advice on picking out a handgun

[mm77]

Hello Everyone!

This is my first post, so please forgive me if started this thread in the wrong place.

I'm trying to buy my first gun and it's really hard to make a decision.

The gun will be used for home defense and practice (mostly in indoor range).
I've been practicing for a couple of years, but have no proper training.

I guess it sort of is an eternal question of which gun is better, and it's probably been asked millions of times, but it's really hard for a newbie to make an educated guess

My current choices are: Glock 17 or 19, S&W M&P 9 compact or full, CZ 75, SIG P226.

What do you think are the advantages of full vs. compact? glock vs. S&W vs. SZ vs. Sig?

Thanks for your help!

[ToddG]

Unless you are going to carry concealed, I see no reason for a compact gun. The one exception is that some brands, such as Glock, actually have slightly different grip designs/shapes between the full and compact sizes ... thus you would primarily focus on getting one that fit your hand the best.

Of the brands you mentioned, I'm most partial to S&W. The M&P has a wider range of ergonomic options right out of the box (three gripstrap sizes, two mag catch locations, ambi slide release). It's easy to shoot and doesn't require you to press the trigger during the disassembly process.

[Business_Casual]

If you read this: https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=30221

You'll have read most of the "first pistol" questions and answers available here.

M4C isn't really a novice site, so I am often confused why these questions get raised here.

M_P

[mm77]

Thank you very much for your responses....I'll go to the store tomorrow and see which one feels the best. Seems like a lot of stores are out of stock, but hopefully, I'll be able to find them somewhere

[yrac]

If you read this: https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=30221

You'll have read most of the "first pistol" questions and answers available here.

M4C isn't really a novice site, so I am often confused why these questions get raised here.

M_P

Nahhh - it's great to have new folks think highly enough of us that they come here for advice when starting out. This site is EXTREMELY fortunate to have created an environment in which very experienced and knowledgeable shooters congregate. It's a great place for a new shooter to come and get good advice. The key for new shooters here is to read a lot, learn a lot, hopefully train a lot, and ask lots of questions. Don't get in a big hurry to start offering advice to other shooters - it takes time and effort to reach a level of experience at which that is appropriate.

Welcome, mm77!

[Kimbo]

I'll go to the store tomorrow and see which one feels the best.

Sounds like your off to a great start! Loitering at my gun shop I see alot of people who come in purchasing their first firearm. It really boils down to what feels comfortable in your hands, in a caliber that they can manage. I can almost guarantee that this will not be your last pistol you purchase. The pistols you have listed are great firearms. I'm more biased to glocks since its a great firearm. Not to say the other ones aren't but I like them very much. Does the local range offer rental firearms? See if you can get some hands on experience with your top picks and go from there. Best of luck to you and welcome to the forums!

[ROADKING]

G19 will treat ya fine.

[MR.J]

I would go with G17 or G19.If you can go to a range and rent them that would help.That way you can pick the one that YOU shoot the best with.

[Oscar 319]

The Glock 19 is kind of the "jack of all trades" pistol.

[thopkins22]

It really boils down to what feels comfortable in your hands, in a caliber that they can manage.

It doesn't though. What "feels" best may not be what you shoot best. Objective over subjective.

Does the local range offer rental firearms? See if you can get some hands on experience with your top picks and go from there.

We're tracking again.