whats a good first timer handgun

[never know]

I recently turnned 21 and am on the prowl for a reliable not too pricy handgun. I am a student so am on a budget and was thinking about buying a used glock prehaps a glock 17. Im intrested in using this gun for target shooting and a home protection but more for target shooting. I would apprecieate any opnions on all guns and what you guys/ gals think i should try or look into getting .
thanks
tyler

 

[Cliff47]

A general rule of thumb is does the pistol fit your grip well, and can you operate the controls without too much hand contortion? Having passed that test, is the caliber of sufficient power that you can protect your home/loved ones? Is ammunition of a reasonable cost (for practice, practice, practice), and in sufficient varieties (some handguns are finicky about loading/firing certain brands of ammunition). Given it is a semi-auto design, can you acquire additional magazines at a reasonable price (you said you were a college student, and I remember my budget at that time...tight).

That said, I would look at a steel-framed 9 m/m compact(or semi-compact) with a double-stack magazine, and some form of positive manual safety. The choice of platform is up to you, try some out at a local range where they rent firearms to find out what fits your grip best.

With that on the record, shoot safely and enjoy.

 

[Maverick7340]

Check out a Ruger P95. It's a great gun if it fits your hand.

 

[symr00]

I would say a nice used S&W 357 or 38 special revolver. I know most younger folks shy away from wheelguns, myself included but they are great learning tools. They are basically 100% reliable which is what you want in a self-defense gun and after learning the DA trigger pull, you will be a pro should you venture over to semi autos.
However, for cheap ammo and target shooting 9mm will be slightly cheaper than .38 special but unlike a revolver you need to buy mags. The G17 or G19 if you ever plan on CCW are both superb handguns and are often available as police trade-ins just like the older S&W wheelguns.

 

[real_name]

For range and target shooting in general you would be well served with a .22, especially if it is a first gun as there is a school of thought that shooting .22 first encourages good habits.
But if you also require that the gun helps you sleep at night, but you still want affordable range time without doing reloads, you would probably prefer 9mm.
There are many guns in each caliber.
The Glock 9mm platform is a very good start point, but any of the similar polymer pistols may suit your needs, it has a lot to do with how the gun fits and how much you can spend.
Whatever you buy remember this, it is only the first gun. There will be many more. If it isn't exactly what you need for all purposes (and most guns aren't) then use it for what it is good at and get another gun later on. With that in mind you might want to get a .22 first.

 

[RustyFN]

CZ. Very comfortable, shoots great and holds 16 + 1

 

[Ditchtiger]

first handgun

get a wheelgun, you will get to play with it more than an auto-loader. Like no one gets a sports car with an automatic transmission. Different line of thought but still, revolvers are more user friendly

 

[10-Ring]

As a first gun, I usually recommend a 22lr DAO wheelgun...will allow you to get more trigger time and tune your skills.

 

[MatthewVanitas]

If it's 95% for target shooting, and only 5% for home defense, go with a .22 pistol. Here in Austin, Browning and Ruger .22 semi-autos (great US-made brands) can be had in the low 200s, and the new S&W 22 auto is often $189 or so (though new, a great model).

.22 is way better than a baseball bat for home defense, for deterrent effect especially, but not ideal. However, quality .22 pistols are affordable, and the ammo is dirt cheap (2c per shot)

If you want to own just _one_ gun for now, and it has to be powerful enough for decent home defense, get any reputable 9mm semi-auto or .38 or .357 revolver. Most of the good possibilities have been mentioned above. I especially like CZ, and they can be bought for as low as $350 here in Austin. Easily as good as a Glock or XD, but a solid C-note less in price.

Try out different guns' fit in your hands, rent the ones that feel best and shoot them, and buy the one that shoots the best.

-MV

 

[Furncliff]

Another vote for the .2cal.. There are some really good used .22 auto's out there. My choice would be Hi-Standard, one that was made in the 50's 60's 70's at one of the two CT. plants. These are appreciating in value (depending on the model) and are very well made very accurate pistols that are fun to shoot. And you'll always come back to the .22, it's the one I shoot every-time I'm out shooting.



Ammo cost: .22 > .01-1.5cents per round cheap fun

 

[ronto]

The very first thing you should do is take a course in gun safety.
Then I would suggest a 22LR revolver for a first handgun. The ammo is cheap enough to allow for plenty of practice. A revolver is relatively mechanically trouble-free ,not ammo-sensitive, and not subject to operator errors such as limp-wristing. The last thing you need is to become frustrated with your first handgun.
As far as a home defensive round is concerned, a 22LR is not a good choice, but it's better than nothing.
You may want to check your local gun and pawn shops for a good used 12 GA. pump shotgun for home defense and you'll always have that base covered regardless of what type of handgun you eventually choose. I've seen some in my area for as low as $75. Good Luck.

 

[ugaarguy]

Make sure the gun fits first; here's a great article on how to do that http://www.corneredcat.com/FirstGun/TryOnGun.htm. That website is maintained by THR Moderator PAX, and is full of useful information. Beyond the gun fit a good revolver in 38 special or 357 Magnum is a great choice; grips can be easily changed to tailor the fit to your hand. An auto loader in 9mm is also a great choice for its combination of low ammo cost and good defensive chambering. I also highly recommend the .22 suggestions. From personal experience the DA revolver will help you shoot better. I bought a revolver after several years of shooting autos, and one I got desent with the wheelgun my auto shooting also improved. Finally, welcome to THR.

 

[eastwood44mag]

Not a .45. Seriously, everyone gets a .45 first (myself included), and then has a terrible time learning how to shoot. I'd say avoid anything with a polymer frame, since you won't be able to change the grips (correct me if there is an exception). Muzzle heavy, 4.5 inch (or less) barrel, and a DA possibility, if you plan to use it as a defensive gun.

Best of luck.

 

[joneb]

I'll say a Browning Buckmark of some sort, everyone needs a .22 lr handgun

 

[SeanSw]

.22 revolver. Nothing is more fun or less expensive to shoot.

 

[greener]

The first handgun, unless you are looking for personal defense, on a student budget should probably be a .22. You can get them at a comparatively low cost, the ammo is much less expensive than the larger calibers unless you go for the high-dollar target loads. Still those are less expensive than most of the low-end higher caliber rounds. What other firearm can go out and shoot 500 rounds for $10?

I have an S&W 22A, Ruger MKIII Hunter and Ruger Single Six. For the money, the 22A is probably the best of the lot. Find one that feels good when you hold it and meets your budget. My guess is that it will shoot better than you do at least for a while. My personal preference would be handguns with adjustable sights or metal fixed sights. I'd stay away from plastic sights. There are decent .22 handguns out there, new, from $150 to over $1000. It's hard to say which one is better.

Of my 3, the one I like best changes daily. However, the Single Six is fast closing the gap on being the most fun to shoot. Next weekend, I probably will add to my handgun collection. I will go with the intent of buying a 9mm, .40 or .45 cal. Will probably find a .22 that strikes my fancy and buy it.

 

[yongxingfreesty]

first handgun was a glock19, loved it for a while then hated it. get a cz plain and simple and reliable.

 

[FrogClan]

I recently turnned 21 and am on the prowl for a reliable not too pricy handgun. I am a student so am on a budget and was thinking about buying a used glock prehaps a glock 17. Im intrested in using this gun for target shooting and a home protection but more for target shooting. I would apprecieate any opnions on all guns and what you guys/ gals think i should try or look into getting .
thanks.

Welcome Tyler. If this is your first gun, and you plan on getting at least one more sometime later on, I would start with a .22. It will be much cheaper to shoot and a lot of fun. Starting with a .22 also helps avoid developing bad habits and lets you focus on marksmanship. While revolvers have much to recommend them (and I prefer them for defensive use myself) if an autoloader is what you want, then get an autoloader. My favorite autoloading .22 is Ruger's 22/45. They started with Mark I and are now up to Mark III. You can usually find a good used Mark II at decent price if you shop around. Here is what the Mark III looks like.

Ruger's Web Site

If you don't think you'll get a second gun later on, or you really don't want to start with the .22, then that Glock 17 is a good choice.

Here is some good advice on choosing a first gun (.22):

http://www.chuckhawks.com/first_handgun.htm

Here is some good advice on what to look for in a used gun:

http://www.chuckhawks.com/used_handgun.htm

While a .22 is a good first gun, and great for target shooting, it is not a good choice for home defense. Here are some ideas on home defense guns:

http://www.chuckhawks.com/handgun_home_defense.htm

 

[weregunner]

There has been great advice given so far. Have to come down on the side that states one should begin with a good 22 rimfire. All the reasons for this have been posted so far. If you find out you don't like the centerfire pistol you purchase then you are stuck with it and wait until you can get another. Try revolvers and semi-auto versions before you buy. Good advice can be had by knowledgeable people at ranges and gun stores. Look,research,and listen to what others may say. There are even good beginners books at the local public libraries. Taking a basic course, by a certified instructor, who can start you off on the safe fundementals is a good start. Go to www.nra.org and click on the education and training area. This will get you to the people who can tell you where in your location one can find certified basic courses. One does not have to be a NRA member to participate. These could be classroom style or one teacher and one pupil contact. This may help educate you on your choice of firearm. Try to use or handle as many makes of revolver and auto as possible to see what fits you. Smith&Wesson, Ruger,Taurus,Browning, and other companies make excellent starter guns. There are many other makers as well. So, good luck and keep us posted on your choice and any experience you do aquire.

 

[slicknickns]

A Glock 17 is a very good pick, get the .22 later if you like the Glock get it, it will serve you better than a .22.

I've decided that when i turn 21 i'm gonna go with a 4" S&W used .357.

 

[SilverState]

G17

 

[weregunner]

Have to learn the good fundementals without bad habits and cheaply with little distraction. Twenty twos are excellent for this. Centerfires can be used right away,but have many problems associated with them. More recoil and muzzle blast can cause flinch problems that will need major correcting. If one already has positive centerfire experience than go with the centerfire guns if so desired. Twenty twos pistols and revolvers can be used as understudy guns. One can still practice the same skills as with the centerfire pistols and sharpen them more cheaply and with less physical stress. So, pick what you will and enjoy. Good luck.

 

[Oregongundude]

The glock 17 9 mm was my first handgun and it's a good place to start.

The Glock 17 9 mm is a legend in 9 mm's and it's very reliable and easy to shoot. it's doesn't have much kick and it's has many mods available. Mine has the night sights, and a lasermax internal laser sight. I have fired over 2000 rounds through that handgun and it will never fail you when you need it. For self defense, get some good JHP's like winchester ranger rounds 127 +p+ SXT you can find them on the internet. I get mine at www.surplusammo.com, but there are other sites you can find them.

The Glock 17 9 mm was the first Glock that started the Glock legend of reliability. You can't go wrong with that handgun and I have a couple of 33 round mags for it for practice. The 9 mm practice ammo is very cheap and the 9 mm is a good self defense handgun as well coming standard with 17 round mags.

the only other Glock I would get instead is the fully automatic Glock 18 if I could find one I would buy it in a heart beat.

 

[Angry Infidel]

Have you done much shooting?

If you are experienced, a centerfire pistol like the glock you mentioned is fine. If you haven't much shooting experience, I also vote for a .22 pistol.

A pistol is harder to shoot well than a rifle or shotgun. Recoil isn't as big a deal with a pistol, they don't kick that much compared to long guns, just don't go getting a .44 Mag or a .454 as your first . A friend of mine years ago bought a Ruger Vaquero as his first pistol and it was a real problem for him to get used to, and he was an experienced hunter too. 30-06 didn't bother him, but the Ruger did.

Someone wrote before to make sure the pistol fits your hand well. Thats good advice, if you can hold it two handed and line up the sights, and then close your eyes and relax, and then open them again and still have the sights mostly lined up, then it's good. Also, see how big your hand is in relation to the grip size, if you can engage the trigger with the pad of your trigger finger, then you should be fine. I myself tried a glock 21 for a couple of years and didn't have much luck with it, for instance, because I kept having to shift my grip to get to the controls and trigger, so my shooting grip wasn't very consistent.

 

[sm]

Agree with Older .22 revolver , and learning to shoot Double Action.

Next up, Older Model 10, and again learning to shoot Double Action. This is a dedicated .38spl. Unlike the .22, you can dryfire all you want. Put a dime on the front sight (or top of barrel) and learn / practice dryfiring that gun and the dime not falling off.

Gun fit, is simple to you, by simply trying various stocks. Get the gun fit, take a NRA course or some other basic handgun course. Get a seasoned shooter to teach, give lessons.

Learning to shoot a revolver double action only , will make you a better shooter no matter if you do choose to shoot a semi later on.

Speer Plastic training bullets are great additional practice, then use light wadcutter loads.

Gun fit, and learning the correct basic fundamentals is the key to shooting well. Start out by learning to shoot DA only with a revolver is a huge benefit.

Good shooters are made - not born - Misseldine.