I would never recommend a handgun as the first firearm for someone who has never used any firearm before.
First, get a decent .22 rifle to use. Ruger 10/22 comes to mind immediately. Start with open sights, no scope. Get comfortable with it, take a NRA Safety Course, take it plinking, take it small pest hunting (gopher, prairie dog, rabbit, etc.) Burn at least 1000 rds through it. Get comfortable with the sight picture, sound, care and feeding of the rifle. $299.00
Second, get a pump-action shotgun in either 12 or 20 Ga, preferably 12 Ga. Remington 870 or Mossburg 500 family. I have a Mossy 590 personally. Start with bird shot, take it trap and skeet shooting or shoot melons. More recoil, louder bang. Work up to 00 buck and slug loads. Keep it simple, say no to “tacticool” upgrades until you know it inside and out. This should be your home defense weapon of choice, load it with OO Buck at home. I keep mine with the tube full and the slide at release with nothing in the chamber. This weapon is the equivalent of a tactical nuke within 15-20 ft. $250-450.00
Now when you have these down. Get a pistol. Again start with .22, either revolver of semi-auto. I think comfort of the grip and natural sight pattern are the most important things to consider here. You dont want to have to fight the pistol. Shoot it a lot. Burn another 500-1000 rds. Take a course, ask questions, get help, get comfortable with it.
Now, get a centerfire pistol. 9MM, .40, .45, .357/.38. I dont have a bias against any of them and there are tons of good manufacturers. For a beginner, try a 9MM semi-auto. Load it with jacketed hollow-points (JHP) and it is a damn fine defense pistol. Ruger, Taurus, XD, Sig-Sauer, Baretta whatever feels right.
Remember, shooting is supposed to be fun. Dont feel intimidated by anyone. Hell, I take my air-rifle to the range, along with my other toys.
::clapping:::
Excellent advice!
I actually bought all those at around the same time (post election panic LOL) but have been learning to shoot them in exactly that order and it’s been great.
LQ
What air rifle do you have?
I ordered a crossman 1077 12 shot co2 repeater and was pleasantly surprised to see/feel that it was a 10/22 clone.
In addition to my guns, I still use a slingshot too. Its what makes you happy that counts.