Helping A Work Buddy Decide on His First Firearm

[Timothy]

And bringing up the rear here with ideas...

All great suggestions above, but let me repeat one:  What's the intended usage?  Maybe yor friend doesn't even know at this point.  Go over ideas to help get an idea.

Concealed carry:  guessing No in NJ, so compacts and sub-compacts are low priority.

Hunting:  from your description of him again No, so rule out long barrel revolvers and .50AE

Home defense:  rather broad, but full size guns very applicable.  Revolvers a good choice with custom loads.  Think Judge/Govenor.

Competition:  make sure gun qualifies.  USPSA Production gun may not qual for IDPA.  Glock required for GSSF.  Etc etc etc

Just for fun:  eh. Not my favorite category. I think people tire of shooting without purpose at some point.  But here anything goes as in "When you have no destination, you can never be lost."

A most cogent piece of advise!

[jaybet]

I think you're right, Alf. He really doesn't know why at this point. Knowing him and his situation, it's a boy toy, followed by "Let the wife shoot it", followed by Home Defense and then "Buy more guns".
I told him to consider carefully and buy what feels good to him, but don't worry it too much, 'YOU CAN'T MAKE A MISTAKE' because you'll want to buy another one anyway.

He seemed happy with that advice.