9mm or .22?

[randomBytes]

Picking 1st gun is always hard.
I suspect most people think it will be the only one they get, and therefor has to be good at everything....

After you've bought a few guns, you get over that ;-)

It is unfortunate that .22 ammo is so hard to get today, else I expect everyone would steer you towards that. Much better to learn with .22 get the fundamentals right before dealing with recoil etc.

9mm is perhaps the next best - and also decent for self defense.
I like glocks for their simplicity and reliability.
But target pistols they are not ;-)
The recoil and noise of 9mm are significant compared to .22.

[ersatz]

I'll go against the grain here. A .22 won't really help all that much when moving up to bigger calibers. You might as well just get an air pistol and practice that in your backyard. Its cheaper and you'll probably get more practice in. You have to learn to deal with recoil and various other differences, grip angles, sights, etc. Seen quite a few people of smaller stature start out with 22 and then move onto 9mm but can't hit the broadside of a building because they limp wrist or anticipate the recoil. Sometimes it seems that they've been conditioned to how the 22 handles and they can't deal with the changes whereas someone starting off with a 9mm adapts a bit quicker. Those are my limited observations though and of course as individuals vary so will their responses so a 22 could be a good starting platform for you.

[Jason95357]

Get a 22 to practice first. My wife could never hit the target with the 9mm at 7 yard, but she did nicely with the 22.

Ditto. My wife loves to shoot her 1911-22. After about 45 minutes she'll shoot her 9mm (and then Bodyguard 380ACP) at the end of the hour at the range because she knows that is what she must carry for stopping power.

You can get 22LR online, it's just not readily available in person, and not for as cheap (shipping charges).

Get both calibers, and if you can only get one for now, start with 22LR.

One option is to get a Glock model 19 (9mm) and a 22LR conversion slide and barrel.

Another option is to do something like getting the S&W M&P22 and S&W M&P9c (you'll have to SSE the later).

You can do the same with 1911s, etc. Find what form factor you like best, and make sure you can get both calibers in it, and do so.

[tsa1]

9mm, ammo is way easier to get and more effective in personal defense situations.

[tsoiky]

No one suggest 380? How about a G42?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Jason95357]

No one suggest 380? How about a G42?

SSE for first handgun purchase as this is not on the California Roster list (is anyone even doing SSEs for these yet?)? Plus it only holds 6 rounds. I wouldn't recommend myself.

[Arson]

Glock 17 (standard size), 23 (compact) or 26 (subcompact). All in 9mm around $519, all easily converted to 40 cal. with an aftermarket barrel swap. They do make uppers for Glocks that convert to .22 cal. around +/- $300

If you are going to a range to rent a firearm, you may have to take a friend. Some Ranges do not rent to a single individual for the fear of Suicides.

[madoka]

Thank you guys!

The problem with getting a conversion kit for a 9mm is that I'd rather spend the extra few hundred dollars and have two guns, since a lot of the time it will not just be me shooting (at least I hope!)

You are right about this. Get two guns rather than a conversion kit. And I say this as the owner of conversion kits for Sig, CZ and Glock.

Like I said, you're better off buying the M&P 22. Get used to the ergonomics and then if you want, get the M&P 9.

[RichardBay]

Beretta 84 cheta380acp its a full size or go s&w m&p 9, or even that cz 9 with 22 conversion cadet kit. Or just go hella hard at the gym and get ar15 pistol.. Eithe way happy shooting and update us please...

[desertrunner303]

I love the 9mm and hope the OP can go with it. Also consider if you can SSE a SW MP Shield in 9mm. It's fits the hand very nice. Also consider a Sig P239 as well.

[FresnoRob]

I recommend the 9mm. If it was JUST target practice the .22 would be great. But if it's going to serve as a HD gun as well get a 9mm. It's true that 10 rounds of .22 could stop someone you may not have time for more than 1 or 2 well placed shots. In that case bigger is better.

[CSACANNONEER]

I'll go against the grain here. A .22 won't really help all that much when moving up to bigger calibers. You might as well just get an air pistol and practice that in your backyard. Its cheaper and you'll probably get more practice in. You have to learn to deal with recoil and various other differences, grip angles, sights, etc. Seen quite a few people of smaller stature start out with 22 and then move onto 9mm but can't hit the broadside of a building because they limp wrist or anticipate the recoil. Sometimes it seems that they've been conditioned to how the 22 handles and they can't deal with the changes whereas someone starting off with a 9mm adapts a bit quicker. Those are my limited observations though and of course as individuals vary so will their responses so a 22 could be a good starting platform for you.

As a NRA Certified pistol rifle and shotgun instructor who has been volunteering my time to teach beginning female shooters at Women On Target Classes which the CGSSA is hosting, I have to disagree with you. A .22lr is an excellent way to learn the fundamentals before moving over to centerfire handguns. Of course, if one doesn't learn to shoot a .22lr properly to begin with, it would be detrimental to his/her future shooting. But, that's more about improper instruction than the size of the cartridges.

[Bullitt01]

Smith & Wesson pretty much has your exact situation covered with the M&P 22. It's a full-size replica of their M&P series pistols but shoots the .22 LR round. Great for learning, training and target practice. Should you decide to continue with gun ownership, you can pick an M&P in any caliber 9mm, .40 S&W or .45 ACP with essentially the same ergonomics and operation as the .22.

One difference, important if you have smaller hands, is the .22 version has the medium size grip and not the interchangeable backstrap of the centerfire M&Ps.

This just seems like the smoothest and easiest transition you could choose.

[crufflers]

The best choice is what fits you, your hands, and you can confidently shoot well consistently. You might be able to shoot a bunch of guns well, but some might feel more natural to you right away. Try some at the range if you can rent some or have friend go with you that has a few types. I'd recommend at least trying an M&P 9 and M&P 22 (great combo since you want two separate guns). Some other 9mm suggestions are Ruger SR9, Springfield XD9, Glock 17, CZ75. Other .22's would be Browning Buckmark Contour, Ruger MKIII or a used MKII. There's lots to try before you buy.

[dyson]

Op if your goal is to shoot one hole groupings then start with a 22. If your goal is self defense then youll be fine with a 9