First Pistol Opinions

[smrken]

Hello. I am looking into buying my first handgun and I'm debating between the M&P 22 and 9, perhaps even the 45.

My main uses are target shooting, but will also be bringing it along with me to go hunting and outdoor activities like hiking.

Here is the dilemma. Since 22 ammo is impossible to find, and we have no idea when it will come back, am I better off getting a 9 since I can still obtain this ammo?

A 45 is even easier to get but is obviously not very economical for plinking. Just don't want my gun sitting around collecting dust because I have nothing to shoot with.

Thanks in advance

 

[Brucenterry]

If you can rent a 9 and 45 first, I'd recommend shooting each first to make sure the 45 recoil isn't too much for you (as a new shooter). If the main funtion is target shooting, the 9 will suit you better.

Good Luck.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Old school answer is- first gun should be a 22. They are easy to shoot, accurate, cheap ammo??, no recoil.
Recoil can be a problem for beginning shooters. And even for us long time experienced shooters, 22's are a lot of fun to shoot.

 

[scooter89]

My personal recommendation for someones first centerfire pistol is generally a full size 9mm. It allows for more economical practice, training, and just plinking. The recoil is pretty soft and will make it more enjoyable to shoot. Thats just my personal opinion.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

 

[.455Eley]

If your into autos get a service size 9mm, Browning Hi Power is the best for my money, followed by FNP for a plastic fantastic but the M&P is a nice pistol too. But my personal recommendation would be for a 4 inch Model 19 or 15. Relatively inexpensive, for now at least, and .38s don't have much in the way of recoil either.

 

[Sleepy217]

I agree that first pistol should be a 22

 

[ColbyBruce]

Welcome to the forum.

You do not mention where you live, or what kind of country you hike. Your state of residence might restrict some firearms, a heavy handgun seems to weigh more to me here in the mountains than it does walking on a beach. Those factors may or may not concern you.

Not what you asked about, but a 3"-4" barrel, medium frame, adjustable sight, stainless steel .357 magnum revolver is about the most versatile handgun a person can own, especially if they can only own one at that time. This type handgun can fit most any hand simply by changing the stocks. It can be carried concealed easily with the right choice of stocks and holster. A wide variety of ammo makes the gun capable of handling snakes, paper targets, medium size thin skinned game animals, and self defense needs.

My only long term experience with the M&P series is with a 9mm Shield. It is thinner and lighter than your choices. I have fired a few boxes of ammo through a friend's M&Pc .357 Sig and liked it too. I think you would be pleased with any of this series but agree with renting and shooting the guns you are interested in before you purchase one.

 

[snubbyfan]

How about a revolver? A K frame with a 4 inch barrel. Maybe stainless for easier care.

 

[Arik]

I believe you should learn on what you carry (if you carry). So i would skip the 22 and go directly to 9 or 45 ( only because you mentioned those particular ones).

Hi power is nice if you like to do your own maintenance and parts fitting. They are not plug and play. They have a different manual of arms to remember.

Nothing wrong with a revolver. Price of ammo will be closer to a 45acp.

Modern 9mm demi auto will probably be your best bet all around. Price of gun, ammo, parts, ease of use, easy learn

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

 

[427mach1]

I agree with those who have suggested renting one of each candidate handgun to see how it shoots and more importantly, how well you shoot it. Choosing a gun is a very personal thing and everyone has their favorites; what works for me will not necessarily work for you. You are making a purchase that should last you the rest of your life and this more important of a decision than you might realize. That being said, the M&P 9 is a fine pistol and it should be on your rental list.

 

[smrken]

Wow, thanks for all your responses that was very helpful, and it seems the general consensus is to rent.

ColbyBruce--I am in NY, and I had to apply for a special restricted permit for target shooting, hiking and hunting. Full carry is virtually impossible in my county (Westchester).

 

[Ranger17]

i basically started 1.5yrs ago (at age 50) with a .22 as my 1st pistol; wanted something for range fun/plinking while learning the basics and gaining confidence/accuracy. Recently I picked up a 9c which for me I view as the next step. It worked best for me to use the .22 as a solid beginner piece; doesnt mean of course that's what others have to follow.
And honestly when i hit the range now, i may only go thru 50+ rounds in the 9 but will run 200+ in the .22 as that's still the cheapest to shoot.

 

[Quitshootinyoungbucks]

.22LR can still be had for less than 9mm shells; when you find it available, just order a bunch. Learning and practicing with the .22 will give you an idea of what you might like or not like when you decide on a larger gun. .22s are popular and if you decide to sell/trade it you would likely get your money out of it.

 

[timn8er]

How about a revolver? A K frame with a 4 inch barrel. Maybe stainless for easier care.

I caught you Snubby! Sneaking into the M&P forum to try & get some people to go over to the dark side!


To the OP, 9mm would be a good starting point, & will serve you well as a carry caliber also. I prefer 40 myself, but 9mm is good. Of course, 45 ACP is excellent!

 

[kozmic]

smrken...NYS is full of rules for hunting with a handgun (even carrying while hunting bow or muzzleloader, etc). You need to know the regulations before you head out.

If you're primarily looking to plink at the range then a semi-auto .22 is a great place to start. Ammo is out there if you look hard enough and still relatively cheap. The M&P 22 and the Ruger SR22 are great for the beginning shooter.

I love 9mm. They are a riot at the range and still somewhat cheap to shoot. There are a ton of them out there to choose from and you can get into a solid performing 9mm for under 500 bucks. 9mm is a great personal defense load. In can be used to hunt if the gun meets the state's criteria. If you want to get into a centerfire handgun, 9mm would be a perfect first choice.

I would pass on the .45acp at this point. If you want a bigger bore for hunting then look at a .357 revolver. It will most likely recoil more than the .45, but you can shoot .38 specials through it at the range. It is a better hunting choice than the .45.

Obviously, if you can find a range that will rent you various pieces, it is always advantageous to "try before you buy".

If you find yourself on the other end of the state PM me, I'd be happy to take you to my range and try out some of my guns. I might have one of two of the above calibers to shoot!

Welcome to the forum and good luck!

 

[tat2dchad]

I also bought my first gun recently. I was S&W M&P 40FS, Glock 19 and Ruger SR9c.

The M&P won and here is why.... I bought the 40 because a lot of people lived it, watched every vidoe on you tube. I could buy a 9mm barrel and magazine and I had another gun. It felt the best in my hand. Its a good shooting gun.

Now 3 months later I have all of them and the S&W SDVE. I shoot the Ruver the best and great trigger. The Glock is a Glock and does everything ya want a gun to do. The M&P 40 is the glock with a prettier face. The 9mm conversion is a blast to shoot. The 40 barrel is fun and its more of a mans gunn makes ya feel all badass.

Id say the SDVE S&W in any caliber is a great start ...a good gun and avery affordable price. If ya like it.. its a good gun to have and wasnt a break the bank purchase. And if ya dont like it again...nota huge finacial burden and you will mostnlikely be able to sell it quick and for most of what ya spent.

Im not a fan of the .22 just because the difference from .22 to 9mm .40 .45 etc is massive. Its like a pelett gun to a full blown hunting riffle.

9mm is gonna be the cheapest to shoot. They all having stopping power and canbbe counted on to stop a threat. The .22 will only make it more upset.

My 2 cents. Some will agree some wont. End of the day hooefully it helped you out is some way shape or form

 

[tat2dchad]

And... price wise
1.the Sd $3-350.00
2.RugerSR9...$4-450
3.M&P... $450-550
4. The Glock right aound $600

S&W 's have icky triggers but can be improved rather aesily with any of the Apex kits. But as a new shooter its not a huge deal just because ya have nothing else to compare it to. And both S&W being full size are the hardest to carry concelled.

 

[ma deuce]

If your into autos get a service size 9mm, Browning Hi Power is the best for my money, followed by FNP for a plastic fantastic but the M&P is a nice pistol too. But my personal recommendation would be for a 4 inch Model 19 or 15. Relatively inexpensive, for now at least, and .38s don't have much in the way of recoil either.

I was going to suggest a medium frame .38 also. I'm right there with you in recommending the HP as the preferred 9mm, but it's a big investment for a first gun.

 

[Houdini1953]

This is just subjective opinion, but for carry and stopping power also for low recoil the 9mm pistol is the perfect solution as far as low price and accuracy then you get what you pay for. The M&P9 is an excellent first purchase based on the above.

The customer service what little was used and only after Smith and Wesson asked me to return my weapon to them was excellent. Also It cost me nothing they paid all shipping costs to them and back to me.

This is just a opinion from an old shooter that carries a full size 40 M&P everyday but also owns three 9mm's!

 

[srderb]

I agree with most of what was said above. I think it is a world of difference going from a 22 to a 9 or .40. IMHO they are at crossed purposes. If you want a cheap gun to learn on and plink at the range then go with the 22. If you want something to carry for protection go with the larger...22 would be worthless. If you truly want it for both then I would suggest the 9mm. Still can get expensive at the range if you shoot alot. The only thing I disagree with above is to start with a 22 if you've never shot. If you learn the fundamentals you'll be fine starting with a larger calibre. I think better to advise you to learn and train on what your going to carry.