First Pistol

[Sir Toast]

Really you're suggesting a 1911 was a choice for a 1st gun for some one new to guns? What's wrong with this suggestion?

Triple

I learned on a 1911 government model. Worked well for me. Very easy to use. Designed by a dude who knew a lot about guns. If you can operate a Glock, you can operate a 1911, . . . no? Same for a Baretta or Sig.

I thought it was a good suggestion. Please, out of curiosity, why is it a bad suggestion? (I have a young boy who is learning with a Sig Mosquito and I don't want to make a dumb mistake by giving him a 1911 government model, if it is a mistake that is.)

[nothingextra]

A Springfield Loaded in 9mm wouldn't be a bad way to go.
That said, I firmly believe that if you are getting into any hobby, do it a lot.
22lr revolver would be cheap to shoot a lot.

[madoka]

With 9mm back on the table, and the fact he mentioned eventually being able to CCW, I'm now changing what I'm looking at to Compact 9mms(we have big hands, no sub).

I own almost every gun on your list in their 9mm versions and many of them in 40.

With that said, you can't go wrong with a Glock 19.

If you want to go a bit fancier since it's your first, then Sig P226.

[RogerOrange]

Browning Buckmark .22LR

[squeeze]

Do not buy before you try. Call ranges and ask what guns they rent in 9mm AND 40cal. You rent one, pop rents the other (same exact model). Do a shoot off trading every so often. Repeat the above drill many times. BTW if you really want a bigger caliber-try a 45cal 1911 or ??. Many guns come in all three calibers e.g. PX Storm.
After renting quite a few guns; figure out what you want a gun for e.g. target, competition or self defense. Usually different guns.
Also as someone above suggested; consider a 22LR pistol. You learn shooting at about 10 cents/shot. My Browning Buckmark is soooooo sweet.
Just noticed you are in Sacramento. There is a fairly new place called "The Gun Range" or "The Range" at Watt and 80. Looks nice. I stopped in last Sunday. WOW, I counted 30 people waiting to shoot. I go through Sac. every so often to Tahoe. If you can arrange some during the week maybe we could meet there. I have a few 9's. Two of which you named: Storm and PPQ. Said Buckmark and a Wilson 1911. Have fun

[steelholder]

Dont listen to anyone who says to steer clear from 40 it can be a great round if YOU like it. Shoot the guns first then refine your list.

[Erion929]

9mm.....Glock 17/19 or a CZ75B

[TripleThreat]

.... Please, out of curiosity, why is it a bad suggestion? (I have a young boy who is learning with a Sig Mosquito and I don't want to make a dumb mistake by giving him a 1911 government model, if it is a mistake that is.)

Single actions only "tend" to be on a hair trigger (I thought everyone knew that?).

1911's don't have a decocker of any sort and it's the only handgun that I know that of, where a trigger needs to be pulled while manipulating the hammer to make safe....which creates a lot less room for error for anyone, moreover a beginner.

Fast forward 100 plus years to today guns, you can get a decocker and/or double action that does not require pulling the trigger while trying to hold on to the hammer on a loaded chamber and/or when trying to make safe.

Triple

[ElDub1950]

With 9mm back on the table, and the fact he mentioned eventually being able to CCW, I'm now changing what I'm looking at to Compact 9mms(we have big hands, no sub).

Don't think too much about CCW and going for smaller guns just yet. Start will a full size gun to develop proficiency and use for your various training classes. Then when you get ready for a CCW, you'll be much better prepared to select the right gun. And you'll still have a great full sized gun for range time and HD.

Also, big hands don't eliminate subcompacts. I've got big ol ham hands and love the Glock 26, XDs9 and Shield. They're easy to shoot.

[Sir Toast]

Single actions only tend to be on a hair trigger (I thought everyone knew that?)

They don't have a decocker of any sort and it's the only hand gun I know that trigger needs to be pulled while manipulating the trigger to make safe. which creates a lot less room for error for anyone, moreover a beginner.

Fast forward 100 plus years to today guns, you can get a decocker and/or double action that does not require pulling the trigger while trying to hold on to the hammer on a loaded chamber and/or when trying to make safe.

Triple

Thanks Triple. Points well taken. No response, not out of disrespect, but because I don't want to thread hijack anymore than I already have.

[Mossy Man]

Hows it going Calgunners!?

I'm going to be turning 21 in May, and going to be purchasing my first pistol, and my Father would like to get a matching one with me. We decided on the 40S&W caliber. I haven't had much experience with pistols myself, and my Dad has really only ever used revolvers.

Ok I kind of stopped reading there.

Not to be an ***, but since both of you are new at semi-autos, you'll both be better served by going with 9mm, 8 days out of the week and three times on Sunday.

[Endless]

Hows it going Calgunners!?

I'm going to be turning 21 in May, and going to be purchasing my first pistol, and my Father would like to get a matching one with me. We decided on the 40S&W caliber. I haven't had much experience with pistols myself, and my Dad has really only ever used revolvers. So I made a list of what pistols we should go check out, and was wondering your opinion about all of them on the list. I do not know if they are all on roster. Also, if they're are some really bad ones that I should stay away from let me know!

Also just some general input about what ones we should pay extra attention too, and what ones you think are the best.

HK VP40/USP
Sig P226/229/250/320
Glock 22/23
FNX/S 40
Beretta PX4 Storm
Walther PPQ M2
CZ PO7/P09/75

Update:
I already had the idea for going to the store and checking the guns out. The list was originally created to ask people at shops, and to finger blast the guns. I see a lot of hate towards .40, and all the love towards 9mm. I just spoke with him and he isn't set on .40 like I thought he was. I would like to add I have shot some pistols. .357 revolver, .45 XD, .45 1911. I haven't really had any experience with 9m, or .40 for that matter. With 9mm back on the table, and the fact he mentioned eventually being able to CCW, I'm now changing what I'm looking at to Compact 9mms(we have big hands, no sub). He seems to be in love with American brands, but I'm going to try and get him to check out some imports. A lot of you are also saying we shouldn't get matching firearms. The idea behind it is to have a nice pistol that we'll both bond over, and be able to learn together.

Go with the HK or Sig. I have never been a fan of any of the others. To me HK and Sig are superior and I have shot every one of them on your list and some where used in official duties. Some of them on your list are very inexpensive which is another plus if you are on a budget.

My first hand gun was a Sig Sauer then I went HK and never looked back. I have tried the others like I said just not a fan.

[Eljay]

I'd say try the Glocks and you'll either love or hate them. May as well find that out now. If you go 9mm (and you should) see if the 17 or 19 fit your hand better.

Once you've done that rent a Sig 226 and see how that feels in comparison and maybe a CZ. Those are both full sized guns and heavier which is nicer to shoot, harder to conceal.

Basically if you don't like one of those you probably won't like anything else either and should shift gears - get revolvers, rifles, or just get the Glock because it's cheapest.

From your update since you're thinking maybe CCW some day but you don't want a true subcompact I'm guessing a Glock G19 is going to be your best bet.

[BucDan]

I can't help but see that people that suggest .40, I'd say go full 10mm if that's the case! But I'm with everyone else on this one, I'd grab a nice 9mm or a 45. Something that will be pleasant to shoot each time you go.

[uhlan1]

If you have any thoughts of getting into competition go CZ 75 or SP 01 or a Glock 17 or 34. Advantage of either platform is they are easily upgraded.