Suggestions on Handgun for a Beginner

[Pete-FWA]

Originally Posted by Ford Truck

The show is only about half what it used to be. Anybody know why it went downhill?

Fort Wayne isn't the city it used to be. In general, this is the answer to so many "What happened to Fort Wayne" questions.

We have a whole different population moving in as the big employers move out.

Without change, we will be the next Flint, MI.

[Bronsonbull]

If you are looking for a great first gun or one for your wife/fiancee. Definitely check out the Smith and Wesson M&P 9mm. I have quite a few guns and just bought the MP 9 a few months ago. It has become my favorite shooter and my new carry gun.

It has interchangeable backstraps, so you can make the grip large or small. The recoil is very light/easy for a 9mm and it is incredibly simple and easy to shoot (and accurate out of the box).

You can get them at Buds Gun Shop (updated hourly) for $439 delivered to your FFL. Smith and Wesson also had a rebate/extra mags promo running through the end of April. You will get $50 back in the mail and 2 extra mags. So for $389 you get the gun and 4 (17 round) magazines. That's a deal that you can't refuse.

It's the best deal out there right now in my opinion. I just bought the .40 cal and want to buy the .45 in the MP.

By the way, I'm not affiliated with SW or Bud's Gun Shop

I'm just very impressed with that gun for the money.

[Pete-FWA]

The M & P is one I looked at yesterday, though the dealer's price was around $100 higher (no shipping and FFL transfer cost, however). They also included some free time in their range which is something I'd use.

For the grips: the one I held had a medium grip. I checked the website this morning, but couldn't tell if the others are extra cost or included.

Is the S-W 100% USA made? The Springfield Armory had "Made in Croatia" right on the gun. He told me that was only one component and the rest had to be US made and assembled.

[Bronsonbull]

You'll have to do the math as to what deal is best for you. I think the Bud's Gun Shop deal on-line is the best I could fine. I specifically wanted the model without the mag safety and internal lock. You may want those extra safety features on yours. I bet the one you saw that the gun shop had those. The mag safety basically keeps the gun from shooting if the magazine is removed (even if there is a bullet in the chamber). I guess this limits the margin of error during cleaning. The internal lock is just that. There is a small hole in the side of the gun that you can turn with a key and lock the gun from firing.

My gun doesn't have either of those because it is my carry weapon right now and I just want it to go bang if I pull the trigger

By the way, you get all three backstraps when you buy an MP pistol (small, medium and large). I shoot the best with the large backstrap. If you and your wife/fiancee want to shoot the the MP, you can switch out the backstraps in between rounds at the range. It takes 10 seconds to do.

You just can't beat the $50 rebate and 2 extra mags promo. I'm actually thinking about buying another MP9 for my wife.

By the way, it says "made in the usa" on it. I'm sure some of the parts aren't domestic, but I could be wrong. Smith and Wesson also has a great lifetime warranty on all of their guns. If something doesn't work, they'll fix it on their dime regardless if you were the first owner or not.

[jimbo-indy]

Agree with the idea of trying as many as possible.Feel is more important than other factors. If she is comfortable with it she will shoot better and more often. Revolvers are great to learn on. Simple and dependable. Also, not load sensitive. A 38 snubby can be loaded with wadcutters for practice then reloaded with hollowpoints for carry, even +P if desired. Short barrel revolvers are available in many frame sizes and grips are easily changed. All works toward a good fit/feel.
As for a 22, I recommend a Buckmark or Ruger MK2 or MK3. Very accurate and reliable. Will last a lifetime. Every shooter needs at least on 22 target pistol in her/his collection. You will never outgrow it. Even with 15 handguns in the safe, I still get the 22 out about once a month to practice the basics. Same goes for a good 22 rifle.

[W9ZEB]

I'm sure if you were willing to come down to Indy, and asked nicely, Pami would let you and your lady put a few rounds through her Sig Mosquito

[hippykiller]

First thing my wife ever shoot was a 12g w/ a slug. She probably will not do it again for a while but she was able to handle it. I know a 12g is not a carry option but after a little pressure from me she picked up a glock 26 and likes it alot.

[Scutter01]

Originally Posted by Thickburger

i don't suggest buying a .22 for anyone to learn on. almost anyone can get used to shooting a .22 after about 15 minutes. then what? you just bought a gun to train with that you know they won't carry because you should not carry a .22.

i start all my friends off with 9mm.

We bought a Walther P22 just for fun. We can buy a brick of ammo for like $12 (550 rounds) and shoot all afternoon with it. It's great fun! We ended up buying a laser sight for it just because it was obnoxious to put it on a .22

For a new shooter, who might be nervous picking up a gun, the generally-recoilless .22 with its tiny "pop" is a lot easier to deal with than the boom of something larger. And, while I wouldn't carry it, a .22 in the pocket is better than a .45 in the safe.

The one downside to the Walther? The thing has to be oiled like crazy, so it picks up gunk like mad. Makes it a royal pain to clean.

[Pete-FWA]

W9ZEB, definitely appreciate the offer

It's been slow going on a decision. She and I are so busy trying to plan and do everything that surrounds the big day.

She's probably months away from a purchase at this point; however, I'm enjoying shopping and finding units to add to my wish list

That P22 caught my eye on a few websites. Sounds like a fun gun

[campbellrex]

get her a freedom arms with a 4 5/8 barrel 454 ever seen harley davidson & the maraboro man rex