I want to buy my first handgun!

H

hemiguy

New member
Hey guys,

My name is Louis I;m from Las Vegas, NV and this seems like a GREAT forums, glad to have stumbled across it!

I actually have a newb question that will probably get a lot of opinion responses, but I'm in need of help.

Heres the run down:

I'm 21, 22 in January
I;ve only shot 3 guns in my whole life, a cap gun, plastic pellet gun, and a actual 12-gauge while skeet shooting for 3 hrs straight. I;m 5'6" tall, about 240LBS very stocky guy, not really fat but I can handle a big gun.

I have excellent credit, no felonies, nothing of any kind. I;m married, and I wish to start a career in law enforcement soon.

In short, I would like to purchase my first HAND GUN.
I;m sure you hear this a lot from gun newbs, but I admire the Desert eagle 50. AE I just love the way it looks, the large caliber, the wide platform for modifications, finishes, brands, models, sizes... its great! (except the price)

I would like something thats not hard to shoot, nice caliber, nice weight, looks good, American of course, something that I can qualify for a concealed permit with ease, and one that I can carry with me for law enforcement, armed guard, and of course home and family protection. All at an affordable price!

I also very much admire the .45 1911 Colt of course, classic at its best!

Any ideas?

Thanks guys,
-Louie Two Shoes
-Louis
 
I recommend a .22 handgun. And put a lot of rounds through it at a gun range. Get used to squeezing the trigger and holding it steady.

You'll meet a lot of people at the range and get to have a go with their guns, and find out what you like and what you want as your next gun after the .22.
 
You're looking at 50 AE...... OK............

You like alot of power in a cartridge. 50 AE is very expensive and hard to get in most places.

Go with .45 ACP.
 
You need to choose a gun that fits YOU. You need to shoot some guns - many gun stores with a shooting range will let you try a gun before you buy it. The AE 50 is a powerful weapon but it's a bitch to conceal. Ask yourself a few questions, incuding

Will I be carrying this concealed?
Am I buying it for sport shooting?
Is this a home defense weapon (this answer is almost always yes)

And why are you so interested in it? Is it because of the way it looks/feels or because of the notoriety attached?

It almost sounds like you want the DE AE 50 because you just want to have one of the world's most powerful handguns. Nothing wrong with that but as you start buying guns (and once you start, its hard to stop - ask anyone here, LOL) I can tell you that the 50 cal might not end up being your favorite gun. It's easy to get caught up in the reputation and press of the mighty Desert Eagle 50 cal, but most gun owners tend to like the guns that are the most fun to shoot

(That beast is a dragon - no exaggeration!! For years I owned a 44 magnum Desert Eagle. NO one wanted to shoot in the lane next to me because that gas powered monster would vent the hot exhaust from the exits on both sides of the slide. My brother would get powder burns on his cheek standing next to me in the next firing lane at the range when I shot it, so I soon found myself shooting solo when I pulled that bastard out - just something to consider). And it kicks like a kangaroo trying to get free of your hands while you hold his back legs when you shoot it.

Also, the ammo for that thing is at the VERY least a dollar per round ($1.20 almost everywhere else for each time you squeeze that trigger!) I would shop around and test fire some guns before making my final decision. If it needs to be a powerful, high caliber gun, a 44 magnum or 45 are also good choices.
 
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Between the two get a 1911. The .50 is more of a novelty cartridge and not widely available. The desert eagle is a big flashy gun not too practical for everyday use.
 
Louis,

If you're 5'6" and 240lbs, you're either built like a gorilla or you have excess weight that you can shed. I'm 5'8" and about the same...but in my 50's so I look more like Wilford Brimley than being "stocky". Keep in mind that in a LE occupation, you'll be required to run 1.5 miles, do a 150 lb "dead man" lift or drag and be able to bend over and move for 20ft without exposing your upper body behind cover.

As for a handgun, the Desert Eagle is an interesting handgun. But it is not a good choice for personal defense in the larger calibers. And .50DE ammo is frightfully expensive, making sufficient practice a wallet-draining experience. It's large, heavy and awkward for small to medium hands. For hunting and enthusiasts, it's okay.

However, the 1911 is also available in various platforms too. There's 9mm(9x19), 9x23, .38 Super, .357 Sig, .40 S&W, 10mm, .45 Auto, .45 SuperAuto and others.

There are dozens of handgun models out there to choose from. The best recommendation is to examine a wide selection and find what fits your hand the best. A gun that fits your hand means you can comfortably operate the trigger (in DA mode if equipped) while keeping the centerline of the gun in the same straight line from the web of your hand to your elbow. If you need to rotate your hand to one side, the grip is wrong for your hand.

Likewise, you should be able to operate any safety lever with your hand properly gripping the handgun. This means both moving the lever to "Fire" as well as to "Safe". If you can't do this with one hand, find a different model.

Being similar is stature, if your glove size ranges from 7-9 (med to large) the 1911 is usually a good choice. So are many single-stack pistols of other calibers and styles.

For a first handgun, I suggest getting one with a positive manual safety and/or decocker. The positive manual safety requires you to manually "un-safe" the weapon to prepare it to fire - and to "safe" the weapon after each time you bring the muzzle off target. This is good practice and habit to develop. If at some later date you transition to a Glock or similar pistol with a passive safety, you still have trained yourself to remove the finger from the trigger and "mentally safe" the weapon.

I'd suggest...
Beretta 92FS - full size 9mm
Beretta 96 - full size .40 S&W
CZ P-01 - 9mm, decocker easier to reach than safety on CZ-75B.
1911 - Full size/Commander (4") in 9mm, .40 or .45
FN High-Power - 9mm or .40 S&W
Sig Sauer Pistols - 9mm, .40 or .45
S&W 3rd Generation metal frame pistols, 9mm, .40, .45

These are all excellent pistols and one should fit your hand. 9mm ammo will be least expensive, but .40 S&W seems to be more available right now.

The Beretta 92FS or 96 fit your criteria, if it'll fit your hand.
Of course, the best way to tell if it's a match made in heaven is to rent some of the guns you're interested in. See which one(s) shoot best for you.
 
Hey guys! Thanks for the fast replies.

I can tell this is agreat community. Bill thank yo for being so informative. That
Beretta 92FS and Beretta 96 (96 is my top choice) very nice, My uncle carries a Beretta 92FS. I'm kinda build like a gorilla, lol, but yes I can shed about 20lbs. I've already lost like 30lbs.. in 4 months. I can do these tests no problem. I Even busted my femur working in low voltage a while back (about a year) did some PT had some surgery, just gatta get used to running... went back to the gym, its all good. Just enjoying life... I'm Italian 50% and 50% like Greek Macedonian I'm told... very hairy, lol... I only recognize my Italianess (lol).

l_3f54ed878ecf48a683b7cc76f6937e40.jpg


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Thats me!

Its not just I wanna own the most powerful handgun possible, but rather, I like the fact that it will destroy anything that it comes in its cross hairs.. an enjoy would the size of a half dollar, and exit would the size of a barn door, lol.

Thats how I roll, j/k... I know thats not practical for LEO, either of those Berettas are acceptable, the 9mm b/c its a tad lighter, both are more or less my rice range. I was looking at the Kimber CDP pro, lightweight aluminum, 45.. nice choice. But a bit close to the 50. AE deagle in price....

If I were to consider both of those Berettas, and also stick with the 1911A1 platform, what models and brands to you guys think? Bill I want for your magazine article (I got excited reading it, thank-you again.)
 
help for hemiguy

This is a point that is hard to make for those who want shear power. I am a mechanical engineer with many years of experience with handguns. I have been a defense contractor and used to have my FFL. I have also designed a weapon (strictly D.O.D).

A 44 mag has enough kinetic energy to hit the bad guy and keep on trucking with the potential of taking out a number of innocent bystanders. Even if it is firing a personal protective round (opens up on impact). The 45 cal is, in my opinion, the perfect choice for self defense without endangering people a mile away. It fires a sub-sonic projectile and, if it is a PP round, it should go no further than the bad guy. I suggest that you visit the guns and ammo web site and look at the ballistic data on various handguns. Also, talk to your local gun dealer (preferably an older wiser gentleman with some technical understanding) about a reasonably powered weapon for your intended career.

I have 2-45's, a 44 mag, 357 and a number of 22's including suppresors. I shoot regularly and almost always shoot one of the 22's.

Hope this helps.
 
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I pretty much have a small list I'd like to test or get some feedback on

Kimber CDP PRO
Beretta 92FS
Beretta 96
Beretta 90TWO type F
Beretta 90TWO type G
S&W M&P
Glock 17


I'm still stuck in the whole 1911A1 platform! So may models and brands and types, which one is the best for a beginner?

Keep in mind if you use your own gun for LEO in Las Vegas I'm told, it can;t be chrome or silver.. all black, no bigger than a 45cal (not sure on this.. just what I remember from what I was briefly told by a LEO stationed at the airport while I was doing TSA)
 
Sharpen your skills first

My advice (same as BillD) is to get a decently accurate 22. Smith & Wesson makes a good 22 rimfire revolver. Ruger has their Mark III and Colt Woodsmans are out there. Dan Wesson 22 (if you can find one) handles just like a standard service revolver and mine is a real tack driver.

Practice a LOT. The practice you get now with a low-recoiling 22 (cheap to shoot-shoot LOTS) means you won't be developing bad habits or recoil sensitivies you will have to unlearn and fight against when you are trying to qualify with your duty weapon. Sight acquisition, trigger control, breath control and proper gun handling/safety habits are all best learned first with a 22. Add recoil later, after you have mastered the rest (which you should learn one at a time, adding each skill atop the previous ones). Your accuracy when you get issued a training weapon will amaze and astound your fellow trainees and instructors alike. And you will never regret having a good 22 target pistol.

Besides, a 22 will get you out on some gun range's firing line where you will undoubtedly meet many people with very wide selection of weapons. It is likely you will get better testimonials about the pros and cons of each weapon than you could ever hope for in a gun shop or in advertising copy, plus you might even get to handle some or shoot them.

Good luck in your LE career. Stay safe.

Lost Sheep.
 
Forget the DE as an option for your first handgun... just my .02 cents.

Also, don't be the new guy on the LVPD that carries his BBQ gun on duty :) IMHO, you narrow it down to 3 calibers - 9mm, 40s&w, and .45acp. Now consider that aside from a pellet gun you've never owned a real handgun. You're gonna want to put some serious range time into whatever gun you choose. Skip the .45acp and stick with a 9mm or 40s&w so you don't have to break the bank on target ammo.

Remember again that this may one day be your duty weapon. There is a good chance that it's gonna take some abuse. High round count, holster wear, rain, dirt, mud, and maybe a scratch or two. If it were me, I'd look at:

Glock
S&W M&P
Sig
H&K

No particular order there, but for the most part simple platforms that you could also swap calibers with the switch of a barrel and mag.

Meanwhile save your $ for a nice 1911 or DE to use as a nightstand or HD gun. Once you "pop your cherry" on the first gun, I can almost promise it wont be your last
 
one that I can carry with me for law enforcement

Its not just I wanna own the most powerful handgun possible, but rather, I like the fact that it will destroy anything that it comes in its cross hairs.. an enjoy would the size of a half dollar, and exit would the size of a barn door, lol.
Click to expand...

Are you a police officer? If so, remind me not to smart off to you when you pull me over with your "hemi". :p
 
Just stay on your part of town, and we'll both be happy!:D

No, really, chill and take your time, it will come when the time comes.

Go out and get a little pocket gun (.38 Airweight) just so you can satisfy your ego for now.

And then, go out and get the fastest motorcycle while starting smoking cigars, and you got it all covered.

Just an old guy born while Elvis was alive!

Ohh, I still smoke cigars and still ride really fast motorcycles 25 years later.
 
I agree with BillD and anyone else that suggested starting with a .22lr handgun. I like my Ruger 22/45, but others work well too. For a first center-fire gun I'd recommend a Glock 17 or Springfield XD9. 9mm is about the least expensive center-fire ammo and you'll need to send a lot of lead down range to become proficient.
 
Get a 45 and a 22. Ammo is expensive and you could keep practicing with the 22. You may not believe it, but you will like the 22 and never outgrow it.

Springfield Armory 45
Ruger MK II 22
 
I have & Shoot a 50 A.E. Mines an Automag though ;)

The 50 is really only practical if you are reloading, which I do... so I don't shoot that much semi auto, & find myself to be more of a revolver guy both for personal reasons, & because I hate crawling around on the ground picking up spent brass, that I'd reload...

sure... even Angelina Jolie can hide a Desert Eagle in a spandex jump suite, but thats really only in the movies, my personal favorite carry gun is an Air Lite 5 shot S&W L frame in 44 special... I'm a bigger guy than you, & after a long day, the heavier guns get too heavy...

if you are wanting something different, the closest thing I have that seems to fit what you are after, is my Witness 10mm... this is a great pic, that someone else took ( I don't remember who ), but it was the motivation to buying mine, & mine looks just like this ( it's their "wonder finish" which is pretty durable, & chambered in 10mm ( which was found to be too powerfull for most LEO's & FBI agents :rolleyes: ) my carry battery consists of about 1/2 revolvers, & 1/2 semi autos, the semi autos are... a 20 round FN 5.7 X 28, a 15 round CZ 75 compact 9mm, a full sized 15 round Witness 10mm... which looks like this... ( & was very reasonably priced to buy... ammo is another story though )

attachment.php


you know that it's a habit thats addicting, you likely won't be buying just one... so from that standpoint, the 22 is not a bad idea... though I find I don't shoot mine that often any more, but used to really enjoy shooting duels with flip over targets with my buddys using one of my 22's... one week end we shot over 2000 rounds between 3 of us... not something "I" could afford to do, even reloading my own bigger caliber cartridges
 
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Welcome

If you are just getting into handguning you need a pistol that fits your hand, has a good trigger, and you can shoot alot.

the Desert eagle 50. AE
Click to expand...
Not this.

Most won't recommend it but I don't see a problem starting out with a magnum, if you can handle shooting 100 rounds a day out of it. I started out on a .44 mag Redhawk. That was back when a box of .44s was just under $20. I reload .44 now and I don't shoot it much, preferring the .40.

The problem with magnums these days is the price of ammo. On a regular person budget, you won't be able to shoot it enough to be proficient.

Go to a range that rents handguns. Try everything. Good luck.
 
Get a good 9mm handgun first. Seriously, the Desert Eagles 50, .44, and .357 are novelty items. They are not that good for self defense and can't be carried concealed. Contrary to popular belief, the 50AE isn't going to destroy everything in its cross-hairs. You'd be lucky to hit what you're aiming at.

I'm not putting down the Desert Eagle - I've got one in .44 and I enjoy shooting it, but it gets a lot less range time than some of my other more practical guns.

If you've never shot a handgun, I wouldn't recommend 10mm either. When you get more experienced, and if you still want a powerful handgun to carry, then consider the 10mm. Get a 9mm or maybe a .45. I can see that you just aren't going to be satisfied with anything smaller until you've become a more experienced shooter, so I won't try to shove a .22 on you.
 
My $.02.........

...... is worth exactly that, but you asked, so:

Figure what type of centerfire handgun you want, get it AND get a .22 trainer with the same type of trigger/action/control locations/sights.

I carry a 1911 of one sort or another most of the time, but shoot a lot more .22 out of my Ruger .22/45 than .45...... shooting .45ACP all the time is just not feasible, even though I handload. .50 AE would be out of the question: I have 5 kids and a gun collection to feed!

If you are a recoil junky, there are big bore revolvers that will give you more bang for the buck than a .50 Desert Eagle.
 
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