Anything better than S&W M&P for first handgun?

[tstand]

Looking for a handgun for home defense. It would be a supplement to the shotgun I already own. I have no plans for concealed carry. I would probably mount a light or laser to the handgun and store in a quick release safe.
 
If the LR22 was an acceptable home defense weapon, I would get a Browning Buckmark, but I keep reading the 22 is not going to be effective and the 9mm is considered the minimum defensive caliber.
 
The Smith & Wesson M&P fits my hand well and the recoil is manageable. I fired two other guns that did not feel as good: Glock 19 and CZ P-01, both of which are compacts. With both of these, the middle finger of my shooting hand rubs against the trigger guard after a few rounds and hurts. I also tried a couple of revolvers (models unknown) and they were also too small fitting for my hand.
 
Ideally, I would like something that fits my hand as well as the S&W M&P but has less recoil. Can anyone suggest other models I should try that are $600 or less?

Many thanks!  

[BAC]

If you're looking for less recoil, you should try a full-size, heavier gun.  Since you won't be carrying it that shouldn't be a problem.  Maybe try out a Glock 17 Gen 4, Beretta 92a1, CZ 75 SP-01, Springfield XDM.  Lots of available choices for $600 or less.  You'll just have to try them until one finds you.  Awwww, too bad.

[alfsauve]

You might give a try to the Springfield XD and XD(m)s.  They have a compact model with both shot and long magazines.  Now they're not cheap, but the Walther line might be one to look at too.

In revolvers, it really hinges around the grips.   You can pick up a 4"  S&W 686 (.357Mag) used for under $600 if you bide your time (I got mines for $466 including transfer fee, but I had to be patient on the auction sights).  Then you can select different grips that are either large, like Pacymayer 2 piece or small, like the Hogue mono-grips.  

In fact if you get a 686 I'll send you a pair of the Pachmayers, I don't need.

[Timothy]

If I was looking purely for a nightstand gun it would be a revolver.  Unless you're committed to spending the money to find a reliable cartridge to feed an autoloader, you can't go wrong with kindergarten simple in a wheelgun!

A .357 in a 3 or 4" barrel would be sufficient for most purposes and there are several available for under 600 bucks.

my .02...

[tstand]

If you're looking for less recoil, you should try a full-size, heavier gun.  Since you won't be carrying it that shouldn't be a problem.  Maybe try out a Glock 17 Gen 4, Beretta 92a1, CZ 75 SP-01, Springfield XDM.  Lots of available choices for $600 or less.  You'll just have to try them until one finds you.  Awwww, too bad.

Great suggestions from all. Thanks. I just discovered the DPM Recoil System. Makes me wonder if I should just get the M&P and put the DPM on it. Then I've got a nice-fitting, light gun with low recoil.

[Sponsor]

[les snyder]

If you decide on a 9mm Glock... G19/G17/G34, I would suggest a Gen 3 and not Gen 4.... a G34 is only slightly longer than a 1911

If you have large hands, the beavertail of a M&P will fit you better, and the M&P comes with better sights....Glock non tritium sights are terrible

I shoot a G34 as a competition gun, and think it is overlooked by a lot of new shooters.... as others have said, I too usually recommend a 3 or 4" revolver as a first gun.. Ruger or S&W...the last FBI wheel gun.. M13 3" heavy barrel round butt (M65 in stainless)...

[tombogan03884]

If you decide on a 9mm Glock... G19/G17/G34, I would suggest a Gen 3 and not Gen 4.... a G34 is only slightly longer than a 1911

If you have large hands, the beavertail of a M&P will fit you better, and the M&P comes with better sights....Glock non tritium sights are terrible

I shoot a G34 as a competition gun, and think it is overlooked by a lot of new shooters.... as others have said, I too usually recommend a 3 or 4" revolver as a first gun.. Ruger or S&W...the last FBI wheel gun.. M13 3" heavy barrel round butt (M65 in stainless)...

I usually carry a 1911, but I have, and sometimes carry, a 4" S&W model 13 in .357.
If I had to reduce it to only one pistol, that is the one I would keep.

If you are looking for less recoil and lower price another option is a .380, home defense will be fairly close range, and with the modern hollow points .380 is more effective than it used to be.
Or 9mmX18 Makarov, the CZ 82/83 comes in either

http://www.jgsales.com/cz-82-czech-9x18-new-barrel-makarov-military-pistol,-vg-condition,-california-package-w-9rd-mag.-p-1604.html

http://www.jgsales.com/cz-83-czech-surplus-380acp-pistol,-overall-good-to-very-good-condition.-p-5703.html

The single stack version was the Soviet / Russian military issue side arm for the last 60 years or so.

[Ichiban]

How about a word for one of our sponsors, Ruger?
Since they have fixed the trigger issues the SR9 is a nice light weight 9mm.  Good ergonomics in a (relatively) slim package.  The recoil is very soft for a polymer gun.  They are going for about $400 (around here) so you'll have money left over for ammo to practice with.

[les snyder]

if you are really new to handguns, and recoil is your primary consideration I offer a comment.... a wheelgun offers a lot of versitility with cartridge selection that an autoloader doesn't... the autoloader cartridge has to have a certain minimum amount of energy to reliably work the slide....don't let the term " magnum" intimidate you... it describes the maximim power cartridge designed for the gun (stronger gun) ... a .38special and .357mag share the same barrel bore diameter (.357") and the case for the .357 is about 1/10" longer (so it won't fit in guns not designed for it)... since the cartridge doesn't have to operate the action in a revolver to prepare for the next shot, a much less recoiling cartridge may be chambered (.38special v. .357mag)...less recoil and muzzle blast shortens the learning curve with marksmanship and gun handling skill...

both my S&W 442 and Ruger Security Six are loaded with .38spl 125 grain Federal NyClads....

[kmitch200]

if you are really new to handguns, and recoil is your primary consideration I offer a comment.... a wheelgun offers a lot of versitility with cartridge selection that an autoloader doesn't... since the cartridge doesn't have to operate the action in a revolver to prepare for the next shot, a much less recoiling cartridge may be chambered (.38special v. .357mag)...less recoil and muzzle blast shortens the learning curve with marksmanship and gun handling skill.

If I was looking purely for a nightstand gun it would be a revolver.  Unless you're committed to spending the money to find a reliable cartridge to feed an autoloader, you can't go wrong with kindergarten simple in a wheelgun!

If it's your first handgun, seriously consider ^^these^^. Malfunction clearance drill for autos need to be practiced and owned.
With a revo, just pull the trigger again.