What's a good first handgun?

[Sikvenum93]

So I just turned 21 today. Instead of going off and buying a beer like most people, I have decided I want to get my first handgun. I was thinking something used because my price limit is $350-400. I wanted something that I can practice at the range with alot and maybe as a home defense weapon. I also wanted something that doesn't use expensive bullets. My friends told me that some types of ammo is much more expensive to shoot than others and I wanted something that is cheaper to shoot because I'm a student. So if anyone has recommendations I would love to hear them thanks!-Kevin

[Jester3]

Whatever fits your hand well, and you can control. Have you considered going to a few ranges and renting a handgun? Try that, it's the best way to find out what you can handle easy, and beats buying something that won't work for you. Do you have friends with any handguns? See if they will take you to the range. Don't buy something 'cause it looks cool, or someone else tells you it is what you need.

[punisheryayarea]

It would be a good idea to save a little more money and get a Glock . Easy to clean, break down, will eat almost any ammo. I would say a Glock 19 or 17 if you want to save money on ammo. I would find either a range that rents handguns and try some out and or look for a good firearms instructor that will teach you the basics in the use of a handgun. (try to find one that will let you use one of their handguns.)

[mega4ce]

I would say to go with a Glock 17 or 19 for that price range. 9mm ammo is cheaper than most others and it would fulfill your other requirements. You can find them in the used market for around the $400-450 for gen 3 and older pistols.

[sanjoseskater]

Save up another 100, 500 dollar price range opens up a lot of good handguns. A blued gp100 can be had in the 500 range So can a used glock 17 or m&p 9.

[BigL]

Depends where your located also. River city gun exchange sells agency trade im glocks for super cheap 380ish to about 480 depending on the model some come with night sights. Glocks.

[tbc]

You can find a .22 cal pistol within your budget. The ammo is a bit hard to find but a lot less expensive. You can find a nicely used Ruger 22/45 for 250 and a new one for about $300.

[digdug74]

Check your local gun store for police trade ins. Most will be in .40 cal which is a good round but might be a bit much for a new shooter. However, you'll probably be able to find a fair amount of 9mm pistols in there too. You should probably be able to find a used Glock 17 or 19 (9mm) if you look around enough which would be a good choice for a new shooter on a budget.

[Sikvenum93]

Wow! So many responses! To the people saying glock I've fired a Glock 17 before when I was around 14 and I didn't like it. The grip seemed kind of awkward. But that was quite awhile ago so I will try it again if y'all say its a good gun. I'm located in LA county in the city of Pasadena. I'm not sure if its just LA but in order to rent a gun you have to have someone with you and I can't find anyone to go with me atm

[Legasat]

Whatever fits your hand well, and you can control. Have you considered going to a few ranges and renting a handgun? Try that, it's the best way to find out what you can handle easy, and beats buying something that won't work for you. Do you have friends with any handguns? See if they will take you to the range. Don't buy something 'cause it looks cool, or someone else tells you it is what you need.

I see the Glock Fanboyz have already arrived...

Actually, this quote above is the best advice. First, decide what kind of handgun you want to try. Many people will say a revolver is the best choice because it forces you to learn good fundamentals before going to a semi-auto. Maybe you have already decided to go semi-auto. If so, steel or polymer? Which grip angle? Thick or thin grip? Full size, compact, or smaller?

These are questions you have to answer yourself, and the only way to do this, is go rent a few and try them. In the Semi-auto world, 9mm is pretty cheap to practice with and very available. There are also some very nice rounds available for self defense. In the revolver realm, a .38/.357 is the way to go to start off. Get your fundamentals down with .38 (cheap), and add .357 as you get better.

Take your time in choosing a firearm. Rent a bunch, shoot a lot...before you buy.

Getting off my soapbox now. Good luck with your decision!!

[webcruzzer]

BFR

[PandaBear]

SCCY
Kahr CW9
S&W SDVE

All $400 or less. No personal experience with any of them though.

[Sikvenum93]

I see the Glock Fanboyz have already arrived. Actually, this quote above is the best advice. First, decide what kind of handgun you want. Many people will say a revolver is the best choice because it forces you to learn good fundamentals before going to a semi-auto. Maybe you have already decided to go semi-auto. If so, steel or polymer? Which grip angle? Thick or thin grip? Full size, compact, or smaller?

These are questions you have to answer yourself, and the only way to do this, is go rent a few and try them. In the Semi-auto world, 9mm is pretty cheap to practice with and very available. There are also some very nice rounds available for self defense. In the revolver realm, a .38/.357 is the way to go to start off. Get your fundamentals down with .38 (cheap), and add .357 as you get better.

Getting off my soapbox now. Good luck with your decision!!

Hey thanks for chiming in Legasat! I don't really have any preference. If you think a revolver would be great for a beginner then I'll look into revolvers. I'm not sure what you mean by grip angle, aren't all handguns "pistol gripped?" I was looking for something smaller. I have an airsoft 1911 and I definitely want something smaller than it.

[Virus55]

Kahr cw9

[Ugly Hombre]

Ruger new Vaquero SA revolver in 357 or 45 ACP if you can find one. Not usually a self defense weapon- but could serve and fun to learn and shoot with. SA = cowboy style revolver.

Good double action revolver in 357 S&W, Ruger, older good shape Colt.

Would not get a automatic for a first pistol- but maybe- that's just a old man idea..

Welcome to shooting!