Need some info on deciding first handgun purchase

[MFCory]

Alright so I've decided so far that I'm leaning towards the S&W M&P and I've also decided that .45 probably isn't the best choice due to the fact that I will only have a short period to draw my handgun and put rounds into a target to qualify at the police academy and that is easier done with a 9mm. I have held a S&W M&P last week but it was a compact and I loved how it get in my hands. Now my question is what model and price lol. Pictures would be amazing if u are giving a specific model. Still no compacts but in a 9mm

 

[jcountry]

So my wife and I have recently honorably discharged from active duty army and are finally going to buy our first handguns when our taxes get back due to that fact that we have a 3 year old son and things are getting crazy lately. I live in Newnan, GA and can not decide on which handgun to purchase. I have had experience with the beretta 9mm from the army along with the wife and that is what she is wanting for everyday carry but for me I'm not sure. Now my question is which one is best for me? I've narrowed it down to wanting a .45, and either a glock 21 gen 4, a smith & Wesson M&P, or a 1911. Can anyone give me pros and cons? I will more than likely be putting myself through the police academy and will be using the handgun to go. Is there any place in my area where I can try these three handguns out to see which one best suits me before buying? Oh and Im not looking to get a compact I'm wanting a full size. Any and all help greatly appreciated. Thanks everyone.

If you have decided on 9mm, definitely the G19 is the best out there. No competition.... Perfect size.

Beats the living blazing hell out of that damn Beretta POS. (Sorry, but I hate the 92! Feels like a gun Corky would use if he were a gunslinger....)

(Plus, I will not ever buy a new S&W again. I remember how that company stomped on the throats of gun owners back in the Clinton era.)

 

[Glocksmith]

Got to go with the Glock 17 or 19 if its going with you to the Police Academy or you might get crap from the others.

 

[Kicker19]

2 cents. If your going to carry Glock or S&W. the 1911's are great but I find them to be bulky and heavy after carrying them all day. I lean toward Glock because its lighter even though their .45 still has some size to it. As far as permit, I am not sure how it works out via motorcycle, I'll have to talk with my cop friends about it

 

[dakota port]

One more question sorry everyone. When we get our permits I'm also looking to get a holster to go with the handgun. I ride my motorcycle as a daily driver and was wanting to know if a shoulder holster is allowed and if I'm aloud to have a jacket over it? And then if I get off the bike and take my jacket off can I still have my handgun in my shoulder holster or will I have to have a belt holster?

with the permit you can open carry or conceal carry, belt holster, or shoulder holster are both legal, if you can do it comfortably a belt holster is more comfortable for everyday wear.

if you buy a shoulder holster avoid tagua there leather is good but the snaps suck and one day your gun will jump across the parking lot

with the current 9mm ammo available (if they ever get any in stock), it is more then adequate for personal protection

 

[xdshooter]

I'm thinking Franklin's guns in Athens will let you shoot guns but not positive it has been awhile since I heard this. I also heard about a place in Macon that let's you shoot as long as you buy the ammo or have ammo.

 

[offbeat404]

Glock 26

 

[Kicker19]

Talked with my cops friends about carrying on a motorcycle. Know the laws are not very clear and are often changed. The law does not consider a motorcycle and extension of your home like they do a normal car. Having a firearm in your car doesn't require a permit but a motorcycle does. After getting a permit where you carry is a matter of comfort.

 

[nicaburns]

Alright so I've decided so far that I'm leaning towards the S&W M&P and I've also decided that .45 probably isn't the best choice due to the fact that I will only have a short period to draw my handgun and put rounds into a target to qualify at the police academy and that is easier done with a 9mm. I have held a S&W M&P last week but it was a compact and I loved how it get in my hands. Now my question is what model and price lol. Pictures would be amazing if u are giving a specific model. Still no compacts but in a 9mm

The is a new range open here in Newnan but not sure what they have in their rental fleet. You best best may be heading to Adventure Outdoors in Smyrna if you want to rent guns on a range since they have lots to choose from. As an LEO Glock is a great (almost universal) choice because of LEO pricing and service here in Ga.

 

[Retread]

Use what you trained with. Ammo is hard to find right now, so a platform change isn't really practical. Nothing wrong with the M9. Don't buy cheap mags or cheap guns. You get what you pay for. Alternative: rent a Glock and try before you buy.