Need help finding a great first Handgun

[MilitantNorCal]

Hey folks,
So I have a bit of a problem, I'm looking for my first Handgun and I have no idea where to began. This wont be my first gun, just first handgun, Ive passed the handgun safety course and now I'm just trying to find the right first handgun.
Ive looked at many semi-autos and some revolvers, and as far as brands i would prefer S&W, Glock, H&K, Ruger, and Taurus. However Im very open to suggestions to other brands. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, Thanks in advanced.

[Swoop]

Sig Sauer above all that you listed but that's my opinion. Plenty of options in the for sale section. You have a lot of homework to do before you decide,

[MilitantNorCal]

I did forget about Sig, after going to the range with a friend and shooting a 357 Ive been leaning toward a revolver but they just seem so damn pricey. Trying to keep the cost in the 500-1000 range, so semi-autos seem like a good start.

[bjl333]

I think a good used revolver is a good start to teach trigger control. They are not expensive. Most S&W are 5-700 range. I would probably recommand a 686 4" or 6". There are exercise that are available for revolvers that are harder to do in an auto.

[jptsr1]

cant go wrong with a Ruger GP100 357mag. easy to shoot, easy to clean, you can shoot .357 or .38, and drop dead reliable.

[MilitantNorCal]

That Ruger those look really nice, kinda nice that the first few responses recommend revolvers.

[damndave]

You got lots of homework to do lol. Spend a few hrs at your local range ad shoot a bunch of different guns.

I do recommend a nice full size gun though.

My 1st was a 1911

[robcoe]

Hey folks,
So I have a bit of a problem, I'm looking for my first Handgun and I have no idea where to began. This wont be my first gun, just first handgun, Ive passed the handgun safety course and now I'm just trying to find the right first handgun.
Ive looked at many semi-autos and some revolvers, and as far as brands i would prefer S&W, Glock, H&K, Ruger, and Taurus. However Im very open to suggestions to other brands. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, Thanks in advanced.

A ruger GP100 is a great first gun, and one of only 2 guns I own I will NEVER sell. If your looking more for a semi-auto a type not mentioned is the CZ 75 type guns, they are in the same price range as glocks, and I think a little less expensive then HK, are a very good 9mm gun.

Best advice, hit a range and try everything your interested in, and some things you think your not interested in. You never know what you will end up likeing.

[hnoppenberger]

well, lets get this straight as long as you have a cash flow, decide which gun you want first. cause if you like any of them you wlll eventually buy them.

my first gun was a USP .45. thought it was cool, still do but there are so many great guns out there.

[faterikcartman]

cant go wrong with a Ruger GP100 357mag. easy to shoot, easy to clean, you can shoot .357 or .38, and drop dead reliable.

This right here. You'll never regret having it once you move on to others.

Great image by the way, did you take that?

[GW]

How much did you want to spend?
My advice for a first pistol though, is get a Glock.
They work great straight out of the box and used ones are as good as new ones
Join the GSSF (Glock Shooting Sports Federation), go to one of their matches and an armorer will swap out any worn parts for free. The matches are a lot of fun and very safely run. And there is always an armorer present.

[erikdjs]

First gun - always exciting!

I would suggest that you go and rent/borrow ALL the guns that you're seriously interested in. When I first got into shooting I thought for SURE that I wanted a Beretta 92FS. Problem was, I wasn't happy shooting it at the range (good gun, just not for me). Glad I dodged that $5-600 bullet. Also, I was sure I wanted a 9mm till I shot my first 1911 (.45).

Reading reviews is one thing, shooting is another. Good luck to you! The more range time with the guns you're interested in the better imho.

[MilitantNorCal]

I was looking at the USPs and liked what I saw, and as far as the CZs it would be nice to have a gun from the home land. As far as homework Ive tried out one 357 revolver and a few semi-autos in 9mm and 40cal but have yet to try 45cal so I've done some homework not much yet haha. What have you guys heard about the M&Ps from S&W.

[twotap]

Everyone should own a 357 revolver with a 4 inch barrel. Either single or double action.
Used does not mean worn out. Of course new is nicer but the extra cost buys alot of ammo. My first was a used single action and I have never regretted it ,still have it now almost 35 years later. Still shoots like new and I will never part with it. Get what feels right in your hand .Not what someone else thinks you should buy....Good Luck..
And welcome to hand gunning.

[MilitantNorCal]

"A chicken in every pot, and a .357 in every hand" has a nice ring to it. I was thinking of buying a used 357 but I have had very bad luck with used guns and plus this gun will be sort of a bday gift to myself (using other peoples money hehe) so I kinda want something new.