How did you choose your first handgun purchase?

[OldCowHand]

Rented various ones at a local range until some patterns began to emerge. Liked the way the Ruger revolvers handled and shot, and ended up buying 4 of them in various calibers, but not all at once.

 

[Ivy Mike]

I was coming up on my 21st and had developed something of an infatuation with the Makarov pistols.
After I hit 21 I went to a gun show and a local dealer had a beautiful example made by Arsenal chambered in .380.
Bought it, still own it and still shoot it regularly.

 

[greyman01]

My first pistol was good luck. A retired WY Highway Patrolman needed blackberries cleared from his yard. Two days of hard work and I had a S&W model 19. Worn blue but mirror bore and tight lock-up. The most accurate handgun I've ever shot.

 

[22-rimfire]

My first was a 22 revolver. I liked revolvers as a kid and really didn't consider a semi-auto pistol at the time. I bought an inexpensive revolver, a H&R 999, shot it a couple of years and learned the ropes. I had no plans for another handgun of any kind then. Defense was not an issue. There were no ranges that rented handguns that I was aware of and there was no range period within a reasonable distance. We just headed to the woods and shot. Up to that point in my life, I had never shot a handgun of any caliber. After a few years and life had settled down a bit, I started buying Colt's. My first semi-auto was a High Standard Victor (22lr). It was not cheap. The H&R has disappeared a long time ago, but still have most of the Colts and the HS. Since that time, I have other semi-autos now, but my love has always been with 22 revolvers.

I was pretty frugal (read, cheap) and didn't understand why a Colt or Smith cost so much more than a High Standard, Charter Arms, Ruger, or H&R revolver at that time. There were no forums and you learn as you go. It is one of the reasons that I try not to be too hard on new shooters who are considering a Heritage Rough Rider 22. It is more important to take the plunge and begin to learn and shoot than it is to choose the ultimate handgun the first time out of the gate.

I recommend folks buy a 22 the first time and follow up with something like a 38spl, 9mm, 40 S&W, or 357 next depending on your preference for a revolver or semi-auto. Buy new first and then after you learn a few things, start looking at used guns. Nothing wrong with new guns. That is what keeps the wheels of commerce greased.

A carry gun was never a major deal for me even though I have a concealed carry permit. I do have several carry guns now. I have the permit because of the work I do and I have always liked to keep a handgun in my vehicle loaded. Loaded is illegal in my state unless you have a CCW permit. I just decided to get legal on the off chance it would cause me a problem in the future. I never carried then unless the situation that I was in placed me in potential danger and I had no choice as to being there.

 

[woad_yurt]

My first handgun was a black powder .41 caliber Derringer repro kit. I got it because it was the only thing I could afford and get through mail order at 12-13 years old. I still have it.

 

[txgolfer45]

I got my initial training from a nationally ranked IDPA competitor. Tried his Glock 19 and ended up buying one for myself.

Scott

 

[rcmodel]

My first handgun in 1960 was based only on price.

I had $20.00 saved up, and my gun shop had a nice S&W 1917 for $25.00.

We split the differance and I got it for $22.50 the next payday.


rcmodel

 

[texas bulldog]

i knew i wanted a HD handgun. it was sitting in the used case in good condition and at the right price. it was a revolver, which my wife is more comfortable with. it was from a well-known manufacturer with a good reputation.

SOLD!


i put a bit more thought and research into it nowadays...

 

[CajunBass]

The first issue of "Guns and Ammo" magazine I ever saw, back in the late 60's had a picture of a Smith & Wesson Model 19, "357 COMBAT MAGNUN" with a 4 " barrel on the cover. I knew right then THAT would be my first handgun.

It was a few years later.

Like an idiot I traded it off. :banghead:

But at least I traded it off for a Colt 1911, 45. Satin nickle, black Pachmeyer grips.

Which I don't have anymore either. :banghead:

 

[Black Adder LXX]

I bought mine the 'wrong' way. I didn't even know any gun boards until after I bought my first. I went to a gun shop and paid too much for my Beretta 90-two. I knew the Beretta reputation, and went with what I remembered from the Army, so I ended up with good pistol, but I went for brand recognition (known quality) and fit/feel. If I had it to do over again, I'd still probably get the same gun, but I would have bought it someplace else... That was the only gun I bought without research though. Every one I've added since, I've gotten great deals and ones that were commonly known as the 'best bang for the buck' so I guess I broke even in the end...

 

[cbailey]

I spent a lot of mental energy in selecting my first center-fire handgun back when I was 21 (I had previously inherited a Ruger .22 Single six convertible). As I couldn’t afford more than one pistol, I wanted something very versatile. I ended up selecting a 3” Ruger SP101 in .357 magnum. It was pleasant to shoot with .38 Specials, and easy to shoot accurately single-action - awesome little plinker. Plenty powerful for defense with .357 magnums. Small enough to carry easily, if a little heavy. After a couple of years I decided that more round capacity would be neater, so I sold it to fund a .40 S&W, and have regretted it ever since.

If I was new to handguns today and looking for a first center fire pistol, I’d really consider a 9mm, simply due to factory ammo cost. While I prefer to shoot my .45 acp‘s, I reload for all of those (and even then it’s become ridiculously expensive).

Essentially, unless your open for a .22lr, I’d look for a reliable and durable 9mm pistol produced by a major manufacture that fits your hand well. I think just about any model from a big-name brand will have sufficient mechanical accuracy. I really think that handling a pistol is important in the decision to purchase. Others might argue that you should be able to adapt, but in the long run I have always been happier with the guns that felt “right” to begin with.

 

[commygun]

I would consider this folly nowdays but I went into a gun shop, told the owner I was interested in buying a pistol but didn't know much about them. He could have really screwed me, but I walked out with a like-new Colt Trooper Mk III .357 for $250. It was an excellent pistol and I wish I had kept it.