A 22's ok, but I would also highly recommend a 3-4" barrel revolver in .38 special for a first-timer. .38 wadcutters are cheap, recoil very very little, allowing the shooter the same benefits that a .22 does, only in a package that can be loaded with a reasonable defense load, unlike the .22 LR.
"Best" handgun?
- Thread starter jaymango
- Start date
BanditSRT8
New member
Glock inaccurate??? LMAO
Tell that guy he's a moron.
I shot Glock factory stock in IPSC for a long time (Limited) and never had any issues.
I own 2 Glock 19's and love them dearly, damn great guns. I've owned more than a dozen Glocks in various models over the last 15 years and would be hard pressed to find a better all-around carry/target gun.
These images below are not mine, but give you a good idea of Glock accuracy..............
http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/Plastic Pistols.htm
Tell that guy he's a moron.
I shot Glock factory stock in IPSC for a long time (Limited) and never had any issues.
I own 2 Glock 19's and love them dearly, damn great guns. I've owned more than a dozen Glocks in various models over the last 15 years and would be hard pressed to find a better all-around carry/target gun.
These images below are not mine, but give you a good idea of Glock accuracy..............
http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/Plastic Pistols.htm
Playboypenguin
Moderator
My Glocks are pretty darn accurate. They are not the most accurate shooters since the are a bit looser fit than most range dedicated guns but they are more than adequate for anything I can do with them. 
Chuckusaret
Moderator
The "Best" Gun
I would say the best gun, for me, is my Springfield XD40 sub compact but it may not be best for everyone. The best backup, for me, is my NAA Guardian .380.
I would say the best gun, for me, is my Springfield XD40 sub compact but it may not be best for everyone. The best backup, for me, is my NAA Guardian .380.
Whew! "The best handgun" ?
This question could be argued till the end of time. I would highly recommend for a "first handgun" a S&W or Ruger .357 mag in a 2-4" barrel. This can serve for home defense, CCW, shooting for fun at the range, and if you decide you don't like it
you wont have any problem with resale
This question could be argued till the end of time. I would highly recommend for a "first handgun" a S&W or Ruger .357 mag in a 2-4" barrel. This can serve for home defense, CCW, shooting for fun at the range, and if you decide you don't like it
you wont have any problem with resalePlayboypenguin
Moderator
I do not think so. I think 2-3" barrels on a j-frame are very accurate with just a little practice. You have to be a little steadier and more precise because of the shorter sight radius but the barrels themselves are very accurate.
akr - accuracy issue
I agree with akr a 2-3" revolver isn't the most highly accurate pistol. However, I have a browning buckmark that shoots 1-2" groups all day long but it isnt what I would call a good all round piece. BTW my wife and daughter shoot 3-5 inch groups with our model 60 with a few wild ones here and there. We have many relvolvers and semi-auto's but we just all love that little wheel gun
http://www.gunshopfinder.com/smithandwesson/model60.jpg
I agree with akr a 2-3" revolver isn't the most highly accurate pistol. However, I have a browning buckmark that shoots 1-2" groups all day long but it isnt what I would call a good all round piece. BTW my wife and daughter shoot 3-5 inch groups with our model 60 with a few wild ones here and there. We have many relvolvers and semi-auto's but we just all love that little wheel gun
http://www.gunshopfinder.com/smithandwesson/model60.jpg
What is best handgun for me may not be best for you. It all depends on how the gun fits in your hands. As someone else mentioned stick with a new gun from a reputable manufacture. I would say to start out with a 9mm since it'll be cheapest to shoot (other than .22) I would also recommend visiting your local range and see if they rent handguns for range use. Rent several and run a box of ammo through them. Pay special attention to the controls and if you can manipulate them with ease. Also you should be able to get a good grip on the gun
Everyone one is different and what is the best for me might not be the best for you. Here are some questions that you need to answer before you discover your best handgun...
1. What are your intended uses for the firearms? Ie- self defense, hunting, competion, or plinking
2. Which platform are you most comfortable with? IE- revolver or semi-auto?
If you were only going to buy one handgun and never buy another( never met anyone who did that though) I would purchase a good quality new or used revolver made by one of the major manufactures. Fixed sights or adjustable are up to you. Both have their merits and drawbacks.
As far as caliber I would make it a 357 Magnum because it is one of the most adaptable handgun rounds ever designed. The 125 Grain Jacketed Hollowpoint load was the King of The Hill when it came to stopping power. It had a 97% chance of stopping someone with one shot. It was not replaced by the semi auto because it fair poorly but because police departments felt they needed more firepower than a revolver offered.
As far as Glocks go they are great handguns but there are others to consider as well. If you were looking at a semi auto platform in either 9mm or 40s&w I would recommend the Steyr M A1 series of auto pistols they are great handguns too. They have many custom features that found on more expensive handguns as well...I will admitt I am biased in favor of the Steyr series of handguns...
In the end only you can decide what is the best handgun for you.
1. What are your intended uses for the firearms? Ie- self defense, hunting, competion, or plinking
2. Which platform are you most comfortable with? IE- revolver or semi-auto?
If you were only going to buy one handgun and never buy another( never met anyone who did that though) I would purchase a good quality new or used revolver made by one of the major manufactures. Fixed sights or adjustable are up to you. Both have their merits and drawbacks.
As far as caliber I would make it a 357 Magnum because it is one of the most adaptable handgun rounds ever designed. The 125 Grain Jacketed Hollowpoint load was the King of The Hill when it came to stopping power. It had a 97% chance of stopping someone with one shot. It was not replaced by the semi auto because it fair poorly but because police departments felt they needed more firepower than a revolver offered.
As far as Glocks go they are great handguns but there are others to consider as well. If you were looking at a semi auto platform in either 9mm or 40s&w I would recommend the Steyr M A1 series of auto pistols they are great handguns too. They have many custom features that found on more expensive handguns as well...I will admitt I am biased in favor of the Steyr series of handguns...
In the end only you can decide what is the best handgun for you.
Since its your first handgun half the stuff being mentioned won't even apply to you.
I'd recommend a Ruger MKIII in .22 LR. Its low report and recoil will be easy on your nerves and the inexpensive gun and dirt cheap ammo will be easy your wallet giving you a lot of trigger time and helping you to learn basic shooting principles.
You might be thinking "A .22 isn't going to be much fun". Well shooting a 10" group at .30 cents a shot with a large caliber auto at 7 yards because your flinching like crazy isn't going to be very fun either.
I'd recommend a Ruger MKIII in .22 LR. Its low report and recoil will be easy on your nerves and the inexpensive gun and dirt cheap ammo will be easy your wallet giving you a lot of trigger time and helping you to learn basic shooting principles.
You might be thinking "A .22 isn't going to be much fun". Well shooting a 10" group at .30 cents a shot with a large caliber auto at 7 yards because your flinching like crazy isn't going to be very fun either.
