Thread: Seeking beginner's pistol recommendations

I would recommend a J Frame Smith revolver, also maybe a smallish .380 like a KelTec or Diamondback. Glock 43 or 19 are both great choices.

Found out two great things today...

One was a public range that does rentals, and they had numerous brands and models. Looks like I can join and, as a member, get a discount on rentals and end up paying for the membership with about 10 visits.

The other was I found a store that I really liked (at least the guy there). He was very knowledgable, and seemed to be tailoring/framing the discussion to what I was interested in (emphasizing that I'm looking for home protection and recreational shooting initially, with a longer term goal of CC).

I was only there a short time to see what products (they had a ton), and planned to come back and look later (this was a recon trip ). I mentioned to him my experience and goals, and said that I'm interested in hearing what suggestions to consider for further research, as a beginner's pistol.

He suggested I look into...

Sig P320 (as I'm taking training through them and may be able to use this as a loaner)
Glock 19
Smith and Wesson M&P
Ruger American
Springfield XD (3.3 or 3.8 barrel length)

All in 9mm and all Striker fired.

I'll give me something to research into, and consider shooting at the range to see what I like.

I recommend a Glock Model 19 for someone with your circumstances. The three most important things to consider are how the weapon fits your hand, a trigger you can use effectively and sights that you can see.

I will soon be 70 years old. I fired my grandfather's Smith & Wesson when I was four years old. I fired my first Colt 1911 .45 ACP when I was 15 and have never been far out of reach of a 1911 pistol.

I was a Railroad Detective for 32 years. I trained and observed the training of hundreds of people in the use of the handgun. I was in the Navy for three years and used the Colt 1911 on guard duty and Military Police, (Shore Patrol) functions.

I have probably one of the largest collections in existence of use of the handgun in combat. I have attended many city, county, state and federal law enforcement training programs. I have fired almost all of the single action, double action revolvers and semi automatic pistols in the single action mode, double action only and striker fired pistols in existence.

If I were in your situation I would buy a Glock Model 19, find a holster that was comfortable that allowed the weapon to be secure during physical activity yet allow access to the weapon.

I would practice until I could shoot a 3 inch group, at three meters, in three seconds firing three shots. This combines the elements of speed, power and accuracy. When you get to this level you will be capable of defending yourself better than most.

From a LEO point of view is recommend a Glock. Any decent size shop will have multiple models so ask to just hold all of them and find the one that best fits your hands. A Glock 19 is a good bet for a fun gun to shoot and it's reasonably easy to CC.

Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk

Many folks on here have said it already, but I'll reiterate, try as many as you can.

Personally I think the glock is cheap, inaccurate, and boxy.

The ruler Mark II is an amazing handgun and my first suggestion. However, if you are looking for a little bit bigger caliber, then I would suggest something in the Springfield XD'S. These come in a variety of calibers. Lastly, if your are looking for higher quality and want to avoid plastic, the CZ USA 75B is the ultimate choice. I too have medium sized hands. This handgun fits me so well it feels like it was customized for my hand. Although many people will tell you that the Glock is used by most law enforcement agencies in the United States, it's not used anywhere else in the world. The CZ is used by Interpol and many many other law enforcement agencies all throughout Europe. They all swear by this handgun the entire thing is made of steel and it is the single most reliable gun I think I've ever put my hands on.

Sent from my SM-G920R4 using Tapatalk

Originally Posted by kaptain_zero

I keep wanting to respond to this thread as I used to be a gunsmith and yet the country I live in prohibits any sort of carry.....<sigh>.

The words "Go big or go home" ring rather true in the self defence arena. If you pull a howitzer out of your pocket, you'll get very little pushback. Pull a slingshot out of the same pocket and the story will be entirely different.

Back in the day, we used to rebuild and re-chamber CZ-75 semi autos... probably the nicest semi I can think of, once the work was done. But.... for personal carry.... and I may be dating myself here, because I have not followed the gun scene since I quit smith'ing some 30+ years ago, it would be an S & W model L, 4.5" barrel and chambered for .41 Mag. Yes, it would be custom built, but it would be done in such a way that I would have full confidence in it. Oh wait.... I'm not allowed to carry it.....<sigh>.... never mind.

Regards

Kaptain "Thank god the politicians are willing to throw themselves in front of me, to protect me!" Zero

So glad to see someone else knows about the quality in the CZ-75

Sent from my SM-G920R4 using Tapatalk

9mm is fairly inexpensive to shoot relative to most modern calibers. 15 years ago I got a .357 and a 1911 .45. I loved them each for different reasons.

I had to sell them a few years ago to pay for groceries and such. Now I am getting back in and after looking around 9mm was looking pretty good. I got a Beretta 92fs and I like it. It can be carried but it is big and heavy. Great for the home and the range.

I am looking for something a little more carry friendly but still fun at the range.

What they say is right rent a few types and brands. Research will help narrow the field. Don't rule out revolvers they are really hard to beat on reliability.

Metal guns will feel better and reduce felt recoil. They might wear you out because of the weight though. So when you rent run a good 100 rounds through each gun and see how it feels.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

It is so important that you actually shoot different guns before you purchase, as others have said. I have been a police firearms instructor for well over 25 years and in law enforcement for 38. I can easily tell you what the best carry weapon is for me and I can also easily say it is not the right gun for you, at this time. Guns can be like women's shoes, if they don't fit right, don't feel right or don't look right, they won't get used or carried. It is a very personal decision. Not too long ago, my youngest daughter was choosing a carry weapon and made her decision. We took the one she chose, based on size, caliber and recommendations to the range and after her first shot she knew that was not the gun to buy.
The manufacturers have made huge strides in bullet design over the last 10 or 15 years and a lowly 9mm that was a huge underperformer is very close to a .45 in ballistic performance now, with the right ammo.
Shoot as many as you can in different calibers and models (revolver, semi-auto, double/single action and striker fired). I would stay away from single action semi-autos until you get more experience and training.
Pick the gun that is right for you and not the gun that is right for someone else.

Good luck and enjoy what you choose. Practice, practice, practice.

Originally Posted by apipeguy

It is so important that you actually shoot different guns before you purchase, as others have said. I have been a police firearms instructor for well over 25 years and in law enforcement for 38. I can easily tell you what the best carry weapon is for me and I can also easily say it is not the right gun for you, at this time. Guns can be like women's shoes, if they don't fit right, don't feel right or don't look right, they won't get used or carried. It is a very personal decision. Not too long ago, my youngest daughter was choosing a carry weapon and made her decision. We took the one she chose, based on size, caliber and recommendations to the range and after her first shot she knew that was not the gun to buy.
The manufacturers have made huge strides in bullet design over the last 10 or 15 years and a lowly 9mm that was a huge underperformer is very close to a .45 in ballistic performance now, with the right ammo.
Shoot as many as you can in different calibers and models (revolver, semi-auto, double/single action and striker fired). I would stay away from single action semi-autos until you get more experience and training.
Pick the gun that is right for you and not the gun that is right for someone else.

Good luck and enjoy what you choose. Practice, practice, practice.

Words of wisdom/gospel truth.^^^^

Another thing to consider is that when you do find "your" pistol spend as much time as you can practicing. That goes for dry firing, live firing and manipulation of the weapon itself. Another point is in my years of shooting and offering my advice /opinions on these matters is this....Folks will always ask me what is the next accessory to buy to make them a better shot. Grips, night sights, lasers etc. I say none of that. Buy ammo. Every time, buy ammo. Shoot that thing! Also if you like it that much then look into reloading.