Recommended Caliber for First Handgun

[THE PILGRIM]

Get a 22. I have seen folks of all sizes and ages who never warmed up to shooting handguns because they were started with too large a handgun.
The noise, blast and recoil is just too much!
So buy or better yet rent or borrow a 22 and shoot away.
When you get comfortable and confident with the 22, then move up.
Good luck and have fun!
Recreational shooting is supposed to be fun!

 

[Sconnie]

You answered your own question, you shot the 45 well and you liked it!

Couldn't agree more. Get the one YOU like and if that is the 45 now then that is the one. Later if you feel like it is too expensive to shoot a lot or are curious about a lighter caliber then check those out at that point. I am a big fan of revolvers so I can't speak from any experience on what you are looking at. But I do know, if you really like the 45 M&P and you "settle" on something else you will continue to drool uncontrollably when you see one in a glass case.

For me a 22 caliber Model 17 is by far my favorite gun to just shoot but this ain't about me.

 

[PapaBear9x19]

You've been given some insight into a whole bunch of stuff you didn't ask about, and some you did...gun forums...sigh. None of it is terrible information, just a little off the subject.

Unless you have arthritis or something, either one will be fine. If it will be a while before you are able to get another pistol, and you won't be reloading, I would suggest the 9mm and some serious training with reputable instructors.

Buy first gun. Get the basics down. Get some advanced training. Buy more guns and better equipment that fit your lifestyle.

That's the order everyone should follow. Takes discipline though.

 

[Rastoff]

Buy first gun. Get the basics down. Get some advanced training. Buy more guns and better equipment that fit your lifestyle.

That's the order everyone should follow. Takes discipline though.

This is the order most follow, but I think it should be different. I think it makes more sense to:
Get basic training on handguns.
Buy gun based on what you learn.
Get some advanced training.
Buy more...

This way the first purchase is much more likely to be a good one for the first timers. However, very few follow this path.

 

[Doug M.]

Generally, the smart money is on starting with a .22. Pleasant to shoot, relatively cheap, even now (assuming you can find ammo), not as likely to help create bad habits. That MAY vary by what you can afford, your ability to get good training, etc. But ...

If you are going to get ONE pistol, there is a modest argument for what bikendan advocates, a .40, but ONLY for the reason he suggests. The ability to convert calibers easily in one platform MIGHT be worthwhile if you stock up on ammo and are willing to put up with the logistical pain in the backside. The problem that presents is the cost of 3 different calibers of both practice and carry ammo, and completely function testing each combination with 500 rounds of carry ammo. For that kind of money you could buy 2 9m M&Ps and a metric butt ton of ammo. .357Sig ammo, especially carry ammo, will likely make your eyes water when you price it.

Performance: There is no significant difference in performance among the major service ammo calibers with ammo that meets the standard. I've posted a link to the best advice out there before, but it is Service Caliber Handgun Duty and Self-Defense Ammo.Therefore, the answer is to buy what is cheap and plentiful as long as it is of good quality. Typically, 9mm training and duty ammo will be much less expensive than any other caliber. It will also be easier to shoot well.

Buying ammo: Case lots of quality ammo. Period. You can find some that it is inexpensive, but don't go CHEAP. Buy once, cry once. I rarely buy less 1K rounds at a time of ANY round, because the volume savings are pretty good. If you buy junk, you will be frustrated eventually, although you might get better at malfunction drills.

Training: not optional. You have a great advantage from your location. A very good school (Home - Hardwired Tactical Shooting) run by some very well qualified experts with real BTDTs in training, actual OIS encounters, and investigations of shootings is right in the area. One of those men (and maybe both) is a member here. PM "nyeti" for info on what you can do to start and get into their classes. Let me put it this way: it's 2000 miles one way for me to their location, and I plan to attend classes there as I get time and money set aside from my new job.

The pistol itself: The M&P is a good platform, and I would not be bothered at all carrying one. I'm old and already invested in other platforms, so I stick with what I have. If I was carrying a .40 for some reason, I don't see anything that is better than an M&P. It may not be the best choice for you; the Glock, an H&K, or other quality platform may end up working better for you. Don't be afraid to try more platforms before you buy. When it comes to carry: good holsters and mag pouches are important; a good belt is vital.

 

[PapaBear9x19]

This is the order most follow, but I think it should be different. I think it makes more sense to:
Get basic training on handguns.
Buy gun based on what you learn.
Get some advanced training.
Buy more...

This way the first purchase is much more likely to be a good one for the first timers. However, very few follow this path.

Not a bad call. The issue here though is the definition of "basic." Basics to me are hard to master borrowing a gun. It takes some serious time to become proficient in basics handgun skills. Dry fire practice, draw stroke practice, etc. Hard to do if you don't have your own gun. Fighting pistols are ideal for this, regardless of which one you use first.

A class like first steps pistol and the like aren't going to expand knowledge enough to know what will work best for you. It takes time and experimentation.

My $.02

 

[Rastoff]

I agree PapaBear. No one will "master" the basics without their own gun. However, a loaner or rental can at least give you a clue which a first time buyer/shooter doesn't have. A basic class like First Steps or the NRA Basic Pistol course can go a long way toward preventing a first purchase mistake.

When I teach the Basic Pistol course, the students have an opportunity to handle and shoot single and double action revolvers, single and DA/SA semi-autos. This is in conjunction with learning how each works and is usually much more than they'll ever get at a store.

Alas, most won't realize the value of the training until after they've struggled through trying to use their new gun. It's not uncommon to see used guns being sold with less than a box of ammo through them. That can be largely avoided if they take a class first.

 

[PapaBear9x19]

I agree PapaBear. No one will "master" the basics without their own gun. However, a loaner or rental can at least give you a clue which a first time buyer/shooter doesn't have. A basic class like First Steps or the NRA Basic Pistol course can go a long way toward preventing a first purchase mistake.

When I teach the Basic Pistol course, the students have an opportunity to handle and shoot single and double action revolvers, single and DA/SA semi-autos. This is in conjunction with learning how each works and is usually much more than they'll ever get at a store.

Alas, most won't realize the value of the training until after they've struggled through trying to use their new gun. It's not uncommon to see used guns being sold with less than a box of ammo through them. That can be largely avoided if they take a class first.

I get what you're saying. Good insights.

 

[forrestinmathews]

Well if he sticks to the M&P he's straight either way. Now we are talking how much does he want to pay for ammo and training. Hopefully the trainer will not disappoint and the shooter will become highly proficient through the motivation received there in class and along the way. Really if he buys the m&p 9 he's got the forty with a barrel change and magazine change.

The 9mm is likely the best option, but the truth is in the LGS shelves and the Walmart shelves. Can you get 9 or 45? There you have it.

 

[PastureOfMuppets]

1. Take NRA basic pistol.

2. Get a ruger .22 pistol and get marksmanship skills above average (Becoming above average is easy, an hour just watching people at the local public range will show you that).

3. 9mm pistol. Ammunition is inexpensive so you can shoot more. Other than that, forget about calibre. Explore others later, just don't get hung on it. There is no other subject on the internet that breeds more nonsense.



You will have so much more fun and your improvement though training will be smoother when you move from basics to intermediate to expert in whatever road you want to go down in shooting... by getting this fundamentals nailed down early.

 

[Mountain Walker]

Sounds like you are already leaning toward the 45ACP. It costs $8 more per box and many don't shoot more than 10 boxes in a year. The 9mm is quite adequate for self defense loaded with proper ammo. I think the 45ACP will do even better and the yearly cost difference is not all that great when you start factoring all the other expenses of range fees, driving to and from and so forth.
Since you mention large hands, have you looked at the XD Service 45ACP, some with large hands really like the large grip. Owning both, I would say that I find the out of the box XD trigger much better . Also, I like the XD grip safety for holstering safety. Both are good pistols.

 

[DeathF.above]

My first m&p was the 45 c. I couldn't be happier with it.

 

[ironhead7544]

I generally recommend a 4 inch K or L frame for new people if you only want one handgun. You can start out with light loads and work up. Most people easily handle 38 Special wadcutter loads. Brass is easier to retain, also.

Since you have some experience with autoloaders, then that might be right for you. About the only way to afford to shoot a centerfire handgun these days is to reload. The 9mm is probably the best in this respect.

The 22lr would be good but ammo cost really is too high. When it comes back to normal, then you could get one for practice.

Pick the one that you can make good hits with.

 

[fbcmrjrtykr]

When I was in your position, I looked long and hard at 9mm or .40. In the end, I went with the .40 because I felt it would have a bit more stopping power. Since then I've acquired a 9mm Shield and it is my EDC. The .40 is my bedside gun. I've just gotten a Ruger LCR-x .38 special as a BUG. So the point I'm making is that caliber is not really that critical. What's important is to find a gun you can be comfortable with as you learn to handle it. You can expand from there. I will say that my 9mm has a bit less felt recoil than my .40 but the difference is negligible. Of course, felt recoil is all related to the size and design of the gun.


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[dlay]

I grew up shooting high standard 22s, still have them, they teach you how to shoot, then go to larger calibers, dont get too big too quick and develop bad habits like flinching, etc. A good 22 target pistol and a lot of practice will make a better shot out of you.

 

[TheFactor]

I grew up shooting high standard 22s, still have them, they teach you how to shoot, then go to larger calibers, dont get too big too quick and develop bad habits like flinching, etc. A good 22 target pistol and a lot of practice will make a better shot out of you.

Great advise !
But if he's not flinching now he'll probably be ok and maybe a 9mm would be a good choice since there pretty tame and user friendly .

 

[Marie13]

My first pistol was a Bersa .380, bought summer 2013. At the time, I could find .380 fairly easily at Walmart. 9mm didn't exist! It wasn't a mouse gun, about the same profile as a Shield. Recoil wasn't very bad. I got a 9mm Shield next.

I love my Shield and now also have a M&P 9FS.

I didn't get a .22 for my first handgun as ammo couldn't be found. It's still a problem finding it. Take the availability/cost of ammo into consideration. If ammo is too expensive, you won't practice. I can get 100 round WWB 9mm at Walmart for $26. The same amount of .380 was $44.

I've been teaching a number of people to shoot lately, mostly women. They shoot the pistols I own. I start them off on my 9FS, which they all like. Some don't like the recoil on the Shield, but it does give them the experience of what shooting a smaller carry gun is like. Some were started on my .380 before I sold it. They did fine.

Starting someone off on .380 or 9mm isn't ideal, but given the current .22 ammo scarcity, it's acceptable. You work with what you have.

 

[KJS]

FORGET ABOUT THE 9MM ! ! ! GET YOURSELF A RUGER 22/45, WHICH IS A WELL MADE .22LR SEMI-AUTO, THAT IS MODERATELY PRICED. THE FRAME OF THIS GUN MIMICS THE FRAME OF A FULL SIZE 1911 IN .45ACP. WHILE YOU ARE FAMILIARIZING YOURSELF WITH SHOOTING A SEMI-AUTO HANDGUN, HAVING A BLAST, AND HONING YOUR SKILLS, YOU WILL BE TRAINING FOR THE DAY WHEN YOU WILL STEP UP TO A FULL SIZE .45. THE RUGER IS A WONDERFUL GUN. IT WILL BE A LIFELONG INVESTMENT. I'VE HAD A MARK II (A PREDECESSOR, BUT ESSENTIALLY THE SAME GUN) WITH A RED DOT ON IT, FOR 40 YEARS. IT WILL STILL SHOOT COMPETITIVELY AGAINST ANY GUN ON THE LINE. HERE IS A LINK……..
Ruger® 22/45? Rimfire Pistols

A Ruger 22/45 won't teach you how to shoot a 1911 any better than any other .22 pistol could. At least if you go with the regular Ruger (with the steep Luger-style grip) you get all an-steel gun that actually weighs much closer to what a real 1911 does.

 

[KJS]

I'm hung up on getting a .45 but wanted some insight from experienced shooters before I take the final plunge and purchase my first handgun, its not something I'm taking lightly, and I want to make sure I make the right decision..
P.S. I'm headed to the range this sunday to test fire the M&P .45 and 9mm again...
Thanks for the help everyone..

Excellent choice. See what feels best to you and buy it. Normally folks would start out with 9mm. It would be quite unusual to start out with .45 given the level of recoil it has, but it's a very personal choice & if .45 is what you prefer, well, who's to argue with that. You should get what feels best to you even if it's not at all a typical first choice for a novice shooter.

 

[WYoung]

I've always shot 9mm and just got a 40 caliber. I was expecting mostly more straight back recoil but I got more noticeable muzzle flip. I don't find it a big deal but some may. 45s generally have more backward recoil but there are a lot of factors that make recoil and muzzle flip more noticeable like the size and weight of the gun.

One thing to keep in mind is there are so many different loadings for every caliber. A lighter bullet will be moving faster. This will usually cause more quick muzzle flip. A heavier bullet will be moving slower so there will usually be less muzzle flip and more backward recoil. I notice a difference in 145 grain and 200 grain 40 cal loadings. You have some hotter +P 9mm and 45 loadings.

Bottom line is it's up to whatever factors you feel better about but some people will shoot one gun and one loading for a caliber and say it's no good. Try any and all you can. Different strokes and all that.