Hi everyone I'm new to the forum and I of course have a beginner question. A friend and I are thinking of buying a pistol for target practice at teh range. Of course we will take a safety course, but we are wondering what type of gun to get. Economy and accuracy are the only considerations. I would think that we would want a .22 because the ammo is so cheap and would want a low level target gun for accuracy. But we are both new to this and would greatly appreciate any advice that you can give me.
Beginner to guns
- Thread starter mixtli
- Start date
- Status
sm
member
First, Welcome to THR!
Yes I highly recommend a safety course. If possible, try various 22lr handguns to see what fits / feels best to you. Little things like grip, sights, manual of arms...etc.
Personally I taught new shooters on Double Action Revolvers (DA) first, as I believe learning trigger control, use of sights...very important which translates to other platforms down the road. Learning the basics.
I prefer to use a old S&W model 18 for this. These are pricey, so that is ruled out.
I'd try the Browning Buckmarks and the Ruger MKII and 22/45 series. These are semi -auto pistols, less monies than a DA revolver, more than accurate to learn on.
I would keep it simple and NOT get / go toward a high priced target gun. Beginners need to learn safety and basics, they need to be able to afford ammo and range time, have monies for lessons and instructions. Besides down the road you will always appreciate having a simple, effective, reliable, 22 lr to teach others, go plinkin'...not to mention the 'fun factor'.
Yes single action ( SA) revolvers are great guns, like the Ruger Bearcat, and Single Six, however, I still feel the "learning the basics" is best with the other choices. For some beginners "waiting " for that hammer to fall , and having to cock the gun everytime is a turn off. "Can" be a hindrance to proper trigger control, sight use...
Yes I highly recommend a safety course. If possible, try various 22lr handguns to see what fits / feels best to you. Little things like grip, sights, manual of arms...etc.
Personally I taught new shooters on Double Action Revolvers (DA) first, as I believe learning trigger control, use of sights...very important which translates to other platforms down the road. Learning the basics.
I prefer to use a old S&W model 18 for this. These are pricey, so that is ruled out.
I'd try the Browning Buckmarks and the Ruger MKII and 22/45 series. These are semi -auto pistols, less monies than a DA revolver, more than accurate to learn on.
I would keep it simple and NOT get / go toward a high priced target gun. Beginners need to learn safety and basics, they need to be able to afford ammo and range time, have monies for lessons and instructions. Besides down the road you will always appreciate having a simple, effective, reliable, 22 lr to teach others, go plinkin'...not to mention the 'fun factor'.
Yes single action ( SA) revolvers are great guns, like the Ruger Bearcat, and Single Six, however, I still feel the "learning the basics" is best with the other choices. For some beginners "waiting " for that hammer to fall , and having to cock the gun everytime is a turn off. "Can" be a hindrance to proper trigger control, sight use...
While I'd suggest a Ruger Single Six for a compete beginner, most don't want th "old fashioned" single action. In that case, I'd suggest a Ruger MKII or 22/45 pistol. Both are plenty accurate enough and can be upgraded with a multitude of aftermarket accessories.
Thanks
Thanks for all of the great advice, but I have one more stupid question. At what point will a gun be so cheap that I have to worry about it being dangerous to operate? Stuff like misfiring or something that would be dangerous to us. Again thanks for all the advice.
Thanks for all of the great advice, but I have one more stupid question. At what point will a gun be so cheap that I have to worry about it being dangerous to operate? Stuff like misfiring or something that would be dangerous to us. Again thanks for all the advice.
sm
member
BlkHawk73 ,
I don't disagree about the single actions, I mean how could one NOT like a Bearcat?
My reply was across the board, especially in regard to learning trigger control for repetitive shots .
mixtli ,
There is a difference in "cheap" and "inexpensive".
Cheap usually refers to poorer quality materials and workmanship. This leads to malfunctions, the gun not lasting or even becoming unsafe to use.
Inexpensive usually refers to those firearms that are priced so most folks can afford one, of good materials and workmanship, with some variety on assessories, sights, grips...magazines are available and if need , if required they can be worked on. NOT breakage per se' but smoothing the trigger, and the like. The aforementioned guns are Inexpensive and quality firearms...stay with these.
Beginners in all due respect need a 22 to learn on as a first gun IMO.
Another tip I feel that needs to be learned early:
" There is hardly anything some man cannot make cheaper and sell for less - those whom buy for price alone are this man's prey". - Ruskin
Spend the monies for quality, even if it means a used one. Always.
I don't disagree about the single actions, I mean how could one NOT like a Bearcat?
My reply was across the board, especially in regard to learning trigger control for repetitive shots .mixtli ,
There is a difference in "cheap" and "inexpensive".
Cheap usually refers to poorer quality materials and workmanship. This leads to malfunctions, the gun not lasting or even becoming unsafe to use.
Inexpensive usually refers to those firearms that are priced so most folks can afford one, of good materials and workmanship, with some variety on assessories, sights, grips...magazines are available and if need , if required they can be worked on. NOT breakage per se' but smoothing the trigger, and the like. The aforementioned guns are Inexpensive and quality firearms...stay with these.
Beginners in all due respect need a 22 to learn on as a first gun IMO.
Another tip I feel that needs to be learned early:
" There is hardly anything some man cannot make cheaper and sell for less - those whom buy for price alone are this man's prey". - Ruskin
Spend the monies for quality, even if it means a used one. Always.
jamz
Member
Mixtli, I was in your shoes a couple of months ago. I wanted to get back into shooting with my own rig, and not have to borrow from other people.
Here's what I would do: Shoot as many .22 pistols as you can lay your hands on- anyone at a local range should be happy to help you out, or you might be lucky and be able to rent different guns at a range. This way you will find out what you like and will be happy with.
Then, once you get a list of guns that you like, start doing the research. Google the type of pistol + "review", etc. Find out the good, the bad, and the ugly of the ones you like. This will address your concern about cheapness- there are hundred dollar pistols that people LOVE (like the CZ series) and are very safe and reliable, and there are $600 pieces of junk, and there are just the odd guns made on fridays right before quitting time that just never work right. Fortunately, this is pretty rare.
Once you have eliminated some of your list by price or by review, then you can just narrow it down to one you want to start with. Don't make the assumtion that this will be your only gun ever, so don't let that be a consideration in your choice. If you see two that you like equally, pick one, and buy the other one later.
One other word of advice- Certain states restrict handgun purchasing in some asinine ways. I live in Massachusetts, which has "the list" of handguns that you are allowed to buy. It is illegal to buy or sell a gun that is not on the list. The list is arbitrarily updated by the Attourney General, who is no gun fan. My original handgun choices were suddenly and totally rendered null and void when I saw this list.
I think California has a similar list. Check your local laws about this kind of thing before getting your heart set on something.What did I end up with?
(Original plan: Ruger 22/45, and Springfield M1911-A1 MilSpec)
(What I ended up with: Smith and Wesson P22 one of the few semi-auto .22 caliber pistols you can get in this state, and the SW1911...also the only new 1911 type gun you can get new, other than a Norinco.
Good luck, have fun, and safe shooting!
-James
MatthewVanitas
Member
It's great to see that you're asking the right questions
You're right on track with the economy of the .22 ammo. Ammo of the .22 LR type (LR = "Long Rifle", though it is used for both rifle and pistols) runs about 2 cents a shot. 9mm averages 10c/shot, and .45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol) runs 20c/shot. So economy definitely favors the .22 LR.
So far as to which pistol to get, three options:
1) Semi-Auto: Ruger MkII and Ruger 22/45 are widely-respected classics, usually cost $200-$300, depending on which model. Great triggers, ludicrously accurate, very good buy. The adjustable-sight models are definitely worth the small markup, and the stainless steel models are very easy to maintain.
2) Double-Action Revolver: a DA revolver is one where you can cock the hammer (to get a light trigger pull) and then pull the trigger, or simply pull the trigger (simultaneously cocking and firing, which takes more effort). These are the kind of revolvers cops used before going to Glocks and the like. Good quality DA revolvers tend to be a bit pricier than SA or Semi-Auto. The S&W 617 is the main example of this family in .22LR. Ruger and Taurus make less-expensive competitors. If you buy a used revolver, check out the Revolver Checkout procedures, the first post in the "Revolver" forum of this website.
3) Single Action Revolvers: These are revolvers of the "cowboy" type. Very simple mechanism, very durable. There's no "simultanous cock/fire" option, you cock the hammer for each shot. The hands-down favorite option in this category is the Ruger Single Six (around $275 and up). Kind of retro, but lots of character and extremely well-built.
I would shop around, see which of the above types suits your taste. If at all possible, find a range that rents firearms, and give a test drive on the type that interests you.
Make sure you know what you're buying! You can always come to this site, hit the "search" button at the top of the screen, and run a search on whatever brand name or model interests you.
Things to avoid: brands like Lorcin, Phoenix, Raven, Jennings, Bryco (cheap, pot-metal guns). Avoid guns with really short barrels (harder to shoot accurately).
Things to look for: Good quality brand names (a firearm can last for a century, the extra $50 in price isn't a huge deal in the big picture). Adjustable sights help a lot with .22, as different brands of ammo will shoot differently. Adjustable sights can be recognized by little adjustable screws on the rear sight.
Good luck with your decision. Feel free to post questions and run searches of our archives. If you have any questions re: the Single Six or Ruger semi-autos, I've owned both, so feel free to message me by clicking the "PM" button below this text.
You're right on track with the economy of the .22 ammo. Ammo of the .22 LR type (LR = "Long Rifle", though it is used for both rifle and pistols) runs about 2 cents a shot. 9mm averages 10c/shot, and .45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol) runs 20c/shot. So economy definitely favors the .22 LR.
So far as to which pistol to get, three options:
1) Semi-Auto: Ruger MkII and Ruger 22/45 are widely-respected classics, usually cost $200-$300, depending on which model. Great triggers, ludicrously accurate, very good buy. The adjustable-sight models are definitely worth the small markup, and the stainless steel models are very easy to maintain.
2) Double-Action Revolver: a DA revolver is one where you can cock the hammer (to get a light trigger pull) and then pull the trigger, or simply pull the trigger (simultaneously cocking and firing, which takes more effort). These are the kind of revolvers cops used before going to Glocks and the like. Good quality DA revolvers tend to be a bit pricier than SA or Semi-Auto. The S&W 617 is the main example of this family in .22LR. Ruger and Taurus make less-expensive competitors. If you buy a used revolver, check out the Revolver Checkout procedures, the first post in the "Revolver" forum of this website.
3) Single Action Revolvers: These are revolvers of the "cowboy" type. Very simple mechanism, very durable. There's no "simultanous cock/fire" option, you cock the hammer for each shot. The hands-down favorite option in this category is the Ruger Single Six (around $275 and up). Kind of retro, but lots of character and extremely well-built.
I would shop around, see which of the above types suits your taste. If at all possible, find a range that rents firearms, and give a test drive on the type that interests you.
Make sure you know what you're buying! You can always come to this site, hit the "search" button at the top of the screen, and run a search on whatever brand name or model interests you.
Things to avoid: brands like Lorcin, Phoenix, Raven, Jennings, Bryco (cheap, pot-metal guns). Avoid guns with really short barrels (harder to shoot accurately).
Things to look for: Good quality brand names (a firearm can last for a century, the extra $50 in price isn't a huge deal in the big picture). Adjustable sights help a lot with .22, as different brands of ammo will shoot differently. Adjustable sights can be recognized by little adjustable screws on the rear sight.
Good luck with your decision. Feel free to post questions and run searches of our archives. If you have any questions re: the Single Six or Ruger semi-autos, I've owned both, so feel free to message me by clicking the "PM" button below this text.
Last edited:
- Status
Similar threads
