Whats a good first handgun?

Question

I'm looking to buy my first handgun in the near future and I would like a little feedback about what maybe a good first handgun. I've never owned a gun before, but I'm a big fan of handguns. I am interested in a .45 caliber but don't know much about what options to consider when buying. However, i'm looking for something that is low maintanence, and not too pricey. I willing to go as high as $1000. I have mdeium size hands, so a large gun would not be a good fit. Thanks for your time and comments.

Answer 1

Good question.  If your looking at spending as much as $1,000 you'll be able to buy just about any type of handgun you want (except one of those custom made jobs).  I also think that you'll notice that the grips on 45's do vary from the grips on a smaller caliber pistol.  Model 1911's) feel great in my hands and I have med. sized hands too.  

The recoil on a 45 is going to be great than that on a 9, but I don't think it's enough to stop you from getting a 45 as a first gun.  

Ones that I'd suggest (in 45 caliber).

1)  Kimber (Raptor).  It's on a 1911 frame and looks really good.  Checkered grip that really grab your hands and help keep the gun from slipping when you fire it.  Might feel a little discomfort after a day on the range due to the checking pattern (palms might feel a little raw, but they'll toughen up)  It's going to close to your $1000 limit.  

3)  Heckler and Kock (Kock pronounced "coke")  Really good guns.  A 45 is going to run you in the $700 range.  Best buy for the buck in my opinion.  Just make sure and get the HK USP 45, not the regular size 45 or you probably will not like the grips (too big).   Holsters are a little difficult to find though.  They are out there, just have to do a little looking or buy of the net directly from HK.  

3)  Colt 45's are good, but personally think they are like buying a Harley Davidson Motorcycle (you're buying the name, and the quality of the gun is a little lower than what you'll pay).

If you talk yourself out of getting a 45 I'd suggest a Glock model 17 (9mm).  Really great gun.  I have over 10,000 rds thru mine without a failure to feed, or jam.  Really easy to field strip and clean too.  

I tend to stay away from anything larger than a 9mm in glock simply because the grips are usually too big for my hands and the grips are pretty smooth so I have difficulty holding onto them.  

If I were you.  And I know I might be a little prejudious since I own a few of them....but I don't think you can go wrong with the HK USP in 45.  Take a look at the HK USP in 9mm too.

Good luck.

Answer 2

9mm is a good choice so in a 40 sw  in 9mm my first was a taurus pt99 it shot verry well and was reliable for me. 40sw in Glock is a verry good choice. Both under 1000. Ive had a 45 Glock since they came avalible in the US. no trouble all these years.It is a G21 large frame for med. hands but Glock does make smaler modles.

Answer 3

HOLD UP NOW HOLD UP!!!!! a .45 is not bad recoil for a beginer geese.My 1st hand gun was a .45 and I seen smaller built guys do fine with them.Id say go with a KIMBER 1911 or a springfield xd and use the rest of the money on courses and ammo

Answer 4

.45 is too strong for ur first handgun. get a 9 millimeter. i have a sig sauer p226 stainless steel and it is amazing. not too hard on the muscles either since it's a 9mm. if u want to get a little more kick out of the gun u can always buy better ammo (law enforcement). glock is also a great choice for your first. dont know which model though.. when you go browsing youll find out there are many many models. also a giant selection for under 1000 bucks.

Answer 5

id say get a regular Beretta .95. if not just get a 9mm

Answer 6

This is my list:

Ruger MKII (used)

Ruger MK II 22/45 (used)

Ruger Single-Six (5-1/2" or 6-1/2" barrel) (used)

S&W model 617

S&W 17 (used, if you can find one)

The above all all .22LR autos and revolvers. They are all easy to service and very durable.  The 617 is the most expensive (@$600) while the older blued original 17 can be had for less. The Rugers will be a bargain too if bought used.  Why used Rugers?

Because the MK III models have stupid additional components and are heretics to the memory of Bill Ruger. Single-Six revolvers are way overpriced now so find a good used model.  I am a Browning Buckmark fan but I do not suggest it for a novice (too many small parts and takedown can be a challenge to new people).

If you are dead-set on a centerfire, then I would get a CZ-75B (good all-steel 9mm) or a used FN-Browning Highpower (used, because new ones run @$800).  Keep your first gun simple.  Now about that 1911.

There are two really good 1911 guns out there for far less than a "G".

A basic Kimber Custom II (got one and love it) and the Taurus PT-1911 are a good place to start.  Springfields are ok but I have noticed a lack of quality in the machining of slides and frames in recent years-so be careful.  One word of caution about the .45ACP-AMMO COST.  Wal-Mart was the bastion of cheap .45ACP at one time ($9.99 a box!  Why oh why did I not stock up!) and now the stuff is $14.97!  A 1911 is a great gun but it is no longer the affordable big-bore auto that it used to be.

One final note.  Ten years ago everyone would have told you to buy a .357 revolver (GP100 or 686) and target shoot .38SPL with some .357 Magnum thrown in (it is a magnum chamber, after all).  I cannot suggest this due to the incredible price of revolver ammunition.  The .38SPL shell is now more expensive than the .45ACP shell.  And .357 Magnum is even higher!  Unless you plan to target shoot with .22 or hunt with a .44Magnum (or one of the pther magnums) I would stay away from any revolver if volume shooting at the range is your bag.

Answer 7

With $1000 at your disposal, I'm going to recommend a Ruger 45/22 pistol first. It's got an awesome grip, very very close to a full size 1911. Learn how to shoot for less money, you can buy 500 22LR cartridges for around 15 bucks, you'll have enough cash left over to buy a Springfield 1911A1 45acp.

Start out small and cheap, it makes more sense to learn how to shoot for pennys, then when you move up to larger calibers, you'll already know how to shoot, and you won't be wasting expensive ammo learning. When you can put 40 out of 50 22LR's inside the 10 ring of a standard B8 target, then go buy larger caliber, like a Springfield 1911A1 45acp.

Answer 8

maybe try a shotgun first, you can find the remington 870 shotgun for around $300 or under (in washington state) and its a nice gun

Answer 9

visit a gunshop. that rents firearms, try a few out, then and oly then purchase what you feel comfortable with, and that you can shoot accuractly,

above all else,  a $1000.00 pistol is worthless unless you know how to use it, clear a malfunction etc. know you weapon , you and your family may need it someday.

Answer 10

First handgun I would say a .22 caliber semi-auto. I have never shot .22 revolvers but from what I hear a good option. If you are looking for something for in home protection I would say do not go any bigger than .357 magnum loaded with .38 special for a revolver or a 9mm semi-auto.

When buying a handgun I look at features and function, grip angle and ergonomics, and over all feel and fit to my hand. My favorite semi-auto is the Springfield Armory XDs. I own a 9mm and a .45. I suggested starting out with a smaller caliber because I started with my first handgun in a .40 caliber and regretted it. It ended up not shooting well and jamming constantly so I traded it in for a 9mm.

Here are some firearms to look at. They are all easy to field strip and clean and great to shoot.

http://www.springfield-armory.com/xd.php...

http://www.springfield-armory.com/xd.php...

http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/F...

http://www.taurususa.com/products/produc...

http://www.taurususa.com/products/produc...

And for the .22 caliber

http://www.sigsauer.com/Products/ShowCat...

http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/F...

Your best bet though is to go to a local gun shop and just start asking questions and getting a feel for as many handguns as possible. My suggestions are just that....you may find something that fits you better in a caliber you feel would work best for you. And if you have an opportunity to shoot a few of them, take it.

Good luck and congrats on choosing to exercise your 2nd Amendment Rights.

Answer 11

I'd suggest rather than jumping in with both feet, you start out with a Ruger Single-Six. 22LR is a great way to learn, and so is a single-action revolver. It won't break the bank, you'll learn good shooting skills, and you can get something with a big bore later. I use my handguns for hunting, so most of mine are still single-action revolvers, and I've been shooting for decades.

Answer 12

The reality is that felt recoil with a heavy .45 ACP pistol is near or not much more than that of a light 9mm.  The .45ACP may be a heavier bullet, but the 9mm is faster.  Check out this handgun recoil table: http://www.chuckhawks.com/handgun_recoil...

If you currently do not own a handgun, or any guns at all, you should try to get what you want the first time.   It would be ideal for you to go to a shooting range where you can rent a selection of pistols to see what you really like.   A big choice is whether you want a 1911 style or a double action.  The Taurus 945 has the feel of a hybrid double action 1911.  

I am sure some 1911 fans will chime in, so I will stick with a couple of DA .45 caliber recommendations for you.  The Sig 220 is probably one of the finest double action handguns you could get.  It is heavy enough to tame the recoil yet not too large to fit your hand.  I personally like double actions with a decocker.  Very safe for even novice shooters.  Safety ultimately is dependent on the shooter following the basic firearm safety rules such as muzzle control and finger discipline, but a decocked firearm can not discharge as easily.    

From there I personally like the Springfield XD 5" barrel model.  It has comfortable ergonomics and is both accurate and reliable.   My personal choice is the XD over a Glock, but there are scores of Glock fans who would disagree with me.   The last one I would suggest you look at is the Taurus 945.  It has a metal frame and is also accurate and reliable.  It has a 1911 type feel and safety, yet it is capable of firing double action and has a decocker.    

Answer 13

I assume you want an autoloader. Revolvers get overlooked these days, but they're still worth considering.

$1,000 is a good range, anything you need should be findable for less than that. Don't let people talk you out of the .45 just because they think it's too powerful. The .45 was my first gun, a milsurp 1911A1. They don't have half the recoil that people claim. Yes, it's more than the 9mm, but not devastating. Besides, if you own a .45, you will grow accustomed to it quickly. If you are used to a 9mm, you will find virtually anything else worth having to have a strong kick to it.

I would suggest a 1911 to you, just because of its history, reliability, and comfort. However, I also highly recommend the Smith & Wesson Military&Police model, which comes both fullsize and compact. You can get them in several calibers, including .45. I carry the compact in a .40 caliber, and love it. A very comfortable and natural pointing firearm, reliable and beautifully designed. If this pistol had been out when I bought my 1911, I would have bought it instead. And that's saying a lot, because I love my 1911.

Answer 14

magnum

Answer 15

Ignore the guys saying to get a magnum. It is not good to start with a large caliber. I Would say go to your local range and see if they rent pistols. Pick 3 guns you like and fire the calibers in order(9mm .40 .45) you will see which one you like the best. IF you find a pistol isnt what you want, take it off your list and add another one.

I got a 357mag for my first and hated it and had to go spend more money to get the 9mm I originally wanted. Also keep in mind that .45ap ammo is double that of 9mm.

Answer 16

Glock 9mm for street hunting or a .357 magnum revolver with a 6" barrel for regular hunting.  

Answer 17

Get a .38. Maybe not a snub nosed, but one with a normal barrel.  A .38 has decent stopping power, as a revolver it's easy to maintain and operate. The ammo is cheap and can be found anywhere.

Likewise, you can get a .357 and practice with and use .38 ammo.

A .45 is a bit big for me and I have large hands. Go with a .40 if you want a semi-auto with good stopping power and you can still control the gun.

Answer 18

This question is asked all the time look at the similar questions list and you will find hundreds of answers.

Answer 19

Get a Browning Buckmark target pistol .22 and learn how to shoot accurately, then consider moving on to something bigger.

Answer 20

What you really need for a first firearm is a good .22 LR Rifle, I prefer a lever-action, but a bolt-action or single-shot will do as well or possibly better.

You need a .22 because there is only one way to become a good marksman, you must fire many thousands of rounds of ammunition in practice.  You can purchase 500 rounds of .22 LR ammo for less than the cost of 20 rounds of most rifle cartridges, or 50 rounds of centerfire handgun cartridges.  The .22 also has negligible recoil and very mild report, this prevents you from developing a horrible flinch which is very hard and very expensive to cure.  In my opinion, and in the opinion of most real expert shooters, the .22 LR is the absolute perfect firearm to use to learn basic gun handling, marksmanship, and safety skills.

Get the .22 rifle and burn up a few thousand rounds, learn to hit what you are shooting at, and then move on to handguns.  Again, I suggest your first handgun should be a .22 LR.  My preference is for revolvers, such as the S&W M-17, M-617, M-63, or one of the various Taurus M-94's.  The reason I suggest a revolver first is that you won't be distracted by the flying brass, and good quality revolvers sell for lower prices than similar quality semi-automatics.  If you insist on a semi-auto, Ruger makes a number variations of their fine Mk II and Mk III Standard and Target semi-autos, select the one that best fits your hand and budget.  Browning's Buckmark and S&W M-22A pistols would also make good choices.

Spend another year learning to handle a .22 handgun and you will start shooting your first .45 ACP as a pro instead of a tyro.

I've said it many, many times, but I think it bears repeating.  In over 40 years of shooting and hanging out with gun cranks, I've never known a good shot who did not start with a .22.  

Do yourself a huge favor.  Learn the basics with a .22 before you jump off into centerfire handguns.

Doc

Answer 21

how much experience do you have as a shooter? do you have instruction available?

I ask because .45 acp is easy enough to shoot ...even for a newbie if they get good coaching.

Auto handguns require a regular attention.. lubrication and break-in to be reliable. They are a bit complicated... safties, decockers, clearance drills all take time to learn and must be mastered for defensive shooting.

A good revolver can be had that will be easier to operate and will go "bang" with minimal attention. For defensive shooting my minimum is .38 special. Good double action shooting skills come wth good coaching and practice. The .38 spec allows one to shoot practice sessions cheaply and without the tiring recoil that come with bigger loads.

I shoot SW handguns..(rossi or taurus would be ok too)... In those lines you can get a .22 and .38-357 hanguns with the same size frames, weights and grips.

I teach newbies how to operate, sight and fire with the .22 and we fire the .38 later.  We shoot the .38-357 later and learn to deal with recoil after the basics are mastered

I bet you could get two revolvers for way less than a $grand.

Stay with good quality guns...trade value will be there if you upgrade or get out of shooting later.

Autos will be all over the price scale. If you go the auto route stay with quality guns. Go to a range and rent a few... get a little coaching and buy informed. Colts start at about $800... knock offs can be more or less depending on quality...Kimbers and Para-ordinace will be as good or better than Colts... Auto ordinance, Charles Daley, and a few other cheaper clones will vary. Taurus builds a good line of autos and I like the Kahr line of handguns also.

Shop look ask a lot of questions... get some training practice and have fun.

`J

Answer 22

Tough question.  Just about any reasonable answer will bring cheers from part of the audience and boos from another.  There simply is no objectively "right" response.  It's like asking what's a good first car or first bicycle.  It depends hugely on personal preference and what you're buying it for.

The .45 1911 is a great gun that has certainly withstood the test of time.  If you want a .45 there are many excellent 1911 models to choose from.  My personal favorite 1911s are Kimbers, awesome guns but a little on the pricey side.  I also love the .45 Glocks, which are quite a bit less expensive and very reliable.  

My advice is that if it's your first handgun, you look not only at the price of the gun but at the cost of ammo as well.  Handguns take a lot of practice to shoot well, and if the ammo's too pricey you probably won't shoot it as much.  My personal suggestion is to go for something in 9mm.  Next to the .22 rimfire, it's the cheapest ammo on the market and is available anywhere guns or ammo is sold.  In addition, the recoil is light, which should make it easier to handle for a first time shooter.

The S&W .40 is a step above the 9mm in power and the ammo is only marginally more expensive.  The recoil is a bit more, but not by much.  In my opinion the S&W .40 is a better choice if you're buying a gun for self-defense.  That's not to say there aren't good defensive loads available for the 9mm, but I'd always rather be over gunned than under gunned.

Debates about the best/most appropriate brand are endless, but my personal favorite is Glock.  No, they don't look as "cool" as Kimbers, Berettas and Sigs and are marginally less accurate (though not enough to make any significant difference unless you're shooting competition), yet Glocks are more rugged, more reliable and require less maintenance.  If you're going for something in 9mm I recommend the Glock 19; in S&W .40 I'd go for the Glock 23.  Both guns have exactly the same exterior dimensions.  Both are easily concealable and make fine defensive as well as general purpose handguns.

Answer 23

The Ruger SR9 seems really nice.

Answer 24

Tough to beat the 1911 - Colt - Gold Cup Trophy