New guy needs advice

[SharpShooter]

Hey guys, I'd like to start by saying that this seems like a wonderful forum to be a part of. It seems to have a lot of answers to questions I've been having. I just needed some advice from some of the handgun novices in the forums. I know that there is no "perfect" first handgun, but I wanted to know from your personal experiences, what would be a good hand gun to start off with. My friend brought me to a shooting range and I sort of fell in love with the sport. The only thing is, I'm kind of an impulsive buyer. I wanted to know what you guys would suggest as a good inexpensive first gun that is relieble and if for some reason I don't stick with the sport, will still be a good gun to keep around for self defense. Any and all input would be much appreciated.

[Quiet]

Start off with a .22LR handgun.

Check out...
Ruger Mark II or III
Browning Buck Mark
Beretta Neo

If you want something bigger, check out...
Ruger GP-100
S&W Model 686

[redcliff]

Theres a couple ways to go; if you want to really learn to shoot a handgun inexpensively you need a .22lr semi-automatic or revolver. Ruger, Browning, and Sig make some reasonable priced semi's, .22 revolvers are harder to find but S&W makes some good ones.

If you're not on a tight budget you might want to look at a 9mm semi or a .357 revolver. A Glock or Sig 9mm semi would be a good first pistol, or a Ruger or S&W revolver in .357.

Your best bet is to find an indoor range that rents different firearms and you can try before you buy to see what suits you. I'm sure if you post your location someone can recommend a shooting range to go to

[SharpShooter]

I appreciate the suggestions and I'm located in cerritos. I've already been to insight indoor shooting range. I actually went there for my first time about 2 weeks ago and became hooked. I've been there 5 times in the past weeks. I've narrowed it down to starting myself off the a 9mm. I've shot a glock and a sig and really like both, but im open to more options.

[saber]

If you want a 9mm, some other options include H&K's, Berettas, Smith and Wessons (M&P's have gotten some really good reviews, thinking of getting on myself), and a Springfield XD.

[redcliff]

Also the CZ-75 is a great value in a 9mm.

[aca72]

GLOCK 19. It's cheap and reliable.

[Delfunk2015]

...

my first gun was a HK USP 9mm. I love it. A lil pricey but i think its worth it, besides the fact that HK thinks i suck and also hates me. jkjkjkk =)

[MT1]

Welcome to the forums

There's way too many options out there for someone to tell you what to get. As has been stated, go to the range and shoot whatever they will let you - pick what feels best in your hand, is easy to operate, and shoots well for you.

Personally I am a 1911 and Sig Sauer fan.

[11Z50]

Good choice on the 9mm; it's pleasant to shoot, inexpensive, universally available, powerful enough for self-defense, and accurate in most guns.

Depending on your budget, you can't go wrong with a Sig or Glock. With a 9mm, I take into account that since you can only have a 10-rd mag, a smaller gun makes more sense. If you travel out of state, or plan on moving eventually, full-cap mags may be an option for you, so a bigger pistol might work.

I would check out Beretta, Ruger, and the S&W MP. There are many choices out there, so try a few out to make sure your first handgun is one that best fits your hand. When you find one that handles right for you buy it, and lots of ammo, and blast away. I own several 9mm's, but my favorites are the HK P7, Beretta 92, Sig P6, and Smith and Wesson SW9G.

The basic options are double action or single action, polymer v alloy frame, manual safety or not, full-size or compact and stainless or blue steel.

Welcome to our forum, and to the wonderful world of shooting!

[RT13]

Glock17 9mm or G19 compact version of G17.
SigPro SP2022 or SP2009 9mm.
Springfiled XD9.

[Juicymeat]

If you're looking for something cheap, look no further than the Sig P6, they're one sale now for about 350 on average and are probably the best bang for the buck out right now.

[savs2k]

get a glock. cheap and reliable. They'll take a beating if you give them one and not having a safety makes you keep practicing to always have your finger off the trigger until your ready to shoot (you should do it anyways regardless of gun)

[DrunkSkunk]

first of all DON'T LISTEN TO ANYONE HERE OR WHAT GUN THEY SUGGEST.

go to a range that has gun rentals, try out every pistol they have and decide for yourself.

[elSquid]

first of all DON'T LISTEN TO ANYONE HERE OR WHAT GUN THEY SUGGEST.

I totally agree.

That said, go and buy a 22LR auto. (cough, cough)

-- Michael