Good handgun for a beginner?

[Sikvenum93]

So my friend just turned 21 and he is ready to make his first handgun purchase. Since I'm still a novice, I thought I'd come here for some advice on his behalf. I have gone to the range with him twice and he's shot my Glock, a couple 1911s, an XD, a Ruger LCR and a 6 inch .357 S&W revolver. I'm trying to get him into autoloaders but he is just infatuated with revolvers which I have no experience with. He's a short guy(only 5"6) and it seemed to me he could barely handle the recoil of both the revolvers he tried. I know some people swear by them, but are revolvers really a good first handgun? I've tried them and I just don't see the appeal of a gun that takes longer to reload, has more recoil(compared to a Glock) and has a smaller magazine size. I guess I just don't want my buddy to buy a gun he can't handle and then he quits shooting altogether. Any recommendations on whether or not a revolver would be fine and what models would be extremely helpful thanks!

[ElDub1950]

Whatever he likes and will practice with is what he should get.

Rental ranges are the places to go. He might have to visit 2 or 3 to find the variety he want to try out.

Just because you're not big on revolvers doesn't mean it not the best for your friend. His decision to make.

[Alexander831]

Smith & Wesson 686+ or Ruger gp100 in 357. Cant go wrong with either very accurate and reliable. Problem solved.

[Lead Waster]

Smith & Wesson 686+ or Ruger gp100 in 357. Cant go wrong with either very accurate and reliable. Problem solved.

I agree here if it's a revolver he wants. Or a 627, 8 rounds of 357!

If he agrees to auto loaders ... I would have said a glock 17 or 19, but now that I have one, I'd say a walther ppq.

[Sikvenum93]

Smith & Wesson 686+ or Ruger gp100 in 357. Cant go wrong with either very accurate and reliable. Problem solved.

TY for the suggestion. I'll find a range that stocks those guns.

[Novak77]

Smith & Wesson 686+ or Ruger gp100 in 357. Cant go wrong with either very accurate and reliable. Problem solved.

This ^^^^^^^.

Can't go wrong with a revolver. He can shoot .38 out of it and it will help with the recoil.

[Nguyen]

A glock 19

[philobeddoe]

I agree on the S&W 686+

[kjv146]

He loves revolvers. Has he shot a semi auto handgun yet? I'd definitely have him go rent some. Glocks and XDs are a good start, and can be found for rent at most ranges.

[TacticalThug]

What does he think about your lcrs? I love mine

[003]

Hard to go wrong with a quality Ruger .22 pistol. Perhpas one of the .22/45's. While it may not be the macho gun, it is the best way to learn, and an excellent first gun.

[Mr.Cip]

I agree here if it's a revolver he wants. Or a 627, 8 rounds of 357!



If he agrees to auto loaders ... I would have said a glock 17 or 19, but now that I have one, I'd say a walther ppq.

I have a GP100 stainless four inch and I really like it. It's just a perfect fit and balance in my hands. I can shoot .38 special for range practice and .357 mag for defense.
I also have a Glock 19 which I enjoy shooting. Not really a range gun but fun to own and shoot. Not a great grip, but the gun is simple and efficient. 9mm ammo is a lot cheaper than .38/.357.
I currently have PPQ in jail. I'm looking forward to it. The grip feels really good. It may become my favorite over the GP100.


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[mikeyr]

we are all different, you don't see his preference for a revolver but I don't see yours for a autoloader. Don't get me wrong, I own a couple but they are more or less safe queens that come out to play maybe once a year, my revolvers come out of the safe and play almost every weekend.

Can't go wrong with a Ruger .357, it can shoot 38 and 357 so it doubles your chances of finding ammo to go shooting with (until he starts reloading anyway). My favorite pistol is my Beretta 92FS but i still prefer revolvers.

Go to a range that rents a variety of toys and let him decide what he wans.

[RedFord150]

...he is just infatuated with revolvers ...it seemed to me he could barely handle the recoil of both the revolvers he tried. ...

What type of ammo was he shooting?
A Ruger GP100 and a Smith & Wesson 686 are both fairly heavy .357 magnum revolvers. If your friend is a novice, he should start with .38 Special wadcutters in the lightest possible loads. Yes, a .357 mag will safely shoot .38 special.
As your friend improves, he can move up to heavier .38 special loads and eventually transition to .357 mag.
A heavy revolver shooting light loads should be very easy to manage.
Before your friend buys anything, he should complete a beginner handgun course at a local indoor range. After receiving some good instruction, the decision might be much easier to make.

[krpduner]

The first handgun I fired was a 1911, My first handgun I bought was a 9 shot 22 revolver cause thats what I could afford, my next handgun was a Colt 1911 series 80. I have fired 99% and now carry a 1911 as I like it best. I have numerous others but like the 1911 style the best. Dont shy away from 1911's because many are unfamiliar or nervous about them. Shoot many if you can and get what you like best be it Glock,S&W,revolver, SA etc. JMHO.