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I'd recommend a semi-auto. Depending on what you get, parts may be easier to come by and you'll be able to shoot more for practice (ammunition for semi-autos is usually a fair bit cheaper and easier to find.)
I've often heard people recommend revolvers for novices due to simplicity, but I don't buy it. If you can operate a Mr. Coffee coffeemaker, you can operate a semi-auto handgun. Neither is complcated. I lean towards the semi-auto but it is a fairly low priority issue. More important is getting the training and knowledge. In extreme circumstances the semi-auto platform has an undeniable advantage of more rounds and quicker reloading. The main advantage of the revolver relates to hunting--more caliber options, and better accuracy.
In the past it was common to recommend a revolver for ease of use for a new shooter. The price of the ammunition nowadays kind of outweighs that at the current time. You also give up several other advantages gained with the semi auto platform. Some of which are firepower, less felt recoil, faster reloads, ease of repair and parts availabilty, as well as faster double taps and follow up shots. Most new shooters will shoot better on average with the semi auto as well. .38 Spl vs 9mm? Get the 9mm as the ammo is at least $5 to $6 per box cheaper and much easier to find.
In the past it was common to recommend a revolver for ease of use for a new shooter. The price of the ammunition nowadays kind of outweighs that at the current time. You also give up several other advantages gained with the semi auto platform. Some of which are firepower, less felt recoil, faster reloads, ease of repair and parts availabilty, as well as faster double taps and follow up shots. Most new shooters will shoot better on average with the semi auto as well. .38 Spl vs 9mm? Get the 9mm as the ammo is at least $5 to $6 per box cheaper and much easier to find.
My original interest was in the Beretta Nano 9mm then someone tried to steer me in a different direction claiming that when under pressure, for a novice, a revolver is less complex.
I'd gotten marksmanship in BMT but that was using an M-16 and what feels like a lifetime ago.
At home we have the .12 gauge for defense and I'm very experienced with this. However, I would not consider myself an expert by any means and this would be my first personally owned handgun.
Oh, and this may or may not mean anything - I am left handed, generally speaking although I do a lot of things right handed. But I don't necessarily consider myself ambidextrous. I'm probably right eye dominant.
My original interest was in the Beretta Nano 9mm then someone tried to steer me in a different direction claiming that when under pressure, for a novice, a revolver is less complex.
I'd gotten marksmanship in BMT but that was using an M-16 and what feels like a lifetime ago.
At home we have the .12 gauge for defense and I'm very experienced with this. However, I would not consider myself an expert by any means and this would be my first personally owned handgun.
I have concealed carry class April 28.
I am appreciative of everyone's insight.
I'm not fimilar with that model Beretta 9mm. Beretta is of high quality though. I only have experience with the 92FS/M9. That's a great weapon and shoots great. I'm glad to see others are on the same page as me for a semi auto. My recommendation is always a 9mm. I'm getting out of here before the flame wars start.
Last edited by CampfireR; 04-07-2012 at 08:29 PM..
Oh, and this may or may not mean anything - I am left handed, generally speaking although I do a lot of things right handed. But I don't necessarily consider myself ambidextrous. I'm probably right eye dominant.
I am left handed as well, but right eye dominant. As a result I shoot as though I am right handed. This is something that you will want to make sure that you get right because if you are not shooting with your dominant eye, you'll never achieve your full potential.
As for your original question, everyone will answer differently. My wife is new to shooting and prefers the revolver. I like SA pistols, with a preference toward the 1911 model .45. Find on that you feel comfortable shooting, then become intimately familiar with it. If you take the time to train yourself on the weapon, it won't matter which one you choose.
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