Hello

[Pokey]

My name is Brandon and I'm from Knoxville. I have just started looking for a new pistol and am very "green" when it comes to handguns. I am looking for any help from you guys when it comes to getting the "bang for my buck."

I look forward to getting to know you all and thanks for this great site!

Thanks,

[Guest db99wj]

Welcome and read alot of stuff on here, great information. Don't worry about asking questions, the people here will answer and not jump on you for being a newbie. That is one thing, among many others, that is great about this site.

Go to a range that you can shoot many different types of handguns to get a feel for what type , what size (9mm, 40, 45, etc and service models, compacts, sub compacts, etc) I would suggest staying with the name brand companies. If you do find a deal on a off brand, ask, it could be junk, or it could be a decent gun. Ask here, we will tell you the good the bad the ugly!

[Pokey]

Thanks, I am looking for a 40 cal or a 9mm. I currently have a Star M30 9mm. It was given to me 5 yrs ago. It seems to shoot real smooth but I don't know much about them.

I have my eye on a 40 cal. Beretta 9000. I like the price, I can get it for about 350 here in knoxville. I have not got to shoot it though, so you're saying that would be what I need to do for sure?

[Guest GlocKingTN]

Welcome Pokey! Hope you enjoy the sight!

[Guest db99wj]

Yes, if possible, shoot it. I didn't shoot mine first, I have a Springfield XD40. I had read about them and knew about them for the most part, never shot one. I have shot 1911 colts, berretta m9's, ruger 9mm, Glocks and few others in the past, but I bought the XD on it's reputation my wife gave me the go ahead!!

[TGO David]

Welcome! The best advice I can give you is to hold and shoot as many different guns as you can prior to purchasing. Rent at the range, go with gun-owning friends who will let you shoot theirs, etc.

[Guest Archimedes]

Perhaps someone should author a sticky answering these FAQs.

There's always going to be the same answer to this one....

GO OUT AND SHOOT IT!

Welcome, Brandon. No one can tell you the gun that's right for you, but you.

Like they said, shoot as many as you can.

I would probably suggest that you look at 9mms, though.

It's a good carry caliber and rounds are relatively cheap for plenty of practice.

I think most here would agree with that.

~Archi

[Guest LiLBucket]

Hey Pokey! Welcome!!

Yep, great bunch around here! Take the advice and information you find here with confidence, I know I've gained a lot of knowledge in the little time I've been sticking my nose in here!

Buying a gun feels great for some reason, but don't get impatient and buy in haste. Figure out which caliber is ideal for your applications and then find the weapon that best fits your comfort level.

There may be a group from this site going to shoot somewhere in your area on the 21st. Check out the Events and Gatherings section for that thread. If not then, maybe next month, it may be a good way to shoot various calibers and model guns if the good folks here will let you ( *rubs hands together* I hope they let me:)!!)

Again, welcome!

[kckndrgn]

Welcome,

Just like the others have said, if you can go out and rent or borrow a gun that you are looking at purchasing then do it. There is a difference in "dry fireing" and getting some actual range time in.

Again, welcome and enjoy your stay here!

[molonlabetn]

Don't buy a pistol just because it was on the cover of last month's Guns & Ammo...

Take the recommendations of gun-store sales personnel with a grain of salt, many know very well what they are talking about... some haven't a clue (and are just trying to make the most commission).

Borrow, rent, and handle as many pistols as you can find before narrowing down features that you prefer... don't rule out revolvers either.

If this is a range 'plinker' or target gun, you'll want a pistol with a very comfortable grip, that is not too light, and is chambered for a cheap-to-shoot caliber (9mm or .38special are nice in this regard... .22lr is the most economical, by a long shot.)

If this is going to be carried for self defense, still consider primarily 9mm and .38special handguns, as your first (yes, you will end up with more than one!)... That way, you can develop good habits through lots of practice without breaking the bank... and you won't be turned off by heavy recoil. Don't be overly concerned with the size of the gun... You can get smaller and more easily concealable pistols as your proficiency improves. The most important thing is to have a gun which is a good balance between controllability and something which you don't mind to lug around. Don't expect to not be self-conscious that you are carrying, at first, regardless of how small the gun.

Here are some suggestions to consider:

Ruger SP101 3"

S&W mod 60 3"

Sig P228/P229/P225/P226 9mm

Springfield XD-9 Service

S&W 5900 series

Ruger P89

Glock 17/19

Beretta M92FS

Browning/FN P35 High-Power 9mm

CZ 75 or EAA Witness or Magnum Research Baby-Eagle 9mm

H&K USP 9mm or USP Compact 9mm

S&W MP-9

Browning PRO-9 or FN FNP-9

That's a big list... and I'm sure there are others which would make great first guns. Try to find and fire, or at least handle as many of those as possible. Some of them will be more appealing to you than others... go with your instincts.

You might consider taking a beginner handgun training course even before you buy a pistol... ask if you can rent or borrow a pistol to go through the course with.

Go to the range with an experienced shooter... try their guns (with permission, of course... but that is rarely a problem... most will offer).

A gun, especially one which you intend to carry, is an investment... perhaps not a financial investment, but certainly an investment in your life and well-being.

Welcome to TGO

[Donnie]

Yea, what molonlabetn said. The key to shooting is good practice, not just practice, but good practice. There is a difference.

And welcome.

[Guest Phantom6]

Welcome Pokey

[Pokey]

Thanks for everyone's help. I really appreciate the time you all put in on answering these.

I will not be able to make it to the shoot on the 21st, but I do plan on joining you all on the next one if you all do it.

[towerclimber37]

Just a note to all the guys that come up for the shoot on the 21st.

If I'm there, and you guys want to shoot any of my iron..you're welcome to take about 10 rounds to see if ya like em.

(except for the thunder5...its 45. long colt and I don't have the equipment to reload that yet. *grin*

[Guest GlocKingTN]

Just a note to all the guys that come up for the shoot on the 21st.

If I'm there, and you guys want to shoot any of my iron..you're welcome to take about 10 rounds to see if ya like em.

(except for the thunder5...its 45. long colt and I don't have the equipment to reload that yet. *grin*

Dont keep the thunder5 from us tower.....we wanna shoot it too....

[towerclimber37]

hahahah marty, if you want to buy ammo for it, you're welcome to put steel on steel! but I priced them out..its around 22-31 bucks for a 50 round box.

*sigh*

Pokey, I can honestly say that you've fallen in with the RIGHT crowd around here. Lots of good folks...and the combined knowledge they hold about firearms and safe use thereof is astounding.