First Handgun

[Oceanbob]

First gun and only one gun?

My choice would be a Glock 17.

Second choice would be a wheel in .357, probably a Ruger or Smith.

Love 1911s but not for a first gun.

Good luck OP....

[Port Authority]

'Only one gun' sounds like you want a defensive weapon that is also light enough to carry and fun enough to enjoy at the range.

My 4" SP101 is much lighter than the GP100 and is still fun to shoot even magnum rounds through.

38 +p rounds make it a kittycat and straight 38's are a bore.

I take it boating and buggying and it's just a treat.

I've shot snakes, the bad kind, and chased away loose dogs in the woods.

I know I could take a charging hog w/ it.

I have others; bigger, heavier revolvers and autoloaders, but if it were just to be one affordable one, it would be my SP101.

If your experience is newbie, a revolver might be best.

Port

[redhemi]

My first gun was a GP100 and I still have it. I now also have 7 1911s of different calibers and sizes besides other pistols and revolvers.

Get the GP, learn how to shoot it well and enjoy it then get a 1911.

[tbc]

I personally would pick the HK USP compact 9mm, for one handgun that does all, but it a little bit above $700.

For under $700 and on CA handgun roster, my vote is the Glock G19 generation 3. It is light, durable, accurate, easy to maintain, and reliable.

[Carcassonne]

Hello guys.
I'm trying to decide which handgun to buy right now...
I can't say for sure, but I'm currently 99% positive that this will end up being my only handgun purchase.

Being a Cali resident I want to buy something that's:
1. 10 round or less max capacity.
2. Less than $700

So far, the candidates are:
1. SA 1911
2. Ruger 357 mag
3. Glock 43

Could you guys please give me some inputs as to which you would choose?

If you are in California, and not an LEO, you will have a problem getting a G43.


.

[edgalang]

First and potentially be the "one and only" gun?

Then whatever you choose, it should be a 9mm. 9mm IMO is the ideal first caliber for any shooter in the event it becomes the "one and only".

Good luck with your journey OP...however the fact that you joined CalGuns, I doubt this will be your "one and only".

Hmm...I just looked at your profile...
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 103

With 103 posts already, no way is this going to be your "one and only". CalGuns have already sucked you in. LOL

[brian5271]

Go to a range that rents guns and rent a bunch of different guns, then buy the one you like to shoot the most. The only wrong answer is buying a gun YOU don't like.

Don't let other people tell you what is a good or bad first gun. Nothing wrong with a 1911, nothing wrong with a revolver, nothing wrong with etc.

[clunkmess]

Being that this is California, I vote for Beretta 92fs!

[Vinny The Chin]

I see 3 very different guns listed. Why not narrow down what you like to shoot and get that?

[tankton]

First and potentially be the "one and only" gun?

Then whatever you choose, it should be a 9mm. 9mm IMO is the ideal first caliber for any shooter in the event it becomes the "one and only".

Good luck with your journey OP...however the fact that you joined CalGuns, I doubt this will be your "one and only".

Hmm...I just looked at your profile...
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 103

With 103 posts already, no way is this going to be your "one and only". CalGuns have already sucked you in. LOL

LOL!

Don't break his/her rationalization for beginning this addiction buying a handgun!

[Sutcliffe]

It's hard to end up with just one.

That said, I think a good, double action revolver in .357 will offer far more utility as a general shooting instrument. The .45 is iconic, but is a harder gun to master than the revolver. The ruger will digest any ammo you want and do it all day long. Auto's are a bit more finicky and in need of maintenance. The ruger will outlast your grandchildren.

[ywhuh86]

What about glock 26?

[Coyotegunner]

I own several 1911s,Sigs,SS Revolvers.
Only one gun?I would stick with one of my Glocks.17 or 19.

[drdren]

Go to LA Gun Club in downtown LA. Rent both and decide on the one you love.
You can't go wrong with 1911 or 357 Ruger. I have 1911 and s&w n frame 357. They are my favorites of all my weapons.
Like others said, 1911 is great if you like tinkering. Good luck.
They only real advice I can offer is, BUY BOTH! You will never regret it. Find the money and do it.
Btw, 1911 was my first handgun

[Sunday]

The 357 will allow the use of 38 special [ lower recoil] and for a semi I would suggest a 9mm[ lower recoil]. A higher recoiling caliber will only teach you how to flinch and blink. Which are bad habits that hinder accuracy and you will have to fight the rest of your shooting life.