It is small enough to carry, but can be loaded with larger mags and spacers to increase its capacity up to 33 rounds.
Rent several and try them out.
If this is your first handgun...take the lessons first.
It’s best to r try some out. I got Ruger SR9. It comes with 17 round magazines. I love it.
I have a Glock 26. It was the first pistol I got. I like it and it fits easily into my waistband holster.
Personally, I would NOT buy a Glock as my first handgun.
You didn’t indicate what you will be using the pistol for.
Glocks+novices= bad ending.
You have to buy the handgun that fits your purpose and is comfortable in your grip - that will lead to confidence in using said weapon.
Buy at least a .40 cal...if not a .45cal - those are human stoppers!
I have trained females that shot the Springfield .45 much more confident than a S&W 4006 double stacked .40cal...because the grip pressure was more solid on the .45 than the 40.
Hammerless weapons and composite lowers are great in certain conditions...but Glocks wear off my skin on my middle finger during excessive shooting at the range due to the composite...
Like one said - rent or find someone that has a variety of handguns that you can shot. Don’t worry about the price - and make sure that compact versions do not limit your functionality on drawing and shooting said weapon...
Males and females respond differently to certain types of weapons...but in the end - it’s tool and one must learn to use a hammer to be a carpenter just like a person must learn to use a handgun for protection and self-defense...don’t over think it....keep it simple...and train often!
S&W .22 kit gun. 4 inch barrel.
Advice depends on your use. For home defense I’d choose a Judge, which is a five shot .410. You can’t beat the reliability of a revolver coupled with the knockdown power of 4 .32round balls. If you’re carrying and you don’t dress so you can easily cover a full frame semiautomatic then a small frame 3.5 inch barrel single or double stack .380 (Glassier) or 9mm.
http://www.taurususa.com/product-details.cfm?id=199&category=Pistol
Consider getting a revolver first to become proficient with safety and shooting and best to buy one that fits your hand. Even if you upgrade the revolver will always be a good weapon, backup or otherwise. Shoot different calibers & experience the recoil. Buy what fits/feels best.
This is pertinent
https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20110130083045AATrYmU
Don’t practice safety & security of the weapon, live it.
Good luck.
It is small enough to carry, but can be loaded with larger mags and spacers to increase its capacity up to 33 rounds.
Find something that comfortably fits your hand, so that when pointed in at a target, the barrel is in a direct line with your lower arm.
Rental before purchase is a great idea. Once you’ve made a choice (assisted by a competent salesperson), pretend you’re going to Carnegie Hall with it. Take lessons, and then practice, practice, practice.
In handgun courses, we commonly see people who have owned a handgun for several months, and put only 10-20 rounds through it. Stoo-pid! It should be more like 300-500 rounds.
You are settled on a semi-auto pistol as your first handgun?
You might want to consider a revolver first, until your basic skills are developed.
Buying a semi-auto (analogy coming) is like learning to drive for the first time on a stick shift.
Both good choices.
If you intend to carry concieled they may be too large/heavy.
Lots of issues there.
Lessons first, then buy.
See if the place where you take your lessons will let you try with a variety of revolvers and semis.
Figure out what you want it for - plinking, rodent control, home defense, self defense?
Ignore anyone who will recommend a specific tool without knowing what you need it for, what you look like, etc.
I doubt that you’ll get much handgun advice here on FR. Hardly any people have opinions on that question. Still, those with experience will need more information.
Why do you want a pistol, and what’s your budget like? The right handgun for concealed carry is different from the right handgun for plinking, for target practice, for competition shooting, or for living out your Dirty Harry fantasies.
How big/old are you? I like shooting a .45, but some people find that to be too much gun. I like knowing that if it’s not enough gun, nothing would be.
How comfortable are you with your attention to detail. Along with many other people, I like a Glock - it shoots when you pull the trigger. A whole lot of people are uneasy about the Glock - it shoots when you pull the trigger. If you might get careless or clumsy, a Glock is a shockingly terrible choice. If someone careless might handle it. with or without your permission, get something with a good safety. I’m happy with the Glock safety, which is mostly safe handling.
The 9 mm Glock 17 is excellent if you want something reliable and don’t have safety concerns.
The .50 cal S&W500 is excellent if you don’t mind a whole lot of weight, a whole lot of kick, a whole lot of noise, and a major overpenetration risk. “Dirty Harry” Callahan would love one.
The Super Carry .45 ACP Kimber 1911 is an excellent fairly large pistol for daily carry, while their Solo Carry is a great, very small 9mm.
The 22LR Smith & Wesson 41 is an excellent introductory target pistol.
Look at the back of the grip, it has a grip safety like a Colt 1911. This means it won't go bang unless it's being gripped. Glocks sometimes go BANG by surprise.
Also, it has a cocked-striker indicator (the little protruding pin on the back of the slide) that tells you if the striker is cocked or not. If the pin is not back, the gun cannot be loaded. You can both feel (in pitch dark) and see this cocked striker indicator, even when it's holster. The Xd also has a loaded chamber indicator.
Not being sure of the chamber status is a big bugaboo with pistols, especially the Glock, because if the trigger is pushed back, even by a loose pen in a gym bag etc, it WILL go BANG. An Xd will not. There are far more negligent discharges with a Glock than almost any other gun. ESPECIALLY for newbies.
Like I said up thread, a GLOCK for a first gun is like learning to drive on a stick shift sportscar. At least the Xd has some features that are lacking on a GLOCK.
Now Glock fans will dismiss all I just said, but they are coming at it as experienced pistol shooters, like somebody who has already mastered driving a hot sports car. But that is not you at this point.
Me, I'd buy a good revolver first. But if you do buy a pistol, check out the Xds.
I like the simplicity and effectiveness of a 357.
Get a .38 revolver.
Then learn how to shoot.