Glock 23 .40 with a 9mm conversion (barrel, extractor, ejector). Then you can use either caliber depending upon availability and situation. But stick with .40 as much as possible since that is the factory default.
It's a great plan for someone who is already into guns. For a very first gun, it's a bad plan. Too many part, too many things to remember or get confused, etc.
He needs a Glock 17, about 5 extra mags, and as many boxes of 9mm defensive ammo as he can afford.
And a holster. Cops know that bad guys carry guns bare, good guys carry them in holsters.
He can learn. Keep the 9 mm conversion NIB until he does.
So, you think that for a new shooter, it's a better plan to spend $600 on a G23, another $175 for a conversion barrel (which no one has in stock anyway), a set of .40 S&W magazines, another set of 9mm magazines, a supply of .40 S&W, another supply of 9mm, all because... reasons?
Don't listen to gun doofuses. Get a full sized G17, get magazines and ammo to run in it, and get started. The only thing you get out of .40S&W is an empty wallet and wrist aches. Take that money and practice with more 9mm.
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