Looking for insights from experienced shooters for recommendations for a first handgun.

[Jchrisls]

I finally after nearly 2 years of waiting ( dumb rules and ignorance) got around to submitting my pistol permit. Although i know I have a long wait ( been told 9-16 months) i figured i would spend the time productively by beginning some research on what will work best for me as an EDC.
Some simple parameters are-

9mm
Easily concealed
High quality
Reliable.
Price range from zero ( free guns, who wouldn't) to 1300 on a single firearm.

Some i have been looking at are
SW M and P shield
Sig sauer p320 xcarry
And what my heart has been on for for nearly 2 years, an HKVP9SK.

Any thoughts on the above listed? Would anyone have further suggestions or better options? Im open for honest opinions.
Thanks.

 

[Drinkthekoolaid]

Any reliable reputable brand striker fired pistol that feels good in your hand and is "Glock 19" sized.

Don't go with a subcompact your first gun. Just get a regular compact. Subcompacts are harder to shoot and learn on and concealing a bigger gun isn't as hard as you think.

A few suggestions in no order

Cz P10c
Glock 19
Glock48
Hk vp9
Beretta APX centurian
S&w mp9 c
Sig p320c
Walther PPQ or PDP or p99
FN 509

And there are others. Any make a fine Choice


Ps- buying your first pistol is a good problem to have . Congrats

 

[SomeSoldier]

I mean if you want something on the higher end.

Concealed Carry - Staccato 2011

The Staccato 2011® lineup was built with the concealed carry user in mind, with incredibly accurate handguns engineered to shoot smooth.

staccato2011.com

 

[Parzival]

Take a trip to a free state and shoot a bunch of rental guns...buy the one you like the best.

Of your 3, Shield (Plus)...there’s a reason they have sold like 4 million of them.

My choice, Glock 43x MOS...don’t leave home without it.

 

[cgrutt]

Personally I'd go for G19 but I'm partial to Glocks... some don't like the grip angle but pull the trigger it goes boom. Drop it no boom lol. Not sure where you're at but happy to let you check it out if you want. Or my personal favorite G23 lol.. pretty much same but in 40 S&W. Have a Sig 938 and Roger LC9 in 9mm as well if you care to try them out for size...

 

[Doc8404]

G19

 

[Xae289]

So, you say you've had your heart set on the VP9SK... Go for it. In terms of exterior dimensions, it's right between the Glock 19 (compact) and 26 (subcompact). Right between them in terms of grip size and sight radius. Slightly shorter barrel than the 26. Using the extended floorplate magazines, you'll get just as good a grip on it as on a larger gun, which will serve you well until you get more familiar with handgun shooting and start spending more time training with the flush floorplate. It's common enough that you won't have trouble finding holsters. It has an accessory rail if you decide you want a light or laser.

The only caveat I'd consider is that it has a paddle magazine release. You'll build a muscle memory for a critical function that won't translate to other handguns. You spend all this time training with it and if/when you ever replace it as a carry gun, now you're going to have to really retrain yourself to use a push-button with your thumb.

 

[livingston]

Most of us always end up with more than one handgun. . I have the hk vp9 and the hkvp9sk. . I like them both. The mag release is unique to most hand guns. One could start out with a vp9 then at a later date pick up the sk . If one is serious about picking up this "hobby " you will end up with more than one.
I also have a sig p320 compact that I carry often. One story that I wrote about a short time ago was I had severe carpel tunnel in my shooting hand . On the p320 I could not use the mag release . Thumb was very weak. I switched over to the VP9 (index finger release ). Had the operation and took almost a year to return to normal. . Just saying one can have different things affect how one shoots. For me it was just switching out a different gun in my collection.. I have a friend that is 76 years old. She cannot rack a slide due to strength. Will try to switch her over to a ruger LCR . I also own one of these. Trying to get her to the range and see how she likes it. .

 

[livingston]

The firing pin in Bergen has rental guns once you get your permit.

The Firing Pin | Indoor Shooting Range & Gun Shop in Bergen, NY

www.thefiringpinny.com

 

[kev74]

Any of the major manufacturers are making good guns. Figure out what you like and go for it.

A couple of things to consider...
- Small guns are easier to carry, but harder to shoot well
- Shields are nice, but there are options that are just a tiny bit bigger that will let you carry 10 in a magazine. I have a Shield and don't carry it any more because I'd rather have those couple extra rounds.
- You'll be buying your 2nd pistol before you know it.

 

[4WHLDRFTN]

Taurus G2C or G3C,, 2 safety, double strike, far better trigger than any glock... $200ish new

 

[cgrutt]

Taurus G2C or G3C,, 2 safety, double strike, far better trigger than any glock... $200ish new

Funny, Ruger LC9 had worst trigger I'd ever seen so replaced it with a GP precision. Much better. Now that I replaced it won't carry for SD... fucking lawyers lol...

 

[Jchrisls]

Any reliable reputable brand striker fired pistol that feels good in your hand and is "Glock 19" sized.

Don't go with a subcompact your first gun. Just get a regular compact. Subcompacts are harder to shoot and learn on and concealing a bigger gun isn't as hard as you think.

A few suggestions in no order

Cz P10c
Glock 19
Glock48
Hk vp9
Beretta APX centurian
S&w mp9 c
Sig p320c
Walther PPQ or PDP or p99
FN 509

And there are others. Any make a fine Choice


Ps- buying your first pistol is a good problem to have . Congrats

Actually, the VP9 was my first choice b4 the sk and glad to see it on your list. I may revert back to it

 

[Jchrisls]

The firing pin in Bergen has rental guns once you get your permit.

The Firing Pin | Indoor Shooting Range & Gun Shop in Bergen, NY

www.thefiringpinny.com

This is absolutely in my plan before i purchase one as they have many of the ones on my list to rent b4 i buy. Can't wait for that day!

 

[Jchrisls]

I mean if you want something on the higher end.

Concealed Carry - Staccato 2011

The Staccato 2011® lineup was built with the concealed carry user in mind, with incredibly accurate handguns engineered to shoot smooth.

staccato2011.com

Just a weee bit higher than my listed price point, but looked nonetheless

 

[Robin]

You should get what your heart desires most, VP9SK - Heckler & Koch
You got plenty of time to save up.
Robin

 

[nortatoga]

I would also recommend a good 22lr pistol for cheaper trigger time! If it is similar to the 9mm you chose even better.

 

[togmaster]

Actually, the VP9 was my first choice b4 the sk and glad to see it on your list. I may revert back to it

Excellent choice. VP9 is a solid gun.

 

[tirwin1]

Take a trip to a free state and shoot a bunch of rental guns...buy the one you like the best.

Of your 3, Shield (Plus)...there’s a reason they have sold like 4 million of them.

My choice, Glock 43x MOS...don’t leave home without it.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND this course of action. Based on my research I was going to purchase a beretta for my first pistol. Then I went to a range and tried a number of guns. I ultimately opted for a glock 19 as my first pistol based on my experience at the range. The glock was much more comfortable in my hands. I have more pistols now but the glock is my go to gun.

 

[drowhawk]

It took me 5 years to realize how much extra weight and size I was carrying around for absolutely no reason with my G19 and P320C. Even if you lived in a state where we could have more than 10 rounds, I'd still recommend the P365 platform. You get 10+1 in the same size package that Glock can only squeeze 6 rounds into and you get night sights and a proper trigger for the same coin. I carry a P365XL w/ a Holosun 507k everywhere I go. Sometimes I have to pat myself down in the car to make sure I brought it, as it is so thin I don't notice it half the time. I ALWAYS knew if I had my double stacks on me.

There are so many good options you probably won't find a bad gun. My preference is the Sig.

 

[livingston]

Best to try what you think you will like and shoot some different handguns. . I am not a glock fanboy . It feels like I am holding a 2x4 when shooting . As you can tell others in this thread swear by them . Had a friend that only owned 1911's .. Was his sidearm in the service and trusted it in a battle situation . To each his own. . I bought a sig p320c on the spur of the moment. .. Picked it up at a gun show and it just fit my hand so nice,

 

[repete]

I have no comment on the guns you listed but do NOT allow some salesperson talk you into a different caliber because it's 'cheaper' my son did that and half the time can't afford to shoot his HK unless I give him some reloads. 9MM is cheap (relatively).

 

[cgrutt]

Also recommend getting a decent/sturdy IWB holster for whatever you decide upon even if a so-called "pocket gun".

 

[OwnTheRide]

Well, first handgun, I'd say go with a Ruger Single Six. Still one of my favorite pistols. But, obviously, that's not a good carry gun.

You've got plenty of advice for a carry gun, I don't have much to add there.

 

[Drinkthekoolaid]

This is good advice as well a few things to consider if worrying over price. Don't get too cheap of a gun. Get a reputable brand. You don't necessarily need a "Glock" to have a reliable pistol. Yes Glocks are great and have a very impressive service history but many others are just as reliable.


Rent a few guns to shoot and compare. (you can do this in a free state before you get your NY license) crazy thought right?

Get something that fits your hand and feels good and you can easily control and manipulate.

IMO this might be controversial but go with a striker fired. Just my .02 cents. Easier to learn and become proficient. Get a hammer fired DA/SA later on.

Don't start with a single stack subcompact. You don't need a subcompact to be able to conceal carry. A moderate "G19" sized double stack will conceal far better than you are expecting it to. Concealing at first is scary and you'll be paranoid everyone knows you have a gun but it's simply not the case. Get a "G19" sized compact double stack gun as your first. It's the perfect jack of all trades size. It might not be the best at any single purpose but it can fulfill just about any role. It is also big enough that it's easier to shoot control and manipulate. Anything further more niche for a specific purpose (single stack subcompact, micro compact, full size, race gun etc) can be future purchases. You'll want to buy and buy some more. There's always that one more gun you'll want. You'll always have something to look forward to




These videos are good perspective for new buyers to ponder.

 

[Podmonkey]

Any polymer framed, striker fired gun is fine as long as its from a reputable manufacturer. The ones you listed all fall in that category.
Something in a "compact' size would need your easily concealable criteria while also been big enough for house duty and regular range duty.
The Glock 19 and M&P compact are a little smaller and trimmer than many other "compact" models. The difference is slight but it makes a difference depending on how you carry. I can easily conceal a G19 IWB with only a baggy shirt whereas my Walther PPQ will print a little more.
9mm is definitely the caliber to go with.

 

[kev74]

Something else I'll add that might not be a popular opinion...

I don't care how a carry gun fits in my hand, or how super-deluxe the trigger pull is. As long as its reliable, size, weight and how it carries is more important to me. Most days I have a Kel-Tec P3AT in my pocket. The trigger sucks, and the sights are nearly nonexistent, but nobody knows I have it in less permissive environments. And I've practiced enough with it that I can hit a 10x10 inch plate at 25 yards with it.

When I step up in size, I used to carry a Shield, but switched to a SCCY. Its the same size as the shield (they can use the same holsters), but holds 10 rounds instead of 7 or 8. I traded a nice single action, striker trigger for one that is long double action and feels like a revolver. To me, the extra capacity in the same size was worth it.

 

[Jchrisls]

Most of us always end up with more than one handgun. . I have the hk vp9 and the hkvp9sk. . I like them both. The mag release is unique to most hand guns. One could start out with a vp9 then at a later date pick up the sk . If one is serious about picking up this "hobby " you will end up with more than one.
I also have a sig p320 compact that I carry often. One story that I wrote about a short time ago was I had severe carpel tunnel in my shooting hand . On the p320 I could not use the mag release . Thumb was very weak. I switched over to the VP9 (index finger release ). Had the operation and took almost a year to return to normal. . Just saying one can have different things affect how one shoots. For me it was just switching out a different gun in my collection.. I have a friend that is 76 years old. She cannot rack a slide due to strength. Will try to switch her over to a ruger LCR . I also own one of these. Trying to get her to the range and see how she likes it. .

After reading your post i kind of felt that i was on the right path with my first choices of both the vp9 and the vp9sk, and since reading it i may follow your lead in purchasing both. If for some reason you needed to choose one between the two for an EDC and wait awhile for the second, which would you have purchased first and why? Which is more versatile for you as a "first handgun "? Please bear in mind this would need to be considered as your first EDC.

 

[Jchrisls]

Also recommend getting a decent/sturdy IWB holster for whatever you decide upon even if a so-called "pocket gun".

Guaranteed my friend. Thinking of starting with 2, and IWB and a shoulder holster. Recommendations?

 

[Jchrisls]

This is good advice as well a few things to consider if worrying over price. Don't get too cheap of a gun. Get a reputable brand. You don't necessarily need a "Glock" to have a reliable pistol. Yes Glocks are great and have a very impressive service history but many others are just as reliable.


Rent a few guns to shoot and compare. (you can do this in a free state before you get your NY license) crazy thought right?

Get something that fits your hand and feels good and you can easily control and manipulate.

IMO this might be controversial but go with a striker fired. Just my .02 cents. Easier to learn and become proficient. Get a hammer fired DA/SA later on.

Don't start with a single stack subcompact. You don't need a subcompact to be able to conceal carry. A moderate "G19" sized double stack will conceal far better than you are expecting it to. Concealing at first is scary and you'll be paranoid everyone knows you have a gun but it's simply not the case. Get a "G19" sized compact double stack gun as your first. It's the perfect jack of all trades size. It might not be the best at any single purpose but it can fulfill just about any role. It is also big enough that it's easier to shoot control and manipulate. Anything further more niche for a specific purpose (single stack subcompact, micro compact, full size, race gun etc) can be future purchases. You'll want to buy and buy some more. There's always that one more gun you'll want. You'll always have something to look forward to

Ive been preparing for this day for a looong time, and still have a way to go so im not overly concerned about price, with potentially looking to spend up to 1300 on a single firearm to begin with. My view on most things is to but the best that i can afford right out of the gate ( buy once, cry once is the idea) and if the shtf i definitely don't want to question my prior decisions. I understand that a SA/DA is a great action, but why in your opinion would that be a second purchase VS a first? Remember, newbie here looking for information for research



These videos are good perspective for new buyers to ponder.