Suggestions on first handgun?

[3/7 Wpns Co.]

[HalfEvil]

Deagle 50AE

[van2]

If it's your friend's first handgun, I would recommend to stay away anything "compact", reason is that shooing a compact handgun, especially like a 1911, the recoil is much more apparent and harder to control and less confortable. Go for a full size pistol. How much is your friend willing to spend? I would recommend a 9mm for the first pistol, easy on the recoil and ammo is cheaper than .40s&w and .45acp. So more practice time. Then your friend would have more range time to practice the fundamentals of shooting, like sight picture and trigger control. Any of the polymer guns are good for a first handgun, like Glock 17 or XD 9. If he wants to spend more (since you mentioned single stack), a 1911 in 9mm is very good too. A 22lr pistol is not a bad idea either, recoil is next to nothing and ammo is dirt cheap. Alot of trigger time can be had with the 22lr since 550 rounds is like $20.

[3/7 Wpns Co.]

Thanks!

Another friend was suggesting a .40, but i don't have a lot of experience with it aside from the common (Ballistics of a .45, capacity of a 9mm). Either way, he liked my Springfield EMP but obviously not willing to spend $1300. He is looking to spend around $500-$800. I don't think there are many options out there for a single stack 9mm except for a 1911 which are mostly .45. I agree about the full size though.

What about something that can be fully ambidextrous with safety, slide catch, and mag release?

[RedFord150]

Your friend should shoot at least one revolver before choosing.
I took a friend out many years ago that was dead set on a 9mm semi-auto. Once he fired my GP100 with a cylinder full of .38 wad-cutters he changed his mind. I let him fire some 158 grain .357 mag ronds so he could feel the difference. He fell in love with the versatility of a full size .357 mag revolver. Mild .38's for the range, hot .357 loads for a charging hog or undead Zombie.
That said, I like the CZ75 the best as a 9mm steel gun. For Polymer, I would consider the Glock 19 or XD9. CA is limited to 10 round mags. This makes the extra capacity of the G17 a non-issue. I think the G19 feels better in my hand.
Good luck.

[3/7 Wpns Co.]

Great Idea,

i have 2 revolvers at home he can try. He is also curious to see how the sight align on each one and I've had an easy time with revolvers. Not sure how he'll like it going left handed, but it's worth a try.

[ap3572001]

I would take a good look at a SIG P239 in 9mm.

Capcity is 8+1 ( You dont have to deal with Ca magazine issues)

It is very easy to carry ( if You get a CCW)
At the same time it is big enough to have some fun at the range with . Including at 25 yards.
Very good quality.
Very reliable.

[weinerd]

Ruger SR9c... compact 9mm with narrow grip.

[PandaLuv]

FNP9

Ambi decocker and mag release. Good price and very comfortable gun.

Price is good too.

[titankeith]

If he's buying for self-defense, wants a pistol that is accurate, simple, and VERY rugged, then the Glock 22 is the way to go. It ain't purty, but it is the most reliable handgun out there. I've had the Glock 23 since the 90's, put 1000's of rounds through it, and it still is the most reliable handgun I've owned. Now I've got a Glock 21sf with a surefire tac. light, and it is my dresser gun of choice, whereas my Glock 23 is my Conceal Carry gun of choice.

[corcoraj2002]

I'm a lefty, my first handgun was a Springfield XD .40, it has an ambi mag release (no safety or decocker).
I also have a Beratta M9, I have swapped the mag release around to be left handed (10 minute job he can do himself).

The M9 would be a great starter gun and the safety decocker is ambi, it is also in his price range.

[Lumpia is sarap!®]

Not sure of his gun "level", but I recommend he take a class, sign up for a membership at a rental range, then try as many guns as possible and finally, buy.

[drunktank]

M&P has been popular with your criteria. Though not a single stack, the interchangeable back straps help with fitment.

[Kempfer]

Glock 17 with night sights is the best all around gun.

[superchgertek]

my first was a xd .45 and i am buying my daughter her first hand gun a xd 9mm