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First handgun suggestions

rdgamblr
Howdy folks been reading a lot of stuff and want some oppinions.

I am looking to purchase a First handgun. I would prefer a semi-auto. What I am looking for oppinion wise what would be easiest to practice and learn the basics of. I have been looking at 9mm and 45acp.

The facts to consider i have only fired a hand gun a couple times and plan on doing a lot of target shooting at the local range. Considerations of recoil as well as sights.

Any other information for a beginner I would apperciate. Unfortunately the local gunshop owner has an attitude that I should just buy his best 600+ handgun and I will like it fine. Instead of descirbing what I should be looking for in a first gun...

Thanks I hope this isn't to frequent of a question I searched and din't find a related topic in the past 3 weeks or so.
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Comments

11 comments

Date Votes
  • p3skyking
    For your first pistol, a Ruger MK II in .22. Inexpensive to buy, to feed, and pretty much trouble free.

    In 9mm, again Ruger is a high scorer. Taurus/Beretta and Glock a close second and third in value, but the ammo will cost more.

    .45 is cost prohibitive for a lot of practice. Get the basics with the other calibers first.

    You are your own best teacher. My advice is to question all things. Seek for answers, and when you find what seems to be an answer, question that too. L'Amour
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  • Rhonda
    Since you are not an experienced shooter, start with a 22 rimfire. It is cheaper to shoot so you will be able to afford to practice more. The Ruger Mark II Target model is a good introductory semi to start with. The 9mm has some recoil and the 45 ACP a lot for a beginner. Price ammo before making a choice.
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  • rdgamblr
    thanks so far. I really hadn't thought of the price of ammo. As much as the ease in opperation.

    Besides cost of ammo is there a large difference between a 22 and a 9 for ease in opperation?
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  • wizard78
    Just my two cents. Semi autos are tough on new shooters. If you have a shooting buddy that is familier with them fine but most often than not it's just you at the beginning. A wheel gun ( revolver ) is very easy to use. Is a much safer for the new shooter. Can be very acurate. They are very simple to operate and clean. Can usualy serve dual purpose of target and protection, and we all know that you are going to want to keep it for protection too. A 22 is a good choice and Smith and Taurus and many other manufacturers have them. Another good first gun is a 357 because it shoots inexpensive 38 reloads and a large variety of 38 and 357 ammo. It is also a good firearm for simple home defense and there are plenty of good used revolvers available. Just my two cents since I'm not an expert. [8D]

    Fight Crime, Shoot First
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  • kingjoey
    I am going to agree with the others on this, buy a 22 LR and get some practice on using a handgun safely and accurately. Then you might step up to a 9mm or 38, again learning how to use a larger handgun with more recoil. Then, if so inclined, you might step up to a 45 ACP or 357 Mag which will have higher recoil. Once you get used to shooting handguns a lot, you won't notice the recoil much until you step up to the 44 Mag, 454 Casull, or 50 AE guns. Good luck and be safe.[:D]

    Love them Beavers
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  • rsnyder55
    I have to agree with Wizard78 on this. A revolver is a much better choice to learn the basics of handgun shooting and safety. There is much less to go wrong with it and for all around utility, a 357 with a 4" barrel such as a 686 is hard to beat. There are an almost infinite number of loads available and I would say that for most shooters a revolver would fill most of their requirements. Should you get into competition, then a semi-auto target or race gun might serve you better.
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  • Colt Super
    Inexpensive .38 Special revolver - maybe a used Rossi. Best for a new pistolero.
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  • gunner8479
    I'd have to say a revolver in .22 LR, maybe a single action or even a double action.

    gunner8479
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  • rdgamblr
    OK you all make interesting points. I was under the understanding that semi autos make easier "learning". I have a buddy who wanted to sell me a S&W 357 magnum with 6inch barrel but i figuerd that might be too much to start with. However if i can use 38 ammo in it would that be a decent choice. I know the price is right...

    and yes wizzard for protection as well...[8D]
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  • rockford
    quote:Originally posted by rdgamblr
    Howdy folks been reading a lot of stuff and want some oppinions.

    I am looking to purchase a First handgun. I would prefer a semi-auto. What I am looking for oppinion wise what would be easiest to practice and learn the basics of. I have been looking at 9mm and 45acp.

    The facts to consider i have only fired a hand gun a couple times and plan on doing a lot of target shooting at the local range. Considerations of recoil as well as sights.

    Any other information for a beginner I would apperciate. Unfortunately the local gunshop owner has an attitude that I should just buy his best 600+ handgun and I will like it fine. Instead of descirbing what I should be looking for in a first gun...

    Thanks I hope this isn't to frequent of a question I searched and din't find a related topic in the past 3 weeks or so.


    I agree with starting with a .22 handgun. You will learn about gun safety and hopefully enjoy shooting more with light recoil of a rimfire and the lower cost. If you handle the gun, remember most .22 are not meant to be "dry fired". Even after you are ready for larger calibers, don't make the mistake of selling the .22, later you will most likely decide to own several different styles and makes.

    Fred
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  • rhmc24
    The others are right about .22 RF being the preferred caliber, whether revolver or semi auto. In the larger calibers .357 or .38 special if a revolver or 9mm if semi. Cheapest ammo and easiest to handle and learn on. Others are also right about buying one of the economy priced pieces. You can buy both a revolver and a semi in the economy group for the cost of one of high end pieces. After you get experience, you can afford to dispose of them and buy in on whatever your own judgement indicates for the long haul. Hope this helps.
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