Go ahead and ping any and all gun lists to this thread. kthxbai
I’m no expert on the subject, but thought I’d offer a data point - I own a CZ 75 SP-01. Takes easily available 9mm ammunition, easy to clean, seems as solid as a rock.
I really don’t know much about NY gun laws...but you can’t keep a gun in your home? Crazy.
My guideline is the bigger the caliber, the more you’ll save on bullets.
Best advice I can give you - spend the money and go to a range that allows you to rent firearms. Try a few popular semi-auto pistols based on what feels good in your hand and try a few revolvers if you are inclined. Firearms are like shoes - everyone is a bit difference so my favorite pair might be awful for you and vice versa.
You will be able to buy with confidence knowing that it is something you like.
Long thread ahead....
There is nothing worse than getting a weapon that does not "fit" you and "fit" takes in many factors. Is it for target shooting or self defense etc. Is it to be deployed inside your house for defense or C&C or both? Does it fit your hand? Does the recoil on a large caliber give you problems. If your weapon's recoil overpowers your grip and stance then your 2nd shot is wild. You are much better off dropping down in power and thus putting more rounds on target if that is the case.
Take your time. Purchase from a good Guns and Ammo store that has a knowledgeable Gunsmith and that will let you fire the weapon before you buy it.
I’m partial to the MCX Glock Ar-47. Get the exploding bullets for it.
I think you’re a troll. Can’t figure out why, though. You join the NRA without owning a gun, can’t afford but $25 a quarter for the life plan, and you’re now saving up for a gun? What will that take, another ten years? But you want to know what to buy now, with no research on your part?
Yeah, sure.
I am seriously considering a Tokarev 7.62 X 25.
It’s a Russian version of the 1911. SUPER cheap ammo (avoid the milsurp though, very corrosive). The firearm itself is only $200 Cdn, and I can get clean ammo locally for about $0.15-$.20/round.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/7.62×25mm_Tokarev
Poster 14 gave you wise council. May I add that caliber wise, get your popguns chambered for the largest caliber that you can handle effectively. You don’t want to have fight your weapon and an assailant simultaneously. Practice as much as you can and learn to shoot with both eyes open. Thugs are very sneaky so peripheral acuity is very important. Good luck and God bless!
A K frame Smith and Wesson. A model 10 in .38 special is a fine beginning. Classic, bombproof, good for a beginner and plenty of room to grow into. Ammo everywhere, no need for magazines or lasers or gadgets.
Legal about anywhere and unlikely to be affected by any legislation.
And if you ever use it, it screams “law and order”, and “good guy”.
Congratulations on becoming a Lifetime member of the NRA. We need all the members pulling the wagon to fight the lies of the liberals and lamestream media! Looks like you have had plenty suggestions for your firearm!
I think for a first timer a revolver like a Smith and Wesson J Frame(short barrel two inch) or a Ruger LCR in 38 special(adequate power) would be a good start if you intend to conceal carry. Otherwise a three or four inch barrel in 38 special would be fine for home self defense. You can shoot soft recoiling loads and up the power later. Revolvers are 99.9% dependable. You can put them in a dry cool desk drawer for twenty years, never touch them, pick them up and fire them.
A 22lr revolver(same brands) would be good choice to learn with to develop good habits and shooting techniques. Buy both if you can. Go out and shoot regularly.
Eventually when you become more savvy about handling handguns, semi automatic pistols like Glocks(my first choice because of dependability), Smith and Wesson, Ruger, Beretta, Colt and Kahr all have good models to offer. The most popular pistol caliber is 9mm and 380 for self defense in conceal carry. The larger the caliber and brass shell casing the more knockdown power, and recoil.
Now if you have good help from a shooter whether it is a friend or shooting instructor, you could master a semi-automatic pistol with a bit of effort.
You might end up like me and wish you had eight arms like a octopus so you could shoot that many pistols or revolvers at one time. It is a lot of fun.
So many to choose from.
I’d recommend one of each.
I’d also recommend starting with a Glock 9mm. It is perhaps the single most common, and popular with law enforcement and the military, for good reasons and after long analysis.
Ruger GP-100 (.357 mag). You won’t regret it.
A good quality double action revolver (Smith & Wesson, Ruger) in .357 is the very best choice anyone new to firearms can make. Stainless steel is icing on the cake.
I know semi autos are all the rage right now, but a revolver is much easier to learn with, more trouble free, and much more safe to handle until you have a fair amount of range time under your belt.
You will achieve proficiency much sooner, and if you can’t get all the range time in you would like, you will be both safer and a better shot.
The army and the police have moved to semi-autos, but you are not army and are not police. You have to pay for your own ammunition, and training is done on your own time and at your own cost.
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The greatest virtue any gun can have is that it will go bang! every time I want it to. All other attributes are lower in priority. In handguns, a revolver is that weapon.
Signed Sauer for the win. Not cheap, but you can bet your life on one. As for caliber, it’s the biggest one you handle with accuracy. Shot placement counts. Train.
Glock 40. Enough power to protect but not too much recoil. The gun is indestructible.
I’d go with a 9mm. Target ammo is less expensive. Self defense ammo is just as effective. Also the 40 has a snappier recoil with more muzzle flip. So the 40 takes more to get the sights back on the picture.
Go to a gun shop and handle a 17, 19 and 22, 23. See what fits in your hand the best. Also check your natural point of aim with each size your interested in.
For me the 19/23 fits my hand the best. The NPOA is dead on.
If you really want both, get a 40. Then order a Lone Wolf conversion barrel from 40 to 9mm. The barrel cost a little over $100 Pick up some 9mm mags. Express Police Supply has KCI G19 mags for 12.99ea. Then you can have a 40 you can change into a 9. This doesn’t work the other way, can’t go from 9 to 40.