I am new to handguns. I am looking to buy my first handgun soon. I have experience with shotguns and rifles. I am a middle aged woman of medium build. I have hunted dove and quail since I was about 9 or 10. Pawnshops are the closest gun sales to me. The closest actual gun store is over 100 miles away. The pawnshop does have new weapons. I want to learn all I can so I am an informed consumer. I made a trip to the local pawn shop to look at weapons. The clerk was pushing a .380, I am interested in a 9mm. Now I'm more confused than ever because to someone who is uneducated they are very similar. Help I have looked online. Since I have nowhere close to try the different weapons I need honest advice. Help
It sounds as if you also don't have a place close to you to rent any handguns and try them at a range. That is what most would recommend to you.
Here are some factors that I run through my head when selecting a firearm that I will carry with me. (is this what you are doing... or do you want one only at home?)
I'm going to assume you are carrying it on you.
Ask yourself some of these questions:
-- how do you wish to carry it on your person. (inside the waistband holster, shoulder holster, outside the waistband holster, concealed or open carry, or do you wish to get a pocket pistol and keep it in your pocket)
-- What do you want the handgun to be able to do? -- A .380 is a decent caliber for defense, however, a 9mm is more powerful. From there, a .40, or .45 is even more powerful. Personally, I would stay away from a .380 as my every day carry. I do use one but is my back up gun. My every day carry is a .40. Since you are interested in a 9mm and, because it is a good defensive round, because there are many sizes and shapes of 9mm guns out there, and because the 9mm ammunition is relatively inexpensive, I would steer you to what you were leaning toward anyway and stay with the 9mm.
-- The next question goes along with the first question? What size is good for you? Does the grip feel good to you? Is it small enough to conceal if you are going to carry concealed? Will it fit your body shape well depending on how you will carry it? The firearm should feel like an extension of you. If it doesn't then it will feel awkward and you will not like it and probably will not carry it as much. How are the sights? Do you get a good sight picture? Can you swap them out for different sights? Also, try the trigger. The trigger is important for good shots. Once you try a few triggers, you will see which you like.
There are many brands and designs of 9mm handguns. You will get as many suggestions as to which model to buy as there are people on this forum. What I would suggest to you is to try the different models in 9mm that you have available at your pawnshop and see which feel good in your hand. See which will fit your mode of carry. Lastly, don't let the dealer sell you what gun he wants to sell you. Buy the gun that works best for you.
I hope this has been helpful. Good luck to you in your search. If you narrow it down to a few models and wish to ask for suggestions about those specifically, come back and ask again.
Also, welcome to the forum!!