Your first handgun...

[jimsgotthedeal]

We would like your opinion,

Common Question our Students Ask: What is the best handgun to buy for a new shooter?

A new shooter could want to jump right in and go big, where others prefer to start small with a 22.

What was your first pistol choice, what would you recomend now that you are more familiar with guns.

Thanks for the input!

[OneSevenDeuce]

My first handgun was a 1911 cause I thought it was cool. If I had it to do over again I'd probably do the same thing. They aren't the easiest to handle for new shooters, but if you are a collector or a serious shooter you have to get used to it sometime.

[0Wraith]

I haven't gotten my first one yet, but I'm planning on getting a 1911.

[Vacaville]

Mine was a Ruger Mark II 22/45 .22lr.

A .22 is great because you can focus on technique and not have to worry about recoil. Also, the ammo is so much cheaper than anything else. You can blow through 500 rounds for less than $20. Lots of practice for cheap.

When I bought it, I had no idea what I wanted other than caliber. I didn't know anything about current models. The 22/45 just felt the best in my hand at the shop, even though the guy behind the counter didn't think much of it and was recommending other guns. Best gun purchase I've ever made.

[ArmednReady]

Just get a .500 mag hahaha

[Prowler]

Depends on the age of the newbie. .22 works for all ages, then move up to a larger caliber. Cheaper on the ammo, more shots fired on a lower budget, etc. Mine was a Browning Challenger lll .22 semi-auto.

[SpringfieldEMP]

First was a bersa 380, then a 1911 in .45

[mif_slim]

first handgun was a buckmark, but first time I shot a handgun was a 92sf. I quickly put grew it and got a dessert eagle 44 mag, then a glock 22 then finally settled for xd40's.

it all depends on the person, if they learn slow tell them to start with a 22, if they cam catch on fast.. whatever they like. when I just got married my wife, new to shooting, wanted to shoot my xd40..now she won't let that go for less.

[mrlightning559]

Ditto firestorm" bersa" .380 then usp40 I never really shot the .380 due to lack of ammo and price

[fsx]

glock 19

[Cyc Wid It]

HK USPc .45 . I wouldn't necessarily recommend it as a first gun, but no major problems/drawbacks either.

[hoss_hk]

I rented a lot of guns at a range before I bought my first one. Easiest way to narrow down choices (especially if you only plan on buying only one). Never had any interest in a .22, no matter how cheap and easy to shoot. Bought the HK in .45 and never regretted the decision.

[Rhythm of Life]

CZ SP01

[Capita159]

My first pistol was a 9mm Sig P226. That is a great starter gun because I got a certify pre-owner for 550. At that point, my budget was $600. and the choices were, Glock 17, Beretta 92FS, CZ-75B, Springfield GI, or a CPO Sig Sauer P226. I think either one of those pistols make great starters minus the Springfield 1911 GI.

I think any double action/single action 9mm gun is great for starters. People tend to grow out of .22LR pistol too fast unless they are for kids/teenagers.
That is just my experience and two cent.

[JTROKS]

A person starting out with a 22lr pistol can learn all the fundamentals of basic marksmanship. That doesn't guarantee that he can get over the flinching once he/she advances to centerfire pistols. The most important is to learn trigger control and proper sight picture. With that said, I say a Browning Buckmark will be a very good choice as a beginners' pistol.