Help me with my first gun !!!!

I'm not in the state of Cali, but I can tell you that both the M&P and the G19 are excellent options. I'd say for the beginner but those 2 are pretty versatile options. I may not personally like Glocks, but I won't deny that they're a good firearm.

I have an M&P in .40, the compact variant. Very good, very reliable, very comfortable gun.

I'm in the same boat. Live in Cali, want my first gun. Thinking G17 or G19. WOuld you take the G19 over the G17 due to compact size? I have a big hand so I'm not too sure.

I live in the Bay Area and am a gun owner. I think a Glock would be a great choice for your first firearm, from what I've heard, they're very reliable. As you said, you've shot it before and as long as it fits you, then I say go for it. I've shot the G17 and it was very comfortable and I was very accurate with it. I think a Glock may be my next choice in firearm.

My first good sidearm was the G26.

HOWEVER: go to a range and try out a few first. In the world of Tupperware sidearms, there is a large difference in how they will fit your grip and style.

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I say go with the G19. I love mine and have shot 5,000 rounds out of it. Totally reliable and comfortable to shoot


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Sounds reasonable! I'm going to check one out after work today for $520, seems like a pretty good deal, doesnt it?

I'd consider replacing the trigger spring soon


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If you plan to shoot a lot, you might want to consider a .22. You'll save quite a bit on ammo. Now, a .22 probably isn't the best defensive weapon, but it can still get the job done in a pinch. A 9mm is a good compromise. You'll ave a few dollars in ammo vs. most other calibers and, with a good defensive round, it'll certainly get the defensive job done if you do your part with shot placement.

Not to complicate your life, but there are several other fine handgun manufacturers with pistols in the same price range as the Glock and S&W that you've already looked at. You probably won't regret purchasing either the Glock or the S&W, but you may want to look at the Springfield XD or XDm pistols for comparison.

Would you take a S&W over a Beretta? I tried a Beretta yesterday. My buddy wants to sell me his (only 200-300 rounds through it) for $500.

Beretta 92fs, good price?

I might just get a S&W brand new for the same price. Thoughts?

The Beretta is a fine pistol. Some believe the Italian-made Berettas are better than the U.S.-made. Mine's U.S.-made and I haven't had a single problem.

I assume you're talking about a S&W M&P. Not a bad pistol. I haven't owned one but I've put a few rounds through a friend's. As I recall, he hasn't had any problems with the gun.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to what you can afford and what works well for you. Have you fired the Beretta? How did you like the double-action/single-action (DA/SA) operation of the firearm? It took me quite a bit of time to adjust to that when I was learning to shoot mine. Perhaps I've become lazy over the years, but I now prefer a consistent trigger rather than a heavy DA trigger followed by a light SA trigger. Could I re-adapt? Sure, but why do so when there is no need?

IMO the G19 is probably the best all around gun for the majority of people. Cheap, works great, and easy to maintain. I doesn't fit my hand, and probably doesn't work with 30% of the general populations hand size.

Sure is big. I've never shot one, but I have held a couple. What a brick!

But so beautiful to look at!

What!?!?! Since when was a Beretta 9mm nice looking? I personally consider it the 3rd ugliest pistol of all time. (Hi-Point C9 is first, with the G26/19/17 second)