Friend buying pistol: Where to start?

[PHPistols]

My friend is not experienced in pistols or guns for that matter. I am going to help him as best I can, but I thought I'd bring this to the forum just to ask where should he start in purchasing a semi-auto pistol? He is planning to use it for home defense and concealed carry.

What caliber should he go for? What pistol? Any ideas where he can go check them out, rent them and shoot them so he can get a feel for what will work for him, would be very helpful. My first thoughts were a Glock 9mm (Glock 26 or 19), but that was my first thought. Any help would appreciated. Thanks.


Also, as a side, if anyone knows of carry laws in Colorado or specifically La Salle, Co that would be also helpful. Thanks.

[Vinh]

For caliber, go with 9mm because it's still somewhat affordable, which makes it more palatable for those new to firearms. For the pistol, go with the Glock 17 or 19. No need to rent to see what will work for him. The Glock is an inexpensive solution that he can utilize for the rest of his shooting career.

Not currently a Glock user, but have owned all of the relevant 9mm pistols.

[JConn]

I think the Glock 19 is a perfect first or even only handgun. At this stage your friend doesn't have the knowledge necessary to know what he needs and a Glock 19 will be a solid starting point. If after a while he is still shooting and wants to branch out, he will have the required knowledge base with which to do so.

[Nephrology]

9mm for sure. G19/G17 or a S&W M&P9.

[DocGKR]

Before buying ANY firearm, he should start with a professional training course.

Once he has adequate initial training, then a 9 mm pistol would be a good option. A used pre-2010 G19 or G17 (not a G26) or a new post-July 2012 M&P9 would be high on my list of options.

[WDW]

Before buying ANY firearm, he should start with a professional training course.

Once he has adequate initial training, then a 9 mm pistol would be a good option. A used pre-2010 G19 or G17 (not a G26) or a new post-July 2012 M&P9 would be high on my list of options.

I too am on the hunt for pre-2010 Glocks. Anyway we could get a chart with Glocks serial # ranges for pre-10 guns?

[EVP]

I too am on the hunt for pre-2010 Glocks. Anyway we could get a chart with Glocks serial # ranges for pre-10 guns?

If you google glock serial number list. It is the first link and is a massive collection of serial numbers and such.

[PHPistols]

Before buying ANY firearm, he should start with a professional training course.

Once he has adequate initial training, then a 9 mm pistol would be a good option. A used pre-2010 G19 or G17 (not a G26) or a new post-July 2012 M&P9 would be high on my list of options.

Just to clarify, my friend does want to buy one new which is fine that's his choice, however are you suggesting he buy a new G19 Gen 4? Just making sure that is what you are saying (in saying post July '12).

[cclaxton]

Before buying ANY firearm, he should start with a professional training course.

Once he has adequate initial training, then a 9 mm pistol would be a good option. A used pre-2010 G19 or G17 (not a G26) or a new post-July 2012 M&P9 would be high on my list of options.

This is the best advice. Take a training course that allows him/her to try different handguns. A gun is a very personal item, so rather than spending your money and then buying 2-4 more guns to find the perfect fit, take the training...THEN go to a range that rents guns and have him try a bunch. Hopefully you can find one that rents Cz's because they are my personal favorite.

Front Sight offers excellent 4-day handgun training which I have attended. They rent guns there as well, although you will need to use one gun for the entire 4-days.

I recommend looking only at .22LR and 9mm guns, because ammo is relatively cheap and allows the new shooter to get a lot of practice for not a lot of cost. Also, the recoil is typically more manageable on these guns.

Guns to try out:
- Glock 17/19;
- Cz 75B;
- S&W M&P 9mm or .22;
- Walther PPQ/PPS/P99;
- 1911 style 9mm (various brands);
- Ruger SR22 or Mark III;
- Sig 1911/22;
- Hipoint Chiappa 1911-22;
- Taurus PT99 or Beretta M9A1;
- Taurus Millenium Pro 9mm;
- Sig SP2022;
- Springfield XD/XDM 9mm;

These are relatively inexpensive and all reliable (or should be) and will provide a good starting point.

My choice would be the Cz75B from custom shop with a competition trigger job and lighter springs in 9mm and the Sig 1911/22.

CC

[JConn]

This is the best advice. Take a training course that allows him/her to try different handguns. A gun is a very personal item, so rather than spending your money and then buying 2-4 more guns to find the perfect fit, take the training...THEN go to a range that rents guns and have him try a bunch. Hopefully you can find one that rents Cz's because they are my personal favorite.

Front Sight offers excellent 4-day handgun training which I have attended. They rent guns there as well, although you will need to use one gun for the entire 4-days.

I recommend looking only at .22LR and 9mm guns, because ammo is relatively cheap and allows the new shooter to get a lot of practice for not a lot of cost. Also, the recoil is typically more manageable on these guns.

Guns to try out:
- Glock 17/19;
- Cz 75B;
- S&W M&P 9mm or .22;
- Walther PPQ/PPS/P99;
- 1911 style 9mm (various brands);
- Ruger SR22 or Mark III;
- Sig 1911/22;
- Hipoint Chiappa 1911-22;
- Taurus PT99 or Beretta M9A1;
- Taurus Millenium Pro 9mm;
- Sig SP2022;
- Springfield XD/XDM 9mm;

These are relatively inexpensive and all reliable (or should be) and will provide a good starting point.

My choice would be the Cz75B from custom shop with a competition trigger job and lighter springs in 9mm and the Sig 1911/22.

CC

I would never recommend a taurus/chiappa/any 1911 to a beginner shooter especially one in 9mm. 22s are great for cheap fun at the range but as I'm sure everyone knows, not great for self defense. If your friend wants one gun to rule them all, docGKR's advice is the best you could get.

[DocGKR]

PHPistols--I am suggesting he purchase NOTHING until he receives adequate training. Then, he would probably be best served with a used Glock 17 or 19 manufactured prior to 2010. He would also likely do well with a new M&P9 full size built after July of 2012.

[Nephrology]

PHPistols--I am suggesting he purchase NOTHING until he receives adequate training. Then, he would probably be best served with a used Glock 17 or 19 manufactured prior to 2010. He would also likely do well with a new M&P9 full size built after July of 2012.

Doc- What has S&W changed about their 9mm M&Ps since July 2012?

[Haraise]

Doc- What has S&W changed about their 9mm M&Ps since July 2012?

They've fixed the accuracy issues with the barrel twist rate.

[DocGKR]

The twist was not a significant issue, the early unlocking was the major factor.

[PHPistols]

Thanks for everyone's help.