Searching for a good first handgun
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WaMason
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I would suggest a Para Ordnance GI Expert 1911.
Affordable, usually around $500m, http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=150657444
I love mine, and a .45 in this size although large for a ccw, can be carried under a thick Carhart coat int he inside pocket if you wish.
Affordable, usually around $500m, http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=150657444
I love mine, and a .45 in this size although large for a ccw, can be carried under a thick Carhart coat int he inside pocket if you wish.
Chezbian, tell us what you're looking for. People will be pretty helpful when they know what your needs are.
1. Is it for target shooting or for defense?
2. Do you intend to carry it on you or is it for the home?
3. Do you have any experience with guns yet? Rifles? Pistols?
4. Are you rolling in dough or are you a poor student?
1. Is it for target shooting or for defense?
2. Do you intend to carry it on you or is it for the home?
3. Do you have any experience with guns yet? Rifles? Pistols?
4. Are you rolling in dough or are you a poor student?
weisse52
Member
As DR_2_B says, what are you looking at this for?
We can give lots of options.
But, as Rock says, try BEFORE you buy.
Never let someone else pick your firearms. We will always recommend what we like, and that may not work for you.
Deanimator
Member
1. Have you ever shot a handgun before?
2. What is your skill level with a handgun?
3. What do you intend to do with it?
If you actually want to learn to shoot well, I highly recommend a .22lr pistol like a Ruger MkII or a Browning Buckmark.
To shoot well, you need to learn the fundamentals, and it's easier to learn them if you're not worried about recoil and developing a flinch. You will also need to shoot a LOT if you want to develop your skills more quickly. I doubt you have reloading equipment, so that means that shooting .22lr will be much cheaper, allowing you to shoot more.
If the gun HAS to have self-defense utility, a .357 magnum revolver with adjustable sights is excellent, since you can shoot the lightest .38 Special wadcutter loads or the hottest .357 magnum defense and hunting ammunition. Adjustable sights allow you to adjust your sights to your point of aim, not vice versa.
My first handgun was a Series 70 Colt, but I'd been shooting .22lr target pistols for years before that.
2. What is your skill level with a handgun?
3. What do you intend to do with it?
If you actually want to learn to shoot well, I highly recommend a .22lr pistol like a Ruger MkII or a Browning Buckmark.
To shoot well, you need to learn the fundamentals, and it's easier to learn them if you're not worried about recoil and developing a flinch. You will also need to shoot a LOT if you want to develop your skills more quickly. I doubt you have reloading equipment, so that means that shooting .22lr will be much cheaper, allowing you to shoot more.
If the gun HAS to have self-defense utility, a .357 magnum revolver with adjustable sights is excellent, since you can shoot the lightest .38 Special wadcutter loads or the hottest .357 magnum defense and hunting ammunition. Adjustable sights allow you to adjust your sights to your point of aim, not vice versa.
My first handgun was a Series 70 Colt, but I'd been shooting .22lr target pistols for years before that.
i have been around guns all my life and am not scared of them or recoil. i have hunted with rifles from small varmint rifles up to a .300, and shotguns from .410 to 10 gauge. i have a really good aim with all of those. i have shot a few pistols and revolvers but not sure what they were. i plan on recreational use like target practice, hunting sidearm, and concealed weapon. I wont carry it too many places because i am a student and cant bring it to school. i am just looking to narrow some choices on popularity. also i have been looking at the Px4 storm pistols havent got to shoot one yet so does anyone have any experience with those. and ammunition isnt a problem, and my budget is around $1200 but if i find one i really like that is a little more i could just save a little longer.dont limit the possibilities to just what i have typed i would like to know an all around opinion also
David E
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It seems that nearly everyone that asks for recommendations for a first handgun seldom like, much less follow, the sage advice offered, but I"ll give it a go anyway.
The best first handgun is a .22
The most versatile handgun is a 4" .357 revolver. You may already know that any .357 revolver can also shoot .38 special. This allows the shooter to go from sedate paper punching loads throwing a 148 grain wadcutter @ 700 feet per second (fps) all the way to a black bear stopper load launching a 180 grain JHP @ 1200 fps and everything in between.
The best defensive handguns is......well, there are quite a few that would fit here, but in a semi-auto, the best caliber is 9mm for a beginner.
For $1200, I'd buy at least two handguns, one being a .22
Suitable .22's would include the Browning Buckmark and various incarnations of the Ruger .22 auto. A .22 revolver would be nice, but they generally cost more than a .22 semi-auto. You can find a new .22 for $300 or so without looking too hard. This leaves $900 for the second gun.
Since concealment isn't that much of an issue for you now, you could consider a 6" barreled .357. Buy a shoulder rig to conceal it on the rare occasion you'll want to. You can use the holster while hunting, also. The 4" barreled version would be easier to carry, but harder to shoot well due to a reduced sight radius. Not a big problem, really, it just requires more practice. Which would you do more, carry it or hunt with it? I'd select the barrel length based on that answer.
Suitable choices would be a Ruger GP-100 or a S&W 686. These can be found for $500 or so and are pretty much ready to go from the box.
That leaves you $400
You can either buy a more dedicated concealed carry piece like a S&W 442 for $350, or you can use the $400 to buy holsters and ammo and maybe a lesson or two. Being skilled with a long gun is one thing, but that doesn't mean it'll translate over to handgun shooting. Aside from the sight picture, it's a totally different dynamic.
The best first handgun is a .22
The most versatile handgun is a 4" .357 revolver. You may already know that any .357 revolver can also shoot .38 special. This allows the shooter to go from sedate paper punching loads throwing a 148 grain wadcutter @ 700 feet per second (fps) all the way to a black bear stopper load launching a 180 grain JHP @ 1200 fps and everything in between.
The best defensive handguns is......well, there are quite a few that would fit here, but in a semi-auto, the best caliber is 9mm for a beginner.
For $1200, I'd buy at least two handguns, one being a .22
Suitable .22's would include the Browning Buckmark and various incarnations of the Ruger .22 auto. A .22 revolver would be nice, but they generally cost more than a .22 semi-auto. You can find a new .22 for $300 or so without looking too hard. This leaves $900 for the second gun.
Since concealment isn't that much of an issue for you now, you could consider a 6" barreled .357. Buy a shoulder rig to conceal it on the rare occasion you'll want to. You can use the holster while hunting, also. The 4" barreled version would be easier to carry, but harder to shoot well due to a reduced sight radius. Not a big problem, really, it just requires more practice. Which would you do more, carry it or hunt with it? I'd select the barrel length based on that answer.
Suitable choices would be a Ruger GP-100 or a S&W 686. These can be found for $500 or so and are pretty much ready to go from the box.
That leaves you $400
You can either buy a more dedicated concealed carry piece like a S&W 442 for $350, or you can use the $400 to buy holsters and ammo and maybe a lesson or two. Being skilled with a long gun is one thing, but that doesn't mean it'll translate over to handgun shooting. Aside from the sight picture, it's a totally different dynamic.
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ABSOLUTELY! For that kind of money get a .22 to develop a flinch-free technique. Flinch is insidious and it will mess you up for a long time if you don't master it early. Plus depending on the model you choose, you might do some hunting with it.
$1200 is frankly more than you need. I'd resist the urge to spend more money expecting to get more gun. You can get a great defense handgun or hunting handgun for $500-$600.
Now for caliber, if you're wanting the handgun for hunting, I'd lean towards a .357 or larger in a revolver or a 10mm in auto. These days I'm lusting after the 10mm, myself. But the guns you'd use for hunting certainly won't be right for concealed carry. The calibers, yes. The particular models, no.
As for the Beretta, I don't know that a 9mm would be right for hunting, but it'd be great for other purposes. Sorry I don't have any personal experience with the PX4.
Let us know what you decide.
$1200 is frankly more than you need. I'd resist the urge to spend more money expecting to get more gun. You can get a great defense handgun or hunting handgun for $500-$600.
Now for caliber, if you're wanting the handgun for hunting, I'd lean towards a .357 or larger in a revolver or a 10mm in auto. These days I'm lusting after the 10mm, myself. But the guns you'd use for hunting certainly won't be right for concealed carry. The calibers, yes. The particular models, no.
As for the Beretta, I don't know that a 9mm would be right for hunting, but it'd be great for other purposes. Sorry I don't have any personal experience with the PX4.
Let us know what you decide.
David E
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The PX4 would be a poor choice for a first handgun. The DA pull is atrocious and the weapon handling protocols are more involved than with other guns.
A 10mm is not a good choice for a first handgun, either. It'll kick too much, regardless of your skill with a rifle.
A 10mm is not a good choice for a first handgun, either. It'll kick too much, regardless of your skill with a rifle.
Peter M. Eick
Member
One suggestion. Don't buy a cheap first gun. Get some quality, because the odds are this will be the gun you hold on the longest (remember it was your "first") so when you are in your later years of life and you are showing your grandkids how to shoot, you don't want to pull out some say "jennings" quality of gun to show them your "first" one.
Get some quality.
Get some quality.
hirundo82
Member
As others have said, for $1200 you can easily buy two quality handguns. The important thing is to try, preferably shoot, whatever you are considering buying before pulling the trigger (so to speak).
I agree that one should be a .22 to develop good shooting form with little recoil and inexpensive ammo. A number of companies make good semiauto .22's, with the most commonly mentioned being Ruger and Browning.
I also like the idea of a 9mm handgun for a beginner--practice ammo is relatively inexpensive, low recoil, and a good defensive caliber with the right ammo. Any number of makers make good 9mm handguns for $500-700--Glock, Springfield Armory, S&W, CZ, Ruger, and many more. My first handgun was a Glock 17, but if I were to do it again I would probably buy a Glock 19 first--a bit smaller so it conceals easier, but still large enough to shoot easily.
I agree that one should be a .22 to develop good shooting form with little recoil and inexpensive ammo. A number of companies make good semiauto .22's, with the most commonly mentioned being Ruger and Browning.
I also like the idea of a 9mm handgun for a beginner--practice ammo is relatively inexpensive, low recoil, and a good defensive caliber with the right ammo. Any number of makers make good 9mm handguns for $500-700--Glock, Springfield Armory, S&W, CZ, Ruger, and many more. My first handgun was a Glock 17, but if I were to do it again I would probably buy a Glock 19 first--a bit smaller so it conceals easier, but still large enough to shoot easily.
WaMason
Member
If you do end up with a .22 as your first, I would recomend AGAINST a Ruger Mark III.
My dad got me one, and I love it, it was my "first."
This being said, it was and is the hardest to field strip of all my firearms, EVER. In fact its the only one I have ever seen with the suggestion in the manual to "use a rubber mallet."
"Experts" will tell you that you need never field strip it, but after a few thousand rounds, you most certainly will want to take a look under the hood, and clean it up real nice, and with the Ruger, unless you luck out and get one of the ones that is smooth as butter, you wil be in for a pain in the butt.
I would opt for revolver in .22 with adjustable sights, or a single action ruger blackhawk in .357 with a 4 inch barrel.
Ruger blackhawk has nice adjustable sights, can be loaded with .38 special for negligible recoil to train against flinching, and can be had for under 400 used. I just shot my dads for the first time, and I LOVE the thing.
My dad got me one, and I love it, it was my "first."
This being said, it was and is the hardest to field strip of all my firearms, EVER. In fact its the only one I have ever seen with the suggestion in the manual to "use a rubber mallet."
"Experts" will tell you that you need never field strip it, but after a few thousand rounds, you most certainly will want to take a look under the hood, and clean it up real nice, and with the Ruger, unless you luck out and get one of the ones that is smooth as butter, you wil be in for a pain in the butt.
I would opt for revolver in .22 with adjustable sights, or a single action ruger blackhawk in .357 with a 4 inch barrel.
Ruger blackhawk has nice adjustable sights, can be loaded with .38 special for negligible recoil to train against flinching, and can be had for under 400 used. I just shot my dads for the first time, and I LOVE the thing.
Peter M. Eick
Member
If you have $1200, get a S&W 41 and get a nice grade target shooting gun that you can practice with. If you are going to get a Ruger, at least get an older one like my MK1 that you can break down with no tools in about 20 seconds. It sounds like the MK3's are much harder now-adays.
IdahoSkies
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My first hand gun was a .38 revolver and my second was a .22 revolver. The .22 got shot three times more than the .38. I second all the suggestions for a .22 lr (if you plan on carrying a pistol get a pistol, if you plan on carrying a revolver get a .22 lr in a revolver). Either way for a $1200 budget buy two guns or one gun with a conversion kit. Even with current day ammo prices you'll shoot that .22 way more.
Dr.Mall Ninja
Member
I am 22 and just got my first handgun last year,since then I have tried to learn as much about guns as possible (seems im way behind whenever i talk to people on these forums) everybody is going to recommend a 22lr because its easy to shoot, as a guy who was in your shoes the way i looked at it, i don't want a stickin 22 im no girl! so i went out and bought a 1911, learned to shoot the hard way flinching the whole day at the range many times over. do yourself a favor if you got 1200, buy your self a 22 and then a decent single action semi like a hi power or a 1911. One to get started into shooting with and the other to bring out when you feel like you need a little more power.
Franco
Member
May I ask why you're buying a handgun? That may affect the answer to your question. If this is simply to own and shoot one for the first time (targets, getting used to handguns, plinking, shooting frogs) then I would start with a low caliber "fun" gun. Maybe a 22LR revolver would be a good start. Simple, no recoil, inexpensive to shoot. There are some nice semi-autos out there too if you want practice with those types of weapons.
If, on the other hand, this is a self defense weapon, then you should get nothing less than a 38 +p. S&W make many fine models. You can buy 38special shells with low recoil loads for practice but use 38+p defense loads for defense purposes. I would avoid semi-autos because they require a lot of technical skill and practice in case they jam or produce ejection problems, etc. If it's your first, and it's for defense, I would stick with a revolver. Don't get anything over 41 caliber though. The 44mags and larger produce quite a bit of recoil. Although it's very manageable, it's also probably too much for your first gun.
Good luck and enjoy!
If, on the other hand, this is a self defense weapon, then you should get nothing less than a 38 +p. S&W make many fine models. You can buy 38special shells with low recoil loads for practice but use 38+p defense loads for defense purposes. I would avoid semi-autos because they require a lot of technical skill and practice in case they jam or produce ejection problems, etc. If it's your first, and it's for defense, I would stick with a revolver. Don't get anything over 41 caliber though. The 44mags and larger produce quite a bit of recoil. Although it's very manageable, it's also probably too much for your first gun.
Good luck and enjoy!
searcher451
Member
Don't buy anything without first trying it out. Go to a range that rents guns and test-drive any number until you run out of time and/or ammo. Bring your friends who own guns along and test-drive their favorites as well. Before long, you'll find a few that fit your hand and eye. Once you find them, spend the bulk of your time with those models and forget the rest. In time, one will stand out over all the others; that's the gun you want.
One other thing: Be sure to look at the Walther P99 with the AS trigger configuration.
One other thing: Be sure to look at the Walther P99 with the AS trigger configuration.
MacGuyver77
Member
PX4 full size in 9mm was my first. Great first time gun in a "defensive" caliber. Been dead reliable, soft recoil, and easy to field strip. I also agree with the 22lr recomendations.
KBintheSLC
Member
I agree that a good .22 is a great first pistol. Even with your said experience, you will still use it a lot. Though the .22 is not awe-inspiring, it will serve you well for the rest of your life. After nearly 30 years of shooting, I still use my .22's more than anything else.
Also, most 21 year olds I know cannot afford to shoot much with todays ammo prices. With the .22, you can spend all day at the range for $15-$20. On the other hand, $20 worth of 9mm ammo might last you maybe 30 minutes. $20 worth of 10mm ammo is like 2 mags in my G20. Maybe you can get a gun that has an available .22 conversion kit. Your budget seems to permit.
Remember, whatever you buy, you have to be able to feed it... that can be tough these days. Best of luck, stay safe, and happy shooting.
Also, most 21 year olds I know cannot afford to shoot much with todays ammo prices. With the .22, you can spend all day at the range for $15-$20. On the other hand, $20 worth of 9mm ammo might last you maybe 30 minutes. $20 worth of 10mm ammo is like 2 mags in my G20. Maybe you can get a gun that has an available .22 conversion kit. Your budget seems to permit.
Remember, whatever you buy, you have to be able to feed it... that can be tough these days. Best of luck, stay safe, and happy shooting.
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