S&W M&P9c

[Robert8252]

I'm finally looking into buying my first hand gun. Looking for home protection and to carry. Spent some time at Gander looking at quite a few and really like the look and feel of the Smith & Wesson M&P9c. Does anyone have any experience with this gun or other recommendations in the $550 or less price range? I'm kind of learning as I go and I'm not too familiar with firearms dealers in my area of Indianapolis, so just looking for advice. Looking to buy within the next month. Here's a link.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product4_750001_750051_766226_-1_757954_757781_757781_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y

[Lbox88]

FInd a gun shop that lets you do rentals. Usually they'll charge a small fee like $10 to test plus a box of ammo.

[Lbox88]

Give these places a call and ask if they have open indoor ranges and allow you to rent or test out their guns.

http://www.donsguns.com/

http://www.wanamakerguns.com/

http://www.indyshootingrange.com/retailstore.htm

[ColumbusJBR]

M&P 9c is a fine choice. Very versatile, nice shooter, and you can get full size mags for it as well.

But, as mentioned above, always try before you buy whenever possible.

[basshead7890]

I recently got the M&P Shield 9mm. It's my fist hand gun and I like it.

[C2 Audio]

I agree with renting a few guns at your local shooting range for two reasons. First reason because shooting different guns is fun and two I spent $500 on a glock 23 Gen 4 simply because people rave about them on forums and how it will shoot even if buried in mud (Like this even matters because I have never been submerged in mud let alone been in mud and thought, damn I wish I could shoot my gun now).... The Glock to me is fun to shoot simply because I am not even remotely consistent with her. Its always a surprise if I would stay within my group of shots or not. Now the Rugger SR1911 or My Hight Point 380 (on sale was only $149) I stay within a tight group pattern every time. everyone shoots differently so see what works best for your shooting style.... Or just buy a High Point for $149 because you can toss it in a river after you hit a liq or what not and will never have to look back... :-) Ok Bad advise there, forget that last part and just shoot a bunch of guns before you buy. -Chris

[Robert8252]

They didn't have the S&W for rent but I ended up putting 100 rounds through a Glock 26 Gen 4. I loved it. Going to go to a different range and see what they have but the 26 felt really good and I was pretty consistent with it. My girlfriend even put 20 through it and hit the target page at least. ha

[C2 Audio]

If your girl is shooting with you try to find her a Ruger SR22. I have one for a carry and everyone that is new to shooting loves it. Fully loaded it is slightly over 1lb and you can drop the entire clip and never leave your grouping on the target. She stays dead on point with very little recoil. It is just a .22 but it sounds like a bigger caliber when shooting it. Hands down my best recommendation for a starter gun. -Chris

[n8ball2013]

I've got am sr22 I couldn't imagine carrying it though. Eeek

[Keith77]

I love the M&P 9 I have a few of them. I prefer them over the Glock cause they fit and feel better in my hand. Plus they have changeable back straps. But like they said above try and shoot as many as you can before spending the $500 on something that you may or may not like.