First Time Gun Buyer

[dirtyrice]

First time gun buyer here. I narrowed my search to Smith and Wesson. I like the M&P .40 full size and the M&P .40 Shield. I'll consider other brands if Made in USA. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

 

[Kalamity023]

Best suggestion; go shoot what you're interested in and see if it's right for you. You might like an XD, or a Glock, or a SIG, or a 1911, but you'll never know until you shoot them. Find a local range that rents, or a buddy that has a gun or 2 to accomplish this.

 

[kma44]

I am a big fan of Ruger myself. I have the 9c, SR22, SR40 and the SR1911

 

[Noemarmolejo]

I have an XDs, XD, SR9c and a p238. All shoot great!

 

[rbstumbo]

My first handgun was the M&P 40 full size. Then I bought the Ruger SR22 for plinking. It's also my carry gun until I can get the M&P Shield .40. All three fit my hand perfectly.

 

[Treo]

Slightly off topic but what is the differnce between an M&P .40 and an M&P Shield?

 

[TheCocaColaSanta]

I recently bought my first handgun. And I thought that I wanted a Glock, partly because of all the hype about how great they are supposed to be, but also because I was under the misconception that they were made in Smyrna, GA near where I grew up. I too was determined to buy only American made, and still am for that matter. But after doing some research I discovered that some parts are made here, then shipped to Austria where they are completed and then shipped bak to the Smyrna, GA location for distribution. So I started checking out other manufacturers like Colt, Ruger, and Smith & Wesson. And after firing several at a local range, I fell in love with the Ruger SR9, which is 100% made here in the good ole' U.S.A. The Glock is probably a great gun. And I have never heard anything less than wonderful reviews. But, I refuse to outsource any of my purchases if it is available from an American manufacturer.

 

[CharlesMorrison]

Ruger SR40 cal. Great gun for the money! Made in the USA too!

 

[revolverboy]

I tell 1st time buyers to get a 22 & some training. Learn the fundamentals with a 22 then get a larger more expensive caliber. All the fundamentals can be practiced at home thru dry-firing then practice at the range with a 22. I think a 40 has too much recoil for a new shooter....and it can get costly quick.

 

[gmacecsko]

I have an M&P 22 and 9mm. Both guns feels the same and shoot great. You will not go wrong of you get an M&P

 

[Kalamity023]

I tell 1st time buyers to get a 22 & some training. Learn the fundamentals with a 22 then get a larger more expensive caliber. All the fundamentals can be practiced at home thru dry-firing then practice at the range with a 22. I think a 40 has too much recoil for a new shooter....and it can get costly quick.

Do not dry fire a .22 or other rim fire cartridge. You can damage the firing pin and affect the functionality of the weapon. That being said a .22 version of a gun you're looking at is a great way to get the fundamentals and controls down all at a reasonable price.

 

[maine04619]

Do not dry fire a .22 or other rim fire cartridge. You can damage the firing pin and affect the functionality of the weapon. That being said a .22 version of a gun you're looking at is a great way to get the fundamentals and controls down all at a reasonable price.

This is why we have snap caps...

 

[cluznar]

Look at the Ruger SR40 full size and SR40c compact

 

[Firefighterchen]

Slightly off topic but what is the differnce between an M&P .40 and an M&P Shield?

M&P .40 = double stack
M&P shield = single stack (9mm or .40)

 

[Firefighterchen]

First time gun buyer here. I narrowed my search to Smith and Wesson. I like the M&P .40 full size and the M&P .40 Shield. I'll consider other brands if Made in USA. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

Check out the FNP/FNX and FNS lines too.

 

[Treo]

M&P .40 = double stack
M&P shield = single stack (9mm or .40)

Thanks..............................

 

[SR9]

I'm with you kma44. I was determined to buy a Made in USA gun. I picked the Ruger SR9 9mm. I heard all the blarney about Glock, Taurus, etc. but didn't buy it. These guns are mostly all made in other countries, meaning parts could be hard to get and expensive prompted by our own governments actions.
I also bought my holster from a place called The Holster Store. They are located in Florida, make their own holsters and shipping is quick. I got mine in 4 days by regular mail. www.theholsterstore.com . I have never been dissapointed in either purchase and have been using them for more than a year now. I carry everyday, all day.
Sturm Ruger is one of the only gun manufacturers that give money from sales to the NRA to protect our 2nd Amendment Rights. In the past year they given them over a million dollars to fight anti-gun lobbyist on the State and Federal level. Hat off to Sturm Ruger and the NRA.

 

[YooperRob]

I have been looking at the Ruger P95, anyone have this? Likes/Dislikes?

 

[cluznar]

P95 is one very good gun, accurate, dependable, tough. Will shoot many rounds with no hiccups. Maybe one of the best bargains in handguns.

:triniti:

 

[skinnyb82]

I'd say pick up a decent .22LR pistol, get used to shooting a pistol first before you move up to a higher caliber. I have shot a Ruger .22LR pistol (Mark something) and I kept getting FTEs. I know the gun was well cared for too. I digress. Ruger SR22Ps are good or so I've heard but I don't know much about .22s because I didn't buy a .22LR for my first pistol...and I wasted A LOT of ammo while familiarizing myself with my Glock 22. Now when I head out to the range, I will take my sweet time and still run through $150 in .40S&W ammo in a couple hours. You could spend that much money or less on a few bricks (or a huge box of Remington) .22LR ammo and you'd close down the range with ammo left to spare.