[willyjixx]

took a friend of a friend out shooting yesterday! he has always like to shoot (hes 19) but his folks were not into it. so aside from knowing no laws or much about the muck a muck he is enthusiastic.

i took my .357 an ran .38s through it (he was kinda worried about the kick)
an my S&W 915 9mm

he actually did really well an obeyed all 4 rules. good shooting. i had all the equipment needed and targets. after all was done we were driving back an hes telling me hed like to get a pistol but how do i answer whats better?

Berretta or Glock? he wants either one. but i dont have a whole lote of exp with either one. my response was whatever he feels the most comfortabel with.

his reasons for the glock is he saw/heard how reliable they are an they look cool. the only dislike he has is it looks too much like a toy.

i think his reasoning are the same for the berreta. (92fs)

and should i sway him away from a laser sight? its his money an all

[B_Scott]

Well since he has 2 years to think about it, he has lots of time to try out (renting or other friends of yours) lots of guns.

There are any good things about laser sights for new shooters - trigger control and breathing correctly when shooting. Not actually using them to aim.

[Kalrog]

You did suggest a .22 for his first gun, right?

I know it isn't what he wants to hear, but it is the right answer at least 80% of the time.

[rappa]

Well since he has 2 years to think about it..

True, by the time he's legal to purchase one, I'm sure there will be many new offerings from all the major manufacturers. Since you stated his folks aren't to thrilled about him getting into shooting, looks like he won't be getting one before 21 as a gift from them.

IMHO, the money for a laser sight is better spent on LOTS of ammo for practicing or some type of professional firearms instruction.


his reasons for the glock is he saw/heard how reliable they are an they look cool. the only dislike he has is it looks too much like a toy.

Aesthetics are at the bottom of my list when purchasing a new firearm. If the gun looks like a chew toy that's been gnawed on by a Rottweiler but goes 'BANG' everytime I pull the trigger, there's a good chance it'll end up in my armory (if I can afford it that is) ;) .

[CZ52GUY]

I guess for a 19 year old, I'm mildly concerned about the "laser sight", what's-the-coolest-looking-yadiyadiyaya....

If your seeking to "mentor" a new shooter, I'd encourage him to continue joining you on outings and perhaps a visit to an indoor range where he would have the opportunity to try a rental weapon(s) is a good idea.

Safe shooting isn't paintball, it isn't airsoft, it isn't laser tag...yadiyadiyaya...

Shooting can be great fun, but safety first. Gun ownership...especially of handguns is a big step.

Don't get me wrong...I have two Glocks, and own 6 other autoloaders (including a Sig, CZ, Browning, Ruger, Makarov and a C&R CZ-52). Beretta makes a fine weapon and I hope to have one some day.

Yes, a laser can be an interesting shooter's aid...although I find it most valuable when an bystander can observe the shooters steadiness on target. There is a legitimate debate about the utility of laser's as an aiming device but less critical to a new shooter.

While a 22lr is an excellent starting pistol for novice shooter usage and training...I'm not sure ownership is a requirement.

As has been stated above, he's got some time to grow into the sport before taking on the responsibility of handgun ownership, and he's lucky to have someone to help him along that path.

Good luck and safe shooting!

CZ52'

[Standing Wolf]

You did suggest a .22 for his first gun, right?
I know it isn't what he wants to hear, but it is the right answer at least 80% of the time.

I concur, except I'd guess it's the right answer at least 99% of the time. There are occasions when novices need guns for self-protection right now, in which case, the .22 wouldn't be my idea of the right answer, nor very many other people's; the rest of the time, however, it's the best way I've ever heard of to build a solid foundation in shooting well.

[Kalrog]

The reason that I don't think it is as high as 99% is that I know a lot of people are able to borrow or rent a .22 for getting started. So they should still learn on the .22, but that doesn't mean that the first gun purchased needs to be that .22.

[Drifting Fate]

Without trying to start another debate, let me state my opinions: laser sights are absolutely worthless, and by all means use the money on practice ammo.

As for the Glock and Beretta: both are excellant. Glock is very simple to learn and master, has a consistant trigger, low bore axis, tolerant to user abuse, and parts such as holsters and magazines are numerous and common place. I've owned two.

Having said that, I no longer own them and am carrying my Beretta more and more. I just like the way it feels, handles, and shoots better than a Glock.

In other words - it's all about personal choice.

I've never been big on "first/beginner" anything, be they guns, motorcycles, etc... Put the money towards something you can get long term and complete use out of and then learn all you can about it. A .22 is a great choice for any one, beginner or expert - can't beat them for fun and cheap practice. But, if defense is desired, and there is only enough money for one gun to start with, I would not hesitate to guide him towards a more practicle choice.