Good first handgun?

[L84CABO]

I wonder if I should return next weekend to the firing range and shot a Glock for a little while before making a decision?

And you guys happen to known other handguns (legal in California) that I should try it out before buying?

Yes. You should shoot the Glock before you buy. Most first time gun buyers these days usually go with a striker gun due to their simplicity, reliability, and value. And since you're in California, your options are really limited by the roster. But Glock Gen 3 is on the roster so you should definitely shoot it.

I'd also rent a Sig P226. It's a good comparison against the Beretta and there are a few variants on the roster I believe.

I would also hold off on buying your second gun for now. You'll learn a tremendous amount with the first one and be much more knowledgeable when you go to buy your second. Give it 6-12 months before you buy #2. The exception would be if you just wanted to pickup a .22 of some sort. A .22 pistol is great for starting out and a way to get in a lot more trigger time fairly cheaply.

[55chevypost]

Any of the Beretta 92/M9 versions.

[4Defense]

CZs , best bang for the buck.

Metal, accurate, reliable .

[Calif Hunter]

As mentioned previously, get a .22 pistol - Ruger or Browning Buckmark are good. Nothing will improve your shooting more than practice and a .22 lets you shoot a lot while concentrating on fundamentals like sight picture, follow through, trigger control, etc. All without flinching.

Try some guns at the range, as you have been doing, adding in perhaps a CZ, 1911, etc and then buy what you like best.

[floogy]

Only you can decide which gun to choose by trying as many as you can before deciding which one shoots well for you (and there will be more than one)

Contrary to what some fanboys insist, one gun does not fit everyone the same way due to differences in hand size & build.

For example, you discovered that the HK USP doesn't shoot well for you, not that it isn't a good firearm, but more likely because it doesn't fit your hand for some reason.

You listed some good pistols, keep on trying them before you buy. And get just one at first, spend the rest of your money on ammo, you're gonna need it.

Also, you're too young to complain about weight!

Shooting a lot of rental guns can get expensive. Lightly used guns will keep most of their value as long you're willing to write off the taxes and fees when you sell it.

I don't buy the "gun fitting" as the key to shooting well. Shooting well is the key to shooting well. I don't care for the way a Glock feels, but I shoot it well. Same with the HK in the OP's case, but opposite. It proves the point that a gun "feeling good" means nothing for performance. It's just a bonus.

Keep in mind that certain triggers types will either minimize or increase bad shooting habits. I find that I like the consistency of a striker fired pistol trigger. The DA/SA is more difficult for me as it changes after the first shot. An SA gun like a 1911 will mask some flaws in technique because it has such a nice trigger.

Also, judging each gun based on how well you shoot it as a brand new shooter is something to take with a big grain of salt.

If it's just a range toy for now, just buy what you like. Chances are, you'll find something else you like better at some point anyway. My first handgun was a 1911, great gun, fun to shoot, but I don't carry it and it's not loaded up for home defense. I have a few "practical" handguns that get carried and used.

Oh, I know it's cliche, but Glock 19. It wasn't my first handgun and won't be my last, but if I could only have one handgun, that would be it. It may not "feel" the best in my hand or have the nicest trigger etc. But it's practical, lightweight, no external safeties and I can actually afford to have a ton of mags for it.

[kozumasbullitt]

Answering the question, I got oversized hands (gloves are XXL sometimes XXXL) with long fingers. I weight 195lbs and 6ft2 height.

Concerning the use, it is mostly for the range practice.
:-)

Try an HK USP, they fit big hands well.

[Jeepergeo]

IMHO, a revolver like that .357 S&W is the way to go. Revolvers are simple to understand and are great for learning how to shoot. Plus you can download to 38 SPL when training to reduce the recoil.

Once comfortable with the revolver, then consider a pistol....you have several good options on your list in 9mm.

As for Glock, I added one to my collection and don't care much for it, but Glocks have a huge fan base, so something to consider. Perhaps having experience with 1911s, Hi Powers, M&P Shields, Berrettas, and others tainted my preferred feel and Glock just never felt like those. YMMV.

Consider joining NRA and CRPA to help support your 2A rights. If you are on a budget and can join just one 2A organization this year, CRPA would be a good good choice.

[Barang]

also, rent a glock and sig p226.

[valkyrie_rider]

@all: thanks for the suggestions, I'm taking notes and will bring them to the range when I try a few handguns.

Concerning CCW, I live in the Santa Clara County and is my understanding that is *impossible* to get a license unless you are either a politician, judge or a millionaire:

https://medium.com/@clong/applying-for-concealed-carry-in-santa-clara-county-dd3995f80545

[AFTII]

Count me in with the .22 crowd. They are not only great tools for developing good shooting practices, they are also great tools for fixing problems that you may develop when shooting more powerful handguns as your shooting progresses.

For example, say you get bit by a recoiling slide (Walther PPKs are notorious for inflicting a painful dose of slide bite) and develop a "flinch." The light recoil of the .22 will help you convince your subconscious that shooting a pistol is not going to hurt you.

I usually start all my shooting sessions with a .22 just to get things off to a good start before subjecting my body to the noise and recoil of more formidable cartridge like a .500 S&W.

Look, whatever you may think now, if you like shooting, your proposed 2 guns will likely multiply like rabbits. The best way to see that happen, IMO, is to start with a .22, build a good foundation, and work from there. Cheers.

[omega]

the BERETTA M9 / M9A1 is a good choice , smooth trigger, not too expensive , US service pistol, fits large hands

I would also highly recommend the HK USP9 , it's worth the price

the HK USP pistols are highly engineered and have been thoroughly tested to extreme standards beyond normal, very tough design.

[FeuerFrei]

Glock 19 and an Advantage Arms 22 strap on kit.
CZ 75b and the CZ 22 strap on kit.
Either of those choices provides you the 2 in 1 gun solution
Training with the same trigger/sights/manual of arms, holsters etc.

Sent using a long string and 2 used soup cans

[Tere_Hanges]

Its really not rocket science. Rent a few models that you are interested in and choose the one you think you shoot best and can learn the most from. I recommend 9mm since its cheaper than .38, .40 and .45 yet it is still a "full power" pistol round. You need to practice, practice, practice.

Good first gun choices that are on the roster:

PX4
SP2022
XD9
SD9VE
G17
M9/92FS
CZ75b
RIA/Armscor MAPP

Not being able to shoot a USP well is no big deal, just means you dont have any basic shooting skills yet. Youre a blank slate. Those will come with practice. Personally HKs are the easiest guns for me to shoot but I have a lot of experience and learned how to shoot with a Glock 23, which is a bit of a steep learning curve. I do not recommend that gun for a beginner even though it worked out really well for me.

[1320Fastback]

I considered getting the Cadet .22 kit for my CZ but decided against it as it's a whole nother gun I can have

[BigPimping]

Gaston has everything that you need in a firearm. G17.