Posted: 11/4/2012 4:01:11 PM EDT
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What would you guys suggest as a decent started handgun?
Price isn't really a problem, but don't be ridiculous and suggest an engraved, gold plated gun (or something along those lines). I also live in California so keep that in mind. Think I should go with something like a .22? |
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A .22 is a good choice to learn with. Low recoil and report, plus cheap ammo. Lot's of choices out there, but a Ruger MKII or MKIII would be a good bet. If money is no object, then I'd recommend you take a firearms safety class first, if you haven't already. Then, go to a good gun shop and handle lots of pistols and revolvers. Buy the one that feels best in your hand and points naturally. If there's a range that rent guns near by, go shoot several.
Spend some time thinking about what you want the gun to do best, i.e., target shooting, home defense, CCW, etc. Most guns do one thing well and the other things I mentioned not quite so well. That's why you'll want several in the future! A good 9MM would be another excellent choice for a "starter" gun. It's not uncommon for folks new to the addiction to buy and sell a couple of guns before they find something the really like. |
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Ruger .22
Or if you are thinking about something for defense get a S&W revolver. I think revolvers make good first handguns. If you decide you are going to be shooting a lot and/or need more firepower get a Glock (Just remembered you are in Communist red California. Unless you want a sub compact, there's no point in owning a gun designed to hold a lot of rounds when you're limited to 10.) or a 1911. OP: what do you plan on doing with the gun? ie; home defense, carry (some counties in CA allow it), target, hunting? |
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Ruger .22 Or if you are thinking about something for defense get a S&W revolver. I think revolvers make good first handguns. If you decide you are going to be shooting a lot and/or need more firepower get a Glock (Just remembered you are in Communist red California. Unless you want a sub compact, there's no point in owning a gun designed to hold a lot of rounds when you're limited to 10.) or a 1911. OP: what do you plan on doing with the gun? ie; home defense, carry (some counties in CA allow it), target, hunting? I plan on using it for target shooting. |
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I plan on using it for target shooting. Browning Buckmark .22 rimfire. Runs around $300~ in most places & is a supurbly made firearm. This will allow you to both A) shoot cheaply while you learn the fundamentals; & B) practice a lot before you waste $$ on centerfire ammo & not getting your technique down properly. My .o2 |
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Ruger .22 Or if you are thinking about something for defense get a S&W revolver. I think revolvers make good first handguns. If you decide you are going to be shooting a lot and/or need more firepower get a Glock (Just remembered you are in Communist red California. Unless you want a sub compact, there's no point in owning a gun designed to hold a lot of rounds when you're limited to 10.) or a 1911. OP: what do you plan on doing with the gun? ie; home defense, carry (some counties in CA allow it), target, hunting? I plan on using it for target shooting. Then I suggest a Ruger .22, probably a long bull barrel model. If you can afford ammo a 1911 is still a favorite for competition target shooting of all kinds. |
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Ruger .22 Or if you are thinking about something for defense get a S&W revolver. I think revolvers make good first handguns. If you decide you are going to be shooting a lot and/or need more firepower get a Glock (Just remembered you are in Communist red California. Unless you want a sub compact, there's no point in owning a gun designed to hold a lot of rounds when you're limited to 10.) or a 1911. OP: what do you plan on doing with the gun? ie; home defense, carry (some counties in CA allow it), target, hunting? I plan on using it for target shooting. Then I suggest a Ruger .22, probably a long bull barrel model. If you can afford ammo a 1911 is still a favorite for competition target shooting of all kinds. So maybe something like this? http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/firearms/detail.asp?fid=006B&cid=051&tid=379 |
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Ruger .22 Or if you are thinking about something for defense get a S&W revolver. I think revolvers make good first handguns. If you decide you are going to be shooting a lot and/or need more firepower get a Glock (Just remembered you are in Communist red California. Unless you want a sub compact, there's no point in owning a gun designed to hold a lot of rounds when you're limited to 10.) or a 1911. OP: what do you plan on doing with the gun? ie; home defense, carry (some counties in CA allow it), target, hunting? I plan on using it for target shooting. Then I suggest a Ruger .22, probably a long bull barrel model. If you can afford ammo a 1911 is still a favorite for competition target shooting of all kinds. So maybe something like this? http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/firearms/detail.asp?fid=006B&cid=051&tid=379 Yeah, or this: http://ruger.com/products/markIIITarget/models.html or http://ruger.com/products/markIIICompetition/models.html I happen to own stock in Ruger. 
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For a target Buckmark how about this:
http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/firearms/detail.asp?fid=006B&cid=051&tid=422 |
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I'd go to a range and rent a .22 of some sort, get used to shooting it, then work your way up in calibers. Ot is you don't live near a range that rents, get with a group of local shooters that might let you go shooting with them (you buy the ammo). Just get familiar with different ones and see what floats your boat.
I think the Ruger SR9c might be a good option for you down the road. I think it has all the commie safety features to make it legal in your state. It's a great feeling pistol and is stupid easy to hit with. |
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Thanks guys! I'll keep doing more research, but I really like the look of those Ruger 22LR handguns. The Buck Mark Contour 7.25 URX is pretty nice. Would you suggest a 9mm or would you just stick with a 22? For your first handgun get a .22. Can't go wrong with either the Ruger or Browning. |
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So maybe something like this? http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/firearms/detail.asp?fid=006B&cid=051&tid=379 That one would be perfect, IMO. |
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I own both a Buckmark and a Mark II and the Bucky is my favorite. Especially when it's time to tear the gun down.
Either way consider one of these. http://youtu.be/lAN_v8pDr4w When used properly it works even faster and easier than the video shows. It will work on both the Browning and the Ruger. |
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Sometimes you do need reinforcement shooting a regular caliber when learning and developing fundamentals.
If I could do it over again I'd have chosen a larger pistol but that's it. I went with a G26 and did a lot of dry fire practice and went to the range as often as I could. I'll try to get some real instruction soon, but I'm typically the best handgun shooter at the range (doesn't really say a whole lot, most people blast away towards a target and are happy making noise). |
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For a starter handgun, you can't go wrong with a .22 pistol. It's cheaper to shoot and practice with.
My first handgun was a .22. I think any arsenal should have a good .22 pistol/rifle of some sort. When I felt comfy and confident enough, I bought my next handgun which was a 9mm, then a 45, then another 45 and now I am looking for a 44Mag revolver. It's like night and day. Another great pistol to look into is the Walther P22. Mine has over 6,000 rounds and counting, excellent pistol for the money. |
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If price isn't a big consideration. I would pick a centerifre pistol and buy a .22 conversion.
If you like the 1911 style but one and several companies make .22 conversions (Marvel Precision, Advantage Arms, Ciener). Glock, Sig, S&W all have .22 conversions either offered by the original manufacturer or aftermarket. I found I was quickly bored with a .22 only, my Ruger MK I, and went and bought my 1911. The .22 conversion kits run from about $200 to $500 and usually include 1 magazine. They can be assembled on to the pistol in less than 5 minutes and removed just as easily. In the end you basically have 2 pistols in 2 calibers with the same feel and manual of arms. |
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^ If the conversion is between $200 and $500, that is the same price as a Buckmark or Ruger Mark ($300+/-). If you're gonna spend the money for a centerfire on top of cost of the conversion, I'd much rather have the two separate handguns. So you can have two completely different handguns and have to now learn how to shoot two completely different handguns? |
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So you can have two completely different handguns and have to now learn how to shoot two completely different handguns? That is actually exactly what I'm saying. For that money; learn one...Then the next. And then have two appropriate handguns to use for their intended uses. |
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Screw the starter thing. Shoot all the ones you're interested in and buy the ones you like best.
When I turned 21 I purchased a 22lr, 9mm, 45ACP pistol, 45ACP revolver, and 44 mag from Ruger, Colt, and S&W. There's no such thing as a "starter" gun. That to me is keyword for "uninformed purchase." I would suggest anything from any major manufacturer. My preferences go towards arms used by military or law enforcement. Stay away from Cobra and Hi-Point or any company that is out of business. |
