Went to a shooting range for the first time. TAKE MY MONEY!

[BladeVenom]

I never cared for the feel of those guns personally.

Same here. Of any of the popular handguns, I hate the feel of the Beretta 92 the most. I thought it was about the worst in all ergonomic categories.

It's about as big and heavy as a 1911, for just firing a measly 9mm round.

It's blocky grip feels like I'm holding a 2x4. I'm not sure it's any bigger than a Glock's grip, but it sure feels like it is.

Horrible trigger pull. Reminds me more of a cheap revolver than a pistol.

I also prefer a frame safety over a slide safety.

 

[-slash-]

Springfield XDS 9mm. My girlfriend loves hers. More pop than a .22, but much more manageable than a .45. For some people the Glocks dont feel right in the hand. Go to a shop and get your hands on every gun you can and find one that is comfortable.

 

[olds]

So I'm good with 5.56...right?
LOL

Agreed. I really like my S&W 686. It's a sweet shooter.
A stainless with a 4" barrell will be my next handgun. Always wanted one. I wish to God I had bought a Cobra in the 80s when I had the chance.
...

Bold

 

[phucheneh]

For a first gun, I'd say a modestly-priced striker fire is a good start. Just don't forget that there are other things out there and end up as some silly, confused Glock or XD or somesuch fanboy. Pref 9mm.

Next step up is a DA/SA 9mm. Preferably with a decocker.

9mm is cheap, easy to shoot, and actually useful in self-defense. If you go full-size steel, .45ACP should still be easy to control. But I wouldn't buy a 1911 as a first gun. 'Wonder nine' makes more sense, IMO.

And as safe as anyone will claim they 100% absolutely are, I'd still save guns of a higher caliber and/or trickier operation for a time when you have some experience and are very comfortable with something more plain-jane.

I've been posting in the big gun thread about getting into SA revolvers, and though I am still observing 'safe' practices, I notice how much more opportunity there if for one to blow their/someone's face off. Loading/unloading rounds one chamber at a time, needing to KNOW you've rotated the cylinder 360* before a gun has truly been 'cleared,' dick-fingering the hammer and letting it fall during cocking, ect. And to do some things efficiently, you really do need to violate safe range practices. Like how casings drop out a lot easier if you point the gun at the ceiling...

Anyway, my vote: 9mm and simple. You'll be happy with it. And then you'll buy more interesting stuff eventually.

 

[phucheneh]

I was just browsing some guns (kills the time) and this thread made me notice something-

Though I personally have zero interest in it (DAO for carry guns only), I think a PPX is awesome for the money:
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/21_55/products_id/84625

Cheaper than a Glock and the trigger is a little safer for a beginner (and no need to precock) and overall I think DAO builds skill. IMO starting on a good SA trigger can make you a little overconfident, with decent enough groupings coming from the ease of shooting the gun rather than your own skill.

The other way to go with a doublestack 9mm (steel, SA/DA) would be Canik/Tristar, IMO. In general, I'd try and stay under the $400 mark...so you have more money for your next gun. It will happen. And you'll know more of what you want.

 

[Tiamat]

Researching some more, it looks like your recommendation is the most commonly given advice. After giving it some thought, I think I agree. I should develop good technique before moving up to a more major caliber. While I may not particularly like the 22's, I figured I could use it as a learning tool. If I ever get bored with it, I guess I could sell it.

The only problem with buying a 22 is that almost nobody rents them. The spur nice range I was at yesterday doesn't rent a single 22.... So how do I pick one?

So how about the topic of used versus new? Anything else to consider?

Go to a shop and hold them. If it doesn't feel comfortable in your hand, it is a waste of money. Next, anything from ruger for 22lr has worked well for me including the sr22, superten revolver, 22/45 lite. Smith and Wesson makes a m&p22 which is nice as well. I don't recommend Sig mosquito as I've seen a few having issues. Walther p22 may have cheapness issues as well with the slide.

For home protection you can rent to figure out what you like and what calibers.

 

[Paladin3]

Just get one of these 1875 No. 3 Top Break revolvers in .45 Colt, or anything from Uberti. It will automatically upgrade your Man Card from bronze to platinum.

More sexy here.