My first gun -- .22 lr snubby? Advice?

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Hmm, I'm not sure where I come down on this. I see both sides. The .22 as a first gun is definitely wise, time-tested advice, and lots of cheap practice is the best thing for you at this point. However, if you can really only get one gun, and it sounds like you want to start carrying immediately, I think the .38 moves way up on the list.

I think it ultimately comes down to finances. If you can afford to get both a .22 and a .38 within say 6 months, I'd go that route. If you are willing to trade the .22 on a .38 and throw in a little (or maybe an even trade depending on the gun), then I also think that is a good route. A LCR .22 6 months from now could be close to an even trade on a used 642, there will be more demand and less supply for LCR .22s I think.

However, if you are thinking one gun and that's it, for a long time (over a year), I think I'd get a .38 now and find ways to make practice cheaper and more effective. One poster mentioned reloading; you can reload .38 for around 10¢ a round once you have brass and gear and if you are very careful. It's an upfront investment that pays itself off very quickly. I load .38 at about 12-14¢ a round but buy plated bullets and am not super careful about getting the best price.

Also consider augmenting all of this with training. Yes, its more money, but you will get a lot more out of 100 rounds fired with a trained shooter coaching you than just turning money into noise at the range. Also consider doing all of your shooting in competition such as IDPA. Where I shoot, the range officers offer advice, so its almost like (almost)-free training.

So the issue is a little more complicated than it could be, but unless money is not as tight as it sounds, I'd go against popular opinion here and get a used .38 now, and learn to shoot it well.

I would probably go for a heavier, compromise gun like a 3" Ruger SP101. Very easy to shoot .38s in but still extremely concealable. Starting out with a 15oz gun is probably a bad idea.
 
+1 on the LCR

Not that I know where you are, but I suspect I've been there myself.
My $.02 - since you asked- get the .22. Practice the beejebus out of it. When you are able, upgrade calibers. As has been said many, many times, "when you need it, any gun is better than no gun." You'll be much happier (and safer - to yourself and all around you) if you feel like you can afford to practice-practice-practice. And you'll feel confident enough to carry. Enough said on that point.
As for which model, I don't have any idea of your finances. But I would really, really, strongly suggest "stretching" for the make/model you want instead of compromising on a lower (price/quality/usefulness/reputation/status/&etc) model.
The price of the weapon is really a small part of what you'll spend over the rest of your life on shooting that weapon. If you stretch now, you'll be happier, and not just in the long run, but immediately. I really like your idea of the Ruger LCP in 22, then when finances allow, adding a second LCR in 38 (or 357 if they make it one).
I've bought my share of "cheap" guns, b/c at the time I thought it was all I could afford, and every single time, without exception, I've been dis-satisfied, and ended up ultimately buying the make/model I really wanted in the first place. Talk about wasting money.
And at the end of the day, while it is wonderful you've asked for opinions, its ultimately your decision, and so make the best (informed) one you can, move on, and enjoy the hobby.
 
and every single time, without exception, I've been dis-satisfied, and ended up ultimately buying the make/model I really wanted in the first place.
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Done it before, doing it again now. Guns are not a place I seem to be able to compromise.
 
I know you posted this in the revolver section but I'm gonna recommend a semi auto.........the Bersa T22. I've got one and while I'm not particularly thrilled with it that's for reasons that probably won't effect you in the least.

It's proven to be 100% with MiniMags and a friend who borrowed it said it ran well on Remington bulk (a shock I know). Hasn't liked Federal or Winchester bulk and I still need to try CCI balzers. But anyway, it's small enough to conceal, large enough for for decent practice and by all accounts durable. It's SA trigger is far from great but considering you're talking SD practice and plinkin it's not gonna make much difference. It's first shot DA pull is decent.

At under 3 bills (sometimes as low as $250) I'd take the Bersa over either the Charter or the Taurus. Yes, an LCR or SP would be better but you're gonna pay for it and the Bersa is far from a bad gun.

LK
 
I hafta agree with L_Killkenny,,,

If you wanted a semi instead of a revolver,,,
The Bersa Thunder 22 is a fine little handgun to own.

Mine has been 100% reliable with CCI MiniMags.

My experience with bulk ammo is the opposite though,,,
It's also been 100% reliable with Federal Bulk Pack,,,
It won't cycle Remington bulk worth beans.

It has the same great feature that the Ruger LCR has,,,
When you get ready to step up to a centerfire,,,
The Thunder 380 is an identical handgun.

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Aarond
 
I have a Ruger LCR-22. I was impressed with its fit and finish for a Ruger in the store and just bought one even though I for one don't need another 22 revolver. I have not shot it much yet, but so far I like it for plinking at short distances. It is fun to shoot and that is important.

Holsters are a bit of a problem with them. For the time being, I have an inexpensive Uncle Mikes (Size 0). The strap does not retain the gun well since there is no hammer. But it will work for the time being. Yes, I could carry this one if I chose to. It rides high and a loose shirt or jacket covers it enough.

I believe that everyone should buy a 22 before moving up in caliber. The fun never stops with a well made 22 handgun. I prefer revolvers, but I do have pistols too. You will move up in caliber, but you will continue to shoot the 22.

The LCR-22 is still a bit pricey. I believe $385 was about the lowest price I have heard. Mine ran me $450 including sales tax and NICs check. So I essentially paid about $400 for it or $15 more than the best price I have heard of.

I have handled the S&W M317 many times. My regular carry gun is a S&W 442, so I obviously considered the 317 more than a couple times.

Shooting a 22 will result in better shooting of the higher caliber gun you may get in the future.

The 22 is not the best for defensive purposes, but I have no problem using one for that purpose. I will probably carry my LCR-22 after I get a better holster that works for me. I don't want to pocket carry this revolver.

In the long run, you are better off choosing a "better" 22 revolver over the lesser priced ones that are available. Everyone has had different experiences with the Taurus M94 and few have any experience with the Charter Arms Pathfinder. The Ruger SP101 in 22 is obviously a consideration if you are trying to be frugal and you are comfortable with the large size.
 
Full sized pistols are not that much harder to carry effectively than the compact guns, and much easier to shoot well. Chances are good that I shoot my full sized pistol better than dragline45 does his compact.
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I would hope that you do shoot your full sized pistol better than my .38 snub, and sure full sized pistols are no harder to carry effectively than a compact, but they are a hell of alot harder to conceal. I prefer not to have to dress around my carry gun day in and day out.
 
The only guys on that thread under 7 cents apiece cast their own, all who buy their bullets are considerably higher (as previously noted).
 
I cast my .38's so they cost no more than .05 each fully loaded. I learned to dress around my gun years and years ago. Actually concealing a full size 1911 is easy with a good belt & holster. What makes it a pita is that I have to carry at all, dumb punks.
 
The only guys on that thread under 7 cents apiece cast their own, all who buy their bullets are considerably higher (as previously noted).
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Maybe not 7 cents, but to say all who by it is considerably higher is not completely true.

I buy lead cast 380 & 9mm for 4.5 cents around and 38/357 for 5 cents a round. 3 cents a primer less than 1 cent for power in 380/9 and about 1.5 cents on 38/357.

That comes out to a about 8.5 cents a round for 380 and 9.5 and 38/357.

$7 for a box of 100 22lr; $8.5 for a box of 100 380/9mm; $9.50 for a box of 100 38/357.

Granted you have to spend a fair amount of time actually reloading and I could spend the time I reload working a 2nd job and come out much better. you have to enjoy the act of reloading for it to be worthwhile.
 
Well, it looks like that Bersa Thunder 22 may be the one for me. As much as I would love to get the LCR 22, the Bersa is so much cheaper I think it's winning me over.

I like the size of these little 22s because I'd like to try carrying my practice gun before committing to buy a 2nd, more powerful carry weapon. A lot of my social life involves going to bars (where, if I understand correctly, it's illegal to have a firearm) and I can't have a gun where I work. If I only end up arming myself on trips to the grocery store or to restaurants, realistically, carrying might not be worth the hassle for me. But that's a whole different discussion...

My new question is: If I get the Bersa Thunder instead of a revolver, is it foolish to practice on it and one day upgrade directly to a snub nose .38? Or is it highly recommended by y'all that I upgrade to the Bersa 380 instead to be a better shot?
 
Bar carry depends on state laws, handgunlaw.us is a great resource for this. It's not illegal everywhere, but its widely recommended not to mix guns and alcohol. But that's a decision you need to make for yourself.

Carry whenever you can, even if its only to the grocery store.

Semi-autos are much easier to shoot for most people. There is nothing wrong with getting a .38 snub next, but the snub-nosed revolver is one of the most difficult guns to shoot, so be aware you will need to train with it; you won't automatically be good with it because you're good with your .22 auto.

The .380 and .38spl are not equivalent cartridges, the .38spl is a good deal more powerful and is comparable to a 9mm. If I were you, and I found I liked the semi-auto and didn't have a compelling reason to go to a revolver, I'd upgrade to one of the many subcompact 9mms out there. You will find lots of info on this by searching past threads, there are several really popular ones. I carry a Ruger SR9c. 9mm is the cheapest centerfire ammo as well, which might better fit into your budget.
 
Another thought: there are several semi-autos that have .22 conversion kits. I don't know if this is a viable alternative for you, financially, but a 9mm semi-auto, with a .22 conversion would allow you to practice with cheap ammo, and have a consistent manual of arms when you step up to carrying concealed. Unless I am mistaken, aarondgraham has posted a thread listing some of the 9mm/.22 conversions.

I also think S&W makes a small (J-frame?) .22 revolver. I think those have been around longer than the LCR-22, so you might find a used one of those, with an eye to stepping up to a .38 J-frame (?) later. (Sorry about the question marks, but I'm not what you'd call an expert on S&W frame sizes.) Also, don't be afraid to look on the used market for a firearm. While you won't find any used LCR-22s around for a little while, there may be S&Ws on the used market already.
 
Scotchman is right about the legality of bars and guns. You can carry all you want at bars here IN IOWA but I wouldn't do it and do any amount of drinking.

Don't worry so much about going back and forth between different platforms. Most shooters do it all the time with some more "extreme" supporters of the second amendment doing it at the same time (multiple guns).

But revolvers aren't any harder to shoot than semi's and I'll tell you right now that with the mediocre trigger the Bersa has when learn to shoot it well most other guns will follow suit.

As for .38sp vs. .380........... The odds that your survival in life coming down to the effective difference between the 2 rounds is about a billion to 1. Both have plus', both have negatives. Carry whatever. Or for that matter don't carry. You're choice. I don't feel like a sheep when not carrying and you shouldn't either.

LK
 
Six of one and a half dozen of another,,,

My new question is: If I get the Bersa Thunder instead of a revolver, is it foolish to practice on it and one day upgrade directly to a snub nose .38? Or is it highly recommended by y'all that I upgrade to the Bersa 380 instead to be a better shot?
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Don't over-think this my friend,,,
Personally I like identical pairs of guns,,,
So I say if you start with a Thunder 22 semi-auto,,,
The practical thing would be to upgrade to the Thunder 380.

If you think you would like the LCR .38 revolver best,,,
I say get the LCR .22 first and practice with it.

But that's not an absolute,,,
Either way will work.

As far as carrying while out on the town,,,
Bars and guns do not mix.

But you can always secure your handgun in a lock box,,,
I first unload the gun and then lock it safely away,,,
I have one for the gun and one for the ammo,,,
Then I'm transporting, not carrying.

Check your local laws but it works in my state/city.

Aarond
 
Please tell me where-inna-heck one can buy .38 Special for 7-cents a round,,,
I have several hundred dollars I would like to spend there.
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You missed the part where he said :

Compare that to the cost of reloading the .38 spl.
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???

Cast your own bullets from scrounged lead, scrounge cases, buy everything in bulk...... could be done. Not by me, but it could be done by someone sufficiently tight.....

Shooting a 22 will result in better shooting of the higher caliber gun you may get in the future.
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...provided the higher caliber gun is similar in operation (trigger pull, control location, etc) and the shooter adheres to fundamentals (particularly grip and stance) when shooting the .22...... shooting a SA auto like the Ruger Mark II with a limp grip and sloppy stance will not help at all (and in fact will establish bad habits!) in mastering a j-frame .357: trigger pull, sights, recoil, manual of arms are all very different. Likewise, spending a lot of time and ammo (translated: $$$$!) cultivating muscle memory with a K-22 or Trooper in .22lr would be detrimental to someone who wanted to Carry a 1911.
 
Hello jimbob86,,,

Likewise, spending a lot of time and ammo (translated: $$$$!) cultivating muscle memory with a K-22 or Trooper in .22lr would be detrimental to someone who wanted to Carry a 1911.
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I agree, but the OP was talking about getting an LCR .22 first,,,
Then later on getting an LCR .38 so that problem doesn't come into play for him.

His last post did touch on starting with a .22 semi-auto,,,
Then upgrading to a .38 snub-nose revolver.

Or starting with a Bersa Thunder 22,,,
Then later upgrading to the identical Thunder 380

I will predict that the general consensus is going to be,,,
Start with something similar or identical to,,,
What you intend on upgrading to.

That's my stance and advice. :)

It's pretty well known in this forum that I am a fan of owning and shooting identical pairs of rimfire/centerfire handguns,,,
I firmly believe that practice with the .22 translates to proficiency with the centerfire handgun,,,
The obvious benefit being that one can afford a lot more practice with the rimfire.

I own seven pairs now and have my eye on another pair in the near future.

Aarond

.
 
I agree, but the OP was talking about getting an LCR .22 first,,,
Then later on getting an LCR .38 so that problem doesn't come into play for him.

His last post did touch on starting with a .22 semi-auto,,,
Then upgrading to a .38 snub-nose revolver.
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Which was what I was talking about-sorry if that was not clear.
 
well some gun is better than no gun, but i have to agree with the others that a 22 for ccw is not a great idea. Everyone needs a nice 22 pistol, id lean more towards a longer barrel one that you can use to learn to shoot with, and then later on it could turn into your target pistol and/or a hunting pistol for small game etc. I fear a shortbarreled 22 in the end would just end up in a drawer somewhere--not powerful enough to carry for defense, too short of a barrel to shoot accurately for anything else.
 
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