Good Suggestion for a First Handgun

[Augusto86]

I've never before had the opportunity to shoot: anti-gun parents, a camp that banned shooting the year I was old enough on account of Columbine, Mass. laws, etc.

I'd like to learn how to operate and shoot a firearm, and I was wondering what people would suggest for a first handgun. I would probably go down to the local shooting range and take some courses in the basics of shooting, safety, cleaning, etc, but eventually I'd like to own a gun, probably a handgun, and I was hoping to get some advice on what sort of gun is good for a novice to the world of weaponry.

 

[j]

Ruger 22/45. Very simple, easy and fun to shoot and clean, accurate, cheap, reliable, lots of accessories, and the controls are in semi-normal locations. (As opposed to the Ruger Mk II or III where the controls are a bit odd.) I have one of these and it's great fun, not scary to shoot at all. Perfect for teaching a beginner and honing your target shooting skill.

 

[Huntsman]

Absolutely a .22 caliber. Whether you choose a revolver or a autoloader, a twenty-two is a great choice.

Mind you, many times, people who are starting out think a .22 is to 'sissy,' but the progression amongst serious shooters is from a .22 to heavier calibre handguns, then back to a twenty-two again. They are fun, they aren't too loud, they aren't punishing (you can shoot lots), they are cheap to shoot, and did I mention that they are fun!

My favorite is an old S&W Model 41. The current 41 isn't bad, either, and the Browning Buckmark and the Ruger MkII are very highly regarded and fairly affordable autoloaders as well. Beretta and Sig are also making .22 autoloaders. I'm generally a Smith and Colt guy, so in revolvers I'd say a Smith 617, though Ruger has several .22's as well, including single-action models (if you're into the cowboy thing).

Anyway that is what I reccomend. I've shot bowling pins with my 41, shot at a two-foot high empty steel tank at 200 yards, and shot indoors in precision matches called Bullseye. The other day I was shooting a (legally) supressed 41 at steel plates at 25' -- no earmuffs, just having a great time.

I'm sure others will chime in....

Regards,
Huntsman

 

[GreyFlannelMan]

I have always enjoyed Glocks. I had a Glock 19 for a while when I was back in the midwest. Also briefly owned a Sig 226. That was a beautiful gun.

 

[Doc Martin]

Originally Posted by GreyFlannelMan

I have always enjoyed Glocks. I had a Glock 19 for a while when I was back in the midwest. Also briefly owned a Sig 226. That was a beautiful gun.

I prefer Sigs as well, but I would definitely recommend a .22 for anyone to learn on. Almost every shooter I know started out on a .22. In fact, I would recommend a .22 rifle first, then move on to the pistol.

 

[countdemoney]

Originally Posted by Doc Martin

I prefer Sigs as well, but I would definitely recommend a .22 for anyone to learn on. Almost every shooter I know started out on a .22. In fact, I would recommend a .22 rifle first, then move on to the pistol.

Yes. I would also suggest Rifle first.

 

[GQgeek]

Forget the handgun, do they sell MP-5s in your state? Remember, it's for home defense!

 

[Augusto86]

Well, obviously I need one of these fellows to defend my house - I frequently find my dorm under attack by APCs and Ranger sniper teams:

Forget the handgun, do they sell MP-5s in your state? Remember, it's for home defense!

I live in Massachusetts. I think I probably would need to fill out 15 or so forms in triplicate to buy an airsoft.

 

[globetrotter]

1. what do you really need it for?
2. how much money and time do you have to put into this?
3. how would you describe yourself, physically?


I would suggest thinking these through, getting to a couple of gun shops, and getting a feeling for what people would suggest. don't trust a single place, but get a feel for what they are suggesting. fire a few different guns.

if you just want to learn to shoot - get a .22. ammo is cheap, and it is easy to handle, and once you learn to handle it other weapons will work in a similar way.

if you were interested in one firearm for defence, you might want to be looking at a 9mm sig. that is a great weapon.

 

[odoreater]

I had a class in high school in Forensic science where the teacher taught us how to hold and shoot guns (pre-Columbine) and the teacher told us that the Sig 226 is the "cadillac of hand guns." Ever since then, I've wanted one of those, but I never got around to getting one.

 

[Arethusa]

Originally Posted by Augusto86

I live in Massachusetts. I think I probably would need to fill out 15 or so forms in triplicate to buy an airsoft.
Massachusetts: seat of the revolution! We're really sorry about that, guys. It'll never happen again.

 

[Tokyo Slim]

Reporter: Robo, excuse me, Robo, any special message for all the kids watching at home?
RoboCop: Stay out of trouble.

 

[acidboy]

i totally agree with the glock 19. they're ideal first handguns, imo. practially easy to maintain.

 

[Huntsman]

Originally Posted by GQgeek

Forget the handgun, do they sell MP-5s in your state? Remember, it's for home defense!

<Laughs> Actually, MA is a tough state, but I'm pretty sure you can posess a transferrable CIII MP-5, provided Federal and State laws and licensing procedures are followed. Also you need like $20k.

Of course, IANAL,
Huntsman

 

[surf animal]

Your shooting will progress much quicker if you start out with a .22 rifle, wood stock. If you REALLY want to start off with a handgun that bad, start off with a .22