Your first handgun should probably be bigger than you think you need

[knight]

My first handgun was a full-size service pistol. It was way too big to carry but absolutely right for learning. Don't start too small, you need the feedback that a bigger platform gives you.

 

[Indigo22]

Personally I feel one's first handgun should be a 22Lr. Medium to full sized would be best, avoiding mouse gun size until later. An decent training pistol or revolver and a lot of ammo to put through it. This is the route to take if one wants to become a better shooter. New shooters will learn better habits faster if they aren't having to deal with loud muzzle blast and heavy recoil. I have had much success teaching newbies with a 22.

 

[Tabby]

I whole heartedly agree. All firearms training, both rifle and pistol needs to start with the .22 LR. All of my non military initial firearms trainees were started out on one of my personally owned .22 target/match pistols or .22 rifles. Nobody was allowed to bring or shoot their own firearms until the very end of the course when I gave them training on how to disassemble, clean, reassemble and shoot their personal firearms.

If somebody didn't like that, and there were a few that didn't, I would hand them back their course fee and send them home. They already showed that they were not willing to listen and learn. I didn't need any argumentative individuals interrupting the training. I even had one complain to the NRA, and had the regional representative contact me about the situation. We ended up meeting at a coffee shop and discussing the situation. He agreed with me and that was the last time I heard about the situation.

 

[jeeper1956]

Totally agree with the 22lr ....but some people have attitudes not ability ...

 

[Tom L]

Saw one guy at his first time shooting and his buddy hands him a 9mm micro to shoot. It was very obvious he didn't like the experience of shooting a loud, snappy gun. The RSO then brought out a 22 pistol and the difference could be seen on his face. Had the RSO not tactfully stepped in i fairly certain it could have been the guy's first and last day.

 

[Indigo22]

I have a friend who introduced his wife to the shooting sports with a snubby 357 loaded up with full house magnums in the chamber. That was the end of her interest in sharing range time with him. Scared her to the point she almost dropped his revolver.

 

[Cracker57]

My first handgun was a Raging Bull in 44 mag, I hope that's big enough.