First handgun

[bondmid003]

sig p226r

I just bought a 226R and I love it but I think this might be a bit of a stretch for his first gun mainly because they don't come cheap

[DavidWick]

Browning Buckmark. Hone your skills then move up in caliber. If you live in the hood and have no other means for self defense, I reccomend the Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm. Outstanding firearm, not too much recoil to overcome and plenty of stopping power should you need to defend yourself/family. Either way, good luck.

[SCMA-1]

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.

I'd recommend Insight Shooting Range in Artesia; it's not too far from you. They have a huge selection of rental handguns and the best part is the rental fee is a flat rate of $10 per day and entitles you to EVERY handgun in the rental cases. You can tryout one or all of them; of course you have to purchase ammo from them to use in the rental guns. Also, the range fee is very reasonable at $15 for all day, not hourly.

http://insightrangeinc.com/shoot.html

SCMA-1

[sinefato]

I'd recommend Insight Shooting Range in Artesia; it's not too far from you. They have a huge selection of rental handguns and the best part is the rental fee is a flat rate of $10 per day and entitles you to EVERY handgun in the rental cases. You can tryout one or all of them; of course you have to purchase ammo from them to use in the rental guns. Also, the range fee is very reasonable at $15 for all day, not hourly.

http://insightrangeinc.com/shoot.html

SCMA-1

I'll defiantly have to check them out next time I'm in that part of town. Thanks!

[rustycase]

Look for a gunshop that has a range.
Find a salesperson you can get along with.
Try a number of firearms until you find a few that feel good in your hand.
Pay to try those on their range.
Take a shooting course in your area at a local range.
Practice is important.
Personal defense is the goal.

[sd1023x]

Rent pistols at range and consider getting a pistol that feels good for you and has a .22 conversion kit

[Sheepdog1968]

Go to range w friends and try a number of their 9 mm. I suggest a 9 mm first due to its light recoil so you don't develop bad habits when shooting. If one in particular feels really good to you then that's the one to get. Almost all modern pistols are reliable. Take a class or two soon as well and maybe before you buy. You can typically rent from the range.

Its only after a long time of shooting will you develop preferences. These preferences will also differ for the function of the gun (home defense, social plinking, target shooting, conceal carry, etc). Odds are you will own more than one pistol so you really can't make a bad choice.

Another good thing to get early on is a 22 rifle. Ammo cheap and it will allow you to work on basic skills. Many good ones to choose from.

Congrats on starting a lifetime of shooting.

[Grayblue]

It totally depends on what you want and why you want it.

My first owned pistol was a P229R DAK in 40S&W. But, that's because I needed a pistol for personal protection from the start.

Why do you want a 22LR pistol?

If it's for pure sport/marksmanship basics, or plinking, I'd advise you to go with a SIG Trail Slide or other dedicated 22LR platform.

If it's for a cheaper alternative to train shooting a P226, then I would advise against buying a SIG Mosquito. Buying a P226, then buying a 22LR kit would be much better. You get same trigger, almost same dimension and feel. And, better reliability from what I've read.

It's not necessary to start with a 22LR, then move up to a caliber more suitable for security use. 9mm recoil is not strong to start with, especially in a platform like P226 or USP. Also, you being able to hit a dime size group with a 22LR pistol with 3lb trigger do not in any way mean you'll even hit the target paper with a 9mm~45ACP combat pistols with 5.5~12 lb DA trigger.

[Sheepdog1968]

I'd skip the 5-7 due to the ammo cost. With any gun, you will quickly spend more in ammo than the cost of the gun. In factan the cost of the gun quickly becomes the least expensive part of the equation.

Glad to hear u r trying a variety of guns and u r right that u need to fire it to be sure. I personally love Sigs. I've got friends who swear by other brands. Get what u like and feels good to you. The more you like it the more you will want to use it.

[slvrbulit12]

My first handgun was a used S&W model 15 in 38 special with a 4" barrel, great first gun.

1. Revolver - 4" barrel in 38 special.

2. Auto - 4"-5" barrel in 9mm.

Low recoil and cheap to shoot.

[PatriotnMore]

I am sure it has been suggested, go for a quality .22lr, learn good shooting skills first, then buy a larger caliber later. Or, buy a quality larger caliber that has a .22 conversion, learn to shoot on the conversion first.

[Captian Morgan]

I just bought my first hand gun today. I have been to the range & rented several before I decided on what to buy. I really wanted a Glock17,but not a good fit,I found out that's the most important thing when buying. Also..take your time,there's no hurry,unless your expecting a home invasion soon. And finally, there's deals out there,that takes patients too,it's a lot of money so think about what fits your needs. GL & be careful don't put your eye out. That's my advise as a fellow rookie!!

Oh..almost forgot,not that it matters, I bought the XD-9 as my first gun, I figured my wife could shoot it too, & it fit my hand very well. It's gonna be tough waiting 10 days.

[STP]

I have a Walther P-22, it cost me about $220-ish brand new, it fits a medium to smaller hand very, very comfortably, has interchangeable backstraps, is really small, has minimal recoil, and looks a lot meaner than a .22.....as if that matters. Either way, ammo is CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP....and if you are a good shot, no reason you can't kill with this just like all the other big guys. I also have a Glock 17, and it is awesome, breaks down easy, and is completely reliable, but it does have a larger grip and some may not like the way it feels, I put a condom on mine, Houge.

[nativeofsandiego]

Xd all the way....

[Captian Morgan]

Xd all the way....

Sweet!! Oh..thanks i still have 10 days> I want a laser & the light for home safety.