Which Gun is better for a new shooter?

[Reubens]

Hi everybody!

My name is Rubén and I am about to buy my first gun. I have been comparing many pistols on many armories on my island (Puerto Rico, US Territory) and there are some pistols that I like above all others:

Springfield Ported V-10, XD pistol
Springfield XD service model
Springfield XD 45 GAP (Just release jun-05)
Glock 22
Glock 23

I am 36 and never shoot a gun in my whole live, so I am very concern about safety. Everybody keeps telling me "the Glock is better” but the Springfield looks more safety to me and better looking, Glock’s are really ugly guns, they look like toy water pistols! The Glock’s are like professional guns, I mean no external safety at all, the only safety is just on the trigger! A safety on the trigger sounds like oxymoronic to me. If I grab the pistol by the trigger BANG is shot! At least the Springfield has a double safety feature.

Any way I will buy other guns latter, this is going to be just my first gun and I plan to learn and practice a lot with this one before continue to buy other guns. The reason I need a gun is for personal safety. I own a small business, crime has been on the rise on the island so I better take the initiative and buy a gun. At the same time I would like to practice on a shooting club to get skilled and just for the fun too!

Somebody has any suggestion or comment?

Note: Some nice pictures of the aforementioned pistols:

 

[gulogulo1970]

I really like my Glock 22. I look at the 1911 style pistols as professional guns, Glocks remind me of revolvers in their operation. If I don't want either a Glock or revolver to fire, I keep my finger off the trigger.

People seem to like the XD's shape better than Glocks, to me, they are pretty close. I think XD's have more of a supported chamber than a Glock so they are less likely to explode on you. Try to get your hands on each type of gun you have in mind and see how they feel in your hand.

The only one I wouldn't get is the ported one. It is very cool, but in a self defense situation ports are loud, create more flash, and can launch debris into your eyes. If your hearts set on one make that your second gun purchase.

 

[22-rimfire]

I have both the Glock 22 and 23 models (40S&W). I prefer the 23. I have never shot any of the Springfield Armory offerings that you list. I prefer revolvers in general over autos. I feel more in control in terms of the whole shooting process--from checking to see if a gun is loaded, loading, to aiming and shooting.

But personally, I would recommend that you get a Ruger Mark II Bull Barrel (5.5") in 22LR to start with since you seem to prefer autos. I have one and it is my primary 22 shooter. Functions great and you hit what you aim at. The 22 will teach you the basics of handgun shooting and safety without all the recoil and added cost of ammunition. I have other 22 autos and revolvers, but the Ruger does real well. Every gun "collection" should include at least one 22 without exception. You always go back to them even when you shoot the bigger stuff frequently.

 

[Standing Wolf]

I'd recommend you start with a .22 long rifle revolver: they're the easiest to shoot safely, and the accuracy skills you develop with it are readily transferrable to other pistols, plus they're considerably less expensive to shoot.

 

[kirkcdl]

If this is your first handgun,AND you have NEVER fired a handgun:Buy a revolver.Four inch barrel,Caliber .357 magnum,load it with .38 special ammunition.Practice,practice,practice until you are very proficient and extremely familiar with it.Then,and only then,buy a semi automatic pistol.Lack of familiarity with the operation of a semi auto could be very bad indeed...

 

[Pilgrim]

I started a novice 17 year old granddaughter on a double action Smith & Wesson 6906. She didn't like the hard double action trigger pull. Likewise, she didn't like the double action trigger pull on a Smith & Wesson revolver. Her problem is lack of grip strength.

I switched her over to a CZ clone which she carrys and draws from the holster in Condition One. She doesn't know any other way. She is very conscious of the position of the safety. She does not put her finger on the trigger until her sights are aligned on the target. It is the only way she knows how.

Safety devices are nice, but it is training and what is located between the ears which count.

Pilgrim

 

[Double Maduro]

Reubens,

The only one who can pick the best gun for you is you.

If you can, go to a range and rent one of each you are interrested in, run a box of ammo through each.

Pick the one that you shoot the best.

Some people like the Glock because it has no safety, some people hate it because it has no safety. I don't care about the safety issue, I don't own one because I have never found a Glock that fits my hands.

Try them out and pick the one that feels best, this will be the one you shoot best.

Welcome to the forums, there are a lot of good folks here.

Let us know what you decide.

DM

 

[UPD3315]

Forget both the Springfield and Glock

Well, if those are my only choices. I choose the G22.

It should be noted that Springfield Armory basically stole the design from Glock. Glock even filed a lawsuit over it. They added the grip safety to make it "different." Minus the grip safety, they are the same gun.

Now, that being said. You are new to guns and that means that you have never carried one before. The cardinal rule of a carry gun is that it has to be reliable. Obviously the gun has to be mechanically reliable. But you also have to interject another portion of reliablity - the operator. If you are unfamilar with guns in general you have one very easy rule to follow - keep it simple.

Buy yourself a 3 inch Smith & Wesson in 357 Magnum and carry 38 special +P ammo in it. It is small enough to hide in your pants to prevent scaring customers and big enough to scare bad guys when you point it at them (not to mention ventilating them if need be).

So, forget the auto unless you have some time for serious training and buy a revolver.

 

[Ohen Cepel]

I would go with what feels good to you and is a full sized weapon. Smaller pistols are harder to shoot and not as easy to learn on.

I wouldn't go with the GAP since I'm not sure how easy it will be to get ammo now or in the future. I would stick with the more common calibers for a first weapon.

Enjoy!!

 

[itgoesboom]

Lots of good advice here.

Especially the parts about practicing with a .22lr and buying the firearm that fits your hand.

That last part is really the most important thing there is (besides reliability), so don't take it lightly.

I own and carry a Springfield Armory XD-9 subcompact, and I bought that over a Glock for no other reason than the Glock 26 & 27 didn't fit my hands. At the time, had I been looking for a standard sized pistol, I probably would have bought the Glock 19, or a 1911 of sometype.

UPD,

Do you have any documentation regarding the supposed lawsuit by Glock? I have never heard of it, but I know that Glock sued S&W for copying their design in the Sigma series.

As much as the Glock and the XD look alike, they actually have a pretty different action inside.

The Glocks are considered Double Action, since pulling the trigger finishes cocking the action, while the Springfield XD is actually a true Single Action, the action is fully cocked before the trigger is pulled.

I.G.B.

 

[Jim K]

I hope you take the above advice about starting with a .22. I know folks often want to go with a big gun and a big noise because they get a feeling of power. But the best way to learn to shoot is to shoot, and big guns cost enough to shoot that many people lose interest before they become competent with a gun.

So go with a good .22 revolver or a good .22 pistol (the Rugers are good, as is a gun like the Browning Buck Mark. A "brick" of 500 rounds of .22 LR will cost about the same as 50 rounds of some other ammo. With less blast and recoil, you can concentrate on learning to aim and hit a target. When you feel you are ready to go with a bigger caliber, you can transition easily and even trade the .22 (although I will bet you won't).

Needless to say, wear eye and ear protection at all times when shooting ANY gun. In my younger days, I shot a lot without ear protection and now my favorite word is "Huh?"

Jim

 

[jefnvk]

It should be noted that Springfield Armory basically stole the design from Glock. Glock even filed a lawsuit over it. They added the grip safety to make it "different." Minus the grip safety, they are the same gun.

That is the first I have heard of that, methoughts the XD was a Czech designed gun

I'll third the suggestion about a .22. I just had to have a 1911 .45 as my first pistol. It was fun and all, but not good at all for developing good shooting habits. Only a .22 and a few months work fixed everything I learned wrong in a week of shooting the .45.

 

[Richard.Howe]

Go to the range, rent and shoot lots of guns.

Regarding the safety on a Glock -- lots of folks don't see it the same way I do -- think of your holster as a safety. You always want your gun in the holster unless you're taking it out for a reason. When it's in, there's little chance of grabbing it by the trigger accidentally.

Having said that -- the first autopistol I owned was a Sig P220. I have owned many (many) autos since then; Springfield XD, Glocks, 1911s, S&Ws, and CZs. I have spent a lot of money -- some would say wasted -- to find out what, long term, the best auto is for me.

Bottom line, big picture, all things considered...the Sig is the right one for me being a great blend of accuracy, durability, and intangible fit. The only autos I have left now are my P220ST and my P245.

FWIW,
Rich

 

[Nightfall]

A safety on the trigger sounds like oxymoronic to me. If I grab the pistol by the trigger BANG is shot!

If you grab a gun by the trigger, you just violated a major gun safety rule. My suggestion is to start your journey into the gun world with this page.

 

[Sunray]

Go with the pistol that fits your hand best, but the .22 and some training would be best.

 

[stevelyn]

Either the full-sized Glock or full-sized XD. See which one fits you best and enjoy.
Stay away from ported pistols. The blast you get isn't worth the stated benefits and they are a bad idea in a defensive arm.

 

[asteffes]

I started shooting with a Glock. I'm glad I did. It really, really ingrains in your mind that you must always treat every gun as a loaded weapon; thus, never touch the trigger until you have decided to fire, period. I was glad that I didn't have to think about an external safety that may or may not be in safe mode - a Glock has no "safe mode" in the traditional sense - it's always ready for the shooter who has decided he/she must fire. The Glock does not have one safety - it has three internal safeties that garantee that it will not fire *unless* the operator pulls the trigger. Thinking about that really helped me understand the importance of trigger discipline. This gun will not save you from yourself pulling the trigger. The Glock safeties are intended to prevent firing if the gun is dropped, bumped or otherwise touched, but NOT from a finger pulling the trigger. I knew how to work with it, how to treat it and it helped me to remember to never rely on a safety to protect me from myself.

Take that for what it's worth. I think a Glock is a great gun to start with. I also think they are gorgeous, but that's just me.
-Adam

 

[Farnham]

Go with the Glock, for the reasons stated above. I just got my first 1911 (Kimber Pro Carry) and for some reason carrying it "cocked and locked" scares me to death, whereas the Glock I've had for years feels perfectly safe with a round in the chamber. Point and shoot, too. None of this safety silliness, just squeeze. I ain't no expert, though.

S/F

Farnham

 

[poe_9999]

I would suggest you pick something other than the 45 gap. Currently the bullets (range ammo) are hard to find. And when you find them expect to pay double what the 40's cost.

 

[Double Maduro]

steffes,

I was glad that I didn't have to think about an external safety that may or may not be in safe mode

If you always carry your weapon in the same condition, you don't have to worry about if the safety is on or not. If you get in the habit of removing the safety when you draw your weapon, it will soon become just that, habit.

 

[Sean Smith]

Ideally: start with an affordable .22LR target pistol, like a Browning Buckmark.

If you need a "real" weapon NOW, then get a full-sized gun in either 9mm (autoloader) or .38 Special (revolver).

Worst possible choice for a new shooter is a very small, very light gun in a powerful caliber.

 

[UPD3315]

Itgoesboom,

You are absolutely right - I was thinking of the Springfield when in actuality it was the Sigma.

 

[Bostonterrier97]

A Revolver is the BEST handgun for a Novice Shooter.
As a previous post stated: a 357 Loaded with 38 specials while you practice,
loaded with 357 HPs when used for Home Defense.

4 inch to 6 inch barrel.

Smith & Wesson, and Ruger make good revolvers.


1.) Revolvers are less complicated, thus they are simpler to operate in a stressful situation, they are less likely to malfunction, and they are more accurate.

 

[GoRon]

I love my Ruger GP-100 and I think this one would be a great first gun. 357/38sp 4" Full Shroud barrel.

 

[asteffes]

Whatever you do, beware of gross generalizations about anything firearms-related. I would suggest you go to a range, rent a few different styles, calibers and brands and choose that way. Take a basic shooting class that lets you rent a gun. Then choose what feels and works best for *you*.

You'll shoot anything well with enough practice. Personally, I can't shoot a revolver worth a darn, probably because I find the grip uncomfortable and haven't practiced enough.

-Adam