was good, I really liked it. I said "I'll take it", whipped out my capital one and walked out with it.:D 3000 rounds later and not a single hiccup with my reloads, I'm extremely pleased with this gun.:D
 
Back in 2002, I read a Guns&Ammo report on the just released Springfield XD series. Guns&Ammo could not say enough good things about that pistol, I still have the article.:D Based on this, I went down to my local dealer, handled one in 40 S&W, my favorite caliber and fell in love with it. The XD fits my hand better than any other gun I have handled, it pointed naturally, balance was good, I really liked it. I said "I'll take it", whipped out my capital one and walked out with it.:D 3000 rounds later and not a single hiccup with my reloads, I'm extremely pleased with this gun.:D
 
My dad has a Mod 36 Chief's Special which was the handgun that I shot most growing up. Right after college I decided to buy my own, but I went with the stainless Mod 60 instead.
.
 
First gun, Buckmark .22 for the shooting fun and inexpensive ammo. Second gun, XD9 for the same reasons. I think a .22 caliber gun or rifle is a must in any collection and handy for a lot of situations.
 
I wanted something that I could both afford to practice with a lot yet would also be of sufficient caliber to stop an attacker; as a result, I settled on 9mm for my first pistol. After looking at different guns that could be both concealed and useful as a primary weapon, I decided that I liked the look and feel of the HK USP Compact (even over the P2000). It was a little expensive, but I have no complaints.

If I had it to do over again, maybe I would have gotten a pre-owned SIG 228 or 229.

All the major manufacturers make high-quality guns. For your first handgun, find something that helps you learn. If you like the feel of a Glock, a SIG, an HK, a CZ, etc., you're not going to go wrong. Go to a gun store or gun show and look at a bunch to see which ones jump out at you. Then go home, research prices, and if they have a good deal, jump on it. Also check the sell/trade forums here, as someone in your state may have what you like for a great price.
 
I wanted something that I could both afford to practice with a lot yet would also be of sufficient caliber to stop an attacker; as a result, I settled on 9mm for my first pistol. After looking at different guns that could be both concealed and useful as a primary weapon, I decided that I liked the look and feel of the HK USP Compact (even over the P2000). It was a little expensive, but I have no complaints.

If I had it to do over again, maybe I would have gotten a pre-owned SIG 228 or 229.

All the major manufacturers make high-quality guns. For your first handgun, find something that helps you learn. If you like the feel of a Glock, a SIG, an HK, a CZ, etc., you're not going to go wrong. Go to a gun store or gun show and look at a bunch to see which ones jump out at you. Then go home, research prices, and if they have a good deal, jump on it. Also check the sell/trade forums here, as someone in your state may have what you like for a great price.
 
How raised -what you do.

I was born in the mid 50's.

Maternal grandma stuck a Hi-Standard Sentinel nine shot revolver in my dresser draw crib when I came home from being born a month early.
Age 3 , I shot my gun.

Grandma carried always a Model 10, she also shot BHPs and 1911s.

She, Mentors & Elders raised me and other kids this way:

One shot a variety of guns for gun fit, which includes reaching trigger, all controls and working the gun.
One also actually shot a sheet of paper, very much like Jim H shares.
The paper don't lie.

Applied to handguns, shotguns and rifles...

K frames, J frames, BHPs, 1911s and small Beretta tip up in small calibers fit me, and I knew from actually doing as raised to do.

I still use these guns I chose w-a-y back then.
I may have added a few, as I got bigger, still the same way of knowing what fit me, was applied.

I have always done this with assisting others.

Hence the reason I never really cared about the latest greatest, or new calibers coming out.
My choices fit me, are proven in history in make, model and caliber.
I just don't care what everyone says ,or posts on Internet.

I was raised right.
 
Went through a Guard firearms training class. I got to handle a few different guns... Beretta, S&W automatic, and a Sig P226. Beretta controls were awkward, indifferent toward the S&W. The Sig fit my hand like a dream. When I went to buy a pistol, I knew exactly what I wanted.

I just had the good fortune to find a model of pistol that fit well in my hand, and had a reputation for excellence and reliability.
 
I bought the least expensive pistol they had for sale in a gun shop in Las Vegas (yes I was young, poor, and had no gun savvy), so I would have some protection on a trip I was about to take. The thing was it was probably also the cheapest pistol I could have bought. Put some thought into buying your first pistol, you will be better off for it if you ever need to depend upon it.

All the best,
Glenn B
 
Easy as pie. There was blued Govt. Colt .45 acp at the local Walmart that was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen or held that wasn't female. I socked away $10-$20 a week until I had enough saved up for it; as I recall it was $600.

Sam
 
I started looking at the ad and reading the websites. I then stumbled upon two of the best little pistols I've ever put in my hand. The USPc and the Sig P225. I absolutely LOVED the USPc, it was kinda pricey but was a VERY nice heft (although it was a bit on the pricey side...). From my budge I had a few $$ left over so I looked at what fit my budget. I then stumbled upon the Sig P225. Again, it fit my hand Sssoooo nicely and was all metal. AND from reading about it, it was an absolute STEAL given the right price.

Now i'm hunting after a nice 1911, so we will see what happens.
-bix
 
Does the pistol fit your hand?
what type of cal. do you want? are you willing to pay the cost for that particular round?
what is the capacity on the mag, how many rounds does it hold?
read up on diffrent brands of pistols,calibers..
Price, quality, are you willing to pay the price,quality of pistol?

those are a few questions I asked myself when I purchased my first, and only pistol 4yrs. ago.. I been happy with my choice..

ISR
 
Shot nothing but .22 rifles and sporting clays with shotguns until I decided I wanted to learn how to shoot a pistol.

Decided it should probably be .22. Cheap ammo. I had plenty on hand. Perfect for target shooting, which is all I do.

Liked the revolvers, but I didn't know enough about them to know what to look for used, and new ones were too expensive. So I decided an auto pistol was it.

Can't remember how I found out about Ruger Mark IIs, but I did. Loved hearing all the positive remarks about them and their history. Saw the price was very affordable.

Went to the shop and held a 6" Standard model. Thought about holding out for a Target model but I figured fixed sights were good enough for my first pistol to learn on, and the price was great. Bought it.
 
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