hi guys i have a few questions i have to ask i want to start collecting guns as a hobby i have always been facinated with guns and now have the ability ($$$) to start buying some, having never owned a gun before what are some good handguns would you recomend to a beginer. Thanks for the input
For first time handgun owner you could fit a 9mm and probably love it, the recoil isn't bad and it's still big enough to use for self defence, and also 9mm is a cheap caliber you could afford to shoot, for the guns you could decide between a large variety of 9mm handguns, Glock is one of the most reliable ever, Smith is well know also for great dependability, Tauras is a verry good gun, and my personal favorite Ruger is verry reliable and I own one and love it, mine is a Ruger p89 9mm verry nice, you will get plenty of information here im sure, by the way: Welcome To Gun And Game.
If you can afford it I would buy both the .22 and a decent 9mm. Ruger is an excellent choice for both the .22 and the 9mm. If your budget only will allow one pistol I would definitely buy the 9mm. You have so much more versatility with the 9mm auto, self defense, target shooting, plinking and the ammo is still reasonable. Im sure you will get many different solutions from others on this excellent board.
If you could actually fire the weapons you're thinking about it would be VERY helpful!
If it is your first time shooting a gun, start small and work your way up. Starting with a .22LR pistol is good. They are usually inexpensive, fun to shoot, and most importantly, you can get a box of 550 rounds at Wal-Mart for $20. You can find a .22LR for almost any gun frame.
If you are pretty familiar with them (shot with friends, family, military, etc.), I would recommend starting with at least a 9mm. 9x19 is usually inexpensive and more than adequate for self-defense (9mm is standard issue for the US Army and most law enforcement agencies).
If you have the money for it, I would go with a Kimber 1911, and get a .22LR conversion kit. That way you have a good round for self defense and for shooting a bigger round (.45 ACP), and you can still take it out and plink stuff with the .22LR conversion kit. I've only used a Kimber with the conversion kit once, and it seemed to work pretty good, but I would suggest getting more input on that.
Your best bet is to go to a gun store, or better yet a gun show, and actually look at the guns, feel the guns, find the one you like. Then call the local ranges and see if they rent out that gun so you can get a feel for it.
There is more good advice on this forum than anywhere on the internet, but the best thing to do is find what *you* like. There are very few guns that actually are worthless pieces of crap, a gun's quality and capability rest solely on your abilities and responsibility of keeping it cleaned and properly cared for.
All that said, I have a Walther P99AS .40S&W. I love it. Accurate, reliable, and the only problem I have had was with one of the magazines not being machined right to snap in properly (which I fixed by correcting it with a dremel).
If you are going to get used to firing a handgun I would agree with the others and get a little .22. Maybe a nice S&W or the Taurus Raging Hornet.
I would suggest staying away from .45s and .40s, at least for now, until you're comfortable. On the other hand...there are revolvers that will chamber more than one type of round. A .357 Magnum revolver will chamber both .38s and .357s, giving you a greater range of ammunition types you can uses (as .38s come in several variants).
If you are going to get used to firing a handgun I would agree with the others and get a little .22. Maybe a nice S&W or the Taurus Raging Hornet.
I would suggest staying away from .45s and .40s, at least for now, until you're comfortable. On the other hand...there are revolvers that will chamber more than one type of round. A .357 Magnum revolver will chamber both .38s and .357s, giving you a greater range of ammunition types you can uses (as .38s come in several variants).
But yes, budget? Previous experience?
- Coeloptera
Exactly, he doesent have to have a handcannon but like u and I suggested reasonable calibers, I know the majority of u guys like 22 because of accuracy and ammo cost but, I think he should try something like 380 or larger because you guy s will say you can use a 22 for self defence but I wouldn't.
Is your emphasis on "collection worthy" pieces, or just shooters? If it's truly a "collection" you want, then consider the guns that are going to gain in value. Get yourself a good book on gun values and learn a little about what you're buying into. Especially if you're going to buy used. Learn what what the NRA considers poor, good, and excellent condition.
If you're just wanting some good shooters, you have already received some good advice from the previous posters. Start small in caliber with handguns and work you're way up to what you're comfortable with. Find a gun range that will let you try out the different calibers and models. For shooters, you can get a lot of gun for the $$$ if you buy a Ruger. Every one I've owned has been very dependable and good shooters.
i have about 600-800$ to spend not really looking for something for self defense more just for collection and occasional target practice, i guess what i'm saying i need a good well rounded gun that is easy to use and if need be is a good self defense.
First and foremost, whatever pistol you end up purchasing, practice, practice, practice. Know that gun inside and out. Gunney recommended a .22. That is a GREAT choice for practice, not so practical for home/self defense. Granted, a .22 can kill, but not nearly as effectively as a 9mm, .357, .45, etc. The goal is to end the threat ASAP, right? If you can, start out with a .22 pistol, even if you have to borrow one from a friend, or rent it at a gun range. Work your way up until you reach the caliber you're not comfortable with then take a step back down to the one you are. The one that you can hit with is a lot better than the one that shoots the biggest hunk of copper-jacketed lead that you can't hit with. If you don't have the luxury of a gun range that offers rentals nearby, you'll probably be safe with a 9mm. It's cheap to practice with compared to other larger calibers, and it does have some considerable stopping power. In the $600-$800 price range you have quite a few choices in pistols...Glock, Ruger, Springfield, Smith & Wesson...the list goes on and on. Check to see how each different pistol fits your hand, some will give you more control than others.
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When they come for my guns, I'll give 'em the bullets first!
First and foremost, whatever pistol you end up purchasing, practice, practice, practice. Know that gun inside and out. Gunney recommended a .22. That is a GREAT choice for practice, not so practical for home/self defense. Granted, a .22 can kill, but not nearly as effectively as a 9mm, .357, .45, etc. The goal is to end the threat ASAP, right? If you can, start out with a .22 pistol, even if you have to borrow one from a friend, or rent it at a gun range. Work your way up until you reach the caliber you're not comfortable with then take a step back down to the one you are. The one that you can hit with is a lot better than the one that shoots the biggest hunk of copper-jacketed lead that you can't hit with. If you don't have the luxury of a gun range that offers rentals nearby, you'll probably be safe with a 9mm. It's cheap to practice with compared to other larger calibers, and it does have some considerable stopping power. In the $600-$800 price range you have quite a few choices in pistols...Glock, Ruger, Springfield, Smith & Wesson...the list goes on and on. Check to see how each different pistol fits your hand, some will give you more control than others.
You know what id say a 9, even though most guy will tell you 22 for ammo price I wouldn't stake my life on it. 9mm you can get the ammo for about 8-9 dollars and is a good starter/range plinker/home defence, so it would be a good choice if you will take into account if your buying a gun: buy a GUN!!!
I would go all out and buy a good high quality 1911 or Glock pistol and there not the only quality pistols out there either.
Surf the manufactures web sites, check out your local Pawn and Gun shops and Gun Shows then when you see some you like come back and post questions about them here before you buy.
These members here want mislead you, theres a lot of first hand experience here.
I like Glocks and CZ's pistols...in 40 S&W or 45...A.H
first time gun owner 
