[Mr Bernoulli]

I am contemplating getting a pistol here in the near future. I was wondering what would be a good caliber to start with? I was thinking maybe .22 because ammo is really cheap and I could use it for hunting rabbit etc... and get used to pistol shooting. Is there any other ammo that is dirt cheap or even fairly cheap in another caliber? Also I like the S&W's and was wondering is there a method to the madness when it comes to their model #'s lol? I have figured out really only the model 500 is a .50 cal but the others do not seem to follow this trend so I was wondering if it was completely random or like I said earlier a method to the madness. Let me know what you guys think. Any kind of information would be great really because I am completely new to this, and I know this is a great place to get information. Thanks in advance.

[SASS#23149]

Nothing is as cheap as shooting a .22,and it's a great round to learn on.You can shoot for several hours for about 12 bucks or so.
The number thing..no logic that I have seen.
If you are brand new to hand gunning I'd suggest a 4" or longer revolver.Very sort learning curve,and no levers and doohckeys to contend with.

[GoodGrief]

From one newb to another, I would suggest that you try renting some guns first. I rented quite a few before buying. but when I went to buy, I knew exactly the type of gun I wanted and what was most comfortable in my hands.

[Mr Bernoulli]

Where could I rent etc? I live in a very rural area in northern NY bordering Canada... Our biggest thing is Wal-Mart lol... Also guys what is better to start with a revolver or regular pistol? I think I want to start with a revolver though unless for some reason they are more of a headache for a newb etc...

[The Lone Haranguer]

Aside from .22, the cheapest pistol cartridge to shoot is the 9mm Luger, with .38 Special (a revolver cartridge) a close second. This is still a six-fold increase in price, but these are minimum power levels in a defensive handgun.

Some centerfire pistols have .22 conversion units available, either aftermarket (e.g., Advantage Arms for Glocks) or factory (e.g., CZ Kadet).

[LKB3rd]

Where could I rent etc? I live in a very rural area in northern NY bordering Canada... Our biggest thing is Wal-Mart lol... Also guys what is better to start with a revolver or regular pistol? I think I want to start with a revolver though unless for some reason they are more of a headache for a newb etc...
Most ranges will rent pistols.

[searcher451]

Renting is an excellent idea; so is going to the range with a friend who shoots and tapping into his expertise. (You might be surprised at the number of your friends and neighbors who are range regulars and you never knew it until bringing it up in casual conversation.) Be sure to become a member of a local range. Sometimes the range marshals, who know all of the folks who frequent their establishments, will introduce you as the new kid on the block; this can lead to discussions about handguns that will often turn into invitations: "Give this one a turn and see what you think," or "Have you ever shot a Ruger Blackhawk? I've got one here that you can try." (I picked up a High Standard .22 target pistol after trying one out at the range on a similar invitation.)

There are lots of models and styles and calibers out there. It pays to find the one that's exactly right for you before making a purchase that you'll later regret.

[gcrookston]

for a first time handgunner, I would recommend a .22. Even after decades of shooting, I almost always carry a .22 with me to the range. I like the idea of a 2nd hand Ruger Mk. A couple of hundred bucks can usually mean no regrets and a lot of fun.

As for S&W model numbers. Model numbers were adopted after WW2 (1957?), and were double digits running pretty much in the order they were introduced (the model 36 came before the model 40, etc). When stainless steel was introduced they put a "6" in front of the old number to denote stainless steel, so the Model 29 is a .44mag revolver in Carbon steel, while the Model 629 is Stainless steel. Also, as modification were made to the original design, the changes were noted with a dash. So, a model 17-1 will be slightly different than a model 17-2, 17-3, etc...

[Mr Bernoulli]

ok that helps with the model #'s thanks for the feedback so far guys

[Mac45]

A .22LR revolver makes a great first gun.
A Ruger Single Six would be a good place to start looking.
But by all means, rent a few guns if you can, at least handle as many as possible in a gun shop.
Whatever you end up with should feel "right" in your hand.

Here's a page that may help with S&W model numbers
http://www.handloads.com/misc/Smith.Model.Changes.asp

[RobertFBurnett]

FWIW I started with a .357 that I could shoot low power .38s out of then ramp up to full power .357 rounds. In my opinion the most versatile handgun platfom.

+1 on the Ruger or a S&W

RFB

P.S. Rental always reccomended.

[bestseller92]

For a revolver, the Ruger Single Six .22 is an excellent starter gun. I learned to shoot a handgun well by running thousands of rounds through mine, and it's still mechanically perfect.

In an auto, I'd say get a Ruger Mk III.