first handgun...
 

im looking to buy my first handgun.
i want either a:
Barretta M9 9mm
Glock .45cal
or S&W .44mag.

what do you guys think?

How much firearms experience do you have?

Out of those I would go with the Beretta. You can get lots more time because of the cost of ammo.
Why not a glock in 9mm? Or anything else in 9mm? CZ75b would be my favorite 9mm of them all.

OR, possibly a .22lr like a browning buckmark or ruger mark series.??

I would stay away from the .44mag's for a while. :)

Both Gary and Brian ideas got my attention. The wheel gun in .357 or the .22 cal pistol are good choices as first handguns. The S&W .357s revolvers are very reliable and the .22 cal pistol is economical and a good handgun to train with.

Your experience level will help. As a starter handgun, definetly a 22., Middle experience, 9mm or 357Mag, as an experienced person, then dabble with the .44.

Wait, not Melbourne Australia, right?

If not, i also suggest a smaller caliber for a starter, 9mm or .22. I have really enjoyed my Ruger GP100 revolver, if that is your taste.

Unless you're going on a walkabout in the presence of large, four-legged predators...one of these does not belong.

44mags are cool, but as your first/only handgun?

If you want a revolver, buy a 357. If you want an auto, 9mm, 40sw, & 45acp are all good choices. My admittedly biased recommendation would be a CZ 75b, but the Beretta and Glock can be fine choices as well.

I would narrow it down to one caliber and then try out a few different guns in that caliber.

When I was in the market for my first handgun, I wanted a good firearm for self defense and after shooting many firearms owned by my friends and family I decided on a 45 acp.

From there I went to a few ranges and rented every 45 they had available and decided on my Springfield 1911.

Go to a gun store that rents different firearms and test fire various handguns. You also need to better define what you want the pistol to do for you. If you're looking for a good handgun for personal defense, go with a good .45 caliber. If you just want an all purpose handgun then go with a good 9 mm pistol. Which ever gun you choose, practice with it a lot. Get to know it well. When you get tired of practicing with it, then practice even more with it. One of the main keys to owning a pistol is being able to manipulate it in a safe and accurate manner. Being able to shoot a handgun is only part of the picture with gun ownership. Handling safely, even in dark conditions, is an important item too.

Of those you listed, I personally suggest a .45. Good for home defense and a decent plinker. However, .45 ammunition is fairly more expensive than 9mm.

Just my thoughts.