ISurfer88

I'm looking into purchasing my first handgun and would like some advice prior to pulling the trigger. Im looking for something reliable that I can have for a lifetime and use as a primary home defense weapon as well as something midsize compact enough to eventually get my concealed permit with later down the road. Further, id it to be something both my wife and I can share and go shooting with and enjoy together a couple times a month.

Thus far ive been researching the Glock 19 9mm, Springfield XD, and Ruger SR9.

Any advice and insights are greatly appreciated. Im looking at something in the $500 range so perhaps if there are any places where we get airline discounts that would be great info too. Thanks!

Bloggs

1) Stay away from cheap crap. So far, so good.

2) On a quiet day -not Saturday morning- go to shop that has a range and tell them you would like to try before you buy. Buy the one you like best.

3) Know that owning a gun does not make you a shooter. Like owning a pen does not make you a writer. It will take a couple thousand rounds to get comfortable with a pistol. A few thousand more to get good with it. When you buy a gun and ammo, the gun is BY FAR the cheapest part.

ISurfer88

Thanks for the quick reply, I should probably add that both my wife and I have shot handguns and rifles before so this isent something completely new. That being said we are still probably going to take a safety course just for peace of mind and added knowledge.

Sata 4000 RP

I personally like Glocks and own several of them ranging from my wife's 9's to my 40's and 10mm so needless to say I can recommend the brand.

That said, chances are really good your friends or neighbors have guns like what you are looking to buy that you may borrow and take to the range. If they don't, many ranges let you rent guns for $5/hr though you usually have to buy a box of their range ammo.

One thing I really like about my Glocks is even though my wife is most comfortable with her G17, she can easily pick up and shoot one of my 40's or 10 as it operates and feels the same to her as her 9mm.

galaxy flyer

While the autos are everyone's first choice, a revolver is much less likely to be accidentally discharged--perfectly easy to verify if it's loaded or not. Today, I heard of a cop accidentally firing an auto into his bowling trophy and into the next condo killing a china closet.

Autos are great but be careful.

GF

jungle

Do yourself a favor and pick up a good .22 pistol, I suggest a Ruger Mark II, III or 22/45. The low cost of .22 practice will allow you to progress much faster and become much more skilled for a tenth of the cost.. Examples are available used/new from 200 dollars and they last several lifetimes.

The skill will transfer directly to your defensive pistol.

Your choice of defensive pistol should be something that fits both you and your wife-try a few out, fit may be the most important aspect.
Stick with high quality, SIG,Glock,H&K,etc. Ideally it should be of a brand and type that has won major police/military contracts.
9mm is probably best for new shooters and is certainly adequate with the proper ammunition.

Sata 4000 RP

I agree with jungle. My wife was initially thrown to the wolves by being taught how to shoot a pistol via my G22 .40 . She adapted very well but her time back on target was slow due to the kick. Next we rented a G17 9mm then bought one the following week. Hindsight is, just as jungle said, the easy transition for her would have been from a .22 to a 9mm. If you don't want to buy that .22 chances are you have a family member who can loan you one for awhile.

Grumble

If you're looking for a home defense and conceal carry gun, I'd entertain the idea of getting two different ones.

Conceal carry is going to be very personal to your body type. If its not comfortable you'll get sick of trying to carry it. Conversely in a home defense gun, I want capacity and punch.

I carry a Khar CW40. Single stack mag, carries 7 rounds. It's less than an inch wide, and with +P JHP rounds I know it's got plenty of knock down. .45 in a compact I found too hard to control for quick follow up shots or hammered pairs.

For my bed side gun I've got an XDM9 in 4.5". The 3.8 is a little smaller and may fit the bill as a dual purpose, and both will carry the 19 round mags. Again, +P JHP rounds, and I've got 19 of them plus a second mag for a total of 38 rounds. It's a very easy gun to shoot, and a nail driver at 25 yards.

Glock makes a good gun, as well as the S&W M&P line. Have both also.

Just my $.02, your mileage may vary.

Ottopilot

You'll get lots of advice on models, calibers, and grains. When it comes down to it, the only thing that matters is shot placement. Pick a gun you can hit the target with.

Go to a gun store and try out a few in your hand. Can you handle it? Can you hit the slide release? It's like a shoe, you have to find the right one.

Go to a range that rents pistols. Shoot a few. Try a variety. Bigger is not always better.

When you find something you might like, don't go cheap. A good one will be over $500. You get what you pay for. Same with ammo; get the good stuff.

I carry concealed. I got tired of full size pistols of any caliber. I switched to a Sig Sauer P232 (.380 auto or "short 9mm"). It's much nicer to carry inside the belt. A quality gun. I shopped around and this one fit my hand well.
P232 Two-Tone

I also have a S&W 9mm I used as a Deputy Sheriff. I shoot well with it, but it's large so I don't carry it concealed.

I also have the H&K .40. A good gun, but I shoot better with my other pistols.

I do like the newer hammerless revolvers. Simple and easy for defense. Some come with built in laser sights.

There is lots of good advice posted above. Remember to separate advice from opinion. Adice is good or bad. Opinion is just opinion. Do you homework and take your time. You'll find what you need.

Ottopilot

One more thing:
Once you get the gun; go to a good shooting course. Learn defense/combat shooting, safety, cleaning, laws, etc.

Get good instruction. It's difficult to unlearn bad habits and techniques. I would say its more important than the type of handgun you buy.