What would y'all recommend for a first time handgun owner? I've been told to look into 9mm or a .40 but I just don't know much about either of them. What brands and models?

Do you plan to get your CHL and carry? If so, I personally would avoid the 9mm and go with a .40 or a .45.

Is the gun for plinking at the range? Or, home defense?

Sold on a semi-auto, or is a revolver also under consideration?

First thing to do before deciding on caliber or brand is to get training. Once you know how to shoot a handgun, go to a range that rents them and shoot as many different types as you can. Once you learn the different types of actions and calibers, you can narrow down the choices from a thousand or so down to a more manageable level. Just knowing whether or not you want a revolver or semi-automatic would help a lot, but it appears that you do not know this.

9mm, 10mm, .40S&W, .44special, .45acp, +p.38special, .357 magnum are all fine for defense use. Even the larger .41 and .44mags would be fine as long as you tailor the load to your needs (some of these loads are more suitable for hunting). Within these calibers are many, many hundreds of handgun choices....

Definitely want a semi-automatic. Most of the use would be for shooting at a range, around the deer lease, and for home defense. I have shot both a 9mm and a .40 before and liked the 9mm better.

I do plan on getting a CHL as well.

going to pick up my beretta px4 storm 9mm tomorrow

9mm is fine for defense purposes as long as you use decent hollow-point loads. Since you are going to one day carry, the compact semi's will do. They are large enough to be comfortable at the range, but still small enough to conceal fairly easily for most. Take a look at the Glock 19 or 26, Sig 239, S&W M&P9c, Walther P99c or PPS, Springfield XD9c, H&K P2000, Beretta PX4 Storm compact, among others...

[This message has been edited by Caladan (edited 4/27/2009 11:01p).]

Thanks, Caladan.

Springfield and Kimber both make compact 1911s in 9mm. They are high $$, but, make great carry guns because they are extremely thin. Carrying in Condition 1 is lots of fun too.

I would get a 9mm if that is what you like. Get decent self defense rounds for protection plus, it is the only caliber you can somewhat buy from the local major chain stores right now that is priced somewhat decently for FMJ practice rounds.

Sig p229

I carry a kahr CW9 9mm. I love it, its my carry gun, my CHL instructor had nothing but high praise for Kahr guns. As he said "If you run out of bullets you can beat the guy with your Kahr and it will be just fine!"