Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Handguns Pistol recommendation

I have never owned a pistol, always a rifle guy, but would like recommendations on a pistol. Mainly interested in self-defense, something to carry while deer hunting as a sidearm, if desired. I'm interested in a 1911 frame. Caliber suggestions?

1911 = .45ACP.

Might I suggest a 4" K-frame S&W in .357 Magnum, though? 586 or 686, 19 or 66; any of those four will do you well for YEARS to come, are easy to come by, cheap to feed, easy to learn and to shoot, and do anything you'll have that needs doing.

Any recommendations on Browning Hi Power pistols?

Yep, the 1911s a great choice, and you can't do better than .45 ACP in it. If reliability is your top priority, stick with all steel and full size, just like Mr. Browning designed it. Springfield Armory is a good choice. Look at their Mil Spec or Loaded models.

A Browning Hi Power standard in .40 S&W would be the way to go for your use if you went Browning.

Excellent weapons, especially the one's they're making now which are made with stronger steel and can hold up to +p 9mm. They're also available in .40 S&W. You have very good taste in auto pistols. Those are my two favorite designs.

Thanks for your input and recommendations

Superlative. I dote heavily on the design.

The 1911 is a great weapon but is something which requires more training to master than a lot of other guns. 45 ACP is the way to go if it is your choice. Lots of great brands out there and I'd keep it simple if that was the way I went.

Lots of people like the Browning High Power, but its never tripped my trigger. If I was set on an auto, I would possibly get a newer design. Something like a Glock 17 or a Smith and Wesson M&P in either 9 or 40. The 40 has the best stopping power and the 9 has a bit less recoil. Truth-be-told, there is little difference between these two or even the 45.

VA's recommendation of a wheelgun is a good one. Much more sensible to start out on IMO. You can't beat a good Smith. The L frames (581, 681, 586, 686) are some of the best .357's ever made. Stay away from the N's if you want something remotely concealable. The K frames (13,65, 19, 66) in the same caliber are great too, but recoil a little more and are not as robust even though they conceal somewhat better. Colt Pythons are nearly as good as are Troopers or Ruger GP-100's or Security Sixes. I've never owned one, but Taurus supposedly has made some very good .357 revolvers through the years.

If cost is a consideration and you don't have kids about and won't carry concealed, the single action is a great trail gun and has also spent much time beside my bed. Calibers like 45 Colt, 44-40 and 38-40 are not to be sneezed at. Uberti makes some great guns which can occasionally be found on the cheap and Ruger has its Blackhawk. You could probably get a used Blackhawk in .357 Mag. for around $200. You might even find one of the convertibles with a 9mm cylinder for that price.

A S&W, Colt, or Ruger double action revolver would be an excellent choice for your needs. The double action revolver is simple, safe, and reliable. The .357 is a cartridge that can cover many needs, especially for a new shooter. You can work up in the power level through the .38's and mid-power .357 loads all the way to full house magnum loads to find a comfort and power level you like and are comfortable with.

I would say a semi auto in 10mm or .357 Sig, Sig, Glock,HK or SA.

For a first handgun, in addition to what he wants it for?

I dote heavily on my G20, and have shot other 10s a good bit. Helluva handgun, but not one to learn on. At least, IMHO..... ymmv............

I agree, but he said he wanted pistol recommendation. Revolvers aren't pistols.

whatever you choose, get a similar .22. lets you practice w/o recoil and cost. 22s will be available again sometime.
if you get a 45, a conversion kit will let you use the same frame.

I'm a big fan of the 1911. But it's not for those new to pistol shooting as a rule.
If you are really intersted in one, go to your local range and try one out. Get some instruction on proper grip, etc. Try both the cheaper ones and the more expensive ones. Then decide.
Alot more new people can shoot a 9mm, and the Browning HP is one of my favorites, than a 1911 .45.
There are dozens of quality 9mm's on the market. Find one that feels right for you and try it out.
The .40 S&W is basically a .45 in a smaller package. Not on my list of rds. that I like.
In a revolver, a .357 is a great choice. Again, find one that feels right and try shooting it first. Start out with the common .38 Special ammo and then try the .357 Magnum stuff. E

I think either.....the Browning HP or a .357 Mag K frame is good....I have both and use them often.

Revolver, one w/o a lock.

I have a Browning Hi-Power chambered in .40 S&W. It is great to look at ... and greater to shoot.

My first 1911 Pistol, is a Springfield 1911 A1 GI, .45 ACP.
Low priced, quality built ... and I like it so much I don't want any other one. 'Cept maybe a Dan Wesson or a Fusion.

The High Power .40 is an excellent choice.

mdj..,

In my view, there's a big difference between a self defense pistol and a sportsman's pistol. A 1911 is great for self defense but not versatile enough for a sportsman's pistol.

A revolver with shot shells is what I'd carry if hunting 'bama due to the warm weather and FRIGGIN SNAKES. Plus a wadcutter or two for humane finishing shots and it works for self defense if needed.

For sure the last thing I'd hand a novice handgunner is a 1911.If a 1911 it must be, then get a simular .22 auto to practice with first.

O