Best option for a first time buyer/low-mid budget?

[Rice8644]

Hey everyone...I gave up my prints yesterday and got my permit today. I don't have a pistol yet, but I plan on buying one soon. Any advice on a first time purchase? I have up to $500 to spend. I also have really big hands (6'7" 280). Also, I am brand new to this sight and look forward to some interesting debate/convo!

[HootmonSccy]

Hey everyone...I gave up my prints yesterday and got my permit today. I don't have a pistol yet, but I plan on buying one soon. Any advice on a first time purchase? I have up to $500 to spend. I also have really big hands (6'7" 280). Also, I am brand new to this sight and look forward to some interesting debate/convo!

1st, Welcome to the forum from Tampa Bay, Floriduh...

You have lots of options at the $500 mark..

You did not indicate your present level of experience with handguns, so it's a little hard to give you the answer you are looking for..

If you have little exposure to handguns previously, I would highly recommend finding an NRA instructor in your area that has multiple guns at his disposal.. Your other option is to find a gun range that has several guns to choose from..
Since you have your permit, I will assume you will be looking to carry, so I would suggest a compact gun, it may be a little small for your hands, but will be much better to carry around all the time and easier to conceal..
Then you have to narrow down whether you want a revolver (goes bang every time/less bullet capacity) or a semi-automatic (more complicated/higher bullet capacity)...
Guns are a very individual thing, so being exposed and handling as many as possible (since you are on a limited budget) will help you make a better decision..
Gun shows are another great way to handle a bunch of guns and get an idea of what feels good to YOU..

Take my advice above, narrow your choices down to 2-4 guns, then come back and ask again between the guns selected.. HOWEVER, remember whatever answer you get will be based more on peoples OPINIONS and sometimes on experience.. What they like, may or may not be BEST for you..

Hope it helps!!!

[wolfhunter]

That's good advice.

Check out as many guns as you can wrap your hands around. Figure out what appeals to you, what feels right in your hand, then come back and ask which of a "short list" we'd recommend.

For example, there is nothing wrong with a Glock, but the sight picture and aim-point don't naturally line up for me, so I prefer a double stack 1911. My wife was uncomfortable aiming any revolver I showed her, but liked a Kahr CW-9 and a Tangfolio 9mm.

[Rice8644]

I suppose I did leave out some crucial info. I've been around guns my entire life. My dad carries a Glock 19 which I have fired a multitude of times, and I have fired a Dan Wesson .357, and a full size semi auto .45 (can't remember the make).

So I have an innate familiarity with Glocks, but not much experience with any except the 19. I'll try to plan a trip to the range soon (a little spendy for a college student these days) and provide a narrow list for some more input.

$500 would come just short of breaking the bank, which brings up another topic: Any advise on buying from a pawn shop?

[Rice8644]

P.S. thanks for the welcome, and I'm out of Spokane, WA

[HardCorps53]

$500 would come just short of breaking the bank, which brings up another topic: Any advise on buying from a pawn shop?

Welcome to the forum.

I would advise agaist pawn shops unless you can determine the quality and know retail prices. Here in Utah, most pawn shops are selling beat up guns for about $50 less than new. That's not a bargain in my book.

[wolfhunter]

If you really want to consider a used handgun, check out a regular gun dealer with a consignment counter, or guns they've taken in trade.

There are quite a few guns in your price range. A coworker recently picked up a full size 1911 for $425

[theicemanmpls]

Rice, do you want to learn to shoot, or you just want something fun, that makes noise?
Rice are you a marksman? If not, I suggest getting a .22 long barrel revolver.

some 22 wheel guns, have two cylinder's 22lR and 22MAG.
The 22MAG makes a louder pop, and is a better performer. It is also more $$ then 22lr.

Ammunition is cheap compared to any other caliber. A wheel gun will fire all .22lR, not just the better made $$ stuff usually reserved for semi-auto's.
You can buy 200 rounds of 22 for less then 50 rounds of 9mm.
With a 22 You will learn all the ins and outs of the care and feeding of your firearm.
You will get plenty of practice.
Harvesting small game, and taking down varmits is possible with a .22

A long barrel pistol is necessary for practice.

You can get a very nice one, and customize the grips to fit your hand for $500. You may have to go used, but nothing wrong with that.

You will crave more firepower to test your marksmanship with.
You will buy many more pistols to test your marksmanship that was developed with a .22.

You will buy several more firearms in your lifetime.

The bad parts.

It's a .22. It only goes "pop".

It's like riding a moped. Fun, until your firends find out.

A 22 is not a defensive handgun unless in the hands of an expert. However, it is not a toy. It will KILL.
More civilians have been killed by a .22 then all other calibers combined.


The other alternative?

A 38, or 357 4 inch or more wheel gun.

Fire 148g wad cutters for practice.

For $500. you can get a nice used or new.

Remember long barrel.

Some say taurus brand is great. I avoid them.

Ruger will work also.

I say smith and wesson is the best wheel guns there is.

Avoid the ruger, and browning semi-auto's. 22;s You will be sorry when you want to clean one.

IMO, Semi auto center fire pistols, are wrong for beginners.

Avoid the pawn shop circut.

[joghotrod]

For $35.00 you can join GSSF (Glock Sport Shooting Foundation) and when you get your membership card you can buy a new Glock for the same price as a LEO. Somewhere around $425 plus tax. That would blow your $500 but you would have a new Glock of your choice. For more info go to gssf.com or Glock talk forum and look for the GSSF section. Good luck whatever you decide to do.

Jimmy

[texasnative46]

Rice8644,

imVho, as a retired army officer, longtime rangemaster & "life master" MP pistol instructor, may i suggest a fixed sight, 4" barreled REVOLVER, .38special or .357MAG "police trade-in" by Colt, Smith & Wesson or Ruger.

my guess is that you can find a NICE revolver, used but in great shape for about 200-250.oo. - fwiw, i've seen numerous "trade-ins" in gunshows around here recently, for 199.oo + sales tax.
(recently, i bought a REALLY NICE, 4" barrel, S&W model 65 with "duty holster, as a gift for my nephew, for 200.oo out the door - he was DELIGHTED! )

load your revolver with 148 grain hollow-base wadcutters , get yourself PROFESSIONAL LESSONS & practice shooting a LOT.= you may never "outgrow" your revolver, but should you later wish to sell it & get a semi-auto pistol, you will easily recover most/all of your investment!

BEST WISHES.

yours, TN46