Tips on how to pick the right hand gun

[Chris]

Let's come up with some tips, and then I will create a new thread and make it a sticky.

Tips I think to start us off with

1. What will you use it for? (Carry,target, or home defense or all three)
2. Are you familar with firearms?

[ezearln]

1) It will be my primary sidearm
2) Very familiar
LOL
3) What are you more comfortable with Pistol or revolver?
4) Is recoil a concern for you? If so rate it 1-5, 5 indicating highest concern
5) Do you possess resources that would permit you to enroll in continuing firearms training beyond basic instruction.

[jerry]

Add hunting to "what used for".

Budget range

Ammo availability.

[CKD N LKD]

There are many important factors that go into choosing the right handgun. The most important is choosing those factors that pertain to your unique situation.
1 - Uses
2 - Cost
3 - Caliber
4 - Size of user
5 - Accuracy
6 - Realiability
7 - Grip feel, etc. are all important factors that need to be taken into account.

[Chris]

This will be the list for hand guns.

There will be another one for hunting

[neophyte]

"Tips" for a newbe/beginner
1. are you comfortable around firearms
2. do you have any experience with firearms
3. what are your expectations
4. do you have time to practice
5. do you have someone to practice with
6. do you have somewhere to practice
7. are you ready to have a gun
8. how do you value your freedom [once you become a 'gun owner' you loose part of your freedom]

Would you go with me shooting with me
Would you be willing to shoot handguns with minimum training
What are your preconceived opinions on guns

A Partial thought process

Weapon Ownership?

or did I miss your point?

[BattleRifleG3]

Do you prefer SA, SA/DA, DAO, or striker fired?
Are you open to polymer frames?
Is the force required to cycle the slide a big deal for you?

[Idaho Dave]

Maybe first you should ask: do you know what single action/double action mean? Do you know what kind of guns each type of action can be found on? Have you seen/felt a polymer and other types of frame? Would you like me to take you someplace and let you try them all so you can get an idea? once you made up your mind can I go with you to shoot your new gun? Would you let me shoot it first?

[Triggerjerk]

We need to decide if we are asking questions for the prospective purchaser to think about or giving instructions. I recently wrote an upcoming article for the Backwoodsman Magazine giving advice on choosing handguns for self defense. My suggestion is to assume that the beginners know nothing and to tell them what to consider rather than ask them questions.

[Oxford]

How much can you afford to spend on each cartridge/box? There's a big difference among options.

[GoodAim]

Oh way too much info to gather to determine what they should be looking for. It's much easier to lay out a guideline and some advice when choosing.

[Despoiler]

Tips on how to pick the right hand gun: simple answer 1911

Despoiler

[billy]

Originally Posted by GoodAim

Oh way too much info to gather to determine what they should be looking for. It's much easier to lay out a guideline and some advice when choosing.

+1
maybe the pros and cons of the types of handguns?

and stress the safe use of each

[billy]

a revolver is a great beginner handgun because the learning curve is short.
a semiauto takes more training to be adept with.
get one that is comfortable to shoot and take some classes .
above all PRACTICE! a LOT!
shoot as many rounds as you can regularly.
join a gun club so you always have access to a range.
get so that the weapon becomes second nature in your hand .
muscle memory is important.
enjoy yourself be safe and have fun!

dont worry about the sights .
point and shoot
squeeze the trigger dont jerk it.

[cubbieman]

i think goodaim really hit this one on the head, there are simply way too many options to do something like this