First Handgun

[kwatch]

I'm looking for my first hand gun. I found out that CA has very limited handguns on the roster. I'm thinking of getting 3Gen Glock 17 or 19. Are they good choice for my fist handgun?

[Garv]

Yes.

You should rent them or shoot a variety of guns with friends to find out what you like most within your budget.

I assume you are not planning to concealed carry for a while.

[billped]

All popular guns are pretty good. Just stay away from the ultra-low priced guns (~$250 or less).

I'd rent one, shoot it, and then decide. Or find a buddy with guns and go to town.

Btw, I have the Glock19 and like it.

[kwatch]

I wish I could by Gen5's.

[Gooseman]

Hard to say..... my first two guns were a 22lr revolver (s&w 617) and browning buck mark. I still believe if you want to get into guns as a hobby 22lr is a great way to start.

If you want one and only one gun, nothing wrong with a glock.

But if you want to build a solid foundation, 22lr is cheap and the minimal recoil allows you to perfect your technique.

My two cents!




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[sfe187]

If your budget is not an issue, Glocks are excellent and reliable.

If budget is limited or just want a entry level gun to get started, go with a used SW SD9VE you can usually find one of those here for $250-$300. Shoots good all day.

[tsmithson]

[tbc]

You are good to go.

Let us know how it shoot.

[L84CABO]

Gen 3 Glocks are a solid choice and particularly if you're looking for a striker fired polymer gun. There may be other guns out there that you like better or fit your hand better, but as you've found out, the roster really limits things.

Keep in mind that you can still buy off roster guns as long as it from a local private party (not from a dealer...but you will still have to go to the dealer to facilitate the sale). So for example, if you found someone locally that was selling their M&P 2.0...which is not on the roster...you could legally purchase it. Off roster guns, however, are often sold at premium prices...sometimes as much as twice their normal retail value. But if you're willing to pay it, anything is possible.

Note that you can also rent most of the popular guns at a range with a good rental counter. It's a good way to "try before you buy." You can certainly find Gen 3 Glocks at most rental counters if you'd like to shoot it before you put down your money. It's a good way to sort things out. And it's fun.

Welcome to the forum and let us know what you ultimately get...and if you have any questions.

[Gutpile66]

When I turned 18 (1984) I had my mom go to the local gun store with me in Sumner, WA to co-sign for my first handgun: Ruger single six .22/.22 mag. Great first handgun to get oriented with safety. Then I moved to a Glock gen. 1 G19 for my first S/A. I was reading Ayoob's articles in the National Rifleman magazines. Never looked back . . .

[omega]

yes, both excellent choices! is this for a home defense / range gun?

for your first handgun, I would recommend the G17 standard size service pistol

new shooters should start with the standard service model handgun to learn the basic skills / handling before getting compacts

[saber]

[Echidin]

I wish I could by Gen5's.

Unless you are insinuating your budget being a hindrance, what’s getting in your way? If you are willing to pay the off-roster premium, there are a few gen5s floating around in the CG marketplace. If not, gen3s can be had at pretty competitive prices depending how quick the seller wants to make the sale. The general consensus is to always try different options, find out your likes and dislikes and then make an educated purchase.

[rudigan]

I'm looking for my first hand gun. I found out that CA has very limited handguns on the roster. I'm thinking of getting 3Gen Glock 17 or 19. Are they good choice for my fist handgun?

Yes, go with the 19

[smittty]

G19 and don’t ever sell it even if you get bored with it.

It’s the single gun I’ve owned more times than I can count!