Best handgun for beginning Range shooting

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Eastcentex

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A buddy and I are interested in starting to go to the shooting range.
Its been quite some times since I been so consider myself a novice.

Been reading up on various gun models. Know all come down to
what feels best to you. I dont have a set price, believe you get
what you pay for. So not looking for a budget model.

We plan on enrolling in some classes. Sure will get some feedback
there too. But its nice to hear some advice on models and check
them out in the meantime.

Thanks
 
You can't beat a .22 for practice, ammo is cheap and they are great to learn on. Definitely take at least a Basic Pistol class it will help out immensely. As far as the best gun, that's a matter of opinion. As long as it's a brand name known for quality firearms you're safe.
 
That's the basic idea, start with a .22. Build sound shooting technique, learn proper trigger control and develop good habits, then move up to larger calibers.

As a step up a 4" .357 Magnum would probably be the right way to go. You can shoot .38 Specials through it and work your way up to .357 Magnum rounds.

Welcome to shooting, be safe and enjoy!!!
 
+1 on the 22 if your just learning.if you want all around gun its hard to beat a 4" 357
 
Thanks for the reply I was wanting to get gun that could go for the future too. I have a .22 revolver. Cost of the gun and Ammo is not a major concern. Maybe interchangable barrels for variable calibers. Saw a post on this on another forum
 
+1 on the 22 if your just learning. if you want all around gun its hard to beat a 4" 357
Click to expand...

Very good advice, since you can start out with low velocity .38 rounds and can progress up from there through .38 +P's up to full .357 loads.
 
Absolutely get a good .22. No matter what other guns you may get, a .22 is still the most fun for your shooting dollar.
 
Try the Glock 19. Idiot-proof, minimal recoil, a real SD caliber, accurate and fun to shoot. A box of Wally World 9mm target ammo costs $15 for 100 rounds.
 
Maybe interchangable barrels for variable calibers.
Click to expand...

That's a new one on me. The closest I've seen to that are some .22s that have interchageable cylinders for .22LR and .22 Magnum. With a .357 Magnum, you don't need to change anything to shoot .38Spls.

The only ones I'm aware of are some of the single shots, like the Thompson/Center Contender. Those do have interchangeable barrels. If you're ammenable to a single shot, that might be worth a look.
 
Thanks for the reply I was wanting to get gun that could go for the future too. I have a .22 revolver. Cost of the gun and Ammo is not a major concern. Maybe interchangable barrels for variable calibers. Saw a post on this on another forum.
Click to expand...
Eastcentex,
Since you already have a .22 revolver then I will repeat my suggestion of a 4" .357 Magnum. Many people suggest a S&W 686 but for some reason neglect to mention the S&W M619 (fixed sights) and M620. (adjustable sights) I own a Model 619 and it's a very good revolver. It holds 7 rounds of .357 Magnum or .38 Special.
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...angId=-1&parent_category_rn=26806&isFirearm=Y
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...angId=-1&parent_category_rn=26806&isFirearm=Y

Ruger makes a convertible revolver but it's a Single Action revolver. For the most part it won't work well as a self defense gun because reloading is so slow and you have to cock the hammer before each shot. It will be a fun range gun though. They have a .357/9mm Convertible and a .45 Colt/.45 Auto Convertible. http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/FAFamily?type=Revolver&subtype=Single Action&famlst=19

Good luck finding something that will fill your needs.
Be safe and have fun...
 
For a revolver hard to beat either a K or L frame Smith & Wesson .357 in stainless with 4 inch barrel or a 4 inch Ruger Security Six or GP revolver.
Also a Dan Wesson revolver with interchangeable barrels and grips is worth considering.
With a Glock 19 or 17 you have easy to find 9mm with low recoil compared to most other calibers also you can add a .22 LR conversion kit form Advantage Arms.
www.advantagearms.com
A 1911 .45 is also a good pistol it has a different recoil than a revolver and the grip fits many peoples hands well Kimber makes a .22 conversion as do a few other companies.
Rent before you buy at a range whatever works best in your hands as long as it is a quality designed and built pistol should give you decades of good service.
Good luck on your quest.:)
 
i also suggest a striker fired gun like the m&p, glocks, xd's etc. no manual safeties to worry about just pull and shoot.

key things to do while at the range while being a semi newbee.
1)be safe
2) have fun because if you don't you will lose interest in it.
3)be safe
4)don't be scared to take someone that is not a newbe, take someone that you trust and knows that will tell you if you are doing wrong.
5)be safe
6) do enroll in some classes basic handgun skills would be a great class to take. there are alot of schools and instructers that give instruction, find one in your area and go for it!
 
My buddy sent a email That had a recommendation of a Sig P226 or P229.
Havent seen this brand mentioned, mostly S&W
 
...for the interchangeable barrel thing, some glocks and sigs are capable...just swap out a .40 for a .357 sig or 9mm, etc...I had a glock 32 in .357 sig and had a spare 40 cal barrel...its not usually recommended for carrying/self-defense due to reliability issues but buying one and swapping out a 40 barrel for a 9mm barrel to shoot at the range using cheaper ammo is a great idea and lots of people do it...

...that being said, if your wanting the barrel swap thing, glock or sig...if not, then get a good sig or glock 9mm to start with since you already have a 22...as said above, ammo is cheap enough, not a ton of kick, fun to shoot...

...also, keep in mind that a lot of ranges rent pistols for a small fee + the ammo...you can try out a few different guns/calibers until you find what you really like and want to buy...

...have fun and enjoy shooting whatever you buy...:)
 
Try a lot of different guns. Some folks like how an autoloader feels and some folks prefer a revolver. (If you really get into guns, you'll wind up with both anyway.) I have the Sig P229 and it is an excellent gun. Remember to keep foremost in your mind what you plan to use the gun for. Some trigger actions (such as long double action) are intended for carry and aren't especially great for the range. Full size guns (if they fit your hand) will be better on the range than a compact. Good luck.
 
quote by Eastcentex : My buddy sent a email That had a recommendation of a Sig P226 or P229.
Havent seen this brand mentioned, mostly S&W


one of the reputable firearms manufacturer. here's the official site : http://www.sigarms.com/Default.aspx

SIG pistols has been use by various L.E.A. and got quite a number of users at the high road.
 
i don't know about glock but i know if you go with a springfield armory xd in .40 you have essentially 3 guns in one. you can change the barrels and have .357 sig which is an awesome defense rd, and you can also change again and have a mm barrel dropped in there and you are good to go, and can shoot for a little less money. www.peitolgear.com has the replaement/ conversion barrels remember that you can only go down i caliber not up. ie .40 down to .357sig to 9mm, not 9mm to .45 etc.
 
Rent several, find what fits your hand and you shoot the best. I can assure you it is not the same gun for everyone. I have owned Glicks for years, still shoot several other brands better. Try as many as you can.
Rik
 
ArchAngel said:
Eastcentex,
Since you already have a .22 revolver then I will repeat my suggestion of a 4" .357 Magnum. Many people suggest a S&W 686 but for some reason neglect to mention the S&W M619 (fixed sights) and M620. (adjustable sights) I own a Model 619 and it's a very good revolver. It holds 7 rounds of .357 Magnum or .38 Special.
Click to expand...
I wholeheartedly agree with this advice. I have a 620 with...easily upwards of 500 rounds through it (only owned it a year, and I"m in college, I need to feed it more....), but love it to death. Balance is perfect, it soaks up recoil wonderfully, is aesthetic, functional, handy....the list goes on and on. I will never sell mine. (And oh yeah, mine came straight from the factory....long, drawn out ordeal, I suggest you get yours from a local gunstore).
 
Someone just starting out should go w/ a 22lr wheelgun and master is using proper technique -- you'll be better off in the long run.
When I first started I went straight to a larger caliber and promptly went on to developing a nasty flinch and some bad habits. It took awhile before I adopted a 22lr wheelgun into my practice routine but I'm so glad I did! ;)
 
Talked to some CH course instructors. They said can only qualify on .38 caliber plus. Cannot use a 22. Also do not qualify with a revolver since that will be all you can shoot. Qualify with a semi than can shoot all.
Why not using my 22 revolver.
 
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