Thinking about a handgun
 

So I've wanted to get a gun for awhile and I think I'm finally going to do so. What is the best gun (or guns to try and see which one feels right) that fits this basic criteria?

-relatively inexpensive
-cost of ammo is reasonable
-easy to shoot (I have very little experience)
-potential to use for home defense
-my wife will also want to be comfortable using it in an emergency situation

The first thing I am doing is signing up for a gun safety course at a local range for both myself and my wife. Once we are comfortable, then I will go ahead with the purchase.

Smith and Wesson .38 revolver would not be a bad choice.

I'm not a gun guy, but my wife is. (Colorado girl from the mountains.) She has a Taurus(sp) for the house and loves it.

If you'll end up treating your gun like you treat your lawnmower get a Glock. Classes and a trip to the range every now and then will be the best money spent in the long run.

Among the most common and reasonably priced ammo is 9mm.

I agree! .22 LR is a great choice for learning, but for a first centerfire its tough to beat a 9mm. Glock, S&W M&P, Springfield XD. All good reliable 9s for reasonable money. Save the expensive pistol money for ammo, range time and then training. After you are proficient, decide if you want to spend the money for a higher end firearm.

+1

Easily your best choice of caliber when you want defensive capability + good price point.

A big decision point will be polymer framed vs. metal framed guns. I suggest going to a range that rents guns, and try out a Glock 17 (polymer) and a Sig Sauer 226 (metal) back to back. Oceans of great choices out there. If you are looking to save $, Rugers are my choice for lower price point.

You did not indicate that you plan on carrying the gun, so a full frame or 'compact' would be your best bet for enjoyable range time.

If you and your wife have never had a gun in the home before, then you need to talk about safety issues. Positive target identification is critical. And get a safe of some kind. Even if it's just a simple lock box with a key, make sure that there is no possibility of child finding the gun exposed.

Glock.

Yep, other than .22LR, everything else will be more expensive than 9mm. If buying new, you'll want to spend at least $500 to get a "quality" pistol. Other than that, everything else is personal preference. Different manufacturers will fit your hand differently and have different controls and features. The first pistol that I bought I traded for something else after two years when I actually understood what I liked and disliked.

Glock, Ruger, Smith and Wesson, Colt, Sig Sauer, Walther, Beretta, Browning, and FN make quality pistols (though most have a dud or two). Newer Tauruses and CZs are great bargains for awesome quality, but some older ones I'd avoid. I'm not a big fan of Kel-Tec (for handguns) or Hi-Point.

My 2¢.

Check out the Ruger 9e.

Ruger® 9E® Centerfire Pistol Models

I use Hornady Critical Duty in 9mm for personal defense. It gets nearly .40 penetration against barrier and heavy clothing, but cheap practice ammo and lighter 9mm recoil. You've gotten some reasonable solid advice so far.

First handgun.......S&W 686

Glock 17 or 19

Inexpensive ($359 used, $499 new)
Very reliable
Cheap ammo ($10/50 at Walmart or a sporting goods store)
Easy to use
Easy to maintain
Low recoil
Inexpensive locally available parts

Look at a Glock 19. The grip is a bit shorter than the 17 and I've seen a lot of women, and men with small hands, that end up trying to use a ridiculous grip to take up all available space.
It still gives you enough barrel for good accuracy and 15rd magazines.

You might also consider a Taurus Judge, shoots 45 long & 4/10 Shotgun shells, will stop most people and won't go through your neighbors wall. Like the Glock, not terribly
expensive and a reliable utility weapon.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1446349018.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1446349030.jpg
Now, if you like shooting a piece of art, I love this beast:D and like our cars, lots of cool accessories to be had.http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1446349352.jpg
Or if you choose utility, a Glock 23.http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1446349390.jpg
What ever you get, make sure to get some training and spend time shooting (wife too) as like driving fast on the track, seat/grip time is the best investment to make you safer & better.
I love this beast.. But that will set you back (if you include the billet speedload set up) close to 4 regular Glocks.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1446349499.jpg
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If you are into Porsches, don't buy the Glock. They are like a Hyundai, very good, reliable, but hard to fall in love with :D

Get a nice 1911 in .45. Look at second hand too. Go for quality, and if you change your mind about gun ownership you will get you money back. Smith and Wessons are a good and Colts are great.

Choose something to be passionate about :) and put a lot of rounds down range.

HK P30SK in LEM is my carry of choice.http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1446350817.jpg

Look into a S&W M&P Shield 9, a good composite gun. And well priced. I have it in the 40, but more than you want.

The HK is really nice, the S&W is half the price and every bit as nice. The S&W also has a closed or hidden trigger so it won't get caught in something. BUT, I'm a novice on these issues.