Best Beginner Pistol (Opinions)

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jkipp

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Hello all,

I am new to the scene and looking to make my first restricted purchase fairly soon. I am definitely leaning towards 9mm but other than that I don't know where to start. I am drawn towards Glocks and Berettas but everything about the two are different. Should I start with a striker fired Glock? Or a da/sa Beretta? Are there other suggestions you have for me, or anything important to consider as a beginner?

Any input is greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance,
jkipp
 
I own many handguns and they are all different, it is tough to recommend one to someone since there are so many variables. Semi-autos are great but so are revolvers, can't go wrong with a .357 magnum, I have 4. But then again, I have 3 9mm semi as well, my favorite being a CZ. Having said all that, try some, don't just hold them in a gun store, find out what you enjoy actually shooting. Check out local gun clubs or firing ranges, I have let many people shoot my handguns and it's amazing how they change their views as to what they thought they liked. Most folks are pretty generous in trying to help out newbies, just keep asking politely.
 
Do not discount any pistol or caliber for that matter until you shoot a few at a club. I have several restricted that doesn't quite fit my wife so I called a buddy of mine and we met at the club. He brought out 7 different handguns that I do not own for my wife to try. I am told that some places rent firearms but if you don't know of any, approach someone at the club. That's how I met one of my shooting buddies, he just so happens to have over 200 in his collection. lol
 
Before long someone here will recommend you consider a .22 as your first restricted purchase - to learn the basics of handgun for a lot less money. As far as the advice above goes... First find a good fit for you, then buy it in 9mm with a .22 kit - there are several good combos out there, at a price. If budget is an issue, consider the following:

My 9 knocks the chickens over at the range... Satisfying.
My 22 spins a 2" gong every time... Just as satisfying.
I paid more for my 22 because it's cheaper to run.
I practice with my 22 more because it's cheaper to run.
I developed a flinch when I bought the 9, despite learning to shoot the 22 first. Took effort to overcome.
I developed another flinch when I bought a Tokarev. Easier to overcome this time.
I reload 9mm, and have adjusted to suit. Tons of good brass on the floor.
Neither 22 nor 9 are really very badass, so you're still going to want a 500 S&W at the end of the day.

If I could do it over, I'd still start with the 22. The skills I developed with it helped me overcome the shift to centerfire handguns. I can't imagine unlearning a flinch without good technique to refer back to.

good luck in your quest! Exciting times...
 
ill agree with what other have said above.
i started with a 22 to 'get the hang of it' and about a month or 2 later picked up a 9mm.
then fast forward 25 years and i wont even say out loud in polite company how many ive added to my collection since then, but i do enjoy my hobby.

to do it all over again i wouldnt change a thing.
in fact i did the same with my kids, started them on the 22 pistols and ill move them up to 9mm when i think they can handle them.

while i dont have this specific gun i saw it mentioned above and id say its a good way to go and that was the CZ in 9mm with a Kadet kit in 22 so you can swap out the top end and flip back and forth between the 22 and 9.

or pick up a S&W M&P in 22 and one in 9mm
or pick up a Glock 17 and a ISSC 22 to train on.

you can pick up most brands of guns in 22 for $400 and change and then get the 9mm with the same brand for 7-8-900

once you get that down pat you can branch off into other stuff.
1911's, wheel guns, ect ect ect.

just my $0.02
 
FWIW my first handgun was a .22 Browning Buck Mark. I now own handguns in .38 special, .357, 9mm, .380, .40 and .45 as well as several other .22's. I still shoot (and enjoy) my Buck Mark regularly.
 
In addition to ease of shooting, I'm going to assume cost is a factor here. I'd start with a .22 calibre. Mastering handgun marksmanship takes a lot of practice, and you can shoot a .22 more for less money than any other calibre. Second to that a 9mm is the next step up in cost effectiveness. Semi-automatic or revolver would be your choice.
 
Since you asked….get a .22lr to start. Once you get bored of it don't sell it but buy a 9mm semi then add a revolver to the collection.
Out of the 2 HG's you've listed get the G17. So easy to maintain and parts/accessories are available. If you can shoot it well you will be able to shoot just about anything. After several thousand rounds you should have a good idea about what you like.
Welcome to the Addiction of HG's! You will spend countless hours and lots of $$ in your quest for the perfect HG. It could be both fun and frustrating at times.
Pull up a chair and stay awhile. This is a great place to hang out with great folks (mostly :)).
 
rugermk1 said:
Before long someone here will recommend you consider a .22 as your first restricted purchase - to learn the basics of handgun for a lot less money. As far as the advice above goes... First find a good fit for you, then buy it in 9mm with a .22 kit - there are several good combos out there, at a price. If budget is an issue, consider the following:

My 9 knocks the chickens over at the range... Satisfying.
My 22 spins a 2" gong every time... Just as satisfying.
I paid more for my 22 because it's cheaper to run.
I practice with my 22 more because it's cheaper to run.
I developed a flinch when I bought the 9, despite learning to shoot the 22 first. Took effort to overcome.
I developed another flinch when I bought a Tokarev. Easier to overcome this time.
I reload 9mm, and have adjusted to suit. Tons of good brass on the floor.
Neither 22 nor 9 are really very badass, so you're still going to want a 500 S&W at the end of the day.

If I could do it over, I'd still start with the 22. The skills I developed with it helped me overcome the shift to centerfire handguns. I can't imagine unlearning a flinch without good technique to refer back to.

good luck in your quest! Exciting times...
Click to expand...



Great advice....always start with a 22 semi for your first pistol ; you can't go wrong . Center fire is nice , but you will spend a lot of cash on ammo ; and may develop a flinch as well....
 
I would say it depends on what you are looking to do. If ypu just want a general target shooter you cant go wrong with either gun. If you want something you can use in an IPSC match the glock is better than the berretta but a better starter gun for that might be a CZ-75B or an S&W M&P9
 
wayupnorth said:
ill agree with what other have said above.
i started with a 22 to 'get the hang of it' and about a month or 2 later picked up a 9mm.
then fast forward 25 years and i wont even say out loud in polite company how many ive added to my collection since then, but i do enjoy my hobby.

to do it all over again i wouldnt change a thing.
in fact i did the same with my kids, started them on the 22 pistols and ill move them up to 9mm when i think they can handle them.

while i dont have this specific gun i saw it mentioned above and id say its a good way to go and that was the CZ in 9mm with a Kadet kit in 22 so you can swap out the top end and flip back and forth between the 22 and 9.

or pick up a S&W M&P in 22 and one in 9mm
or pick up a Glock 17 and a ISSC 22 to train on.

you can pick up most brands of guns in 22 for $400 and change and then get the 9mm with the same brand for 7-8-900

once you get that down pat you can branch off into other stuff.
1911's, wheel guns, ect ect ect.

just my $0.02
Click to expand...

I will look into that kadet kit for sure. Thanks for the recommendation!
 
rugermk1 said:
Before long someone here will recommend you consider a .22 as your first restricted purchase - to learn the basics of handgun for a lot less money. As far as the advice above goes... First find a good fit for you, then buy it in 9mm with a .22 kit - there are several good combos out there, at a price. If budget is an issue, consider the following:

My 9 knocks the chickens over at the range... Satisfying.
My 22 spins a 2" gong every time... Just as satisfying.
I paid more for my 22 because it's cheaper to run.
I practice with my 22 more because it's cheaper to run.
I developed a flinch when I bought the 9, despite learning to shoot the 22 first. Took effort to overcome.
I developed another flinch when I bought a Tokarev. Easier to overcome this time.
I reload 9mm, and have adjusted to suit. Tons of good brass on the floor.
Neither 22 nor 9 are really very badass, so you're still going to want a 500 S&W at the end of the day.

If I could do it over, I'd still start with the 22. The skills I developed with it helped me overcome the shift to centerfire handguns. I can't imagine unlearning a flinch without good technique to refer back to.

good luck in your quest! Exciting times...
Click to expand...

Appreciate the tips! I will be looking into the CZ with kadet kit for sure.
 
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