Help me help a coworker, picking out first handgun.

[94045]

I would try to talk him into saving up a little more money or going plastic. But if that didn’t work, I gotta say, that’s a good choice.
I would go with the planer plastic grip model. Of any Taurus, there sorta 92 clone has a pretty solid reputation. If I could only reach the trigger…..


https://www.budsgunshop.com/product_info.php/products_id/13585/taurus+92b-17+pt92+17+1+9mm+5"

I like Taurus okay but for $429.99 I would take the Beretta.

 

[mgmorden]

So, for a total newbie you are recommending a used, out of production firearm, without any warranties. Interesting choice.

In owning well over 100 guns I've sent exactly one back to the manufacturer, and that was for a recall not warranty work. Guns don't break that often.

 

[TonyAngel]

I’ve just found that most who say they want a handgun, want one to have it just in case, but very few make the commitment to invest the time to become proficient with them. I’m not talking about shooting them, but what to do when things go wrong, like when you squeeze the trigger and all that happens is a click or they get a jam.

Revolvers are just more user friendly.

 

[URIT]

Your friend may find some nice options for range and home defense with the Smith and Wesson Generation 3 compact models in the 3900 and 6900 series. Many can be acquired at his price point. Most of these guns are used service pistols that are proven reliable and some that have spent a long time safeguarding the sock drawer and gun safe.

Here is a chart that will help him with the various models if he shows an interest... https://www.luckygunner.com/lounge/guide-smith-wesson-semi-automatic-models/

I own many of the models and EDC a model 3953. If he wants high capacity for home or range, then he would be best served looking at something like a model 6906 with its standard 11-round magazine and is also capable of using the 5900 series 15-round mags.

 

[rskent]

In owning well over 100 guns I've sent exactly one back to the manufacturer, and that was for a recall not warranty work. Guns don't break that often.

You sure have better luck than me.

 

[rskent]

I like Taurus okay but for $429.99 I would take the Beretta.

That is a good price, for sure.

https://shoot-straight.com/product/beretta-92fs-js92f300m/

 

[JDR]

I’d say a CZ PCR, but that price limit......

I agree with the above but a new CZ PCR is around $150 over the top end of the $450.00 budget. I never see good used examples of these and this fact alone says all you need to know about how good they are in the first place. You are always better off to wait until you can buy the right gun. I’d keep shooting rentals until the gun fund is sufficient to buy a CZ PCR.

 

[Tallball]

I’ve just found that most who say they want a handgun, want one to have it just in case, but very few make the commitment to invest the time to become proficient with them. I’m not talking about shooting them, but what to do when things go wrong, like when you squeeze the trigger and all that happens is a click or they get a jam.

Revolvers are just more user friendly.

I feel exactly the same way. If it's going to sit unused in a drawer for months or years at a time, a revolver is a much better choice.

 

[BigBL87]

He is currently leaning towards a Rock Island Armory M200 revolver after I showed them to him. The price really appealed to him, not surprisingly, as did the simplicity. He still hasn't made a final decision and won't for awhile, though. Like I said, waiting on the FOID card.

 

[Dibbs]

I'd say go by hand size. If he has large hands, it's the Beretta, maybe a FNX9.
Smaller to medium hands, maybe either a GP-35 (Hi-Power), or a CZ-75.
He will be happier later, that he spent a little more now, and got a better gun.

 

[treedoc1]

An M&P 9 (no safety) was my first handgun. Easy fit, easy take down, easy clean, affordable so could buy ammo to shoot. Second was 9 mm Shield (no safety) because of similarity to M&P. My favorite "modern" gun however is a 4" S&W 19-3. Accurate, classic, no recoil shooting 38 sp, and did I say it was accurate? 4" barrel revolver in 38 sp or 357 might be the way to go for a metal firearm. Used S&W Model 10 or new Taurus would be below his price point and allow for a few hundred rounds of ammo.

 

[94045]

1. Leaning toward a revolver.
2. Wants to go CCW eventually.

If he isn't afraid to jump into the deep end with a non-beginners handgun...

Taurus 856 Lightweight (Aluminum/Stainless) is $239.99 at my LGS.

 

[Ignition Override]

A .22 (maybe M&P Compact) which has ergos similar to many of these other handguns in .380, 9mm etc.

1) It would limit the flinch response which seems to be habitual with so many people, while
2) allowing many more rounds for the money spent on ammo. Nothing would prevent him from moving up to a 9mm etc in a few months.

While first getting used to a handgun he could benefit from access to various Rental guns, or a mix of types owned by friends, coworkers etc.

 

[Mosin Bubba]

Agreed that revolvers make excellent newbie guns. I would say look for a used K frame, but my understanding is that CA's handgun roster makes finding used guns tough.

That RIA for ~$200 is definitely tempting, that's barely over Hi-Point money for a new revolver. As long as it locks up and shoots remotely straight, he will probably end up money ahead on that one.

With a $400 budget, I think he'd be happier with a used Model 10 or 64, maybe even a Security Six or SP101 if you could scare one up, but I don't know the legal parameters of buying used off-roster guns over there.

 

[BigBL87]

Agreed that revolvers make excellent newbie guns. I would say look for a used K frame, but my understanding is that CA's handgun roster makes finding used guns tough.

That RIA for ~$200 is definitely tempting, that's barely over Hi-Point money for a new revolver. As long as it locks up and shoots remotely straight, he will probably end up money ahead on that one.

With a $400 budget, I think he'd be happier with a used Model 10 or 64, maybe even a Security Six or SP101 if you could scare one up, but I don't know the legal parameters of buying used off-roster guns over there.

I'm in IL, fortunately as of now we don't have to deal with that roster nonsense.

 

[Armored farmer]

For a new shooter, or anyone else, I still favor a 9mm for several reasons: cost, low recoil, performance, decibels, availability, etc.
Why not look at some 9mm revolvers?
Charter Arms pitbull
Ruger lcr
Taurus 905 (my pick)
Ruger sp101

 

[bearcreek]

He's done his share of hunting and is familiar with firearm safety, just never been a handgun guy.

Those are usually the most challenging types to have in a CHL class. Years of self taught bad habits are hard to overcome. No idea if he fits that description but most of the long time hunter types that we've had in classes do. He should borrow one of yours and go take a good defensive handgun class with it. Then save up for his own. That way he'll be coming at the selection process with some degree of personal experience and knowledge.

 

[Armored farmer]

Those are usually the most challenging types to have in a CHL class. Years of self taught bad habits are hard to overcome. No idea if he fits that description but most of the long time hunter types that we've had in classes do. He should borrow one of yours and go take a good defensive handgun class with it. Then save up for his own. That way he'll be coming at the selection process with some degree of personal experience and knowledge.

This is a great idea.
I recently attended a combat training class. I came away with some new attitudes towards handgun choices. And yes, I have several self-taught bad habits.

 

[straightshooterjake]

In this situation, there are several competing factors that you need to negotiate.

You said he has minimal experience with handguns, but he has given you a quite specific list of his requirements.
Where did these requirements come from? I am an instructor and a range safety officer, and I strongly recommend that a first centerfire pistol should be striker fired auto with no thumb safety. Consistent trigger pull and simple operation are two huge factors in making beginners successful. The gun people think is cool should be their second or third gun.

Despite what I have said above, it is important the people like their handgun and feel comfortable with it. So their choices and ideas do matter. But when someone with no experience feels that a thumb safety is necessary for safety, what they really need is training and experience with firearms. So you need to listen to them, and also talk to them. But when people have strong ideas based on no experience, it may be impossible to create a successful outcome.

In this case, budget is also a big issue. A $400 budget covers a bunch of quality firearms, but just barely. Almost all the choices in that range are polymer striker fired guns. Luckily, as I said above, these guns are the best choices anyway. I would recommend a used Glock or M&P. In general, a lightly used first quality gun is more reliable than a new second tier gun.

The issue of cost is especially true for revolvers. Get a used Smith or Ruger, or don't bother. I this case, you probably can't get a decent revolver within budget.

And since you are dealing with your boss, you really don't want to be involved in a situation that has a mediocre outcome. If possible, I might suggest trying to help him find a course or an instructor. You could say something like "I am experienced with handguns, but I really am not experienced at covering everything that someone needs when they are getting started. Handgun instructor specialize in that."

 

[BigBL87]

Those are usually the most challenging types to have in a CHL class. Years of self taught bad habits are hard to overcome. No idea if he fits that description but most of the long time hunter types that we've had in classes do. He should borrow one of yours and go take a good defensive handgun class with it. Then save up for his own. That way he'll be coming at the selection process with some degree of personal experience and knowledge.

In all honesty, that would probably apply to me as well. I'm mostly self taught, only class I've ever done was my CCL class. I did have the instructors critique my form a bit in some of the down time, but I am sure theres alot I could fix. I'm cross eye dominant, so that alone makes my form a bit weird.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

You sure have better luck than me.

Apparently more better than me as well. In owning around 25 guns or so, 4 of them have had to go back to the factory, and one of those gets to go back again.

One person's experience is exactly that, a sample of one. I think we should always keep that in mind.

 

[Mr. Mosin]

Mmm. First time handgun owner ? Go with a K-frame .38 Spl or equivalent. Used S&W Mdl 10, Ruger Security Six, or a new GP100. Start w/ mild .38's, work up to .357's. By the time he learns that revolver, he'll know what he actually wants. Contrary to popular belief, revolvers are still effective. Also almost idiot proof. Easy to verify clear, easy to clean and maintain.

To be quite blunt, both the DA/SA CZ-75/Beretta 92 and the SAO 1911 are.... "operators" guns. They require a certain amount of competency to use, and practice to maintain that competency,namely concerning the safety. Any service striker fired semi auto is the same. He accidentally forgets and lays his finger to the trigger on a Glock or 1911 ? *BANG* !!! Accidental discharge. A revolver is far more tolerant of slips of that nature, though one should still practice good safety and handling technique. Magazines to load, unload, keep track of; "Is there a round in the chamber", "Is the safety on", "Did I put it back together right ?"... so on and so forth. Revolver would be my recommendation to him. And not no blasted J-frame. Stick with a full sized gun from a reputable maker. S&W, Ruger or Colt. Anything else, at least for his first gun; forget it

 

[rskent]

To be quite blunt, both the DA/SA CZ-75/Beretta 92 and the SAO 1911 are.... "operators" guns. They require a certain amount of competency to use, and practice to maintain that competency,namely concerning the safety. Any service striker fired semi auto is the same. He accidentally forgets and lays his finger to the trigger on a Glock or 1911 ? *BANG* !!! Accidental discharge. A revolver is far more tolerant of slips of that nature, though one should still practice good safety and handling technique. Magazines to load, unload, keep track of; "Is there a round in the chamber", "Is the safety on", "Did I put it back together right ?"... so on and so forth. Revolver would be my recommendation to him. And not no blasted J-frame. Stick with a full sized gun from a reputable maker. S&W, Ruger or Colt. Anything else, at least for his first gun; forget it

I think any / every firearm requires a certain amount of competency to use. And I sure ain’t no “operator”. For me, revolvers are the most difficult handguns to maintain any amount of proficiency with. Next for me, would be double/single. If I practice, I can keep the first two shots pretty close. The easiest for me is the dreaded "safe action".
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Why do I feel like we are going in circles?

 

[bearcreek]

In all honesty, that would probably apply to me as well. I'm mostly self taught, only class I've ever done was my CCL class. I did have the instructors critique my form a bit in some of the down time, but I am sure theres alot I could fix. I'm cross eye dominant, so that alone makes my form a bit weird.

You're ahead of most just realizing that you need to go beyond the CCL class. The majority of those classes just barely scratch the surface. Most of them around here don't even have the students draw from a holster even though it's supposed to be a concealed carry class. They could be more accurately called a "flat range safety class". You and your friend should attend some training together.

 

[bearcreek]

But when someone with no experience feels that a thumb safety is necessary for safety, what they really need is training and experience with firearms. So you need to listen to them, and also talk to them. But when people have strong ideas based on no experience, it may be impossible to create a successful outcome.

Yes. I'd add too that a thumb safety can actually be more dangerous for a new shooter because it's very easy for them to forget to put the safety back on.