First handgun

[BravoMike]

FYI, I ended up getting the Springfield XD9. I liked the S&W M&P 9 a LOT. But, the price I found on the XD9 was too good to pass up.

Excellent! That gun will serve you well! Congrats on being a new gun owner!

 

[PaulKersey]

First Gun

If money is the biggest factor, the Ruger P95 is hard to beat. They are completely reliable and pretty accurate. Of course, the ergonomics and aftermarket support are poor and magazines are expensive. The clear choice, as others have suggested, is the Glock 19. People love to hate on the Glocks, but the Gen 3 Glock 19 (or 17) is one of the best handguns at any price, considering reliability and track record. I say that as a person who prefers the 40 S&W. If I wanted a 9mm, it would be the G19/17.

 

[Tauler]

Glock 19 serves the first handgun needs more so than any other. There are better guns, but for the price, the mag capacity, being nearly full-sized, yet still very light and concealable, is powerful enough (9mm) without being too powerful, it's a jack of all trades (nightstand as well as concealed carry) for a first handgun.

 

[GlockRyan]

Glock 19 hands down.

 

[alc1985]

Do some research and buy one you think you will like. Your first handgun will not be your last.

 

[g3man]

Highly recommend the Glock 17 or HK USP9. Everyone should own a 17 and a haul of mags for it.