Bought my first handgun now what?

G

GunsOrGas72

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I just turned 21 and I purchased a brand new CZ 75B in 9mm for $500 otd and enjoy shooting that but not real fond of the sights even with the night sights. II have 300 rounds through it in 1.5 hours of range time, two different occasions. I wish it had a fiber optic front on it. It is winter and I have been spending time riding my snowmobile but have been thinking about getting a 22LR for fun. I have some neighbors but I have plinked with my 22 rifles in my backyard so. I could see shooting my 22lr regularly come spring. My question is, should I invest in a 22 kadet conversion for my cz or get something else. I have read for hours on different 22 pistols. I am leaning towards a S&w 617. I am on a tight budget but I do not really care for the styling of ruger , berrata or browning buck marks. I did see a 1911 browning 22 was released. Although would having a kadet 22 make me a more refined shooter practicing on one platform. I really would like to snag a DA 22 revolver and I may shell out $650 for a s&w 617.
I want something fun but also not 22 looking, I see Charter arms and tarus make DA 22 pistols but I have heard you get a 50/50 chance of having a pos or a decent gun. I did shoot a S&W 38 I rented at the shooting range and felt it was really easy to shoot and accurate.
So cz 75 kadet kit or S&W 617 , maybe something else?
 
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Can't go wrong with a S&W 22, they're a lot of fun. If you're looking for a pistol, SIG makes some .22 options, as does GSG with their 1911 .22. Best advice would be to find a range that rents guns and find one you like the best. If you're so reclined, you could find a .22 single action.

Just my $.02, worth what you paid.
 
If you want a 1911 style one get the GSG version. Personally, I say get over the looks it and buy a Ruger. I like the 22/45. The platform is simply a wonderful design and shoots greats with no problems.
 
II have 300 rounds through it in 1.5 hours of range time, two different occasions.
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Slow the heck down. It's not a race to see who can burn bullets up the quickest.

How are you set for lessons? If this is your first handgun then it's best to start out right. An instructor will be able to drill in the basics so that you don't pick up bad habits.

The CZ 75 is a great gun, good choice.

Yes a .22 is a good idea. While I like the heck out of the S&W 617, I think you might be better off with a semi. A .22 that is similar to your CZ will help avoid confusion. The triggers are too dissimilar.

I'm not a fan of conversion kits.
 
The Kadet slide is phenomenal. It actually feeds better than most centerfires I've tried, and it's fixed barrel helps with accuracy. You can even have it drilled/tapped for a red dot.

Trigger is the same, feel is the same, great training aid and an all-round good plinker.
 
I vote on what you like best and the only way to really know is what SundownRider said and find a range. I have two Rugers as well as the Sig and shot several Buckmarks. They are all fun to plink with.
 
What Buzzcook said - Slow down. I see this too many times with new pistol shooters. They go to the range, load all of thier mags, shoot as fast as possible and then leave. But then, I'm an old guy so what do I know. I've got a CZ and its the best/most accurate 9 mm pistol that I own.

I'd also suggest that you get the Kadet kit as this will help you with shooting the 9 mm rounds when you change it back. Nothing like putting untold number of rounds through the same pistol. In this case - familiarity does not breed contempt.
 
honestly it did n't feel like i was blowing through ammo a lot. I was getting some decent groups but I did let a couple family members empty a few mags kind of fast. At 15 rounds a mag a box of 50 goes pretty quick even with 2 mags.
We only have one range near by and i am not sure if they have any instruction or classes other than a ccw class. Red dot on the kadet sounds fun though.

thanks
 
GunsOr . . .

Your CZ-75B is an EXCELLENT, general-purpose autoloader and a GREAT value; the 9x19 round is ubiquitous, comparative inexpensive and useful. I have owned a 75B for many years and it is among my favorite handguns. You did very well with this firearm for your initial acquisition.

With this said, allow me to offer three ideas:
1) SAFETY - emphasize being deliberate, methodical and THINKING several steps-ahead at all times as paramount principles.
2) FUN - this is an exciting sport in a wonderful community; enjoy each progressive step in your proficiency-evolution and share your pleasures with other shooters.
3) SKILL and KNOWLEDGE - simply cannot be developed at "breakneck" speed, they necessarily take time and require assimilation; enjoy the journey, as well as the destination.
 
I have a 75BD. It's a great gun, fun & accurate.
The Kadet Kit is a great addition to the collection. I got mine in early Jan and I've put approx 500rds through it. It has never jammed and the only failure to fire was a bad rd. It is quite accurate as well. The kit is a bit pricey, but it is worth it, IMHO. It comes with the added bonus of not seeing half a dozen of them on every trip to the range.
 
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I'd get the Smith 617- a great, well-made, accurate, reliable handgun. Imo, every gun enthusiast/shooter should have at least one classic .22 revolver in their collection. And a revolver will help slow you down on cartridge expenditures, giving you more time to assess basic shooting techniques and safety protocol.
 
Get your dollars worth and buy a Ruger, MKll series preferably.

The ruger mk 22/45 series is remarkably accurate in the 5 1/2 inch bull barrels and up. Mines is a tack driver at 12 yards + with the adjustable sites only using crap for ammo such as (rem golden bullets and subsonics).
 
No one can go wrong with a S&W 617 ! I absolutely love mine. You'd never regret owning one !!

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I like the S&W revolvers ...model 617's are fine ....and so are the older model 17's and 18's ...if you find a good one.

I just picked up a very clean used model 18-3 mfg in 1971 ...4" barrel ...blued ...K frame ...nice gun ...for $500.
 
GOG72,
1st, let me say welcome to TFL.
2nd, good choice for a 1st handgun. It'll probably out last you.
3rd, a .22 is always a good handgun to have. Several are better.
4th, training. Get some whenever you have the money and time. More is better. (see 5 below)
5th, CCW. Take a class, learn local laws, buy good carry gear (good belt/holster... a couple of choices might be wise, IWB and OWB). Tho the 75b is kinda large-ish and heavy for CCW, know when one can and cannot use lethal force, even if you do not ever plan on carrying the 75b concealed.

As to which .22 for your first... so many choices. I do like Ruger MkIIs and Browning Buckmarks and old S&W K22s, 17s, 18s and Ruger Single Sixes so I'm no help as to which one is best for you. Know that each .22 might prefer different ammo, so there's always that little experimentation to go along with any new .22 you get.

Since you're younger you'll have plenty of time to find the "right" one of everything (guns, gear, ammo, training) for your intended uses.

And again, more is better, usually. Not always. Sometimes, more ammo is better than another gun. Sounds like blaspheme, I know, but a good 9mm and a good .22 with adequate ammo on hand is always a good thing. Sans ammo, they get sad and lonely with nothing to do except get cleaned and dry-fired (oh yeah, get some snap caps for the 75b).

So, at the range slow down, enjoy the physics, the mechanical design in your hand and always think "safety"; ease into the politics of gun ownership, join the NRA (or not) and for some fun, see if there are any IDPA matches in your area.

Good luck on your quest. I went about it differently than you as I bought a Ruger MkII as my 1st and a Colt Gov't Series 80 as my 2nd oh so many years ago (oh to be 21 again... not).
 
"...wrong turn at Albuquerque..."

Take that new-gun money and instead buy a Safariland CZ75 holster and two BladeTech mag pouches from Dillon.
Buy six mags total from CDNN.
Buy (unless you handload) 115g Federal Champion FMJ.

Got to www.USPSA.org and use the site to find your local USPSA clubs.
Take your stuff and visit. Watch, ask, listen, join, participate.
You'll be so glad; gives your shooting purpose.

The biggest regret is always "not starting sooner".
 
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