First Handgun

[Skizotty]

Hi! I am looking into getting my first handgun and was wondering if anyone has any recommendations for anything specific. I would like to keep it around 350-400 if at all possible. I was originally looking at a Taurus m66 in .357 or a hi-point 9mm. I really could go for anything in my budget, SA or revolver.

[warthog1984]

For what purpose?
What size hands do you have?
Any previous shooting experience?
What does your ongoing shooting budget look like?

[pyromensch]

a revolver, (357mag), is a good start. as "presley" said, save a little more, and get something that you can hand down to your kids. my nephew has the colt trooper mk3, that i bought in '79

[Frankh21]

In addition, I'd recommend practicing safe gun handling and get a safe for the gun.

Yes, I agree with spending a little more. You get what you pay for and if your life depended on it I'd spend the extra cash.

[Virus55]

Depends what your gunna use it for. HD, range gun what?

[dshooter]

If you're in socal, Turners has p95 9mm for 330. 9mm is around .30/rd .38 for .40/rd.

Lifetime warranty for hi point 200 or less isn't bad. Ruger also takes care of you too.

[Skizotty]

Okay!Thanks guys! What would you recommend in the 500-600 price range? I have large hands, I'm 6'4" and am an experienced shooter but mostly with rifles this would be my first pistol. It would be as my back-up hunting gun and for home defense. And as for shooter budget, it is very lenient, I do all my reloading and I do have a safe. I haven't ventured into the world of handguns yet so I just wanted some opinions. Thanks again!

[warthog1984]

Okay!Thanks guys! What would you recommend in the 500-600 price range? I have large hands, I'm 6'4" and am an experienced shooter but mostly with rifles this would be my first pistol. It would be as my back-up hunting gun and for home defense. And as for shooter budget, it is very lenient, I do all my reloading and I do have a safe. I haven't ventured into the world of handguns yet so I just wanted some opinions. Thanks again!

Going through your answers:

backup hunting gun means nothing smaller than .357 Mag, and no stubbies. Large hands would suggest staying away from compact guns.

Initial impression would be a long-barrel .357 or .44 revolver (m66, ruger blackhawk) or .45 SA (Armscor 1911 comes to mind). Reloading would help in offsetting the cost of big-cal ammo, and there's little you can do to a revolver or 1911 to truly mess it up. The various striker-fired guns might also work, but I'm not up on those.

[MA2]

Glock 20/20sf, should fit the large hands.
HD or hunting, 10mm can be loaded as needed and you reload.

[ElDub1950]

a lot of people choose a 10mm glock for a hunting bkup and HD

[1badman]

From what here hi points are ugly buy go bang when you need it so if looks doesn't matter that is a decent gun. P95 ruger is a good gun from reand is a big step over hi point. If 350 to 400 is your budget then I would stay away revolvers since ruger at minimum is the starting point for a good revolver. The sigma is also a good gun if you don't mind the trigger being on the heavy side.

[UCOLA]

Springfield!! Also the forum sometimes has awesome deals and you can find a higher quality gun than what you'd get at shop right now, lol if it's still on the shelf at Turners it's probably not that popular!!!

[Jet Setter]

Save up until you get to $500-$600. The guns in that price range will be much better.

Totally agree. Even if it is just for the range, I feel the next bracket in price range will widen your options. At this stage, I don't think you will find anything in that range that is not a .22lr handgun. I recommend a M&P9/40 as your first handgun. They are great and easy to shoot.

[trigger945]

Since you reload, it's a lot easier to go with a .357 mag revolver because you get to keep ALL your brass. 500-600 will get you a good, used one. Ruger or S&W will be top of the list. Good luck!

[Vanilla Gorilla]

Get a Glock any one you like in .40 or 9 can't go wrong with Glock