looking to buy my first handgun any ideas

[coltpeacemakerfan]

I'm looking to buy my first handgun and i have looked at a lot, does anyone have an ideas of what kind or kinds i should look at?

[traveler]

That is very akin to asking what girl to marry. It is all up to you. The world is your oyster. Look, examine, feel, maybe even fire a few (at least one gun store I know of will let you rent).

If you have cash in your pocket and a desire for a handgun, I am jealous of you.

Good luck! I hope you do well.

[rugersol]

Have ya considered a Colt Peacemaker?

[northernglocker]

I know of a pretty sweet FNP45 for a screaming deal right now.

[JJ]

Iver Johnson and Hi-Point nuff said.

[shooter115]

You really can't let anyone's personal opinion on this matter sway you one way or the other, and this is coming from a hardcore XD fan. You'll have to shoot, or at least get to handle of as many as you can and let the chips fall where thay may. Just don't go for some POS just cause it's cheap.

You didn't specify any particular caliber or preferences, so I would steer you twards a 9mm do to relatively cheap ammo costs. Pick what feels good and buy a ton of ammo to start practicing. Good luck

[goett047]

Depends what you want it for...

[yuppiejr]

First pistol?

Ruger Mark 3 / 22-45 or a Browning Buckmark + training and a lot of range time. Once you get some experience rent or borrow different pistols & calibers until you figure out what you like, should be able to make your own decision about what second pistol to buy (lots of good options in this thread) from there. Good luck!

[goett047]

Mark 2... much better gun

[Pat Cannon]

Have ya considered a Colt Peacemaker?

He's got a point. My first gun was an M1911 style .45 pistol, because that's what I thought was cool, from watching WWII movies and reading Jeff Cooper.

You clearly watched more cowboy movies, so you want a single action revolver, so that's what you should get. Unless your first gun is going to be a serious self defense gun; then you want a double action revolver, or maybe even one of those new fangled auto-loading pistols like a 1911 or a Glock, they're pretty much all the same.

[rugersol]

so you want a single action revolver, so that's what you should get. Unless your first gun is going to be a serious self defense gun;

Several thousand dead cowboys may beg to differ.



Yes, those are very light loads. Yes, I have seen this man shoot. No, "defensive" loads would not slow him down, much. Ya should see him operate a rifle 'n a shotgun, too!

[Stradawhovious]

or maybe even one of those new fangled auto-loading pistols like a 1911 or a Glock, they're pretty much all the same.

That's it Pat, you're off the Christmas card list.

Seriously, do your homework, try as many guns as you can get your hands on, and make an informed decision. The board is filled with people suffering from buyer's remorse trying to unload a gun they didn't really want........

Which of course is a great place to start looking fro deals.

[Rem700]

.22 cheap ammo Ruger or Browning, Ruger also makes a single action kinown as a single six

9mm probably the next least expensive ammo, Glock(yuck) I do hear some people like them, And then theres XDs M&P Sigs being some of the most popular.

38 special Ruger or S&Ws in double action, Ruger and Colt and Colt clones also available in single action.

1911 really nothing has to be said here been takeing care of bussiness almost as long as a Peacemaker.

[jshuberg]

A persons first gun is usually a multipurpose weapon. Range training, home defense, carry, etc. You want to select a good all around gun. I'd suggest getting a full sized pistol, in the largest caliber than you're comfortable with shooting. Many people suggest training on a .22LR, but if you want it to also be a good defensive weapon, I'd get something larger. Personally, I try to get a .45 into a students hands as quickly as possible, so they are familiar with the feel and recoil forces involved. Many will disagree with me here, but I've observed that people that learn on a larger caliber weapon tend to be more proficient shooters in a shorter period of time. It is quite a bit more expensive for ammo though.

I'd agree with the above that Glock, M&P, XD, and Sig would be good candidates for a first gun (I'm a big Sig fanboy). Take the time to put your hands on everything you're considering buying. Go to Bill's and rent them and see how they feel for you. Different pistols have different grip angles and widths, weight, sights, trigger position, etc. Spend some time getting to know the gun your thinking of buying.

Once you're into your new gun, I'd highly recommend taking some classes or doing one-on-one instruction with someone who can teach you proper shooting techniques. Can be a buddy of yours, as long as he knows and can teach you how to shoot properly. There's nothing harder than un-learning bad habits once you've settled into them.

Have fun!

[tman]

so you want a single action revolver, so that's what you should get. Unless your first gun is going to be a serious self defense gun;

Several thousand dead cowboys may beg to differ.



Yes, those are very light loads. Yes, I have seen this man shoot. No, "defensive" loads would not slow him down, much. Ya should see him operate a rifle 'n a shotgun, too!

He'd lose his first REAL gunfight. Guaranteed.

Y'all can tell me why. I know you know.