Lost Sheep
New member
Pick the bullet first, then the gun
One of the first pieces of advice I got when I first started in the shooting sports was "pick the bullet/cartridge for the job you wish to do first". Then, and only then find a gun that delivers those goods.
If you want a 9mm, find a 9mm cartridge you want to shoot (and the velocity the bullet has to attain to do the particular job) and then get a list of guns that do that job. Pick from among them. Start from the terminal ballistics and work backwards.
As a new shooter, I would suggest the job you wish to do first is familiarization and introduction, especially since there are two of you. You, experienced with firearms and use of deadly force and your fiance (whose experience level, to me, is unknown). To me, that strongly suggests 22 rimfire. Practice with gun handling is the same with any centerfire. Sight picture, trigger control and target acquisition, likewise.
You will never regret having a quality .22 rimfire.
Also, having the 22 gets you onto the range where you will get to see a lot of other guns. Besides, the pickings in the stores are rather slim right now. In a few months, there is bound to be more from which to choose.
The Ruger semiautomatic pistol (the Mark III is the current model and the Mark II is widely available used) is affordable and very accurate. Yes, a little more difficult to strip and clean, but not THAT difficult. The design dates back to 1947/1948 when Bill Ruger wowed the world with a brilliantly conceived and marketed pistol, the Mark I. But don't discount probably the second most popular Ruger, the Single-Six revolver in .22 rimfire with interchangeable 22 magnum cylinder.
As far as centerfire choices, have a look at this guide.
http://concealedcarryforum.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=4121
or if the link does not work, paste this into your web browser
concealedcarryforum.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=4121
The .22 rimfire will get you and your fiance onto the range. From there, you will be much better equipped in a couple of months to choose a gun you are likely to want to keep for years. One that will fit you and one you can hit with. The ergonomics of individual weapons do made a big difference, so if you can try out someone else's 1911, Hi-Point, Sig, H&K, Taurus, Beretta or whatever, you will have a better idea of what will fit you (and what will fit her). For example, between the Beretta 92 and the Taurus clone of that pistol, I much prefer the Taurus, even though they are almost identical except for the location of the manual safety lever, which makes a big difference to me.
Don't discount the utility of a decent revolver. 357mag/38 special +p are good defensive cartridges, as is 44 Special, 45 ACP (in a revolver or Semiauto) or 45 Colt.
Good luck and good shooting.
Lost Sheep
One of the first pieces of advice I got when I first started in the shooting sports was "pick the bullet/cartridge for the job you wish to do first". Then, and only then find a gun that delivers those goods.
If you want a 9mm, find a 9mm cartridge you want to shoot (and the velocity the bullet has to attain to do the particular job) and then get a list of guns that do that job. Pick from among them. Start from the terminal ballistics and work backwards.
As a new shooter, I would suggest the job you wish to do first is familiarization and introduction, especially since there are two of you. You, experienced with firearms and use of deadly force and your fiance (whose experience level, to me, is unknown). To me, that strongly suggests 22 rimfire. Practice with gun handling is the same with any centerfire. Sight picture, trigger control and target acquisition, likewise.
You will never regret having a quality .22 rimfire.
Also, having the 22 gets you onto the range where you will get to see a lot of other guns. Besides, the pickings in the stores are rather slim right now. In a few months, there is bound to be more from which to choose.
The Ruger semiautomatic pistol (the Mark III is the current model and the Mark II is widely available used) is affordable and very accurate. Yes, a little more difficult to strip and clean, but not THAT difficult. The design dates back to 1947/1948 when Bill Ruger wowed the world with a brilliantly conceived and marketed pistol, the Mark I. But don't discount probably the second most popular Ruger, the Single-Six revolver in .22 rimfire with interchangeable 22 magnum cylinder.
As far as centerfire choices, have a look at this guide.
http://concealedcarryforum.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=4121
or if the link does not work, paste this into your web browser
concealedcarryforum.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=4121
The .22 rimfire will get you and your fiance onto the range. From there, you will be much better equipped in a couple of months to choose a gun you are likely to want to keep for years. One that will fit you and one you can hit with. The ergonomics of individual weapons do made a big difference, so if you can try out someone else's 1911, Hi-Point, Sig, H&K, Taurus, Beretta or whatever, you will have a better idea of what will fit you (and what will fit her). For example, between the Beretta 92 and the Taurus clone of that pistol, I much prefer the Taurus, even though they are almost identical except for the location of the manual safety lever, which makes a big difference to me.
Don't discount the utility of a decent revolver. 357mag/38 special +p are good defensive cartridges, as is 44 Special, 45 ACP (in a revolver or Semiauto) or 45 Colt.
Good luck and good shooting.
Lost Sheep