Necessary guns for a beginner.

Silly me, I always thought a BEGINNER's first gun should be a good .22 rifle, with which to learn marksmanship, and having inexpensive fun while practicing that skill.

I guess times have changed.

One can be a beginner and still purchase good stuff.

General for all situations:

1 Handgun in 22 Long Rifle, 6 mags or speed loaders
1 Ruger 10/22 in 22 Long Rifle, 6 mags
1 Combat grade AR-15, AK-47, FAL or M1A with 20 mags and an optic
1 Service handgun with 6 mags or speed loaders
1 Shotgun
1 Bolt action rifle with quality scope chambered in a 30+ caliber cartridge. I tend to recommend 30-06 or 308 Winchester since the cartridges are so common.

These six guns cover just about anything anyone would ever need to do with a firearm. They're short for extreme situations, such as hunting the "Big 5" in Africa, but they'll do for just about everything else.

Since it's a beginner you're talking about, I would say start with a .22LR rifle. Next I would go with a .22LR handgun; lots of choices as far as revolvers and semi-autos go. After that I would ask about what kind of guns they might be interested in to fill a particular need or situation (i.e. hunting, target shooting, home defense, competition, CCW, collecting, etc.).

Yes you could say, well everyone starting out should have at least a minimum of three guns (handgun, rifle, and shotgun), but to me that's kind of a generic one-size-fits-all answer to the question. It also may not necessarily address the beginners specific circumstances.

For myself it comes down to perception versus reality, and there are an infinite number of variables to that beyond just taking into consideration someone's living environment.

I found the 22 to be a bit boring for keeping a beginner's interest, so I began with a 7.62x39. Every beginning though needs to do at least some work with a bolt action rifle just to get mechanics and basics down. Many adults who take up arms aren't interested in making it a hobby but simply are looking for defense. Besides, there's no need to start an adult on a 22, or of you do, at least make the 22 on a more interesting platform that they might use later like an AR. For someone who only is after protection, the whole 22 introductory proficiency phase can be skipped for getting into what they would actually need to know. If you're bringing someone into the hobby, then a 22 is a great way to start them off without a large cost of overhead or continuation. I know that I'm a bit strange, having originally started shooting at 90 pounds and age 12 with a full size semiautomatic man's 12 ga shotgun. I've never done much with handguns, being a rifle person.

A 22 rifle or pistol is a good choice for starters.
A 357/38 revolver is also good for some adult beginners. The 38 is practical for target shooting and the 357 is good for defensive purposes.

A .22 rifle should be the first gun, regardless of age or video game prowess.

A shotgun should follow. I prefer 12, but 20 gauge would suffice. Single shot or pump or Side by side or Over/Under or Semi, really makes little difference if you're goal is learning fundamentals.

With these two arms, you can effectively take any game in North America.

I'd then move onto a centerfire rifle. Something in a .30-ish caliber like a .30-06, .308, .30-30, etc.

Handguns... depends.
The first handgun I got a lot of experience and use out of was my issued 9mm Beretta M9.

I find a lot of people pick one action style and stick with it. I prefer Semi-auto pistols over revolvers. Others are the other way.
For handguns, depending on the size/ strength of the shooter, a .22 might be a good start.
Then move up to a .38 or 9mm.

1 Bolt action rifle with quality scope chambered in a 30+ caliber cartridge. I tend to recommend 30-06 or 308 Winchester since the cartridges are so common.

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Why not a 7mm-08 or a 6.5x55, They do the job also.

22lr for first gun, be it rifle or handgun.

An adult doesn't need to start with a .22. Go with the shotgun, then the .357 or 9mm.

.22's are good for kids to start on. I started at 8 yrs old.

A 22 rifle is right for a new young shooter, however, there is a large number of adult (or senior) that are coming to the conclusion that they need a firearm for protection. In that case many are not interested in making it a hobby. This class of new users needs a suitable weapon (handgun usually) that is small enough to allow them to keep it handy and large enough to be useful (and easy to shoot, low recoil). Another consideration is not complicated, safe and in reasonable price range. A rented or borrowed 22 is gear for the initial range trip, however for purchase something in 9mm is more suitable.

I say 9 mm in that it is capable as a defense weapon, ammo is reasonablly priced, lots of guns too pick from, and small enough to keep close. 9mm seems like the best choice for a new shooter to actually use for practice and to become/stay safe and effective.

Here in Texas if you qualify for CCW with a semi-auto you can choose to carry revolver, but not the reverse.

At 8 I got my first gun, a single-shot 20 ga. I loved it. My father has never been a rifle or pistol guy so the shotgun was just what he could teach me on best. Safety rules were all learned the same way, but marksmanship was something I had to teach myself later.

For most beginners, I'll go ahead and say a .22 is going to be the best bet. However, as has been said something like a quality .38/.357 revolver (not a snubby) or a 9mm pistol can be good starts on a handgun platform. For a rifle, another great starting point would be a .223 or a .243, even a 7mm-08 are all great choices for beginners.

I think it depends on what that person want to do and hopes to achieve.

For a child I think the best way is with a .22, whether pistol or rifle. Just because I think that is the best way doesn't mean it's the only way.

For an adult who wants to become a shooter I still think the .22 is the best way to start. Now that doesn't mean that they have to shoot ten thousand rounds of .22 before they try something else. Keeping them interested is important too.

For an adult who wants to buy a single gun for home defense is a little different. I would still use a .22 to get them acclimated to the basics and then let them use their weapon of choice. If they plan using a handgun then use a .22 handgun for the basics. If a rifle is their choice, then a .22 rifle. For a shotgun I think a .22 rifle or even a .410 shotgun would be a good starting point. After they get the basics down the only thing that is going to change is the recoil and blast.

That's my opinion anyway.

Video game warriors and airsoft ninjas do not need a .22!!!
How can you brag to the other 23 yr olds about your little 10/22 or Buckmark when you can brag about your Mossberg Chainsaw 12ga shotty and how awesome it is? Or your gold plated Desert Eagle with CT Laser grips and Lasermax guide rod? Who cares if you can actually hit a target when you look cool doing a mag dump from the hip?

A .22 rimfire pistol, revolver or rifle should be the first gun every serious shooter acquires. To discount the value of a .22 is pure, unadulterated ignorance.

mortablunt I found the 22 to be a bit boring for keeping a beginner's interest, so I began with a 7.62x39.

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Uh......what?
This statement is nonsensical.

I never started on a .22, I don't know why everyone is told to. I too have found it boring when I use it.

I grew up on a .22 rifle so with my experience a .22 is a great way to start.
The hand gun I choose to carry has the ability to shoot .40, 9mm and .22. My purpose was to have one gun to introduce, train and carry. The trigger feel, draw all stays the same. I was shooting last night and the person next to me was shooting their compact 9mm and tearing the target holder apart. The 9mm was too much for their experience and a .22 would have given the shooter and me a better shooting experience. Once they mastered the .22 then they could move up to the 9mm and so forth.
Mike

Uh......what?
This statement is nonsensical.

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I was attempting to teach a friend at least some of the basics of shooting. He's not interested in the hobby aspect and he's into tactical weapons. I figured that I'd have more success by introducing him early to centerfire calibers instead of permanently turning him off by giving him a 500 rounds brick of 22 ammunition, a single shot bolt action, and a bench. The plan was to let him learn for himself why I recommended starting with a small bolt action. It worked with the promise that If he kept it up and mastered the skills, we could go back to doing the fun things again.

agree about the 22 cal

agree about the 22 cal . but i do see your point, about different guns for different tasks. I have all of the items you suggest except for the tactical rifle.

Not all people are the same.

The Lilly does not stand in the wind the same as the Oak.

Have done many familiarization with weapons for different ages and genders. Not as a professional but more as a friend; so what do I know?

One shoe does not fit all; but intent and thought process/purpose for wanting to shoot IMO has much to do with a choice of caliber or purchase in the long run.....

Kids love pellet or BB guns and when they finally demonstrate they have some semblance of a brain seem to really feel acknowledged when they get to shoot a 22...

I like to start them out with a .22 but as already said, "some get bored quickly" while others wonder why anyone would ever need something else?

I may be a little different than most when it comes to handguns, I started out with a Colt Python loaded with 38 Special+P ammo. For your first handgun I would look at a good double action revolver in 38 Special or 357 Magnum. The 357 is able to fire 38 Special ammo so that may be more economical. I would choose a S&W K or L frame or something of similar size from Colt (if you can find them reasonably priced) or Ruger. For the shotgun I would try to keep it simple but able to have repeat shots. This would be a pump action shotgun. My recommendations would be Remington or Mossberg. In the Remington line the 870 is king. You have the 870 Wingmaster or the 870 Express. The Wingmaster is my personal choice but I found a couple of used ones at decent prices. At work we are issued the Mossberg 590 for duty use. They are on par with the Remington 870 Express. For a 22 rifle it would be difficult to beat the Ruger 10/22. It is relatively inexpensive and is about the best out there at this time. Good luck in your search and stay safe.

Different strokes for different folks. In my opinion a quality instructor/friend is more important. With money being tight for most folks, help them buy a quality firearm that is suitable for their purpose, be it for sport, hunting, home defense, or a combo of them all, and spend some time with them and their new weapon. I have successfully helped several family members and friends this way. No one "wasted" money on a gun that didn't suit their needs (although I personally never consider that acquisition of any firearm to be a waste ), and they have all remained interested in shooting and firearms since. If I show up to buy a Corvette and you sell me a 4cyl Honda Civic I'm not going to be very happy. Nor will my interest in going to the track remain/be much fun if I did.

-James

I'm an oddball, I didnt start with a .22.

I started with the mindset of home protection. Naturally, an 870 was the first gun to follow me home. I shot lots of #8 out of it, but its not fun shredding a target after 5 shots. I wanted something that I could punch a single hole at a time.

Next was a 9mm pistol. This let me practice hitting the exact spot I was looking at. I could shoot a box of ammo with my 9mm, then shred it with the 12g. These were my two first.

Pistol distance got boring. I bought a Mosin M44 and doubled, then tripled the distance I was shooting at. After the Mosin I wanted something that wouldnt break the bank if I shot it all day. Enter the Ruger 10/22.

My gun purchases accelerated at this point. But I had the 'basics' covered: A shotgun, a pistol, a rifle, and a plinker.

"Necessary" is subjective. A beginner to firearms might want to start with the .22lr rifle. A beginner to self-security might want a pistol or shotgun. A beginner to hunting would want a rifle and/or a plinker.

If push came to shove, I could part with everything but my 9mm and my 12g. That might be a good idea of what to start with. YMMV!

Ok I'll play, IMHO: for folks who are serious about Home Defense as the reason for firearms ownership I'd say the basic set up would be the following assuming they also seek professional training.

1. Semi-auto 9mm full size pistol. Why a pistol? It is a valid form of HD and easy to find defensive training, easy to get lots of range time, reasonable priced FMJ ammo for the range and still capable of HD.... Did I say get training yet?

2. Remington 870 combo barrel. 18" for home defense and defensive training. Longer barrel fir trap etc. To get more time behind the barrel. In some areas it can be hard to get range time with a shotgun unless you are shooting trap.

3. A .22lr should be in anyone's war chest for survival and marksmanship, probably a Ruger 10/22 or Marlin, consider the Appleseed set up LTR.

4. As a fourth preference I'd say a military style rifle either AK or AR, I won't perpetuate the long time battle but this completes the trinity of tactical offensive and defensive firearms.

After this it all about what turns you on, personally I went Cowboy Action and modern action shooting as a preference. My strongest belief is to participate in live fire training and participate in a shooting sport that keeps you shooting every month, or every week, or every day....

Sorry for the lengthy post, but I figured one more detailed opinion wouldn't hurt..

I am a conservative and consider the .22 basic to good marksmanship.
You can learn from scratch with a centerfire if you have good instruction and good equipment. But it is hard to plink with a steel butted milsurp or blast at static targets with a shotgun without kicking yourself into a lifetime flinch.

I know a lot of middle aged men who have rediscovered the boring .22 of their youth.
It doesn't trigger their flinch, it doesn't bust the budget, and it doesn't require time at the loading bench they would rather spend at the ball game or must spend at work.

I'll jump in with everyone else. Everybody should start with a .22 as their first long gun and their first handgun.

Well, I started with a 9mm rifle and handgun, but my first purchase (which was after only a few range visits with 0 training) was a .40 handgun. Then I got a 12-gauge pump, and then a .380 handgun. I started off my friend and his little sister on the 12-gauge and the .40, and they both handled it just fine and had a lot of fun.