Question on first gun

G

gollbladder13

Moderator
I know I've posted first gun questions before, but here's another one...

I've been doing a lot of work on paper as far as research and I want to have what I want narrowed down to 2 or 3 before I start testing them out for myself.

I want a gun that can be fairly inexpensive to practice on so I can get a lot of reps with the safety, handling, etc. of handguns, and so I'm leaning towards a .22 in that regard, but I don't want to get used to just plinking out rounds and then later get something in a .40 and the kick throws my aim way off and I have to "re-learn" (if that is the case) how to shoot a new gun.

My first gun is going to be serving a few different purposes, too...

As I said earlier, I want something that will be inexpensive to practice. I also would like something that could be okay as a HD gun. I know everybody and their mother argues that I should get a .40 or higher for that, but a .22 would be better than nothing to turn the BG around, right? Eventually, I'll have something in both cals, but just trying to figure out where to start...

The other thing is, my fiance is home alone often. When I get a higher cal, the .22 would become hers since she doesn't want anything bigger and I'd rather she at least has something when I'm not home...

I'm pursuing a career in LE so I know I'll be getting a .40+ in the future, but is a .22 an okay way to start off with the basics?

I'm not looking for "you should get this or that brand of gun", just thoughts on the 2 cals for a starter.



Any thoughts?
 
I'd look at a 9mm, if you want to shoot cheap and have more than just a plinker. Either that, or a .357 in maybe a Ruger GP101, you could use .38s for target/plinking and .357 or +p .38 for HD.
 
The 22 is the way to go for plinking but not SD. For SD i wouldnt get any thing smaller than a .380 or 9mm. IMHO
 
I'd look strongly at a .357 revolver for several reasons.

• Even trained cops and soldiers have accidental discharges with automatic pistols.

•There is less to go wrong with a good quality revolver.

• The magnum revolver is versatile. .38 special loads for target work, plus P .38s for fun plinking and full house magnums for self defense or woodlands defense.

• Ease of maintenance.
Autopistols are fun to fire...Until you have to reload the magazines...and then take the entire gun apart to clean it.
Compare that to swinging out the cylinder to either reload your gun or clean it!
• With their solid frames, fixed barrels and smoother triggers it is easier to shoot (and gain confidence) with a revolver.
That's why it ruled the roost for 80 years....
 
357 revolver is probably your best bet. Shooting 38spl it will still have *some* recoil, so you'll get a feel for that, it would be adequate for you GF to use for HD without her having to fear the blast, you could load it to full power for carry or HD and still get the cheap(er) 38spl for practice.

If you go with an auto, 9mm is by far your best choice for cheap, widely available and reasonable power.
 
I think that a .22 would be fine for learning the basics of handgun shooting, as long as it is not your only gun, at some point. People do and have used the .22 for self defense but it must be looked on as a pretty much last resort at that point. It might injure the attacker and maybe he will die later from his injuries if it hits something vital, but it depends on the bad guy whether it is a sufficient deterrent. Some will turn around at the sight of the gun. Some will take off if shot with anything. Some may just keep on coming unless you get a brain shot. But that applies with all handguns, except with something better it certainly improves the odds. I suppose if you are faced with practicing with the handgun, and have the choice of 50 .22's for a couple bucks, or a box of centerfire ammo for 12-30$, which one is gonna get more practice? Some folks have no qualms about dropping a couple hundred bucks on ammo and firing it all off in practice over a short time, but I would guess you are not rich and have other cash priorities. Of course the recoil blast and noise are greater with a more substantial gun, you will learn to handle it, but the fundamentals are the same. Your fiance should also start with the rimfire for familiarity. At some point she should maybe be encouraged to work up to something at least a little more substantial. Don't force the issue though. If someone feels pressured they probably will not enjoy it or make a great improvement in skill.
 
I think I would go with a 22 conversion. Something like the A.A. setup I have for my G 27. Plenty of practice with 22, then switch and I can shoot a 40.
 
I've been looking into .22 conversion kits. They're kinda pricey if you want a decent one. Buying a gun and a conversion kit is pretty much like just buying two guns.

I would say start with a .22. You have 0 guns now. 1 gun that's a .22 is a big improvement over that. There really is a lot to be said for learning good technique with a .22. You could always rent a 9mm or .40 at a range if you really want to feel what the recoil feels like. Once you learn good technique going up to a bigger gun is not so different as to make you feel like you have to learn to shoot all over again.

I wouldn't even consider .380 in your case. Ammo is expensive and stopping power is widely regarded to be marginal (vs. a 9mm or bigger). I have one and am shopping for another but that's because pocket guns are great for concealed carry (as long as you understand the trade-offs).

I love revolvers and highly recommend them to any and all. However, even .38 Special ammo is a bit expensive these days. I love my .357 Magnum revolver but it's not the best learning gun. A .22 really is the best. You can shoot and shoot and shoot and never break the bank.
 
I'm going to the range later today... want to try out a Kel-Tec PF-9 since that's (based on reading reviews alone, mind you) what I think would be best for my situation right now...

Anything I should compare it next to?

I'm not interested in a revolver right now, but will definitely turn that way when I start looking for a BUG.
 
gollbladder13:

Now you have nothing, so, if you get a .22 LR, you'll be infinitely better off in a self-defense situation. I suggest a revolver as the problem with semi-auto .22s is that they can be finicky shooters. A revolver will not jam on you if you get a dud.

How about considering a double action H&R .22 revolver? For around $100-$125, you can get a good, serviceable, reliable gun that'll hold nine rounds of some stingin' hypervelocity ammo. Then, you can find your way and develop your preferences while you shoot away for cheap. I have 3 H&Rs (found on Gunbroker) that each cost less than $100 shipped. They're all good guns. And, those ol' steel .22s will still be working long after we're all dust.

Note: Crap! I just saw the "not interested in a revolver right now...." line. I would not give my girlfriend a .22 semi-auto because of the higher jam probability. They're not reliable enough to trust in a life and death situation. Even the best gun needs a slide rack when one gets a dud and .22 ammo has a way-higher-than-centerfire-ammo dud percentage.

Last note: For a little more power, check out a Makarov! It'll work forever!
 
Last edited:
Learn on the .22lr and rent the occasional centerfire at the range. Don't be worried about recoil, very few law officers carry hand cannons.
If you do plan to become an officer of the law, check out what handguns they use and get one of those.

Practice practice practice.
 
It sounds like everyone has given good advice. My own recommendation is to take a basic handgunning safety course; you'll learn it right, plus you'll get exposure to a variety of calibers & gun types. Look around and you'll find courses tailored to self defense, home protection, concealed carry, etc.

I also suggest medium-framed revolvers for beginners, either in .22lr or .38/.357. They generally have a longer, harder trigger pull than most autos, but they're easier to become proficient in. Autos, however, tend to have a less snappy kick in my experience.
 
Well based on what I'm reading, I might have to consider a revolver after all...

I'm starting to see that if I buy something that's meant for defense, go bigger, but just for practice, .22 will be fine (which is what I thought was the case before posting, but I wanted to get advice from the good people here to confirm my thoughts).

I'll keep you guys posted on my range session today...
 
Given the criteria you've mentioned I would recommend a compact 9mm. There are many varieties: Glock 19, XD9 compact to name a couple. This caliber in any of these platforms is affordable to practice either leisurely or seriously, potent enough for home defense, not hard for ladies to handle or control, and fairly easy to carry and conceal should you decide to become a full-fledged sheep dog. Thus with one gun you have an easy to feed range/target gun, a reliable home defense gun for both you and your fiance, and a comfortable civilian carry pistol or backup LEO service pistol.

Of course, there's nothing wrong with choosing a revolver platform if you find them more to your liking. In this category, I would recommend you try Ruger SP101s or GP100s in .38/.357, or any Smiths. A nice perk is you can shoot two calibers.

Opinions vary, but I wouldn't bother with a .22 conversion kit. My experience is that they're more of a hassel than they're worth and you should practice shooting with the caliber that you plan to carry. I find having a devoted plinking .22 such as a Ruger Mark II or a Walther P22 to be more fun anyway.

Good advice all around. I hope this helps.
 
At first I was going to recommend 9mm, due to power/ammo cost proposition. But, if you will be using a .40 at work, consider getting a .40. A .22 is a great training caliber; aiming, trigger action, breathing skills...all on the cheap.
 
If I were you, I'd buy a Glock 19. You can still get 9MM reasonable and then add the .22 later. Look at a Browning Buckmark when you buy a .22.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top