Help with First Purchase

F

fsfty

New member
Hi...I finally got my NY pistol permit yesterday. For those of you in less restrictive states, getting a permit is a 6 month long investigation, including interviews, recommendations, work history, etc. The process is really kinda ridiculous, but its finally over. I need help selecting my first guns. I've decided on the Glock 19, but I also want a .22 so I can learn how shoot by going to the range a lot without breaking the bank on ammo.

I was at the gun store today and handled the Browning Buck Mark...it was ok, but nothing special. I really want a S&W revolver, but they are like $800. Any recommendations for a .22 (semi or revolver) for around $500 new? I want to avoid the Ruger 22/45 cause it seems that disassembling it is a hassle. Thanks.
 
Honestly, I'd just go for a 9mm to start out with. My first handgun was a Ruger 22/45 but I got bored with it pretty quickly. If you choose a handgun that accepts a .22 slide, you could always get that later.

For example, I have a CZ 75bd. The 9mm gets the most use but sometimes I put on the 22 Kadet slide for some cheaper plinking fun.
 
Can't you get a 22lr conversion kit for a Glock? That might be an option since you seem to like shooting the Glock but want to keep the ammo cost down. Also consider where your break even point is on buying a 2nd gun or conversion kit vs just buying 9mm ammo. It might be hundreds or thousands of rounds before the price differential in ammo makes up for the second gun purchase.
 
There are plenty of .22s and (certainly) .22 Glock conversions on the market for under $500.
Personally, I prefer .22 conversions for the guns I carry as they provide cheap muscle memory training.

I also understand the perspective of buying an entirely new, complete gun for not much more than a good conversion kit.
Six of one, half-dozen of the other... I guess. :p

I suppose a Ruger SR22 might be a good choice, as would the Walther P22 and ISSC M22... for training with a gun "similar" to a Glock. Too bad Glock doesn't make their own .22... they'd sell millions of them.

C
 
Can't you get a 22lr conversion kit for a Glock? That might be an option since you seem to like shooting the Glock but want to keep the ammo cost down. Also consider where your break even point is on buying a 2nd gun or conversion kit vs just buying 9mm ammo. It might be hundreds or thousands of rounds before the price differential in ammo makes up for the second gun purchase

That is an awesome point...im gonna have to think that over.
 
I just did some more reading on the Glock 9 and im now a little concerned about the Gen 4 issues. I was going back and forth between the glock and the Beretta 92A1, 92FS and 96A1. Any opinions on the Berettas?
 
Hey fsfty... it sounds to me like you aren't really set firm on the G19 after all. Maybe you need to do a bit of thinking and researching... then come back with a "short list" of the guns you have the greatest interest in. Yes?

C
 
If it's going to be a carry piece you might want something a bit lighter than the Berettas. If you're not planning on carrying it then the weight shouldn't be an issue. For a .22, I'm very fond of my Ruger Mark III. Takedown isn't as bad as it sounds and actually is pretty easy once you've done it a time or two. If you're looking for a revolver, look into the Ruger SP101 or LCR, both are double action revolvers although MSRP is a bit higher than your $500 limit. A conversion kit is a great idea once you settle on your main handgun since it allows you to practice with cheap .22 ammo in what is essentially the same gun you would use for defense.

Stu
 
Its nearly impossible to get a carry permit in NY so weight wouldn't be an issue. I was set on the 19 until i read about the spring issues with the gen 4. I would hate for my first pistol to be one that gives me issues.
 
You're bouncing around ....on a lot of different guns...and that's ok ...but what it really tells me is you're not sure about the basics of grip angle - and how the width and grip fit your hands ...and whether the controls are comfortable on each model.

There is a lot of difference in the models and mfg's you're looking at...

There is also a big difference in triggers on all the models you're looking at ...how they break, how they reset - and how far they move to reset - and how much slack and how much creep they have....there are even differences in the triggers within one mfg's models....

Glock, Beretta, Springfield ...and Sig, H&K, etc all make good guns in the styles you're looking at ...and probably in your budget...but shoot as many guns as you can ...before you decide. Every week at my range...I hear guys saying they love this gun or that gun ..and haven't fired them ...and often they change their mind after they fire 6 or 8 guns...

What fits my hands isn't the issue ...its what fits your hands.

In terms of .22 revolvers ...yes, there are some used S&W revolvers out there that will fit your budget...model 17's or 18's ....maybe a model 617 ( the 6 means its stainless )...but you'll need to know how to check the timing and evaluate the condition to know what you're buying.

.22 conversion kits are ok ...but they tend to be finnicky on ammo ...and run the best on CCI MiniMag...but CCI MiniMag in most areas is about $10 - $12 for a box of 100 rds ....where a revolver will run virtually any kind of bulk .22 ammo you can find. Another gun that runs most anything is the Browning Buckmark...no, they aren't anything special ...but they are well made / have the same grip angle as a 1911 handgun ...so it might be a good training gun for you / or it may not. Buckmarks are a lot easier to maintain than the Ruger in my view...but nothing wrong with them either. There are about a dozen versions of the Buckmark ...check the Browning site...and you can equip them with aftermarket options like Tactical Solutions if you want to dress them up a little...put a red dot sight on them, etc...
 
Its nearly impossible to get a carry permit in NY so weight wouldn't be an issue.
Click to expand...

Depends on county of issuance really but I get what you mean. BigJim's got some good advice about shooting as many guns as you can. If you have a range near you that will rent guns that'd be a good place to start.

Stu
 
If you can go to a range that rents guns, then do so.

I am a fan of the Ruger MK II and it's kin. While it can be a chore to reassemble it is not something a person with a reasonable amount of aptitude can't figure out. There are plenty of walk through videos on youtube and the instructions with the gun are pretty good.
As far as shooting imho the Ruger is the best of the lot for medium low priced semi .22s

The Buckmark is also a good gun and comes in several variations. If you didn't like one you might like another with a different grip or barrel etc.

Two other semi .22s to consider are the Beretta Neos and the S&W 22a. Both guns get good reviews here. You'll have to try them on for size.

There are more .22 semis but try the above first.

There are few double action .22s that I would recommend.
Used S&W revolvers in the used market are still going to be pretty high. If you visit the revolver forum, there's a sticky on top describing how to pick out revolvers. You are still going to have problems finding one in your price range.

Ruger has a new .22 SP101. It might be too early to find a used one in your price range.

In the used market H&R Harrington & Richardson make serviceable guns. Some of those guns have a break top, some have a more conventional swing out cylinder. One of the more common variations has a cylinder that has to be removed to reload.
You'll have to do the revolver check out as before.

Taurus and Charter arms also make double action .22s. But quality is very hit or miss.

Ruger makes a couple of .22 single actions both are good guns.

I can't speak to other single actions in your price range. The single action is a simple machine and even less expensive models tend to work ok.

Finally you should check out
http://www.corneredcat.com/Contents/
It is great resource for anyone getting into handgun ownership.
 
I just bought my first handgun a few weeks ago and had the same decision to make as you as far as going with a main handgun and then a .22 to practice with.

I went with a CZ-85B (which is just the ambidextrous version of the CZ-75) and a Kadet 2 conversion kit. I will say its a bit of a chore going back and forth between barrels at the range. But it you go and do all .22 practice and the swap to the 9mm then you only do it once. I flip flopped all over.

I will say I am happy with my purchase because I get more trigger time to get use to the grip and break on my CZ without spending
money for 9mm ammo to do it.

This is all opinion though so take it for what it's worth.
 
I bought a Ruger 22/45 when I first got into hand guns to practice with but I soon myself shooting my 9mm's alot more. I didn't find that the 22 helped me in shooting the 9mm's. The 22 was fun to shoot but personally I'd buy the Glock 19, the Beretta 92FS or whatever 9mm suits you the most and take the money that you were going to use for the 22 and buy 9mm ammo with it and shoot your 9.
 
"new" to guns, skill training.....

If you were able to obtain the required concealed carry or weapons permit & are new(entry level) to firearms, I'd suggest starting with a simple stainless steel .357magnum or .38spl +P rated DA only revolver.
A 3"/4" barrel DA only revolver(no cocking or single action use) can protect you and you can fire low recoil .38spl rounds to start with.
Good models include; the Ruger LCR, the S&W 442/642/638 J frame, the Ruger SP101 .357/DAO).
Striker fired pistols like the M&P or Glock are good but, IMO, better for the advanced gun owner/sworn officer. If you have the resources(time, space, $) to train with a Glock 19 9x19mm, then have at it.
For concealed carry, I'd suggest a steel set of night sights(Trijicon HD or Novaks). A green-laser aimer/white light could be a good add-on. New compact designs fit the Glock 19 or 26(sub-compact). See Lasermax or Viridian.

For defense or carry use, one buy factory made ammunition; no reloads or handloads. Know and understand the gun/use of force laws in your area and keep your weapon clean.

CF
 
Bought my guns today...got the Glock 19 (i plan to possibly get a .22 conversion kit). While at the store, I held the S&W 686 357mag and I had to buy it:). Probably won't shoot it much while I learn with the Glock, but I had to have it. Thanks for all your help.
 
Need to start looking at reloading equipment. 38/357 is easy to reload and will allow you to shoot a whole lot more.
 
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