My first gun: Handgun, rifle, or shotgun?
- Thread starter Donnybru
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If you read the comments from the op he is not looking to purchase a gun to learn the basics of shooting with, he is looking for something that can double as a range gun and home defense. I dont know about anyone else on this forum, but im not accurate enough with the .22 to make it my home defense gun. 
I was in the same boat, decided on a sig 220 as my first purchase, and never looked back.
Now having said that, you should really go to the range and try out all of the guns you are considering and make your decision based on which one fits you best.
I was in the same boat, decided on a sig 220 as my first purchase, and never looked back.
Now having said that, you should really go to the range and try out all of the guns you are considering and make your decision based on which one fits you best.
johnwilliamson062
Moderator
If you learn to shoot a 22 rifle well everything else will be easy to learn.
Buy a quality 22 rifle and it will be the one gun you hold onto for the rest of your life.
You will also save so much money on ammo compared to the guns you listed that you can buy a 22 pistol after just a few range sessions.
Remember, ammo is where you end up spending all the money.
Buy a quality 22 rifle and it will be the one gun you hold onto for the rest of your life.
You will also save so much money on ammo compared to the guns you listed that you can buy a 22 pistol after just a few range sessions.
Remember, ammo is where you end up spending all the money.
Im with everyone that suggested at 22 rifle. Here is why:
Pistol: although that sounds to be the "coolest" of the 3 choices to someone that is just getting into firearms, it is also going to get expensive. Pistol ammo is kind of expensive, especially on an 18 year old budget (at least it was for me). Once you understand proper gun safety, and enjoy shooting, a pistol is a good choice at that point.
Shotgun: Unless you get into skeet/trap/sporting clays, a shotgun is going to lose its luster at a traditional range. Shooting slugs is going to make for short range trips, as the recoil is not that shoulder friendly. Shooting light bird shot loads at a paper target is pointless and may not even be allowed at your local range. I feel you would get the LEAST amount of trigger time with a shotgun (again, unless you are shooting clays)
Rifle: a good 22 or 17hmr rifle would be perfect in my opinion. Especially with the 22, you will shoot ALOT for little money, and to me (and everyone else I shoot with) is very satisfying. A couple of shooters I know bought ruger 10/22's and modified them with heavy target barrels, scopes, and bipods, and are having a great time shooting sub inch groups at 50 yards. Lots of FUN!!! A larger caliber rifle is a lot of fun also, but your ammo costa are going to go through the roof!
Ultimately, the 22 (or 17hmr) rifle would be (and was) my first choice in firearms. Once you get proficient with that, the natural course of shooting will progress to the other types of firearms.
-George
Pistol: although that sounds to be the "coolest" of the 3 choices to someone that is just getting into firearms, it is also going to get expensive. Pistol ammo is kind of expensive, especially on an 18 year old budget (at least it was for me). Once you understand proper gun safety, and enjoy shooting, a pistol is a good choice at that point.
Shotgun: Unless you get into skeet/trap/sporting clays, a shotgun is going to lose its luster at a traditional range. Shooting slugs is going to make for short range trips, as the recoil is not that shoulder friendly. Shooting light bird shot loads at a paper target is pointless and may not even be allowed at your local range. I feel you would get the LEAST amount of trigger time with a shotgun (again, unless you are shooting clays)
Rifle: a good 22 or 17hmr rifle would be perfect in my opinion. Especially with the 22, you will shoot ALOT for little money, and to me (and everyone else I shoot with) is very satisfying. A couple of shooters I know bought ruger 10/22's and modified them with heavy target barrels, scopes, and bipods, and are having a great time shooting sub inch groups at 50 yards. Lots of FUN!!! A larger caliber rifle is a lot of fun also, but your ammo costa are going to go through the roof!
Ultimately, the 22 (or 17hmr) rifle would be (and was) my first choice in firearms. Once you get proficient with that, the natural course of shooting will progress to the other types of firearms.
-George
He's already stated that he feels he's past his 'total newbie' stage...
And, he's a lefty. That shoots down several of the ideas I was forming, but it still leaves room for lever actions, single shots such as Thompson & H&R & etc, and I'm pretty sure Savage makes some lefty bolt guns (as well as others).
My opinion? Something lefty friendly in .223 as they can still be fed ruther cheaply. A lefty bolt action open up all sorts of possibilities such as benchrest competition, longer range varminting, three position F Class type stuff. Yes, a .22LR can be a ton of fun and an invaluable learning tool- but I think he's of the opinion that he's ready for a step up. And, I haven't picked up on any indications that contradict his mindset.
And, he's a lefty. That shoots down several of the ideas I was forming, but it still leaves room for lever actions, single shots such as Thompson & H&R & etc, and I'm pretty sure Savage makes some lefty bolt guns (as well as others).
My opinion? Something lefty friendly in .223 as they can still be fed ruther cheaply. A lefty bolt action open up all sorts of possibilities such as benchrest competition, longer range varminting, three position F Class type stuff. Yes, a .22LR can be a ton of fun and an invaluable learning tool- but I think he's of the opinion that he's ready for a step up. And, I haven't picked up on any indications that contradict his mindset.
ROFL!!!!!
What I was pointing is that even young one can start (if finds a good instructor) with larger calibers.
Life is too short to fire boring ammo (I'd rather shoot 50 good 9mm per session than a couple hundred .22, but it's my personal taste and, as we say de gustibus non desputandum est)
K.
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I have never seen a shooter that was so good he had moved beyond a 22. Even some of the best shooters in the world still shoot in the 22 matches. But you are in school and probably can't carry anywhere except hunting and you did not say you did that, with home defence as a worry then buy a shotgun and join a sporting clays club.
Another +1 for the .22 rimfire to start. Learn your safety procedures and get your basics down, learn from a good instructor and be patient. It'll pay dividends in the long run.
First purchase I would suggest a .22LR or .22WMR rifle, preferably bolt action. Personally I really like the WMR, although ammo is a bit more pricey ($0.15-0.18/round as opposed to $0.03-0.10/round). The .22WMR is effective on small animals out to about 125-150 yards, and would kill a deer with a headshot at 75 yards, maybe 100-125 if properly placed. I've achieved some relatively tight groups at 200-250 yards off a rest as well, although the energy delivered at that range is just enough to put a hole in the target so it's academic, but fun. The standard .22LR is at the tail end of it's ballistics at 115-125 yards. (at least, that's my understanding, if there's an expert around feel free to correct me)
My .22WMR is a Marlin 983S bolt action. Stainless bull barrel, 14rd tube magazine, iron sights but will accept a scope. Laminated stock but it's pretty and durable. Paid $200 cash and it came with a sling, 4x30 scope, bore snake, and about 150rounds of ammo. You can shoot it all day, from a rest or offhand, and have a blast without beating up your shoulder. There are a ton of .22LR options, Ruger 10/22 semiauto is probably the most popular. Marlin makes a Papoose survival rifle that is really slick, it breaks down and can be carried in a backpack. Worth checking out.
Pistol, I suggest a Ruger Mark III Target .22LR. There are others that are just as good, but I like that one personally. Adjustable rear sight and bull barrel. Under $500 new with 4 mags, cleaning rod and case.
Whatever you buy, try to invest in professional instruction beyond anything else. Take a safety course and pay attention. If possible, find an instructor who is NRA certified, or shot/shoots competitively.
Regarding your law enforcement aspirations, quite frankly firearms proficiency, while important, shouldn't be your primary focus as you prepare for that career. Education and physical fitness should be high on your list. Run, do pushups/situps/pullups, work on your quickness and agility. Google "Stew Smith" and download some of his workouts.
First purchase I would suggest a .22LR or .22WMR rifle, preferably bolt action. Personally I really like the WMR, although ammo is a bit more pricey ($0.15-0.18/round as opposed to $0.03-0.10/round). The .22WMR is effective on small animals out to about 125-150 yards, and would kill a deer with a headshot at 75 yards, maybe 100-125 if properly placed. I've achieved some relatively tight groups at 200-250 yards off a rest as well, although the energy delivered at that range is just enough to put a hole in the target so it's academic, but fun. The standard .22LR is at the tail end of it's ballistics at 115-125 yards. (at least, that's my understanding, if there's an expert around feel free to correct me)
My .22WMR is a Marlin 983S bolt action. Stainless bull barrel, 14rd tube magazine, iron sights but will accept a scope. Laminated stock but it's pretty and durable. Paid $200 cash and it came with a sling, 4x30 scope, bore snake, and about 150rounds of ammo. You can shoot it all day, from a rest or offhand, and have a blast without beating up your shoulder. There are a ton of .22LR options, Ruger 10/22 semiauto is probably the most popular. Marlin makes a Papoose survival rifle that is really slick, it breaks down and can be carried in a backpack. Worth checking out.
Pistol, I suggest a Ruger Mark III Target .22LR. There are others that are just as good, but I like that one personally. Adjustable rear sight and bull barrel. Under $500 new with 4 mags, cleaning rod and case.
Whatever you buy, try to invest in professional instruction beyond anything else. Take a safety course and pay attention. If possible, find an instructor who is NRA certified, or shot/shoots competitively.
Regarding your law enforcement aspirations, quite frankly firearms proficiency, while important, shouldn't be your primary focus as you prepare for that career. Education and physical fitness should be high on your list. Run, do pushups/situps/pullups, work on your quickness and agility. Google "Stew Smith" and download some of his workouts.
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Oh, and while this isn't firearms-related, I'm going to put it out there regarding your law enforcement career aspirations:
If you know what geographical location you intend to live/work in, do some research and determine what the best 2nd language to learn would be... whether it's spanish, japanese, russian, farsi, etc. You don't have to be fluent but proficiency will make you that much more valuable to your department. And unlike your pistol craft, I guarentee you'll use those language skills nearly every day.
Learning to shoot is relatively easy, and it's fun. Learning a language, a professional discipline (such as engineering or finance) and putting in consistent hard work at the gym/track/pool, is not as much fun but will put you in a better place when you're looking for employment, be it at the local, state, or Federal level. Determine your goals 10-15 years out, list what it will take to achieve those goals (3 areas: education, training, experience) and create a timeline/roadmap for yourself to get there. Then do it, and enjoy it, without complaint or excuses, because afterall it is the path you chose for yourself.
If you know what geographical location you intend to live/work in, do some research and determine what the best 2nd language to learn would be... whether it's spanish, japanese, russian, farsi, etc. You don't have to be fluent but proficiency will make you that much more valuable to your department. And unlike your pistol craft, I guarentee you'll use those language skills nearly every day.
Learning to shoot is relatively easy, and it's fun. Learning a language, a professional discipline (such as engineering or finance) and putting in consistent hard work at the gym/track/pool, is not as much fun but will put you in a better place when you're looking for employment, be it at the local, state, or Federal level. Determine your goals 10-15 years out, list what it will take to achieve those goals (3 areas: education, training, experience) and create a timeline/roadmap for yourself to get there. Then do it, and enjoy it, without complaint or excuses, because afterall it is the path you chose for yourself.
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I continue to appreciate all your suggestions. Thank you all so much
I would also like to let those of you that mentioned a 2nd language know that I am currently working towards becoming fluent in Spanish, Farsi, and Chinese, and have been working towards that for quite a while.
As for which branch of law enforcement, I am seriously considering the FBI.
And for a quick gun update: I went to the range on Monday and shot both the Glock 17 and SIG P226. I very much enjoy the SIG. It's extremely accurate and well built. I suffered no malfunctions with it. I went back to the range yesterday (Tuesday) and shot a few hundred rounds through the SIG, doing tactical drills and such. It was great.
That's all for now, though as I've said before, I appreciate all your suggestions since you all know much more than I do.
I would also like to let those of you that mentioned a 2nd language know that I am currently working towards becoming fluent in Spanish, Farsi, and Chinese, and have been working towards that for quite a while. As for which branch of law enforcement, I am seriously considering the FBI.
And for a quick gun update: I went to the range on Monday and shot both the Glock 17 and SIG P226. I very much enjoy the SIG. It's extremely accurate and well built. I suffered no malfunctions with it. I went back to the range yesterday (Tuesday) and shot a few hundred rounds through the SIG, doing tactical drills and such. It was great.
That's all for now, though as I've said before, I appreciate all your suggestions since you all know much more than I do.
Definitely NO on the shotgun. Your intended initial purpose of target practice isn't going to be very exciting with the shotty, unless you intended to do clays. For just putting holes in paper, I'd be split between a handgun or a rifle, but would suggest that whatever you get, you ALSO get a 22LR rifle. Perhaps a 9mm handgun (ammo is CHEAPER for that than for ANY other centerfire ammo, for a handgun or a rifle) AND a 22LR S&W M&P 15-22. Those two put together give you hours of fun at the range at a reasonable price.
Donny, FBI is an excellent objective.
Let me say that the language will help you, but it can also pigeonhole you, so it may or may not be the best track into FBI (althoug it's definitely worth learning as I say). There are several tracks into being an 1811 Special Agent and language is one of them, as is finance/economics, engineering/science, diversified, and a few others.
Typically, the FBI wants their applicants to make something of themselves in a field before they apply. Get your Bachelor's degree, then at least 3 years of professional experience. Try to pick up a masters part-time while you're working. If you want to work white collar crimes, then working at a large bank or financial institution is the way to go. If you want to work forensics, then a medical/science degree and work experience is best. Typical range of ages for new SAs I believe is 27-34 years old. First check out the website, there's a ton of information about the requirements and application process. Then if need be, call your local Field Office and ask to speak with a recruiter or Application Coordinator, they can give you additional information.
Generally, if FBI is your goal, then keep it in mind with every decision you make from now until you're in your mid-20s. No DUIs, no drugs, document your foreign travel, keep your nose clean and stay squared away physically. The application and vetting process can take from 4 months to as long as 2 years, but be patient and if it's meant to be, it will happen. A large number of highly qualified applicants fail the polygraph and unfortunately, that's just the way it goes. But, don't try to beat the poly, don't research it, it'll only hurt you when the time comes. Best of luck.
Let me say that the language will help you, but it can also pigeonhole you, so it may or may not be the best track into FBI (althoug it's definitely worth learning as I say). There are several tracks into being an 1811 Special Agent and language is one of them, as is finance/economics, engineering/science, diversified, and a few others.
Typically, the FBI wants their applicants to make something of themselves in a field before they apply. Get your Bachelor's degree, then at least 3 years of professional experience. Try to pick up a masters part-time while you're working. If you want to work white collar crimes, then working at a large bank or financial institution is the way to go. If you want to work forensics, then a medical/science degree and work experience is best. Typical range of ages for new SAs I believe is 27-34 years old. First check out the website, there's a ton of information about the requirements and application process. Then if need be, call your local Field Office and ask to speak with a recruiter or Application Coordinator, they can give you additional information.
Generally, if FBI is your goal, then keep it in mind with every decision you make from now until you're in your mid-20s. No DUIs, no drugs, document your foreign travel, keep your nose clean and stay squared away physically. The application and vetting process can take from 4 months to as long as 2 years, but be patient and if it's meant to be, it will happen. A large number of highly qualified applicants fail the polygraph and unfortunately, that's just the way it goes. But, don't try to beat the poly, don't research it, it'll only hurt you when the time comes. Best of luck.
My hope is to eventually work in the NCAVC in Quantico, though I realize that this is a very sought-after position. As for a major and minor in college, I was thinking of majoring in Psychology and minoring in Business. Or possibly double majoring in Psychology/Sociology and double minoring in Business/Criminology (but that's only if I plan on having no life 
) And a BA/Masters in Psychology as well.
Regarding the 3 years of work required by the FBI prior to admission, I was thinking perhaps a firearms specialist in a crime lab. However, I believe I would need a more specialized degree(s) in order to fill that position.
) And a BA/Masters in Psychology as well.Regarding the 3 years of work required by the FBI prior to admission, I was thinking perhaps a firearms specialist in a crime lab. However, I believe I would need a more specialized degree(s) in order to fill that position.
aarondhgraham
New member
A good .22 rifle and a good .22 pistol,,,
My friend, the whole purpose of your first gun(s) will be to learn,,,
Buy any centerfire gun and you limit your learning by the cost of ammunition.
My suggestion is a .22 semi-auto rifle,,,
And a .22 handgun be it a revolver or semi-auto,,,
This will not cost you too much money and the ammo is cheap.
I recommend a Ruger 10/22 rifle ($200.00 bucks),,,
Or a Mossberg 702 Plinkster ($129.00),,,
Or a Marlin Model 60 ($145.00)
Then consider a Ruger 22/45 for a handgun ($239.00),,,
Or a Ruger Mk III ($329.00) in one of the many configurations,,,
And you don't have to go the ultra-tricked out versions of them either.
I own some seriously fine handguns in my cabinet,,,
But the pistol I have the most fun with is the basic 22/45,,,
And it's a wonderful trainer for serious practice with seriously cheap ammo.
Get the basic versions that won't break your bank,,,
Later there will be plenty of time for the super-spiffy wonder guns
Your goal should be to shoot a lot of bullets,,,
Learn the basics of good technique,,,
And have tons of fun!
You can do a whole lot more of those shooting actions,,,
At 3-4 cents a round than at 20-30 cents a round.
I guarantee if you walk out to your shooting spot,,,
Sporting a 10-22 rifle and a 22/45 pistol,,,
You will walk tall and have tons of fun.
.
My friend, the whole purpose of your first gun(s) will be to learn,,,
Buy any centerfire gun and you limit your learning by the cost of ammunition.
My suggestion is a .22 semi-auto rifle,,,
And a .22 handgun be it a revolver or semi-auto,,,
This will not cost you too much money and the ammo is cheap.
I recommend a Ruger 10/22 rifle ($200.00 bucks),,,
Or a Mossberg 702 Plinkster ($129.00),,,
Or a Marlin Model 60 ($145.00)
Then consider a Ruger 22/45 for a handgun ($239.00),,,
Or a Ruger Mk III ($329.00) in one of the many configurations,,,
And you don't have to go the ultra-tricked out versions of them either.
I own some seriously fine handguns in my cabinet,,,
But the pistol I have the most fun with is the basic 22/45,,,
And it's a wonderful trainer for serious practice with seriously cheap ammo.
Get the basic versions that won't break your bank,,,
Later there will be plenty of time for the super-spiffy wonder guns
Your goal should be to shoot a lot of bullets,,,
Learn the basics of good technique,,,
And have tons of fun!
You can do a whole lot more of those shooting actions,,,
At 3-4 cents a round than at 20-30 cents a round.
I guarantee if you walk out to your shooting spot,,,
Sporting a 10-22 rifle and a 22/45 pistol,,,
You will walk tall and have tons of fun.
.
BerettaCougar
New member
Why do people keep suggesting 22lr?
22lr was not even in the options he posted. If you like 22lr, good for you. I have a few 22's and they are extremely boring and serve no purpose (to me).
To the thread originator: As I posted before.
1.) Go to a gun dealer and see what best fits in your hand/shoulder.
2.) Rent the gun you like and test fire it. if possible...
3.) Buy what best fits your hand and what you feel most comfortable shooting.
Comfort is a measure of not only the overall feel of the gun but also the recoil and the cost of using and keeping the gun. Test fire as many different calibers as you can in as many different model firearms as you can. You'll find your perfect fit.
22lr was not even in the options he posted. If you like 22lr, good for you. I have a few 22's and they are extremely boring and serve no purpose (to me).
To the thread originator: As I posted before.
1.) Go to a gun dealer and see what best fits in your hand/shoulder.
2.) Rent the gun you like and test fire it. if possible...
3.) Buy what best fits your hand and what you feel most comfortable shooting.
Comfort is a measure of not only the overall feel of the gun but also the recoil and the cost of using and keeping the gun. Test fire as many different calibers as you can in as many different model firearms as you can. You'll find your perfect fit.
Perhaps many of us were in his shoes asking the same questions back when we started our own collections, only to end up years later spending a lot of our time with later acquired 22's.
I still say to get at least a 9mm to get that itch scratched, but to get a 22LR as well to lessen the overall cost of any given range trip.
At the very least, he owes it to himself to research AMMO costs as much as anything else.
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