First time pistol questions

[Bullrock]

Maybe I missed the post, but you may want to consider a hammer fired, manual safety, decock, which I still prefer over a striker fired, no safety pistol.

Working on basics, should include becoming experienced in gun knowledge and safety. Today's pistol for me is a Beretta PX4 Compact. It works well with HD, carry, or range. It has an outstanding trigger, and is extremely accurate. I'm average size, and I can reach safety decocker, and slide return easily with my shooting hand thumb.

The DA on the PX4 is smooth and easy. Now, at 80 years, I carry with decock & manual safety on. I know the argument about how much longer it takes to fire in that condition, but, with practice, How much longer does it take to flip the safety up with your thumb, and squeeze the trigger. Besides, I don't move that quickly anymore.

IMHO the PX4 is a good option to learn with.

 

[Slimjim9]

Wow, Iowa sounds more restrictive than I thought. Second link says that to rent a handgun you have to "VALID Iowa issued permit to purchase OR Iowa recognized state issued permit to carry" - and most states have a shooting requirement to get a permit. Sounds like a catch-22 to me. But there seems to be some exceptions for training classes so maybe you could look into that while researching and waiting.

 

[KBrun]

Wow, Iowa sounds more restrictive than I thought. Second link says that to rent a handgun you have to "VALID Iowa issued permit to purchase OR Iowa recognized state issued permit to carry" - and most states have a shooting requirement to get a permit. Sounds like a catch-22 to me. But there seems to be some exceptions for training classes so maybe you could look into that while researching and waiting.

Typically the shooting requirement to get the permit is extremely easy, and is included in the class. I assume this is just so they don't have to run background checks on anyone that wants to rent a handgun. Basically letting someone else do the legwork.