And I've been saving for a handgun. I'm planing a renting a few to find something I like but I don't know where to start. I plan on carrying eventually but it will be some time down the road, I still live at home (can't afford to move out) and my folks won't allow guns in the house (guns are stored at a friends house). So I guess what I'm asking is what would be good calibers for someone with no handgun experience to look into? Also what are the pros and cons of revolvers and semi autos?
So I'm turning 21 in a month
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Hellbilly5000
New member
start with a .22 then go from there
save some cash and get a 9mm or 45 if you are confident.
http://chris.cc/rva.htm - this is for your revolver vs auto research.
My first gun was a 45 and I don't regret it, BUT you need to figure out whats for you, if you are gonna carry, a .22 isn't the best idea even if you are a beginner. I say start with a 9, I got a 45 only because I really loved how it shot and felt, your mileage may vary so test everything you can
http://chris.cc/rva.htm - this is for your revolver vs auto research.
My first gun was a 45 and I don't regret it, BUT you need to figure out whats for you, if you are gonna carry, a .22 isn't the best idea even if you are a beginner. I say start with a 9, I got a 45 only because I really loved how it shot and felt, your mileage may vary so test everything you can
One of my oldest and best friends, a marksman who learned as a kid and honed his skills in the army, insists that everyone should get and practice with a .22. He does himself -- he has a Ruger .22 with a red-dot holographic sight that he had me shooting when my husband and I were visiting him and his wife earlier this month. It was a joy to shoot, and I see his point about it being a good pistol for practice because you don't pick up bad habits like flinching.
I, however, got a .357 snubby and don't regret it a bit . Go figure.
I, however, got a .357 snubby and don't regret it a bit . Go figure.
Micahweeks
New member
A Jack-of-all-trades
The idea of getting a .22 is motivated by a sound principle. You need to get something that is comfortable and fun to shoot so that it will encourage you to become proficient. You do not necessarily have to get a .22 to accomplish that, but it is one option. If you decide to step up to one of the mainstream defensive cartridges, it really doesn't matter which one. What matters is that the platform you choose to fire it from is controllable and easy to shoot.
Many times this is most easily acheived with heavier, steel frame guns such as the CZ-75, Magnum Research Baby Eagle, and the full size EAA Witness with the steel frame. Some revolvers accomplish this adequately as well. Some polymers do quite well at taming recoil like the H&K USP and the FNP9. Just make sure that you find a gun that shoots nice and easy and that you seem to have a knack for. If you can find that gun, you'll be procient in no time and ready to take the concealed carry course.
The idea of getting a .22 is motivated by a sound principle. You need to get something that is comfortable and fun to shoot so that it will encourage you to become proficient. You do not necessarily have to get a .22 to accomplish that, but it is one option. If you decide to step up to one of the mainstream defensive cartridges, it really doesn't matter which one. What matters is that the platform you choose to fire it from is controllable and easy to shoot.
Many times this is most easily acheived with heavier, steel frame guns such as the CZ-75, Magnum Research Baby Eagle, and the full size EAA Witness with the steel frame. Some revolvers accomplish this adequately as well. Some polymers do quite well at taming recoil like the H&K USP and the FNP9. Just make sure that you find a gun that shoots nice and easy and that you seem to have a knack for. If you can find that gun, you'll be procient in no time and ready to take the concealed carry course.
Micahweeks
New member
Pros and Cons
I realized that my previous post did not address the question of pistols and revolvers. The primary advantages of revolvers is that they do not jam and hold more powerful cartridges. The magnum rounds in some revolvers hit with power that most autoloaders can not touch. Many would cite the 10mm or the .50 AE. However, they will never touch the .44 Mag or the .500. Also, revolver cartridges are very reloader friendly. The second advantage is that they do not jam. If you pull the trigger and don't hear a bang, you can often attribute it to a bad primer. Just pull it again and you'll hit the next round. No need to clear a jam.
The advantages of autoloaders are majorly increased capacity, easier concealment with longer barrels (a 4" barrel in an autoloader is much easier to conceal than a 4" revolver!), lighter weight (most of the time), and, often, better ergonomics. If you don't hear a bang when firing an autoloader, it's time to tap and rack. You have to clear the faulty round before you bring the next one into battery. There is also the possibility of a jam or stovepipe. Dealing with jams should be a part of your regular training and can be taught to be dealt with quite quickly and efficiently.
Both options are a push for me. I grew up on revolvers, but I presently carry an autoloader and was formally trained with an autoloader that I trust implicity. Do not let anyone tell you that revolvers won't break. They will. Do not let anyone tell you that a certain type of autoloader will never jam. It will. The strongest combat steel and the most reliable combat tupperware are NOT perfect and WILL fail given time and any number of conditions. It is YOUR responsibility to learn how to compensate for these imperfections in the field. Let no one fill your head with any other ideas. They will get you killed. Dead. Pushing up daisies. Your wife a widow, your kids orphans. Stone cold. NEVER forget to train for malfunctions no matter which option you choose, and, most importantly, remember that your first duty when defending yourself and only yourself is to NOT DIE. You damn well better make sure that doesn't happen. Now, train! (Sorry, I think I was temporarily possessed by the spirit of my deceased CQC instructor. **Shakes head**)
I realized that my previous post did not address the question of pistols and revolvers. The primary advantages of revolvers is that they do not jam and hold more powerful cartridges. The magnum rounds in some revolvers hit with power that most autoloaders can not touch. Many would cite the 10mm or the .50 AE. However, they will never touch the .44 Mag or the .500. Also, revolver cartridges are very reloader friendly. The second advantage is that they do not jam. If you pull the trigger and don't hear a bang, you can often attribute it to a bad primer. Just pull it again and you'll hit the next round. No need to clear a jam.
The advantages of autoloaders are majorly increased capacity, easier concealment with longer barrels (a 4" barrel in an autoloader is much easier to conceal than a 4" revolver!), lighter weight (most of the time), and, often, better ergonomics. If you don't hear a bang when firing an autoloader, it's time to tap and rack. You have to clear the faulty round before you bring the next one into battery. There is also the possibility of a jam or stovepipe. Dealing with jams should be a part of your regular training and can be taught to be dealt with quite quickly and efficiently.
Both options are a push for me. I grew up on revolvers, but I presently carry an autoloader and was formally trained with an autoloader that I trust implicity. Do not let anyone tell you that revolvers won't break. They will. Do not let anyone tell you that a certain type of autoloader will never jam. It will. The strongest combat steel and the most reliable combat tupperware are NOT perfect and WILL fail given time and any number of conditions. It is YOUR responsibility to learn how to compensate for these imperfections in the field. Let no one fill your head with any other ideas. They will get you killed. Dead. Pushing up daisies. Your wife a widow, your kids orphans. Stone cold. NEVER forget to train for malfunctions no matter which option you choose, and, most importantly, remember that your first duty when defending yourself and only yourself is to NOT DIE. You damn well better make sure that doesn't happen. Now, train! (Sorry, I think I was temporarily possessed by the spirit of my deceased CQC instructor. **Shakes head**)
First you need experience. If you don't have a friend that has grown up around guns you should probably take some classes. Also, do you plan on shooting at a range or just out in the woods or desert? People say start with a .22, but I think in handguns it gives a false sense of what shooting a handgun is like. Trust me shooting a Ruger mk II and almost any centerfire handgun has a lot different of a feel. The p22 is the exception. (i've never shot a mosquito maybe it is too) It operates and shoots in the exact same way as most DA/SA pistols, and it has a lot of recoil for a .22. Fairly inexpensive too ($365 new) but make sure you do get a new one. There have been a fair number of updates since it first came out. Check one out at your local range and tell me if im wrong
Blue Steel
New member
Browning Buckmark Camper (.22LR)
Glock 17 or Glock 19 (9mm)
Any Smith & Wesson K-frame or L-frame revolver (.357 Magnum)
Remington 870 (12 gauge)
These are all opinion choices, and will be right for some people & wrong for others, but IMHO these are some basic, entry-level guns that I have come back to time & again. I have been impressed with the afforability, durability, and reliability of these guns, and I think they will serve any new shooter well.
You don't need to hang a bunch of mall ninja, tacticool stuff on these guns. Spend your money on range time & ammo.
Enjoy, and let us know on what you decide.
Glock 17 or Glock 19 (9mm)
Any Smith & Wesson K-frame or L-frame revolver (.357 Magnum)
Remington 870 (12 gauge)
These are all opinion choices, and will be right for some people & wrong for others, but IMHO these are some basic, entry-level guns that I have come back to time & again. I have been impressed with the afforability, durability, and reliability of these guns, and I think they will serve any new shooter well.
You don't need to hang a bunch of mall ninja, tacticool stuff on these guns. Spend your money on range time & ammo.
Enjoy, and let us know on what you decide.
My first gun was a S&W Sigma SW9VE. I consider it a good entry level gun. It has a heavy trigger pull, which will help you be a better shooter in the long run. The price tag is also reasonable.
Don't be scared to purchase a good used gun for a good price either. There are many options out there and you'll probably have someone tell you everyone is the best option.
I would say go with a 9mm. Recoil is not bad, ammo is cheaper and in a SD situation with the right ammo it will take the BG down no problem.
Just make sure you learn all the basic handgun safety rules, and be safe with whatever you decide.
Good Luck, and happy hunting
Hey, just saw someone has a sigma for sale on the classified page.
http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=47487&d=1243312175
Don't be scared to purchase a good used gun for a good price either. There are many options out there and you'll probably have someone tell you everyone is the best option.
I would say go with a 9mm. Recoil is not bad, ammo is cheaper and in a SD situation with the right ammo it will take the BG down no problem.
Just make sure you learn all the basic handgun safety rules, and be safe with whatever you decide.
Good Luck, and happy hunting
Hey, just saw someone has a sigma for sale on the classified page.
http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=47487&d=1243312175
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If you buy a quality .22 to learn with (revolver or pistol, your choice) you will have a shooting partner for your lifetime. You can put 500 rounds through it for 15 or 20 bucks, take it hiking, teach others to shoot with it, and just have a ton of fun with it. After you have some "handgun" time under your belt you can make a much more informed decision about a carry or defense piece/ My $.02 YMMV
most people will say start with a .22, but lets be real here..... if you are a 21 yr old guy who has limited funds and wants a cool handgun i just dont see you buying a .22
rent some guns, see what you are comfortable with and get what you want, but see if there are any safety/training classes you could take.
rent some guns, see what you are comfortable with and get what you want, but see if there are any safety/training classes you could take.
Glenn,
Your .22 argument is sound. For a first gun it is not just the recoil but also the price of ammo. You need to PRACTICE. A .22 will help prevent a lot of bad habits by frequency of use and minimal recoil. And for safety sake and training a single action Ruger is a good idea. Get the single six with the extra cylinder for .22 mag when you are ready for it. In the meantime you will have a way cool fun cowboy gun to shoot with!
Your .22 argument is sound. For a first gun it is not just the recoil but also the price of ammo. You need to PRACTICE. A .22 will help prevent a lot of bad habits by frequency of use and minimal recoil. And for safety sake and training a single action Ruger is a good idea. Get the single six with the extra cylinder for .22 mag when you are ready for it. In the meantime you will have a way cool fun cowboy gun to shoot with!
I'd not only spend money on trying different handguns...
I will presume you have to rent these at a local range... I'd invest time and money in a handgun class.
I really wish this had been something I had done 30 years ago. I had to take a class to get my CWP a few years ago and I learned more about safe and practical gun handling in one day than all the previous years of shooting.
After the class and trying different handguns.... I'll have to concur on either 22lr or 9mm... If 22lr you really need to really do your research because the round lends itself to poor performance in some guns.
I will presume you have to rent these at a local range... I'd invest time and money in a handgun class.
I really wish this had been something I had done 30 years ago. I had to take a class to get my CWP a few years ago and I learned more about safe and practical gun handling in one day than all the previous years of shooting.
After the class and trying different handguns.... I'll have to concur on either 22lr or 9mm... If 22lr you really need to really do your research because the round lends itself to poor performance in some guns.
I would recommend you have a much more secure place to store you firearm then your "friends house." Besides that I think a .22LR would be a good choice for your first firearm. It would be an adult/mature decision over kids our age (I'm 22) I watch two idiots buy XDs @ Cabelas and they made me cringe at their juvenile behavior and attitude towards guns. So buy a .22 have a better place to store it, buy several bricks of ammo and learn proper handling and good technique, then get yourself something bigger and badder for CCW. If you go that route I would just match your 22 to your planned CC weapon, get a semi auto or revolver depending on which you want to carry. that way they feel similar when you practice with you CC weapon.
I am assuming that you have little of no experience in shooting handguns.
22 rimfire handguns are inexpensive to shoot.
Because they are much less expensive to shoot than center fire ammo, you can shoot more. Therefore, your body will learn the muscle memory faster.
This muscle memory can be applied with only slight variations to other handguns.
It takes thousands of repetitions (practice) of doing the right things for them to become second nature. While punching holes in paper with .22 long rifle bullets will let you know how you are doing, some of your practice can be done without ammo.
Concealed Carry implies a defensive purpose to me. One thing you can practice without burning ammo is "presentations". The cardinal rule of practicing with an empty gun, is to do it where a discharge will not harm anything you are unwilling to destroy. Remember bullets can go through walls.
A presentation is 1) gripping the gun, 2) then the draw, 3) then moving the gun and the support hand together, 4) then manipulating the safety (if any) and attaining the sight picture, and 5) then and only then placing the trigger finger on the trigger.
22 rimfire handguns are inexpensive to shoot.
Because they are much less expensive to shoot than center fire ammo, you can shoot more. Therefore, your body will learn the muscle memory faster.
This muscle memory can be applied with only slight variations to other handguns.
It takes thousands of repetitions (practice) of doing the right things for them to become second nature. While punching holes in paper with .22 long rifle bullets will let you know how you are doing, some of your practice can be done without ammo.
Concealed Carry implies a defensive purpose to me. One thing you can practice without burning ammo is "presentations". The cardinal rule of practicing with an empty gun, is to do it where a discharge will not harm anything you are unwilling to destroy. Remember bullets can go through walls.
A presentation is 1) gripping the gun, 2) then the draw, 3) then moving the gun and the support hand together, 4) then manipulating the safety (if any) and attaining the sight picture, and 5) then and only then placing the trigger finger on the trigger.