First firearm, which route to go

Airw4ves

Airw4ves

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I'm having a tough time deciding between two choices as my first firearm. The two I have had my eyes on for some time have been an AR15 (DD preferably, but if none available I would go Stag), and a Glock 17.
Now, I'm back in school, so it has to be one or the other for now due to budgetary concerns. Just curious which you guys would choose, and why. I'm looking for something that the fiancé can learn to shoot, and will offer a relatively enjoyable first experience. The reason I don't just go Norc is due to my firm belief in buy once, cry once. I would like a gun that will last me for a long time to come, and can be used in courses, should I decide to take them in the future. Now I don't hunt, and don't foresee myself getting into it any time soon, so restricted class doesn't really bother me (well I certainly wouldn't mind if both were unrestricted but you get my drift).
I would love to hear your guys ideas, I'm not looking for a set in stone answer per say, more so you take on it, and hopefully that will help me choose. If you need more info or I missed something, let me know and I'll add it up.
Thanks
 
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Hmm, those are both very good options. I guess it comes down to whether you want a pistol or a rifle. You can get the glock, a pistol safe, and some boxes of ammo and mags and have it all in a compact little space, whereas for a rifle safe/cabinet it takes a bit more space.

Also, if you want to get into IPSC or IDPA or something like that the pistol would be a good choice. Granted, there are rifle courses and competitions, but it generally seems that the pistols get more attention. Budgetary concerns and high quality ARs generally don't go together, as you'd be looking at something like $1000 to $2000 for a reasonably affordable quality rifle, then probably a $500 to $1000 optic to put on it, to get a package that will do well for a long time.

So...pistol? Probably cheaper in the short term, you can likely get the glock and 500 rounds, and a box to keep it in, for under $1000.
 
With your 2 choices (AR & G17) it's a tad difficult in my opinion. AR's are an expensive game, in both the gun, parts, and ammo that one goes through in a session(at least I do). Not to mention, the fact of finding good new AR's is seemingly and increasingly difficult. On the other hand, a glock is a great pistol and pistol shooting is as of the last year, my favourite type of shooting. That being said, it's not as easy as rifle shooting (a lot more fundamentals to pistols to master). Also, the mention of a fiancée eliminates my normal suggestion of a good 12g pump. There is always the idea of a good ruger 10/22, although they're not as fun, still a staple gun and it makes it easier to get into the sport both fundamentally and cost wise.

If I was you, and I was on a reasonable budget, I'd try and find a lightly used glock 17, a new ruger 10/22, and ammo for both guns. This can probably be had for less than a grand. You can skip the safe and all that for now and go with a trigger lock on the 10/22 and glock, and put the glock, locked up in its original case.

Just an idea.
 
My opinions, and that's all they are as I'm new to shooting.
First thins, both your choices are restricted so you will need to belong (or visit) a range to go shooting, it may not change your decision but should be noted. You now need to figure out where you'll go to shoot and how often you can get there, also paying for memberships/visitors pass.
Handgun vs long also make for a different experiences in my opinion. You'll likely enjoy both but just another thing to consider.
Finance shooting either probably won't be an issue, at least I don't think so. Neither are crazy high powered scary recoil but the handgun may be less intimidating. Keep in mind a 22 is far less likely to scare off any new shooter.

I would say a big factor is initial cost+continued cost before your next purchase. If you bought the glock, ammo, protection, range membership etc your under your AR15 price, and buying more ammo is less expensive so you'll be able to shoot as much as you like while saving on the side. If you went AR you spend more to start, more for ammo, so you may need to reduce your shooting as you start looking for the glock.
Maybe yes maybe no, if you've got the money its no factor but if it might be a factor then keep it in mind.
Don't discount anything just yet, keep reading through the forums and then eliminate things. If you don't want a norc that's fine but don't get stuck on anything (for or against) just yet. If you don't like glock prices, you can get the S&W or Ruger sr's for cheaper and they get good reviews. For sure stick with what you want but don't get tunnel vision.

Overall I think you'll do fine either way, and what Stevebot & Foxalpha have said are definitely things I would consider. Especially the glock+ruger 10/22, non-R 10/22 can let you head to the bush for outdoors shooting, possibly hunting if you do feel like it. You can't hunt ever with ar or handguns due to restricted status.
I'm sure more experienced voices will appear. Good luck & have fun.
 
I've heard really good things about the SKS as a good starter rifle, and marstar has a real good deal for a Chinese SKS with a lot of ammunition in a package deal. Other sellers might have similar deals, I'd look it up but :effort:
 
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