[TMN78247]

Fwiw, new shooters, IMO as a former Army rangemaster of 3 decades experience, should NOT buy any semi-auto pistol.

Instead, you should FIRST buy a double-barrel or pump 12 or 20 gauge shotgun & get PROFESSIONAL TRAINING in its use.
(Even if you have never even held a firearm, most any person in one to two hours of coaching will be able to handle, maintain & safely use their shotgun to defend home & their loved ones.)

Once you are competent with a shotgun, you should buy a .38 special or .357 magnum revolver, as those handguns are about as easy to master, with proper training/practice, as a shotgun is. = MOST new shooters will be doing well with their revolver on the range within 5-8 hours of training.
(Once more, I advise getting PROFESSIONAL TRAINING.)

Just my OPINION, TMN78247
USA, Retired

[No.6]

^ All great advice in normal circumstances where people are able to undertake said training.

For a thing like now, when the range is not open and classes not running, the four basic safety rules and the simplest operation may be best.

[Gay State Conservative]

My only real experience with firearms was courtesy of the United States Army...Fort Knox...1969.We were the last cycle to qualify with the M-14 and the first to qualify with the M-16. I managed to avoid injuring myself (and others) and also managed to avoid an Article 15 or court martial.

Just got my license to carry and am contemplating my first firearms purchase.I fully agree with your comments about detailed training but am considering a Glock or S&W rather than a shotgun or revolver.