newb needing advice

[Old krow]

I would find a local Rent-A-Gun range and try out a bunch of guns for yourself.

That's the way to go. Go to a range and start shooting some of them, you'll be glad you did.

9mm is the most economical way to go in centerfire handguns. Plenty of ammo and it's cheap. You can usually pick up a 9mm in a polymer gun cheaper than just about anything else. Cheaper ammo = more ammo. I'd take a Hi Power over Glock personally, unless it was a CCW, then I'd take the Glock.

I'd say that my first choice might be a .357 and use .38 spl for the range. IMHO you'll learn more about trigger control on a smooth DA revolver. I do not believe that this is going to be the most economical route to go though.

 

[Shadow 7D]

High point .40 or 9mm
inexpensive (can be found for less 100 used)
and usually quite capable, down size is weigh and size, but those don't matter for what you want.

 

[54lariat]

Hi,

I am looking at getting a handgun. It will be used primarily for home protection, but I know myself and when I get a gun I am going to want to shoot and I am very competitive by nature, so it would not surprise me one bit if I became interested in one of the shooting sports. A friend of mine that (I think) knows guns said some sort of 9mm would be good. He said a glock or browning hipower. What are some suggestions that would be both a good protection and a decent starting sport gun?

I am 25 and have not shot a gun since early teenage years.

Thank you in advance for the suggestions.

John

U in Ft worth by chance, if so let's go to the rang and I have about 8 diff types u can try

 

[goon]

Still see no reason to go with something really cheap like a Hi-point when you can have a used Ruger P-95 for maybe $250 in good used shape. I'm sure there are also other decent options for not much more than a Hi-point. Granted, I haven't owned one and the one I shot did work OK, but given the choice, I'd definitely take something else.
Economical is great, but you just don't skimp on some things - good boots, flowers for your woman, brake shoes, and quality firearms - sometimes it's just better to spend a little money to be sure it's right.

And if you go the revolver route, I agree on a good .357. Practice with .38 Special until you're confident is a good idea and there are some decent .38 Special defensive loads available. I wouldn't suggest only shooting .38's and loading it with .357 for defense. If you do that, at least shoot some of them to know how they're going to act in your gun. Personally, my general CCW load is the Speer 135 grain short barrel load - which basically makes my .357 act like a hot .38. I'm OK with that and usually carry that unless I happen to have 158 grain loads already in it for some reason.

 

[54lariat]

Yea no hipoint, skimp on the paper towels but not the TP!!
try you some all polymer guns, XD's and Glocks , then some all metal guns, Sig's , 1911's and so on, go to a store and touch them all. Heh heh

 

[TrickyDick]

Well, I have aa 1911 A1 and its nice, ammo is expensive though. However, i have qualified with a military beretta 92, and although i'm not a 9mm fan, it is a very nice pistol. I'm actually considering buyng one for sporting, not so much for self defense. Just try out some guns first, But I would highly recommend a beretta 92; they're quality, accurate and an all around nice pistol. 9mm is cheaper than .45, but they also make a .40 version as well.