Best first handgun under $699?
Looking to buy my first handgun. Budget is $699. Mainly for home defense. My wife needs to shoot it too.
The LGS recommended a S&W M&P Shield Plus but there are so many options. What would you pick?
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Fellow new gun owner here! I went with a Glock 19 after lots of research. The Shield Plus is great but I wanted the extra capacity for home defense. Whatever you choose, get a good gun safe and take a basic firearms course together.
I just went through this same thing! Ended up with a Glock 19 and love it. The Shield Plus was my second choice - smaller and easier to handle but the 19 felt more natural in my hands. Go to the LGS and hold both if you can.
Can't go wrong with the Shield Plus. Just got my single stage press set up and that 9mm is cheap to reload too if you get into it later. Wife approval factor is important - make sure she can work the slide easily.
Shield Plus is excellent for new shooters. Size is manageable for both you and your wife, reliable, and great trigger. Also look at the Glock 19 - bit bigger but very forgiving for beginners. Either way, budget some money for training and practice ammo. The gun is just the tool.
This is the content I come here for. Thanks OP.
Thanks for sharing. Been lurking for a while and this finally made me want to comment.
Great info here. Bookmarking this thread for later.