first pistol?

[Mista Fosta]

Hey guys I'm thinking about picking up a pistol now that the damn gun bug bit me. (Just built an ar15) I would like something that is reasonably priced to buy and shoot and would be effective for home defense also. I had a great experience buying my upper through this site so I was hoping maybe you guys have suggestions. I'm only looking to spend around 500 tops, and will likely pick up something used

[77bawls]

I would look at a S&W M&P or Springfield XD.

[Donkeypunch0420]

Buy a used Glock. It will go well with you new build. And you have many model numbers to choose from.

[Mista Fosta]

What calibers are best? Is 9mm too lightweight for defense?

[mrlightning559]

I say .40 cal cheap to shoot and practice very effective round IMO it's a little snappy but a good compromise unless you reload if so go 45 I don't think you can go wrong with that

[noob_tube]

You can never go wrong with a Glock.

[Bill Carson]

Glock 22

[1911Operator]

ive been through many handguns and different calibers in the last few months. and ive narrowed it down to 2 guns that im going to keep.
1: 1911 in 45acp
2: Glock 26 in 9mm!

I would recommend 9mm as your first! get your basics down and then go for a 45acp! as for self defence.... what ever you shot someone to protect yourself with, its going to hurt/kill them. your now just looking at knock down power. oviously, 45 will be the best and most practical but 9mm will do just fine. maybe you should look into what kind of ammo you will be shooting instead of caliber. Winchester ranger t-series will do a lot of damage!

[OneSevenDeuce]

9mm is really cheap to shoot. I love my .45s but they can get expensive.

[cmace22]

ive been through many handguns and different calibers in the last few months. and ive narrowed it down to 2 guns that im going to keep.
1: 1911 in 45acp
2: Glock 26 in 9mm!

I would recommend 9mm as your first! get your basics down and then go for a 45acp! as for self defence.... what ever you shot someone to protect yourself with, its going to hurt/kill them. your now just looking at knock down power. oviously, 45 will be the best and most practical but 9mm will do just fine. maybe you should look into what kind of ammo you will be shooting instead of caliber. Winchester ranger t-series will do a lot of damage!

9mm is really cheap to shoot. I love my .45s but they can get expensive.

+1

9mm is a good HD round. I only own 9 and 45.

Glock 19 or 17 for your first would be my choice.

[sholling]

A S&W M&P9 will do you just fine. Cheap to shoot and effective when loaded with premium self defense ammo.

Review

[Mista Fosta]

Ok sweet, so likely a 9mm glock. Anything I should look for as for wear and damage? Any models I should avoid? Thank you all for the info, it really makes it easier to narrow my search

[NapaCountyShooter]

Get a Glock 17 or 19. Tough to go wrong.

[Black Majik]

Glock, XD, M&P, CZ75, or P6 will all serve you quite well.

[CapnHawk]

My first pistol was a Colt 1911-A1 that Uncle Sam issued to me in 1970.