Good first pistol to purchase

[Highlander]

I've never felt the need or real desire to own a fire arm but I'm starting to get the itch. Now my dad had severel ranging from an M1 carbine to several .22s and revolver style pistols so I've been around them and used them. I've also never been hunting and I'd like to try that soon as well.

So what's a decent reasonably priced pistol? I know I'll need a permit and might go the concealed carry route.

 

[elderboy02]

Glock 23

 

[mwlabel]

First, and most importantly, what do you plan on using it for?
Plinking?
Home defense?
Carry?
Competition?
something else?

 

[eric_f]

IMHO you can't really go wrong with a Beretta 92. It doesn't have the stopping power of a .45, but it's reliable, has little recoil, and is cheap to shoot compared to some of the other calibers. It was my first handgun and I still very much enjoy shooting it.

 

[majicmerlin]

SIG SAUER all the way!
go to the sig forum online.....

 

[benday]

i'm a sig guy myself...using them in the navy and watching them deal with the salt all day...but i can deny the love of my 10mm glock 29 for cc

 

[hdroadglide]

i think this question is about equal to asking, what would be a good first cigar to purchase!

 

[Ratbert]

I agree that what you intend to use the handgun for is the most important part of the question.
I like a revolver for a first pistol, to learn safety and handling. I would recommend a Ruger SP101, .357 magnum w/3" barrel. Plenty of stopping power, can practice with .38 special, stainless finish and an easy gun to clean. You can conceal carry without too much headache, but it's too heavy for pocket carry.
(Buy a Hogue aftermarket grip to keep from busting your knuckles on the trigger guard!)

 

[Hot_Sauce]

What price range are you looking at?

There are lot's of good options out there. Some have already been mentioned.

 

[Highlander]

The main usage will probably be just shooting at a range from time to time.

 

[mwlabel]

The main usage will probably be just shooting at a range from time to time.

Depends on your price range a lot.
But, a .22 is always a good choice. Revolver or semi-auto. If you want to go the route of semi-auto for .22, look into a Ruger 22/45.

Whatever your price range is, don't forget to set aside a few bucks for QUALITY eye and ear protection.

 

[Clarkridge]

Probably the best pistol I have bought recently is a Glock Model 30sf .45acp . I was always reluctant to buy into the plastic pistol craze. Very accurate, controllable recoil, and a natural pointing pistol. Somewhat like being a part of your hand. I installed a 3-1/2lb. trigger and is hard to tell this is a double action only pistol.This is the short frame version and added grip extensions to the bottom of the mag which fit my hand perfectly.

 

[Highlander]

I just did some pricing online. Until I get a new job to replace this underpaid one (we've had huge pay cuts over the last 2 years)


nevermind......

 

[smokinghole]

While I agree glocks are great pistols I have an issue with it being a first. Unless said individual is already well versed in firearm safety and familiar with pistols in general. I was my first pistol purchase but that was after years of shooting handguns and almost 5 years of M9s.

On a lighter note I say go with a S&W 2.5" barrel in .500!

 

[itallushrt]

Depends on your price range a lot.
But, a .22 is always a good choice. Revolver or semi-auto. If you want to go the route of semi-auto for .22, look into a Ruger 22/45.

Whatever your price range is, don't forget to set aside a few bucks for QUALITY eye and ear protection.

I agree with this 100%. A nice ruger 22/45 is a great first pistol. They are cheap to shoot, don't have much boom and allow you get down the basics of safety and control without fear of the recoil.

 

[RonC]

cant go wrong with a ruger 22/45.

 

[Fafhrd]

Hunt for a used Smith & Wesson K-22.

.22 caliber on a .38 frame. Cheap to shoot, so you can spend more on the revolver. Simple manual of arms. Will always be worth more than you paid for it.

 

[Highlander]

There is a pistol range about 5 miles from my house that has a huge selection. I'm going to go by there and see if I can find anything used in my budget. If they rent for shooting that my just solve my problem for the time being. There is a outdoor high power range about an hour away so next year I might be adding a rifle.

 

[Hot_Sauce]

With all the good choices out there. I was going to recomend that you go to a rental range and try a few of them out, to see what you like best.

PS: Be sure to try out a 1911 style 45. Something like a Colt, Springfield, Kimber, Para Ordanance. They are my favorite style of handgun and I shoot them them the best.



Look forward to hearing about your range report:smile:

Also what price range are you looking to spend?

 

[Highlander]

I haven't responded to the prices because I have to keep it as cheep as possible which will knowck out a lot of stuff. i'd by something for $200.00 now, but it doesn't look like anything decent fits in that range, so I'll start saving. I'd like to get something for $400 eventually.