Need help choosing my first gun!

[mdt0170]

Hello everyone!

I'm planning on purchasing my first gun as soon as possible, once I take some gun education courses and try out some guns. I would really appreciate any suggestions as to which guns are good for new owners who are just learning to shoot for the first time as well. I know that I don't want anything large, I don't need a gun that's insanely powerful or anything too complicated, just something that is powerful enough to defend myself from an intruder or an attacker.

It may not be necessary to mention, but I am a female and a little smaller than average, so that may change some of the factors for which guns I could handle with some practice.

Also, any good instructors or courses in South Carolina (any SC city really), that anyone could suggests will help too! Thank you for reading.

 

[lsmurphy]

I have a smaller than average wife and this Taurus 38 is perfect for her...I even carry it from time to time.

 

[seimer22]

My wife also has a 38 - Ruger LCR.

 

[kelcarry]

You go to a good gunshop that has many choices. ATP Gunshop in Summerville not only has a wide selection of guns but caters to women with women instructors/sales personnel and indoor gun ranges. They also have womens' nights. ATP also offers the classes for a CCWP, so you can do one-stop shopping.

 

[John Theriot]

go to a gun range and try to shoot different pistols or go to NRA pistol course follow the link to find one in ur state

Link Removed

 

[tas237]

Sounds like you're more concerned with home defense more than something to carry concealed outside the home.

For a home defense handgun, a hammerless 38 special is a fine choice. Hammerless is important as you can stick it the pocket of a robe or other clothing if you had to open a door or go outside at night. An exposed hammer can get caught on clothing if you had to draw the weapon or fire from the pocket. For this class, a Ruger LCR or S&W airweight J-Frame would be a great choice. The LCR has a better trigger. The downside to these guns is capacity. They hold 5 rounds.

If you want more capacity, I'd look towards a semi-automatic 9mm. Not hard o handle the recoil, plenty of power, and capacities ranging from 10 (subcompacts) to 20 (full sized). I'd recommend you look for a double action semi-auto since you're just beginning. A single action only gun requires someone that has a decent amount of training if it's going to be deployed properly under stress.

If you're thinking about maybe carrying concealed in the future, I'd suggest a subcompact 9mm or a pocket 9mm. The Kahr PM9 is my favorite carry gun. Fits in a pocket. Carries 7 rounds of 9mm, weighs 15 ounces, match grade barrel, superb trigger. For a subcompact: Glock, Hk, Sig Sauer, Ruger, Springfield XDs, many quality gun makers to choose from. You should look at and feel lots of models to see what is right for you. If possible rent the ones you like at a range, then decide.

If you have children in the house, I'd recommend getting a trigger lock that removes quickly (Magnalock is great) or a nightstand safe, just big enough to hold your sidearm.

Hope that helps.

 

[ITCH]

I would recommend starting with a low caliber and then after a lot of time and practice moving yourself up as you go. I would suggest you try a Walther P22 semi-auto or 38 snub nose revolver. My wife has a Taurus 85 38 poly revolver i bought new for $200 bucks and she shoots with it and carries for self defense. The recoil isn't to bad and if need be it will get the job done. She is only 5''5 and also has small hands. Good Luck with whatever you decide.

 

[Warrior1256]

My wife loves her S & W 642 .38 airweight revolver. It is light, compact, has a small grip, is powerful and accurate out of the box. Load it up with +P ammo and you have a crackerjack defensive weapon. I carry it sometimes myself!

 

[Glock27060]

I would most certainly visit a gun shop with a good selection and look over and test fire a selection that you like. Define your budget for purchase and decide revolver or Semi automatic. For ease of operation a semi is a good choice. I would recommend a Glock for high reliability and ease of operation. Revolvers are easy to operate and fire. They can be intimidating to reload in a stressful situation. Good luck with your new pursuit, have fun and always be safe.

 

[RonM0710]

First you need to decide weather you are looking for a carry gun or home defense gun.

Smaller is better for concealment. Larger is easier to shoot.

Revolvers are simple to operate, but have less rounds than most pistols. In some states if you take the carry permit class with a revolver you can only carry a revolver. If taken with pistol you can then carry either.

If you get a pistol make sure you can rack the slide easily.

I carry either a Glock 19 compact 9mm or a Kahr PM9 9mm. I also have a little P3AT .380.

Look at the Ruger LCR and the LC9.

 

[JCliff]

I second the advice offered to go to a gunshop/range that will allow you to try out several different types of handguns in different sizes/calibers. Take your time on this and find one that you are comfortable with and can shoot well. If you can do this with a professional instructor, all the better, as then your decision will be much better informed. I also concur that taking the NRA pistol course (followed by PPITH, and PPOTH courses) is an excellent idea. If not those, then find their equivalent taught by an experienced and professional instructor in your area.

 

[CCWlady]

be careful about being talked into j frame revolvers

i bought a 38 snub nose revolver for my first gun and it was a mistake. it made my hand hurt and it took me a long time to stop flinching. i bought an S&W 9mm shield and i love it. it has a slim profile and does not have much recoil. i have a Whitehat zebra holster and it is my defence carry gun i wear everywhere i legally can. do not get talked into a j frame revolver until you have shot many rounds through it. They are cute but it is important to get what you are comfortable shooting.

 

[joatesiii]

Hi mdt...well there are a lot of great suggestions here, and I would not attempt to point you in any particular direction with regards to brand or model or caliber...many others would know better than I on that. I would simply say that the pistol that fits your hand the best would be the best to start with. If it is comfortable and if you are able to manipulate any controls, you will develop confidence with it because you will feel good shooting it.

 

[mdt0170]

Wow, everyone who replied was so helpful and thorough. Thank you for all the information and tips! I will definitely take more time choosing now instead of rushing it, so that I can find the most comfortable fit and the one I can handle functioning the best. I will be going to some of the firearm stores in my area and trying out some of the ones that you guys suggested, as well as ones that I'm interested in once I do some more research on them, I'm going to try to learn as much as possible in a short time about firearms before choosing one.

I was expecting at least half of the replies on here to be negative or rude, that is what I've experienced lately from asking for help with this process, it's all a first for me. I think I'm really going to like this site, all of you seem very educated and experienced with firearms, and you all seem much nicer than some other forums. Thank you again.

 

[jfisch]

I'm sorry to hear you have had such a negative experience so far. I was also in your position not too long ago trying to decide on my first. I knew I was going to carry it on me at all times so I went with a Link Removed. It fit my hands good, it was lighter than some other pistols and out of all the guns I test-shot it was the one I liked best.
I would echo the recommendation that you go to a local range that rents guns and try shooting a few first.
Whatever you do don't let anyone muscle you into a decision about a gun until you're happy with it. That's rule number one in my experience.

 

[Jetman 1979]

Like said before do you want a revolver or a semiauto? Do you plan on getting a carry permit because if you do and at least here in Texas if you go to the range for your permit and shoot a revolver you can only carry that type. If you go with a semi you are able to carry both. I recommend a semiauto and then you have a choice later down the road.
Shooting can become very addicting and before you know it you will have many types of weapons.

 

[lsmurphy]

Wow, everyone who replied was so helpful and thorough. Thank you for all the information and tips! I will definitely take more time choosing now instead of rushing it, so that I can find the most comfortable fit and the one I can handle functioning the best. I will be going to some of the firearm stores in my area and trying out some of the ones that you guys suggested, as well as ones that I'm interested in once I do some more research on them, I'm going to try to learn as much as possible in a short time about firearms before choosing one.

I was expecting at least half of the replies on here to be negative or rude, that is what I've experienced lately from asking for help with this process, it's all a first for me. I think I'm really going to like this site, all of you seem very educated and experienced with firearms, and you all seem much nicer than some other forums. Thank you again.

Something to consider....... You stated that you do not want anything too complicated......CCWlady warned you of being 'sold' on a revolver here.......
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You did not state your age or physical condition, women particularly, some men also as they get older, have difficulty chambering a semi-auto. Not to mention clearing a failure to fire or a jamb especially in the throws of an attack.
.
The idea that most have.....that you will have time to draw your weapon, extend your arms, take aim...etc.......fantasy. The reality is you will not. Muggings, rapes, car jackings.....you will be up close and personal with your attacker, you may have just enough time to place the muzzle to your attacker and fire.
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Revolvers are point and shoot, nearly fool proof. I carry a SA for round count, 20 in a mag for me, but I do rely on a revolver at the bedside.
.
Those of us who are lifelong gun owners evolve over time through experience........if you are a onetime gun buyer don't discount the revolver.

 

[wizrd]

Buying a firearm for personal defense does not make you 'safe' -- practice will make you safe. Whatever you decide on, spend as much on ammunition as you did on the firearm. Then get some instruction on proper safe gun handling & shooting. The NRA Basic Pistol course is excellent. Then practice, dilligently and often. If you opt for a center fire pistol, you will find that ammuntion can be expensive. You may also want to invest in a .22 LR rimfire caliber handgun as a practice gun, this will allow you to shoot 500 rounds of ammo for the price of a box of 20 centerfire cartidges. As an instructor I've always told my new students that they really need two guns, a .22 rimfire & a centerfire just for that reason.

 

[The_Outlaw]

Hello everyone!

I'm planning on purchasing my first gun as soon as possible, once I take some gun education courses and try out some guns. I would really appreciate any suggestions as to which guns are good for new owners who are just learning to shoot for the first time as well. I know that I don't want anything large, I don't need a gun that's insanely powerful or anything too complicated, just something that is powerful enough to defend myself from an intruder or an attacker.

It may not be necessary to mention, but I am a female and a little smaller than average, so that may change some of the factors for which guns I could handle with some practice.

Also, any good instructors or courses in South Carolina (any SC city really), that anyone could suggests will help too! Thank you for reading.

If you can confidently handle a semi auto, then I would strongly recommend the Glock 26 (Baby Glock chambered for 9mm).
Here is an excellent video on the Glock 26 (Gen4).
If not, then the Ruger LCR is an excellent little revolver imvho.

 

[Jay]

Hello everyone!

I'm planning on purchasing my first gun as soon as possible, once I take some gun education courses and try out some guns. I would really appreciate any suggestions as to which guns are good for new owners who are just learning to shoot for the first time as well. I know that I don't want anything large, I don't need a gun that's insanely powerful or anything too complicated, just something that is powerful enough to defend myself from an intruder or an attacker.

It may not be necessary to mention, but I am a female and a little smaller than average, so that may change some of the factors for which guns I could handle with some practice.

Also, any good instructors or courses in South Carolina (any SC city really), that anyone could suggests will help too! Thank you for reading.

This is strictly my opinion, and has worked in many years of firearms training, and for men and ladies alike.

Get some basic training FIRST. At this point you need fundamentals, not run and gun, or force on force. Reputable instructors will provide a host of handguns and holsters for you to experience in class. That will give you some idea of where your preferences might lead you in handgun selection. Then.....

Buy a handgun just like you would buy a pair of shoes. If Ol' Joe over here says he likes Charlie China tennis shoes, and you're looking for a new pair of shoes, do you run out and buy Joe's pick, just because HE likes 'em? Probably not. If a new shooter is asking what to buy for a carry gun, it doesn't matter what works for me, or anyone else. I suggest telling that new shooter to go to many gun shops, and/or gun shows, and handle all the guns they can get hold of. Just like they would try on shoes. Before long they'll be able to make a list of guns that feel ok, pretty good, real good, and "that really feels great in my hands". The last two are the ones to pursue, and here's why I say that....If a given handgun doesn't feel "right" in your hands, you'll not shoot it enough to become proficient with it, because it's not comfortable, and you won't like shooting it. Just like you rarely wear shoes that are UNcomfortable. If you're not gonna become proficient with it, save your money, and buy a ball bat to carry. With proper fundamentals, he/she can learn to shoot almost any handgun, or any caliber. Very few folks can re-train their hands to make just any handgun feel comfortable. The last suggestion... again....get some training......proper shooting techniques, practiced slowly, but proficiently, will breed speed. Do it slowly, and do it the right way, every time.......If you practice speed first, and introduce less efficient techniques into your training, you'll have to do it all over again to get it right. Most gun shops have a box of used holsters that you can experiment with after you've chosen what gun works best for you. There are many options for concealed/open carry.

By the way..... anyone who introduces a new shooter to our pastime by having them start with a large-caliber handgun, makes a very poor decision. Yes, some folks do ok starting out with large calibers, but the vast majority will not continue to shoot if their very 1st experience is with .50 S&W. Start with a .22 caliber something, and as your technique/accuracy improves, work up from there. Caliber doesn't count until after you can hit your target.

If you're buying a handgun for home protection, and you choose to NOT have it on your person, you should consider where in your home you might be if someone kicks the door in. I don't see a person in a position to be able to ask an intruder to "hang on a sec, while I get my gun"

There always will be a trade-off..... light weight, more recoil...... shorter barrel, more recoil...I've known more than a few gents who didn't care for the recoil of what's often called a "ladies gun"... just sayin....

Again, just my ramblings.... but they work for me...

Shoot Safely....