Sons "Project" Gun

[Bruz]

My son is looking at buying his first gun...he of course wants the biggest and best, but being in school can not afford that. I was thinking it would be good if he could get a "starter" gun that he can shoot now, and add to it as he gets money. Kinda show him the value of things, give him pride in a gun he "built" himself, plus be a good thing we can do together. I am not a machinist or gun smith, and have never built a gun, but am fairly handy and catch on quick when getting advise from experts like on this forum...

Question is, what auto should I get him? Obviously it needs to be safe and legal for California, but other than that I am lost. Are there kits available? Is there a type of gun that is easier to work with? (I could do everything necessary to keep my old 58 Ford going, even rebuilt the engine, but cannot even change the oil in my new car!). Any info, links, or leads appreciated!

 

[T.Stahl]

Uh, should it be a .22lr or a larger caliber gun?

How about a Ruger in .22lr? You could buy a very basic MK512 and get a different grip and better sights later.

Or how about a 9mm Glock? 9mm is still cheaper than .40/.357/.45. Glocks are very simple and there's almost no part you can't change yourself and there are a lot of after-market parts. You can improve the trigger and the sights, get different slides (they have some "downward compatibility") or a .22lr conversion.

Or a CZ75, which is very popular, too. There's a .22lr upper, called "Cadet".

How about a rifle? I think a rifle offers more options for improvement.

 

[yayarx7]

Adding to T.Stahl; The best beginner gun is a 22lr, and the Ruger 10/22 is the best 22lr in terms of upgradability. And its cheap as dirt in the wood stocked, blued model.

As far as a handgun is concerned, the most upgradable is the 1911 pattern pistol. And right now good knock-offs can be had for under $400 easy.


..my $.02

 

[10-Ring]

Depending on budget, I'd recommend a loaded Springfield 1911 & a 22lr conversion kit. With that combo, you'd have ALOT of shooting fun & versatility for a very long time!

 

[Handy]

The most "upgradeable" gun is probably a 1911. However, given Cali laws, I couldn't say how much you can legally replace on the weapon without violating law. There are some less expensive brands being offered, so it's a possibility-talk to a gun shop. $400 on up.

One of the downsides to the typical 1911 is going to be the cost of .45 ammo. 9mm gives the same shooting satisfaction at nearly half the price, but most inexpensive 1911s only come in .45.

I like the idea of the CZ-75 pistol in 9mm. A very good, solid steel pistol. There are some aftermarket parts available, but the gun doesn't need much. CZ sells a .22 adapter, if those are legal in Cali (since drop testing criteria come down to material and caliber, I would think changing both might constitute creating a new, untested gun. You'll have to find out). $320 on up.

Another good one would be an FEG PJK-9HP. This 9mm gun is on the approved list, is a fairly close copy of a Browning Hi-Power and most parts will interchange. These guns are cheap, tough and have a ton of parts available to tinker with. $200 to $300. A Ciener brand .22 adapter is also in the works.
http://www.22lrconversion.com/hipwr-pg.htm

Another cheap, but quality 9mm is the Taurus 92. Similar to the Beretta, they share many parts and accessories, are decent shooters and have a number of upgrades available. .22 adapters available. Used: $200 to $350. About $400 new.

Keep in mind that a basic Ruger .22 Auto costs about the same as any of the .22 adapters and also has a wealth of upgrade parts for the target shooter.

Either before or after whatever purchase, order a gunsmith part catalog from Brownells. That may serve as your best guide. Always keep in mind that there may be those legal limits on monkeying with an approved firearm. Otherwise, I would have suggested building a 1911 from a frame and parts, but that's illegal where you live.

 

[Sprout]

If he wants the "biggest and the best" I don't think that he's going to be happy with a .22. Add to that that I think that .22 conversions are just somehow cooler, I'd think about a .22 conversion for a centerfire gun.

That being said, which gun to pick is probably going to depend on what feels right for him. I love my CZ 75 and the .22 kit, but I don't know how customizable it is; then again it's pretty amazing right out of the box, and cheap. 1911s are really easy to customize. So are Browning High Powers. Both are really good guns and have conversion kits available. I don't think CA law is too bad about modifying guns, just bringing them in

I bought my Dad a Springfield Mil Spec 1911 for his birthday and he loves it. In fact, we just go him a pair of CTC Lasergrips for Christmas. If he shot more, a conversion kit would definately be one the list.

Go to the range, see what he likes, and what he can afford. I was going to get a Sig, but the CZ called to me, and at half of the price, how could I refuse

Good Luck

* Edited numerous times because I can't type or spell *

 

[sonoranjack]

.38 cal revolver w/ 4" barrel is the best learning tool for a new shooter. After the new shooter can put into practice the safety rules. Then he can get a pistol.

 

[Bruz]

Thanks all for the great info...I thought I covered everything but left a couple things out...we have been shooting for awhile at the range, etc. and he has been using my 9mm, .45, etc., the conversion kit for the .22 is a good idea. Heard good things about the CZ...can you believe that I do not have a 1911! Seems like everyone has at least one...should be pretty available to get a old one in good condition inexpensively. Think I will start the search there. Other than Gunbroker, AA, and GunsAmerica, any other place I might look to find one?

 

[Handy]

Sturmgewer is a good post-it for sale board (hope I spelled it right).

I wouldn't sweat the 1911 thing. They are a standard, and a great base for screwing around, but I don't particularly like shooting mine. And while often debateable, other guns, like the CZ or BHP (clone) are more likely to be trouble free. But a 1911 is certainly no ray-gun.

Also, I should have said that the most parts, grips, etc available for an auto (besides the 1911) are for the Hi-Power and compatible clones. If your son wants to try trigger jobs, new sights and safety levers, there will be more choice and instruction for that gun than the CZ or others.