Best first gun and firearm to get in general? I'm thinking of a handgun. Budget of $400. (self.trans_guns)

submitted 2 days ago by Teknevra to c/trans_guns

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In light of recent events, such as our government going rapidly towards an autocracy, I have made the decision that I am going to save up and purchase a handgun a few days after my 21st birthday, which is in a few months. I have never shot a gun in my life, but I have always respected the second amendment. I also want to practice proper gun safety, of course.

As stated my budget would be around $400 USD, but can extend to an additional $100. I would prefer to start off with a caliber that has less recoil (such as 22LR all the way to maybe a 9mm, I am 6'4 and 230 lbs if that matters) because I don't want to be unable to shoot it properly. Thank you in advance!

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[-] DickFiasco@sh.itjust.works 3 points 22 hours ago

I also recently bought my first handgun, for probably similar reasons as you. I bought a Taurus G3 9mm, which I am very happy with. I paid about $300 for it new, and have fired 200-300 rounds so far with zero malfunctions.

I would recommend the G3 for home defense, however in hindsight I would probably go with a .45 cal like the classic 1911 or any of the newer polymer-frame .45's. I was originally intimidated by the larger caliber, however after practicing with the 9mm and learning good technique, I can fire a .45 just as well as my 9mm now. Additionally, I live in a state that limits magazine capacity to 10 rounds, so the extra rounds you normally get with a 9mm are wasted here. I'd be better off with a larger caliber that naturally only holds about 10 rounds.

Cost of ammo is also something to consider if you're on a budget. Guns are fairly cheap, but optics and ammo can quickly become expensive. Choose a common, popular caliber that's easy to buy in bulk. I've gotten the best deals on ammo from places like Ammo.com.

As for concealed carry, I think it's useless against government oppression. You'll be shot dead before you can even draw your weapon in a confrontation with police/ICE/etc. Depending where you live, it might have some use against random violence, however learning how to fight with a gun is no small challenge and requires serious training from a professional.

[-] P00ptart@lemmy.world 7 points 2 days ago

Don't bother with a .22lr. you can get a good Springfield 9mm or even .40 for around 400. The .40 I have is reliable, and cost $425? I think?

I just remember an episode of cops back in the day where somebody did a drive-by with a .22lr on an obese guy walking out his front door and when they got there he had 3-4 really bad welts on his stomach but completely unbroken skin. And I'm 6'4 220 and have no problem at all with the .40. I wouldn't go higher than that simply because they become basically unusable at that point. More of just a scare tactic.

[-] infinitevalence@discuss.online 6 points 2 days ago

CCW or home defense?

[-] WhiteOakBayou@lemmy.world 3 points 2 days ago

I think 9mm or .40. At your size you'll be able to handle a good bit of recoil once you start practicing. 9mm and .40 (about the same size but .40 a little more powerful generally iirc) have very little recoil. For home defense I like my Judge, which is cheap and chambered in .45 acp and also takes .410 shotshells. Revolvers are nice because you can just leave it wherever and it's ready so you don't have to worry about the spring in your mag or the action of a slide. Not bad recoil because the barrel is so long but it is not ccw size.

[-] A_Union_of_Kobolds@lemmy.world 3 points 2 days ago* (last edited 1 day ago)

For .22LR you can't go wrong with a Ruger 10/22. Under $300, well made, and a huge aftermarket if youre inclined.

Edit: oops

[-] PyroNeurosis 4 points 2 days ago

While these come in pistol configs, I kinda doubt that's what she's seeking.

[-] A_Union_of_Kobolds@lemmy.world 4 points 2 days ago

Whoops, totally missed that line somehow

this post was submitted on 21 Aug 2025

30 points (100.0% liked)

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