What would you recommend...*Update

[enfield]

A friend of mine contacted me recently stating he is looking to get his first handgun, primarily for home defense. Asked if he was looking for a revolver or semi-auto, and he thinks he wants a semi-auto. So my first suggestion was that he visit our local Cabelas, as they have the largest selection, and handle a few to see what fits his hand. Gave him a few manufacturer's and models that have good reputations for reliability so he could have something to say to the guy behind the counter when he got there. Wanted to ask what people on the forum here would recommend on a $400 budget? This weekend I am hoping to get out to shoot, and offered to allow him to shoot my handguns, so that he could get a feel for recoil:22lr, 9mm, and 45acp.

A used SIG in 9mm or larger.

 

[novalty]

Well here is a minor update. He stopped by Cabelas and said the S&W Sigma fit his hand well. So I checked with a college friend of mine (also a member here) to see if he would mind giving the newby a test-fire of the Sigma, so trying to work out a time for this weekend.

Kanewpaddle: in regards to your questions. He is a 24 year old who lives with his girlfriend in the middle of town. They don't have any kids. Going to make a suggestions of some other items he will need in addition to the gun: i.e. ear muffs, safety glasses, cleaning kit, solvent & oil, UPLULA, as well as a safe.

Wish I knew someone with a S&W SD for him to try. As the HD kit they offer is pretty close to what he is looking for.

 

[chellesdad]

I agree with a lot of the advice stated here about first a revolver then auto, but if someone is asking strictly about an auto, my advice would be a CZ 75 in 9mm.

 

[scooter123]

Personally I fall into the shoot before you buy camp. I also wouldn't purchase any handgun at a big box retailer like Cabela's, they seem to be rather fond of their guns and price them accordingly. In almost any case you can find the same gun at a lower price by shopping the local gun shops.

 

[novalty]

Well today I finally got some time to take my friend out to go shooting. Fortunately, my other friend who has a Sigma and M&P came along too. So got to he got a chance to try out some different guns. He seemed to be more confident with the M&P 45 over the Sigma 9mm. Hopefully, we'll be adding another satisfied S&W owner soon.