I'm a relatively new to the world of guns, and apart from shooting a .22 revolver (which I got pretty good at using), I don't have much experience. Basically, I'm looking for a cheap, reliable, low maintenance handgun to use for home defense, occasional target shooting, and possibly for concealed carry. According to my research, the Glock 19 and Model 10 seem to be the best choices for me. I live in California, so it should comply to all the regulations we have here, and I live in an apartment, just for your information.
Glock 19 or S&W Model 10 for a first gun?
- Thread starter Anferny
- Start date
Since you have some experience with a revolver and seemed to like it I would go that way. I would look to a Smith in .357 rather than .38. You can always shoot .38s in the .357. Since you didn't mention CC, I would recommend the model 19 or 66 (stainless) in the K frame size or the 586 or 686 (stainless) in the slightly larger L frame. These guns are all adjustable sights which will be more fun on the range. The 586 and 686 have full lug barrels that will help soak up recoil. My $.02
Modei 19
586
Modei 19
586
orionengnr
New member
OP:
First response:
Reading is fundamental...
First response:
Reading is fundamental...
glock 19 vs a S&W 10. two very different animals. well since you only have wheel gun experience I would suggest the 10 or like glenncal1 suggested one of the .357 k-frames. I had a 19-3 that I gave to my dad and it's a great gun. OTOH the G19 has a rail for mounting a light and is able to accept a variety of aftermarket sights like tritium night-sights. 9mm is a less expensive round than .38 special and you can get a .22 conversion unit for the glock to make shooting even cheaper.
you should try to rent them and see which one you really like more.
you should try to rent them and see which one you really like more.
chris in va
New member
Agree, go rent a LOT of guns first before buying. Who knows, maybe you'll like a 45 instead.
The glock 19 is probably one of the more common "entry guns". For a little more money, I wouldn't discount a Springfield Armory XD(M). Especially for a new gun owner the XD(M) has a grip safety, which is one layer beyond what glock offers. They are only a little more money but well worth it.
Like others have said, go shoot them all.
You might find you like .40 S&W or .45 or even 10MM better than 9mm, everyone is different.
Like others have said, go shoot them all.
You might find you like .40 S&W or .45 or even 10MM better than 9mm, everyone is different.
lee n. field
New member
Either, but I'd lean to the Glock. Complete disassembly for service is almost trivially easy.
Being in California, you'll be limited to 10 round magazines.
^^^
On on the S&W there is NO disassembly for every day cleaning
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Honestly, either is a good choice, but as you have revolver experience I might lean in that direction. But try some different guns out first. I personally do much better with S&W and Ruger revolvers than Glocks (that dang 2x4-like grip just doesn't do it for me, but YMMV), so that is what I rely on.
On on the S&W there is NO disassembly for every day cleaning
.Honestly, either is a good choice, but as you have revolver experience I might lean in that direction. But try some different guns out first. I personally do much better with S&W and Ruger revolvers than Glocks (that dang 2x4-like grip just doesn't do it for me, but YMMV), so that is what I rely on.
Crazy88Fingers
New member
If a random person walked up to me on the street and asked what a good first gun would be I would say a S&W Model 10, without hesitation.
HuntAndFish
New member
Either of these would be good.
If you are interesting in taking some handgun training classes, get the Glock so you won't feel like a duck out of water. Most handgun training is geared to semi-auto.
If you aren't interested in taking gun classes, get the S&W. The longer trigger press might keep you out of trouble during home defense and revolvers rock.
But the real answer is: GET BOTH.
If you are interesting in taking some handgun training classes, get the Glock so you won't feel like a duck out of water. Most handgun training is geared to semi-auto.
If you aren't interested in taking gun classes, get the S&W. The longer trigger press might keep you out of trouble during home defense and revolvers rock.
But the real answer is: GET BOTH.
there are some phenomenal deals on Smith and Wesson model 64s at JGsales (http://www.jgsales.com/handguns-c-16_211_431.html), although they are Double Action only.
The model 64 is a Stainless Steel model 10.
I doubt you can go wrong with either. I just prefer the revolver (and I like Semis, I just love a K-Frame Smith). I totally disagree with the above post that refers to the Glock as an all-around better weapon. The Smith is easily the equal of the Glock, but far classier
Honestly, these are both good weapons. It's a matter of personal preference.
The model 64 is a Stainless Steel model 10.
I doubt you can go wrong with either. I just prefer the revolver (and I like Semis, I just love a K-Frame Smith). I totally disagree with the above post that refers to the Glock as an all-around better weapon. The Smith is easily the equal of the Glock, but far classier
Honestly, these are both good weapons. It's a matter of personal preference.
I've highlighted the key elements I see here.
For someone new to guns with little experience besides shooting a .22 revolver, I'd say stick with the Model 10. This is because the long DA trigger pull reduces your chances of an accidental discharge (unless you crush bowling balls with your hands). The GLOCK's only safety is a passive safety on the tip of the trigger.
I'm biased. I've also had two new shooters blow holes in benches or the dirt near me using a GLOCK. Guns are ergonomically designed and it's all to easy to put a finger on the trigger. Unless the new shooter is going through training that stresses trigger-finger discipline, I believe new shooters should start on a pistol with a positive manual safety (e.g. 1911, Beretta, CZ, etc.)
A good used Model 10 is cheap and revolvers are quite reliable and accurate. Another positive is that wheelguns are less sensitive to different types of ammo than bottom-feeders. Light power loads don't always cycle a pistol's slide. Revolvers don't really care much about bullet shape or how big the hollow-point cavity is.
New production Model 10's come with the "heavy barrel" that most people seem to prefer. The older pencil barrel (shown below) works just as well and makes for a slightly lighter gun. Prices on used M&P revolvers is usually low - between $200 and $300 depending on condition. This unfired 1970 specimen sold for $349.95 about 3 years ago and now sits in my safe.
S&W Model 10, 5-Inch Barrel, circa 1970.
The Model 10 is a basic, no-frills package. High speed, low drag. There's nothing on this gun to get in the way of sending a piece of lead downrange. But there are other K-Frame sized revolvers under $500 that fill your mission statement. Almost any K-frame will suffice - The Model 10,13,14,15,19,64,66 and 67 will work fine. Some have adjustable sights, some are stainless (6x prefix) and some are .357 Magnums.
Since you're in California, I will say I've discounted the CCW idea. If you live in any of the coastal counties or highly populated ones, it'll be difficult for you to obtain a permit (difficult to impossible). That may change in future, but by that time you'll be in a position to re-evaluate your needs.
If I were to recommend a 9mm pistol, I'd suggest the Beretta 92FS or M9 (the military version of the 92fs). Even with the 10-round magazine, the Beretta sits well in the hand, is easy to control and very accurate if you shoot well. For less money, the CZ-75 series of pistols is very good, if you can reach the safety and trigger comfortably.
In an apartment, your revolver can be loaded with lower-powered loads to reduce the risk to neighbors. At close range (within 7 yards) the .38 Special wadcutter can be effective and there is a lower risk if it hits a wall.
Catchabullet
New member
revolver...if you can master a revolver, you can master the trigger on anything, trigger control is a hard thing to come by with most shooters...
Cheapshooter
New member
snowdog650
New member
Revolver.
BTW, I love my Glock 19 ... but I say revolver without hesitation.
BTW, I love my Glock 19 ... but I say revolver without hesitation.