Time to buy a pistol

[Antlershed]

This was 6 years ago 

[actionshooter]

One of the most important things is: how will this weapon fit you. It really doesn't matter what people say here about brand X or brand Y..(although certain brands will be noted as more reliable & this is worth consideration) what you should do is go to a gun shop & ask to handle as many as possible to see which one will "feel good" in your hands.

After you decide upon which handguns "fit you" then you should (if possible) go to a shooting range that let's you rent weapons & then shoot those weapons that fit you. You may find thatone will just function better or be easier to employ than the others: that's the one you buy.   

Good luck to you & happy shooting.

This is the best advice here. All of the guns mentioned would fit the bill, its totally what feels good to you. Go to a range that rents guns and start trying them out.

[Button Nubbs]

Don't know if its been mentioned but the g29 would be a good fit. 10mm is a nasty round...

[wapiti hunter2]

What is your budget?  Many of these great recommendations are $500-700.  I got a like new S&W 5906 9mm in stainless for $400.  15 shot magazine.

[Jim the Plumber]

You state that you have never owned a hand gun, so I'm assuming you haven't shot one much as well.
Go with a Glock 17. The added weight and sight radius will help a bunch in learning how to shoot the hand gun.
Also, 9mm standard loads have less recoil than the 40, 45, and or 10mm.

[tireguy]

You need to shoot them to figure out what will work best for you. I was dead set on the Ruger until I held it in my hand. Glock for me felt best. 9mm is cheaper to shoot than the .40. I like the Glock 19 by my next gun will be a Glock 26.

[JLS]

I am partial to the .45, but based on what you've described I think a 9mm would serve you well.  If you want a semi-auto, go look at a bunch and see what features you like best, based on what your budget can handle.

I really like Sig Sauers, but I have no complaints with my Glock.  The Glock 36 is a very nice little single stack if you go that route.  I would look hard at the smaller 9mms, as they will be lighter and easier to carry than a full size.

Think of things like double action only vs. double then single trigger pull.  External safeties?  Single stack vs. double?  Polymer frame vs. metal?

Don't overlook the Kahrs.

[cohoho]

Go to a range and rent several different gun makes and see what fits you best!  I like all metal guns...

[JackOfAllTrades]

Revolver for simplicity. Ruger SP101 in 357 Magnum.

 
I have one and probably pack it more than my 45acp 1911's. (When I'm not packin one of my 44mags)
 
An XD in 45acp wouldn't be a bad choice. I can't stand Glock triggers.  Will everyone get off the 9mm kick.. it is not the cat's meow! Pea shooter in the woods! A 9 will never expand to .45" and a 45 will never shrink! .357mag for penetration. Same gun shooting 38spl's for grouse, practice and such.
 
-Steve

[JLS]

I can't stand Glock triggers.   
 
-Steve

Relative to a 1911, I wouldn't argue a bit!  If that's all you shoot, they're fine.  However, I was really blown away the first time I shot a 1911 (higher end model).

[crazysccrmd]

A 9 will never expand to .45" and a 45 will never shrink!

While I agree the 9mm might not be the best choice for defence in the woods, that statement is 100% false. Almost every good quality 9mm JHP expands to well over .45" after impact.

[Bean Counter]

 

People don't know whether they've been hit with a 9 or a 45.  They know that they've been hit.

[ghosthunter]

People don't know whether they've been hit with a 9 or a 45.  They know that they've been hit.

I do not know of anything in this state that a 9mm would not kill or send fleeing. For what the OP wants to do a 9mm is fine.

[Band]

Thanks guys, I knew there would be no shortage of responses.  You guys take your firearms seriously!   I don't really speak the language of handguns because I have almost no experience with them at all but I do have a couple of friends with arsenals that have offered to take me to the range to give their handguns a whirl.  I am definitely going to take them up on the offer because as some of you have noted I really want to see how various guns feel before making my decision.  I think I will also summarize your responses and do a little research to make sure I know what to look at and what questions to ask at the gun counter.

How do you plan on carrying it? If it’s open carry on the hip like a cowboy, weight is a lot less of an issue. If I was carrying it like that, I would get either a S&W 686 or a Ruger GP100, 4” barrel, .357 mag. If it’s some kind of shoulder rig, you can’t go wrong with any of the suggestions made so far, but I’d throw in the CZ 75 compact for consideration.

Good question.  Walking around in the woods I can envision carrying on my hip but while riding my ATV I would want it to be concealed simply to protect against mud/dust.  At the same time, one of the reasons I am wanting compact and lightweight is because I'm on the fence about whether I would at some point choose to carry concealed in places besides the woods.  I don't feel a particular need but I may at some point.  I won't invest in more than 1 handgun and I want to make sure it will be adequate for my needs.

[mossy8352]

Try before you buy like some one above stated. I settled on the Ruger SR9C and have Two magazine options for carry (10 or 17 rounds in the magazine). I like the safety for outdoor carry as it is easy to activate and I feel better with the safety and Glock style trigger safety too when climbing around in the woods. It conceals just fine and is very accurate with no failures so far!