Hello, a few questions from someone looking to get into firearms.

A lot of good advice here. At 19 I know you feel you are fully grown up, but whether you want to beleive me or not, you still have a good way to go. Don't be in such a rush to get into concealed carry, which is something you are two birthdays away from even under the best of circumstances.

I suggest that you start with a simple rifle or shotgun after getting some basic training regarding firearms and gun safety. You might find that shooting is not something you particularly enjoy, or might find that it is a very satisfying and fun experience. Starting with a 22 caliber rifle at a good range is likely to get you started in the most positive way. When you decide that you really want a pistol, you will find that a revolver is simpler, more reliable less likely to be problematic or unsafe for you. I have helped a few people get started in shooting handguns, and found that a 22 caliber revolver is the ideal gun.

Before picking your carry gun, by the way, you can try various guns at commerical gun ranges. What you think of as a great gun might turn out to be something uncomfortable for you, or something you have difficult shooting well. Trying various guns by range renting is a lot quicker and less expensive way to find out the right gun for you.
 
Additionally, by merely switching out the G27's .40 stock barrel with a Glock 33's .357 stock barrel, you can now shoot .357, which this gives you even a wider variety of rounds and loads for just the price of an extra barrel.
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Since the OP says he is new, let's clarify that by mentioning that you mean 357 SIG as opposed to 357 magnum.................;)
 
Buying handgun ammo as well will have an age limitation of 21 to it as well I fear. Hence those touting.22 rifle and handgun as initial purchase/ownership.
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This is true for FFLs, but it's not illegal to buy ammo from anybody other than an FFL at 18, and it's not illegal for a friend or family member to buy ammunition for you.

I second getting a rifle, something like a .22 or a .223. But it's mostly frowned upon to carry a rifle around with you for self defense.
 
I got into shooting later in life than you have. I also got into shooting with next to no resources nor guidance bar what I've had on here. That was certainly true initially. As my contacts have grown, I have been able to meet people who have shared their knowledge with me.

So one thing I would pass on from my own experience is ask questions. Ask any questions you have on TLF. By and large the members and the information they have to share is gold dust.

Gun-wise, I would also advocate 9mm as a good first choice in a serious SD calibre. Is Glock the best choice for a first gun? Well, Glock was my first gun. It was very good, but then I was not carrying it. If you go Glock (as with any other gun) you will need to be vigilant regarding the 4 rules, particularly as the only safety catch with a Glock is you, if you carry chambered as most do.

If not Glock (a very good gun) then do look at something like CZ. The ergos and weight may make it a good first gun choice. The Compact is very comfortable weight-wise.
 
You might want to consider a .22 bolt action for your first rifle, and a .22 revolver for your first handgun. Millions of shooters over the past many generations started this way.
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+1

Shooting a gun accurately is a skill that takes some practice to learn. 22 ammo is cheap (even these days) and will allow you to learn breath control, trigger control and sighting without the distractions of noise and recoil. Once you've mastered the basics, you can then learn to deal with cartridges that generate more recoil.

Wear eye and ear protection. Always.
 
G26>G27. I have a G27 and a 9mm lonewolf barrel conversion for it. I am currently maneuvering back to a G26 as I simply NEVER use the 40 SW barrel. Snappy and follow ups are comparatively slow.

Starting with a 22lr isn't bad idea. Buy a decent one and you will have it forever, shoot it more than all your centerfires combined, and pass it to the next generation.
I really like my Ruger Single Six revolver and there are very few options close to it in price that compete IMO.
I also like my Ruer MK II semi-auto pistol, but there are a number of options that are pretty good for a semi-auto. From a cheaper polymer Beretta NEOS to a very well finished Browning Buckmark.

Glock really isn't a bad place to start with centerfires. Almost any experienced shooter will be familiar with them and be able to help you out. There are tons of used magazines, holster options, etc etc. It is still the standard, even if not perfect.
 
Lots of good stuff here. Back to your pistol and round. Both are great, but maybe not for your situation.

I love 40 s&w, but I'm not sure 9mm gives up much to it in terms of effectiveness. What is better about 9mm is price. I think you will be more ch happier paying ~$11 per box for 9 vs ~$16 per box for 40.

While I like Glocks, the 27 is hard for most people to shoot effectively. For a first carry and sd gun, something Glock 19 size or would be much easier to learn to shoot fast.
 
welcome aboard.
Lot's of good advice. I'll again stress "know the 4 rules" and practice practice proactice. If you're going to carry for protection, I'd also advise you to be very, very aware of the local restrictions involving lawful carry.
The best safety advice my father gave me about firearms was "once that bullet leaves the barrel, you can't bring it back." If that doesn't bring you up short thinking about your role behind the trigger, maybe nothing will.
Happy shooting.
 
Vfib, you have received some very good advice in this thread, some of it regarding getting some training.

It is better to learn to do something right, and practice that, than to teach yourself, learn some bad habits, and spend lots and lots of time unlearning them.

I'm still working on unlearning the habit of "snatching at the trigger" when the sight picture looks good. This results in inaccurate shots and is a consequence of failing to get good, reliable basic instruction, and practicing poor technique for years.

Take a class, take a couple of classes, dryfire (safely - there is a good read on corneredcat.com about clearing the weapon and still having a reliable backstop for dryfire practice, as if the gun were loaded). Get comfortable. You will meet good people at the range. Have fun!
 
I've been reading the replies as they come in, thanks for all this information, you guys.

I'm definitely planning on receiving professional training beforehand; I'm not one to rush into something without a little bit of background first.

I'll keep all this in mind.

Thanks!
 
Congrats on your decision! I was approximately 19-20 when I decided to seriously consider getting into firearms. Living in Chicago back in the early 2000s, it was a weird and out-of-the-box choice for me to make as no one I personally knew owned any firearms and the world was generally more afraid of them. Things have changed for the better these days, so you are getting in at the best time.

I spent the next few years reading as much as I could about guns. I knew absolutely nothing. This forum was a stepping stone into my lengthy research which has never really concluded. While I understand today almost all of the mechanical principles involved, I am trying to understand the manual of operations for anything I don't already own online so that I have at least a very basic knowledge of all platforms.

While I had fired a .410 shotgun with friends of the family once when I was very young, I was now on my own with no one to show me the ropes. I got my FOID (required in IL) and spent another year or two renting out guns at the closest indoor range and saving money. I finally settled on a Beretta Cougar in .40 and it was a great first gun. I unfortunately no longer have it and have no interest in .40 as over time I have found that I am pretty much a single action kind of guy and that makes 9mm and .45 ACP the ticket.

I can sympathize with your choice of a Glock 27. It indicates to me you prefer a competent pistol load in a small and concealable package. My warning to you is: shoot those small guns first. Those small guns shooting stout loads are pretty much the opposite of fun and if it's your first firearm, I think that maybe you should consider a gun that will recoil and little lighter and be far more pleasant to shoot. I don't personally own any Glocks, but I have fired small 9mms before and the triggers and recoil are typically horrendous. For example, my carry gun is a Sig C3. It's a 1911 with a Commander slide and an Officers frame. Not a ton of capacity and not even very small, but comfortable with a great trigger.

As far as your age... you are hopefully aware that the federal law states no FFL can transfer a handgun to a person less than 21 years of age. Typically, states allow private transfers 18 years and above. Check your local laws and then start cruising Armslist. I've made two excellent purchases off of Armslist.
 
This site is a great resource for new shooters.

Like others I recommend you take classes, specifically an introductory class that allows you to try out different types of guns.

Unless there is a pressing need for a concealed weapon I'd start with a .22 rifle and or handgun. There are plenty used ones out there so you won't bust your budget.

One you have a gun keep taking lessons and try some competition.

In the mean time rent various types of handguns and try them out.

There's plenty of time to make up youur mind.

Have fun and be safe.
 
I would suggest:

If you have a local shooting range--I've found that most have access/know certified safety instructors. Take some lessons; it is very much worth your time.

Also, most ranges have a variety of guns you can try out for free or a very minimal cost. This is a great opportunity to find a gun that you feel comfortable with, as opposed to buying a gun and then being sorry you did.

I think that the G27 is a bit snappy for a beginner. If you feel you must have a gun that will work for concealed carry as your first, I would suggest the G26 (9mm, instead of .40 caliber). Honestly, my first semi-auto pistol was a G19 and I love it to this day.

Regardless of what you choose to do, be safe, and have fun!

U.L.
 
As a carrier of both a compact and a full size pistol, (a Ruger SR9 and a Ruger lc9s i would recommend either. Trigger is not the greatest on the SR9 but can be improved fairly easily, the LC9S is very good out of the box. Another recommendation for these is a good price and very good manufacturer support should anything go wrong. just my opinion for what it's worth.
 
1. Get a gun safe. Any safe is better than nothing at all but get a safe.

2. Find a mentor. I mean a real mentor----retired LEO or Military.

3. You are 19. Start with a Remington 870 Express 12 Gauge. It's cost effective and serves well in a multitude of rolls.

4. When you turn 21, a Glock 27 is an excellent choice. The .40 is an excellent round and despite what you read on the internet from a bunch of out of shape, 50 something males, it is very much a relevant duty cartridge.
 
How does a Remington 870 help somebody who wants to carry outside of the home for self protection? It would be great if he was wanting something for home defense.
 
retired LEO or Military.
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There are some reat government trained people in the firearms community who are very willing to help new shooter out. There are also some incredible idiots who think they know everything and everything they do is perfect because they are special forces operators. If someone starts out by leaning on a certification or previous title in order to back up what they are saying, they probably have no idea what they are talking about.
 
An aside: Additionally, by merely switching out the G27's .40 stock barrel with a Glock 33's .357 stock barrel, you can now shoot .357, which this gives you even a wider variety of rounds and loads for just the price of an extra barrel.
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Along with the price of magazines.:D

Like others though, I'd get the 26 over the 27. I did, in fact and though I own only 2 Glocks, it's by far my favorite, and the only gun I've ever thought about buying a duplicate of.
 
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