First Handgun for Personal Defense

[webrx]

You have received good advice, coming from a different perspective I could not warm up to a glock.
I have medium sized hands which are wider than average but my fingers are not long. I tried many pistols, revolvers, etc. glock didn’t fit me, maybe one of the newer ones would but I have not tried one lately.

I carry a LC9s it fits my hand. I also shoot the micro pistols fairly well, the one that fits my hand best though is the ruger security 9. The point of this is the gun needs to fit you. In the military we were issued a handgun and we had to use that gun. You don’t have that restriction so try them if you can, then buy one that fits, one you can reach the trigger on without having to stretch for it. One that sits naturally in your hand and you can manipulate the controls without repositioning. That in my opinion will be the one you will most quickly be able to shoot well.

Now recoil is a personal thing. If you are shooting a caliber that makes you flinch or that is not comfortable for you go to a lower recoil caliber or a heavier gun.

My steel 1911 pushes my hand, a micro polymer 380 is snappy for me, but still controllable. Everyone is different. The important thing is try before you buy unless you want a bunch of guns in the safe or want to lose money trading one in for something else. I have done both.

jmo ymmv.
Dave.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

My first handgun was the 1911A1 familiarization firing (14) Rds at MCRD Parris Island SC in the Summer of 1964. Recoil of a 9X19mm or 45ACP is not that overwhelming for the average adult male or female. I'm tired, really tired of hearing that recoil generated by either of the previously mentioned cartridges inhibits first time shooters. As Colonel Charles Askins use to occasionally write, do these people have lace on their underwear.

I don’t recall mentioning recoil. You’re reading words that aren’t there. A little hypersensitive maybe?
Practice builds proficiency and the cost of .22LR, plus it’s inherent accuracy, makes it ideal for becoming proficient.
You are welcome to disagree but you’re not welcome to make things up.

 

[John Joseph]

My first handgun was the 1911A1 familiarization firing (14) Rds at MCRD Parris Island SC in the Summer of 1964. Recoil of a 9X19mm or 45ACP is not that overwhelming for the average adult male or female. I'm tired, really tired of hearing that recoil generated by either of the previously mentioned cartridges inhibits first time shooters. As Colonel Charles Askins use to occasionally write, do these people have lace on their underwear.

How does Col. Askins know what other people's underwear looks like?
Starting off on a .22 will remedy the fear of recoil/muzzle blast the tyro (that's Askinspeak for uninitiated) might harbor.
Plenty of recruits in the past learn to shoot just fine courtesy of Madam Slabsides.
The important thing starting out is to avoid developing bad habits no matter the gun/caliber.
Also .22 ammo, way back when you could actually buy .22 ammo, was cheap so a tyro could spend time learning basic marksmanship without breaking the bank.

 

[PCparabellum]

@LeftyRed

I have both US Law Shield and USCCA.

What does US Law Shield cost? I cannot find it on their website. Your make good points, thx.

 

[LeftyRed]

@LeftyRed

What does US Law Shield cost? I cannot find it on their website. Your make good points, thx.

US Law Shield is $24
USCCA Platinum is $45 with first responders/veteran discount

I do not trust the the law system.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

I do not trust the the law system.

The system is fine. It’s the people who run the system that’s the problem.

 

[md7]

If I were selecting my first or an only handgun I’d pick a Glock 19.

 

[AzShooter1]

For high capacity I really like the Glock. Mine has lasted for years.

All of your choices are top notch. I now opt to carry a S&W EZ 9. It only holds 8 + 1 so I carry two extra magazines with it. After that I'll be running as fast as I can.

A lot of my centerfire guns became two hard for me to rack the slide on, thus going to the EZ. First thing to do is to pick up each of the ones you are interested in to see how they feel to you.

If possible try to shoot then. That will give you a true aspect of what to buy.

 

[Kleanbore]

I now opt to carry a S&W EZ 9. ...

A lot of my centerfire guns became two hard for me to rack the slide on, thus going to the EZ

For me also.

Comfortable all day in an OWB holster,

 

[Flatbush Harry]

FWIW, IMHO, the first variable to consider is your planned use of the gun. For a first gun and learning fundamentals, I recommend a medium-large to large frame revolver in .38 special/.357 mag, shooting standard .38 special. I am particularly fond of the S&W 686 or 686+ but the Ruger GP 100 is also excellent. This size of gun will keep felt recoil low and encourage good shooting habits. An additional benefit is that they will allow you to train both single- and double-action. I you like DA, that will allow an easy transition to DA and SA/DA semi-autos. If not, then staying with a striker-fired semi-auto or 1911 is a more likely down the road choice. Finally, .38 special is inexpensive and still easily found.

If you want to start with a semi-auto, I would lean toward a full-size pistol, like the Glock G17, Springfield XD Service, Sig 320, and S&W M&P, all of which are reasonably priced. New shooters almost always do better learning on a full-size pistol because of less felt recoil, easier grip, longer sight radius, and overall controllability. The 9mm is probably the best initial choice both for lower recoil and cost, and availability of ammo and pistols is improving. As I learned and trained extensively on 1911s well back in the last century, I find the grip angle of the Glock line a problem, but this will not be an issue for a new shooter whose muscle memory and conditioned reflex are not wedded to the1911 grip angle.

Your choice of a pure self-defense pistol will be largely determined by concealability and season. I carry a sub-compact or micro-compact in summer clothing and a compact or full-size gun for fall and winter wear. Since I'm 6'1", 240#, concealment is not a real issue with me but smaller guys may have issues with larger guns. For personal defense guns, the only modificationsI favor are sights and grips...a modified gun is usually questioned by prosecutors (and you will be carefully investigated by them if you ever have cause to use gun). I have never used a handgun for self defense since getting my first in 1973 and live in such a way as to minimize the likelihood of ever doing so. The only fights that you win are the ones you avoid.

As to brands, S&W and Ruger for revolvers and Springfield, Glock, S&W, H&K, Sig Sauer, and Beretta are all fine and reliable as are most 1911s. For 1911s, I am partial to older Colts and Springfields for mid-priced guns and to Ed Brown and Wilson Combat for custom and semi-custom.

Good luck,

Harry

 

[Rodfac]

Unless you're planning on doing a good bit of recreational shooting, I'd recommend one of the Glocks in 9mm for home defense &/or concealed carry. If it's recreational shooting or casual plinking, then get a .22...Ruger makes good single actions and there are a variety of auto's to suit most any taste. Learn to shoot the .22 then graduate to a center-fire as your ability grows.

For carry or home defense, Glocks are simplicity itself, easy to maintain and have built a reputation for absolute reliability. Their grip size and geometry are drawbacks for many shooters but can be overcome with training. The sight's are ok right out of the box for carry purposes as well. Too, if you want to semi-customize one, there are a myriad of after market parts as well as support from the factory.

As to the model...size matter for a concealed carry piece...too big and you'll leave it at home or in the glove box...too small and you'll have to spend add'l time at the range learning how to shoot it accurately. Given those facts, I'd recommend a Glock 19 and advise you to dress around the gun as needed for concealment.

9mm is a good defensive carry choice for it's universal availability, at least up to the present post-election/Covid/inner-city rioting etc....panic buying. When this current insanity passes, 9mm ammunition will probably return to the shelves as the cheapest of all the centerfires and be offered, again, in a variety of self defense type rounds to suit your taste.

HTH's Rod

 

[Atomic_Dog9601]

After much deliberation and consideration I decided to go with the M&P Shield 2.0 in 9mm. It was a tough decision but after handling and practicing with my selected choices I decided that the shield felt the most comfortable in the hand and balanced the best when aiming. I've been getting to the range roughly once a week and am currently taking my conceal and carry course.

Thanks to all of you for your information and advice. It really made the whole process smoother.

 

[TarDevil]

I've been getting to the range roughly once a week

Don't just shoot.
See post #5.

 

[Spats McGee]

After much deliberation and consideration I decided to go with the M&P Shield 2.0 in 9mm. It was a tough decision but after handling and practicing with my selected choices I decided that the shield felt the most comfortable in the hand and balanced the best when aiming. I've been getting to the range roughly once a week and am currently taking my conceal and carry course.

Thanks to all of you for your information and advice. It really made the whole process smoother.

Congratulations! We frequently see "which first gun" threads, and the responses always include "go shoot different guns." Glad to see that you did. I think the Shield is a good choice, but I'll be the first to admit that I'm a big fan. I carried a 1.0 for about 3.5 years before switching to the Plus.

 

[12Bravo20]

After much deliberation and consideration I decided to go with the M&P Shield 2.0 in 9mm. It was a tough decision but after handling and practicing with my selected choices I decided that the shield felt the most comfortable in the hand and balanced the best when aiming. I've been getting to the range roughly once a week and am currently taking my conceal and carry course.

Thanks to all of you for your information and advice. It really made the whole process smoother.

Glad that you found one that fits you and your needs. Now get out and practice as much as possible. I know that can be hard with the ammo situation. Also don't forget to practice at home with it unloaded. Practice drawing it from a holster and practice sweeping your house (just don't freak out the spousal unit)

 

[md7]

After much deliberation and consideration I decided to go with the M&P Shield 2.0 in 9mm. It was a tough decision but after handling and practicing with my selected choices I decided that the shield felt the most comfortable in the hand and balanced the best when aiming. I've been getting to the range roughly once a week and am currently taking my conceal and carry course.

Thanks to all of you for your information and advice. It really made the whole process smoother.

That is certainly a good option, and I’m glad you got it. Hopefully you’ll have many years of carry with zero occasion to use it.

 

[Jackalope 1]

Thanks all for the feedback. Soon as I can get to a range with rentals will get back and let you know what I decide. I am currently in the process of signing up for a conceal and carry & tactical handgun course once my firearm is purchased. Plus I know a great local indoor and outdoor range where I can practice with my new tool. I am definitely going to consider the slim frame but with the larger grip for ease of concealment.

In all honesty. While my job does not prohibit the carrying of a licensed concealed firearm it is certainly not encouraged. But in the crazy world we live in I just want the extra layer of security. Locally police response time averages 10 minutes when we know all to well that most tragedies are over in half that time. If something does happen (God forbid) I will survive to find another job. I will not have my headstone read "He adhered to policy."

Isn't it amazing how people who sit their behinds in air-conditioning offices have security guards to protect them, feel they have every right to dictate how the rest of us live or die, absolutely disgusting to me.
Every

 

[Jackalope 1]

What you can "expect in terms of kick" doesn't depend solely on the cartridge or "caliber." My 9mm Sig M11 A-1 doesn't "kick" as much as my 9mm Glock 19 Gen 5 because it's bigger and weighs more. On the other hand, my Glock 19 is easier for me to conceal and carry because it's smaller and weighs less.
Both my wife and our oldest daughter carry Smith M&P Shields. However, my wife's Shield is only a .380, while our daughter's is a 9mm. That's because my wife struggles with arthritis in her thumb joint and firing very many 9mms in a small package like a M&P Shield hurts her. However, my wife does fine with her larger and heavier 9mm Sig P239. But again - her P239 is harder for my wife to conceal and carry.
All that said - I really like my Glock 19 Gen 5 for concealed carry, and I like having my full-sized, Smith 1911 .45ACP on the bottom shelf of my nightstand.

There is one thing most of us ( myself included, until a lot of testing proved positive results ) fail to consider, a 45 caliber always creates a BIG HOLE in whatever it hits wither it expands or not, the shockwave in it's self is 90% trumitizing upon impact. Two Korean vets ( knew both personally ) would, rarely, tell about the effect 45 ACP bullets would have on impacting North Koreans and Chinese. Hits in shoulders, legs or other parts of body would literally up end them, all effort to fight would vanish. A nigh on half inch hole in an animal or human being allows a lot of life-sustaining loss of body fluids. End of game.

 

[Jackalope 1]

I agree. Getting a full size duty gun, as a first gun, will be easier to learn to shoot than a small compact gun like the Shield.

I'd choose the G17 as they are everywhere and there is more aftermarket support for the G17 than just about any other gun.

One Question?? Does all that wide-area support mean the Glocks don't have a long term existence????

 

[Edcnh]

I think you will be very satisfied with the Shield. I have an original Shield 9mm and it is still my primary carry gun.

 

[Kleanbore]

A nigh on half inch hole in an animal or human being allows a lot of life-sustaining loss of body fluids. End of game.

Not meaningful for an immediate physical stop of an attacker.

What is important is what is hit, and that is largely a matter of luck--more quick shots giving more luck.

 

[C-grunt]

There is one thing most of us ( myself included, until a lot of testing proved positive results ) fail to consider, a 45 caliber always creates a BIG HOLE in whatever it hits wither it expands or not, the shockwave in it's self is 90% trumitizing upon impact. Two Korean vets ( knew both personally ) would, rarely, tell about the effect 45 ACP bullets would have on impacting North Koreans and Chinese. Hits in shoulders, legs or other parts of body would literally up end them, all effort to fight would vanish. A nigh on half inch hole in an animal or human being allows a lot of life-sustaining loss of body fluids. End of game.

Ive seen more than a few people shot with a 45. None were upended, especially with peripheral hits..

A 45 does make a bigger hole, but not enough bigger to determine the outcome of a fight. Ive talked with trauma doctors (several local ones are gun guys) and they cant tell the difference in wounds from the "duty calibers".

In my experience the 45 behaves just like every other duty caliber. Good hits are good hits and usually effective. Bad hit are still bad hits and usually are not effective.

 

[JTQ]

One Question?? Does all that wide-area support mean the Glocks don't have a long term existence????

"long term existence?"

Are you asking if Glock is going to discontinue the G17?

or

Are you asking if the G17 has that support because they are not durable?

The answer to both is no. I expect the G17 to be in the Glock line-up for a long time. It is their flagship model. The G17 is also one of the most durable guns available.

Were you asking a different question?

 

[Racinfan83]

After much deliberation and consideration I decided to go with the M&P Shield 2.0 in 9mm. It was a tough decision but after handling and practicing with my selected choices I decided that the shield felt the most comfortable in the hand and balanced the best when aiming. I've been getting to the range roughly once a week and am currently taking my conceal and carry course.

Thanks to all of you for your information and advice. It really made the whole process smoother.

I got into this late - but I'd say you made the right decision. Shield is a good all around gun for just shooting, or CCW. I have one of all the 3 you were considering - and the Shield is the only one I would actually CC.

 

[Jackalope 1]

Thanks all for the feedback. Soon as I can get to a range with rentals will get back and let you know what I decide. I am currently in the process of signing up for a conceal and carry & tactical handgun course once my firearm is purchased. Plus I know a great local indoor and outdoor range where I can practice with my new tool. I am definitely going to consider the slim frame but with the larger grip for ease of concealment.

In all honesty. While my job does not prohibit the carrying of a licensed concealed firearm it is certainly not encouraged. But in the crazy world we live in I just want the extra layer of security. Locally police response time averages 10 minutes when we know all to well that most tragedies are over in half that time. If something does happen (God forbid) I will survive to find another job. I will not have my headstone read "He adhered to policy."

Best thinking yet, you are already ahead of the game.