Although I love the .45 I think the best all around handgun would be a 9mm.
Specialized home defense ammo for the 9 will get you a wound channel literally within millimeters of the 45 and if you plan on doing any extended range time you'll definitely notice the price difference in ammo.
I've recently hooked up with a few guys that do a LOT of range time, and once you're blasting off 500-1000 rounds a month, the 9 will seem like it's paying for itself with what you're saving in ammo!
I'd rather have the .45 if I ran into a 200lb hog... I agree with ammo prices and the range time thing though...
Go to a local gun shop and handle a bunch of different ones. Some guns that many people suggest may or may not feel right in your hand. For example, everyone raves about the M&P's, but me personally I can't shoot it because the grip is too small
Whatever you decide on and get, do yourself a favor and get a GOOD holster for it. There are many companies making holsters specifically for each make/model. Whether you are gonna carry the gun concealed, on the outside of your waist band hunting, or in the truck, you need a holster to fit. A $6 Wal Mart holster will cause you to shoot your foot off. Sorta the same concept of buying a $500 rifle and putting a $30 tasco on it
Go to a local gun shop and handle a bunch of different ones. Some guns that many people suggest may or may not feel right in your hand. For example, everyone raves about the M&P's, but me personally I can't shoot it because the grip is too small
Whatever you decide on and get, do yourself a favor and get a GOOD holster for it. There are many companies making holsters specifically for each make/model. Whether you are gonna carry the gun concealed, on the outside of your waist band hunting, or in the truck, you need a holster to fit. A $6 Wal Mart holster will cause you to shoot your foot off. Sorta the same concept of buying a $500 rifle and putting a $30 tasco on it
Great Advise!!!!
if you've never owned a handgun before a 22 imo is the place to start, gotta walk before you run. as a learning/practice tool for beginner thru expert they can't be beat. for 20$ you can get 550 rounds, try that with a 40 or 45. learning to shoot a handgun well will take a minimum of 1,000 rounds, and practice with both right and left hand, one of them could be out of commission before the gunfight starts. and the cost savings of that ammo would pay for a 22. I agree 100% with what everyone else had to say also and would add a good holster is useless if put on a crap belt, you need something that is stiff enough that the edges don't roll and will support the wt of whatever mdl you choose. also don't discount revolvers, I believe most people can shoot a 4-6" revolver more accurately than a semi, but again it all comes down to your personal preference and intended use.
