** UPDATE: LOL not sure how i missed the last post, but congrats on your new acquisition. i'll leave my post below anyway, in case it applies for another day. :-)
Ruarch wrote:My suggestion is to go to a range and rent anything you are thinking about buying. The suggestions above are very good suggestions. But try them out first. Also, try the Glock 19.
Exactly. Glock 19, read below for why. :-)
Rifles and shotguns have their place and are great at what they do - but if you're talking about getting A GUN, meaning that will be your gun, it's a good idea to keep options open.
You likely won't take your rifle or shotgun along with you when you go somewhere, bring it in the car, etc, etc.
So for the first gun i'd focus on something that can be used for home defense, car defense, personal defense, and not too big to take along with you.
I dislike this comparison lol, but it's accurate... Glock is the Honda Accord of handguns... the **** thing just works, and it works **** well, for a good value. It's something you buy that will work for decades with a little TLC. perhaps the AK of modern handguns lol.
Glock makes their guns in small, medium, and large. the medium (aka compact) fits most hands fine.
They also make different calibers as most manufacturers do. Recommend you start with 9mm, it's a cheaper and easier to find round, in both abundant and less abundant times.
Hence @Ruarch's recommendation above, the venerable Glock 19. That's Glock's mid-size frame in 9mm.
Most new shooters I introduce to handguns end up going Glock 19 after trying a few other options - as their all around general use first firearm.
Watch these couple of vids on the Glock 19
Best deal around on the Glock 19 Gen 4 (current model) is $560 at Bud's, add $25 for your local FFL to receive it for you.
<personal opinion, neither here nor there lol>Also Glock does NOT have external safeties... which many folks like, but many like me consider very dangerous, as they breed poor safety especially for new shooters, and the last thing you want to worry about in a high stress adrenaline-fueled sitation is a goddamn knob on the side of your gun lol. :-)<personal opinion, neither here nor there lol>
Hope that helps!
Dan
P.S. Much as I love the Glock 19, have to say I'm VERY intrigued with the new H&K VP9... spent a fun morning playing with one last week, it really wanted to come home with me. :-)