Best hand gun.

[keliko1]

For a beginner what would be a ideal handgun.

 

[Cameramonkey]

What is the best shoe for you?

like yours, mine is a loaded question. There is not a one size fits all gun, just like not everybody fits the same shoe.

It all depends on the individual. If in doubt find a range that has a rental wall and try some guns. Before you go, call and ask if you can change rental guns during your time. A reputable range will let you swap guns as much as you want. (typically the only restriction is you must by their ammo and not bring your own)

Some ranges even have a smorgasbord class where for a fee you can come in and shoot a variety of handguns to see what works best for you.

 

[NHT3]

Get some basic safety training and make your own decision. As the Monkey said, most ranges allow you to shoot several for one fee as long as you are buying ammo from them. No one else can tell you what is "right" for you.
Edit: Sorry you aren't closer. I would be happy to meet with you at Range USA or Parabellum and go over the basics with you.

 

[Expat]

For a beginner what would be an ideal handgun.

Without question an AK pistol.

 

[blain]

Without question an AK pistol.

I have to take exception to that suggestion.
Obviously a new gun owner is concerned about personal safety.
To stay safe, a defensive weapon must posses stopping/knockdown power.
Not only should that weapon be capable, but also be concealable, so as to not draw unwanted attention.
A factor that your AK pistol just can't pull off.
So there are several options for a beginner. But the clear choice, given the parameters outlined above would be...
The Ruger Super RedHawk Alaskan .454 Casull

 

[Scott58]

What is the best shoe for you?

like yours, mine is a loaded question. There is not a one size fits all gun, just like not everybody fits the same shoe.

It all depends on the individual. If in doubt find a range that has a rental wall and try some guns. Before you go, call and ask if you can change rental guns during your time. A reputable range will let you swap guns as much as you want. (typically the only restriction is you must by their ammo and not bring your own)

Some ranges even have a smorgasbord class where for a fee you can come in and shoot a variety of handguns to see what works best for you.

Red Ball Jets.

 

[Amishman44]

For a beginner what would be a ideal handgun.

For a beginner, maybe go to a gun range and rent several different pistols, and shoot them, to see what you like or feels best in your hand, or shoots most accurately for you?
For a handgun, figure out what you want it to do (plink, range fun, target shoot, hunt, home and personal defense) and then select a caliber that is adequate for that purpose.
Next, select a platform (pistol or revolver) that fits comfortably in your grip and points / shoots 'naturally' for you.
A person can develop basic and solid shooting skills with a .22lr pistol, including safety, without spending a whole lot of money on ammunition, and it can serve as a fun plinking toy later!

 

[WebSnyper]

For a beginner what would be a ideal handgun.

What are you planning to do with it?

 

[Creedmoor]

Without question an AK pistol.

So, he's a rapper?

 

[Gingerbeardman]

My competition pistol is not good for concealed carry and my concealed carry pistol is not good for competition. My revolvers are good for having fun and looking cool. The answer is, you need many. You need a Glock 19, a 1911, a CZ, and SIG 365 just to start. Then you need a dirty Harry gun. Don't forget mares leg is also a pistol. You should get an ak pistol for clout but don't get an AR pistol. Just try to get them all in the same caliber as much as possible. 9 and .45. To start though get a Canik.

 

[Scott58]

For a beginner Ruger SR22. Just be prepared to buy your next one within a few months.

 

[OkieGirl]

For a beginner Ruger SR22. Just be prepared to buy your next one within a few months.

Finally a voice of reason... and QFT about the purchase of the next one a few months later

OP - Welcome to the forum. You certainly stirred up the shenanigans with a vague post on a wide topic. LOL, as you have probably figured out there are a lot of opinions on this topic and a lot depends on what your firearm need is.

For example, if you really are completely new to firearms or pistols and are wanting to learn more about them or eventually have a pistol for home protection and/or carry purposes you may have better results starting with a small caliber (22lr) pistol. This will give you the opportunity to have range time with whatever platform (revolver or semi-automatic) you choose, and the ammo is less expensive that the traditional carry calibers (9mm/40cal/45acp). Also, if you find that you like a particular pistol in 22lr you will find that whatever company that makes it also has the larger calibers that are built nearly identical to the 22 you would have been practicing with. The magazine releases will likely be in the same place, the grips will be very similar, if it has a safety the release will likely be located in the same place, etc...

 

[Leadeye]

^
This, 22lr is always a good place to start.

 

[ECS686]

Well that depends!!! What is your future wants? Are you looking to get familiarity to carry for defense or just plink hunt OR a little of all?

If it’s defensive use My suggestion is buy 2. (You don’t have to at the same time but can) A Glock 44 in 22 LR and a Glock of some sort in 9mm. Cheap 22 to get familiar and have the same manual of arms and a 9mm for serious practice defense or etc.

Your out less well under 1,000 for both which is the price of a baseline 1911 from Colt, Springfield etc.

 

[loudgroove]

For a beginner, maybe go to a gun range and rent several different pistols, and shoot them, to see what you like or feels best in your hand, or shoots most accurately for you?
For a handgun, figure out what you want it to do (plink, range fun, target shoot, hunt, home and personal defense) and then select a caliber that is adequate for that purpose.
Next, select a platform (pistol or revolver) that fits comfortably in your grip and points / shoots 'naturally' for you.
A person can develop basic and solid shooting skills with a .22lr pistol, including safety, without spending a whole lot of money on ammunition, and it can serve as a fun plinking toy later!

Solid advice, finding the right tool for the job.

 

[wcd]

My wife’s first edc was a SR22. She found it to be reliable, easy to carry, comfortable to train with, accurate.

While if you are asking for suggestions I would say what ever caliber you chose it needs to be a 45 acp, 357 magnum, or 10 mm.

But seriously try a few things , initially a semi auto may be a good starting point, find what fits you and you enjoy shooting. Then make some space in your closet for that box of holsters we all have.

 

[DadSmith]

Taurus TX22. There are two sizes now.
Full Size which is similar to a full size grip you would find on most 9mm but very ergonomic.
Taurus TX22 compact. It's a little smaller. Shorter barrel length and grip.
These are very reliable, accurate, inexpensive, and easy on the wallet to train with.
Use decent 22lr HV ammunition such as CCI.

If you don't want to take a safety course at least watch some decent youtube videos on firearms safety, and videos on the disassembly/assembly of the firearm you choose to buy, and practice it before you load it or go to the range. This is to get you familiar with your firearm.

 

[1nderbeard]

Do yourself a favor, take an intro to firearms class offered at your nearest local range.

 

[bobzilla]

Deagle .50 everything else is just wanting to be cool.

 

[Amishman44]

I have to take exception to that suggestion.
Obviously a new gun owner is concerned about personal safety.
To stay safe, a defensive weapon must posses stopping/knockdown power.
Not only should that weapon be capable, but also be concealable, so as to not draw unwanted attention.
A factor that your AK pistol just can't pull off.
So there are several options for a beginner. But the clear choice, given the parameters outlined above would be...
The Ruger Super RedHawk Alaskan .454 Casull

And, remember, the Ruger Alaskan in .454 Casull also shoots .45 Colt, for those who desire a somewhat 'lighter' felt recoil! Keeping in mind that the Ruger Alaskan Wheel-kit is sold seperately!

On a more serious note, as a beginner, one should not pass on the option of a Ruger SP101 in .357 magnum, as one can also shoot .38 special through it. The lighter felt recoil of a .38 special combined with the heavier weight of the SP101, results in an overall milder felt recoil while shooting.
The fact that there are so many different grips available for the SP101 (means it'll fit just about anyone's grip size comfortably) and having a replaceable pinned-in front sight, means you can replace the OEM sight with a tritium or hi-viz front sight for low / no light shooting, should the need ever occur.
Having a 2.25" or 3" barrel doesn't really matter, but the overall ruggedness, reliability, and accuracy of the SP101's has never been in question!