Thread: Looking to purchase my first handgun

What do you want to do with it? Hunt/home defence/ or is it for conceal carry? May all the above. That's hard to do..

We have a "Sticky" for people who are new to handguns...

Newbie to guns? Need help? Where to start?

Mainly home defense and target pratice.

How much money do you want to spend?

I would say I would like to spend between 500-750

Originally Posted by Eyetattoo

I would say I would like to spend between 500-750

New or used?

I would rather have new but for the right gun at the right price I would settle for used.

Do you have any idea what caliber you would like, as for that kind of money there is a lot of good guns out there. Have you shot any before, and what did you like if so?

Mainly looking at .45's but may step down to at .40

Well if you like .45s the S&W models are the hot ticket right now. They'll run you from about $680 upto $1500. New in the box. I have 2.one is all stainless steel 5" barrel. That's my wifes target/home protection gun. I have a 41/4" barrel scandium PD that I carry and target shoot with. Her's was $600 used and mind was $710 new. Here's a picture of mind.

Yeah thats a really nice peice....I also really like the SIM P220 Stainless....what are your thoughts on that gun?

SIM P220 I know nothing about. One of the other guys will have to help you with that one. I would go to a gun range and see if they have them, and try them out. That's the best way. Good Luck.

I think this came up recently on another thread - for your very 1st gun - you'd be better off buying new.

Is there a place U can rent a gun at? You will invariably get a list of evereyone's fav gun here as a suggestion - but U needa find one that YOU like best.

Realize that 9mm will have less recoil than 40 or 45. Also, ammo is 1/2 the cost. I generally shoot 200 rounds per session. That can get very expensive if you are shooting 45 or 40.

Here is the P220 I have been looking at:
http://sigarms.com/Products/ShowCata...6&productid=95

I think starting with a .40 or .45 is a mistake. The recoil of these rounds is sufficiently disturbing to novices that you'll probably have a hard time learning the fundamentals of good shooting. Since a .22 (the very best way to start) isn't suitable for home defense, go with Ship's recommendation for a 9mm. Get a full-sized pistol unless you plan to carry the gun (after you get training).

Since you're a novice, your first step should be to enroll in an NRA basic pistol class. You'll learn about the diffeent types of handguns and also the fundamentals of shooting. Training is important. As Jeff Cooper said, "A man is no more armed because he owns a pistol, than he is a musician because he owns a guitar."

+1 with Mike. Sound advice.

I would say to look at a Springfield XD .45. With the gun you get 2 mags, holster, mag holster, and a case for everything. I just looked at one for $550. The XD is also available in 9mm, .40 s&w, and .357 sig.

Originally Posted by Mike Barham at Galco

I think starting with a .40 or .45 is a mistake. The recoil of these rounds is sufficiently disturbing to novices that you'll probably have a hard time learning the fundamentals of good shooting. Since a .22 (the very best way to start) isn't suitable for home defense, go with Ship's recommendation for a 9mm. Get a full-sized pistol unless you plan to carry the gun (after you get training).

Since you're a novice, your first step should be to enroll in an NRA basic pistol class. You'll learn about the diffeent types of handguns and also the fundamentals of shooting. Training is important. As Jeff Cooper said, "A man is no more armed because he owns a pistol, than he is a musician because he owns a guitar."

Good advice. I started out on a .38 revolver and then moved up. I had a Ruger Security Six .357 so I culd shoot .357 and .38.

I like my Ruger P90 and P345 45AP's. Very reliable and very accurate, American made and cost around $400.