It’s awesome though. She and I are both CCW for Montana; she was for California too. As for the 1911 for a first handgun...I don't recommend it unless you're able to train a lot with taking off the safety before a shot. Depending on your caliber, you’ll want to take a look at one of these articles: The most important thing about choosing the best handgun is fit. Thanks, Frank. Something I'd like to point out though is that going cheap on a light is not necessarily a bad thing. Glock 19 is also great since it is just slightly smaller than the full size 17. At the same time a sub-compact pistol - due it size might be difficult for a novice to master (especially in larger calibers). It is what it is. Leave double ought buck to "Swat Teams, Thank you for these articles, I am new to guns and I purchased the Glock 19!! I fail to see how California is a safer place "thanks" to these "common sense?? It was either in her purse or on her night stand. I have two grown step sons. I'm not against external safeties, per se, although I wouldn't never buy a pistol with one. I just got my wife a Taurus TX-22, Loaded with high velocity HP's. I've only tried a buddy's full size HK45 which was a real tack driver and pretty controllable recoil for a 45. storm it has a rotating barrel to help the recoil. Steel frames dampen recoil more than polymer frames. Great article! Prolly because the P365 is a subcompact and Eric has recommended full size for newbies. The CZ P-10C is unbelievably fast to draw, present and double tap with two rounds printing on top of one another on paper. I have most of the major makers except the Walther which everyone I know who has one loves. The author doesn't know squat. 1000 rounds without a hiccup. I hope to be able to do a side-by-side firing comparison at my local range soon. Terms of Service apply. While I have a couple Glocks, and I like ‘em a lot, I shoot both my 1911 and my 92FS faster (at least for second and subsequent shots). Why is the Kimber? Having a full sized handgun makes it easier to shoot since there’s more mass to absorb recoil, a larger area to grip, and a longer sight radius from the front sight to the rear sight. Ruger is a gun it’s more for the close up range tho and it’s a good concealed handgun. I recently purchased a Smith and Wesson M&P 2.0 and love the feel of this gun. (Especially compared to Glock). The firearm should first fit the shooter. A Provisional General Category Handgun licence allows you to undertake handgun target shooting in all 4 classes in order to determine if applying for a General Category Handgun licence is something you wish to pursue. To the list I would add the Walther PPQ M2 and the HK VP9-B with the button mag release rather than the paddles. Handgun Ammo Rifle Ammo Shotgun Ammo ... All Purpose Brush 3pk (2) Nylon/(1) Blue Nylon. Just point and shoot....you know its going to fire. The Canik was very comparable and I loved the price. We recommend getting a “full size” handgun which means close to 5″ barrels. Making yourself a target? With some practice, it would be a wonderful self-defense weapon for those with big hands. It was made to be a toned-down version of the Glock 17. If you’re a lone operator (and you’re open to suggestions because not all people are) then my suggestion would be to NOT attach your tac light to your gun. Most new folks have trouble with the "SOUND" and in their hands the "Recoil". You might see some cheaper lights here or there, but we recommend that lights are not the place to cheap out on. certified instructor who has registered his name and certification with the Department. Forget to oil or clean it? Feels much more expensive than the $329 price tag. I did buy 100 rounds of the PPU JHP 185 gr. Agree 100%. Just my .02. End of story. trigger guard light When I learned to drive, it was with the basic family car. Well, in the hope that I won’t set myself apart by stepping too far out of ‘the clubhouse’ I’ve actually had experiences like what is described above; and I can say with confidence that, “An encounter may occur at anytime of day – Anytime!” [The worst and most dangerous event that has ever occurred in my too often ‘dirt magnet’ life, happened 9 years ago at around 2:00 o’clock in the afternoon; and like most of these surprise attacks, until the experience actually began to unfold before my amazed eyes, everything was completely unexpected.] My instructor suggested the Glock 19 as a beginner handgun and the information provided within this article has definitely supported his suggestion. Barnes’ Multi-Purpose Green bullets are exceptionally accurate. It's still a false sense of security for someone who should have no sense of security. On the other hand, over the course of my experience with guns, I have owned no less than seven (7) Colt-manufactured 1911 pattern pistols. For a new shooter I definitely do not think the mind is the best safety. . I will continue to carry my XDM 40. For example, it is not a good idea to modify an EDC handgun in ways that could haunt a person in court after they have defended themselves with that handgun. Out of the three recommended, I liked the M&P 9 the best. Also, if you own any other firearm brands for the same caliber or others, odds are their grip angle will be different than the Glock. Not sure if pistols are right for you? They operate just like their larger caliber brothers and the transition is easy. Now, not to be a complete contrarian; and to give credit where credit is due, most of the information contained in this article is rock-solid; and well done. Any comments regarding this conundrum? It felt absolutely perfect in my hand the first time I tried it, I happen to like the trigger, and so far I've become rather proficient with it. In my experience with Glock I personally could never shoot intuitively or instinctually with the Glock, as is often required in home defense situations in the dark of the night, because the grip angle is not natural. A criminal record check, including the National crime information center (NCIC), a driving record check with the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles, a check with the Oregon Department of Corrections, and a mental health check will be completed. Once you gain familiarity and confident safe handling, feel free to use whatever you prefer. Great that you found what works best for you, Ron! I’m a xd 40 guy but still great insight for those who don’t have monster hands. I felt that the grip safety was "just right" for a beginner. This takes out a couple of possibilities including the venerable 1911 which we think is a little too complicated and finicky for the beginner shooter. Great read sir. Or ready to check out our Beginner Handgun Course? That’s just me. Check out our beginners guns video course. Plus, the majority of police forces use 9mm and the FBI recently returned to the 9mm after finding that the current .40 S&W rounds were causing excessive wear on pistols and were less easily controlled by female agents. One key advantage of a simple-to-operate and reliable weapon like a Glock or similar is that a new user can focus on safe gun handling with fewer distractions like “This lever does what again?” and so forth. Shoots beautifully and the cut-out on bottom of the grip for stripping a mag does not interfere at all with my large hands. I am looking to purchase my first gun and learn all I can about it. I have fired the Glock 17, but find it a bit uncomfortable. The newest version of the venerable M&P (military and police) is the M&P 2.0. He is 69 or 70 and can whoop ass on those Gen Z morons. Great DAO trigger on them and the price is very right. I think that Walther is a great gun very underloved great trigger. We have these little wax burners plugged into outlets in just about every room, including one in the hallway outside our bedroom. I thought to mention the Glock 43 which is a 9mm I use for conceal carry. Pull the trigger. What would you recommend? I have a Styer S-40 A1 with a .357 Sig barrel that I love. I am thinking with a light attached to a gun the bad guys will see you way before you see them. Also, do you have any top revolver recommendations for beginners for self-defense/home invasion use. I'm getting my first revolver soon and I'm going with the Smith & Wesson 686+ 4", which is a .38/.357 caliber 7-shot model. DVOR: Swampfox Arrowhead 1-10X24 Riflescope - $419 (Normally $549). Great article. They’re seriously tack drivers. For now, I'd say check out Calguns.net S&W M&P 380 Bodyguard for super compact shorts pocket carry. I live in Texas so I'm thinking really.... You should take a look at the Staccato 2011 P, basically its a 1911 but modernized. You can't have too many guns when things go bad. Thanks :), You said the 9mm ammo is inexpensive and easy to get. It is hammer fired(my personal preference) as opposed to striker fired but by most any other metric equal to the Glock(although the trigger is better out of the box IMHO). I am not a true beginner. I also have the M&P 2.0 Shield in 9mm (my CCW) and the M&P 15T Tactical AR-15 in 5.56. You are correct that a full size, or close to full size, pistol should be the first choice, regardless of caliber. I think Rick meant to say "external/manual safeties". I am a "beginner" have a beautiful pistol, which is not listed....seems most places that "rate" or "recommend" are paid by said companies to promote. Just get a Shadow 2 and you're set for the pistol category. Nice review and interesting choices, Eric. Great recommendations. Thank you for clearly relaying the information! Brand new never fired. . Glock is far from a family heirloom that you pass down for generations, but it is a rock solid gun that will always perform. Both (and others of similar reputation) make handguns that would be excellent choices for new gun users. and the cost thereof (yeah, 9mm is inexpensive, compared to everything else...except .22LR!) Now I am building an arsenal. [Which is the reason ‘Why’ I always used a thumb-strap between the slide and the hammer.] Are these bad? m&p shield ez pistol important safety recall notice for pistols manufactured between march 1st, 2020 and october 31st, 2020 learn more.. It's double action the first round fired, unless you have the time to pull back the hammer, then the remaining shots are single action. The purpose of this release is to enable the Sheriff to determine your qualification and competence to purchase and handle a handgun. You invest a lot in your handgun and the personal safety it affords you. The only advantage the big bore handgun cartridges have is the greater diameter of their bullets. Why not a Walther, especially Creed? Lastly, when I wen shopping I did try a Glock and the grip felt too squared off in my hands, which are a little small for a man. when I'm watching TV or after supper or whatever. Hand strength can be critical in what type of firearm one chooses. Plus it will shoot both .38 Special and the more powerful .357 Magnum rounds. The Target can also be a flashlight one used at night in most situations.,so that has no real ground unless you utilize night vision.. Trust me. Very well written and comprehensive article. One of my friends actually shot a group, first try, that was half the size of the groups that he shoots with his Glock 17, which he has fired hundreds of rounds with. is flat and has no exposed hammer. John Browning put that thumb safety on the 1911 for a reason. Everyone’s going on about the models and makes you left out, and though I thought about mentioning a few myself, I find this article to be in the wrong for more, TMHO, dire reasons It's a good little single stack 9mm, much like the S&W M&P Shield and the Springfield XDS. Sorry dears, but if I can save one new shooter from closing up his mind even before they got started, I’d say “This article’s bad, go find some good advice elsewhere “. Personally I still rock my M&P 9c as my primary carry. I have three on your list. Streamlight and Surefire make great, virtually indestructible lights. Furthermore, the issuing County Sheriff's Office in no way stands as Warrantor or Guarantor of the structural, mechanical, or functional fitness of the concealed handgun for any purpose whatsoever. 2020 update. But if the reason you need one is you're worried you'll do something unintentional, you either need more instruction and studying, or you simply shouldn't own a firearm. They use ups for shipping and it's supposed to be here today (2 day service). I agree with everyone of your points. Thanks so much, in full size with 4 inch barrel. Smaller and snappier than the 9mm that we’re mentioned but the smallest for IWB carry. But these are good starting prices. I like to start people on a .22, like a Walther PPQ M2, or S&W M&P. P.S. What would be a more practical and equal cost wise alternative? But a grand well spent. S&W M&P 9-Pro with trigger job, talon grips and TLR-3 light for the bed headboard. Check it out. Too bad I live in CA. I did my research and determined that 10mm was where it was at in handguns, so I decided to skip past go and went directly to that. It’s smaller size means it has mild recoil and higher capacity magazines (usually 15+). The picture of the Federal Hydrashocks is actually Federal HSTs I don’t want to be that guy but ...just saying. Is it to be a range-only gun? We now have a full review on the Glock 19 Gen 5…complete with shooting videos! Im nervous about owning a semi-auto with no safeties. When it comes to saving money, I'm curious why there is no mention of the American made Hi-Point? Love your site, and love your mission, purpose and advice. Very easy shooter.. But…if you think you might do concealed carry in the future and don’t want to get another gun…you can try out the compact size too. A good gun salesman will fit you with a firearm that you will enjoy shooting . Slowly one shot at a time fire all ten rounds at the bulls eye, each time the dime falls off, stop reload the magazine, and proceed. I personally know two officers who would not have survived if their weapons didnt have safeties. I do love all you folks do. Simply saying “X is my recommendation” is of little more value than hearing someone say at the range that they like it. Some people are fine with a basic model, but a lot of people eventually want to upgrade their weapon. Your suggesting a beginner manually decock a da/sa pistol. Magazines: Tactical Life; ... for the purpose of signing up for the email newsletter. For home defense I choose Taurus Judge and number 6 .shot in .410. on this......... State Police 22 years. FN 509 & FNS series are also nice choices, as well as Walther PPQ. You lose a little sight radius but free up some grip space which helps a lot in concealing. Have the shooter stand, the same loading and firing as sitting, Keep the dime on top. And that was me in a ready position! As a man I can say that I have never had a issue racking a slide on any gun. Hahahahahahaha I can't take this recommendation seriously. Unless you were using a set of measurables I missed. This was one of the thinner articles posted. Where? Bought a Glock 17 Gen 5 2 months ago after reading this blog and I'm really happy. Good luck! I literally and figuratively "bit the bullet " and ordered rather than drive all over looking unsuccessfully for ammo. In discussing Beginner Home Defense pistols, the article didn't seem to provide any substantive reason for choosing the Austria-made Glock over the U.S.-made S&W M&P 2.0. I saw your recommendations for 9mm for a Pistol caliber but I had several knowledgeable law enforcement people and others who said that if you need put at least one or two shots in to the chest of someone trying to harm you and it did not make any difference what caliber you used. I'm quite happy with my Beretta APX Centurion. It is American made and sells for roughly 60% of the price of the Glock(Paid $299 for mine). I am also 5'4" female. Personally, I would go with a CZ. First time gun owner at age 63. The Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 still has a creepy long trigger pull for something they call an improved Gen 2. And that's all I need to know. If this is true what ammo can i use in this gun. Honestly thank you!! I have also added the SW MP 9, CZP10F, 686+, Ruger GP 100, Ruger LCP II, PSA AK, Ruger AR, and several shotgun variants. Everybody has a personal preference . I have to stop reading these articles. yet has the potential to graduate to a much more powerful and effective cartridge the .357 magnum, as the operator progresses. I shot M&Ps, XD’s, Fn 509, and all were just okay. I'll be revising the article soon and those two will make a guest appearance. And therefore your hours of training will be invalidated when you try to use any of the other firearms you own which have a different grip angle. Never shot one, however I do believe you get what you pay for. Great value gun that is worth emtnioning. Once all ten rounds have been fired, without dropping the dime then and only then does the shooter proceed to step two. Hellcat® 3″ Micro-Compact 9mm Handgun – Desert FDE The Springfield Armory® Hellcat® is a class leading concealed carry handgun that packs up to 13+1 rounds of 9mm into a … For beginners I still to this day suggest a revolver for many reasons . One thing I think you absolutely nailed is that smaller guns are not necessarily going to be easier to shoot. I know a lot of first time buyers out there who have never fired a handgun let alone held one. And for you "newbies"...DO NOT depend on a .22 anything, for self-defense. Unsurpassed for .45 ACP target loads. Cost me around $350. The Glock is now in the safe and I am one less VP9. Just as easy to use as a Glock with a much better trigger and price. Keep spreading the good word. Agree about Glock. The purpose of this release is to enable the Sheriff to determine your qualification and competence to purchase and handle a handgun. What are your thoughts on the Steyr Arms M-A1 9mm? I agree with Eric about not carrying a handgun with an external safety but for legal reasons I would not modify a factory safety. That being said, NONE of my firearms have an external safety, and never will. I was wondering if you have any input on the HK tactical COMPACT. Has an 8 round cylinder its lightweight has top and bottom rail for all ur tact gear lights, laser and red dots. I am not familiar with it all so I am just asking the questions. This leaves us with what many call the “plastic fantastic.”. It can some in a more compact size if you can handle the recoil. The other guns on the list all have the natural grip angle of the 1911 which naturally fits the majority of people and could very well be a better choice for the majority of people. Hi Mike, thanks for your input. This item is currently unavailable for backorder. Two 16 round magazines included. I choose it as my runner-up best beginner 9mm handgun. Unless the average gun owner is in a zombie attack, a 5 shot lightweight revolver will do the trick for most ladies. Its nice to see some companies finally making after market triggers for them, Galloway and Amory Craft. I eventually sold it to fund a used P226 ($600), but I don't regret my choice of first handgun in the least. Like Harley's, I learned on a "sporty" and RODE on a Low Rider! This intentional re-aiming or intentionally moving the sights of a Glock from what I naturally bring into view from what naturally happens with most grip angles to what is required to maneuver a Glock into a proper aiming position can take precious seconds which you may not have in a self defense situation. In 4 or .5 seconds a bear can get to 40 MPH and cross a flowing river like a speedboat. If you are subject to a felony warrant in this state, another state or the United States, your handgun license application will be denied pursuant to Title 21 Oklahoma … Yet. I am a beginner and have found your comment very insightful. Since a bear's kill zone is so small and protected by a massive skull, so I need something that can penetrate 24 inches at least and then hope it hits the spine, a shoulder, a hip, the brain - if I can get a round up his snout. If the individual is new to pistol shooting the novice shooter needs to get comfortable with recoil, and master trigger press and sight picture. Looking t this setup: Getting my carry permit this weekend. Our favorite guns and gear that we've tested and fully recommend. I have no argument with your recommendations for California (except for the S&W revolver; I would pick a Ruger GP100 model #1771, see below), but why are .357 lever guns so darned expensive? What's going on with the gen 4 glock line in California? thats what i started my wife with and was a great choice, the system works so good that my wife actually started on a 40 cal. Because they apparently learned to shoot by watching television, they did not know how to work the safeties. A bullet, with a bigger frontal cross section, is always better than one with a smaller one; all else, such as muzzle energy, being equal. CZ P10C Best 9 mm striker fired out there. Gen 4 Glock grip with the finger grooves are also uncomfortable, which is why Glock removed them for the Gen 5. Gosh Darn! Relatively cheap ammo, 38 for practice, 357 home defense. All laughing aside, this could have been a disaster had he been carrying his usual load of "DRT" rounds. We love them for their reliability and ease of dealing with malfunctions (just press again), but we don’t like their low ammo capacity (5 or 6 compared to 15+ for our recommendations). I have to say that I know this is the norm. What about the Taurus Judge or S & W Govenuor & 410 ammo? Thank you for putting all this information out there! I'm wondering if newer Gen5 with adjustable grips might bite me less or if its my grip. Knowing gun safety and memorizing the main safety points that every gun user should know- is what is most needed. Nasdaq:SWBI, {{ getFilterLabel(key) }}: {{ value.name }}. Well done Sir. This means it does not present a natural aim point and at least for me must be very intentionally aimed as opposed to the sights coming naturally into alignment on target as I bring the pistol to bear on target. Shooting. I recommend you use Hornady or another brands low recoil ammo for the shotgun to keep your shoulder intact. Great for possible concealment too if that's in your future. It’s full-size and here is the comparison of my 1.0 vs a full-size Glock 17. Here, we recommend a lack of an external safety. In this article, you will learn how to choose the handgun that can protect you and your family. And practice with 357 once in a while to get used to the recoil. To a large extent, reliability questions can be answered to some degree by brand. [CDATA[ I believe that since this Glock is my only pistol, then I'll know it intimately and the chance of a mistake is seriously reduced. We also cover this topic in-depth in our video course, Gun Noob to Gun Slinger. And while many striker-fired guns don’t have traditional external mechanical safeties (a la the innumerable Glocks that started the whole striker-fired parade), their construction still makes negligent discharge very unlikely—especially if the user is appropriately trained and acting responsibly. Lastly, a beginner might jump into the pool of firearm use/ownership, or he might not; for the latter, a revolver takes neglect better than a more complex semi-auto and is easier to get back to using. I must say that I do love the sights. Been out of the Army for over 20 years and never needed a gun until 2020. This will be my first, my husband currently owns a Beretta and loves it. Make sure you can get all your fingers on the grip. My first was a sig sp2022, ive learned to master that first long da pull. Especially if you're a new gun owner. The 9mm version is very concealable and packs a decent punch with our favorite caliber. I'd also recommend CZ's pistols which are all great value at $100 to $200 cheaper out of the box than their competition for very well-designed steel or alloy frame guns. If, however, you’re a member of, say, a 4 + man crew then there’s minimal potential harm to worry about. Keep up the great work - appreciate your wisdom! God bless !!! It comes in .357 and has great heft, so the user can experiment between two calibers instead of second-guessing one with a semi-auto.