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Started By
Message
What are some quality beginner handguns?
Posted on 9/27/15 at 8:42 am
Posted on 9/27/15 at 8:42 am
I've shot handguns before, but I've never owned one, and I wouldn't exactly call myself experienced. My plan is to get a list of around 4-5 handguns, get one of my experienced friends, and test them multiple times at Precision Firearms because I heard you can rent them there. I'm not looking for concealed carry, but I don't want a gigantic handgun. I've heard 9mm is the most practical, but I'm not married to anything.
20
Posted on 9/27/15 at 8:45 am to Jcorye1
No such thing. Either it's is a handgun or it isn't. Include the Glock 19 in the mix.
Posted on 9/27/15 at 8:59 am to Jcorye1
Precision has the most popular, glock 19, for rent.
I also shot the Walther PPQ there and I really like that one as well.
You will not be able to rent one of these, ubless you want to meet me in person somewhere end of the week and see mine (hopefully in by then) , but go to Jims and ask to look at a FNH FNS-9. It had a 4 inch barrel of the glock 19, but a slightly longer grip. 17 round magazine. Supposed to shoot really good but I can't answer that yet.
Other popular ones are the Smith and Wesson M&P , and the Springfield XD.
The only definitive thing I can say, and it could be just me, but the FN has the best feel in the hand of any of those. And it's not even close.
I also shot the Walther PPQ there and I really like that one as well.
You will not be able to rent one of these, ubless you want to meet me in person somewhere end of the week and see mine (hopefully in by then) , but go to Jims and ask to look at a FNH FNS-9. It had a 4 inch barrel of the glock 19, but a slightly longer grip. 17 round magazine. Supposed to shoot really good but I can't answer that yet.
Other popular ones are the Smith and Wesson M&P , and the Springfield XD.
The only definitive thing I can say, and it could be just me, but the FN has the best feel in the hand of any of those. And it's not even close.
Posted on 9/27/15 at 8:59 am to Jcorye1
I'd only buy a 9mm if this is your first gun. Most practical.
Type of 9mm? All depends on budget. My first was a sig (the 9mm sig everyone hates on here), and I love it
Type of 9mm? All depends on budget. My first was a sig (the 9mm sig everyone hates on here), and I love it
This post was edited on 9/27/15 at 9:03 am
Posted on 9/27/15 at 9:01 am to prplhze2000
Glock 19
XDS-45
1911 compact - I like Kimber
Glock 30
LC9 Revolver
XDS-45
1911 compact - I like Kimber
Glock 30
LC9 Revolver
Posted on 9/27/15 at 11:19 am to Jambo
Glock 19
H&K VP9
These are the first two I would shoot.
H&K VP9
These are the first two I would shoot.
Posted on 9/27/15 at 11:40 am to Jcorye1
I would say that your best bet is to just go to a gun store and handle a few...basically, see what fits your hand the best. try not to get all caught up in the sales pitch though, as they will just overwhelm you with info that really means nothing to you.
first things to consider is your price range and whether it fits your hand well. also, if you think you will be shooting a lot, cost of ammo is a factor.
first things to consider is your price range and whether it fits your hand well. also, if you think you will be shooting a lot, cost of ammo is a factor.
Posted on 9/27/15 at 11:57 am to Jcorye1
HK VP9
Smith & Wesson M&P9
Walther PPQ
Glock 19
Springfield XDM
in that order
if you wanna fondle em, come see me at Bowie's
Smith & Wesson M&P9
Walther PPQ
Glock 19
Springfield XDM
in that order
if you wanna fondle em, come see me at Bowie's
This post was edited on 9/27/15 at 11:58 am
Posted on 9/27/15 at 1:36 pm to Jcorye1
Do yourself a favor & check out the CZ P07 in 9mm. If you want bigger check out its big brother the P09.
Posted on 9/27/15 at 4:49 pm to Jcorye1
Jcorye1, Welcome to the handgunning fraternity! 
You're sure to enjoy it. Prepare yourself for a gazillion suggestions as everyone's going to recommend the particular guns they own (or wish they own). That's to be expected. Your job will be to figure out which ones work for YOU.
I'm going to come at it from a different direction. I think the single best caliber for a beginning handgunner is not some of the fine guns already mentioned, but one that's not been mentioned, the 22LR. Yes, 22LR ammo is now harder to find than 9mm and others, but it can be found. It's still cheaper than anything else out there. The lack of recoil and reduced muzzle blast make it especially good for the novice who's learning to shoot a handgun. When I was teaching my kids to handle a handgun, the first one they shot was a Taurus 22LR double action revolver. If you're more of a semi-auto guy, there are a number of good ones out there (Ruger Mark III, Ruger 22/45, Browning Buckmark and S&W M&P, just to name a few). As far as revolvers go, I've been very happy w/ my Taurus. Ruger makes a number of different attractive 22LR's, as well. I wouldn't argue w/ someone who'd rather single action instead of a double action, but when I go shooting, I'd rather spend my time shooting instead of loading and ejecting. The DA is more conducive to this than is the SA.
After settling on a 22LR handgun (or handguns), I'd look at centerfire handguns. I'd look for the 9mm hi-capacity semi-auto (e.g. Glock M17/19, S&W M&P series, Walther and Ruger SR9 to name a few) that best fits my hand. Personally, I don't really like the DA/SA semi-auto's. I'll admit I'm partial, but I think all handgun shooters should have a 1911 in 45 ACP, either full size (5" barrel) or Commander size (4-4.25" barrel). I'd also suggest a full size revolver in 357 Mag (Ruger and S&W are both pretty good). After that, if there's any money left over I'd look for a snub nose, lightweight 5 shot revolver in 38 special. The Ruger LCR looks really good, but I've been pleased w/ the ones I've bought from Taurus, S&W and Charter Arms.
It's always fun to spend someone else's money! Thanks for letting me help spend YOURS!
Keep us updated.
You're sure to enjoy it. Prepare yourself for a gazillion suggestions as everyone's going to recommend the particular guns they own (or wish they own). That's to be expected. Your job will be to figure out which ones work for YOU. I'm going to come at it from a different direction. I think the single best caliber for a beginning handgunner is not some of the fine guns already mentioned, but one that's not been mentioned, the 22LR. Yes, 22LR ammo is now harder to find than 9mm and others, but it can be found. It's still cheaper than anything else out there. The lack of recoil and reduced muzzle blast make it especially good for the novice who's learning to shoot a handgun. When I was teaching my kids to handle a handgun, the first one they shot was a Taurus 22LR double action revolver. If you're more of a semi-auto guy, there are a number of good ones out there (Ruger Mark III, Ruger 22/45, Browning Buckmark and S&W M&P, just to name a few). As far as revolvers go, I've been very happy w/ my Taurus. Ruger makes a number of different attractive 22LR's, as well. I wouldn't argue w/ someone who'd rather single action instead of a double action, but when I go shooting, I'd rather spend my time shooting instead of loading and ejecting. The DA is more conducive to this than is the SA.
After settling on a 22LR handgun (or handguns), I'd look at centerfire handguns. I'd look for the 9mm hi-capacity semi-auto (e.g. Glock M17/19, S&W M&P series, Walther and Ruger SR9 to name a few) that best fits my hand. Personally, I don't really like the DA/SA semi-auto's. I'll admit I'm partial, but I think all handgun shooters should have a 1911 in 45 ACP, either full size (5" barrel) or Commander size (4-4.25" barrel). I'd also suggest a full size revolver in 357 Mag (Ruger and S&W are both pretty good). After that, if there's any money left over I'd look for a snub nose, lightweight 5 shot revolver in 38 special. The Ruger LCR looks really good, but I've been pleased w/ the ones I've bought from Taurus, S&W and Charter Arms.
It's always fun to spend someone else's money! Thanks for letting me help spend YOURS!
Keep us updated. 
Posted on 9/27/15 at 5:00 pm to Jcorye1
quote:
ve shot handguns before, but I've never owned one, and I wouldn't exactly call myself experienced. My plan is to get a list of around 4-5 handguns, get one of my experienced friends, and test them multiple times
Glock 17
Glock 19
Glock 26
Glock 43
Glock 22
Glock 23
Glock 27
You don't need any other pistols than that.
Posted on 9/27/15 at 9:10 pm to Jcorye1
Just get a Hi-Point and familiarize yourself with shooting and operation. Then throw money at something nice if you decide you really like handguns.
This post was edited on 9/27/15 at 9:13 pm
Posted on 9/27/15 at 9:54 pm to Jcorye1
My first and favorite handgun is my Ruger P95. I've put close to a thousand rounds through it and it's never had an issue. J also find it to be fairly accurate. Recoil is light enough for my wife to shoot it with no problem.
Posted on 9/27/15 at 10:04 pm to Jcorye1
Ruger Mark III
Posted on 9/28/15 at 6:58 am to Jcorye1
quote:
I've shot handguns before, but I've never owned one,
Since you said this...
quote:
I'm not looking for concealed carry, but I don't want a gigantic handgun.
... and then this, it seems a full sized handgun is in the cards.
You use the term "gigantic" which would I assume you are referring to something which is large in caliber or cartridge and not necessarily large in dimensions.
Let me state this outright:
A larger handgun (dimensionally, not cartridge/caliber) is always easier to shoot
Meaning, a full sized 9mm is easier to shoot than a subcompact 9mm. Here's why:
1. Longer grip (which also gives...)
2. Higher magazine capacity
3. Longer sight radius
4. Less felt recoil (because of the weight)
5. Higher muzzle velocity (from the longer barrel)
6. Full length rail (covers a wider range of accessories)
Carson actually had a very good list of suggested handguns that are all high quality. Don't buy into some of the YouTube "torture" tests where they drop the handgun from a helicopter, submerge it in mud, freeze it in ice, piss on it, call it mean names, etc. You will most likely never find yourself doing this to your handgun.
But those handguns he suggested are known to be extremely durable and all of them will run well when dirty. Some people get bent out of shape about keeping their guns clean, but a quality semi auto really doesn't need to be cleaned much. Most of my guns run bone dry and are dirty most of the time.
Tigeronthehill also had good advice on perfecting your technique on a 22 if you are having difficulty getting the mechanics down. Like anything else, repetitions and lots of visits to the range will improve your shooting.
If you have trouble with your technique refer to my video here:
Handgun Accuracy and Proper Technique
Posted on 9/28/15 at 7:25 am to jmh5724
quote:
Just get a Hi-Point and familiarize yourself with shooting and operation. Then throw money at something nice if you decide you really like handguns.
They get shite on because they bulky and ugly. However when you pull the trigger they shoot.
Posted on 9/28/15 at 11:58 am to Jcorye1
Posted on 9/28/15 at 12:06 pm to Jcorye1
if it wasn't mentioned add the Sig P320 compact to your list, it is about the same size as a Glock 19. It is a really nice gun.
Posted on 9/28/15 at 12:32 pm to TigerOnThe Hill
quote:
Jcorye1, Welcome to the handgunning fraternity! You're sure to enjoy it. Prepare yourself for a gazillion suggestions as everyone's going to recommend the particular guns they own (or wish they own). That's to be expected. Your job will be to figure out which ones work for YOU.
I'm going to come at it from a different direction. I think the single best caliber for a beginning handgunner is not some of the fine guns already mentioned, but one that's not been mentioned, the 22LR. Yes, 22LR ammo is now harder to find than 9mm and others, but it can be found. It's still cheaper than anything else out there. The lack of recoil and reduced muzzle blast make it especially good for the novice who's learning to shoot a handgun. When I was teaching my kids to handle a handgun, the first one they shot was a Taurus 22LR double action revolver. If you're more of a semi-auto guy, there are a number of good ones out there (Ruger Mark III, Ruger 22/45, Browning Buckmark and S&W M&P, just to name a few). As far as revolvers go, I've been very happy w/ my Taurus. Ruger makes a number of different attractive 22LR's, as well. I wouldn't argue w/ someone who'd rather single action instead of a double action, but when I go shooting, I'd rather spend my time shooting instead of loading and ejecting. The DA is more conducive to this than is the SA.
After settling on a 22LR handgun (or handguns), I'd look at centerfire handguns. I'd look for the 9mm hi-capacity semi-auto (e.g. Glock M17/19, S&W M&P series, Walther and Ruger SR9 to name a few) that best fits my hand. Personally, I don't really like the DA/SA semi-auto's. I'll admit I'm partial, but I think all handgun shooters should have a 1911 in 45 ACP, either full size (5" barrel) or Commander size (4-4.25" barrel). I'd also suggest a full size revolver in 357 Mag (Ruger and S&W are both pretty good). After that, if there's any money left over I'd look for a snub nose, lightweight 5 shot revolver in 38 special. The Ruger LCR looks really good, but I've been pleased w/ the ones I've bought from Taurus, S&W and Charter Arms.
It's always fun to spend someone else's money! Thanks for letting me help spend YOURS! Keep us updated.
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