Best multi-purpose handgun for newbie?

[kings650]

I am looking for my first handgun but need your opinion.
I want to use it as cc yet durable and accurate enough for some fun at range.
What would you recommend?

 

[g+16]

What have you shot before?

 

[Kirk Freeman]

So many choices. Have him pick.

CZ 75 with additional 22 barrel and slide?

Ruger or Smith .357 and shoot .38s?

A .32?

 

[Signal23]

"most" guys here will likely point you to a 9MM.

Tons of good ones, Beretta, Glock, Smith M&P.......

The better/more diserable.......boom, the higher the price.

 

[iCarry]

My first handgun was my HK USP Compact 40 cal. Its accurate and fun to shoot at the range. Loaded its pretty heavy and I had to buy a sturdier belt to support it. I also have a glock 17, but its full size and harder to conceal. I would suggest a glock 19 or an M&P Compact. I prefer 9mm, but caliber is a personal taste. I would try all sorts of calibers and pistol sizes before buying something.

 

[kings650]

I have shot different caliber, but I liked 9mm and looking for something in 9mm. I have shot sr9, sw sigma 9mm, glock 19, and xmd 9mm. I liked them all, but I thought they were too big as cc guns. I could be wrong about this.

 

[leftsock]

I have shot different caliber, but I liked 9mm and looking for something in 9mm. I have shot sr9, sw sigma 9mm, glock 19, and xmd 9mm. I liked them all, but I thought they were too big as cc guns. I could be wrong about this.

Being able to CC something is relative to the individual. I'm a regular sized guy, but have no problem CCing a Glock 17 with a jacket or coat. Summer time, a Glock 26 works just fine then.

The traditional answer is supposed to be to get a Glock 19 (or something equivalently sized from another reputable manufacturer). I really do like the Glock 26 however. You can put your larger 15, 17, or 33rd mags in it too.

 

[leftsock]

Whatever you get, don't skimp on getting a good holster for your carry style.

 

[DeadeyeChrista'sdad]

Only one realistic answer. Dan Wesson revolver with a full set of barrels. That way you can conceal carry the "noisy crickett" 2 inch barrel, and snipe cape buffalo with the 6 incher. Totally up to you.

 

[dbrier]

There is no such thing as the perfect for everything gun.
That said, the guns that can do a lot and have versatility are a mid size 9mm or a 3" barrel .357 revolver.

 

[CAT 1000B]

i think a 4 inch Smith 686 is the perfect gun to start with. You can carry it, target shoot with it, or hunt with it. Great all around gun. If not that gun, buy a Glock 26. I love the 19 but I am pretty thin and the 26 is easier for me to hide.

 

[Mat250]

I would suggest a G26 or a Ruger SR9C, both great shooters and easily carried. They have extended grips to use at the range. I know there are others but these two are nice.

 

[Rong]

If you are considering using it to hunt as well...4 inch stainless 357, shoot 38s at the range and can be concealed.

If not any midsize semi auto 9 or 40.

 

[SSGSAD]

A .357, or a .44 mag. Now don't get all bent !!!!! Both of them are able to shoot "special" .38, and .44 !!!!! Great guns, very accurate, lots of makes and models... YOU get to choose. When the time comes, great to start reloading !!!!!

 

[venenoindy]

Glock 17, Glock 19.

 

[Colt556]

S&W 357 mag with 4" bbl

1911 45 with 22 Conversion Unit

CZ 75 9mm with 22 Conversion Unit

Several good choices out there.

 

[Taylorz71]

i think a 4 inch Smith 686 is the perfect gun to start with. You can carry it, target shoot with it, or hunt with it. Great all around gun. If not that gun, buy a Glock 26. I love the 19 but I am pretty thin and the 26 is easier for me to hide.

Great advice here, love the .357 and also love my 17. Both are harder to CC than a 19 or 26. If you like the 19, but want one a little smaller the 26 is the way to go. The 26 is next on my list of necessities

 

[6mm Shoot]

You don't want to give a new shooter a 357 and tell them to shoot 38s. It isn't going to happen. Like most of us he is going to use the biggest and baddest thing he can cram in it. Then they will be fighting a flinch for years to come.

I would tell a new shooter to pick a 9mm at max that fit them. I like the Glocks. Then a lot of people find them to thick in the grip. So I would say stick with what fits your hand best. Then when you get good with that go to the 357 or the 44. The best starting gun is a 22 but he said he wanted it for CC as well and a 22 is just too weak for that.

 

[Sedanman]

Go to your local gun store and just handle all the guns and see what fits best, then try to shoot the top choices and go from there.

 

[dbrier]

I have a 4" 686, I can't imagine trying to carry that thing around all day.

My vote would be SP101 3" .357 or a S&W M&P 9c.