10Ringmagic
New member
Because he stated in his original post that he wants to learn to shoot with HIS gun and not his fathers.
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First Hand Gun for a first time shooter
- Thread starter marty55
- Start date
Does ammo go bad after 20 year? Because I also have enough .38 special and .22lr to start WW3.
I appreciate the input. Obviously I will end up shooting these guns I own eventually, but like I said I want to shoot the new gun I purchase starting out mostly.
I think I decided on a revolver. Even though I have a lot, they just tend to interest me more, and seem like they'd be more fun to shoot. Im going to go sign up for a safety class shortly, and hopefully get this ball rolling! (Do i need to bring a gun in?)
Thanks a million guys. Keep it coming!
I appreciate the input. Obviously I will end up shooting these guns I own eventually, but like I said I want to shoot the new gun I purchase starting out mostly.
I think I decided on a revolver. Even though I have a lot, they just tend to interest me more, and seem like they'd be more fun to shoot. Im going to go sign up for a safety class shortly, and hopefully get this ball rolling! (Do i need to bring a gun in?)
Thanks a million guys. Keep it coming!
Ammo has an extremely long shelf life as long as it's been stored right.
Right is - dry, and constant temperature, not too hot and not too cold.
On a shelf in a bedroom - no problem. 20, 30, 40 or 50 years would be possible.
In the basement?
Maybe. Maybe not. It depends on how dry it is.
A Smith and Wesson Model 19 .38/.357 mag is my go to gun.
It wasn't my first gun - but - it was my first double action revolver.
It was also the gun I learned to shoot with. I can honestly say it was my first gun that I did anything other than just make noise with.
So, yes revolvers rule in my world. Wise choice on going with a wheel gun...
One word of caution should you get a .22 revolver.
Not all of them can be dry fired.
Dry firing will ruin a rimfire unless it's been provisioned for dry firing.
I wouldn't dry fire any of your dad's .22's.
(This is another reason I don't care to recommend a .22 as a first gun.)
I can't speak for the Rugers or Taurus revolvers as far as dry firing their rimfires.
Right is - dry, and constant temperature, not too hot and not too cold.
On a shelf in a bedroom - no problem. 20, 30, 40 or 50 years would be possible.
In the basement?
Maybe. Maybe not. It depends on how dry it is.
A Smith and Wesson Model 19 .38/.357 mag is my go to gun.
It wasn't my first gun - but - it was my first double action revolver.
It was also the gun I learned to shoot with. I can honestly say it was my first gun that I did anything other than just make noise with.
So, yes revolvers rule in my world. Wise choice on going with a wheel gun...
One word of caution should you get a .22 revolver.
Not all of them can be dry fired.
Dry firing will ruin a rimfire unless it's been provisioned for dry firing.
I wouldn't dry fire any of your dad's .22's.
(This is another reason I don't care to recommend a .22 as a first gun.)
I can't speak for the Rugers or Taurus revolvers as far as dry firing their rimfires.
I understand that. I also noted that he's already got his "first gun". He bought a CZ .22 rifle a while back.Because he stated in his original post that he wants to learn to shoot with HIS gun and not his fathers.
You want to stay with revolvers....and only new guns ---and under $ 600 ...
You already have a number of 2 1/2" and 4" S&W revolvers...( but none in .357 mag in 4" or 6" )....although you have a nice mod 66 in 2 1/2" and a model 19 in 2 1/2" ....both K frames...
You don't have an L frame S&W revolver ( model 686 ) or an N frame revolver ( mod 27's or 28's in .357 mag ) or mod 29's or 629's in .44 mag...
Since you're new to guns...stay away from .44 mag ...but I'd say take a good look at some good used N frame S&W revolvers in 4" or 6" model 27's or 28's and buy the best gun you can find for $ 600. You're not going to find any new S&W revolvers in the $ 600 price range - that are worth making a part of your collection, in my opinion.
If you really want a new gun ...then look at semi-autos ...in 9mm ....and probably something like a Springfield M&P or a S&W XD model. They're very serviceable guns ...but at this point, ideally you need to fire a lot of guns ...and find what you want in terms of grip size, weight, what you like in terms of controls, safeties, etc ....every mfg out there is a little different ...and what fits my hands isn't necessarily what you might like.
I think the only sure bet ...you can make, so you don't waste $ 600 and end up with a gun you may not like much down the road....is an N frame S&W revolver in .357 mag or maybe a K frame model 19 or 66 in 4" ...or maybe an L frame model 686 in 4" ...or maybe 6" ....to give you something a little different in your collection ...
You already have a number of 2 1/2" and 4" S&W revolvers...( but none in .357 mag in 4" or 6" )....although you have a nice mod 66 in 2 1/2" and a model 19 in 2 1/2" ....both K frames...
You don't have an L frame S&W revolver ( model 686 ) or an N frame revolver ( mod 27's or 28's in .357 mag ) or mod 29's or 629's in .44 mag...
Since you're new to guns...stay away from .44 mag ...but I'd say take a good look at some good used N frame S&W revolvers in 4" or 6" model 27's or 28's and buy the best gun you can find for $ 600. You're not going to find any new S&W revolvers in the $ 600 price range - that are worth making a part of your collection, in my opinion.
If you really want a new gun ...then look at semi-autos ...in 9mm ....and probably something like a Springfield M&P or a S&W XD model. They're very serviceable guns ...but at this point, ideally you need to fire a lot of guns ...and find what you want in terms of grip size, weight, what you like in terms of controls, safeties, etc ....every mfg out there is a little different ...and what fits my hands isn't necessarily what you might like.
I think the only sure bet ...you can make, so you don't waste $ 600 and end up with a gun you may not like much down the road....is an N frame S&W revolver in .357 mag or maybe a K frame model 19 or 66 in 4" ...or maybe an L frame model 686 in 4" ...or maybe 6" ....to give you something a little different in your collection ...
I am missing something here.
You have not shot, you have some guns you inherited (missed the post which ones) and you want to start shooting.
Shoot the ones you have and get some idea of what you like or do not and what you think about them and the actions. That gives you a good starting place and some familiarity.
I loved shooting the guns my dad left us. We are repairing his old 1903 so we can do that again.l there is a great feeling of connection and continuing that we are continue what he passed down to us.
It also got me a variety of guns to start on the path so I knew what i wanted when i started buying ones that worked better for my needs.
That’s a great gift to have passed down.
You have not shot, you have some guns you inherited (missed the post which ones) and you want to start shooting.
Shoot the ones you have and get some idea of what you like or do not and what you think about them and the actions. That gives you a good starting place and some familiarity.
I loved shooting the guns my dad left us. We are repairing his old 1903 so we can do that again.l there is a great feeling of connection and continuing that we are continue what he passed down to us.
It also got me a variety of guns to start on the path so I knew what i wanted when i started buying ones that worked better for my needs.
That’s a great gift to have passed down.
new_scopeshooter
New member
just to clear something up.. if you do go semi auto as stated above....
it is springfield xd and s&w m&p( dont want you to go shoping and get all confused!!)
it is springfield xd and s&w m&p( dont want you to go shoping and get all confused!!)
Cheapshooter
New member
I am missing something here.
Yes, taken from the original post!
I want to purchase "MY" gun. I want to buy a handgun because I like the fact that it is MINE and I would like to learn properly doing it this way. That being said, what do guys recommend?
To each his own, but I'm gonna go ahead and say again that .22's bore me to tears... They don't even feel like real guns to me... I honestly have just as much fun shooting my nice CO2 BB gun as shooting .22 handguns.
Maybe it's something that comes with maturity as we all go through phases of likes, and dislikes.
Where I do enjoy my "big boomers" in 357, 45 LC, 45 ACP, 10MM, 44Mag, and even my T/C Contender with barrels chambered in 35 remington, and a 10" 45-70, I still enjoy the 22 rimfires. My old High Standard HD military that was given to me by my grandfather 50 years ago! My newer P22, Ruger Buckmark, and Rough Rider are all fun, and at least one of them go to the range with me every trip.
As far as not "feeling" like a real gun, I think possibly the guy that posted that has never held, or shot a S&W 617! Although at around $750 it's a bit above your desired price range.
However, as the OP mentioned he has a stock pile of 38 Spcl ammo, and I don't remember seeing a Ruger in his late fathers collection, maybe a GP100 would be another option.
First choice
It's not just the gun but what you do with it. I have fine guns in both 45 and 40 with a 9mm on the way. I enjoy all my guns and they are quite different for several reasons. However, no matter what gun I use, shooting at static targets bores me to death in a short time. I started shooting when I was 65 and I'm 68 now. I participate regularly in what you call USPSA (IPSC) and The Steel Challenge. I have also shot in an IDPA match recently. I shoot within my limitations but have a heck of a good time. That's why I will recommend a solid 9mm pistol like a Glock or S&W MP or similar. They are affordable and just as important, they are flexible. You can compete in all of the shooting sports with such a pistol and in a short time be fairly competent. The key is to not burn any bridges. I started in IPSC with a 40 cal that qualified me for the production division in Canada. Once you get closer to buying your gun, investigate the action sports as they are so much fun you will never regret trying them out. Have someone explain the rules so that you can pick a gun that qualifies for all the action games if they interest you. Then you won't be stuck with your first choice. Do remember that for the most part, shooting is all about having FUN!.
It's not just the gun but what you do with it. I have fine guns in both 45 and 40 with a 9mm on the way. I enjoy all my guns and they are quite different for several reasons. However, no matter what gun I use, shooting at static targets bores me to death in a short time. I started shooting when I was 65 and I'm 68 now. I participate regularly in what you call USPSA (IPSC) and The Steel Challenge. I have also shot in an IDPA match recently. I shoot within my limitations but have a heck of a good time. That's why I will recommend a solid 9mm pistol like a Glock or S&W MP or similar. They are affordable and just as important, they are flexible. You can compete in all of the shooting sports with such a pistol and in a short time be fairly competent. The key is to not burn any bridges. I started in IPSC with a 40 cal that qualified me for the production division in Canada. Once you get closer to buying your gun, investigate the action sports as they are so much fun you will never regret trying them out. Have someone explain the rules so that you can pick a gun that qualifies for all the action games if they interest you. Then you won't be stuck with your first choice. Do remember that for the most part, shooting is all about having FUN!.
johnwilliamson062
Moderator
The longer i shoot the more I shoot 22lrs. Of course, the longer I shoot the poorer i seem to get...
I recommend you put a hundred rounds or so through the guns you have with a trainer to decide if you are really interested though.
I recommend you put a hundred rounds or so through the guns you have with a trainer to decide if you are really interested though.
I haven't read the other posts but my recommendation for the most versatile handgun if you only own one is a 4" .357 mag w/ adjustable sights from S&W or Ruger. A S&W 686 in 4" is absolutely, positively an excellent choice for one all around handgun for home defense, target shooting, hunting, etc. The only thing it won't do as well as some smaller autos in conceal for concealed carry.
Well, I just actually skimmed through the posts. Seems like you have the revolver front covered, but I can understand wanting to get your own and I stand by my recommendation of the 686.
If you're looking into an auto, the classic 1911 is something you can shoot forever and never get tired of. I normally wouldn't recommend it for someone w/o more experience but you already have other handguns to shoot if you wish. For a more "modern" approach, the Springfield XD is hard to beat. I have an XD40 and love it. But, I did just purchase a Walther PPQ in 9mm. Haven't even taken possession of it yet but held one in the store and even though it's a newer offering from Walther everyone who shoots one seems to fall in love w/ the grip and trigger.
Beretta 92fs is also a classic that you can't go wrong with, and it's a lot of fun. I also own a CZ75b and even though everyone on the internet is in love with it, it would not be my first recommendation due to the trigger action (the gritty camming action) and the long trigger reach, much longer than the Beretta.
If you're looking into an auto, the classic 1911 is something you can shoot forever and never get tired of. I normally wouldn't recommend it for someone w/o more experience but you already have other handguns to shoot if you wish. For a more "modern" approach, the Springfield XD is hard to beat. I have an XD40 and love it. But, I did just purchase a Walther PPQ in 9mm. Haven't even taken possession of it yet but held one in the store and even though it's a newer offering from Walther everyone who shoots one seems to fall in love w/ the grip and trigger.
Beretta 92fs is also a classic that you can't go wrong with, and it's a lot of fun. I also own a CZ75b and even though everyone on the internet is in love with it, it would not be my first recommendation due to the trigger action (the gritty camming action) and the long trigger reach, much longer than the Beretta.