Advice on my first handgun, please

A somewhat different point of view......


Personally, I think it doesnt matter revolver or semi auto for your first gun. The pros con cons of each for your first gun can be debated for yrs with no clear cut answer.

So, buy what you're comfortable with... be that a revolver or semi auto.

I do agree with that idea of a .22lr is a good idea for a few reasons but its not paramount... so dont make it that way.... to a 1st time gun owner. If you had physical imitations that might prevent you from handling the recoil of a bigger caliber (weak hands, arthritis, a child) then my opinion would differ.

Again, a 22 is a good idea....but not paramount. People learn to ride a bike with out training wheel and people can learn to shoot well with out a 22. I have a few 22s and really like them.

If you have DECIDED on a .38 then pretty much semi autos go out the window. If your open to caliber, the options are abundant.

I also agree with buying a 357 because you can shoot 38's safely out of them (the actual caliber/diameter is a lot closer than the stated caliber/size.... shooting 38 out of a 357 is perfectly fine. Shooting 357 out of a 38 is a big no no)

By all means... go to the gun store and fondle away. It will help guide yourself to making a good choice.
Training is always good.
Dont put too much stock in internet/youtube.
Find some shooting friends... ask the gun store about clubs. Maybe go to to club shoot.

Experience as much as you can before you buy.
 
By all means... go to the gun store and fondle away. It will help guide yourself to making a good choice.
Click to expand...
I'm not going to argue this but I will tell a short story.

A friend of mine had a Glock 30 and after I handled it for a bit I fell in love. It fit me well and felt really good in my hand. We could not get together for a range session so I bought my own G30. It was sweet feeling. Off to the range I went. I knew I had made a mistake before the first magazine was empty. I can shoot it well but I just don't like it. It still feels just fine and I will probably keep it. I've had it for 6-7 years now and I still break it out ocassionally to play with but I still don't like to shoot it as much as all my other .45s.

Fondling is fun but it really doesn't get the results I need.:eek:
 
Semi or revolver is a matter of preference.

I always recommend getting training. You might want to look for a Basic Pistol class and Defense Inside the Home class. Most people can learn enough to shoot safely by practicing with a responsible friend, but learning considerations for defense is another matter entirely.

I would recommend at least .38 in a revolver or 9x19mm in a semi-auto. If it will not be carried, I recommend a larger pistol, as they soak up recoil better and have a longer sight radius (making it easier to aim).
 
New or entry level handguns...

Hello & welcome to the forum;
To be brief, I highly suggest buying a new model .357magnum revolver with a 3" or 4" barrel & adj sights. A short barrel(2.25") fixed sight Ruger SP101 .357magnum in the DA only(double action only) format could work very well also. DA only means the revolver or semi auto pistol can't be "cocked" or fired with a lighter single action. DA only sidearms are issued to many sworn law enforcement & uniformed security professionals to avoid false claims of accidents or reckless conduct during critical events.
A stainless steel or high tech polymer should be used to be easy to clean or maintain. A used S&W DA only model 64 .38spl or maybe a 686 .357mag revolver could be a good purchase. Model 10s are more common but the condition may not be that great.
Go to www.Brownells.com for top cleaning/gunsmith supplies. A few basic cleaning/oil products include Hoppes #9, Bore-Snake Vipers, Eezox, Gunzilla, LPX, or Weaponshield, Birchwood-Casey Gun Cleaner, and maybe a can of Ballistol.
I'd also learn & understand your local/state gun & use of force laws. Joining the NRA www.NRA.org is a smart move. You can find local ranges and help support your 2A/firearm rights.
There are many useful training books, videos & classes you can take. See www.paladin-press.com www.gunlawguide.com www.gunvideo.com . Atty David Wong wrote a practical legal guide to the US gun/knife laws. That may help if you travel a lot.
For home protection & defense, I suggest a factory made .38spl +P or +P+ load(even if you buy a .357magnum). Good brands include Speer Gold Dot, Ranger T, Corbon DPX, Hornady Critical Defense, and Golden Saber(Remington). As your skills improve you can move on to .357magnum rounds or get a semi auto pistol.
Read over your firearm's manual and only use factory rounds for protection-carry, NO reloads or handloaded rounds.
Clyde
www.Midway-USA.com www.ShopCorbon.com www.Weaponshield.com www.Gunzilla.us www.Mpro7.com www.Eezox.com www.NatchezSS.com
 
.357?

For a total beginner, isnt a .357 magnum to much to handle for fun range
shooting??

Many have suggested .38 would be the prefect choice...fun to shoot at the
range and great for self defense.
 
The benefit of buying a .357 is that you can shoot 38's out of it as well. When you feel comfortable enough to move on to .357's you don't need to buy another gun (although there's no harm in that either).
 
Welcome to The Firing Line, nodule.

One of the reasons that several have suggested a .357 mag is that it will also chamber and fire .38 special rounds safely. It's a matter of versatilty.

Edited to add: Drat! Gearhounds posted while I was typing.
 
Ok

Oh, I see, thanks!

So perhaps the SP 101 or S&W model would be a great choice. I will be going
to my town police to get the paperwork moving for a permit and than I will
visit a few gun shops in my area to touch and feel in my hands.
 
Yes a .357 will shoot .38's.

Also .357 mag is typically a little heavier then a comparably sized .38. Since it is a little heavier it will help soak up some of the recoil. A light weight little .38 can still be a hand full. If you planned on carrying it concealed then there is good argument for a .38 because it's lighter and easier to deal with carrying all day but it will kick harder then a .357 with the same .38 loads.
Confused yet? ;)

.357 magnum (a little heavier) = will shoot 38's and .357 mag
.38 (a little lighter) = will shoot only .38's

Some people are saying you can go with a Semi-auto for your first gun. I think this is true also if you are going to actively get some training. Whether it be going to the range with a good friend who is well versed in firearms and safety or getting some professional training. If you are going to do this then I believe there is nothing wrong with getting a Semi for your first gun. You should get some training anyway. Once you build safe practices with your weapon that's when you'll become more confident. Once you become more confident that's when you'll become a better shooter. A semi auto just gives the new shooter more to think about while trying to learn safe practices. I was lucky enough to have an experienced shooter who was adamant about weapons safety when I was first learning. He was a gun collector who had literally 30+ hand guns. I went shooting with him quite often before I ever bought my first pistol. It was a 9mm Browning High-Power. So I think if your going to have this type of exposure or if your going to get some professional training then yes a 9mm would be fine in my eyes for a first weapon.

However. I would bet if you get yourself a 4" .357 mag for your first pistol you'll probably never sell it. It's very versatile. There are some good defensive .38 loads out there that will behave quite nicely in that .357. Then if you ever feel like you need more power. i.e. your going camping or something you throw in your favorite 180 grain .357 full power loads and you'll be well protected.

Have fun. Stay safe. :)
 
Thanks

Glock,

I surely appreciate your advice! I will have to try many guns in my hands
to tell what is comfortable and hopefully be able to shoot with them before
making my first purchase.

Right now, without even handling or shooting, my choices would be....

Revolver - Ruger GP100
S & W Model 64, 67 (Model 686 over my budget)

Semi Auto - Ruger SR9
Glock 19
Sig P229

Of course, this can change once I handle and shoot them. I will keep you
all informed of my process.
 
For semis, the SIG and glock have .22 conversion kits availible, so you can have cheap .22 to train, and centerfire for defense, and get used to the same frame and trigger with both.
 
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