Beginner-does first gun really have to be a .22?
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Kreyzhorse
New member
It certainly is the case. If you do buy a .357, .38s are cheaper to shoot and practice with. They aren't as cheap as .22lr, but they aren't nearly as painful in price as .357s.
liberty -r- death
New member
I think for a first hand gun the caliber is not as important as the type. Revolvers make a better first gun in my opinion. They are less complicated to learn the gun and gun safety with. They also tend to all operate the same with the exception of single or double action. Very simple, tried, and true design. Easy to clean since there is no dis-assembly.
Many people jump into a semi-auto and then find out that they have to learn how it functions, loading, safety (if equipped), decocker (if equipped), and action. Then they have to learn how to fix jams and the like. In addition to field stripping at minimum to clean.
With that said go, I'd go with a medium caliber for effectiveness of the round and to reduce ammo cost compared to large calibers. Then if you like shooting a lot go out and get the .22 for volume shooting.
Just my two cents.
Many people jump into a semi-auto and then find out that they have to learn how it functions, loading, safety (if equipped), decocker (if equipped), and action. Then they have to learn how to fix jams and the like. In addition to field stripping at minimum to clean.
With that said go, I'd go with a medium caliber for effectiveness of the round and to reduce ammo cost compared to large calibers. Then if you like shooting a lot go out and get the .22 for volume shooting.
Just my two cents.
ohen cepel
New member
I would go with the .22. I know it's not as exciting or neat as other options.
However, the ammo is CHEAP which is really important these days. Plus, the recoil is much less so you can concentrate more on the basics.
If you can only afford one pistol in the next decade then get the .357, otherwise go with the .22 for now.
However, the ammo is CHEAP which is really important these days. Plus, the recoil is much less so you can concentrate more on the basics.
If you can only afford one pistol in the next decade then get the .357, otherwise go with the .22 for now.
Steam Boat
New member
You can also get a .45 ACP 1911 style pistol or a GLOCK and get a .22 conversion for it to learn and practice with if a semi auto hand gun is more to what you are looking for.
As others have said, there's no rule that prevents you from getting the S & W 67 as your first. And for recreational shooting the .38 is plenty, and you'd probably find it a it more recreational while a .357 is a little more like work.
BUT, if you're going to eventually decide it's also for home defense (you know how you think better than anybody else) you might want to consider one of the larger frames in .357. Still shoot .38 most of the time, load up with .357 for home defense.
I WOULD stay away from small-frame (J frame) .357's as a first gun, they're not much fun at all to shoot .357's from and might cause you to conclude that owning a gun isn't nearly as much fun as you thought it would be. But again, if you know that won't happen with you, and you will end up wanting it to be a carry gun, then a small frame with some sort of shrouded hammer is probably the one with your name on it.
And FINALLY, if you can afford 2 guns the .22 as a first would be a really good way to start. Cheap, lots of fun largely because of that but also easy on the hand. And after you've shot it a LOT, you might decide your second "bg" gun should be something totally different than the 67 you like now. Or maybe it'll still be the one, and you're more certain than ever.
You are almost certainly going to own at least one .22 sooner or later (I dare you to only own one!!!), so why not start there. It's not like starting with a .22 makes you a wimp....
So there's a complete "on this hand, but on the other hand" analysis that doesn't tell you anything other than that it's your decision, don't do what you think somebody else THINKS you should do.
It's free choice, your free choice. Make it whatever makes you happiest. You can't stop with just one anyway, long run, so there's no wrong choice....
BUT, if you're going to eventually decide it's also for home defense (you know how you think better than anybody else) you might want to consider one of the larger frames in .357. Still shoot .38 most of the time, load up with .357 for home defense.
I WOULD stay away from small-frame (J frame) .357's as a first gun, they're not much fun at all to shoot .357's from and might cause you to conclude that owning a gun isn't nearly as much fun as you thought it would be. But again, if you know that won't happen with you, and you will end up wanting it to be a carry gun, then a small frame with some sort of shrouded hammer is probably the one with your name on it.
And FINALLY, if you can afford 2 guns the .22 as a first would be a really good way to start. Cheap, lots of fun largely because of that but also easy on the hand. And after you've shot it a LOT, you might decide your second "bg" gun should be something totally different than the 67 you like now. Or maybe it'll still be the one, and you're more certain than ever.
You are almost certainly going to own at least one .22 sooner or later (I dare you to only own one!!!), so why not start there. It's not like starting with a .22 makes you a wimp....
So there's a complete "on this hand, but on the other hand" analysis that doesn't tell you anything other than that it's your decision, don't do what you think somebody else THINKS you should do.
It's free choice, your free choice. Make it whatever makes you happiest. You can't stop with just one anyway, long run, so there's no wrong choice....
Unless you plan on shooting LOTS of HOT .357's (Expensive and noisy) , I believe the model 67 or 15 to be a superior gun to the 686 or GP 100 for general range use
There's something that's just "right" about a superb .38 Special with adjustable sights. Much more " sleek and sexier" than the clunky L frame 686 or GP 100's. Plus no need to worry about the "crud ring" in the cylinder.
With the money you save by getting the 67, you can put towards a nice .22 Model 17 for cheap trigger time, on the same platform.
There's something that's just "right" about a superb .38 Special with adjustable sights. Much more " sleek and sexier" than the clunky L frame 686 or GP 100's. Plus no need to worry about the "crud ring" in the cylinder.
With the money you save by getting the 67, you can put towards a nice .22 Model 17 for cheap trigger time, on the same platform.
Justice06RR
New member
Plenty of great suggestions posted.
The 357/38Sp is a good first choice, also don't rule out the 9mm semi-auto. Its a very common round and effective for self-defense, and the ammunition is relatively cheap ($10/box of 50rds depending on where you buy).
Semiauto's are not hard to operate and field strip (Think Glock). The top brands like Sig, S&W, Springfield are very reliable and dont require cleaning for long periods of time, unless you fire thousands of rounds a month. Also the mags hold more rounds so its easier for shooting more ammo vs revolvers.
A 22lr is a great platform to start on, but IMO its better to start with a larger round that is also suited for self-defense so it can serve a dual-purpose. Then you can buy a 22 as a 2nd gun if you really like to shoot a lot.
The 357/38Sp is a good first choice, also don't rule out the 9mm semi-auto. Its a very common round and effective for self-defense, and the ammunition is relatively cheap ($10/box of 50rds depending on where you buy).
Semiauto's are not hard to operate and field strip (Think Glock). The top brands like Sig, S&W, Springfield are very reliable and dont require cleaning for long periods of time, unless you fire thousands of rounds a month. Also the mags hold more rounds so its easier for shooting more ammo vs revolvers.
A 22lr is a great platform to start on, but IMO its better to start with a larger round that is also suited for self-defense so it can serve a dual-purpose. Then you can buy a 22 as a 2nd gun if you really like to shoot a lot.
Don't start with something crazy but is doesn't need to be a .22. A .22 was the first real gun I ever shot in my life but I was eight then so I guess it made sense. After that first experience I didn't shoot again until I was 15 and then I started with a 12GA. My first handgun experience was a 9mm and I could barley hit the target but it was fun none the less.
Also I see that you live in my favorite state. I'm actually fortunate since in my town the police are fast and I can get pistol permits in a week. I have heard stories however of it taking up to 6 months. The law says they need to give it to you in 30 days but they just come up with so many excuses not to anyway. So good luck!
Also I see that you live in my favorite state. I'm actually fortunate since in my town the police are fast and I can get pistol permits in a week. I have heard stories however of it taking up to 6 months. The law says they need to give it to you in 30 days but they just come up with so many excuses not to anyway. So good luck!
glockcompact
New member
Unless you plan on carrying it daily as a conceal carry weapon the .357 is the better choice. Like said previously - you get two guns for one. Also I do not believe you have to buy a .22 for a first pistol. Some experienced shooters will tell you it will help you learn faster and help you deal with anticipation while shooting. Which is true but I know some people like myself can not afford to buy too many pistols. You will probably learn faster how to shoot properly with a .22 but with that being said my first pistol (20 years ago) was a 9mm and I don't believe I'm a worse shooter because of it. Practice, practice, practice. I still believe if you get yourself a quality .357 now. You'll probably still own that same .357 20 years from now. Just a great, all around, general purpose, versatile pistol.
Have fun, Stay safe.
Brit.
Have fun, Stay safe.
Brit.
FreakGasolineFight
New member
Does your first gun have to be a .22?
Not at all. My first handgun was a .45. Unless you're crippled or a very, very small woman, I really don't think there's any need to learn on a .22. Just my opinion, I know there are plenty who disagree.
Not at all. My first handgun was a .45. Unless you're crippled or a very, very small woman, I really don't think there's any need to learn on a .22. Just my opinion, I know there are plenty who disagree.
I don't think you HAVE to start with a .22 but I would highly highly highly recommend it, or at least saving and getting both at once.
Its cheapest to shoot, and is a very good starting point and training tool.
The thing I worry about most is starting off with a larger caliber when someone is new to handguns... is they can tend to teach you bad habits quicker than they can teach you good habits. Although most of us wouldn't consider a 9mm or a .38 robust or hard recoiling. That recoil to a person new to handguns... can cause them to become nervous and start flinching.
Kids learn faster because there have less if not any previous schema in their mind for them to either adapt to or assimilate to. Think of your muscle memory the same way. Better to get trigger control... stance... and everything else on a .22 that isn't beating up you or your wallet. Just my .02 cents
I am currently teaching my girlfriend to shoot. She is 5'5 and about 115lbs. She owns a Ruger Mark III 22/45 .22LR, and a Springfield 1911-A1 Loaded. She loves shooting both.. but when she wants to practice her grips... stance... trigger control... she grabs the .22 first.
I did install a barrel bushing compensator because she wanted it to look like Angelina Jolie's gun from wanted. So I got the same barrel bushing compensator from the movie.. same Wilson 10 round mag, and I made a custom design for grips for her.. and had Gungrips.net laser etch them on Faux Ivory grips. I know... I know... it's pretty "flashy" for a 1911... but I must say... watching all the other guys at the range... staring at my 5'5 115lbs girlfriend walk up to the line with a large stainless 1911 and fire away at the target with no issues is rather satisfying lol.
I can honestly say the compensator doesn't seem to do much... I shot it side by side with my SA Champion Operator... a slight difference but not drastic.
Its cheapest to shoot, and is a very good starting point and training tool.
The thing I worry about most is starting off with a larger caliber when someone is new to handguns... is they can tend to teach you bad habits quicker than they can teach you good habits. Although most of us wouldn't consider a 9mm or a .38 robust or hard recoiling. That recoil to a person new to handguns... can cause them to become nervous and start flinching.
Kids learn faster because there have less if not any previous schema in their mind for them to either adapt to or assimilate to. Think of your muscle memory the same way. Better to get trigger control... stance... and everything else on a .22 that isn't beating up you or your wallet. Just my .02 cents
I am currently teaching my girlfriend to shoot. She is 5'5 and about 115lbs. She owns a Ruger Mark III 22/45 .22LR, and a Springfield 1911-A1 Loaded. She loves shooting both.. but when she wants to practice her grips... stance... trigger control... she grabs the .22 first.
I did install a barrel bushing compensator because she wanted it to look like Angelina Jolie's gun from wanted. So I got the same barrel bushing compensator from the movie.. same Wilson 10 round mag, and I made a custom design for grips for her.. and had Gungrips.net laser etch them on Faux Ivory grips. I know... I know... it's pretty "flashy" for a 1911... but I must say... watching all the other guys at the range... staring at my 5'5 115lbs girlfriend walk up to the line with a large stainless 1911 and fire away at the target with no issues is rather satisfying lol.
I can honestly say the compensator doesn't seem to do much... I shot it side by side with my SA Champion Operator... a slight difference but not drastic.
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.22?
To repeat: No, it doesn't.
Here's the "but".....but learning to shoot well frequently requires a lot of shooting (there's no substitute for rounds downrange. Thoughtfully shot rounds. Dry firing is a good supplement though)
Because a lot of shooting is a factor, the .22 is often recommended because it costs less to shoot a lot.
A fine .38/.357 revolver is a marvelous machine, a pleasure to hold and to shoot....but....even using wadcutters at the price quoted above....every time you squeeze the trigger, it costs you thirty cents. A .22 will cost less than one tenth of that.
If you shoot four or five bricks of .22s and put away the money that you would have spent shooting a .38, by the time you are done, you'll have had a lot of practice and saved enough to buy the .38/357 or what ever.
Pete
To repeat: No, it doesn't.
Here's the "but".....but learning to shoot well frequently requires a lot of shooting (there's no substitute for rounds downrange. Thoughtfully shot rounds. Dry firing is a good supplement though)
Because a lot of shooting is a factor, the .22 is often recommended because it costs less to shoot a lot.
A fine .38/.357 revolver is a marvelous machine, a pleasure to hold and to shoot....but....even using wadcutters at the price quoted above....every time you squeeze the trigger, it costs you thirty cents. A .22 will cost less than one tenth of that.
If you shoot four or five bricks of .22s and put away the money that you would have spent shooting a .38, by the time you are done, you'll have had a lot of practice and saved enough to buy the .38/357 or what ever.
Pete
thank you
Thank you all for all these great suggestions!
As I stated, im in NJ and have requested 2 permits. I think I will purchase
BOTH a S&W .22 revolver AND the S&W Model 67 .38 special as my first
2 handguns. In a year or so , I plan to purchase a 9mm, probably either
the Beretta 92FS or PX4 Storm, full size.
I know many here say I NEED a .357 for home defense, but I am sure a
great .38 revolver, like the S&M Model 67, would get the job done. God willing,
I will never be put in that position anyway. I live in a VERY safe community
and have never in my life felt threatened or had someone after me. I could understand MAYBE a .357 if I lived in a crime ridden city, but im in the safe
suburbs of NJ
I just LOVE the look of 9mm Berettas, So much more sexy and better looking
than the more space aged, block looking Glocks.
Im sure I will be very happy with these 3 guns long term.
Thank you all for all these great suggestions!
As I stated, im in NJ and have requested 2 permits. I think I will purchase
BOTH a S&W .22 revolver AND the S&W Model 67 .38 special as my first
2 handguns. In a year or so , I plan to purchase a 9mm, probably either
the Beretta 92FS or PX4 Storm, full size.
I know many here say I NEED a .357 for home defense, but I am sure a
great .38 revolver, like the S&M Model 67, would get the job done. God willing,
I will never be put in that position anyway. I live in a VERY safe community
and have never in my life felt threatened or had someone after me. I could understand MAYBE a .357 if I lived in a crime ridden city, but im in the safe
suburbs of NJ
I just LOVE the look of 9mm Berettas, So much more sexy and better looking
than the more space aged, block looking Glocks.
Im sure I will be very happy with these 3 guns long term.
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Anyone who recommends a .357 for home defense has probably never had the painful experience of shooting one indoors.
Trust me... the muzzle blast on a .357 is not in door friendly... even if you did end up buying a .357... I would say to keep .38's in it if its next to the bed.
I think if you really go through with purchasing both the .22 and .38 at the same time you are 100% on a great path. It is a little bit of an investment up front and we all know money is tight right now, but to me it is worth it. It's what I did... well mine was a .22 and a 9mm, personally I am more comfortable with a Semi... I do appreciate the beauty in a fine revolver however.
Trust me... the muzzle blast on a .357 is not in door friendly... even if you did end up buying a .357... I would say to keep .38's in it if its next to the bed.I think if you really go through with purchasing both the .22 and .38 at the same time you are 100% on a great path. It is a little bit of an investment up front and we all know money is tight right now, but to me it is worth it. It's what I did... well mine was a .22 and a 9mm, personally I am more comfortable with a Semi... I do appreciate the beauty in a fine revolver however.
Ain't that the truth. I lit off a .357 out doors one without hearing protection, and everything in my right ear sounded like AM radio for two days, not to mention the initial pain.
The model 67 is a perfect balance of size, weight and power for most uses that don't involve hunting. The 67 and it's blue cousin the Model 15 were favorites of police for years. They are truly, (IMO) one of the best of the breed. (and that's coming for a Colt guy)
Personally, I've owned a few wonderful .357's in the past, and still own one (Colt Python), but find the dedicated .38's to be a wonderful thing.
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No, but I can't imagine not having the .22 ... it will get shot way more often. Not just the cost of ammo, the .22's are fun to shoot and there are areas you can shoot a .22 and not the bigger stuff (ie noise & neighbors). There's also .22 leagues that are a lot of fun, abundant, and cheap to shoot in. Since most people would want both, a 22 makes a good starting point.
Either the .38 or the 9mm are also good starter calibers that will also serve you plenty well in other areas.
Either the .38 or the 9mm are also good starter calibers that will also serve you plenty well in other areas.