new gunner....need advice on a beginner handgun

Ruger .22 auto. You can choose one of the slant-grip steel-frame models or the '.45-like' plastic-framed .22-45. As a training piece, I'd favor the latter.
You'll save enough on ammo, shooting the .22, to buy your first duty gun when the time comes, and all your Ruger trigger-time will translate to that centerfire piece.
When you become an officer, you'll probably wind up with a Glock.
Good luck and success in your law enforcement career.
 
Please do ypour self a big favor and DONOT buy the walther 22 save a bit more and buy a quality 9mm to start with try to find a Sig sauer in a CPO its used but gone over by the factory with a warrenty Look for a 9mm 226 or 228 or 229 All come in 9mm. It your were a friend of mine this is what i would tell you to do. Good luck friend!
 
Wacko, DO NOT BUY A FIREARM if you're going to be a law enforcement agent.

Most agencies, want you to conform with their standards of firearms training without any other influences. This will increase you're acceptance into the field.

Get your degree, join the academy and learn/purchase through them.
 
Welcome to TFL. I second the CZ Cadet with centerfire in your choice, mainly because with the CZ you can get a factory conversion unit. I have the Ciener units for my Browning HP and Colt Mark IV Model 70, but a facory conversion unit just seems "nicer". If there are ranges/gunshops where you can rent, definitely and if you can find an instructor with whom you feel comfortable, most definitely.
 
The Walther is a cheap short term gun / not much of a long term gun in my opinion.

If you want to get some experience / time shooting - buy a 9mm. 9mm is by far the least expensive caliber to shoot - among the common "carry or defensive weapons".

I would recommend a Sig Sauer 226 ( full size frame ) / or a Glock 17 or model 34 - if you like the grip angle and the trigger on the Glock. Sig is a lot more expensive than a Glock ( and a much better gun, in my opinion ) but Sig has some very good Certified Pre Owned guns on the market - reconditioned law enforcement weapons primarily, some shot very little. They can be a very good buy. I don't like the Glock triggers - but the model 34 is the best of the bunch on Glock / but stay with a full size gun.

If you go into law enforcement / you may have to change guns - but worry about that down the road. If you become competent with the gun you own / it will take the anxiety out of qualification time at the academy and it'll be a plus for you.
 
p22 broken slide cont.

well the saga is finally over. thanks to kate at smith and wesson they have resolved my issue of p22 slide breakage. they didnt charge me, i thought they were going to due to a miscommunication but kate took care of it for me and they sent me a brand new p22. if you have problems with a s&w or walther i suggest you talk to kate at customer service, she is nice and will help. ive read threads from others frustrated becasue the p22 broke or something but when i sent mine in to be evaluated it went to the wrong person and seemed they were giong to charge me. i spoke to kate about it and they replaced it. thanks kate.
 
Before you go out and buy a handgun go to an indoor range that rents guns. Shoot a variety of fire arms from revolvers to autos and see what feels comfortable to shoot and see wich of them you shoot the best. Dont conceal carry unless you have a permit to do so other wise you can get in a whole mess of trouble and through your law enforcement carreer down the tubes. I use a 9mm for home defence its a great round i can control and shoot well. Just some thing to think about. If you are in ca you will have to take a handgun test before being able to buy one and the book you read is a dollar lots of good info in it.
 
Welcome! If you decide to go with a .22lr then my vote would go to the Ruger Mark III 22/45...

But if you decide you want a 9mm, I would recommend either the Springfield XD M or Smith and Wesson M&P. Both have interchangeable grips to fit your hand (a plus for me since I have small hands). Personally I went with the M&P, because it fit my hands much better.
 
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