shopping for my first gun

T

T_TANSIL

New member
first off, I'm currently 20 years old and can't buy a handgun for another couple months. right now I'm trying to learn as much as I can about which gun would best suit me. I am a hunter, and have been around guns my entire life and I own many rifles so I'm not a total newbie. I'd mostly be using the gun for target shooting and possibly in the future I'm thinking about getting into different kinds of revolver tricks. however, right now I think I just need to focus on getting a solid first handgun. I've been looking at S&W a little, and I also really like the look of the Stampede from beretta, but I really don't know anything about them. any suggestions would help alot. thanks
 
Forget the Stampede, POJ. I have not heard a single positive thing about them. I see them for sale cheap on consignment. Save your money. Ruger is bringing out new cowboy single actions, Taurus is bringing out a line of cowboy firearms and Uberti is still the clone king. S&W quality is getting worse, not better. I would look favourably on older S&Ws though. There are many law enforcement trade-ins on the market. If you come across a M66 357 Magnum, grab it. I like the fixed sight M65 too. Ruger Security Six line or GP-100 revolvers are both good. My personal choice for under $500.00 would be a S&W M-19 357 Magnum. Colt King Cobras are nice if you can find them. The most important part is fitting your hand. Your pocketbook should be comfortable with a major cash outlay too. You will need a firearm, ammunition selection, holster and a firearms training class. A CCW will add to the costs also.
 
thanks for the help. I just looked at a bunch of uberti's and I really like the look of them. esp. the 1873 cattleman. so the quality of these guns are good? I've never really eard anything about them, and how much do they run?
 
First gun angst

I will once again recommend as a first handgun the Ruger KGP-141 (stainless 4" 357 DA adjustable-sight revolver).
IMNSHO&E it is the 'correct' place to start.

(Money where mouth is; I have two.)
 
Ubertis have been around for over 40 years. They are producing good quality clones of Colts, S&WS and other firearms. I would not be afraid to drop $500.00 on a pair in 45 Long Colt. $250-299.00 seems to be a good price for them. I just passed on a 45 LC Cattleman for $269.00 at Gander Mountain. My own suggestion is to go cheap and gain experience first. Gander also had Ruger GP-100s for $299.00. This price included a Safariland holster, not a bad deal.
 
As others have mentioned the ruger line is an excellent place to start looking. Their prices are very reasonable, quality and customer service are also superb.
 
thanks again for pointing me in the right direction. I have one more question: I'm left handed, and I now that makes really no difference when firing a revolver, but it does get a little awkward when reloding. do any of the above makes (ruger, uberti, etc.) offer any models that are left handed specific?
 
Not currently. There used to be a company in Texas that made a mirror image single action. I doubt you can find one easily. Left handed peole are in their right mind though. LOL
 
yeah, I figured I wouldn't find any companies that made guns for lefties. right now I looking into the Ruger Vaquero maybe in a .357 Mag. with a 5 1/2 in. barrel. I really like the "cowboy" look and I think that's what I'm leaning toward. everything I read about that gun has been good so far. but it does cost over $500, which is alot to spend. should I be happy with spending that much, or should I find something a little cheaper??
 
I repeat, start cheap. Go used. The Rugers go for around $350-399.00 used. I gave $800.00 for a pair of Ruger Vaqueros. They had ALL the bells and whistles that people want on Rugers. I imagine you could probably buy a used 357 Magnum, stainless Vaquero for right at $350.00. If you are willing to wait, Ruger is producing their "retro" XR3 grip frame (Colt size) Vaquero next year.
 
For some odd reason single actions load from the rightside, making them user friendly for lefties. Double actions load from the leftside making them a little inpractical for southpaws in terms of defensive terms.
 
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