WTB my 1st handgun but I am not that into them. What is the best gateway handgun?

My suggestions are:

Glock 17 in 9mm

Pros:
-hassle free in terms of reliability and maintenance
-operation is rack, point, and pull the trigger
-widely available parts and magazines are cheap

Cons:
-The Glock has a weird grip angle so its not the most 'natural' feeling gun
-stock trigger isn't great and takes some practice to get used to
-polymer/plastic parts


1911 chambered in 9mm
Pros:
-trigger is excellent on most 1911s
-ergonomics and grip angle make shooting the 1911 feel more natural (you're going to hit closer to where you think you're aiming)

Cons:
-the operation can be complicated (3 different safeties)
-requires a little more maintenance in order to run smoothly
 
Glock is a great gateway 9mm. Lots of options to upgrade as well and you can always get another if you want something with more flavor (face it, no one just stops at 1)
 
Don't forget about the H&K SFP9. That was my first handgun and I love it. Widely regarded as being one of the most ergonomic pistols you can buy. Plus the trigger is very nice out of the box.
 
JDForBrkFst said:
That's terrible advice. He could buy a Beretta and hate it and lose interest in handguns, or buy a Glock and fall in love with it. Insert whatever brands/makes you want in there. But the message rings true.

OP feel free to PM me your phone number. I'll call you (I have free long distance). I have used handguns professionally in the military, private sector, competitively, and for sh**s n giggs since I was 18. I have my own biases, but will help set you up with whats best for your interests.
Click to expand...


If he is not into handguns, he can buy whatever he wants. He can love it or he can hate it - it won't make any difference - he's just not into handguns.
 
bj23 said:
If he is not into handguns, he can buy whatever he wants. He can love it or he can hate it - it won't make any difference - he's just not into handguns.
Click to expand...

You completely miss the point of the thread.

I actually had a half hour long convo over the phone with the OP about his options. He is in fact interested in handguns and has made his choice as to brand and is deciding on model.

Thanks for coming out though.
 
JDForBrkFst said:
You completely miss the point of the thread.

I actually had a half hour long convo over the phone with the OP about his options. He is in fact interested in handguns and has made his choice as to brand and is deciding on model.

Thanks for coming out though.
Click to expand...
Thanks for helping him out. That was nice of you. I just remembered I met him earlier this year. I do believe I suggested a Shadow. Did you steer him down the right path? lol!
 
JDForBrkFst said:
I helped him affirm the direction he was already leaning. I showed him a few other options in that direction as well. I'm sure he'll pop in to tell everyone where he ended up.
Click to expand...
Good stuff.

KsCan: When you're ready to think about competition down the road, feel free to drop me a line. I can let you know about the local IPSC/IDPA scene and get you in touch with the right people.
 
As stated earlier: try to get somewhere you can try a few pistols in your hands. Some ranges rent, sometimes you can meet up with CGNers who are willing to let you give 'em a go.

Not all pistols fit all hands... I have wide palms and short fingers. I love the reliability and ubiquity of Glock (and have several), but they sit on the shelf in favour of my PPQ and Q5 Match as the Walthers fit my hands MUCH better. The same was true of the CZ SP01, Berettas, and Sigs I tried.
 
Thanks, to everyone for their suggestions, even the people who suggested a .22 :p (joking, of course, buying a .22 would probably be a smart decision). I was leaning towards a Glock when I made the original post and you guy did a poor job discouraging me from getting one. Will be looking at a 48 unless I find a good deal on some other model.
 
KsCan said:
Thanks, to everyone for their suggestions, even the people who suggested a .22 :p (joking, of course, buying a .22 would probably be a smart decision). I was leaning towards a Glock when I made the original post and you guy did a poor job discouraging me from getting one. Will be looking at a 48 unless I find a good deal on some other model.
Click to expand...

I wish you could just like/upvote posts on CGN. I like/upvote this post.
 
JDForBrkFst said:
You completely miss the point of the thread.

I actually had a half hour long convo over the phone with the OP about his options. He is in fact interested in handguns and has made his choice as to brand and is deciding on model.

Thanks for coming out though.
Click to expand...

That's nice that you found someone to talk to about their options. I'm glad that you managed to change his mind about not being interested in handguns to being interested in handguns. I didn't miss a thing.
 
KsCan said:
Thanks, to everyone for their suggestions, even the people who suggested a .22 :p (joking, of course, buying a .22 would probably be a smart decision). I was leaning towards a Glock when I made the original post and you guy did a poor job discouraging me from getting one. Will be looking at a 48 unless I find a good deal on some other model.
Click to expand...


It's great that you got the help you were looking for. One thing I will say about the Glock 48 is to make sure you hold one before you buy it. I was set on buying one until I held it and found the grip felt too slim in my hand. The Glock 19 was more comfortable for me.
 
I sent the OP a link to a video that helps to show the proper grip for a handgun, which is doubly important for a polymer gun used in action shooting. Telling a newbie to handguns to hold one prior to buying, without knowing how to hold it, won't help him much.

Friends came over the other day and they wanted to see what I was shooting now. Putting the S2 in their hands and seeing their default grip would make all of you agree that some guidance is necessary. :)
 
With little to no handgun experience you may want to re-consider your dislike for revolvers. . A S&W or Colt revolver in 357 or 38 special would make an ideal first handgun. If you don't reload, S&W and Colt make excellent 22 caliber revolvers that would allow more trips to range per dollar.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom