Journey to owning my first handgun

[Dylan]

This morning I took a handgun familiarization course at Bill's Gun Shop & Range in Robbinsdale. It was a blast. The instructor, Dave Heley, was very knowledgeable, friendly, and quite an interesting guy. For the first part of the course we went over basic gun safety. Even having been taught gun safety at an early age from my Dad and Grandfather, this is still something that I feel is never a bad thing to get a refresher on. The next part of the course went over the different types of handguns, their parts, and ammunition types. After this we talked about proper shooting stance and range rules before we finally were able to go out and shoot.

The guns we were shooting today were a Glock 19 9MM and a .38 S&W revolver. I grew up shooting rifles so I was naturally confident while holding and adjusting my grip with the glock, which I shot first, but kept in mind that handguns and rifles are different beasts and should not fool myself that just because I have experience with rifles that handguns would be the same. I'm going to toot my own horn here a bit and say, believe it or not, my first shot with the glock was a bullseye from about 15 yards out. I know, this is probably nothing in the eyes of more experienced shooters, but I felt pretty good about it. The rest of my shots (10 total) with the glock were fairly consistent either on the bullseye or within a couple rings outside of the bullseye. Overall the glock was very enjoyable and easy for me to shoot. When it was my turn to shoot the revolver I anticipated the same kind of accuracy and consistency with it - boy was I wrong. The revolver felt very comfortable in my hands and the sights looked good right off the bat and was able to focus in right away on the front sight. I hit a few on the right edge of the bullseye but I'd say about 4 of my 10 shots with the revolver were far right on the target. I'm not sure if this had to do with placement of my finger on the trigger or what, but I did not see the same results as the glock. Regardless, the revolver was also enjoyable to shoot.

I enjoyed the class so much and felt I took a lot out of it that when I returned home I looked for a carry class that Dave would be teaching. Turns out he's actually teaching one tomorrow, July 28th. I took some time to think about whether or not that would be too soon to take a carry class. After deliberating for an hour or so I decided that I personally felt comfortable enough to proceed and sign up for the class. I understand that making this decision to take the carry class and choosing to own a handgun (or any firearm for that matter) is not a decision that should be made lightly or on a whim. I'd love to hear some of your thoughts on this.

In closing, I'd like to say that my journey to owning my first handgun this far has been nothing but a positive experience. I hope that from this day and for the rest of my life that the only time I ever actually use a handgun is when I'm either shooting targets at the range or plinking around on family/friends property. Thanks for reading.

P.S. I'm debating between getting a Beretta M9, Sig Sauer P226, or a Glock 19. I already have the Glock 19 tried out and am going to try out the other two before I make a decision. I would love to hear your thoughts on this as well.

[Crappy]

All fine pistols. What are you going to do with your first one-you will want more. Longer barrels equal accuracy due to longer sight plane and are more pleasurable to shoot due to added weight and less muzzle flip. Go for 9mm long barrel if it will be used mostly on the range because ammo is cheaper and you will achieve better results than something more powerful that makes you flinch when anticipating the recoil. Even consider a nice 22LR target pistol if self defense is not your goal. If your goal is carry get something light enough to carry all day and powerful enough to get the job done. I like the 40 S&W as it powerful, the pistols are reasonable in weight and it recoils much less than a 45ACP which is fine full size combat pistol when carried on the side and forced to use full metal jacket bullets. There's a reason many police dept's issue 40 S&W and not 45ACP as they are not ham stringed by the rules of war set out in the Geneva convention. The frame of a 45ACP is much larger than a 40SW which many times is built on the same frame as a 9mm parabellum. Hollow points in 40 will stop just about anyone you hit in the chest and if they do not it is unlikely the less powerful 45 ACP would of either. Yeah here it comes my chevy is better than a ford because I own one, well I own both and many more. Most pleasurable to shoot is my Walther PP in 32ACP. Sounds like a big gun but so mild and enjoyable to shoot. Not recommending it for carry but I would not want to be hit with one either. LOL Hope that helps.

[mmcnx2]

If you are consider polymer frames I'd look at a M&P just as a comparison to the Glock. Both are great but one might fit you better than the other. I'd also put a 1911, a Beretta 92 and a CZ style on your try list.All offer some unique qualities and one or the other might just trip your trigger.

You should be warned pistols are addictive, you can't own just one.

[Evad]

The Glock19 is one of those "should have" universal guns IMO. Confortable, easy to shoot and cheap. M&P is also a good suggestion. I have only shot the 22LR version, and held the bigger caliber ones, but it's nice.

As was said, expect to own a few if you enjoy them. The shooting to the right...are you right handed? My guess is you had your finger farther in than the pad of your fingertip. There are targets you can print that will help you determine some of these problems.

Biggest thing, enjoy it! Find somene local who will bring a few toys to the range...good and bad. I wouldn't have a 1911 if that hadn't happened. I am glad I have it though. Variety is good

[Dylan]

All fine pistols. What are you going to do with your first one-you will want more. Longer barrels equal accuracy due to longer sight plane and are more pleasurable to shoot due to added weight and less muzzle flip. Go for 9mm long barrel if it will be used mostly on the range because ammo is cheaper and you will achieve better results than something more powerful that makes you flinch when anticipating the recoil. Even consider a nice 22LR target pistol if self defense is not your goal. If your goal is carry get something light enough to carry all day and powerful enough to get the job done. I like the 40 S&W as it powerful, the pistols are reasonable in weight and it recoils much less than a 45ACP which is fine full size combat pistol when carried on the side and forced to use full metal jacket bullets. There's a reason many police dept's issue 40 S&W and not 45ACP as they are not ham stringed by the rules of war set out in the Geneva convention. The frame of a 45ACP is much larger than a 40SW which many times is built on the same frame as a 9mm parabellum. Hollow points in 40 will stop just about anyone you hit in the chest and if they do not it is unlikely the less powerful 45 ACP would of either. Yeah here it comes my chevy is better than a ford because I own one, well I own both and many more. Most pleasurable to shoot is my Walther PP in 32ACP. Sounds like a big gun but so mild and enjoyable to shoot. Not recommending it for carry but I would not want to be hit with one either. LOL Hope that helps.

Thanks for the response. You know, I think I will try out a 40 S&W next time. Is there much of a price difference between 9MM ammo & 40 S&W? I'm looking for something somewhat inexpensive to shoot at the range. The gun will also serve as home self defense, which is the reason why I'm not looking to go smaller than a 9MM. I figured a 9MM would be that sweet spot for what I'm looking to do with it (that being mostly target practice). Let me know if I'm wrong though!

[Hmac]

Glock 19 (recommend 4th generation because of the ejection issues on some gen 3's) is good. M&P is good. Also consider the Walther PPQ. IMHO, the Walther is a far better pistol than the other two. I had to fix the trigger on my M&P (DCAEK) as well as replace the barrel for better lockup. As to my gen 3 Glock 19, I had the well-known brass-to-face issue, ultimately fixed (so far) with an Apex extractor upgrade.

[Heffay]

Glock 19. It's the standard to which all other guns are measured.

Why get a lesser gun? That's for future purchases!

[Dylan]

If you are consider polymer frames I'd look at a M&P just as a comparison to the Glock. Both are great but one might fit you better than the other. I'd also put a 1911, a Beretta 92 and a CZ style on your try list.All offer some unique qualities and one or the other might just trip your trigger.

You should be warned pistols are addictive, you can't own just one.

Is this the M&P you're talking about? http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product4_750001_750051_765952_-1_757954_757781_757781_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y

That looks like a sweet gun and I would love to try it out. The trigger looks interesting. I can definitely feel the urge to buy more than one pistol, but am going to try and EASE my way into handgun ownership. Maybe I'll get one as soon as I get my PTP and then think about getting myself something for Christmas Thanks for the response!

[Crappy]

Thanks for the response. You know, I think I will try out a 40 S&W next time. Is there much of a price difference between 9MM ammo & 40 S&W? I'm looking for something somewhat inexpensive to shoot at the range. The gun will also serve as home self defense, which is the reason why I'm not looking to go smaller than a 9MM. I figured a 9MM would be that sweet spot for what I'm looking to do with it (that being mostly target practice). Let me know if I'm wrong though!

The 40SW is in between the 9mm and 45ACP and there are many loads for it also. Some Corbon loads are at the low end of 357 Mag power with a larger diameter bullet. I recommend their DPX load for carry. It is a Barnes solid copper hollow point that is deep and will shoot through heavy jackets without plugging up and glass and car doors. Its quite expensive but for carry its worth the extra expense.

[Crappy]

Glock 19. It's the standard to which all other guns are measured.

Why get a lesser gun? That's for future purchases!

Whose standard? Yours?

[Dylan]

The Glock19 is one of those "should have" universal guns IMO. Confortable, easy to shoot and cheap. M&P is also a good suggestion. I have only shot the 22LR version, and held the bigger caliber ones, but it's nice.

As was said, expect to own a few if you enjoy them. The shooting to the right...are you right handed? My guess is you had your finger farther in than the pad of your fingertip. There are targets you can print that will help you determine some of these problems.

Biggest thing, enjoy it! Find somene local who will bring a few toys to the range...good and bad. I wouldn't have a 1911 if that hadn't happened. I am glad I have it though. Variety is good

I think you're right about the finger position on the trigger. I remember the trigger sort of tucking into the joint of my finger past the pad of my fingertip because I shot it mostly in single action and also forgot to remind myself to pull straight back.

I wish I knew someone with a variety of handguns! Until I do I'll be renting, which in my opinion isn't a bad idea to find that right gun for my first purchase.

[BBeckwith]

Well, welcome to the world of pistol shooting... Started 4 years ago buying a Beretta PX4 and haven't looked back. You picked three pretty nice guns to play with and choose from. Whichever one you choose don't worry probably won't be your last one!

There's a reason many police dept's issue 40 S&W and not 45ACP as they are not ham stringed by the rules of war set out in the Geneva convention.

Ummmm come again? What the **** does a convention designed around armed military conflicts have to do with US civilian Police departments?

[Pat Cannon]

I hear ya about the revolver shooting; that long trigger pull makes a huge difference. But all you have to do is keep the sights aligned during the whole process, by simply pulling the trigger exactly straight back the whole way. "Simply", yeah, I know. Simple is not the same as easy; takes practice. But worth it in my humble opinion.

But if you decide to get one of those newfangled bottom-feeding guns that's cool too. Welcome aboard!

[Dylan]

Well, welcome to the world of pistol shooting... Started 4 years ago buying a Beretta PX4 and haven't looked back. You picked three pretty nice guns to play with and choose from. Whichever one you choose don't worry probably won't be your last one!

Thank you!

[Dylan]

I hear ya about the revolver shooting; that long trigger pull makes a huge difference. But all you have to do is keep the sights aligned during the whole process, by simply pulling the trigger exactly straight back the whole way. "Simply", yeah, I know. Simple is not the same as easy; takes practice. But worth it in my humble opinion.

But if you decide to get one of those newfangled bottom-feeding guns that's cool too. Welcome aboard!

Thanks Pat! I think I might be getting one of those newfangled bottom-feeding guns for my first purchase Not to say that I won't get a revolver down the road though!