recommendations for first handgun?

[mdauben]

Price under $550
I would like one to do some target shooting, and maybe hunting as well.
For practice I guess I would definitely prefer one caliber with cheap, abundant ammo
Reliable, that saves a lot of hassle for beginners I think...

Honestly, what you are describing sounds like a .357 magnum revolver. You can find used a Ruger GP100 in that price range (you might even be able to find a new one, if you are lucky!). Its built like a tank, utterly reliable, can shoot (relativly) inexpensive .38 special ammo, and with care and the right bullets can be used on game up to deer size (although some consider it marginal in that use).

Right now what I have in mind is Glock gen4 G23 or G32.

I love my Glocks (I own several) and think they are first rate defensive firearms. Their accuracty tend to be "good enough" though, and not really what I would want for pure target shooting or hunting.

.40, .45 Auto, .357 auto can deliver enough energy, but the trajectory of .45 auto is not that ideal beyond 50 yards(too much drop).

None of these are particularly long-range cartridges and all of them tend to be somewhat expensive unless you reload. They are all capable defensive rounds, but none of them would be my first (or even second) choice for target shooting or hunting. The 9mm is about the cheapest centerfire pistol round and is often chosen for pure target shooting for that reason. Most of the people I've heard from who want to use a semiauto for hunting tend to gravitate to the more powerful 10mm, which is even more expensive and harder to find than the options you listed.

 

[callenlee]

I'm not sure how eastern tn you're wanting to stay, but I'm in sevierville and there is an indoor range here that rents handguns. I know there is definitely one in knoxville, and I think maybe a second but I've not been and couldn't say for certain. I can provide links/info if you're interested.