Pistol recommendation

[kurtis500]

Im looking to buy some gifts for my kids and their spouses. 5 total. All semi-auto pistols. They dont shoot much at all and these would be for fun and home defense so the top of the line isnt needed. Just something that doesnt jam like my old garbage 22 jennings. 2 boys, 3 girls all in thier 20’s. I think theres still a guns forum here but ive tried twice for access and no dice.

PM me advice on where to start looking, i literally have no idea. Im in Arizona and Utah

Thanks

 

[Orange Juice]

I would take each one individually to a gun range that has a few guns, and let them figure out what’s comfortable.
I like the .40cal S&W, where others like a 9mm.

 

[CLdrinker]

Comfort is important. Take them all shopping if a surprise isn’t required.

M&P
Sig
Glock
Canik

9mm gets my vote. I’m sure a .45 fan will disagree shortly

 

[was thatguy]

My advice, for whatever it’s worth, is give them all a paid basic handgun course, with the handgun gifts following that.
Not just for safety, but for a better feel for what fits them.
Because all you’re going to get here is a big giant list of everyone else’s favorites, and maybe not what’s best for those kids and spouses?

 

[was thatguy]

Anyone who doesn’t shoot much isn’t going to have a whole lot of fun with a 40 or 45.
Besides, 9mm cost about the same as M&Ms these days.

 

[Andy B.]

Glock 22 is what I shoot its .40 caliber and the kick isn't bad. 43 for conceal carry.

 

[Gramps]

All 5 the same???? If you are going with self defense I recommend 9mm at a minimum. Prices for decent 9's are anywhere from $500 on up. I'd be looking at either Glocks or Sigs. For a "fun" gun IMHO a Ruger SR-22 pistol is a great choice..... if you are in southern Utah Rowdy's Range has an indoor range where you can try different guns

 

[Nordie]

The most important thing is going to be comfort, everyone's hands are different. A good gun shop with a range would be ideal and actually run a few pistols and see what everyone is comfortable with.

The other day I was at my local shop and they had the .380 S&W bodyguard 2.0. I actually found it to be very comfortable even with my larger hands. I didn't pull the trigger on it, because I want to shoot one first. .380 and 9mm have really improved on how much damage they are capable of. I think the 9mm department is going to be the best avenue as far as caliber size.

 

[beerrun]

HK 40 for the win

 

[sintax]

G19 and call it a day.

 

[Done-it-again]

Home defense and non shooters? then get them a shot gun much safer.

 

[Andy B.]

Home defense and non shooters? then get them a shot gun much safer.

Shotgun a must for home defense!

 

[4Waters]

You are gonna get responses from all over the table here.

Here is what I would do if it's intended to be a surprise. If the guys hands are similar in size to yours then find something that is fairly comfortable for you, if the ladies hands are similar in size to your wife's the get them something that is fairly comfortable for her. I would stick with 9mm.

S&W, Sig and H&K would be on my list, glock is a little hard to work for smaller hands. I don't have small hands but I had to put an extended mag release on it so I could drop the mag without leaving the target.

Glock 27 40 caliber

Before

After

Length difference between the 2, that little bit made a lot of difference. This is a factory extended release but they have different aftermarket ones that are even more user friendly. I also put an extended slide release on it too

Glock 26 is 9mm

 

[lbhsbz]

Rock Island 1911, 45ACP

Cheap, Solid guns, not plastic.

 

[boatpi]

If u have 1K or so, and like a 9, .40 or .45, look at HK. My carry is a HK USP40, light, thin, holds 14 in mag. VERY accurate. Likely the best 40 made.

 

[Gelcoater]

I would take each one individually to a gun range that has a few guns, and let them figure out what’s comfortable.
I like the .40cal S&W, where others like a 9mm.

This!

Each one will find what fits them, grip, recoil, etc.
Rent em all.
Don’t look down on a simple .38 revolver.
Simple. Easy. Common round.
Easy to pocket if they so choose.

 

[boatpi]

https://www.budsgunshop.com/product_info.php/products_id/83322/heckler+%26+koch+h%26k+usp+compact+v7+lem+40+s%26w+caliber+with+3.58+barrel+12+1+capacity+overall+black+finish+serrated+trigger+gu

 

[4Waters]

If u have 1K or so, and like a 9, .40 or .45, look at HK. My carry is a HK USP40, light, thin, holds 14 in mag. VERY accurate. Likely the best 40 made.

I have the full size in 40, very solid gun

 

[Not So Fast]

I know its not the latest greatest firearm but Ive read that for a person that does not go to the range and practice, plus get to know the weapon in and out that a revolver is the best because tis easy to operate, doesnt foul much either.
For me being a middle of the road guy, I keep a 12 ga pump by the bed and a 9mm pistol in the top drawer, just too old to even consider personal hand to hand combat

 

[Aces & Eights]

I’ve shot, trained with and carried a lot of different handguns. The best semi-auto is the easiest one that you can handle.

.45 cal is a bit much. .40 cal is snappy. 9mm is the best thing going nowadays. It’s the best because it’s effective and very user friendly, meaning accurate with minimal felt recoil.

Glock models 17, 19 or 45 are all great semi-autos and very easy to shoot and handle for any level of shooter, male or female.

Make sure you get the correct ammo for home defense. Speer G2 Gold Dot 147 grain is tried and true and as effective as .45 cal.

Gun safety and basic training is absolutely essential.

 

[DRYHEAT]

Wow, apparently I’ve been living under a rock for a long time. Just went online, looking for simple, basic revolvers, and was shocked at the prices. I guess I’ll go be poor somewhere else.

 

[BingerFang]

Glock 19. $500 bucks and can easily be customized. It’s the Toyota Tacoma of handguns.

 

[Done-it-again]

For the price and feel a S&W shield is nice.

Haven’t been a fan of Glocks.

 

[was thatguy]

If you buy 5 new guns at once, all in your name, a form ATF 3310.4 will be required I think?
(2 handguns at one FFL in a 5 day period)
Not a big deal, but something to consider.

 

[PlumLoco]

I split my time between a Glock 17 and Springfield Armory, both 9mm. The SA feels much better in my hand but my shots are almost always more accurate with the Glock right out of the gate. After a mag or two my accuracy improves and things sway towards the SA.
But the best idea for the OP is still to let each person go to a range and try lots of different things.

 

[adam909]

I would spice it up and just get them all the same AR 15.

 

[Xtrmwakeboarder]

G19 and call it a day.

Yep. If they all have to be the same, and you want the best bet of being a good “fit.”

 

[monkeyswrench]

@was thatguy has the overall best idea. Many of the ranges/shops up here run "classes" that cover basic safety and operation. They then let you handle and shoot various models and calibers. Having the stopping power doesn't mean much if the user has no comfort with it. Different pistols also have different geometry I guess, and may be extremely accurate, but the shooter's body has to readjust to make it so. I think the best one is the one that becomes an extension of yourself most comfortably.

 

[FCT]

Everyone has there favorites. If your in the IE I’d be more then happy to meet at a range one day and I’d let them try all kinds of guns and they can decide what fits them best/ most enjoyable to shoot etc.

I personally love 1911’s but carry a g19 most of the time. If I had to pick one though I’d choose a nice 1911 all day long.

 

[FCT]

And I’m not one for more gun laws but I think safety courses should be mandatory for new gun buyers/owners.

 

[jeteater1]

Daughter inlaw is getting the purple one and one of the bottom ones for my son this Christmas.

 

[clark]

Take a look at IRUNGUNS in Lake Havasu, they are very well stocked, honest, very fair pricing and have a gun range on the property so you would be able to try them out before purchase

 

[Boat 405]

I'm really liking my new 10mm S&W M&P 2.0 It seems to be a good in between the 9mm and 45.

https://www.smith-wesson.com/product/mp-10mm-fde-with-thumb-safety

Still somewhat cost effective and still has good weight and balance to it. I added a light/laser combo and it feels even more solid now.

 

[Cray Paper]

Cant go wrong with a revolver for home defense. My wife and last wife are petite (one was 5'2 and the other 5'5") and not really in to guns but each had a handgun before I met them. Ex had a 10mm Makarov and the other a 9mm M&P Shield. I have a membership to an indoor range and they both felt more comfortable shooting my 357 Magnum revolver. It is heavy, but it only does what you make it do and is easy to get back on target, the kick is dampened by the weight of the gun. The lightweight of the their composite guns hurt their hands and the triggers were not consistent between the first shot and 2nd shot. Something to consider.

I also had them shoot 1911 45 ACPS and same thing, they shot better with the heavier albeit more powerful handgun and felt more comfortable with them. They had noise cancelling earmuffs on though.

 

[C_J_J_C]

The Staccato 2011 would make them smile.

 

[FCT]

I'm really liking my new 10mm S&W M&P 2.0 It seems to be a good in between the 9mm and 45.

https://www.smith-wesson.com/product/mp-10mm-fde-with-thumb-safety

Still somewhat cost effective and still has good weight and balance to it. I added a light/laser combo and it feels even more solid now.

Every shot a 10mm 1911? Awesome!!!!!

 

[JFMFG]

Im looking to buy some gifts for my kids and their spouses. 5 total. All semi-auto pistols. They dont shoot much at all and these would be for fun and home defense so the top of the line isnt needed. Just something that doesnt jam like my old garbage 22 jennings. 2 boys, 3 girls all in thier 20’s. I think theres still a guns forum here but ive tried twice for access and no dice.

PM me advice on where to start looking, i literally have no idea. Im in Arizona and Utah

Thanks

I would do the shield 9mm or even a nice little sig380.

 

[PlanB]

Since you mentioned home defense, I would go with a modern striker fired pistol like a Glock. If it was a range gun only, I would go with a quality 1911. The best thing to do would be to go to a range where you can rent various guns and see what everyone is comfortable with. That said, My favorite striker fired pistol in my safe is my HK VP9. Great ergonomics, full ambidextrous, great out of the box trigger and it's a tack driver.

 

[BabyRay]

For the gals, maybe the S&W 9mm Shield EZ. It’s much easier to load the magazines, and to chamber a round. Both springs are much lighter tension than the standard Shield or other semi-autos. I bought one for my wife, and like it myself. It’s pretty accurate too.

 

[Dan Lorenze]

Dang, this thread makes me want to go shopping...

 

[4Waters]

For the gals, maybe the S&W 9mm Shield EZ. It’s much easier to load the magazines, and to chamber a round. Both springs are much lighter tension than the standard Shield or other semi-autos. I bought one for my wife, and like it myself. It’s pretty accurate too.

Do you know how I know you're gay?

 

[Cobalt232]

Since you mentioned home defense, I would go with a modern striker fired pistol like a Glock. If it was a range gun only, I would go with a quality 1911. The best thing to do would be to go to a range where you can rent various guns and see what everyone is comfortable with. That said, My favorite striker fired pistol in my safe is my HK VP9. Great ergonomics, full ambidextrous, great out of the box trigger and it's a tack driver.

I LOVE my VP9. It is finicky on ammo though.

 

[DLC]

Everyone needs a SW 500 ….

 

[DLC]

Someone posted above

Get some basic training - For every ONE !
It will teach handgun safety & safe storage and inform each one about caliber & gun types

Then go to a range and shoot a few calibers


If that is to much to do

buy a generic a 22 and a 9mm for your self and take em out to the dez and go bang bang to introduce them

Gun feel is a big deal ….

I like Glock buddy likes XD…. They both look almost identical

Go figure!

 

[DLC]

As for home defense

I like a good Ol fashioned revolver
It can sit for years loaded and go bang as long as it’s a double action!

 

[paradise]

Im looking to buy some gifts for my kids and their spouses. 5 total. All semi-auto pistols. They dont shoot much at all and these would be for fun and home defense so the top of the line isnt needed. Just something that doesnt jam like my old garbage 22 jennings. 2 boys, 3 girls all in thier 20’s. I think theres still a guns forum here but ive tried twice for access and no dice.

PM me advice on where to start looking, i literally have no idea. Im in Arizona and Utah

Thanks

Glock, 9mm, full size or compact depending on person size. Period, end of story IMHO of course

More importantly buy them a couple of local classes, one on one preferred, then an intro to pistol. They need 2-3 classes minimum to start

 

[AzMandella]

Sig p365

 

[BabyRay]

Do you know how I know you're gay?

I admitted I like it, and I guess that’s bad enough, but I do realize it’s too gay to carry. Can you give me a pass?

Yeah, yeah, no answer needed. I’ll just hand over my Man Card now.

 

[whiteworks]

Stacattos for everyone, never heard anyone complain about one of those

Reality is if they don’t have their own guns maybe it’s because they don’t want one?

Kinda like buying someone a dog as a surprise gift, might be best to discuss it first.

Membership at a nice private gun range/club with rentals might be a better way to get them wet

 

[77charger]

I have 2 caniks I bought in the last 1.5 years. A lot of gun for the money.

Tp9sf is a basic model can be had for 375 bucks. But trigger is crisp and gun is reliable and accurate. Newer models are cut for optic.

But other brands are great too. Comes down to what fits them best and plans for them.