Of course that's assuming that the purpose of the handgun is for self-defense and also assuming that he doesn't go along with the crowd and likes wheelguns. If his desires and purpose for the gun were known, as well as, the budget, we'd be able to make more specific suggestions.
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First handgun for my son - advice on make and model?
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Truthfully a Glock 17 or 19 is one of the most affordable guns to own. See BWs post. Very common. Easy to find magazines, easy to find a holster, very popular.
9mm - Sig P320, Glock 19/17, S&W M&P, Walther PPQ, Ruger SR9. Let him pick what he likes and go shoot it. There is nothing at all wrong with a solid K frame revolver either.
I'm just going off of what the OP wrote himself:
I also said "most" 18 y.o. .... which by saying, "along with the crowd" you're agreeing with me.
I didn't make any assumptions whatsoever.
Actually I didn't say that. I'm pretty sure that the OP edited his original post to show the desired caliber and intended use, as well as, budget. That being said, if you must be right to feel good about yourself, go right ahead!I'm just going off of what the OP wrote himself:
I also said "most" 18 y.o. .... which by saying, "along with the crowd" you're agreeing with me.
I didn't make any assumptions whatsoever.
When I graduated from high school, my dad bought me a .357 Ruger Blackhawk w/ 5.5" barrel and 500 rounds of ammo. When I graduated from college, he bought me a Marlin 1894c to go with it. I said "where's the ammo?" He told me he bought the gun, I could feed it.
Dang. When I graduated, I left for the Navy, and all I got was my Dad advising me to never kiss a hooker.
At least he gave you some good advice. You've never forgotten it.
Also one of the few pieces of advice I've ever followed.
Actually I didn't say that. I'm pretty sure that the OP edited his original post to show the desired caliber and intended use, as well as, budget. That being said, if you must be right to feel good about yourself, go right ahead!
He did edit it - before my initial reply.
Nothing worse then feeling the stuble on their upper lip??
Since you mentioned home defense, I'd rule out the .22 pistols. That leaves the 9mm. Since your son is a big boy and you have a $400 budget, I'd suggest a S&W M&P or Ruger American. Both pistols have interchangeable grip modules, so different sizes can be selected for different size hands. Both are at the top of your budget, but it is hard to find a decent centerfire plastic pistol for less than $400 unless you go with a used one. Since it is a birthday present, I doubt you want to go the used route.
- Jan 12, 2012
- 27,286
- 113
Exactly. Fingerprints on guns is a much better plan than a wild guess.
Went through this a few years ago...and went with the Ruger Seucrity Six, used. We were looking for a S&W 19, and found a deal we couldn't pass up. Great way to learn trigger control and sight alignment, and shooting reloaded 38's is pretty cheap all day. Still has and loves that gun, but since have gone to the semi's and loving the 9mm and 45. Can't go wrong with so many out there, but we decided to keep it simple, fun, affordable, and dependable. Wont even look at cheap, lesser pocket guns now or ever...at least for shooting and training. He is finding his own way with what he likes, as it should be. But the basics of trigger control, sight alignment, shot placement and accuracy...are all valuable lessons at first vs. just a high cap 9mm and banging away! My .02 worth!
