re: Help me buy my first handgun

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You cant come up with a real reason why they arent, or why the self shuckers are better.

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We have been through this too many times on here, but sure let's do it again. A revolver is more reliable than a semi. It's hard to argue that, BUT modern semi auto pistols are extremely reliable. You can see that during the Army's testing of the Sig M17 and Glock MHS. If I remember right they both went 12,000 rounds without a malfunction.

So with reliability being negligible, the next thing would be ammo capacity and ease of reloading. Having 17 rounds on you compared to 6 is the difference maker between the two. I don't know about you, but if I have to get up at night and check around my house for a crackhead or two I want 17 rounds. I don't want to hope that I can make 6 rounds count in a high stress situation, at night, against some drugged up perps.

Then if you happen to miss and run out of ammo, or make your hits and don't put the guy down you have to reload. Even with a speed loader a revolver takes at least three times longer to reload.

As Bapple said, there is a reason all LEO and military have semi autos and not revolvers. I don't care if they are in "offensive" situations as you said. I'd rather have the equipment to be offensive AND defensive. You never know what situation you will be in.

All that said. I do have several revolvers and I love them, but I don't have them for protection. I have better guns for that.

What Bapple said!

"Stick with a reputable manufacturer and see what feels best."

For me it's an H&K VP9 or P30l have them both.They both feel and shoot great for me.

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And yes. I love the LCP for pocket summer carry

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Especially when at the beach, lake, farm, etc

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So with reliability being negligible,

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That's the point, it isnt negligible. Going bang is of paramount importance.

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But start with a G19 or a sw m&m 2.0 compact.

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Can't go wrong with either but the M&P is so much cheaper and also comes stock with steel sights.

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That's the point, it isnt negligible. Going bang is of paramount importance.

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You're acting like there's a huge difference though. Revolvers can mess up too.

Wow, thanks for all the responses.

Just slowly starting my shopping. Looking for a range where I might be able to shoot some of these on the Northshore (Slidell to Mandeville). Does Bass Pro have an indoor range where you can test anything?

Today I did look at the G19, saw it for $555 but I’ll shop around.

Also looked at the G43x, a little smaller than the 19 in case I do decide to cc. Any experience with the G43x? A little cheaper at $460

I’m not too worried about price. Want something reliable

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oes Bass Pro have an indoor range where you can test anything

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Unless something has changed, no. Precision in baton rouge used to have a good selection of stuff you could rent, maybe try them? If you have a friend who is a gun junkie, odds are theyll have at least some flavor of glock you can try.

I conceal carry g19 as well as a kahr cm9. The wife carries a 43. We have not had any issues with any of them. One thing I can say is that find myself carrying the Kahr single stack 6 round mag more than the 19 due to the weight and size and will probably look at a 43x or a g48 for my next carry gun.
Single stack with ten rounds I think would be perfect for me. A spare mag or spare extend mag carried in a front pocket would be 20+ rounds.

If you live in the Baton Rouge area I’d be happy to let you test out a few of the full sized 9mms I own. Most of them range from $350-$500 which is reasonably-priced for something you want to stake your life on.

Don’t cheap out on this purchase - the gun will outlive you and you may need it to save that life which it will outlive.