Most Important Firearms for the Beginning Shooter?

D

Dirtie Harrie

Inactive
Hey guys. I've been coming to the Firing Line for some time now to read up on old forums. I finally decided to become a member so I can pick your brains.

First off I have shot guns since I was in scouts as a kid but I have only recently purchased my own firearms as follows:

1) Phoenix Arms HP22A (.22lr)

2) Mossberg 535 w/ Recoil reduction stock and forend (2-3/4 to 3-12 magnums)

3) Cobra FS380 (.380)

My thought with the first two guns was that one: .22 ammo is cheap and plentiful (oops), two: the Mossberg can fire slugs and that could be fun target practice (can't find them anywhere and they cost about a $1 a piece).

I bought the .380 because it was one of the cheapest center-fire pistols I could find. Not only is .380 more expensive than 9mm, but it is also very hard to find in the area I live in, while 9mm is everywhere and pretty dang cheap.

So my question is this; Should I save up for a conceal carry 9mm, 9mm carbine, 10/22 type .22 rifle, Savage Axis type bolt action? What would you consider to be a staple for becoming a better marksman, having a well rounded collection on the cheap?

Thanks in advance guys.
 
Last edited:
Should I save up for a conceal carry 9mm, 9mm carbine, 10/22 type .22 rifle, Savage Axis type bolt action? What would you consider to be a staple for becoming a better marksman, having a well rounded collection on the cheap?

Welcome the TFL, DH. This is a great forum.

Before I throw out my 2 cents, is your primary goal to be:

1. Capable with a concealed handgun
2. More accurate with a rifle

?
 
I might be considered by some to be a gun snob, because I would rather do without and save toward a quality FA than have a POS now. On the cheep, I would suggest that you explore some of the nicer pellet rifles/pistols. Although some of them are pricey, they more than pay for themselves in ammo savings if your objective is to become a better shooter, while you save for a quality FA. You can also shoot most any place. Pellets are plentiful and they are really accurate and fun to shoot. Nothing like the pellet rifles/pistols I grew up with!

No matter how you look at it, shooting is not a cheap activity. Even quality .22s when you can find them, are not all that cheep any more. I recently paid $8 per hundred for CCI. I remember paying $1.50 per 50 round box and $1 per box on sale. I have seen my same $8 box with price tags at gun shows for $25......just craziness!

Just when I think the ammo is getting better, our failed social experiment (Emperor Obama) flexes his perceived executive power of the pen and send prices up. I think we will see tonight when he announces his immigration policy a ripple affect of panic FA buying and ammo hording again over fears he will do something similar concerning FAs. :mad:
 
Welcome. The advice you get on the Internet is difficult to narrow you down optimally.
Have you consired finding a local gun club and taking a lesson and discuss with them? There are a lot of questions that need to be considered that you won't be able to get online.
 
Get a decent 9mm pistol. Maybe a CZ 75B, S&W 2nd or 3rd gen 9mm, or go exotic with the Grand Power K100.
 
Another vote for finding a range and taking a class or two.

And then see if they've got some league shooting. Competition in a league will get you shooting regularly and really push you to improve your shooting. You'll see what other folk shoot, what works for them, probably get to swap guns and you'll find out what works for you too. With VERY few exceptions I've found the gun folk in the leagues very happy to have new shooters enter the sport.

This would apply to rifle or handgun.
 
Thanks guys, I appreciate the advice!

I have taken a beginning firearms class with .22 rifles when I was a youngster. I have also recently taken a introduction class to pistols.

My concern at the moment is that my two "compact" pistols are cheapies and, while they have been fairly reliable with the cheap ammo I have been feeding them, I would not consider trusting my life with them in a conceal carry situation.

I have shot my friends Ruger SR9 double stack and SCCY 9mm and it has honestly left a little to be desired. I think I'm going to follow your advice and save up for a quality conceal pistol.
 
Here's the best advice I can give you...

Rent, rent, rent! Try as many different guns as you can afford. Don't run out and buy one until you try at least ten. I made the mistake of buying an early XD9 as my first centerfire pistol. Couldn't shoot the thing worth a flip.

Once I rented a CZ 75, I knew it was "the one". Who knows, maybe you'll really like revolvers.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top