Forums / Gun Discussion / What's a good starter handgun?

you would do well by reading thru the posts in the gun discussion forum first,lots of your questions will be answered there.

You will find many answers to this question.
I think most will tell you to forget a 25
380 is a better gun and mfg by most company's

9mm is a better gun and also made bu most
companys. You didn't say what price range
you want to buy.
The most popular and a fine gun is Glock
even if I don't own one. I prefer a revolver
but I'm an older guy and old fashioned

Beretta makes a fine 380..

Also you didn't say if you are the only
person to use it. If your wife is going to
shoot makes a difference also but most
women can handle a 380 or 9mm with
no problems.

I would recommend getting a 9mm over a 25, 380 or 40. 9mm ammo is cheap (compared to most handgun calibers) and there are plenty of choices. It's recoil is manageable to learn with and still has good enough stopping power to rely on for protection. I happen to like .40, but learning with it will be quite a bit harder and may even create bad habits.

Most good name companies make a 9mm that should last and be reliable. Just stay away from the bottom of the barrel cheapos. With a few exceptions, you’ll generally get what you pay for. I happen to prefer Glock over Beretta, but thats just personal preference, not to mention they can shoot dirty and dry and I've had experience with some picky Berettas.... but there are plenty of other companies who make quality guns out there. Do you have a range near by that will let you rent a couple different models and test drive them? If not, at least go to a shop and see what feels the best in your hand.

I don't want a plush office job.
You are the Homeland Security guy

Thanks everyone. I think a medium range cost for the gun is fine , I can afford that. I never like the low end cheapo items and am too practical to go with the high end item.

There is a range in a nearby town. Can I just go there and ask to rent or borrow a gun? Do I need a permit for that first?

I'm left handed. Are there lefthanded guns?

Carson

Check with the range. They will have
all that information.

Happy Shooting

I am also left handed. I am right eye dominant however. I have learned to shoot with both hands. I have to hold the pistol midline when I shoot one handed. Two handed doesn't Present any problem. I think the HK P7 works great for left handers. I also have no problem with Hi Powers, 1911s with ambis, glocks or revolvers. The HK P7 is a great pistol and is a sqeeze cocker making it truly a right or lefty pistol . It is also a 9 mm for the reasons mentioned above. Good luck

A decent place to start for a beginner is to try and find an NRA-sanctioned basic pistol safety course, and maybe an NRA Defense Outside the Home course. I'm not a big fan of the NRA's courses, but for beginners, they'll suffice. If you don't mind telling me what state you're in, I can see if there are any reputable shooting schools in your area that can provide competent training.