[dxkj21]

Recently I've decided I would like a hangun for home defense, but my main reason for getting one would be target shooting/practicing. Can anyone give me a price difference on 100 rounds of 9mm vs 100 rounds of .40 .45, etc? Just target ammo.

I want the gun to be enjoyable for target practice, and not cost a ton if I want to put a few thousand rounds through it. I'm assuming if I get a 9mm 10-20 round capable handgun, and have high grain hollowpoints, effectiveness for stoping home intruders wont be an issue... but I really dont know...

This handgun will be the only one I get for the next 2-3 years Ideally (I have other things that need paid off, but decided to make this first gun a priority)

I appreciate any input.... I plan on going to the range and shooting a Glock 17, P22X, and anything else that catches my attention (or that I have time to).

[MM]

Ruger .22 4" barrel.
SatCong

[dxkj21]

That would be a good home defense pistol as well?

[MM]

I would not make it my first choice for defense, but your primary use is for target/practice, so it would be a best initial choice for those intended usages. My minimum primary weapon for defense is a .38, for home defense a 20 or 12 gauge shotgun will beat any handgun.
SatCong

[dxkj21]

Yeah but the shotguns are harder to have right next to the bed.

[GlenJ]

Ruger Service or Security Six 357 magnum. These can bought for less then $300 in great condition and you can use 38spl ammo.

[chris in va]

Yup, you'll either want a 357/38 revolver or 9mm right now since you'll be shooting a LOT. 40 and 45 isn't cheap.

[MikeJ]

Depending on the amount of practice time you are able and willing to put in, I suggest either a 9mm pistol or .357/.38 revolver. As far as 9mm's go, there are many many choices out there that are high quality firearms. If you decide to go that way find one that really feels good in your hand and that "calls" to you. 9mm ammo is relatively inexpensive compared to other pistol calibers and the recoil is easily manageable. In revolvers, I would get one chambered for .357 and then you will be able to shoot .38's as well. IMHO, there are two brands that I stick to and they are S&W and Ruger. A Ruger GP100 in either the 3" or 4" barrel would fit the bill. S&W has numerous options but I would suggest looking at a used but like new 4" model 66 or 686. You are looking at a price range of $300 to $400 for these revolvers.

[procomps]

Look at a Taurus 24/7 in 9mm. NRA Handgun of the Year 2005. Shoots great, very comfortable, 4" barrel makes decent target gun, 9mm ammo about $6/50, 100% reliability (mine, anyway), one box of HPs turns it into a good home defense weapon, 17+1, can be found for less than $400.

[Waitone]

Good idea to look at ammo costs first in selecting a firearm.

Cheapest-- .22LR--$10/550 rounds
Next Cheapest--9mm and .38spl $6ish/50 rounds
Third Cheapest--.380, .357Mag, .45ACP $14ish/50 rounds
Expensive--All else

Your combo application would push me toward 9mm and .38spl. Decent pricing on ammo, reasonable pricing on platform, available in ball, HP, and SD rounds, and lots of leather options possible

[imas]

Winchester White Box ammo at Walmart (which is a good cheap practice round) is what I'm refering to here:
9MM - $11/100rnds
45ACP - $20/100rnds

When it comes to defensive ammo there is usually only a difference of $2-3 per 50.

Cost of ammo is the reason I bought my G17. I had a 45 and loved to shoot it but that $40 every range trip was killing me.

I actually liked the Glock so much I quit carrying the 45. So yes it is a good gun for home defense. Use standard pressure 147gr Gold Dots or 124gr +P Gold Dots. They will work great for home defense.

Actually if you do a search on here and glocktalk.com you can find links to places that sell Gold Dots in 50rnd boxes for the same price you would pay for 20rnd boxes everywhere else.

I recommend the G17 or the G19. The G19 will be a little better for concealed carry if that is a possibility and will still be a great range toy. But I never have trouble concealing my G17.

If I to pick one gun it would be hard but I would stick with the G17. Or maybe a G19 if I had one.

If you can't find a good price locally www.topglock.com usually has good prices on Glocks. Or if you want a police trade in you can normally get them real cheap from CDNN. Or you can watch the classifieds here at thehighroad and www.glocktalk.com for someone selling their glock for $400.

[imas]

Or you can always consider getting a Makarov.

You can get a Bulgarian Makarov between $150 - 175 Don't let the price fool you these are great guns. The only reason they are so cheap is because of the differences in our economies.

It fires 9X18MAK which is just a little hotter than 380. Ammo is about $100 per 1000rnds. www.aimsurplus.com and www.midwayusa.com are good places to order ammo.

It is an awesome gun for home defense. And they are just as reliable as Glocks. I have two.

You should be able to locate one of these at a local gunshop or at a gunshow. I think www.southernohiogun.com has some.

You can have the gun and 3000rnds for the price of a new Glock. Can't beat that.

If you do decide to buy one just beware that places like walmart normally don't carry this ammo. But you should be able to find it at most gun stores.

[nhhillbilly]

I understand your requirements. Might I make a suggestion that training is more important than caliber choice at this time. I would urge you to take an NRA basic handgun class. They will teach you about the different styles of handguns, The safety rules and you normally will be able to shoot numerous different types of handguns to get an idea of what will work for you.

Good thinking about purchasing ammo. The single most important accessory to the handgun other then training is ammo. When my son was given his first handgun he was also given 1000 rounds of ammo to train with the pistol. He had already had the NRA basic pistol and had trained with dad.

[Vern Humphrey]

my main reason for getting one would be target shooting/practicing

Go with the .22. First of all, it's much easier to learn to shoot with a .22 than with a gun designed for defense use.

Second, do the math on ammo costs:

Cheapest-- .22LR--$10/550 rounds
Next Cheapest--9mm and .38spl $6ish/50 rounds
Third Cheapest--.380, .357Mag, .45ACP $14ish/50 rounds


This works out to:

.22 LR -- $10 for 550 rounds
9mm and .38 Special -- $66 for 550 rounds

.380, .357 and 45 ACP -- $154 for 550 rounds

Third, consider how you will use the gun if you have to use it defensively. It will almost certainly be a home invasion (rare) and if you have a plan and have rehearsed it, the odds are in your favor, even with a .22 -- especially if you can shoot it well.

If you planned to carry this gun concealed, I'd give other advice. But under the terms you set, the .22 LR is the hands-down best choice.

If you plan to get a concealed handgun license later, buy another gun -- by the time you've fired up 2,000 rounds of .22 LR, you'll have saved enough to buy that second gun, and become a good shot, to boot.

[gobabygo]

Yep to what imas said. Walmart Win White Box is the cheapest widely available ammo. Of course, it's walmart :scrutiny:

I'm an autoloader kinda guy so I can't recommend any revlovers, but look at the Glocks (17 & 19), XD9, and CZ75. There's a couple different grip angles there, plus plastic vs. steel. I shot the Taurus 24/7 a couple weeks ago and it was neat, but I think it's a new gun so there isn't as much long term data available yet.

[dxkj21]

Thanks for the advice guys.... Im thinking of getting a 22 and a 9mm now... I took my wife to the range and she can shoot the 9mm (g34, USP, etc) But a 22 would be better for her. Plus that way I would have an option to use less expensive ammo (the ammo cost difference is just crazy)

[imas]

I love my 22. If you look around you can normally find a real cheap Ruger MkII. Of course there are tons of old 22 revolvers floating around out there you can get for $100 or less.

[Sandmann]

Bottom line, invest in shooting courses, from a qualified NRA trained and affiliated organization and instructor. This will provide you with the appropriate level of familiararity and safety awareness with the weapon you are looking for. When you graduate your shooting course, you will have confidence, first in yourself, and then in your weapon. Shooting courses will also provide you with the kinesthetic skillsets, such as proper stance, breathing, trigger control, sight picture, etc. which could help you to transition from a small caliber pistol if you would choose to do so. Your trained biomechanical motor-skills will allow transition from the .22LR, used for target practice and plinking, to a major caliber, such as 45 ACP, for Home Defense and CCW to be a fairly simple ordeal.

For the target practice and plinking, go with either a Ruger MK II or III, or a Ruger 22/45. Both pistols are well made, very rugged and reliable, and affordable. The grip-angle and grip-feel of the Ruger 22/45 is similiar to the 1911.

.22 ammo has very little recoil, which should help you develop tighter shot groupings. Its also very affordable when compared to the major caliber semi-auto loads such as 9x19 mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, etc.

Bottom line, invest in shooting lessons, find something you can afford and shoot well, buy as much quality ammo as you can, and have fun. The more you shoot, the better you get.

[Caseless]

The best bang for the money is to get a 9mm pistol with a 22LR adapter kit. 9mm for self defense/competition, 22LR for range practice.
CZ-75, Beretta 92, Taurus PT-92, all come in 9mm versions and offer FACTORY 22LR kits.

[dxkj21]

Thank you caseless, that was something I did not know..... interesting.

[Pietro Beretta]

Wall-Mart 100 round value packs, are priced as followed (here In CA at least)

9mm 11.34
.40 15.97
38sp 16.76
45 is 19.88


The .22LR rounds are $8.96 for 550 federal


If you want a defence round, then 9mm should be the minimum. However for your first handgun most will say go with a .22lr.

If you want the best of Both worlds. Purchase a firearm in 9mm that has a drop in conversion to .22lr.

One that comes to mind that is low cost, high quality is the CZ75B. They have what they call a Kadet Kit, that will "drop in" It comes with slide/barrel and 2 magazines. About $400 for the CZ75B and $75 -100 for the Kadet kit.

[Vern Humphrey]

The best bang for the money is to get a 9mm pistol with a 22LR adapter kit. 9mm for self defense/competition, 22LR for range practice.


You can also get .22 conversion kits for .45s -- Kimber offers a great one.

[1911 guy]

If I were in your shoes, I'd get a decent defensive round since that's one of your stated purposes. Think .380 as a minimum. As much as I PERSONALLY (emphasis to say just my likes and dislikes, no hard data) don't like the 9mm it may be a good choice for you as it's reasonably powered and your wife can use it, too. Second consideration is the conversion kits. They are available for many pistols from Cenier, Marvel, and I'm sure several other companies if you ask somebody who knows more than I do. Third point would be your choice of platform. Are you looking at only autoloaders or are you open to revolvers? Have you shot both? I'm a semiauto fella, but not everybody likes them.

In short, it sounds like your budget is about like mine. Money can't be wasted or something goes unpaid. Re-read all the advice others have already given and keep asking questions and kicking around ideas until you feel comfortable with a decision.

[dxkj21]

I think I am set on a large mag semi auto for my first handgun. I just like being able to have more shots before needing to reload, even just for target practice.

I think my downfall in the future will be revolvers though :) I've loved them since I was a kid. If I ever got the chance to hold the S&W 500 in my hands for a few minutes, I think I might have to go without eating/drinking for a few months :(

[Gary G23]

IMO 9mm is the way to go especially since the over ten round mag ban has went away. Practice ammo is cheap enough for you to get proficient with your pistol and there are now decent performance rounds for carry and home defense. I like XD's, CZ's, and Sigs.

[wanderinwalker]

dxkj21,

Get the 9mm for a first, or a .22 and a used short-barreled 20ga or 12ga 870 to keep under the bed! ;) (A Ruger Mark II and a used 870 shouldn't cost you more than a new Glock.)

As for future in revolvers, check out .357s and .44s. You'll find these used in two conditions: A) Barely fired, maybe a box or two of ammo and then put in a drawer somewhere. Or B) Used up, worn out, shot and shot and shot and loved to death. Find one in condition A and you would be a happy camper!

Good luck and good shooting!

[dxkj21]

It is tempting to get a 22 for target, but the 9mm was just too much fun to shoot :)

[AhmuqGB]

If you are learning to shoot, start with a .22. Cheap ammo and it lets you focus on your stance grip and aiming before throwing in too much recoil management. Just my opinion

[Texfire]

Since youre stated purposes are practice/target shooting, then home defense, and inexpensive to purchase/shoot, I'd like to point out that your criteria are hard to meet in one platform.

A pistol in .22 is cheap to shoot, easier for new shooters and smaller women to learn with, and inexpensive to purchase. I have a Browning Buckmark that would be appropriate, and the Ruger Mk IIs are highly regarded. However, .22 is a problematic round for self-defense.

Your second criteria is home defense, which opens up your choices. Since concealed carry isn't a consideration, a shotgun or rifle is going to be your best choice here. Frankly a shotgun or rifle will always have more stopping power than a handgun round, with few exceptions, and those exceptions won't meet your criteria of inexpensive. It will be easy to pick up a new or used shotgun inexpensively. Consider either a 12 or 20 gauge. You can practice with low recoil rounds at the range and load with beefier defensive rounds at home. Also the increased sight radius will make it easier to hit what you are shooting at.

With either choice the most important criteria is going to be training and practice. A course on the basics of shooting and gun safety now will pay off dividends in the long run.

[dxkj21]

Im already familiar and deadly accurate with rifles and shotgun... but I have no where to shoot rifles/shotguns for sport or target in my area.... thats why I was leaning towards the handgun. I could easily snag a double barrel 20 gauge when I am in Pa from my dad (it was mine since I was 12 but I never took it with me since I wasnt anywhere I could use it/need it)

What are some decent low priced 22 pistols ? I've seen some in the 200-300 range, but if Im getting a 22 pistol Id rather get a lower end one since I dont plan on staying with it for a long time (but as was pointed out, It is probably a fun gun i would keep for a while)

[Vern Humphrey]

What are some decent low priced 22 pistols ? I've seen some in the 200-300 range, but if Im getting a 22 pistol Id rather get a lower end one since I dont plan on staying with it for a long time

The two front runners are the Ruger and Buckmark. I tend toward the Ruger.

From www.gunsamerica.com

MK3 4.75" Blue 22lr Stand NIB
GA# 976589437
$225.00
This firearm is new in the factory box and unfired. RUGER MKIII4 22LR SEMI-AUTO PISTOL BLUE FRAME 4" BBL FIXED SIGHT TWO 10 RND MAGAZINES.
Seller: WILSON & ASSOCIATES
FFL Dealer: Yes Area Code: 405 GA Sales: 2

The standard run-of-the mill 4 3/4s inch barrel is fine, but the 5 1/2 bull barrel is the better choice for steady holding. It also comes with adjustable sights.

Also from WWW. Gunsamerica.com

MK3 5.5" Bull Blue Synthetic
GA# 976581899
$213.00
This firearm is new in the factory box. RUGER P512MKIII 22LR SEMI-AUTO PISTOL BLUE/SYNTHETIC FRAME 5-1/2" BULL BBL MICRO-ADJUSTABLE REAR SIGHT 10 RND MAGAZINE. RUP10107
Seller: WILSON & ASSOCIATES
FFL Dealer: Yes Area Code: 405 GA Sales: 2

I think taking the position you won't be using your .22 pistol long is a mistake. You'll use and enjoy a good .22 pistol for many, many years, and shoot it hundreds of times more than a larger caliber. Get a good one, one that you can keep for life.

Fortunately, as you see, good ones aren't all the expensive.

[dxkj21]

Yeah, pretty much any opinion i express is pure fluff, because I have nothing to really base it on ;) thanks for the links.

[Vern Humphrey]

Yeah, pretty much any opinion i express is pure fluff, because I have nothing to really base it on thanks for the links.

I didn't mean to offend.

But I have a safe full of handguns, and my own range (I live on a 185 acre farm in the Ozarks and can shoot and hunt just by stepping out the door.) I shoot more .22 LR than all other calibers combined.

[dxkj21]

No no no, not offended at all friend! :) I was beings serious... you are most definitely right about the 22 being something i keep and use a lot, I was just not thinking it through.

I really appreciate all of your feedback. Do you have any experience or know how the BERETTA U22 NEOS 22LR 7.5 DLX would compare to the rugers?


Thanks again for your input :)

[Vern Humphrey]

Do you have any experience or know how the BERETTA U22 NEOS 22LR 7.5 DLX would compare to the rugers?


The U22 has a good reputation, but is a fairly new gun -- so it hasn't had time to gain the following of the Ruger or Browning. I don't happen to have one in my safe, but the one or two I've shot seemed to be fine guns.

[Pietro Beretta]

I love my little .22lr Beretta Jaguar, I shoot 1 magazine through it everytime go out to the range. 1 Magazine holds 7 rounds, so in reality it doesnt get fired much.

Shooting something with no-recoil and be'ing able to keep shots in the bulls-eye gets boreing, FAST. I think its more fun/challenging trying to do the same with a 9mm or .40.

Maybe im going against the grain here......

[Texfire]

Another .22 option is the Walther P22. I have no experience with it other than it's a downsized look-alike of the P99. They also have a bullpup .22 rifle called the G22, but dissapointingly the magazines have different floorplates and will not exchange.

[dxkj21]

I looked at the P22 but Im more interested in a target shooting 22 and the ruger MK's look to be pretty good for that.. The Beretta Neos is kinda cool looking though :)

[CannonFodder]

I myself have a Walther P22. It was my first gun, and I've been utterly happy with it. It plinks well, looks great, and most importantly, it perfectly fits my hand - the grips are phenomenal. I got mine for $259+tax - so it was pretty easy on the wallet. Plus, the cost of ammo

Now, would I trust my life on it? Well... considering that it's the only handgun I have at the moment, I would have to, if worse came to worse. If the BG is intelligent and reasonable (then he probably wouldn't be invading my home, but I digress) then he'd probably stop when I had ANY gun pointed at him. But since Ideal Circumstances rarely occur, then .22 is probably not the optimal calibre.

But, damn if it ain't fun to shoot.

[Turtle Club]

I say .50 Caliber Magnum Revolver. HA HA Just kidding. I had a 9mm for my first handgun. GLOCK G17 to be exact. I still love it. Its my favorite.

[Paco]

Go for a good revolver! You can start with dirt, dirt cheap .38 specials then move up to .357 or just buy a dedicated .38.

A dedicated 38. revolver is a joy to shoot, inherently very accurate, doesn't give a hoot if you shoot reloads, lead, jacketed, slightly dirty, blackpowder, smokeless powder etc, etc.

I takes out all the sundry things like magazines, safefies that sweep up or down, slide releases etc. and let's you focus on the fundamentals of pistolcraft: the trigger pull, a steady hand, and follow through. Double action triggers, such as a DA revolver has, will help you with any other type of trigger mechanism. I readily shoot my revolver to help me shoot my single action 1911 better- it made a dramatic difference.

-Good luck!

[dxkj21]

I think I will be getting a 9mm in a bit, but right now my hard decision is a Ruger or a Buckmark.... they are similarly priced so its a toss up until I finally get the chance to hold.fire a buckmark.

[DonGlock26]

Get a G-19. You really won't need another pistol for quite a while.