Advancing to a larger handgun

Hi guys,
Just joined the forum. My name is Chandlar and I'm 17 almost 18. I have an 870 20 gauge, a 243, and I just got a 1911 Colt 22 for Christmas. Been around guns for a long time but lately I've been wanting to get a bigger handgun. Problem is, I'm just not real familiar with handguns so I wanted some input. I was thinking like a 9mm, I don't wanna go too big with like a 357 or something. Any input is much appreciated, I'm open to anything. Also I don't want it to be too big. Something compact and easy to shoot.

Welcome from TX! I started with the 9mm years ago and I do love that caliber even though I now have mostly handguns in .45 ACP. I do have a Ruger SR9c that I carry in the warm weather and it's one of my favorite concealed pistols (the other ones are the Taurus PT145 and 24/7 C DS .45). Since you've been around guns for a long time, I suggest you rent the SR9c and SR40c from the local range to see how you like them.

welcome to the forum and enjoy the search, it will last the rest of your life.... cause we always want just ONE MORE GUN

I might rent them once the weather warms up a little here in Colorado. What about the 1911 45? I like my 22 a lot so I thought I might stick with the Colt.

I cut my teeth on the 45. If you stay with the fullsize auto pistols the 45 can actually have less felt recoil than the 9mm. so It is still a good choice for a young shooter moving up. I dont think I would start a new shooter on either the 9 or 45 but since you have already done the 22 I would say go for the one that want.

If I were to get a 9mm which do you guys prefer? A glock? Sorry for all the noobie questions there are just so many choices and so many makes and models.

You need to decide how much you really want to spend.

If you are looking for something easy to shoot and something that is compact then I highly recommend checking out the M&P .9mm compact. Glock and Springfield make good compact .9mm's also. That is if you are wanting something that will 99.9% of the time fire whenever you want it to. They are also very easy to break down for cleaning. I found the M&P to be the easiest to break down, the glock 2nd, and the xd 3rd.

My advice would be find a gunshop or range that rents and try a few to see what feels and works best for you.

Welcome to the forum.....JJ

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Originally Posted by Brevard13

You need to decide how much you really want to spend.

If you are looking for something easy to shoot and something that is compact then I highly recommend checking out the M&P .9mm compact. Glock and Springfield make good compact .9mm's also. That is if you are wanting something that will 99.9% of the time fire whenever you want it to. They are also very easy to break down for cleaning. I found the M&P to be the easiest to break down, the glock 2nd, and the xd 3rd.

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Thank you for the information. I'd probably be willing to spend around 500 big ones.

Depending on how the gun prices are in your area, plus tax really depends on what you will be able to get for $500. I bought 1 M&P for $450, and then two more a few years later for $512. Including tax. I wouldn't break the bank to buy a gun, but I also wouldn't skimpo and buy a really cheap one either. If need be just buy a small .380 to carry until you can save up the money and buy something different. Without knowing your financial situation that is about the best advice i can give at the moment.

I appreciate the advice. I wouldn't mind having a little .38. What are some reliable sites?