My First Hand Gun?

Question

I'm almost 21 and I want to buy a handgun when I turn 21. What kind do you guys recommend, I want a good one thats not cheap but not expensive. Do I have to take some safety course or something before I buy one? How do I go about getting a concealed weapons license?

I live in Virginia

I wanna get like a 9mm

Answer 1

I typically go into a long discussion about why everyone's first handgun should be a .22. It bores me right now and it seems obvious why.

Next I go into a discussion about why people should get a 9mm. Tired of it. Look at questions I answered and you will find why.

If you plan on shooting an auto then buy an auto. A double action revolver grip is different than an auto grip and why relearn?

If you go auto get a sig, Glock, xd, p99, sw99, beretta, and you will be fine. Stay away from ****** and locked designs for conceal carry.

Good luck and don't listen to blow hards who think every question is answered 45 acp

Answer 2

I am 27 in police academy. I have several guns. but dont go with a .22 or a revolver. isnt there a gun range where you can go and try a few out. I guarantee you wount be happy if you get a revolver. My first was a glock model 22, a .40 caliber. it was a good first gun. I sold it after I got broke in. I now own a hk usp, a kimber 1911, and have shot just about every gun out there. a hk is a gun that I would have purchased first if I could go back. but the 1911 is the best gun I have ever owned.

bottom line, try some out first, everyone has an opinion. you need to form one based on facts you draw.

Answer 3

I also currently live in VA.I agree with the others get a revolver for concealed carry.you must take the concealed carry course first of course.Most gun shows will have a concealed carry course available on site which also happens to be a good time and place to purchase your new hand gun.The reason for a revolver is simple when it is needed most people instinctively fire until the gun is empty.Every round you fire must be accounted for in court after the event as revolvers tend to carry a few less rounds you will have less to account for.As an added advantage revolvers tend to be more reliable as well as there are lots of concealed carry holsters and accessories made for them. Try a Taurus mt85,or a Charter Arms undercover.

P.S. .38 cal is just another name for 9mm.That means the diameter is the same however the length of the case is not.
This includes the .380 ACP(also known as the 9mm Kurz,or 9x18.) I'm not certain how this is true but the .357 magnum is also in this category.The .38 special can be safely fired from a .357magnum handgun however you can not safely fire a .357magnum from a .38 special gun.

Answer 4

The revolver in .357 Magnum is a great starter handgun as many others have mentioned. A used Ruger GP100 in good condition is a real bargain and a reliable weapon that is built like a tank. Start out with .38 specials and work up to the full power Magnums.

Answer 5

Your first handgun should be a revolver. Revolvers are easy to operate and allow you to focus on the basics of shooting, handling a handgun and hitting the target, without having to think about magazines, if a round is chambered, etc. etc.

The perfect first revolver (and you can find this used in many places) is a .357 Magnum, stainless steel and a 4 inch barrel (NOT a snubnose!). S&W, Ruger or Taurus.

If you spend a year with a revolver, practicing regularly, you will become a proficient hangunner.

DO NOT buy a Charter Arms revolver.......they have a terrible repair record and the resale value will be a big loss when you go to trade in or up.

Answer 6

The best choice for your purpose is a 357 Magnum, because it is comfortable to shoot, and you can also shoot 38 caliber ammo in it also.* You get two (2)* handguns for the price of one (1)*.* It is a proven man stopper and can be used for Hunting, Target and self defense.* No caliber less than a 357 Magnum should even be considered for personal protection.* If your thinking about a 45 acp take a look at the Colt Combat Commander.* If you don't intend on using your handgun for self-defense then get a 22 caliber long rifle pistol or revolver.* I prefer the Smith & Wesson Brand in 357 Magnum Revolver.* In a 22 long rifle I prefer the Ruger or Smith & Wesson Brand whether its a pistol or revolver.*

Answer 7

I would recommend you get a 4" barrel revolver and practice with light .38 special ammo, and work your way up to full charged .357 loads. Pay special attention in the early days to sight alignment, breathing and trigger control. I would not be worried about getting a CCW until you become proficient with the hand gun, as you have to qualify with the weapon before any CCW will be issued.

Answer 8

.

My 1st question would be, HAVE YOU EVER FIRED A HANDGUN ?
next question would be, how do you plan on using said handgun. If your answer is hunting, then, what do you plan on hunting ?

There are gun ranges around, that rents guns, for shooting on location. A wise move, would be, to rather than go with a gun that you know nothing about, go to a range that rents handguns & try a few.
Someone elses favorite handgun, might not be what would best suit your needs.

good luck

Answer 9

If you haven't seen the new 9mm EMP, you should take a close look. It's built on a 1911 style action, shrunken down a bit. Coming from Virginia myself, to New York, I had to surrender my handgun to the police, and since I wasn't eligible to get a license in one year it's disappeared. I've been thinking of trying to work things out and going back to Virginia, but I know that's not going to happen. I was going somewhere with this, but now I'm just off track. But anyways, take a look at the Springfield EMP, it's a great shooter, and despite being redesigned, still has the controls of a good high-quality 1911.

Answer 10

You should start with a revolver and then go to a semi-automatic later if you still want. I'd go with something like a 4" model 686. That way, you can practice with light loaded .38 rounds, but you'll still be able to carry .357 magnum if you want some knockdown power.