First-time handgun buyer

[tinyman]

Hey guys,
I'm new to this forum but I'm looking to buy a handgun. I know relatively little about handguns. I intend on taking a local class to get a carry permit.

My goal is to get a good gun for defense, carrying, and most of all... for practicing at the range with.

So the most important things I'm looking at are:
1.) Safety. (As safe as a firearm can be, anyway)
2.) Price.

What do you guys recommend?

[two-70]

The Ruger SR9 would be an excellent gun, its slim, carries 16 rounds, has an ambedextrous safety and mag release

[neophyte]

tinyman: Sir; 'two_70 has a good one listed.

Another approach; go to a gun range and rent and shoot as many different ones as you can. One will reach out and say "ME"

Most all manufactures have units of quality. Find one and then ask all the questions that you can think of.

I could recommend Glocks, Rugers, XD's SW's that I have and shoot.

It's not about me It's all about you and how the unit 'fits'.

Follow up with your thinking

[Windwalker]

You just got some real good advice from Neophyte. Shoot as many different pistols as you can until you find some that really feel good in your hand. Write down the name brands and calibers and list them on the forum. You will get a lot of helpful info.

[nathangdad]

Shoot, or at least handle as many handguns as possible.
You are seeking what fits you best in terms of
weight, size, balance, pointability, trigger pull, fit of
frame to your hand, etc.

That is the correct handgun for you. It is the one with
which you will get the most practice, the greatest
marksmanship, and the best one to fire should
opportunity or misfortune call for a well placed
shot.

[squirrelbaster]

The bersa thunder is what id recomend, has a built in fireing pin lock/key and well as a nice safty/decocker, as well a mag safty so it cant fire with no mag in. its small just a pinch bigger than a walther ppk and is relativly inexpencive. i got mine for $240.

also good for poseing like james bond in the mirror!!

[big boomer]

It would be nice to start with a 22 but thats not what you would want for a carry gun. The bersa is nice I have owned a couple but there are many kinds of carry guns to choose from go handle as many as you can and see what fits.

[damage855]

+1 on a Bersa had one but then my wife took it and uses it as hers now. need to get another....

[AKHunter]

Good advice given. I went to an indoor range that rented handguns. I tried everything they had that I considered as practical for self defense. Ultimately I chose a HK USP .40SW very nice handgun, easy to carry has a de-cock safety so it makes it totaly safe to carry one 'in the pipe'. DA first pull then SA after that, also ambidextrous safety. Very simple and easy to strip and clean... even after spending the night in mud .

[gixxer32404]

http://www.gunandgame.com/forums/smi...out-there.html (Any Smith & Wesson M&P Pistol Owners Out There??)

[gixxer32404]

I've always owned Glocks. glock 23, 17, and 34. My question is since construction work is in the hole, if I go back to Armed Security would u reccommend glock 17, or s@w mp9mil, or something else? I have no smith experience,but know and like the fact if i'm overtaken I can drop the magazine to disengage it. also read it has a handcuff key lock to disengage. What are the pro's and con's of each? would it also be good as an off duty ccw? where a good cheap place to ascertain? just looking for a good understanding? any recomended duty holsters? For the record I have served in US Army, and had correctional officer defensive tactics. thanks in advance for the input.

[evilblackrifle]

I'd recommend a Ruger GP100 357 revolver. It covers all of your bases.

[Palladin8]

I would think the SP101 would be a better concealed carry gun than the GP100. Both are great guns though.

[drywallguy]

I recently asked pretty much the same question on this forum and just bought my first handgun last week. Listen to everyone when they say to go to a gun range that rents. Also, when you go to gun shops (even if you don't plan on buying that day) make sure to pick up and hold as many different guns as possible. This way you can atleast weed out makes or models that you know you don't like. This is exactly what I did and I'm happy that I took the time to find the right gun.

[stalebiscuit]

Originally Posted by two-70

The Ruger SR9 would be an excellent gun, its slim, carries 16 rounds, has an ambedextrous safety and mag release

have you shot one/own one

[gixxer32404]

I never would have asked if they had rental places here,but they don't. They only have outside redneck ranges where every little sign of warning/advice or safety has a bullet hole. I have worked Armed Security ,Corrections, and Military. I have carried a glock 17 on duty,fired M16's, shotguns, sks rifles, revolvers was just getting an idea. I was kinda considering m and p S&W, the 24/7 looked considerable, as well.I may have to go back into security in Tallahassee,Fla.no or few jobs available.

[neophyte]

gixxer3204: Sir; I read your question several times before I commented.
Strange as it seems; the appearance; you were not happy with what you had.
Sir; I shoot G model 17 22 GP100 SW Ruger Single Actions and a my shooting partners XD's Kahar few others.
Without question; I would and could recommend what "I" like. Sir; my first thoughts are shoot as many as possible and not have a "pig in a poke''

My thinking may not be fair to you.

[gixxer32404]

was just looking,and considering the m and p
although frommy glock 23, 34, and 17 the only time i had a fail ,misfire, etc was using a aftermarket magazine made cheaply after the high capacity ban,and paid like 100 dollar for the magazine.

[Rangersniper175]

Worked in the Spec Ops in the military and carried and fried some of the best 45ACPs the military had to offer all were custom jobs, Bought the XD45 by Springfield and right out of the box this weapon I feel preform as well as anything I have laid my hands on. The point of aim this weapon has is totally natural. Recoil was low which makes for a quick follow up shot. A double tap to the chest and one to the head is achieved faster and easier.
308 HOLES MAKES SILENT SOULS.. RANGERS LEAD THE WAY!!!!!

[TXplt]

Especially if new to guns. Infinitely reliable, and intrinsically safe as possible. Probably look to a .38 special or .357 with 38 loads. If you're going to be mostly using it as home defense or car gun, I'd look to the 4" version like GP-100. If it's going to be a CCW gun as well, I'd look to a Smith, Ruger (SP-101), or Taurus. The only problem is that snubbies are tough to shoot well--if you can get a 3" or hi-vis sights this makes a great deal of difference. Also, the Charter Bulldog has excellent firepower in a light and cheap package--this might be worth looking into (but has a fair bit of recoil for a beginner).