Good first handgun?

[Savago]

Gentlemen

After finishing the 3 days training in 'Basic Pistol Course' learning safety and basic marksmanship and passing the FSC with 100% rate (Firearm Safety Certificate, check: https://oag.ca.gov/firearms/fscpfaqs#1G), I'm looking forward to acquire a handgun.

The course was really amazing, it was taught by an elder gentleman (former military) and his lovely wife in a pretty diverse class (engineers, doctors, designers, house wives, etc) with people of varying age groups (the youngest was a lady on her early 20's and the older was a gentleman on his late 50's).

We had the opportunity to try small guns like a Ruger Mark III (.22), all the way to 9mm Beretta, 45 Springfield 1911A1 and the 44 Mag Ruger Blackhawk (that felt like a hand cannon, really...) and a few others in-between.

I'm looking for something that would be easy to maintain (like our Valkyries) and its use would be mostly for the shooting range (still months away to get a CCW due to the byzantine gun law in California, but that is another can of worms...).

Of course there is another complication that only a few guns are part of the list of legal guns in California (which is another royal pain!), but for now let's just assume that there is no such restriction (I'm planning to double check in Calguns forum which guns would be allowed).

I was looking to buy new, in the budget range of 600-1200. Also wonder if would make more sense to get 2 guns (a smaller caliber and a 9mm?) to get started.

My primary interest in guns is related to my project to ride to Alaska, I'm aware that wild life may be a problem there (bears and moose) and just like learning how to fix the motorcycle, I think it makes sense to learn how to properly use a handgun to avoid being mauled by a bear.

I'm aware that you can't travel through Canada with a gun, but it seems you can ship a gun to Anchorage (AK) to pick it up when you arrive. It seems that the Utah CCW is honored in Alaska, so I guess it is doable.
 

So, what would be your recommendations?

[Serk]

You'll find opinions on handguns are similar to asking in a non-Valkyrie forum what the best motorcycle is.....

But, I'm a major fan of Springfield Armory XD line and have several of them, but for social work and range work.

Also, Alaska is a "Constitutional Carry" state. No CCW required, anyone who is legal to own a firearm is legal to CCW.

As of 2019 the green states all allow permitless carry:

[Chrisj CMA]

Well. You asked. My opinion is that 9mm is too small for any animal threat in Alaska. My feeling is you are not ready for a large caliber like .500 or .44 mag so I recommend a s&w .357  I think the 686 would do fine. Get some heavy 185 grn hollow points for protection from four legs and some lighter 158 grn for two legs  

[Black Pearl's Captain]

Are you camping or motel in Alaska (and Canada)?

If motel than you don't need a gun to kill the wildlife.

If camping than you need a gun much more in Canada than in AK. And you can't do a handgun in Canada.

If you're dead set to carry you can't possibly CC any gun worthy of slowing down a bear and you don't need to fear a moose (you can see them a long way off). Your best bet is to always have a buddy along and carry a .22 to shoot him in the knee if you can't cope with nature so he can't run as fast as you.

If you're inept enough to be in the situation where you need to (try) to kill a grizzly then you deserve what you're about to get. If you can't tell I believe we could do with a few less inept people and not kill any bears. We have lots of extra people not so many bears. It's very easy to not have bear problems when camping. No food in camp, not in the tent or on-in the bike. NONE. Buy it at the store-restaurant, eat it and go camp.

For qualifiers, I've been to Alaska 4 times, 2 times on the motorcycle and never slept in a motel room north of the US border. I've probably spent 60 to 70 nights camping in a tent in Canada and AK.

Edit: Don't read into this as I'm anti gun. I've had a CCW permit issued to me from 4 states. I like the Ruger LC9s as a good CC gun. It will stop most any animal you will ever need to use it for. LC9s might not be California legal. You should move. (haha).

[Ramie]

Ruger MK IV for target range shooting.  I've had a number of CC weapons mainly 9mm and 380.  My favorite CC is my bersa thunder 380, reliable, easy to shoot and just the right size for my hands.

[Savago]

@all: thanks for the suggestions, I'm taking notes to bring it to the gun store.

@BlackPearl: I totally agree on not killing bears (but disagree on shooting a friend to save my ass...).
 

Now seriously, proper camping procedures + environmental awareness + preparation helps to prevent incidents.

But I also agree with a Brazilian explorer, Amyr Klink (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amyr_Klink), who said something roughly translated to ' _ Your B-plan must have 2 b-plans...'
 

[DirtyDan]

Smith and Wesson 357 j frame , for 2 legged threats

My .02 cents

Dan

[The emperor has no clothes]

BPC is pretty much right on. Protection from bears is going to be of little worry for you on your trip. For one thing, bears here are different than bears in the lower 48. Most bears here are hunted. They avoid people. They are also not habituated to nabbing food from campers, although it would be a good practice not to have food in your tent. Most handguns will not put a bear down unless perfectly placed. I have hit bears with a .338 and had them still go for yards. I think just about any handgun is going to be just psychological help against them.

[cookiedough]

I have a S&W 22a for plinking got new for under 200 bucks at Gander Mountain, but I do not think they sell them new anymore but am sure you can find one used for around 150 or so?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eda3an4bW1c

if wanting tad bit bigger, go 9mm, your call....

9mm will do pretty much anything a .40 or .45 caliber will do in terms of self defense and ammo is cheaper.  

been meaning to pickup on the cheap side a new hi-point 9mm for self defense and small enough conceal as well.   VERY HEAVY and ugly but heard they shoot fairly well not jamming with normal ammo and very good company that stands behind their products  Price point is hard to beat.

https://www.ganderoutdoors.com/hi-point-c-9-handgun-201262.html#pmax=200.00&q=pistols&pmin=100.00&start=5

[Savago]

For people's amusement, the list of allowed handguns in California: https://www.oag.ca.gov/firearms/certguns
 :'(

[MarkT]

Smith and Wesson 357 j frame , for 2 legged threats

My .02 cents

Dan

I concur.  Specifically S&W model 649 which has a shrouded hammer - very versatile for different carries, very small and concealable no matter the season and hits VERY HARD for it's size, and won't snag on (say) a CC vest pocket but you can also get other holsters like a hybrid leather/kydex IWB strongside holster - The ones made by (say) Everyday Carry are well made and reasonable.  Very comfortable and very concealed with any cover garment and fast access. Get the Crimson Trace green laser grips. 5 rounds of .357mag with a green laser (works well in bright sunlight too) means you have a good chance of putting 2 in center-of-mass in an emergency scenario.  NOBODY is continuing an assault or walking away with .357mag rounds in their chest.  And it won't run afoul of California's archaic laws.  Total unhaggled cost close to a grand but it's a VERY GOOD gun for CCW in CA.  Very reliable and simple to operate - even the laser, you just tighten your grip.  Pull the trigger and it goes BANG no safety levers to learn, magazine controls etc.

I carry 2 J-frames, the other is a S&W model 60.  Both have the green CTLG's. Ea about $1000 total.  Quite accurate and with very nice triggers.  Like a cop, I carry a BUG (Back Up Gun).  Carried on the right hip and in a concealment vest (left cross draw) I can draw no matter my position.  eg., it can be hard to draw strong side hip when seated in a car with seatbelt.  BTW I also have had quite a few other carries, like Glock .40S&W, 1911 .45's, and so on.  Never carried the Python it's too valuable.  Others for hunting - favor magnum revolvers like an accurized Super Blackhawk .44mag, S&W.500 mag.  Those are far too big for any concealed carry and a bad choice for defense other than big dangerous animals.  I never put myself in that position so the last one was mostly a range toy.  Now of course I have very few guns after the accident.

In the pic below you can barely see it but on the 649 the tip of the hammer has a spur that you can thumb rooster so you still have dbl/single action with it. Of course generally in a combat scenario you would use dbl action to reduce the likelihood of inadvertent fire.  dbl action pull is longer and about 11# while single is very short and crisp measures ~2.5# on both pistols.

BTW a laser not only increases accuracy over the fixed iron sites but is also a deterrent.  Paint the perp's heart area with a bright green laser yelling he's under threat from a MAGNUM and he is likely to rethink his options, knowing the hollowpoint will go where the bright dot is.  (The miscreant can SEE they are hollowpoints in the cylinder openings.)  The assault might very likely end without gunfire and resultant death/injury and legal actions.

I would move.  As it is, I won't go to the People's Republic of California.  And about a dozen other states.

[Bronxboy]

I am a big fan of the 357 mag as well, and u can shoot the less potent 38spcl as well.

[Jess from VA]

In addition to what has already been said I have this:

First, congratulations on taking and passing (smoking) your course.  

Your original post discussed target shooting, CCW carry protection, and bears.

Those are three entirely different guns... and three different disciplines (though target shooting will be useful for all three).

Before you buy anything, I think you would be well served to go to ranges and rent different pistols to discover what you like (and what you are better with).  

I think you should forget a CCW carry gun at first, and choose a full or medium sized pistol or revolver with target sights (though good fixed sights on an auto (but not a revolver) may be OK, it's just if your new pistol turns out to shoot low and left, it's not as easy to make adjustments on a fixed sight pistol). You do not want to have to be holding off target to hit dead center.  Your sights need to be right on to be a good shot.

A full size, target sight handgun is easiest to get good with in the accuracy department, and the better shooter you are the better you'll enjoy it, and the more you'll practice.    

Except for a ten shot .22 auto with target sights with at least a 5.5" barrel, I have always recommended handgun rookies start out with a 4-6" barrel revolver in .38/.357 with target sights.  But if you discover in your handgun renting you prefer an auto over a revolver, then get a medium or full size 9mm (or .40 if you think you need it) with good sights.

It would suck buying a full size 9mm auto that takes 15-17 shot mags, but only being allowed 10 shot mags, but that should not dissuade you from buying a full size target pistol (instead of a smaller auto that only holds 10 rounds or less).  You will be a better shot with a full size pistol than a smaller pistol, and that is your main goal.  (If you have to carry more mags, then that's what you do.)

If you can afford it, get both the .22 rimfire and the centerfire revolver or auto.  My first two handguns were a Ruger Mk 1 (today you want a Mk IV), and a 6" Smith & Wesson Model K-38 Target Masterpiece Revolver Model 14 in .38Spl.  All of my initial learning and training was done with these two.  (BTW, besides Ruger, the other good .22 auto pistols are Browning Buckmarks)

Once you have mastered either or both of these, then you can think about looking for a CCW carry gun. And going back to rentals to make this decision is also not a bad idea.  

Another great thing about shooting ranges is there are often some very good and wise people there who are happy to talk about firearms, and to share their wisdom (and their firearms) with you.

As far as bears go, you want a .44 magnum and up, if you actually expect to defend yourself, and no less than a 4" barrel.  But you may actually be better off with one of those big quart bottles of bear spray than a handgun.  It's probably more important to learn all the hiker/camper rules about bears (like not sleeping with your food in your tent), than being armed.

When I backpacked in Sequoia and Yosemite Nat'l Parks with my wife in the 80's (they made us attend a bear class before we were allowed to backpack), I carried a 14 shot 4" barrel 9mm in a shoulder holster with spare mag under the other arm (under a winter coat).  This was illegal in those days, in any national park, and there was no such thing as a CA carry permit for regular citizens.  My primary reason for carry was for human predators.  But if a black bear decided to invade my tent, I intended to shoot him 14 times or until he took the gun away from me.  It may have been a poor defense against a black bear, but I can't tell you how much better I felt having it, laying in our little pup tent, and actually hearing bears across a wide meadow from us one night.  

And you should not feel compelled to buy new either.  Many fine (and barely fired) handguns are always up for sale used at significant savings.

Here is my favorite new full size 9mm.  Recently adopted for the US military to replace the Beretta M92 (which I never liked).  The TFO (mix of tritium night sights with bright green fiber optic front site is sensational).  You can get them with or without a thumb safety (you should get the safety). And you can add a light or laser, or light/laser combination to mount on the bottom rail.  (Too big for CCW.)

https://www.sigsauer.com/store/p320-nitron-full-size.html

And I put this on it.

https://www.streamlight.com/en/products/detail/index/tlr-2-g

And it goes in this holster.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071K9KCJ1/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1







  

[Jess Tolbirt]

my carry is a Kimber micro 9...my big boy is a vaquero beasley 44 mag. but they were lost when the boat sank a while back.

[DGS65]

Guns are like Doritos you can't have just one.  You will want different guns for different uses.  A 22 is great for learning the basics but does offer as much protection!  A 44 is like carrying a canon but is a very effective round for animals not that I have ever shot an animal for any reason.  My first gun was a Glock 26 I still use this gun as a CCW but it is a bit bulky so Summer time I tend to carry a Kimber Solo 9 mm nice gun but many people have issues we this gun I had to send mine back for some work to get it to be reliable.   I like to shoot in combat matches for this my go to is a 1911 Wilson Combat great gun but expensive!  At this point I have 7 hand guns and I'm sure I will buy a few more at some point.
There is no one perfect gun it comes down to what feels comfortable in your hand and what you shoot well this is different for different people.   Go to the range and try as many different guns as you can there are lots of good choices enjoy the hobby and stay save.

[Savago]

@all: all good advice, keep it coming.
 

I'm planning to visit the shooting range tomorrow (they allow to rent guns) to test some of the suggested handguns and will report back.

[Bighead]

My daily carry is a Kimber micro 9. On other days I also carry a Springfield 911 .380. As far as just shooting at targets my Favorite is a 1911 full size chambered in .45 ACP.
I had many handguns until that boating accident.

[phideux]

For target plinking and carry, get a Glock 9mm, they come in a s/m/l, ain't expensive, user friendly, extremely reliable and low maintenance. I carry a Glock almost every day, shoot it at least once a month, haven't cleaned or done anything to it for almost 5yrs. I'll still trust my life on it working when I pull the trigger. 2 good rules for a reliable Glock, don't mess with it or put any aftermarket crap on it, and shoot good factory ammo. If you stick to those rules it will be 100% reliable.
Black Pearls Captain said you can't CC any gun that would be good on bears, I like to change things up a bit and sometimes carry a revolver, I have a pair of 45LC, 3.5in, Bird Head revolvers. Love them Cowboy guns. Short, easy to hide and definitely a good carry in bear country.

[Gavin_Sons]

For target plinking and carry, get a Glock 9mm, they come in a s/m/l, ain't expensive, user friendly, extremely reliable and low maintenance. I carry a Glock almost every day, shoot it at least once a month, haven't cleaned or done anything to it for almost 5yrs. I'll still trust my life on it working when I pull the trigger. 2 good rules for a reliable Glock, don't mess with it or put any aftermarket crap on it, and shoot good factory ammo. If you stick to those rules it will be 100% reliable.
Black Pearls Captain said you can't CC any gun that would be good on bears, I like to change things up a bit and sometimes carry a revolver, I have a pair of 45LC, 3.5in, Bird Head revolvers. Love them Cowboy guns. Short, easy to hide and definitely a good carry in bear country.

  I really hope you are joking. And if not I hope you never have to depend on that gun to save your life. Anything I count on to save my life gets the queens treatment. I clean my carry guns almost weekly. You wouldn't believe the lint that gets built up in them.

[Tundra]

For target plinking and carry, get a Glock 9mm, they come in a s/m/l, ain't expensive, user friendly, extremely reliable and low maintenance. I carry a Glock almost every day, shoot it at least once a month, haven't cleaned or done anything to it for almost 5yrs. I'll still trust my life on it working when I pull the trigger. 2 good rules for a reliable Glock, don't mess with it or put any aftermarket crap on it, and shoot good factory ammo. If you stick to those rules it will be 100% reliable.
Black Pearls Captain said you can't CC any gun that would be good on bears, I like to change things up a bit and sometimes carry a revolver, I have a pair of 45LC, 3.5in, Bird Head revolvers. Love them Cowboy guns. Short, easy to hide and definitely a good carry in bear country.

I won't even get sucked into that debate. I have my favorites and I'll leave it at that. What I thought was funny is comments I always here on good bear guns and I agree with most of them. However, good story... when I was in the Coast Guard 30 years ago a man was apparently about to be mauled by a Kodiak Brown Bear and squeezed off one shot with a ".22 Long Rifle Hollow point" bolt action rifle. Straight to the eye socket and into the brain. Dropped it dead in it's tracks. Shot placement/accuracy is as important as gun choice/caliber. The biggest badest gun is the gun you have on you when you need it.

[Jess from VA]

I wonder how close he was when he pulled the trigger Doug?

I've never practiced shooting while sh!tting my pants at the same time.  

That's probably against the range rules anyway.  

[Savago]

An update: visited the firing range today with a friend, shot for a little over an hour (2 boxes of 9mm ammo, 1 box for the S&W .357).

The guns tested:
a) Sig 2022: + (light), - (precision).
b) HK USP9 V1 4.25" barrel: + (handling/built), - (couldn't shoot well with it, dunno why?).
c) XD 9401: + (handling, precision), - (build seems lacking compared to the Beretta and HK).
d) Beretta 92FS (9mm): + (precision, looks), - (felt a bit heavier).
e) S&W .357 (686): + (precision, handling), - (heavy).

I was able to shoot better with the Beretta and the S&W. The XD seems to me the better value so far.

The HK felt *great* at hand, but given the higher price + personal poor performance I guess it is not the right handgun for me.

Here goes a photo of the best contenders. I wonder if I should return next weekend to the firing range and shot a Glock for a little while before making a decision?

[Serk]

Definitely, try all you can before deciding... Different guns just work better for different people. I acknowledge the good design of Glocks for instance, in a generic sense, but in MY hands I've never shot a more inaccurate, unreliable gun....

So definitely, see what works for you!

[Bighead]

An update: visited the firing range today with a friend, shot for a little over an hour (2 boxes of 9mm ammo, 1 box for the S&W .357).

The guns tested:
a) Sig 2022: + (light), - (precision).
b) HK USP9 V1 4.25" barrel: + (handling/built), - (couldn't shoot well with it, dunno why?).
c) XD 9401: + (handling, precision), - (build seems lacking compared to the Beretta and HK).
d) Beretta 92FS (9mm): + (precision, looks), - (felt a bit heavier).
e) S&W .357 (686): + (precision, handling), - (heavy).

I was able to shoot better with the Beretta and the S&W. The XD seems to me the better value so far.

The HK felt *great* at hand, but given the higher price + personal poor performance I guess it is not the right handgun for me.

Here goes a photo of the best contenders. I wonder if I should return next weekend to the firing range and shot a Glock for a little while before making a decision?

How much shooting experience do you have?

[Jess from VA]

On the revolver, understand the L-frame 686 is definitely heavier than a K-frame 66 (stainless), or 19 (blue) .357, or 14/15/67/68 .38spl.  Though K frames are harder to come by (and likely not for rent).

The L frames are not only larger frames but have a full underlug (ejector rod cover all the way to the barrel end), the K frames don't have this, so are lighter, but still all steel.  

Did you shoot .357 or ,38spl ammo?  .38spl is cheaper and lighter recoil... and lends itself to better/easier accuracy in .357 revolvers.  

I really like K frames (but I also have small hands).

I really think you should not get in a hurry, and make several trips to the range before deciding.  Yes, you spend some money, but think it's worth it.  Reshoot your favorites again, but also try a couple new each time.

They often make you buy their ammo on rentals (and it's more expensive than Walmart or other discounters).  But if they let you bring new factory ammo, you can usually save some money that way.

686 (L frame)


66 (K frame)

[Savago]

@Bighead: answering the question, my experience is zero.

Shot for the first time during the second day in the 3 days course.

So far, I'm really enjoying it! It is an amazing subject with lots of technical depth and the variety of handguns available in the market (but not all in California...) is awesome.

[Chrisj CMA]

As far as the two revolvers mentioned. If you are going to mostly carry and not shoot much, you will appreciate the lighter weight of the K frame. If you plan on shooting lots of .357 like I do. You will be happier with the durability of the 686.

My daily carry is a 4” 686 with high performance 158grn  hollow points.

My first revolver was/is a model 19  4” blued K frame. I almost wore it out. I recently sent it back to S&W to have them tighten up the cylinder end shake and they also recut the forcing cone. It’s like a new one now but I don’t shoot it much and only with .38+P.

Here are all my stainless (carry) revolvers

[Jess from VA]

I don't know if you really want a .22 target pistol. (minimum 5.5" bbl and target sights)

But one way to go would be to go ahead and pick up a Ruger or Browning .22 (cheaper than the other centerfire choices).  Then start practicing with it (developing stance, grip, breathing, sights and trigger control), and keep trying out different centerfires along the way (taking your time deciding).

Most all ranges and gun shops have a used selection (some are consignments, selling for the seller; others the shop owns outright).  See if you can find a good 4-6" target sight K frame Smith and Wesson, if you are interested in a revolver at all.  Used should be as good as new, and if there was a problem (unlikely) most places will stand behind them.

What ChrisJ is talking about is that the K frame .357s with many thousands of full power .357s through them began to erode the forcing cones (that is essentially why the L frame was developed, but not until after decades of K frames).  Mine never have, but I shoot mostly .38spl in them for practice, and this is never a problem.  I still have many .357s through mine with no problems either.  

[Bighead]

@Bighead: answering the question, my experience is zero.

Shot for the first time during the second day in the 3 days course.

So far, I'm really enjoying it! It is an amazing subject with lots of technical depth and the variety of handguns available in the market (but not all in California...) is awesome.

Well my advice would be shoot alot before you decide which gun does and does not work for you. Sometimes you have to put many rounds through a firearm to know exactly how well it will function in your hands. It may take shooting the same weapon several times before you are used to the way it performs.
I went and shot 300 rounds myself yesterday 

[DirtyDan]

As far as the two revolvers mentioned. If you are going to mostly carry and not shoot much, you will appreciate the lighter weight of the K frame. If you plan on shooting lots of .357 like I do. You will be happier with the durability of the 686.

My daily carry is a 4” 686 with high performance 158grn  hollow points.

My first revolver was/is a model 19  4” blued K frame. I almost wore it out. I recently sent it back to S&W to have them tighten up the cylinder end shake and they also recut the forcing cone. It’s like a new one now but I don’t shoot it much and only with .38+P.

Here are all my stainless (carry) revolvers

 

Looks almost exactly like my collection

Smith and Wesson stainless steel 

Dan

[Mr Whiskey]

Rent/shoot as many as possible... then buy whatever fits your hands the best. This will be the one you point the most naturally/instinctively and hit the best with.
It is what you should train with as a beginner IMHO.
Under stress you'll likely miss 9 outta 10 shots (if you doubt this try doin' 20 min. of cardio workout, then shoot). You'll need all the advantage you can get in a life or death situation so train like your life depends on it. I'd also train with 9mm because it's fairly cheap (so you can afford to train more) accurate, and reasonably forgiving on the recoil (for follow-up shots). It won't make a bit of difference what caliber you have on hand, if you can't hit what you aim at.
Congratz on passin' your class... now go train alot!

[Savago]

@Chrisj: that is an amazing collection!
 

[Savago]

@all: I'm planning to follow you guys advice and try a few other handguns before buying.

At this point I'm reconsidering the original idea and *not* buying a .22, it seems that a 9mm or the S&W will be more flexible for general practice while I work my way to the bigger ones.
 

[Jess from VA]

while I work my way to the bigger ones.

That's the spirit.  

I have a very nice collection of S & W revolvers myself.

But my .44 Magnums look like these: (Ruger X2, American Derringer, Marlin)





Not a bear gun.


Bear gun.

[Savago]

@Jess: I asked in the range about the Sig P320, but is not legal in California (and probably will never be...).
 

The reason is thanks to the 'micro-stamping' law: https://www.latimes.com/socal/daily-pilot/opinion/tn-dpt-me-harper-commentary-20180405-story.html

Quote: "Because of California’s law requiring new gun models to use microstamping, no gun manufacturer has introduced a new handgun model to our state since 2013. That means handguns with the latest and most reliable technology are not available to California’s law-abiding gun owners.".

[Jess from VA]

I'm not a Glock fan (either).  But the probable single most popular all purpose 9mm auto in America (including police & security) is the mid size Glock 19 (15 rds regular, but should be available in CA with 10rd mags).  The new 5th generation has significant barrel and accuracy improvements, but I have no idea if CA allows new variants of the same model gun or not.  

Otherwise, the main differences in the other Glock generations is the aggressiveness of the stippling bumps on the frame (handle), and finger grooves in the front strap.  

The full size (and more accurate with longer barrel & sights) model 17, holds 17 rounds (and if it is legal in CA will also only be allowed with 10 round mags).  Really too big for carry.

I prefer Sig (and others) to Glock, but you should try this pistol at least once.

https://us.glock.com/en/pistols/g19-gen5


This is not really a target gun with a 4" bbl, but they are unquestionably reliable and accurate combat handguns, w. fixed sights.  And this can be a (large) carry weapon, so get night sights if that is what are you thinking.  However, you will do better target work with the full size model 17, if CA legal.

Purely for target and home defense (certainly not carry), the only Glock I ever considered was the 5.3" long barrel, adjustable sight, Model 34 9mm, but with 17-33 rd mags, they are probably not allowed in CA.  I chose my Sig 320 instead. I don't think it is yet made in 5th generation, but will be.  

https://us.glock.com/en/pistols/g34-gen4


EDIT: I just looked, and the G19, 17 and 34 are all on the CA list.

The other classic I'd try is the CZ75 (many variants). (all steel and heavier) (also on the list)

https://cz-usa.com/product/cz-75-b-9mm-black-16-rd-mag/


EDIT AGAIN:

One other thing about peculiar California and their ten round mag limit that is possibly relevant to self defense (not target) shooting, and pistol caliber choice.

The .40 Smith and Wesson (SW) cartridge is 10mm in size (but not called a 10 mm cartridge) and was developed for the FBI for more power than a 9mm, but less power and recoil than a true (longer) 10mm cartridge.  And the shorter .40's would still double stack in magazines much better than 10mm or .45acp ever could.

All auto pistols of the same size that are chambered for both 9mm and .40 take two or three less .40 rounds in the same size mag as the 9mm.  So the G19 takes 15 rounds and the G23 .40 (identical size to the G19) takes 13 rounds (and this is true for pistols from Glock, Smith, Sig, Beretta, Ruger, CZ, Springfield Armory, and others).  

So the thought process for self defense was, if I can only have 10 round magazines in CA, then I am better off with ten .40's than ten 9mm's.  Though .40's cost a bit more than 9mm's, it's not a terrible difference.  

However, in the years since the .40 was developed, the very best defensive 9mm jacket hollow points are now so good that dozens (maybe hundreds) of police departments and many federal law enforcement agencies (including the FBI), are now going back to 9mm from .40.  But they are also doing it because their workforce is so much more staffed by females (and weak millennial males not raised in the gun culture) who have a harder time passing their semiannual range qualifications with .40 recoil, than 9mm recoil.  And they must pass to keep their jobs.

The .40 does kick a bit more than the 9mm, but to me it's not that much of a difference (especially in the lighter .40 bullet weights of 165 grains of lead, instead of the heavier 180 grains).  And the difference is more pronounced in smaller, lighter pistols, than larger, heavier pistols.

The top quality .40 still carries more stopping power than 9mm, though the gap has narrowed some today.

I only tell you this so you can make an informed choice between .40 and 9mm.... in 10 shot mags.







  
 

[Savago]

This video explains pretty well the grey market that the 'microstamping law' created:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyJxD2F8Wsg

Prohibition always leads to 'alternative' side channels.

I only wish that whoever wrote the law either knew a little about guns or wasn't so hellbent to confiscate guns from law abiding citizens.

[Bighead]

I only wish that whoever wrote the law either knew a little about guns or wasn't so hellbent to confiscate guns from law abiding citizens.

You can bet BOTH are true.

[Chrisj CMA]

When you get a concealed carry permit in CA. Do they let you carry a loaded handgun or do the rounds have to be carried separately? 

[DIGGER]

Texas is anvooen carry state.    I got the CHL license about 10 yrs ago and bought a cheap Keltec 380 in case it ever got stolen.   Sure enough it got stolen out of my car 3 weeks ago.   I reported it to authorities but dont expect to ever see it again.   And no, my car was not locked.   A neighbor told me his car had been ransacked and I went and looked and sure enough my 380 was gone