Best Hand Gun?

[10GA SHOOTER]

I have grown up around Shotguns and feel they are the best for home defense. But I am starting to show an interest in hand guns after shooting my brothers 357 revolver and looking into getting my CCW Permit. Any suggestions??

[newguy83]

this is like asking what the "best car" is....

if you want to play it safe then get a Glock 19. otherwise go to the range and rent a bunch of different kinds and decide which one you like the best.

[Mr. E]

Plenty of "GOOD" guns on the market.


Glocks are cheap, reliable, and maybe have the most accessories available.
But they are ugly and really bore me.

Another good option is Smith & Wessons M&P.

Better looking "plastic" gun.
It gives you 3 different size grips to really dial in your comfort.

Springfield XD: another good "plastic" option.

You mentioned CCW so weight loss is a good thing.



Best advice is to see what feels the best in your hands.
(Sometimes we do not pick the gun, the gun picks us)

Good luck!

[a1fabweld]

S&W M&P, Springfield XD, Glock, HK, 1911, Sig, CZ, Walther, FN, etc...

Go to a range that rents guns & shoot a few that feel good in your hand.

[Raider888]

Go rent some guns at the range first.
Talk to your friends and family about it.
You'll know in a few weeks which pistol or revolver fits you best.

[scidx]

You mentioned concealment...

Although this is a loaded question, there are so many choices that it's up to you, your budget, and availability.

Larry Vickers stated, in an episode of Tactical TV, if one were to own a single handgun, the Glock 19 could be the perfect fit. I agree to an extent.

If you liked your brother's revolver, check out an S&W model 60 or 642. The model 60 is all steel in .38 SPL or .357 mag and can be found in a "Pro" trim. The 642 carries nicely, is light, has the internals contained, and can be found in .38 SPL +P. I used to carry the 642. S&W has a myriad of other choices in a J-frame as well.

Also, the Ruger SP101 is a decent carry piece with some heft to it. If Ruger made the SP101 with a 6-round cylinder, it would be my ideal revolver with a 3" barrel in Stainless (.327 Fed Mag aside).

With other factors in your choice, you could get dizzy with options. Shoot some stuff and see what you like.

[Raralith]

My first gun, beyond a .22 LR for practice, was chosen from at a gun store with the recommendation of the worker there. I held 6-7 guns ranging from small to medium (I've got small hands), and I told him which ones felt great and the ones that didn't. In the end, I choose a gun, went to a range to get a feel of it, and went back tot he gun store and bought it.

If you plan to shoot a lot and were interested in the Glock 19, I'd consider stepping it up to the Glock 23; this is what I did. The 40 S&W requires a bit more practice because it has a much snappier recoil than the 9mm, but you may regret not going bigger. Lastly, you could get a 9mm conversion barrel if you really wanted to fire 9mm as a cheaper alternative.

[Vin63]

...the one that you are most accurate and comfortable shooting...

[Oceanbob]

It's never about one handgun; it's usually about three.

[Mr. E]

My first gun, beyond a .22 LR for practice, was chosen from at a gun store with the recommendation of the worker there. I held 6-7 guns ranging from small to medium (I've got small hands), and I told him which ones felt great and the ones that didn't. In the end, I choose a gun, went to a range to get a feel of it, and went back tot he gun store and bought it.

If you plan to shoot a lot and were interested in the Glock 19, I'd consider stepping it up to the Glock 23; this is what I did. The 40 S&W requires a bit more practice because it has a much snappier recoil than the 9mm, but you may regret not going bigger. Lastly, you could get a 9mm conversion barrel if you really wanted to fire 9mm as a cheaper alternative.

Not to judge your post, but I disagree with the "snapier recoil" from .40 compared to 9mm.

[K_Labs]

9mm is cheaper but 45 is so much fun

[Euphoria526]

It's never about one handgun; it's usually about three.

Hahahah so effing true!! Thought be happy with one....bit was i wrong.

[dragon7]

Glock 19 or 26 for CCW.

[cwin]

The best handgun IMHO is one that you can keep on target, is comfortable in your hand, and reliable with your ammo of choice.

[glockman19]

Welcome to Cal Guns.

Great first handguns are:

Glock 17/19
Ruger GP100, SP101 4"
S&W 686+ 4"

IF/When you get a CCW:
S&W 442/642
Ruger LCR
3" 1911, Kimber Ultra