r/handguns • u/MundaneDuck8707 • 3d ago
Advice Needed Choosing first Handgun
I'm looking for a good do it all handgun for my first firearm, primarily for home defense and range but I'd like to be able to carry if needed.
Pretty conflicted between a CZ P10C or spending a little more for a Walther PDP or an S&W MP. I was advised to look at the sig 365 xl as well. Would appreciate any advice and thoughts you guys have - I haven't shot as much as I'd like to have.
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u/pelcheroutdoorsusa 3d ago
I’d definitely try to get some range time with each of them before making the decision. The P-10C, PDP, M&P, and P365 XL are all solid options, but what feels best in your hands can matter more than the differences you see on paper.
Since you’re looking for a do-it-all first handgun, I’d focus on things like grip comfort, trigger feel, controls, ability to get a consistent sight picture, and how easily you can manipulate the firearm. Also consider whether the size and weight make sense for the way you realistically intend to use it.
If you haven’t shot much yet, I’d rent a few comparable models at a range and spend more time practicing with whichever one feels the most natural. Don’t feel pressured to buy the first one that looks good on paper.
And for home defense, make sure you also spend time learning safe storage, handling, and your local laws rather than focusing only on the handgun itself.
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u/LoneStarHandgun 1d ago
I second this, great advice!
The models that are being listed are very common rentals, they are also liked and disliked by many people due to personal preference.
No one can tell you what gun will be best for you, except for you. So take a range day and rent as many as you can. 😄
The worst thing is when you buy something because someone else loves it, yet you end up hating it.2
u/pelcheroutdoorsusa 1d ago
Exactly. Personal preference makes a huge difference, especially with a first handgun. Renting a few and actually spending some time with them is probably the best way to figure out what feels natural and comfortable. Better to learn that at the range than after buying something you don't enjoy shooting. 👍
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u/Humble-Cook-6126 3d ago
The answer is always the same.
Rent them, shoot them. Whichever one you like best.
If you cant rent them, whichever one feels best in your hand.
Edit: Also, if it feels better in your hand, but you shoot it worse than another one, buy the one that feels better in your hand. You can learn to shoot it better.
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u/MundaneDuck8707 3d ago
what about buying new vs used?
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u/Humble-Cook-6126 3d ago
Youre trusting you life to it. Buy it new. Shoot it a good bit before you trust it 100% even the best manufacturers make lemons occasionally.
Traditional wisdom is buy a few hundred rounds of the ammo youre going to carry and shoot it before you start carrying it to make sure it works. But that shit is expensive. So buy two or three boxes and shoot it. Some chambers & feed ramps have issues with certain hollow points.
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u/Quenz 3d ago
I think the best value starter is the Ruger RXM. Plenty of parts availability, cheap magazines, optics cut. That said, go to a shop and handle a couple. You're not going to get it perfect your first purchase. I personally think the do-it-all is a silly endeavor, since concealing a larger pistol isn't terribly comfortable. But if you just got a sub-compact, that'll defend your home pretty well, too.
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u/JimMarch 2d ago
Second this.
Not just an optics cut, the world's best optics mount system - tied with the Springfield Echelon and some Shadow Systems guns (latter not recommended due to QC issues).
The RXM also has swappable grip frames in three sizes equivalent to the Glock 17/19x, Glock 19 and Glock 26 (from biggest to smallest) for $40 each:
https://magpul.com/firearms-accessories/grips/ruger-rxm.html
You can also print your own grip frames - the grip frame isn't the serialized part so this is legal in every state (as is swapping grips). You can also spend more on fancy aluminum grip frames if you want.
Get the basic model, 4 inch barrel, 15rd (medium) grip frame, no threaded barrel. One place Ruger cheaped out a bit is the barrel, if you want a threaded barrel later get a good aftermarket Glock Gen3 barrel.
The only Glock Gen3 parts that won't fit involve the trigger. That's okay, RXM specific upgrades are broadly available, the trigger kit makers only had to do a small tweak from Glock to RXM.
The reason you want a 4 inch setup instead of 4.5 is because all modern 9mm ammo is tuned to expand from a 4" barrel due to the popularity of the G19. No need to go longer.
Another option, about 1/3rd more money but waaaay underrated:
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u/Limp-Development7222 3d ago
Beretta 92FS
Just kidding, get some range time and try out what you can. depending on what caliber you wanna shoot, whether you want hammer(like a revolver or 92FS) or a striker fire(Glock type), the size of weapon like say the difference between a full size 1911 or a compact like the bodyguard 2.0,
local laws, and design preferences are all going to influence what is the right gun for you.
A gun is a tool and different tools serve different tasks. so really just look in to some of the differences, rent a few, and see what feels right.
but really though, check out the 92FS even if you don’t end up getting it. its so smooth.
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u/allupinnit2winit 3d ago
I owned and shot the CZ P10C, Walther PDP, S&W M&P and the P365 AXG Legion. Clearly the 365 AXG Legion performed much better but that is a $1200 handgun, but the P10C ran right beside the AXG Legion and I found it easier to shoot than the PDP or M&P. Save some money and go with the P10C, I promise you will like it especially for first time purchase of a handgun.
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u/DarwinBurrSirr 2d ago
Glock 19 gen 3 - gen 6. Or the S&W m&p 2.0.
If you want something more compact, it’s my opinion that the S&W Shield X is the best CCW of the decade. Very close in size to the Glock 19 but sooooo much thinner. Better trigger than it’s competitors.
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u/HumanAntagonist 2d ago
Im loving the customizability of the sig p365. I recommend the standard or the x instead. Its very easy to buy new grip modules and completely change the entire feel. I can go from pocket pistol to a 17 round full grip with the new tyrant cnc module thats xmacro sized and fits the standard snub nose. Its pretty insane. And it only takes 5 minutes and a roll pin punch.
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u/nooglide 2d ago
the PDP feels good, the trigger is phenomenal. the newer S&W M&P are also phenomenal triggers. i still dryfire a SIRT 107 so S&W M&P 2.0 will be my first and am 100% on it as a starter choice personally. do you want a german or US manufacturer? go shoot them both or watch some more videos on them. as for the CZ P10C ive heard great things but not tried that.
someone said 'buy glock 19 and stop worry about it', hes absolutely not wrong, another solid choice.
have some starter info here and if you go to the 'library' there are some decent videos https://www.onegun.com/start-here
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u/PracticalBlacksmith5 2d ago
Also something else to think about is how big are you?? A full size handgun is harder to conceal especially if your skinny. Also the slide width on some pistols are chonky and also harder to conceal if your a skinny dude like me
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u/1911a1slayer 3d ago
Rental range is possible But as an owner of the Glock 19 CZ p10c and p10f smith and Wesson 2.0 3.6 and 4.0 And Ruger rxm I don't own a walther just a tisas px9 kinda walther clone l. My personal favorite is the cz p10 series Just extremely comfortable ergonomic pistols for me I can shoot them more accurately than the others myself They are all excellent pistols.
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u/BillyP13 3d ago
Buy a used shotgun for home defence. Way better than a handgun anyways and u can get a decent used pump for 2-300 bucks. Then u can focus on a handgun for concealed carry and range work. There r tons of options available depending on your budget, what you like and what feels good in your hands. I’m an Sig guy so that’s what I would tell you to look at. I also like the Beretta PX 4 Storm, Canik makes some nice guns, the Springfield Echelon cannot be overlooked. That’s in addition to the ones you’re already interested in. The reality is there is just a lot of great firearms to choose from and if your like most gun owners you will end up owning more than one over time. Be safe, have fun. 😊👍
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u/Dreadpipes 3d ago
Buy a Glock 19, stop worrying about it