whats a good first timer handgun

[cbsbyte]

A 500 S&W will quickly teach you the finer point of firearm shooting.

All Joking aside, personally if you are new to shooting, then for a first handgun I would look at a .22 LR pistol. It is cheap to use, accurate and you can learn proper shooting technique without worrying about recoil or spending alot of money on ammo. I second the recommendation of the Ruger Mark series 22LR pistols. they are very reliable, inexpensive, and accurate. There are also many other fine .22 LR pistols on the market. Then after you feel confident with that you can move to the next level, and buy either a 9mm auto or .357 Mag revolver(to shoot .38 specials). If you have some experience with handguns and are just looking to buy a first handgun then you should just buy a .357 mag revolver. If you don't desire a revolver then a 9mm auto will do nicely. IMHO, This this the best way, to get into shooting.

 

[kmrcstintn]

a timeless ??? with no 'right or wrong' answer

***There is no single correct answer or recommendation for your inquiry...you need to ponder some points first...trust me, I didn't and I am in debt from buying, selling, trading, and buying more (over and over again)***

1) don't just consider 'now'...consider your wants/needs about 1 year down the road

2) do you desire to have just 1 'all around' handgun or do you desire to use this first one as an introduction and plan to add to collection later on

3) have you had an itch for a long time and definitely know that this is going to be more than a passing fancy for you

My current selections and why:

Smith Wesson Model 19 .357 magnum w/ 4" barrel:
the same type of revolver my father had for years (he traded it before I had enough cash to buy his gun); I plan on shooting more .38's than magnums from it; I use it for range practice, home defense, a sidearm while hiking or scouting, and a backup weapon during hunting deer

Smith Wesson Model 642 .38 spl +p snubby:
CCW defensive revolver--plain & simple; some range practice; lightweight hiking or car stash gun

Beretta 9000S 9mm parabellum:
because it is a semiauto that I haven't bought and traded off like in the past; home defense, vehicle gun, range practice

Remington 870 12 gauge pump shotgun:
deer slug gun; home defense; recreational trap gun later on

***I have owned handguns in various sizes, shapes, and weights from a whole bunch of manufacturers in the following chamberings: .22LR, .32 acp, .38 spl, .38 spl +p, .357 magnum, 9mm parabellum, .40 S&W .44 spl, .44 magnum, .45 acp***

I have grown into a collection based on purpose and practicality; the choice of calibers is based on affordability, practical usage, and affordability; whatever you decide, good luck and have fun...but be practical and think things through first

 

[Headless]

9mm semiauto if you intend to also use for home protection; a .22 pistol is fun for plinking but i would prefer something a bit beefier for in the home.
My advice:
S&W 59xx series (5906?), or similar (659, etc.)
or
Beretta 92
or
.38 special revolver such as the s&w model 642, or if you want a 6-shot, go for the larger model 10, model 64, etc.