Just turned 21, interested in buying my first handgun.?

Question

So I just turned 21 on the 13th (YEAH, WOOOOO! :D ) and I'm very interested in buying my first handgun. However, I am having a very difficult time deciding which one I want. Mainly, it would be for home defense and the occasional trip to the range. I am looking for an accurate, extremely reliable handgun that will never fail me. I have done a fair bit of research and am very interested in the Smith and Wesson M&P (9 or .45), the Springfield XD (9mm or .45) or a Glock (17, 19, 21 or 30)

I have heard extremely good things about all models but cannot seem to come to a final decision.

I'm not sure if it's completely true or not but recently heard the XD can have jamming issues which has somewhat diverted my interest in it.

If someone could make some suggestions or recommendations on what I should buy I would really appreciate it.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Let me pass on a story a friend told me before you choose a firearm for protection.



I took a friend of mine to the range a few months ago. This guy was very new to concealed carry and he wanted to know which gun he should carry. I took him to the range to try a variety of different guns.



The first gun he shot (Glock 26) he LOVED. He told me, “This is it… I have found my gun.”



He wanted to pack it up and go buy it right then, but I encouraged him to try a few more guns and see what else he might like.



The second gun he shot was a Springfield XDM 9mm. He started firing a few rounds and he looked at me and said enthusiastically, “THIS IS IT… this gun is amazing!”



Yet again he wanted to pack it all up and go and purchase this gun immediately, but I once again encouraged him to try out a few more guns.



The third gun he tried was the Glock 19. He fired a few rounds and he turned and smiled at me, but before he could open his mouth I said, “This is it huh? This is the BEST gun in the world huh?”



We laughed for a few minutes and then he realized that he in fact liked all of the guns he shot that day. Now he just needed to figure out which gun was most comfortable and which gun worked best for him. I believe all new shooters find this out, you are one of the few that can find this out before you purchase a sidearm.



Moral of the story is: don’t stop at the first gun you get your hands on. Don’t be afraid to test the waters a little bit, you’d be surprised at what you might like.

Answer 2

I've heard that S&W's automatics are not as good as their revolvers, but I have heard some good stuff about Glock. As to the exact model I would go with either a .40 S&W or a .45 ACP.

Another perfect choice for no-jamming is a .357 Magnum revolver. As they use many fewer parts, revolvers have next to no jamming issues ever. Plus with .357 Magnum you can use both .357 and .38 Special in it (something automatics can't do). I'm looking at the Taurus 66B and it appears promising.

Answer 3

You don't mention your experience so far. Probably your best route is to go with a friend who has one, or to a rental range and actually fire some of these to form your own opinion. You'll see in the archives opinions that are completely opposite the other, so it come down to how the gun fits you.



If you aren't as experienced with pistols, you might also want to consider a double-action revolver. You trade capacity for simplicity. This doesn't cover everything, but I'm sure other posts will. This is just the stuff I see wasn't covered when I started typing.

Answer 4

Never heard of any issues with the XD.



I recommend 9mm for your first pistol as it is probably least expensive self defense round, giving you the most opportunity to practice. It also has the least recoil (when compared with equal guns chambered in .40 S&W, .45 acp or .357 mag) making it easier to train and become more confident with the pistol.



As for which pistol, all of them are quality brand names that are accurate and reliable when maintained properly. The final decision should be be based on your impressions when holding them or shooting them. Try to rent them at a local range or at least hold them at a gun store or gun show. I favor the XDM, but that is me.

Answer 5

All are good guns.



I am not aware of any issues with the XD line.



You won't go wrong buying any of the fire arms you mentioned. At this point it comes down to personal preference. I would suggest to you to go to a store or range that has these guns. Handle them all. The one that fits your hand like a glove is the one for you.



I have pretty large hands. I could palm a regulation size N.B.A. basketball at the age of twelve. To me, Glock has the most comfortable grip. That is a decision you need to make for yourself.

Answer 6

I would NOT be too anxious to settle on any one gun until I tried all the models I am interested in possibly buying. This allow you time to get the feel of the guns, and see what fits your hand well, and what fits your needs. The most important reason is that all gun sales are final. Once you leave the gun shop with your purchase, I know of no gun shop that will give you a refund, or will allow you to exchange it for another gun.

Answer 7

Glock will always be the most reliable ...they will never rust or get tarnished as they use verry little steel and barely need cleaned ...and are known too fire under almost any conditions flawlessly and also are not as expensave as some other guns ...and as always get the biggest caliber you can comfortably use if for self defense ...you don't want anyone too have a chance too get up if u half too use it

Answer 8

Go to you local gun/ pistol range and test a bunch out before you buy!!! trust me. you might have to rent it and buy the ammo from them but you'll get a feel for what you like instead of what you think you might like, but here some fun calibers: 22lr easy to shoot and cheap, 9mm bigger boom and next cheapest to the 22lr, 38 special and the 357 classic. speaking of classic 45 1911 very popular! have fun exercising your 2nd amendment!

Answer 9

The XD 45 is a fine gun.

Answer 10

I am a female and have a 40 cal smith and wesson! it is a nice nice nice gun with not much kickback! And it will do quite more than just putting a hole in somebody! Glock's are nice guns too!! But some of them have alot of kickback and i dont recommend it if you want to keep your chin/ bottom lip in tact!! good luck! and remember!! **GUNS DONT KILL PEOPLE, PEOPLE KILL PEOPLE**

Answer 11

Smith & Wesson M&P (9mm or .45 cal.)



Springfield XD (9mm or .45)



No Glocks.

Answer 12

i also just turned 21 and my dad gave me his Beretta 9MM and i absolutely love it.

Answer 13

Let me be the first to say I have absolutely no experience with any of these guns. But welcome to the shooting fraternity anyway. You'll get good advice here. Cane? Eddie?

Answer 14

9mm will always be around and military switched over to it.