S&W, Glock, Kimber?

Everybody has a favorite. Some will defend their choice of brand passionately. But, what is a neophyte looking for a first purchase supposed to do?

Often a sincere search for what brand/caliber to choose meets the passionate brand loyal person and the many options are quickly narrowed down to one brand and possibly caliber. While this serves to bolster the opinion and belief of the passionately loyal person but it may be a serious disservice to the neophyte.
When someone is learning to shoot for the first time it should be approached from a crawl-walk-run perspective.

While the neophyte may graduate into a IDPA, three gun, or speed shooting competitor, they need to start somewhere short of the end goal. They must first learn the basics. While a $1,500 pistol would certainly facilitate learning the basics, is the neophyte be best served with that choice?

I believe a better solution is to befriend someone who has a variety of brands and calibers and is willing to take a neophyte on to teach the basics and see what brand/caliber best suits the needs at the time.
There are many basic pistol classes available from organizations such as the NRA and USCCA. Another viable option is to go to a range that rents firearms. Often, they have instructors on staff.

Trying different firearms can help a new shooter learn not only how they feel to shoot but also how well they can manage the recoil. A beginner may start off purchasing a ‘starter’ gun. One that is possibly a .22 or .380 caliber to learn with. Then as they become proficient and confident look for a new one as their needs and interest grow.

Can a $250.00 firearm be good enough? That depends on the shooter. If the shooter is only interested in occasionally plinking or shooting paper targets at the range, it could. If the shooter expects the firearm to be used for self-protection, maybe not. If the shooter expects to enter competitions, definitely not.

The new enthusiast should start with training. I was at a gun counter once when a potential gun purchase was thwarted by the lack of a FOID card (yes, Illinois) but the person at the counter was counseling the guy to get some training.

It is best to start with a small caliber first. That will get the basics down without the intimidation of the recoil. Once the new shooter is comfortable move up in caliber. How far to move up is determined by the goal.

A contestant in the IDPA matches can certainly use a .45 or 10mm but it is prudent to use something like a 9mm for better recoil management. A .45 or 10mm can be used for concealed carry and self-defense. However the potential for over-penetration may make the 10mm a less desirable option.

Bella Twin may have killed a Grizzley bear with a .22 but it her only option at the time and she wasn’t bear hunting. Someone who hikes and camps in areas with large predators should probably consider a larger caliber.

I haven’t addressed brands at all. This is on purpose. S&W, Springfield, Kimber and Glock all make fine firearms. Brands are just as personal as the choice of cars. Although, I don’t believe gun manufacturers produce a lemon from a line of firearms unlike the auto industry. Like the auto industry there are passionate proponents of their favorites. Let the new shooter try the waters and find what brand/model/caliber works for them.