First handgun

[Miltiades]

Suggestions

Of the guns you mentioned, I would tend to go with the H&K USP in 9mm. These days 9mm ammo is easier to find (and cheaper) than .380, and if the gun will do double duty as a defensive weapon, 9mm is a more potent choice than .22. The recoil of 9mm in a full size gun is also fairly mild, and should not inhibit learning to shoot.

Unless you are going to carry a gun such that weight is important, I don't see much point in polymer except to keep the manufacturing cost down compared to metal. So if this gun is just for range and home defense, you might consider the metal frame alternatives to the polymer USP as well. That would bring such brands as Sig and CZ into consideration. My favorite for a 9mm metal framed gun would be the Sig P226 (full size) or the more compact Sig P228.

[IPSICK]

Try out the XD. I was going to suggest the Glock but you do not apparently like it. The XD has a different grip angle than the Glock but has the same simple operating system. Should you decide to improve the trigger there is some very interesting work being done on XD's.

[roc]

xd9 or 92fs would be good pistols to buy as your first. also ones you will want to keep as you get more experienced.

[hybridatsun350]

Go out to a range and rent a couple guns to figure out what you do and don't like. Where are you located? I am sure there is a range nearby that can help you decide what's best for you. That being said, I really like Glocks, but you've already mentioned they don't feel right to you which is good to know. Even if you don't know what you want, it's good to know what you don't want!

[Mr. Herbergerber]

+1 on trying lots of different guns

My first handgun was a browning Buckmark in .22. Great gun, lots of fun and cheap to shoot. At first the recoil of even a 9mm was bothersome for me, but I got used to it. Now I can shoot anything without a problem. It took about 2 months to get there, some people take less time. Some people can shoot a .45 right away and not flinch at all. Your experience will be different. If you can afford a .22 (like the Buckmark or a Ruger MKIII) and a 9mm in few months then go for it. When you move up you will still have a neat little gun to have fun with and introduce others to the sport.

I definitely recommend a class with a good teacher. A good grip on the gun will really minimize recoil and your confidence in shooting. That is probably more important than which gun you choose.

[C_1]

Yep, handle and shoot as many guns as you can. Make sure the pistol fits your hand. If you're worried about the recoil of a 9mm, you can start off with a 22lr handgun, and work your way up. Also, take a class, it wouldnt hurt.

9mm recommendations:
Beretta PX4
Browning Hi-Power
CZ 75
CZ P-01
CZ SP-01
"Baby" Desert Eagle
Heckler Koch P2000
Heckler Koch P7
HK USPc
Kahr CW9
Ruger SR9
Sig P239
Sig SP2022
Smith & Wesson M&P
Springfield XD
Walter P99

[BRNRone]

I wouldn't start on anything less than a S&W 500. Naw. Try out a 9mm baby eagle. It has a smooth trigger pull and not a lot of recoil.

[ontmark]

[AndrewMendez]

I would check out the smith and wesson M&P. I have heard of a couple PD's turning to them in 9mm. They come with interchangeable hand grips, and Turners usually has them on sale for $549 with 4 Mags! It was my first hand gun, and I have not had any problems with it! Where are you located???

[flyinghi]

So Many Choices!!

Well Congrats on shopping for your first handgun! Watch out, it can definitly become addicting!

Definitely try a bunch of guns before you buy. If it feels good, do it! For those of use with smaller hands, the 226 and 1911 are great choices!

Best of luck on your buy.....

[evidens83]

I was gonna say maybe a Glock 19 but since you didn't like how it felt may I also suggest a XD9 or 92FS. All 3 are rock solid choices!

[chefdude]

sig p226r

[sinefato]

WOW! I didn't expect this many answers after just one day. Thanks for all the tips! I'm sorry if this thread sounded kinda "wat gun is gud?" as I was trying to avoid that and more ask what guns to avoid etc.

My friend works at a gun store so I have the unique chance to go in and handle guns on a whim but not to shoot them. I'm in the city of Orange and the closest pistol range I know of is Evans(http://www.egsw.com/home.htm) so I have a feeling I will be down there quite a lot in the next few months renting and practicing. I need to find a place to take some classes too. I already know the safety and technical aspects of guns (I have been shooting rifles and shotguns wince I was about 10) but the technique of pistol shooting is something I haven't grasped yet.

So far I'm liking the feel of a 226 but until I get the chance to fire one I can't know for sure. This may be a bad question but what do you guys think of the 5-7? I have heard it has little recoil and is pretty accurate, although ammo is expensive and hard to find

Thanks again to everyone.

[Greg-Dawg]

...This may be a bad question but what do you guys think of the 5-7? I have heard it has little recoil and is pretty accurate, although ammo is expensive and hard to find

Thanks again to everyone.

5.7 is good. Go get one.

[MiguelS]

I just rented today the HK USP 9mm and I liked it. Good fit on the hand, no issues, good shooter. The friend I took never had shot before and he preferred my Sig Mosquito though and liked the feel of the Sig P226 over the HK.