I want to get my first firearm!
Posted by lizardman400@reddit | Firearms | View on Reddit | 57 comments
People are crazy as hell and I dont wanna risk it.
I have a family I need to protect and id rather have one and not need it, than need it and not have it.
I want a pistol for easy storage and discretion.
What are some good beginner guns??
Maybe .33?
I'm not sure my gun knowledge is very basic so if any of you gun folks could give me your opinion id appreciate it alot!
HolyFlapjackBatman@reddit
Glock 19
SirEagle60@reddit
I'm not saying they're bad firearm but there's just too many fanboys out there that will recommend a Glock and know nothing different. It's the Gen X fanboys that like three things, Glock, Toyota, Apple. There are other options out in the world.
When buying a handgun go to a reputable firearms dealer and look at what all is offered, then hold them to see what feels good and fit your hand. If you go to a Range USA store, they actually have indoor firing ranges and a selection of handguns that you can rent in shoot before purchasing.
surelynotjimcarey@reddit
Glock, Toyota, Apple
Those aren’t fanboys, those are educated consumers who want a good product that’ll last that’s easy to operate for a decent price.
At a certain point, those things are popular for a reason my guy
joconnell13@reddit
All my American-made vehicles have been mid to terrible experiences. All my Toyota's just keep going and going with minimum maintenance. I don't see cars as a status symbol so reliable and fairly priced are the most important things to me.
marvinfuture@reddit
Yeah all those law enforcement agencies that issue them just are "fan boys" /s
LoudChocolate6290@reddit
what do other guns do that glock doesnt? Are police forces and military branches fanboys too? cuz they been successfully using Glocks for years and im pretty sure those are pretty much the only folks who get the chance to use their gun for its intended purpose.
SirEagle60@reddit
What does Glock do that other guns don't?
BearE1ite@reddit
I like recommending Glock for 3 reasons: easy to dissemble and maintain, plentiful aftermarket parts, and good reliability even when dirty.
seattleforge@reddit
Everyone else has caught up and then some. You should get out more.
Grover_magi@reddit
m&p is the same if not better in all those categories and yet it’s cheaper, optic ready, and has better ergo 🤷♂️
BearE1ite@reddit
Since they released the Shield Plus X with a rail, I now agree with you. Previously I liked the ergonomics and feel of the Shield Plus but no rail made me sad cause I like lights.
seattleforge@reddit
Being a Gen-X gentleman I am contrary (detest Glock and Toyota) and I absolutely howled at your response and agree. Every time I see one of these "first gun" posts I know the Glock boys get hard.
marvinfuture@reddit
If it's for combo carry/home defense then I'd agree but if it's dedicated home defense the 17 is probably better to go with. Just about every new shooter can control a 17 a lot better
GarageExisting9522@reddit
Depending on your location, I would fly to Texas to purchase a FNSiglock in .27 caliber (still more powerful than the .33 you mentioned).
To ensure that you are one of the first people off of the plane, make sure when you board to call out so you get a front seat, “I got shotgun!!” And you will be escorted accordingly.
InternetBot9@reddit
This is how the machines in The Animatrix got their knowledge of firearms.
BlindMan404@reddit
33 what?
InternetBot9@reddit
.33 Gun, obviously
Maximum_Dweeb4473@reddit
fkthisjob14@reddit
Yeah, I wouldn't recommend anything less than a .49
REMINGTONMODEL81912@reddit
What about a .69 or is that too powerful?
RandoAtReddit@reddit
6/7.
TemperReformanda@reddit
Everyone's first gun should be a shotgun. I recommend a 12 barrel double gauge for home defense.
2Drogdar2Furious@reddit
Best brand is Saw'dOff... or so my grandpa said.
WillMoonKnives@reddit
One of them there .420 shotguns
REMINGTONMODEL81912@reddit
I hear the .34s are pretty nice this time of year.
slk28850@reddit
I've never heard of a .33. Do you mean .38 special or .357 magnum?
https://youtu.be/n0m0SfTCBhA
Struck_Primer@reddit
What’s your budget? What state do you live in (gun laws can be a nuisance as to what you can get)
Easy answer- 9mm and 38+P is perfect for most people
If you wear heavier clothing and want capacity: Glock 19 or M&P 2.0, 15+ rnds of 9mm and a thicker grip for recoil compensation makes shooting easy
A slimmer and more concealed carry friendly option: Glock 43/48, 10+ rnds of 9mm at an 1” thick is solid
A ultra reliable and super concealable option for capacity “conscious” states: Ruger LCR literally less than 13oz and you get 5 shots of 38+p, pretty much all most people need (Very simple-point and squeeze)
5150dmack@reddit
First, go to gun store. Then, talk with employees about which guns they prefer for first time owners and honestly which guns they prefer in general. Then hold a few different makes and models getting an idea of the weight, size and, feel in your hands. Remember comfort is important. Then, if gun store is connected to gun range ask about rentals and put a few rounds through them to gauge recoil response and how it feels in your hands in action. If gun store doesn't have range then make list of guns and research local ranges and contact about rental policies. Glock, smith and wesson, heckler and koch(h&k), beretta are all your basic do all for handguns. If you are looking into rifles or shotguns pretty much follow previous advice. Remember just because one person loves a certain brand of firearm doesn't mean you will or have to. Also, be sure to have an idea of how much you wish to spend. Good luck
ddurrett896@reddit
Grab a can of pepper spray that’s easy to carry. That will cover 99.9999% of real situations.
TerrificVixen5693@reddit
I would start with a .75 cal.
Broke_Bak_Jak@reddit
This isn’t something I say often, or lightly, but I get the impression that you probably shouldn’t have access to a firearm.
SirEagle60@reddit
When buying a handgun go to a reputable firearms dealer and look at what all is offered, then hold them to see what feels good and fit your hand. If you go to a Range USA store, they actually have indoor firing ranges and a selection of handguns that you can rent in shoot before purchasing.
BlindMan404@reddit
5 months ago you were posting about harming yourself Now is probably not the time to get a gun.
willsueforfood@reddit
Second this. As much as I support anyone who wants to get into the hobby, if you wouldn't trust yourself to dangle your legs off a cliff face, you shouldn't make access to self annihilation easy.
hindsighthaiku@reddit
ok so first, spend a couple weeks just... researching. and if you stumble on a video that's starts off with a product placement or "like and subscribe", try another.
and expect to do some training. and in your case definitely invest some time in learning about de-escalation.
lizardman400@reddit (OP)
Yes of course, it would be for emergencies only, such as home invasion, I hope to never have to use it lol
Palehorse67@reddit
If you don't plan on shooting it and you just plan on buying it and throwing it in a drawer or safe, then you might as well not have it. If you don't learn how to shoot it and practice with it, you will panic when the time comes and fail.
Edwardteech@reddit
Failing to train is training for failure.
If you have never worked that gun when you need it you wont know how to use it when pressure is on.
alltheblues@reddit
The guns: Glock 19 or 17, Smith and Wesson M&P 2.0, Walther PDP, CZ P10, HK VP9, Springfield Echelon.
Standard gamut of striker fired duty guns will be reliable and shootable without costing too much. They are all available in full size and compact (same base gun, but shorter barrel, slide, and grip). The full size guns shoot softer and hold more ammunition but are pretty big to carry unless you are dedicated. The compact guns are much easier to carry, especially concealed, but the trade off is a bit more recoil and less ammo capacity. Most of these guns will not be available with a manual safety (they do have automatic and internal safety mechanisms). A proper holster will protect the trigger and function like a safety, stopping the trigger from being pulled.
They are all 9mm. 9mm with good defense hollow points like Federal HST is very good for defense against human opponents, plus FMJ 9mm ammo is cheap to practice with. Also, it is a lower recoiling caliber with more rounds in the same size gun. Almost all military and police worldwide use 9mm, even special ops units, so it’s a proven and tested choice.
You will need a good, name brand kydex holster. Before you buy a holster, consider if you want a light and optic on your gun, because the holster will be specific to your combo. Streamlights are very good lights, and for optics, Holosun is the reasonably priced king.
If you’ve never shot, take a beginner class, go with a friends who is experienced, or call the range ahead of time and ask if they can send someone out with you if you rent a few guns. Once you become basically familiar, go try all those pistols. Best is if you can rent and shoot them, but if not, even holding them and dry firing in the store will help you decide which one to buy.
Train often. Dry fire every day for a few minutes if you can. Live fire at the range every week. This is a perishable skill. There are plenty of YouTube videos on how to dry fire, train, do drills, etc.
GetGoatedYourself@reddit
Pick your budget, to include ammo prices.
Research your local laws, yes believe it or not they vary from place to place.
Then go to local stores, lots of them, see how they feel in your hand, can you rack the slide easy enough?
Then do more research on the reliability, longevity and history of those particular firearms.
Then practice with it, practice regularly. Then when you've think you've practiced enough, go back to the range and practice some more.
Then at home, unload the firearm, to include removing the mag and the one in the chamber, and practice accessing to it from bed in an emergency, 1000 times, Then practice accessing it from different parts of your home 1000 times.
MySpirtAnimalIsADuck@reddit
Smith and Wesson millennium g2 9mm. Affordable, small and easy to carry
BaronvonBrick@reddit
Even if you are trolling us glock 19 2k rounds and a fundamentals course
curiozities@reddit
S&W Shield plus in 9mm. Reliable as a Glock but more ergonomic, smoother handling less recoil.
BrzysWRLD1996@reddit
If recommended a 9mm with a dual sided magazine.
Glock, Baretta and Sig Saurer all have plenty of good options in a large range of pricing.
NumerousFootball@reddit
You might want to consider a snub nosed revolver - small & discreet, very reliable, easier to use & maintain. A revolver in .32, .22 wmr, even a .22 are all very effective.
Vachic09@reddit
Research pricing in your area. Then, go to a gun show. It's a good place to figure out what has a good feel in your hand and you will have people who can help you dial down what is right for you based on your specific needs.
Darksept@reddit
Do you homework. Lots of videos on safety. I'm not trying to sound patronizing, but this is the sorta thing you need to take very seriously. Follow safety rules like that are the laws of nature. And practice at the range regularly. You're a bigger threat to yourself and your future if you don't commit to doing this the right way. I know I sound pretty preachy right now but I've been in your shoes. I remember being your age and thinking I was handling things when really, I was irresponsible. I'm just sayin, do your research. I'm talkin 5+ hours on YouTube of all beginner videos, before you even rent your first gun at the range.
Noneed4cavalry@reddit
For ease of maintenance glock 19 is great though I'd go with a 43x. If you want something a bit nicer that is roughly the same price(when you shop around a bit) cz 75 d pcr. If you want something capable but are super new to shooting, psa 5.7 rock.
Glock: everyone has a glock. They have them because they are really solid guns. They suck just enough not to be great but are very reliable and have loads of accessories available. The 43x is very compact and you'll likely carry it more than a 19 when you get to that point.
Cz pcr: I genuinely think this is one of the best handguns ever made. Reliable, intuitive, and it comfortable. It shoots like a dream and just gets better as you break it in.
Psa 5.7 rock: 22(?) rounds of very flat shooting low recoil ammo. Lethality is questionable, but I wouldn't want 22 ant bites and this would be worse than ants for sure. The reduced recoil is nice when learning to shoot and can help get past some early shooter hangup.
Idk what your history is, so I'd highly recommend an in depth safety class and at least monthly range days for probably a year or so before you rely on a gun for protection.
MCX6_@reddit
I always recommend smith&wesson m&p, glock, or ruger. Any of these won't fail you and are my favorite ones. They all have great customer support too if you're having any problems.
lizardman400@reddit (OP)
I live in Texas bro open carry right?
ReverendReed@reddit
Open carry is great if you're in rural, or wildlife areas.
In urban or suburban contexts, the risks outweigh the rewards. I strongly advise conceal carry if you're going to be around people.
Other people don't need to know you're carrying. I think it's a tactical advantage if other people don't know.
That being said, go to a range and try out a bunch of rental 9mm guns.
I shoot Glocks well naturally. I took a friend shooting recently, and she was pretty scattered with a Sig and Glock. I put a Smith in her hand, and she was dead on instantly.
I'm of the opinion that guns are like a "sorting hat" from Harry Potter. Everyone is going to have one gun they shoot naturally well.
Try a Glock 19/43X, M&P, SP-01, M9/92FS, P365/XL/XLMNOP, etc etc.
lizardman400@reddit (OP)
Great comment thank yout so much, I would definitely conceal it as I dont Qantas anyone to know i have a gun
Thunderbizzle22@reddit
Texas is a constitutional carry state so you can open carry or concealed carry but for a new firearm owner id highly recommend taking an LTC class if you plan to carry it, open carry shows everyone you have a gun and can make you target #1 or someone even just taking it from you if youre not hyper vigilant about it in certain situations seen way too many videos of the latter happening
lizardman400@reddit (OP)
I will look into those classes thank you very much
lizardman400@reddit (OP)
That makes sense, im not one to show off my guns so I dont think id walk around with it in a holster for all to see
LoboLocoCW@reddit
Very little information has been given, like what country, state, budget, etc. That being said, Glock pistols in 9x19mm are very popular choices for being a good combination of quality and affordability. There are some cheaper pistols, but they're not necessarily "good beginner guns", compared to just getting a .22 conversion slide for a Glock instead.
Ultrasuperbro2@reddit
I second Glock. Practice a lot. Get lessons. 9mm is best for new shooters. Cheap cost, boring reliability.