Easy shooting introduction guns

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For small hands I will add the Ruger Bearcat. I agree on all other accounts except for the PPS. They aren’t really anything more than pretty from what I have seen and heard. A Ruger 22-45 or mk gun would be a more reliable choice. A browning buck mark is another good choice for a semiauto.
 
For teaching complete beginners simplicity is key. A ruger single six or a sw DA/SA revolver of some sort are both great. Both look cool and scratch the revolver itch.

Semis get more complicated I think.

Not because of operation but because there aren’t too many good trainers that really replicate bigger guns at a non retarded price point. The sr22 is a good gun but the DA/SA setup on a semi is less than ideal for a noob. Ruger MK pistols are good too but don’t actually train you for anything bigger.

It may be hard to do but a Glock frame with a conversion slide that lives on it all the time is a slick rig to have. One simple trigger pull, and when your student is ready to graduate the transition is easy to 9,40,45 or whatever you choose.
 
I was going to say the Ruger SR22 because the controls and overall appearance are more like a traditional pistol than the Ruger Mark series. My daughter likes mine and is plenty accurate with it. It also has a reloading-friendly magazine with a tab for the thumb to depress the spring. Yes - I don't love the safety/decocker (up is off), so we tend to use it as a decocker only.

Yes, I also have a Single Six, and it was their first exposure to handguns, but it is slow to load/reload and the kids find the autoloader more fun.
 
I have the Browning Buckmark and introduced several shooters with it. I came across a couple reasons to buy another pistol however..."Its for the children" My young grandson as well as a small petite lady friend of the family found the grips a real handful. They had trouble holding on to the full sized frame, so there was an excuse to get a "beginners" gun. I was looking at the Ruger SR22 and the Walther P22 as both are small grips and frames. I got a deal on the Walther and the smaller grandkids enjoy it while others like the Buckmark.
 
The two I have used for intro instruction have been the M&P Compact 22 and the Ruger LCR 22. I introduce both to the beginner student and invariably the student falls in love with either one or the other, but rarely both.

BOARHUNTER
 
I am using my 1911 with a .22 LR conversion set to introduce new shooters. Works great and if they want to step it up after a while, they already understand the basics of the firearm and after a quick conversion, can shoot some .45 ACP to try out the larger caliber.
 
If I had to pick a gun solely for training purposes, a Ruger MarkIV, Browning Buckmark or Beretta Neos with a 4-7" barrel would be my pick. Great sights, easy ergos (including slim grips for smaller people) and pretty much no recoil make them all good teaching handguns.
 
If your looking for something with historical significance a ruger single six would be a cool gun since they are basically an 80% scale single action army colt.

For a functional shooter though to train for using a modern full size gun I would recommend a ruger SP101 22lr and a browning buckmark.
 
22plinkster on YouTube just did a review of the new ppk which they made adjustments to solve the feeding issue. Fyi
 
Ruger, single actions or semi autos make excellent trainers IMHO. If a .38 or .357 revolver is in the future then a S&W M17 makes a good entry for a few more $$
 
22plinkster on YouTube just did a review of the new ppk which they made adjustments to solve the feeding issue. Fyi
Went looking for the video and can't find it. Know about how long ago that was?

I need to put this project off a little bit for the finances to shape up so I have some time to do my research. Would probably get a buckmark if I go that route but for a look alike type of pistol I'm liking the look of an Astra Constable or Beretta M70 series.

For a wheel I'm really liking the idea of a Ruger single six with the extra cylinder for 22 mag.

Now just a waiting game for either a smoking deal or a bunch of unexpected cash. Thanks for all the help guys.
 


Well it's not the one you were looking into. I have been on a search for a new handgun and have been looking at Walther reviews a lot so I got them confused.
 
Easiest shooting intro handgun? Single action 22 cal revolver.

Move up to a Ruger Mk pistol or a 22/45.
 
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I find it difficult to believe that no one has recommended the Ruger SR-22.

I own almost all of the pistols recommended in these posts,,,
But the SR-22 is my go-to handgun for newbies,,,
Right after my S&W Model 34 revolver.

The Model 34 is ideal for showing the relative simplicity of a revolver,,,
You can demonstrate single-action and double action shooting.

I could easily use my new Rossi Plinker revolver instead of the S&W,,,
It has the exact same features as the Model 34

But for an introductory semi-auto pistol,,,
The SR-22 has features that make it ideal trainer for semi-auto pistols,,,
It's SA/DA action with an exposed hammer and de-cocker, and manual safety

To me those features give you the most versatility.

SA only pistols like the Buckmarks, Mk-series Rugers and such are excellent shooters,,,
But they won't allow you to teach/practice lowering a hammer,,,
To me, they are limited as a comprehensive training pistol.

My SR-22 fits all the needs I have in a trainer,,,
So far, every newbie I have ever used it with has liked it very well.

Aarond

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I have to second the Ruger Bearcat for smallerish hands, the single sixes are fine but still a full-size grip. As for historical they are similar to the old Remington pocket pistols, as far as grip/receiver.
 
I am a firm believer that the right way to go with a new shooter is a revolver. The revolver affords a good opportunity to explain and demonstrate the basic function of a gun to the student --- load snap caps , cycle the action in double action , then in single action. Manually eject the "spent" casings. Basic revolver function is understandable to most anyone if properly demonstrated and explained. Slow motion , hands on. It just makes sense. A semi-auto pistol is , to the novice , a mysterious blur of action ; pull trigger - BANG - casing flies away , repeat.

Start 'em right - teach the fundamentals of shooting AND firearm function. And , nothing wrong with starting with .22 . A good student who has a positive initiating experience can move up in caliber the same session , if it goes well.
 
No brainer, Ruger Single Six (ten, whatever) with Magnum cylinder preferred. Ruger Mk II or III or the new IV. The new IV is to die for if I might say. The Ruger SR22 is a fun little beast too. 3C
 
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