I started shooting in 2014, picking up a rental M&P 1.0 9mm for the first time in my life. Since then I’ve conducted 11 handgun buy/sell transactions costing me approximately $4,000, and shot approximately 17,000 rounds in training, competition and classes. The guns included multiple types of S&W, HK, Walther, Glock and Sig Sauer. I have 140 hours of formal training. I am a beginner USPSA Production shooter, classified at 36%. I have two dark pin runs in Gabe Whites class and two runs, just over time. I have size M hands. I now only own a Glock 19 gen 5 for USPSA, a Glock 48 for carry, and a Ruger LCR revolver for walking the dog.
I only mention this all to give you a context for this comment: If I had to do this all over again, from a beginning, knowing nothing: I would go to the rental range and shoot either a Glock 48, a Glock 19 or a Glock 17 (depending on hand size). Then I’d buy the one I shoot best. I would then invest in good quality gear (holster, belt, mags, ear pro, eye pro, etc), and spend my budget for ammo on a 90% new brass-cased training FMJ / 10% self-defense ammo basis.
Then I’d try and get some good foundational training. I’d become familiar with the laws in my state concerning use of a handgun. I’d buy Tom Givens book,
Fighting Smarter and read it cover to cover.
https://www.amazon.com/Fighting-Smar.../dp/1506027571
I’d become a Site Supporter of
www.pistol-forum.com, and start a Training Journal to record my progress. I’d try and find a local competition club, either Steel Challenge, IDPA or USPSA; anything that puts you on the clock. I wouldn’t make any changes until I’d shot 1 to 2k of ammo.
Good luck!
Originally Posted by RJ
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); this is what I love to see here in P-F. 
