Which 9mm?

[loose_electron]

I am pretty partial to the Sig P226.
9mm is a good place to start -

A cautionary tale on 22LR pistols,
some of them are fussy on what they will do and need to be
un-jammed frequently - not a good learning handgun, thats for sure.

Most 22LR handguns are a bit more target pistol feel
(Browning Buckmark, Ruger MK III, S&W 22A)
And you may not want that.

The traditional handgun in 22LR is more like the Sig Mosquito
and Walther P22, and both of those can be fussy to operate.

Welcome to CA from "Taxachusetts" I migrated from MA many moons ago.

[scootle]

A cautionary tale on 22LR pistols,
some of them are fussy on what they will do and need to be
un-jammed frequently - not a good learning handgun, thats for sure.

Most 22LR handguns are a bit more target pistol feel
(Browning Buckmark, Ruger MK III, S&W 22A)
And you may not want that.

The traditional handgun in 22LR is more like the Sig Mosquito
and Walther P22, and both of those can be fussy to operate.

Yes and no really... rimfire ammo is inherently a bit more picky and due to manufacturing issues, you will inevitably have things like failures to fire and such. The trade here is the ammo really is dirt cheap and you can afford a lot more trigger time for your dollar. Compare 3-5cents a round vs. 15-20 cents a round for 9mm and you see how it adds up.

Guns like the Ruger Mk series or Browning Buckmarks are pretty close to bomb-proof designs proven over decades of use. Newer designs like the Sig and Walther "tacticool" offerings, not as much. They all have their place though, and the principles of operation are the same for all, really. There are also conversion kit options for many things like Glocks and 1911s, but those are another ball of wax too.

No lie, you will get malfunctions and other such events in the lifetime of *any* gun really... learning to deal with them and clear them is part of the learning process for any gun owner, be it a .22LR or 9mm. Just because your gun might "never" have any malfunctions doesn't mean you should not learn how to clear them properly/quickly. For a practice/learning platform, I find this a moot point in the end. Even then, I figure maybe 1 in 1000 rounds (or more) that have been true malfunctions in my Ruger Mk III, and it was likely more ammo than gun that caused it.

Many very experienced shooters gave me the advice that I repeat as often as I can for all new shooters, like I was (and still am, more or less)... a .22 pistol is a sound and very beneficial investment to pave the way to success. It's helped me greatly, I am positive of this. The savings in the 1000s of rounds of .22 ammo (as opposed to if I had gone straight to 9mm or larger) I've put downrange to learn/practice already pretty much pays for the first centerfire pistol -- I kid you not. Unless you subscribe to the ".22 is a sissy caliber" train of thought (which is completely untrue, btw), it should be given a very serious consideration before you plunk down your dollars.

Good luck!

[biko]

I have a really different suggestion... the fact is you won't know what you don't know about your first hand gun. Trying 10 different models won't really make it any better. The best you can get is a sense for is feel and you get used to most guns' "feel" with practice anyhow. Trying a bunch may even confuse you and then you end up buying on looks.

What you don't get an appreciation for is gun manipulation under stress. This you won't get (hopefully!) except in a defensive hand gun class. After that you can really decide on what works best for you based on some knowledge beyond an initial feel.

My humble suggestion is get a Glock 17/19/34 because they are really simple platform to learn on, from trigger control to clearing malfunctions to holstering. Not that the others are difficult but they can have at least one additional step. With a Glock 34 you have what many compete with.

Learn from an easy, inexpensive platform and then decide what you would like different (if anything)... and buy based on looks!

[glock7]

Ruger p95 as 1st gun. If you are on a budget, best one out there for the price. Do as I did practice with the p95 then save your cash for the gun of the moment! Much cheaper than renting. You are going to buy different guns anyways!

[zdragon]

SIG 225

BINGO

[Grakken]

Funny how the glock fan boi brigade is quick to jump on these posts all the time.

OP,

Please go the range, rent several models, make an informed decision yourself. Let us know what you decide.

[evidens83]

Glock 19
M&P9

[railroader]

As others have posted try different guns before you buy. I know a lot of people are saying just buy a glock but try others too. Glocks are about as reliable as they come but they aren't for everyone. I had a g17 for a while but it felt odd compared to my other handguns. I'm sure you will find the gun that fits you. My choice would be a cz or an xd. Good luck on your quest. Mark

[FUBAR]

CZ SP-01. The softest shooting 9mm.
Glock G17. The simplest shooting 9mm.
Both are accurate and great for competition if your interested.

[SoCalCitizen]

Another vote here to take a look at Ruger P95. There were plenty of other good suggestions though. Try as many as you want. Good luck.