For someone who is a 1st time handgun buyer, it goes without debating that they should purchase a 9mm.”
Wrong wrong wrong.
L
What would you recommend, then? Plastic, double-stack, 9mm semi-auto pistols are the 4" .38 Spl. revolvers of our time.
I'd start training a noob on a .22, but for home defense, the above handgun is really the nexus of cost, effectiveness, and simplicity for your average person.
Agreed, a revolver is about idiot proof. With an automatic I would suggest lots of range time. A good used Ruger, S&W, Taurus 4inch .357 magnum or even a 4 inch .38 Spl. loaded with JHP .38Spl. The heavier .357 would soak up the recoil of the .38spl. round for new shooters well.