Advice on my first handgun

[Ramone]

If, like many, your first pistol will be your only pistol (at least for awhile) I'd suggest not getting a .22LR for starters.

Adding one later, to hone one's skills cheaply, is a great idea, I just think that one might do better starting with a larger caliber.

 

[ATBackPackin]

Welcome TJM. Nothing beats a .22 for learning the fundamentals, so congrats on picking a caliber already. Next I would recommend going to a gun shop and comparing revolvers and semis to see which you like the best. I like both but prefer the semis.

If you decide to go the semi route, I would suggest either a Ruger MK or Browning Buckmark. I have the Ruger 22/45 and it is a fantastic gun to learn on, practice, or just have fun with. I would however say that the Lite version is most likely an unnecessary cost with not much upside for a first gun, but that is your decision.

Good luck and again welcome.
Shawn

 

[Crunchy Frog]

When I got interested in handguns "back in the day", the revolver was king. I started off with revolvers and for my first .22 revolver I was deciding between a Ruger Super Single Six or a S&W Model 17. I ended up buying the Smith and still have it today. Either would have served.

I'll give two general recommendations. First, that your first purchase be a .22 caliber, and second, that you buy a top quality gun. It is not only a good "starter" gun, it is one that you will never outgrow and can always appreciate. Even if you handload your centerfire ammo, the .22 long rifle ammo is less expensive.

I still appreciate a good revolver but I often recommend, for new shooters, a Ruger Mark II/Mark III or 22/45, or a Browning Buckmark. Both are reasonably priced, accurate, well made and supported in the aftermarket (holsters, sights, etc.).

About a year ago I started shooting Steel Challenge with a .22. I like the Buckmark but ended up buying a Ruger .22/45 for a couple of reasons. First, the Ruger can be dryfired without fear of damaging the chamber. In Steel Challenge the RO directs the shooter to dry fire the gun at the end of each stage (after showing clear) to confirm that the gun is empty. The Browning does not tolerate dry firing as much. Second, I needed five magazines to shoot Steel Challenge. The Ruger came with two, the Browning with only one, and the extra magazines were less expensive with the Ruger.

Good luck with your purchase.

 

[Droid noob]

I own the Ruger SR22 and love it. The only malfunctions have been from crappy.

Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk 2

 

[DNS]

Single Six or Bearcat.

I shot 22lr pistols for years before stepping up to a .38 special. I never picked up the dreaded flinch and i attribute it to the lowly Single Six. 22lr revolvers help you to focus on accuracy too instead of clearing jams since semi-autos are usually ammo picky and revolvers will shoot anything.

 

[History.Doc]

Here are the handguns I own:
.22 ruger mark iii 5.5 bull barrel
.22 ruger single six 6.5 stainless
.22 ruger single six 5.5 blue
.22 ruger sr22
.380 cz 83
.380 ruger lcp
9mm cz 75b w/ kadet kit
9mm cz 75compact
9mm cz 2075 rami
.357 ruger Blackhawk
.45 rand Remington 1911

I would start with a Ruger Single Six, probably with the 5.5" version. It is just a very versatile, safe, easy gun that will remain useful for the rest of your life. Happy shooting.

 

[wlewisiii]

My suggestions would be for one of two older .22's

1) Colt Woodsman
2) S&W K22.

These are, IME & all that, the best of their kind without getting into really serious money. Both will only be found used (though the S&W 617 is the K22's decendant and would be acceptable) and both will be a bit more expensive than some other options. OTOH, both are of very high quality and worth every penny. The only real choice point is semi-auto vs revolver. I'd get the K22 personally, but then again, my wife already has a Colt

Good luck & enjoy!