First handgun?

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Hi! I am new to handguns, and, honestly, guns in general. Long story short I had a really bad experience a long time ago and have had a deep seated fear of them since. I am working on overcoming this. Soo... I have been out shooting with a friend several times, and would like to buy my own. Of the handguns I have fired, I like a .38 special the best. I am looking at a Taurus ULTRA-LITE M85. Thoughts?

Thank you
 
Have you tried different types of handguns? If not many local ranges offer rentals and also offer lesson that might help you make a more informed decision.
 
No. I haven't shot much. A 22 and the 38. I have called the local ranges, and haven't found any that rent yet. Also, the safety course that I have found requires that you bring your own. When it is no longer sub zero outside, we can get out so I can try the rest of hers.
 
You would be well advised to take some classes, and also try to find several firearms to shoot before you decide.
I have been out shooting with a friend several times
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Is the reason for your choice of the Taurus because that is what you have been shooting?
I am not, like many will on this thread will I'm sure, bash Taurus as a brand. I have two of their handguns, and have been completely satisfied. Many others will disagree. To a lot of people, Taurus does not have a good reputation.
You owe it to yourself to do plenty of research, and try various makes and models before you buy. That will also give you more time for classes, and practice.
Welcome to TFL, you have started your quest in a good place.
 
I have that same revolver and like it a lot. That being said, it is not the right gun for everyone. Using the same ammunition, a smaller lighter gun will always have more recoil than a larger heavier one. If you want something for home defense, shooting at the range, and just shooting for fun, a 4" medium framed 38 would probably be better. If it is for concealed carry, you are more in the right ballpark, though the hammer spur might catch on clothing or something as you draw it. A hammerless model is better for concealed carry, IMHO.
 
No worries, lessons are definitely on the agenda! :) no, a Taurus is not what I shot. I believe that was a s & w. I have handled (in the store) s&w, ruger and Taurus. I liked the feeling of the Taurus best, fit my hand best, etc. at this point, I am not looking for something to carry. I have a long way to go before I have that kind of confidence in my skills. :o I am looking mainly for something for target and fun.
 
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I like lightweight, snub nosed revolvers but they are difficult to shoot.

Barrylee has some good advice on trying different handguns at a range to see what you like best. One that you may want to try is a full sized steel revolver with a four inch barrel.
 
Hi! I am new to handguns, and, honestly, guns in general. Long story short I had a really bad experience a long time ago and have had a deep seated fear of them since. I am working on overcoming this. Soo... I have been out shooting with a friend several times, and would like to buy my own. Of the handguns I have fired, I like a .38 special the best. I am looking at a Taurus ULTRA-LITE M85. Thoughts?
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A lightweight small .38 "snub nose" is a fine thing, but probably not for a first gun.

Learn on something bigger and heavier.

I liked the feeling of the Taurus best, fit my hand best
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Hand fit is easy to change, with new grips.

I am looking mainly for something for target and fun.
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Ruger .22 auto, one of the Mark I,II, III or 22/45 series.
 
As others have mentioned, that little Taurus is designed for carrying, so the emphasis is on being small and lightweight, which doesn't make it the most comfortable or easy shooter for learning on and enjoying regularly. If the frame and size fits you just right, then consider getting the same in a steel frame rather than the lightweight.

I always recommend a medium frame like a Smith and Wesson model 10 or 64, which can be found for very reasonable prices. Taurus makes a comparable model - I can't recall the number, and can't comment on the quality, but you can't go wrong with a K-frame Smith. The medium steel frame with a 4" barrel will have enough weight to keep recoil reasonable and the barrel length will make it more easy to shoot accurately than a snub nose (usually about 2" barrel).

Since we don't know about why or what sort of fear you are working on overcoming (good for you, by the way!), do you find the report and recoil to be jarring when you shoot? If the noise and "kick" are at all connected to your fear, then by all means start with something bigger than the lightweight Taurus. Get more used to shooting first, then get it if it's what you like.
 
I did purchase a Taurus M85 with a 3" barrel and a steel frame for a relatively new female shooter, and she liked it. It would feel a lot like the ultra-lite, but will be a bit heavier and easier to shoot well without being so snappy in the hand when shot. I don't know if Taurus still makes that configuration. Other comparable choices include the Smith and Wesson Models 36 and 60 with 3" barrels.
 
I always recommend a 22 for a first handgun. Ammo is cheap, that encourages practice, recoil is very mild. I see several 22 revolvers with adjustable sights on the Taurus website. In semiautos I recoomend a full CZ with their Kadet 22 Conversion unit, or a Browning HP or Colt M1911-or a good clone thereof with the Ciener Conversion units.
And before your buy your gun, get your hearing protection.
 
I don't like to get into the gory details, but suffice it to say that I have a crazy ex husband and have been on the wrong end of a gun on several occasions. I have nursed that fear for long enough and it's time to move on. :-)

Noise is definitely part of this issue, to the extent that I wore both plugs and muffs when I have been out. The recoil isn't a problem. I have shied away from the bigger handguns, but I will take a look at some of them.

I have learned that guns are a LOT more fun when you're on the right end of them.
 
I don't like to get into the gory details, but suffice it to say that I have a crazy ex husband and have been on the wrong end of a gun on several occasions. I have nursed that fear for long enough and it's time to move on. :-)
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Oh, boy.

What's your budget? If a firearm is part of the way your situation is to be addressed, there are other things that need to be spent for, as well.

I'm tempted to say, "Get a Glock 19, if it fits you." Recoil is not an issue, and you have 3 times the rounds downrange before you reload.
 
an ultralight might not be a good choice as first gun

They recoil quite a bit and require lots of patience and practice to master.
I give a medium framed 3-4" barreled .38 revolver a try.

Or you could go 9mm and do the semi-auto thing. There are many reliable versions to choose from.
 
I don't really have a budget. This has been a long time in coming, so whatever is necessary -within reason, of course. What other expenses? I have planned for hearing and eye protection, a small safe, lessons and a membership to the local range. Anything else?
 
What other expenses? I have planned for hearing and eye protection, a small safe, lessons and a membership to the local range. Anything else?
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Holster. You'll likely go through more than one before you find what works for you. (Also magazine carrier.)

Decent belt (stuffmart belts won't do, need a gunbelt).

Instruction. There are details of stance, sight picture, trigger control, etc. that aren't obvious, that make a big difference.

Extra magazines. Gun will probably come with two. Get more. If you get a revolver, the equivalent is speedloaders or speed strips, and a carrier for them.

Ammo, of course.

Cost of carry permit, assuming you're under a governance that requires such (not all do). This will be a carry gun, not strictly a house gun, right?
 
No, I don't intend to carry, except to transport it to the range. My understanding, although I need to verify it, is that I don't need a permit for that in PA, as long as it is inaccessible in the vehicle.
 
Whatever make you decide to go with, I think you are on the right track with a .38 revolver for what your intended use is.
 
A high quality 3 or 4 inch barrel 38 Special capable of handling +P loads is a fine place to start for a first handgun. A medium frame S&W, Colt, or Ruger is where I would start looking. They are easy to conceal as well as very capable for home defense. The recoil is very manageable. Holsters are fairly easy to find. Ammo should not be a problem. If you are unable to find a 38 Special revolver remember that a 357 Magnum revolver will also safely fire any 38 Special factory load.
 
I agree with some of the other comments that suggest leaning away from the ultra light carry guns. They can be very uncomfortable to shoot. Learning from message boards like this one will help a lot. So will trying different guns. Larger is not a bad thing, as the larger gun will mean less felt recoil as the mass absorbs some of it. A good used revolver could be your ticket, if you buy from a reputable seller. A .357 magnum will shoot .38 special as well, and will generally be a stouter gun for not much more money. It gives you the option of training with .38 and loading .357 for defense if you want to, and it will use .38+p if you want to bump up the power above .38 standard loads but not to the thump/kick of a .357. You can also keep an eye out for a used .32 H&R or .327 Federal Magnum revolver. They can be very credible defense rounds without the recoil of a 357. Add a cleaning kit to your shopping list.
 
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