I got my first gun last night. Didn't buy it or get it as a gift, but took it from an alcoholic relative.

I've always used MidwayUSA, that's what my step-dad uses and it's just stuck. I've never had an issue with them, and anytime i've had to call they have been helpful.

I've never shot a gun before, but figure I should learn a basic understanding. What's a good entry level handgun? I have no interest in ever really upgrading or owning more than one, so I just want something decent that isn't overwhelmingly powerful or expensive since it's really just for a last line of home defense.

(12-24-2015 02:18 PM)Niner National Wrote:  I've never shot a gun before, but figure I should learn a basic understanding. What's a good entry level handgun? I have no interest in ever really upgrading or owning more than one, so I just want something decent that isn't overwhelmingly powerful or expensive since it's really just for a last line of home defense.

Not a pistol expert. Might try some handgun forums for advice.

(12-24-2015 02:18 PM)Niner National Wrote:  I've never shot a gun before, but figure I should learn a basic understanding. What's a good entry level handgun? I have no interest in ever really upgrading or owning more than one, so I just want something decent that isn't overwhelmingly powerful or expensive since it's really just for a last line of home defense.

I would say go with a 9mm, I personally like the Smith & Wesson Sigma 9 for a handgun. I used to carry it when I was a commissioned security officer while going through college. I am more proficient with an AR though, so if you ask me what I would choose between the handgun or AR, I would pick the AR.


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(12-24-2015 02:18 PM)Niner National Wrote:  I've never shot a gun before, but figure I should learn a basic understanding. What's a good entry level handgun? I have no interest in ever really upgrading or owning more than one, so I just want something decent that isn't overwhelmingly powerful or expensive since it's really just for a last line of home defense.

Man, you are gonna cause an argument. LOL

If it were me and I was looking for an entry level handgun I would look at revolvers rather than a semi-auto if for no other reason than they are fairly dummy proof.

Where the argument is going to come in is when people start naming brands. Just like cars, beer, and just about anything else you have gun-snobs as well. I'm not a gun-snob. I don't believe that you have to have the most expensive gun to be effective. Hell, I proudly admit I own a Hi-Point 9mm I bought off a friend who was tired of hearing the guff on the range. It's an ugly, heavy gun but every time I pull the trigger it fires and it hits where I was aiming and I got it dirt cheap.

My suggestion for a model to consider is an Armscor M200 revolver. It comes in .38 Special which is suitable for home defense yet doesn't have an overpowering recoil. You can take it to the range and run through a couple boxes of ammo with no problem. It's a cheap, no frills model that works. Honestly if I didn't own the Hi-Point I would look into getting one of these as my "fishing gun" because as cheap as it is if it gets messed up by the elements or I lose it overboard it's no big deal.

That being said what I really suggest is going to a couple different guns shops, telling them what you are looking for and seeing what they have. You might get lucky and be able to find a used model and save some $$$. At a lot of gun shops they also have ranges and some have beginner classes. If they do I would suggest that as well. The main thing is to shoot as much as you can because it's really not as easy as people think.

(12-24-2015 02:33 PM)UTSAMarineVet09 Wrote:  

(12-24-2015 02:18 PM)Niner National Wrote:  I've never shot a gun before, but figure I should learn a basic understanding. What's a good entry level handgun? I have no interest in ever really upgrading or owning more than one, so I just want something decent that isn't overwhelmingly powerful or expensive since it's really just for a last line of home defense.

I would say go with a 9mm, I personally like the Smith & Wesson Sigma 9 for a handgun. I used to carry it when I was a commissioned security officer while going through college. I am more proficient with an AR though, so if you ask me what I would choose between the handgun or AR, I would pick the AR.


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I agree with a 9mm if you want a semi automatic. I am 3 days into my 10 day wait for a Glock G17.

Also agree with the dummy proof revolver comment. Just make sure it is double action. A good 38/357 combo would be a good option.

(12-24-2015 02:18 PM)Niner National Wrote:  I've never shot a gun before, but figure I should learn a basic understanding. What's a good entry level handgun? I have no interest in ever really upgrading or owning more than one, so I just want something decent that isn't overwhelmingly powerful or expensive since it's really just for a last line of home defense.

if you want a gun for self defense...get a shotgun

if you want a simple handgun...get a .38 special revolver...it'll never jam up, and it's not complicated..."point and click" as the tech folks say.

(12-24-2015 02:18 PM)Niner National Wrote:  I've never shot a gun before, but figure I should learn a basic understanding. What's a good entry level handgun? I have no interest in ever really upgrading or owning more than one, so I just want something decent that isn't overwhelmingly powerful or expensive since it's really just for a last line of home defense.

Get a hammer less revolver. My brother in law teaches handgun classes and that's what he recommends for novices who want something for home protection. 9mm too

Take the NRA Intro/Basic Pistol course. It will take the mystique out of everything
Then go to a gun dealer (they are the ones who probably offered the class) and just try them out. See what fits your grip. When you start talking brand names things can get crazy (Does Glock now make weapons for men?) so tune it out and go with what fits you. I recommend 9mm if you are going to do 'general shooting'. The ammo is less expensive and much more plentiful.
I have never been a fan of revolvers but that's a personal preference. I have a Sig P320 which is super easy to maintain the Beretta 92 I love but has double action and is a bit more involved to maintain. I absolutely LOVE the Sig P226 but the price tag is a bit high for me
Memphis is right though. A shotgun works great for home defense.

(12-24-2015 06:32 PM)Brokeback Flamer Wrote:  Take the NRA Intro/Basic Pistol course. It will take the mystique out of everything
Then go to a gun dealer (they are the ones who probably offered the class) and just try them out. See what fits your grip. When you start talking brand names things can get crazy (Does Glock now make weapons for men?) so tune it out and go with what fits you. I recommend 9mm if you are going to do 'general shooting'. The ammo is less expensive and much more plentiful.
I have never been a fan of revolvers but that's a personal preference. I have a Sig P320 which is super easy to maintain the Beretta 92 I love but has double action and is a bit more involved to maintain. I absolutely LOVE the Sig P226 but the price tag is a bit high for me
OWL is right though. A shotgun works great for home defense.

don't do ANYTHING sponsored by the NRA...it's all political indoctrination...

I love my Sig P229...it's a great duty weapon...but nothing is more simplistic than a basic .38 special...it's also very easy to conceal once you get your permit.

What NRA class were you in? There's a little spiel at the end about joining but its a far cry from indoctrination. They people I know who teach the classes do a great job. If you go with the NRA you know you are getting someone who has had to meet basic requirements. That's not the case if you learn to shoot Bubba Joy or some guy I know. Military training is preferred but not everyone can do that.
I use my 320 for my conceal.

(12-24-2015 10:29 PM)Brokeback Flamer Wrote:  What NRA class were you in? There's a little spiel at the end about joining but its a far cry from indoctrination. They people I know who teach the classes do a great job. If you go with the NRA you know you are getting someone who has had to meet basic requirements. That's not the case if you learn to shoot Bubba Joy or some guy I know. Military training is preferred but not everyone can do that.
I use my 320 for my conceal.

Exactly.