First pistol

My goodness son, you can do so much better than a Glock. The ONLY thing they have is reliability, but you can purchase a pistol just as, if not more reliable with far better ergonomics and a much better trigger, out of the box. I really think people buy Glocks because their buds tell them it's the pistol to have.

For your first pistol, especially for CC use, I highly recommend the Springfield XD-E. It has every possible configuration, from a manual thumb safety, to a decocker to drop it from SA mode to DA mode. The only down size is that it is a single stack, so it's magazine is about half the capacity of the G-19.

But if you are dead set for a striker fired pistol, I suggest the following which are infinitely better choices than a Glock 19, and it isn't close:
- HK VP-9
- Walther PPQ
Those two pistols have the best ergonomics in their category, as well as the best "out of the box" triggers in their category. I own a PPQ, but shot my neighbor's VP-9 and found those two to be very close in every category.

Guess if you through enough money into a G-19 you can fix the trigger, and maybe put some type of a sleeve over the grip to fix the ergonomics, but you're talking hundreds of dollars to make it almost as good as the two I listed above. For reference, I own a G-23, so I know Glocks. The list of pistols with great reliability, but better in every category than a Glock are long.

Good luck with your purchase!

 

I’m going to say do NOT get a glock 19 or 20 yet. You need to buy a gun you will actually carry all the time, it doesn’t do you any good if you leave it at home bc it’s a burden to carry the weight and size of a g19. I have one and while I do carry it occasionally, I find myself saying “nah not today, too big” and I’ll grab my mp shield or Ruger lcp instead

 

it may be marginally “more likely” to “knock something down”(knockdown power is just fudd lore anyway) than 9mm but it’s also more expensive, harder to shoot, harder on the gun, and a dying caliber. If that’s what you like keep on doing you. I’m not trying to change your mind. I’m trying to help the OP pick a simple and effective first pistol so he doesn’t waste a lot of time and money on stuff that doesn’t matter.

however, to repeat what I said above, there is no significant benefit to buying a 40 over a 9mm especially when you are starting out.

 

Damn, I had no idea how weak the .380 is. Thanks for posting that chart.

FWIW, I like my Glock 23 but the ergonomics of the Sig is much better, and it just has a far more refined feel to it. Kinda like the difference between a Nissan Frontier and a Tacoma.

 

Any gun that fits your hand, and you will actually carry everywhere is perfect. If you don't have it when you need it, or you can't shoot it well, out of breath, and scared it doesn't matter.

I carry the Ruger LCP .380 with laser, and Hornady critical defense rounds. I know it does not have massive stopping power, but I always have it.
If I feel like I might need more gun, I don't go to that area, or I carry a rifle in the truck.

I am old, had cataract surgery on both eyes, and can not see the sights on pistols any more. I use a laser, scopes, and red dots.

My opinion is a grip mounted squeeze activated laser allows quick first shots and follow ups.

Never have I tested this against another human. My dog did corner a coyote in the barn, and it did work quickly in a dark barn, against a moving target, as my dog backed toward me. Not apples to apples, but I was pretty amped up. I don't live in bear country. The most dangerous thing here are humans.

 

I have both an xd-s in .45 and a sig p-320 in .357 Sig. The xds is a bit of a handful with that caliber but would be sweet as a 9. The .357 sig is a good shooting gun. Just food for thought.

 

Along with all the others noted above, check out ;

Sig 365 (dont have one, want one), small, good capacity, packs well
S&W M&P shield, cheap reliable, compact, have one, it packs very well, small capacity
Also have a Kahr CW9, small, cheap, compact, I have had no issues with mine, great packable carry run.
Have a few CZ's as well, but they are larger, more capacity, I dont generally carry them, unless it cold and I am wearing layers. great shooters, good capacity, usually my house / truck guns.

 

that will take a few visits

unlikely U will be able to conceal a full sized anything

no less to effectively carry takes a fair amount training

a stable mindset

to be able to effectively perform if necessary

be wise

good luck

 

Not this old thing again. It was suspect for rifle cartridges and bogus as all get out for handgun cartridges.

 

the orig poster
a green rookie

U mention some really goooood
really EXPENSIVE pistols

some have mentioned some HIGH Capacity full sized pistols
i would gaurantee a first time buyer....owner....rookie NO way could "Conceal '
no less in a sphincter tightning moment use Legally
Appropriately
Protectively
Effectively.............. maybe Not even firing a shot ( DeEscalating )

where he starts is Not going to be where he gets to

in a moment .........no one is going to be impressed by a pistol
that has every gimmick
that some magazine pistolero suggests

no less IF he has to stand in front of a judge monday morning
(yes i know its best to be the one standing there monday)

no matter what
if he buys/owns
carrys
& hopefully never has to ever fire it

his life Will change !!

good luck

 

I don’t even like carrying my G43 daily and people are saying to carry a 19... wtf. I give my buddy a lot of shit for carrying a LCP2, but it’s a solid choice for EDC. Super compact, cheap ammo, not the worlds best stopping power, but rather have it on you than nothing. A great little gun for summertime carry.


Get what’s comfortable in your hand, and something you feel comfortable shooting and carrying. You can ask 10 different people and get 10 different answers. Shop around and hold everything.

 

I picked up a Sig P365 love how it feels and the size for CC. Own four Sig handguns and the all run great. Also have a G19 but only like to carry it in the winter when wearing a jacket.

 

2nd the thought on grip size , you might like a wheel (revolver) gun

 

I’d say pick the caliber you desire then pick a gun that fits your need. If CC is your need then pick where you want to place it. Look for a gun that fits as comfortably there. If you don’t you want carry it much. You don’t need many rounds for CC so maybe something like a Glock 26 in 9mm because it fits IWB and in a pocket.

 

I went to the Gallery of Guns website to get MSRPs for new pistols:

- Glock 19 $729

- Walther PPQ M2 (4" barrel) $649

- HK VP9 $749

- Springfield XD-E $542

Appears the Walther PPQ is the bargain of the bunch, especially compared to the overpriced Glock 19. One would have to be crazy to buy a G19 over a PPQ...lol The HK is only $20 more than the Glock, and trust me, you'll spend far more than $20 to bring the G19 up to the level of the VP9 or PPQ.

I really think the XD-E is the perfect first pistol for a new shooter due to it's different carry options: manual thumb safety on/off, SA mode, decocker to put it in DA mode...basically you can carry it however you feel most comfortable. If you change your mind on how you want to carry it, you don't have to buy another pistol because it can be carried in different modes. I don't think there's another pistol on the market with that many carry options. (If I was buying today, I would go for the 4.5" barrel.) I don't recommend the other XD pistols for a new shooter because they are SA only, without a manual (thumb) safety.

 

way tooooooooo many choices

the orig post was for ' 1st Pistol '

NOT gun of preference !!!!!!!!

otherwise most would still be carrying their FIRST
essentially Not having need for another
& NOT have purchased many more .............................. highly Unlikely

id take the bet a green rookie could
Conceal
Carry a full sized pistol
that i couldnt determine was on his person
damn near down to the serial #s

' Concealed Carry ' is NOT a GOTCHA moment
carrying can & does actually draws trouble/danger
Stealth & Concealed are synonymous

avoiding trouble / de escalating Wise
actually an integral part of every CCW clas ive EVER attended
taught by active law enforcement lawyers
with attorneys present

prudence + wisdom very important

good luck

 

I carry the Glock 23 Gen 4.

 

Lol. 1911’s...