Advice, New guy

[phantomson9]

Hey guys i have been skimming through here for a few weeks now and finally decided to join. I am new to the shooting world, have been in love with it since i took a class about a year ago. I have been shooting close to every weekend at a local range where i can rent.(Free with membership). I guess what im getting at is I want to buy but dont knwo what i should be looking for. Other than comfort and affordability. Any advice you guys can give me would be greatly appreciated. Also i apologize if this post is in the wrong place. Im new.

Seth

[230grjhp]

Welcome to the forum. I guess you're already on the right track in that you rent different guns. This is the only way to figure out for yourself what feels good/right for you. You can get anyone else's inputs in what gun or caliber to get but ultimately you will come up with your own conclusion. Keep renting guns and narrow down your choices that way. As you know ammo is ridiculous at the moment so keep that in mind too. The smaller calibers tend to be cheaper. Except for .380 for some reason. 9mm will generally be cheaper than .40 S&W or 45 ACP and easier to shoot in the beginning. Trust me, once you buy one you're gonna be on the hunt for the next one

[Electric Factory]

Welcome phantomson9 !

What's your fancy- revolvers, semi-autos, rifles, shotguns ?

They're ALL good, all have various strong points depending on your ultimate usage- home defense, range plinking etc
My advice ? once you decide what you want buy the best you can, you won't be sorry later.

[the_donald_]

First thing's first. Think about purpose. Home Defense versus a target shooter. That will begin to slim down your potentials.

Other than that, rent as much as you can, see what you feel comfortable with, and have accuracy with.

Oh, and welcome.

[tonelar]

Welcome Seth! Which do you like shooting the most?

[phantomson9]

Wow guys that was fast. Ill say right not I prefe semi auto over revolver. And I would like something that can be used for home defense as well as fun at the range. The ones I am leaning towards as of now are glock19, xd, beretta 92, and sig 226. I have shot each but I guess its going to take shooting them more and seeing which feels better. The problem is the rentals seem to all have problems that I wouldn't be having if it was my own personal gun. Again thanks guys and I am excited to be a Calgunner!!

[B Strong]

Welcome.

Other than the safe gun roster, the biggest factor in your first purchase will be your budget.

After you determine what your budget will be, then you can narrow down the choices available to you - type, caliber, model.

A Glock in the caliber of your choice and a .22 caliber conversion kit will give you two guns in one, with a variety of purposes, for an affordable price.

The CZ75 pistols fit that critera too.

[BamBam-31]

Since you posted in the Handguns section, I'm assuming you're inquiring about pistols. Generally speaking, go with what you shoot well. Usually, that means a pistol whose ergonomics fit your particular hands. You can get a rough idea of what's comfortable or not when handling different pistols (different grips, angles, sights, controls, triggers, bore heights, etc.), but the best thing to do is shoot as many as you can before buying. Befriend someone (or someones) with lots of different handguns you can try.

I'd agree that 9mm is best for a beginner in terms of shootability and affordability while still having enough "oomph!" for home defense. There are a LOT of great 9mm handguns out there, to the point where you'd have to actually try to buy a bad one. Sigs, Glocks, XD's, M&P's, CZ's, they're all great. Might have a hard time finding any in stock nowadays, but don't let that dissuade you. Stores will re-stock eventually.

Good luck, and welcome to Calguns!

[berto]

Welcome abord. You can't go wrong with anything you listed. Go with what you shoot the best and are most comfortable with.

[aca72]

I guess what im getting at is I want to buy but dont knwo what i should be looking for. Other than comfort and affordability.

Welcome aboard!

Now get a GLOCK 17 or 19 and plenty of ammo and shoot. Most importantly, enjoy the sport!

[phantomson9]

Thanks again you guys!!! I am meeting up with a guy i met at the Firing Line in Burbank tomorrow and he agreed to let me shoot a bunch of his guns. Cant wait, i will update about what i get to shoot. Talk to you guys Tomorrow.