first handgun suggestion

[xCaliChris]

Hello calguns
I'm looking to purchase my first pistol, and was thinking of a compact carry pistol. Reason being I'm hoping to get a conceal carry permit. Seems convenient to have a compact pistol now rather than later to save money. Granted I will get a full size one in the future. So is this a good idea for a first handgun? I have shot a .40 and 9mm glock as well as my buddy's .45 kimber pro carry. As for caliber I feel comfy with a .40 as far as my limited experience tells me. Also what brand pistol? Thanks in advance

[heycorey]

First handgun suggestion is to get some handgun training first.

Ask a bunch of different people which gun is best and you'll get a bunch of different answers ... some seemingly opposed to each other ... and yet still valid. Find a range that both rents handguns and has training classes. Get some supervised (meaning training) experience with several different types of guns/platforms. Ask lots of questions while you're training ... the answers will have more meaning when you're actually shooting.

[bsg]

i agree with heycorey on this. a good handgun training class will give you the confidence to make a more informed decision of which handgun is best for you.

one of our members here on the forum is up in northern california and teaches handgun classes; don't know how close he is to you, but i believe he moves around a bit for the purpose of training. give a PM to 9mmepiphany here on the forum for information; extremely knowledgeable man.

[ubet]

carrying a full size is not hard. the compacts are going to snap more.

I agree with the above two, shoot as many as you can, then buy what feels best to you.

[Whatisthis?]

Get some training before doing anything. Then you want to make sure you try MANY different handguns to see which one you like. bsg recommended 9mmepiphany for an instructor and I will second that. I had absolutely no experience with handguns, as in I had seen a few that were in holsters in real life and that's it (I was 19). He ran through all the basics with me, taught me the different safety rules and about each individual handgun he brought. Then he showed me how to hold it properly. We then started shooting and he would point out good and bad things about what I was doing. We would correct the bad and keep going. Remember, that was for me, a total newb at the time and I asked him if we could go over all those basics. He will cover specific things if you ask him as well. Great instructor, definitely worth it.

[billybob_jcv]

Well, if you're in the Central Valley, then at least you may actually have a shot at getting a CCW...

[xCaliChris]

Thank you all for the advice, I will definately do my homework on this one. As for the CCW I heard there is a HUGE waiting list and can take a year or so. Either way ill get on it, thanks again guys

[Lumpia is sarap!®]

Take a class and buy a Glock 19.

[1911RONIN]

Quick question(s): Are you in LE? What's the hurry to get a CCW? I'm not trying to be an ***, but if this is your first handgun and you don't have any professional training and want to jump into the CCW crowd, you will be a liability to yourself and everyone around you.

You haven't made any of this clear and your tone reeks of novice, young-blood machismo or something.

[Kingpin.SC]

Quick question(s): Are you in LE? What's the hurry to get a CCW? I'm not trying to be an ***, but if this is your first handgun and you don't have any professional training and want to jump into the CCW crowd, you will be a liability to yourself and everyone around you.

I agree. I would get some training (lots), before you get your CCW. I understand that the waiting list is long, so you'll have plenty of time.

As far as the pistol goes, I would recommend the S&W M&P Compact. They are extremely comfy, and good shooters. But in all reality, all that matters is what feels best in your hand, and what you feel most comfortable shooting. Go to a few different pistol ranges and go nuts renting everything you can. I have a feeling that you'll answer your own question.

[xCaliChris]

I understand your concern for an untrained individual carrying a pistol in public, and that was never my intention. As I stated earlier I heard that getting a CCW permit in the central valley can take years, which would give me plenty of time to familiarize myself with a hand gun. If what I heard is wrong then ill be more than happy to wait until I can get proper training. Reason for all of this being is that my part of town isn't as safe and quiet as it used to be I have been looking at a glock 19, but will keep an open mind. Thanks again

[PRCABR4Christ]

I understand your concern for an untrained individual carrying a pistol in public, and that was never my intention. As I stated earlier I heard that getting a CCW permit in the central valley can take years, which would give me plenty of time to familiarize myself with a hand gun. If what I heard is wrong then ill be more than happy to wait until I can get proper training. Reason for all of this being is that my part of town isn't as safe and quiet as it used to be I have been looking at a glock 19, but will keep an open mind. Thanks again

Glock 19 was my first CCW piece...as soon as I ventured into 1911's though I never looked back, but the Glock was a great "starter" gun

[Ubermcoupe]

Which handguns have you shot so far?

[CK_32]

Gen3 Glock for simplicity and reliability.
Preferably the 9mm series.

[Mr310]

Gen3 Glock for simplicity and reliability.
Preferably the 9mm series.

But can you press check it?





Just kidding.