Recommended Caliber for First Handgun

[Connor44]

Hello everyone, just wanted to update y'all on what has been happening.. Went to the local indoor range today and rented botht the .45 and 9mm Full Sizes and had a opportunity to shoot both of them today and get some instruction from the Range Officers on duty and have come to the conclusion and after talking with the Head Range Officer, that a 9mm will be the best fit for me as my first handgun caliber.
I found i tend to flinch when i squeeze the trigger, and the recoil on the 9mm made it easier to get my sights back on target. I cant thank everyone enough for the advice you all have given me and can't wait to let you all know when i do finally purchase my handgun.
In my heart, I was leaning more towards the .45 for the knockdown power and the thought of having a larger caliber, but in the end, if I cant shoot it properly with good technique and develop those good habits on a more manageable caliber that i can A. Shoot more for less B. Develop proper form and technique and C. Have alot of fun with, then i have zero business purchasing a firearm. Thats why i'm getting into shooting, is to have fun and for self defense. Y'all are the best, and cant wait to share my journey with everyone going forward.
Cheers and God Bless,
Connor

 

[S&WForty]

I am glad you made a decision and went straight to 9mm. I would have recommended going straight to 9 or 45. Practice makes perfect, so get the party started with the caliber you're going to depend on. The money you could put into a smaller "trainer" caliber will be money well spent toward your 9 mm pistol and ammo.

 

[hangnoose]

CONGRATS ON YOUR FLINCH.

You wouldn't have one if you had started with a 22. MANY of us tried to warn you, NOT because we know it all, but because many of us did the very same thing and started with too big a gun. Care to know the best way to get rid of a flinch? You guessed it, a 22 and lots of practice. Ironic if you think
about it. EVERY kid with a driving learners permit wants a corvette, but they are not ready for it yet.
Sorry to be hard on you but it's frustrating watching someone make the same mistake I did. NOT liking the noise & sudden recoil when not used to it is totally normal in humans and animals, you WILL get over it eventually. Good luck overcoming the flinch.

 

[TheFactor]

Great choice Connor you should be very happy with it . Glad we all could help and we're here for you though your learning curve