Looking for my first handgun

[March55]

I just turned 21 and will be getting my chl soon. My step dad says I should get a Glock as my first gun but I'm not sold on it. Anyone else have some suggestions or do you agree with him?

[AndyRealtree]

Glocks are good, but so are a bunch of others. You need to pick up and hold a bunch of different ones and then buy the one that you feel most comfortable with based off feel and caliber.

[Johnny Dangerr]

Heck no. Get a revolver like a Ruger Speed 6 in 357.
Next might be a good 22 target pistol.
Then a 1911.
After you get good with these you will never go to the dark side.

[duckmanep]

check out the XDm's

[ptcase86]

What ever you chose make sure you take the class with a semi-auto not a revolver

[lbbf]

Just like bows. Go out and handle/shoot as many different ones as you can. There will be one that you just keep going back to. That would be the one for you.

[Bowtechlady]

Just like bows. Go out and handle/shoot as many different ones as you can. There will be one that you just keep going back to. That would be the one for you.

X2 but also shoot them so you can see which one you like.

I do agree with your dad on the Glock.

I have shot and carried many different ones from S&W, Ruger, H & K, Berreta, and the Sigs and for me I still prefer the Glock.

[TXBlkCld]

check out the XDm's

I whole heartedly agree.

[jdubuzz]

Springfield XDS in 45 or 9mm
Great conceal carry and good shooters. I just got thru shooting my sons XDS 45 it's a sweet shooter.

[JustinJ]

What ever you chose make sure you take the class with a semi-auto not a revolver

After Sep 1 there is no difference. You can qualify with a revolver and carry an SA.

Like others have said, go into a store and feel a ton of different guns. Try a gun store as opposed to a Cabela's or Academy, or something like that. It feels like they try to sell a particular brand (not universally, but person by person) because its a big name or they red about it in a magazine. Most guys at a gun store can point you in the right direction and are much more knowledgeable about firearms. Just my suggestion.

Edit: I also wouldn't suggest getting a sub compact, as it won't make you a good shooter. Look for a compact at the smallest, maybe even something fullsize. Glock 19 or 17, XDm, mannnnny others.

[Bstock87]

Most of the major brands make great guns. The key is finding one that fits your budget, hands and needs. The best advice would be to rent or shoot as many as you can before you buy. Oh and watch any reviews of guns your interested in by Hickok45 on YouTube. He does a great a job.

[tvc184]

I just turned 21 and will be getting my chl soon. My step dad says I should get a Glock as my first gun but I'm not sold on it. Anyone else have some suggestions or do you agree with him?

He told you the correct answer. The discussion should be over.


Actually I don't own a Glock and could care less even if I did but I think one of the Big Three striker fire handguns would be the easiest to learn. Go with a Glock, xD(m, s) or S&W M&P. None have a long and heavy trigger pull like a revolver, don't have the need to learn two completely different trigger pulls and then decock (DA/SA like most Sig, Beretta, H&K, etc.) and there are no extra safeties or separate levers to decock or sweep to make the weapon safe like all DA/SA and SA pistols.

[Shane]

Actually I don't own a Glock and could care less even if I did but I think one of the Big Three striker fire handguns would be the easiest to learn. Go with a Glock, xD(m, s) or S&W M&P. None have a long and heavy trigger pull like a revolver, don't have the need to learn two completely different trigger pulls and then decock (DA/SA like most Sig, Beretta, H&K, etc.) and there are no extra safeties or separate levers to decock or sweep to make the weapon safe like all DA/SA and SA pistols.

This.^

I'd add the Walther PPQ and/or PPS to the list of striker fired pistols to be considered for concealed carry too. They're great guns as well that function just like the others mentioned. They all have a little different feel and slight differences in the trigger pull. The PPQ's trigger is easily the best of the whole group, but it's not as small and thin overall as some of the single stack magazine pistols like the M&P Shield, XDs, and the PPS.

The basic things to consider between all those guns are fit(ergonomics), feel (trigger, recoil, etc), capacity (how many rounds will it hold), and concealability (size). Decide if you want a bulkier gun that holds more rounds or if you prefer a thinner and lighter gun that holds fewer rounds. Then compare the guns in the size/capacity class that you want and find the one that feels the best to you and fits you the best. They're all good guns.

Here's a good site to use to compare specs of various guns side by side: http://whichgun.com/

If you like the feel of a brick strapped to a 2x4, then you'll probably love a Glock.

[WCB]

Where you located? I have a couple of glocks, 19 & 23, a 1911, Taurus 24/7, etc... If your close I could meet you at a range and you can try these out. Also have access to a XDs 9 and a XDs 45 I could bring. You buy the ammo...
j/k. I've got thousands of rounds...

[stevieray54]

Check out gun ranges in your area,most of the indoor ones around Houston,actually rent hand guns. Make a few phone calls see what they have it may cost you to try it out then you'll know for sure