New here, looking for my first gun

Hrethgir · Nov 2, 2012

So, been thinking about it, and finally decided to pull the trigger (pun intended!) and get myself a pistol. Don't really like the way the country is going, and feel like I should exercise my right to own a gun while I still can! Luckily, I know several people who own guns, so I'm not coming into this cold. And I have fired guns before, so not a total n00b! Anyways, I'm on enough forums to know to start with the intro post, and I know how to behave myself!

chase · Nov 2, 2012

Welcome, there are a lot of choices. Things you want to consider is cost, use, caliber, brand...

Hrethgir · Nov 2, 2012

Yup, been thinking about all that. Looking for a full-size semiauto in 9mm. Good stopping power, cheaper large ammo, a little larger magazine capacity. Mostly going to use it for target shooting, but also for home defense. Eventually I'll get my CCW permit, but I'll get a more compact pistol for that. Also not looking to spend too much if I don't have to. My carpool partner suggested a Ruger SR9, and I went to a local gun store today to hold a bunch of different pistols to see what felt good, and I think he nailed it. Good price, fits my hand well, and seems to be very reliable. And ambidextrious out of the box with no conversion needed. I'm right handed, but my girlfriend has expressed interest in learning to shoot, and she's left handed, so that would be easy at the range!

Nutty4Guns · Nov 2, 2012

Sounds like your on the right track. Welcome to the forum.

Hrethgir · Nov 3, 2012

Good to hear! Definitely not going to take this purchase lightly, guns aren't toys.

Muddslinger12 · Nov 3, 2012

Good choice "Hrethgir" I recently picked up a SR9 and its awesome! I went with the Stainless slide not so much for looks as i plan to have it cerokoted however the Stainless is (My opinion) best material for the slide (DEF the BEST with the options available for the SR9!!) And the cerokote is a MUCH more durable coating than the factory black option. Either way good luck with it! Its super easy to strip and "get to know" and super fun to shoot!

Modeler · Nov 3, 2012

I used to have an SR9c, great gun! Kinda wish I hadn't sold it.

Hrethgir · Nov 11, 2012

Figured I'd come in and update this. Went out last Thursday to the Gun Broker in Tigard and picked up a stainless Ruger SR9. Being my first gun, I was a little nervous/excited about getting it, and asked about a cleaning kit (they were out of 9mm kits), but totally forgot about buying any ammo, lol! Went to BiMart and took care of both of those though, and picked up a trigger lock too, I know the things aren't toys. Haven't been out to fire it yet, so since I'm not really familiar or anything with having a gun around, I'm keeping it looked up and unloaded until I get a chance to get familiarize with it better and get some training under my belt too.

Modeler · Nov 11, 2012

Congratulations! Welcome to the club... Enjoy!

skerky · Nov 11, 2012

Regarding training, I'd recommend OFA's Basic Handgun class. My wife took it as a newer shooter and she thought it was fantastic. It also covers requirement for CHL. Now we need to get back for Defensive Handgun.

Hrethgir · Nov 11, 2012

Excellent, I'll look into that! Probably going to hit up Threat Dynamics with my GF too, she's never even held a gun until I showed her mine (trigger lock on, no clip, chamber empty), so that would be a very safe environment for her to learn the basics.