Advice for a first time handgun buyer

[JeffDilla]

Hi All,

I'm brand new to this forum. I'm also brand new to handguns. From the various gun forums I've been reading, this one seems very respectable and full of people who have sound, objective advice. I'm interested in buying a handgun for target practicing and home safety, and also taking a handgun safety course. I do have some experience with guns. I used to deer and bird hunt with various guage shotguns, and also several rifles, and have minimal experience shooting .22lr and .22 mag revolvers and semi-auto pistols. I have read many threads relating to the "first handgun" topic, but thought I'd post my own and hope for some "tailored" advice. I have yet to go to any gunshops and handle guns to see what I prefer. I have searched on the NRA website for any basic pistol courses in Maine(where I reside) and have yet to find any available. I think my grandfather is going to give me one of his .22 relovers to start with, and from there I am thinking about a .357 revolver for my first purchase and begin by shooting .38 special with it. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

[kingpin008]

First of all, welcome to THR!


To be honest, it sounds like you've got it pretty much right so far. Visit a few shops, ask a bunch of questions, and take a safety and handling class. After that, find a range that rents guns, and try, try, try. Don't even think about buying until you've really checked out a few different types and styles of guns (both revolvers and autopistols) and can make a good, informed choice.

Starting with a .22 is great for a lot of reasons - first of all the ammo is super cheap (which is a godsend with the way ammo prices are going lately). Secondly, it's a very forgiving caliber, training-wise. You have a very low-noise, low-recoil caliber that allows you to focus on learning the basics, without gaining bad habits like flinching which can easily develop in new shooters with the larger centerfire calibers. As far as the .357/.38 special goes, Ruger is a great brand to look at. Extremely strong and durable revolvers, with a decent price point. I don't yet own one, but it's a pretty safe bet that a GP100 or SP101 will last you a dang long time provided you give it a little TLC once in awhile. Shooting .38's is a good idea too - not that the gun can't handle it, but because they will be a bit cheaper, and definitely pack less recoil, which when you're just learning or getting back into shooting, can be a good thing for avioding creating bad shooting habits.

Other than that, my advice is that once you find a gun you like in a caliber that you can handle and afford and enjoy shooting - hit the range. Shoot, shoot and shoot some more. There's an old saying that you'll run across in gunnie circles from time to time - BA/UU/R (Buy Ammo, Use Up, Repeat). It's a good saying to follow.

Good luck!

 

[JeffDilla]

Thanks for the welcome. I have been searching for local ranges in my area, and so far I have not found any that rent guns, probably due to the limited number of actual ranges. Do gunshops normally rent out guns?

 

[gallo]

I prefer pistols, but a 357 is an excellent choice for home defense.

 

[kingpin008]

Jeff - I don't know of any shops that rent out guns that don't also have a range attached. You're probably going to have to call around to a few places to find some that have a range where you can go and rent a few different types.

Also - don't be put off if you do find a range that rents guns, but will not rent to you on your own. It's nothing personal - there have been a few cases across the country of people showing up at public ranges on their own and renting guns, just to suicide later on when they get on the range. It's screwed up and tragic, but it happens, and some ranges choose not to rent to individuals because of this. If that happens, try to come back with a friend, or spend some time in the shop that's associated with the range, talking to them about what you're looking for. That way, they can start to understand that you're not some random despondent soul just off the street, but an actual potential customer and possible future range member.

 

[jbird714]

Jeff,

If you have any indoor ranges close to you they probably have rental guns. The few indoor ranges around here(about 60 miles away) have had a pretty good selection of rental guns. Using the rental guns is how I selected my firtst semi-auto pistol. Must have shot every major type in production at the time. Sounds like you have a good plan, just need to try out some different options.

Jay

 

[ErikS]

I recently started with handguns myself, so I think I can give some advice from my experiences.
First, get some training or instruction. If you cant find a class where you live, try to find someone that can take you to a range and show you basic stance and handling. If you dont know anyone, or cant find anyone, take a weekend trip to somewhere where you can get instruction, even if it would mean driving for hours. The time and money you spend will be worth it.
(If you are in Maine, I think it would be worth it even if you have to go to the Smith and Wesson range in Massachussetts, but I'm sure there are places closer...)

Starting with a .22 is the right way to go, you'll get comfortable shooting without developing bad habits from the recoil.

As for the first gun to buy, I think you need to try a few and see what you like. I've tried a .357 myself, and I dont think it's a beginners gun. The recoil when using .357 ammo is a lot worse than both 9mm and a 1911 in .45ACP, and it's definitelly not something you want to buy a gun for without having experienced it. So before you buy a .357, go to a range, rent one and try it. Rent a few other calibers too.
I'm *not* putting down the .357 here, and I'm *not* saying you couldnt handle it, I'm just saying that it's a lot more power than I expected when I tried it, and I had tried both 9mm and .45ACP before it. (With proper instruction and experience, I think almost anyone could handle a .357. I got all my shots on target, so I did manage to handle it)

The 1911 I actually found really comfortable to shoot, and in your situation I would probably consider that, or a 9mm, before a .357. But each to his own, I just think you should spend some time and money before you make that choice, and know what you are buying.

Myself, I hired an instructor for a few hours. He showed me the basics, and took me through a .22 to a 9mm and then a 1911 in .45ACP. I got to learn correctly from the start, and got to experience a few different guns. I think it was money well spent in the long run.

 

[Huddog]

Same advise as others try rental guns first in different calibers. I think the first decision is revolver or Auto. You seem to be leaning revolver and that is fine. The primary consideration is find a gun that fits you in a caliber you can handle. Don't spend a fortune on a super high dollar gun. Buy a quality gun and spend the fortune on ammo then practise, practise practise. With enough practise you can learn to handle any caliber in any gun. Glad you have joined us. Shoot and enjoy.

 

[JeffDilla]

ErickS, Thanks for the advice. I'm currently looking for a range to go to in my area where I can try different guns to figure out what I like. The reason I was considering a .357 is because, from what I understand, .38 special rounds can be fired through it, and have similar recoil to a 9mm. Is this correct? In any case, I definitely plan on shooting various calibers before purchasing anything. Thanks again.

 

[MAKster]

If I were you I would purchase a 9mm pistol as a first handgun. While starting with a 22LR or 38 spl revolver was the standard advice for many years, most people now gravitate to semiautos so you might as well start there. 9mm ammo is the least expensive centerfire ammo (around $9) and is low recoil. 38 spl is up to around $14 per box.

 

[ErikS]

You're welcome.
(I actually wrote a long post on another forum about my first times with a handgun, but that's pretty much the center of it.)

I've only used the .357 once, I rented a revolver at Smith & Wessons range, and shot 50 rounds with it, and never tried it with .38 ammunition, so I cant tell you about that recoil.
My previous hiring of an instructor was really good to have, because I had the right stance and handling, so I managed to handle the recoil, even if it really surprised me at the first shot.
(Being a newbie, I figured .357 would be less recoil than .45, being a "smaller" caliber. Finding out it wasn't even close came as kind of a surprise... )

As for recoil, I actually found the 9mm to be a bit snappier than the 1911, which I actually found to be the nicest gun to handle, and I was actually more accurate with the 1911 than I was with the .22s.

Best thing to do is to go to a range and try a few different guns, and see what you like. It's really worth the time and money.

 

[kingpin008]

Jeff - You're correct in that .38's can be fired out of a .357, but the reverse is not true. The .357 is slightly longer, and obviously more powerful than .38.

As far as the recoil being similar, it also depends on what bullet weight you're shooting, as well as what type of gun. My fiancee owns an airweight .38 special revolver that can be quite punishing with even mid-range .38 special ammo. The same will not hold true in something like a Model 10, which is all steel and built quite a bit beefier. Same with 9mm. If you're shooting it through a subcompact Glock, the recoil is going to be considerably different than if you were firing a Hi-Power. Also, as Erik touched upon in his comment, different calibers have different recoil impulses. The .45 ACP is known for feeling like a "push" back against the shooters hands, while .357, .38, and 9mm might be better categorized as a "snap" type feeling. Neither is inherently more manageable than the other, it purely depends on what you find comfortable.

Long story short, it depends a bit on what platform you're using each caliber in. In general, no, there's probably not going to be a huge difference in felt recoil.

 

[glockman19]

First, Welcome.

Now...Join a local range that rents guns and try out as many as you can. get the one you shoot best. How to decide what to get? In a revolver I'd choose a S&W 60, 620, 686 4" or Ruger SP101 or GP100 models. Semi0-auto Ruger .22LR, Glock 17, 19 9mm, Sug or Hk .40 and most any 1911 in .45. Any Revolver and Pistol above and a Remington 870and you'll have a good foundation for a collection covering CCW, HD, SD.

You're asking the right questions in the right forum of the correct people and you're on the right track.

 

[machinisttx]

Before buying anything, I would suggest looking into if any local ranges offer handgun rentals. You may find that a revolver simply doesn't suit you, and that you prefer a 9mm semiautomatic or some other gun.

IMO, for any new shooter a .22 isn't a bad idea. It allows the owner to practice more with less cost, recoil, and noise---it's easier to concentrate on the fundamentals of shooting. A revolver isn't a bad choice, but you will need to practice loading and unloading more than you would with a semiauto. You'll also need to master the double action trigger, which isn't the easiest task for most folks.

 

[JeffDilla]

I'm probably jumping the gun a little bit, but what is the best way to go about buying bulk ammo for practicing once a one has bought a gun and wants to get in a lot of practice time?

 

[crebralfix]

Training is available everywhere! Go to the local range and ask about private shooting instruction. This should be your first stop. They probably do NRA or NRA-like courses...at least take a hunters' safety course.

SouthNarc may come to your area. www.shivworks.com. Check out his DVDs on handling unknown contacts. It's really a "must-see" for managing potentially hostile encounters. These things at bad breath distances, so learn it early.

Suarez International has a guy in Maine (Mike Freese), who used to teach a revolver course. He'll be able to get you up to speed on wheelguns. You could probably do some private lessons with him, since the revolver course apparently has been dropped.

SIG's academy is in New Hampshire. http://www.sigsauer.com/EducationTraining/

Lethal Force Institute: http://www.ayoob.com/LFIschedule.html

S&W has their academy: http://shootingsports.smith-wesson.com/

***

Semi-automatic pistols have been replaced for a reason. I'll let you do the research on that one and come up with your own conclusions.

***

Books to read:

Shooting to Live by Fairbairn and Sykes (pdf online)
Fast and Fancy Revolver Shooting by Ed McGivern (why the double action revolver rocks and cool things to do with it on weekends)
Boston's Gun Bible by Kenneth Royce (gun gear advice)
Tactical Reality by Louis Awerbuck (a second volume is available)
Guns, Bullets and Gunfights by Jim Cirillo (mindset)
Everything on Roger Phillips' site: rogerphillips.oregonshooter.com (controversial stuff--must read since it flies in the face of the Great Gun Religions. If people protest too much, it's time to go learn it...whatever "it" is.)

Attend some private training and get the "traditional" techniques. Go through one of SouthNarc's courses, and follow-up with "Point Shooting Progressions" with Roger Phillips. LFI Level 1 would be an excellent supplement.

Take a force on force class at some point. Lots of "traditional" techniques and "mythos" you have learned will get discarded pretty quickly. Sometimes it takes a smack on the forehead to make people move forward. It's kinda like your first noncooperative sparring, full bore "knife" fight: you figure out pretty quickly you don't want to do this again.

If you're just interested in sport shooting, your local range can help you there. Get involved with IDPA, NRA Bullseye, and IPSC. Any shooting activity involving bowling pins is really fun. Cowboy Action Shooting is an addiction for which there is no cure, except for Mounted Cowboy Action Shooting (but then you're in for a horse and pasture...horse shoeing, vet bills, tack and on and on).

Then there are the John C. Garand matches and Garand collecting. Don't start...leave some for the rest of us.

If, for some reason, you still have time....login to the Smith & Wesson forum (www.smith-wesson.com) and start buying up old Model 10 revolvers. Somewhere along the line, you'll find you like 3" 44 Magnums made before 1990...or maybe it's S&W M28 Highway Patrolman revolvers. M1917's are pretty cool too. Call use when you're on your second gun safe; we'll want good pictures. One lady on the S&W posted pictures of the contents of her safe. She had quite a few excellent examples of S&W Model 29 revolvers in there.

If you're still bored, then get into long range shooting. Call us when you need 50 BMG advice.

 

[Daryl Licht]

Starting with a .22 revolver will offer an opportunity to develop sighting and trigger control skills.

I think the revolver is a great idea. A good double action in .357 magnum, fed initially with .38 special ammo is a decent place to start. Revolvers are not typically finicky. If it's not for you, it could be sold or traded for something different.

As for autos, the 9mm is the place to start as MAKster said. Ammo is reasonable and there are a lot of good pistols out there to choose from. If you choose to start with a 9mm, my advice here would be to take an experienced shooter with you until you learn its operation and how to safely deal with any problem or malfunction that might come up.

Buy a quality firearm. I'm not a cork sniffing gun snob by any means, and have several inexpensive guns myself. Quality is not always dependent on price, but there is some stuff on the market of questionable metallurgy and durability. Some more research should give you some ideas about what's inexpensive and what's cheap.

 

[JeffDilla]

Great advice guys. I have found a local range that I plan on going out, introducing myself and explain my situation and see what advice I can get. I don't have any friends that are into shooting, so it looks like I'll be going solo, but I'm hoping they'll be able to start me out and point me in the right direction. Unfortunately for me, time and money are a consideration as I'm a full-time student and I also work full time. So traveling any great distance is out of the question for me right now, and probaby until next summer. Hopefully this local range will have some instruction courses available.

 

[kingpin008]

Jeff - Regarding bulk ammo, I buy my .38 Special from Georgia Arms, with little bits here and there supplied by either Wal-Mart or my local shop. (they have the 100 gn. wadcutters that my fiancee likes to shoot) For .22, I buy bulk packs from Wal-Mart. I don't have the receipt handy, but my last large .22 purchase was 10k rounds worth of various brands of bulk packs (usually between 500 and 550 rounds each) for a little over $250. That's a pretty good price as far as I'm concerned for enough ammo to last me the better part of a year or more.

Wal-Mart isn't bad for 9mm either, I think I found Blazer Brass for about $9/box of 50 a few weeks ago. If you don't want to go that route, there is always places like ammoman.com, and many other online ammo retailers. Many times online dealers will have competitive prices that quickly end up being equal to or more than local prices once shipping is figured in, so shop carefully. Ammoman has free shipping on all orders, so the price you see is the final price. I haven't bought from him yet, but in general he seems to be a good place to go. I can personally speak for Georgia Arms - they do mostly reloads, but their prices (last time I checked) were pretty decent, and their quality and customer service are top notch. And if you're saving your brass but don't feel like reloading it yourself, Georgia Arms and places like MasterCast will accept it in trade towards a discounted price on your next order.

 

[Sapper771]

I agree with what has been said before, go to a gun shop and look around. I am not a revolver fan, so I cant give any wisdom or shed any light on the subject. A revolver might be what you want to go with if that is what you prefer. I personally prefer a Glock, but that is me. After owning over 15 or so Glocks and never having one problem out of anyone of them, it says alot about them. When I am hunting a handgun, I first start with the grip, if the grip fits my hand well and I feel like the pistol is natural, almost like an extension of my hand, then more than likely it is the pistol for me. If you have a friend that is a gun nut, see if he minds if you try out some of his pistols in order to see what you like. GOOD LUCK !

 

[Lucky Strike]

If you want a .357 revolver i recommend a 4" Ruger GP100. Excellent reputation for reliability...it was the first revolver i bought and given it's great reputation for it's robust design i had little hesitation getting a used one and saving $80

 

[Creade]

Somehow I think you have 2 of the same Titled thread going.

Maybe they can be merged so you can see all your responses in one thread!

 

[Trebor]

If you shoot .38's through a .357 just know you have to THOROUGHLY clean the chambers afterwards. Since the .38 Special is shorter it leaves a "crud line" of unburned propellent, etc, in a different spot then the .357 Magnum "crud line."

What happens is the debris from the .38 Special can build up to the point where you won't be able to load .357 Mag rounds into the chambers. The crud will keep them from going all the way in.

Just clean the chambers throroughly and you can avoid this problem. I use a .45 bore brush to clean the .38/.357 chambers. (That brush is ruined for .45 after this, btw, so I only use it on the revolvers).

You can check by inserting an emtpy .357 Mag case into your chambers. If there is resistence you may need to clean a little more. The case itself can help scrape some of the crud out as well.

 

[JeffDilla]

Thanks, Trebor. That's really good to know.

 

[JeffDilla]

Creade, I accidentally started two of the same threads in two different forums. Like I said, I'm brand new to this. How can I go about merging them to see all of the replies in one thread?