Hi
I am buying my first handgun
I am looking to do some recreational shooting and concealed carry.
I have 2 models that I am leaning towards the S&W MP shield
9 mm and the latest Ruger 9mm. Both have great reviews and great reputations. Looking for some input

Thank you
Ed

You say this would be your first handgun purchase, but how much experience do you have with a handgun? If the answer is some variation of "not much", I'd recommend something larger, preferably full size. Learning to shoot well with a handgun takes practice, and the little concealable ones can be difficult even for experienced shooters to shoot well. Trying to start off with one can be an exercise in frustration and cause you to develop poor shooting habits that will be hard to break.

That said, you can't really go wrong with either. I'd recommend borrowing or renting both and seeing which you like better.

Which model is "the latest Ruger"?

Is this going to be your only gun? If so the Shield will suffice, but as Dave says, it might be easier to practice with something bigger e.g. a full size M&P (or even the M&P Compact). I like a .22 as a first gun but if you don't plan on buying any others then yes get a 9mm.

Also how do you plan on carrying concealed? Depending on your wardrobe and social circumstances the Shield might be difficult to conceal or you might be able to conceal a larger firearm easily.

I have the Shield and it's a great gun. One I would give definite consideration to is the Walther PPS. For me it has a better trigger than the Shield and just shades it.

If you're not already a pistolero, I recommend also acquiring a 22 and learn to shoot on it. The recoil and noise a far less and 22 ammo, even now, is a lot cheaper than 9mm.

Hello,

Since you're new, here are few general truths about handguns, pistols or revolvers.

1. Perceived recoil is the combination of the caliber of the round, the mass of the handgun, and the total area of the contact patch between the hand and the handgun. In general, perceived recoil and pistol size are inversely proportionate. The bigger the gun, the less perceived recoil. The smaller the gun, the more perceived recoil.

2. A handgun provides one and sometimes two points of contact. Because of this, it presents aiming and trigger challenges. One of factors that comes into play is the distance between the rear sight and front sight, also known as sight radius. The length of the sight radius is inversely proportionate to the ease of aiming. The longer the sight radius, the easier it is to aim and achieve precision and accuracy as distance to target increases. The shorter the sight radius, the more challenging it is to aim and achieve precision and accuracy as distance to target increases.

3. Properly learning basic handgun marksmanship techniques and earning the skill to shoot any handgun, regardless of trigger, requires both time and purposeful intentional practice. Practice takes ammo. Ammo can be expensive.

4. The larger the caliber for a given size handgun, in general, the greater the energy, hence the greater perceived recoil. For new firearms enthusiasts experiencing recoil, the amount of recoil can actually hinder the development of basic handgun marksmanship techniques. New firearms enthusiasts develop a flinch, push, heel, poor trigger control which they then practice over and over, ingraining bad technique into habit. Habituated bad techniques take longer to unlearn and retrain than having learned the correct basics the first time.

Given these 4 general truths, this is why you are receiving the advice you have so far.

You might be better served by buying a full size pistol. The sight radius is longer, it has more overall mass, and the contact patch between your hand and the handgun's grip is increased. This combination makes for an overall more enjoyable shooting experience and learning experience. As a new firearms enthusiast, we want you to have a positive experience so that you continue in your firearms enthusiasm.

The suggestion for a .22lr, full size, semi-auto handgun comes from all the advantages above, but includes greatly reduced perceived recoil and decreased ammunition cost. Greatly reduced recoil allow you to focus on the basics of grip, stance, sight picture, trigger press. The relative affordability of .22lr ammunition allows you to have more trigger time. After you've learned and ingrained good handgun basic marksmanship fundamentals, move up to a center fire cartridge to learn recoil mitigation techniques. Good .22lr semi-auto pistols: S&W Victory, Ruger MK4, Browning Buckmark.

Welcome aboard, and I wish you all the best in your firearms enthusiast progression.

__________________
-John

Of the two I would get the Shield.

Better yet. Go to a range and rent some guns first.

__________________
Life Is A Gift. Defend it!

Go look at a Glock 26. It will be a bit more enjoyable to shoot for recreation than the shield. Still carries concealed easily and more rounds. You can also carry a g19 or g17 spare mag for more rounds.

My response will not be headed but I believe the first handgun should be a 22 rim fire. My first handgun that I bought when I was 14 using my school lunch money, was a Ruger 22 auto. I then graduated to a pre war Colt Woodsman that has been with me from the Mexican border to Alaska. I used this when I was escorting elk and deer hunters and it has been used about 100 times to finish off such beasts. Never underestimate the killing power of a 22 or over estimate the killing power of any handgun cartridge. I shot several head of big game with varying big bore cartridges with minimal success. Knock down is a myth in most cases. Hit the spine they go down, hit the head they go down most but not all of the time. Anywhere else they have to bleed out. The great Joe Coogan, a PH in Africa used a 22 handgun for years in Africa. Alaskan settlers carried 22 handguns most of the time along with their big game rifles. A 22 will allow the use of cheap lightweight ammo, produce little recoil or noise, all great teaching aids. Earnest Hemmingway was quoted" Give me a Woodsman loaded with 10 rounds, put the heavyweight boxing champion of the world in the corner of the ring, and I will have him dead before he reaches me.

Well, I'm biased, but I would go with the Shield. Second choice, Ruger LC9s Pro. And maybe look at the Glock 43 too.

Got my first ever gun last May, a full size M&P 9mm. I love shooting it at the range and try to go twice a month. In November I got my 9mm Shield; a"comfortable" carry weapon. Just my 2 cents.

IDK your handgun experience, if little to none, jumping right in to a 9mm & CC would be a poor idea IMO. The cost of ammo alone to become proficient with a sub/compact 9mm could easily be higher than the cost of a "decent" 22lr to learn on, then get your CC piece when ready. With some judicious shopping a quality 22 lr would not only be a great teacher/trainer, but IF sold you might even make a few bucks to put towards your CC piece.

Thank you everyone for the input , I will do a little more research and continue to use the information from your posts

It depends on individual priorities and needs/wants. Presuming you are looking for only one range/home defense gun, a good choice might be a 1911 style .45 ACP, a Beretta 92FS or a Browning Hi-Power with a .22 LR conversion kit. Easy to change out for different rounds and a 1911 or HP make for a decent concealed carry gun too.

__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

I recommend a 22 or 38 special revolver as a first handgun for inexperienced shooters because: 1)Semiautomatic handguns are not rocket science but there is a learning curve on getting them to cycle properly, I have seen many prospective shooters give up or become very frustrated because they thought their semiautomatic handgun was "broken" because they did not know how to hold it to properly cycle it; 2)Safety ion oi off issues also can cause frustration, 3)magazines can be more complex to load and properly chamber than revolver chambers.

A handgun, especially a handgun for concealed carry is a very personal item. No one can pick it out for you. If you ask any reasonably experienced shooter, you will find the gun they currently carry is not the first one they bought (or possibly not the 2nd or 3rd). The best thing you can do is visit a range that has rental guns, and try several you are interested in and actually shoot them. 2nd; get some training. Sign up for a basic marksmanship class. Then later your concealed carry class.

Committing to carrying a handgun for defense is a very big commitment and responsibility. Most importantly not just how to shoot but when and under what circumstances to pull your weapon.

__________________
H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

I re-read the original post. Eddy50 wants his 1st gun. Sounds like he needs a good all round first handgun that can be used for range, home defense, and carry. Most likely it would be beneficial if the pistol was simple. Can't go full size because it's not conducive to concealment. Can't go too small because small guns & new shooters equal a bad time.

IMO, that puts the OP square in the compact size, polymer framed, pre-cocked or partially cocked striker fired pistol. Glock 19 Gen4, XD Mod2 4" Service, Sig P320 Compact, Walther PPQ M2, etc.

__________________
-John

If he gets a Glock 19, I suggest he get an Advantage Arms 22 conversion kit for it. Better to train on a 22, and that ammo is a lot cheaper than 9mm. i have one on a Glock 19 and really like it; it gets more trigger time than my 9mm Glock.

I suggest going to a store with an indoor range that rents various types/brands of pistols. That way you'll have a better idea what suits you best!

I am yet another in the "get a .22 first" club; I believe the basics like form, grip, consistency, etc are easier and cheaper to train on those over jumping right to a 9mm or other higher caliber.
Ammo for .22 is available and at least 1/2 the cost for 9mm; so running enough ammo for practicing/training should not be much of a concern. After all, if one cant take the time to really practice, being competent to carry can be more difficult. Another small benefit is .22 rimfire ammo can and will have the occasional issue (failure to fire or eject) requiring the user to deal with and fix it. Just another aspect to get a little practice with.

My first and main .22 is a Buckmark and I'd easily recommend one of those. I also have a S&W compact .22 which has been a great little gun; for the OP that may be an option as it is very similar in size to the Shield allowing for one to get comfortable with its size and feel. Perhaps the transition to 9mm then may be a tad easier.

Only 2 weeks late!

While I generally agree with JaPes im not big on 22lr. Training with one you would still have to train with the other. That's 2 guns, and 2 calibers to stock which is more expensive than just one. Then there is still the difference in recoil. I believe in buying what you want to use/carry and train with it.

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

Fully agree with this. When I started training I started with .45acp....nothing like jumping right in. I did just fine because it was a big heavy 4506. That being said, for a first gun I see absolutely nothing wrong with one of todays 9mm guns, like the Shield. The recoil on that gun is very manageable and as Arik said you are going to have to train with a larger caliber eventually anyway so just start with it. Another solid starting option might be the S&W M&P9C which is a little larger than the Shield.

__________________
Still carrying my S&W 642

Wow=lot's of information. Well, I've been shooting handguns for over 50 years, so I'll through in my 2 cents worth with a little explanation:

1. STAY AWAY FROM STRIKER FIRED HANDGUNS until you are fully comfortable shooting! No safeties except for the trigger. Don't get me wrong==I EDC a Glock 27 converted to 357 Sig and a G22 sits in my nightstand. Wife EDC's a G43 and another is in her nightstand. One exception is the Taurus Millenium. Has a manual safety and a reset trigger for dry fire. The earlier one had some problems but the G2 earns high marks. My wife had one then graduated to the Glock. Cost in inexpensive,so you're not out much when you move on.

2. I second STRONGLY have a 22=if not as a first pistol, then as a training aid. It is important that both guns use similar manuals of arms. Again, other options are to have (1) interchangeable barrels or (2) duplicate guns. One suggestion there is the BERSA Thunder line. You can get a center fire AND a 22 for under $600, if you look.
3. Practice and experimentation CANNOT be over emphasized! Before you buy, get some friends who shoot and go to the range to try different things out==spend six month or even a year deciding.

Conversely, I have seen many people shy away from shooting because of the flash, noise, and jump. Rarely is recoil painful (I have arthritis and regularly shoot a 454==it does hurt on occasion).

if the new ruger you are referring to is the American, I would lean toward it, while I have not shot the new shorter version of the American, the service size gun is a reliable and accurate firearm.

set your sights out a little farther and you will find that the sig 938and the Kimber micro 9's are very good weapons easily concealed but accurate at the range.

in all honesty I have not bough any Smith auto since I had a bad experience with a M&P 40c, but I have a 3913ls that has been a great gun

also as a first gun I would not rule out a revolver reliable, accurate and been getting the job done for 200 years

Don't buy either yet - take the money and go find a reputable training course. Hopefully there are some in your area. They don't have to be the "you're now a special forces commando" course - hopefully they aren't in fact. It needs to be a basic firearms course, lasting a few days, where you get some quality trigger time in firearms marksmanship, safety and carry methods. Many instructors even provide rental guns (glocks/M&Ps) to get through the class for those without their own. Then, after building that knowledge base, you will be far better equipped to decide on what first pistol is right for you. You'll also be light years ahead, more informed and more confident than most who take that first leap.

Most would recommend a .22 for a first handgun, including me but for self defense I would recommend a DA S&W .38 revolver. If the person really wants a semi-auto I would recommend something that has a thumb safety.

First handgun? .22 as noted by many others, then followed by a revolver starting with .38/.357 starting with .38 specials and if so desired moving on up to .357's in the same gun.

This advice came to me many years ago by way of a Va. State Trooper who was their pistol coach and shot on their competition team. He had also been a US Army sniper and shooting instructor. In short he knew his stuff....his advice has served me well.

My first handgun was a Series 70 Colt in .45acp.

Of course I'd done a LOT of shooting previously with my college's S&W Model 41s.

If you've never shot a handgun before, or at a minimal level, and you want something capable of serious self-defense, I'd recommend a full size .38 or .357 magnum revolver with adjustable sights. That allows you to start out with loads barely powerful enough to get the bullet out of the barrel, and eventually move up to serious self-defense loads.

this is worth a read
http://www.luckygunner.com/lounge/used-sw-semi-autos/

I agree getting a FS to learn the basics before getting a subcompact. I'm not a big fan of .22 handguns. I think a S&W 3906 or 5906 w/ adjustable sights would be great. After that, M&P 9, Glock 17, 1911, Sig P220, etc., etc.

Buy used, you can get great deals. However, take someone that is familiar with handguns to the store with you and let them inspect the used firearms, until you learn what to look for.

__________________
an actual conservative