Does a .22 have to be the first step?

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Mopsie

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My husband's had guns for years and I finally decided it was time to get my own.

At the gun store the clerk was pushing me to get a .22 to learn with. I've shot my husband's Ruger .22 before. It's fun, but I like a bigger bang. I really like his Smith and Wesson 686 .357 magnum.

I know not to listen to clerks, but would it be better for me to learn with a .22 than to go straight to a bigger gun?
 
Why buy a 22 if you don't want one and your husband already has one that you can shoot for practice?

Get what you like.

Actually...just take his 686 and tell him he has permission to buy a replacement. ;)
 
Actually...just take his 686 and tell him he has permission to buy a replacement.
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That's really the best way no sales people to worry you. Mine walk up on day I was shooting out back of our house. Said let me try. She fired a mag and said its mine go get another for yourself
 
I finally decided it was time to get my own.
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For what purpose/s
I enjoy shooting all of my handguns, some are for target shooting, some are for hunting and some are for self-defense or all of the above.
 
Get what you like. If you get a 22 to start, because someone told you too, you won't be happy. Get something that makes you happy, and you'll enjoy shooting it more.
 
Mopsie,

Shoot with the Smith and Wesson 686 .357 magnum if that makes your day, it's a great accurate gun and fun to shoot.

I think that the clerk was meaning well; I'll start all my students, male, female and kids, with a Ruger Mark II .22. It's an accurate firearm with excellent sights, no recoil, good trigger, and real fun to shoot.

The recoil is usually the biggest 'obstacle' for new shooters, which prevents focusing in trigger control and the sight picture that would generate the real joy of hitting the 10 ring every time.

There are so many variables a new shooter need to deal with, such as learning the proper trigger control, stance, sight picture, breathing, grip, etc. that reducing the number of major 'obstacles' facilitates faster and more enjoyable shooting experience. The more your immediate feedback is positive, the faster you become proficient with the guns.

There is nothing that prevents you from starting off with a .357 magnum or bigger gun should you so prefer.

Go for it!

I introduced my wife to several guns at a time, and even though she is one of the lucky ones without any recoil sensitivity, she loves to put hundred rounds of .22s into one hole from 15 to 20 yards.

She does it with same enthusiasm now with my .45 ACP and .38 super as well as our 12 gauge shotguns and EBRs.

Her own concealed carry guns range from .380, .38 Special to 9mm, the latter being her primary.

Practice with what you enjoy the most, it's your range time and your life. Good for you.

Stay safe and good luck.
 
Thanks everybody. The .22 is fun but I like a little recoil. I guess I can play with both.

Actually...just take his 686 and tell him he has permission to buy a replacement.
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You mean he gets a new gun and I get his used one? I don't think so! :D
 
Trigger control, grip, sight alignment, slow fire, etc (essentially the basics of handgun shooting) are best learned with a .22. Not to mention, the economy of the caliber means you'll get a lot of practice for the money. Shoot the larger guns for fun and familiarity, and later learning, but by all means it's most wise to do your learning with the .22 and then apply it to the centerfire calibers. Consulting with an instructor (one that knows what he/she is doing, not just somebody that's certified by the NRA) would also help ensure that you are working on the proper techniques and aren't learning bad habits.
 
While you should consider getting whatever you want, I find I like pairs of guns with nearly identical characteristics, in whatever centerfire I like and .22 rimfire. I prefer my 627PC to my 686SSR, but most of my shooting will be with my 617. I am cheap, .22 rimfire ammo is much more readily available and I can do much of my practice with a .22, then practice a smaller amount with the .357 or .45. The .22 helps develop and maintain good habits.
 
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You could tell him to go get you a new 686 ... or go get one yourself, if you wanna fondle shiny guns in a gunstore yourself.

I know my wife would just go pick one up for herself ... and a pair of pink grips for giggles ... and then threaten to have it "pinkerized." Oh god.
 
A CZ-75 variant in 9MM with the addition of the CZ Kadet Kit .22 conversion sounds like a good start. The 9MM gives a bigger bang, but you can still practice and plink inexpensively with the wonderful little conversion that replaces the 9MM slide.
 
My first firearm purchase was a 686+. Worked out great for me, and should work out fine for you, too. Practice with .38 spl all day long, nice and comfortable. Practice with .357 mag when you like. Either round is satisfactory for self defense. But yeah, the big ones make you grin.
 
My non-gun wife started with a rented S&W medium frame .22 to learn the fundamentals. Not a Smith guy so I don't remember the model # but it was the twin to the 686. When she was comfortable she switched to a rented 686 with wadcutters. She then tried everything she could get her hands on over the course of a year-Colt (showed up with a Python at the range-"DUDE, the little chick's shooting a SNAKE"), S&W, Ruger, Charter, Taurus. Finally settled on a Ruger KGP-161 with small grips, the lightest Wolff springs, chamfered for speedloaders, a HiVis front sight, and handloads in wadcutter, light +P, and light magnum. Federal Primers with 100% reliability over about 3000 rounds so far. She has said on several occasions "I LOVE my revolver". MADE me get my own after I was shooting hers and "making it hot". Now I'm not allowed to touch it any more.

Your handgun must function as an extension of your finger and FIT IS EVERYTHING. Get what you want, in the caliber you want, change anything you have to to make it perfect, and MAKE IT YOURS.
 
The first handgun I ever shot, and learned on, was a Hi Power 9mm. Literally millions of US servicemen first learned to shoot with a .45acp. A .22 may be a good learning tool, but it is in no way a required one.

My first private handgun purchase was a .357 revolver (ruger 6" GP100), although I did only shoot .38's in it until I'd gotten used to the weight.

Buy what you like or want, but if possible, it's always best to try the model as a range rental first, just to be sure it fits your hand and is all you think it is.
 
My son and I both own a 686+. It's a great gun and a lot of fun to shoot.

However we both love to shoot our .22LR Rugers most of the time.

Shoot a couple hundreds rounds through the .357 Magnum and you know it physically and financially. Shoot 100 rounds of ,22LR and you have spent about $3.00 and you don't feel it afterward!

Want a little more kick put a box of Stingers through it.

As others have mentioned, you learn gun control best with a .22.

That being said get whatever gun you feel comfortable with.
Just consider all of the options and do not rush.
Read, look and feel.
The gun will let you know if it is right.
Some guns feel like part of your hand.
 
You already have experience with a .22 and a .357 so it's not like you haven't done any shooting at all.

From what you've posted I'd skip the .22 for now and decide if you want your own 686 or whatever in .357.

I personally think the Ruger Mk II or Mk III are great guns to begin with or if you want a centerfire I think a good, quality .38 Special is also a good beginer gun.

In your particular case, go for the 686.
 
Why get another 686? You have one in the family. I would borrow and rent some other weapons and add to the collection.

Of course if you really want to go with the 686 and assuming the hubby's is from the 90s or earlier I suggest that you either acquire his or you shop used. (I bought one from the 70's for 400 bucks this year)

The reason for this is at least two fold. Smith's QC is non existent new revolvers have a very poorly designed "storage lock" that is dangerous unless modified.

Best of luck
 
Do you need to start with a .22? Nooo. My first firearm was a .30-30 winchester. I bought it when I was 18. I got my first .22 (Woodsman) when I was 40 and my first .22 rifle (Win. M290) when I was 66. Between 18 and 67 I have aquired over 20 firearms...
 
It is your money. Start with what you like. But it is easier to learn the fundamentals with a 22 handgun. Sounds like you know the fundamentals.
 
The advantage of the .22 is light recoil, low intimidation factor, cheap ammo for LOTS of practice. If your husband makes gobs of money, is rich, can afford the ammo, heck, go 10mm or .45 colt! Or, if he reloads, I can shoot .38 for about $2.50 a box of 50. I also cast my own bullets. .38 wadcutter is quite easy to shoot, so it'll work as well as the .22 as far as lack of intimidation and you can shoot .357 in the same gun if that's how it is chambered.

I wouldn't get a .380 right now, not if you want to actually FIND ammo.
 
Yes, the .22lrf is the way to go under most circumstances. These folks covered why.

There are also many exceptions to that ,but let's cover some other things.
There is this: www.corneredcat.com

This is a site plumb full of info and data for women only, but there are things in there for guys as well.
www.wagc.com/ -
www.armedfemalesofamerica.com/firingline/sisters.htm -
www.nraila.org/Issues/factsheets/read.aspx?ID...
www.womenshooters.com/wfn/wagc.html
Second Amendment Sisters - Self-Defense is a Basic Human RightMay 23, 2010 ... Second Amendment Sisters is a nonprofit women's advocacy group dedicated to preserving the basic human right of self defense.
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www.womenandguns.com

These are women organizations for shooting.

I would advise, Mopsie, that looking into local NRA accredited Women Only basic classes or something like it be looked at.

This class exposes a women to a wide variety of guns, long guns or handguns. This in a relaxed atmosphere with no guys. Male instructors there may be, but it is geared for the women. This way there are all the calibers to look at and gun safety, proper shooting procedures, and everything else is covered. Gives one a good all around experience and knowledge about firearms.

You can then decide what meets your needs in a caliber or gun/shooter combo.

Local gun stores,gun ranges, and and clubs have access to these. My adult daughter and wife attended several of these as each time there were a bit different set off firearms to look over. There were no fees or low fees for this.

Barring that there are one on one classes for the same thing. The instructor needs to be personable and accredited.

Kathy Jackson who runs corneredcat.com started out, herself, was taught how to shoot a Glock 26 compact pistol. No .22lrf guns at all.

There are exceptions to the .22lrf trail and it can be done if the instructors are personable,patient, understanding, and knowledgable.

Both my wife and adult daughter now shoot bulleye competition and do well.

Both either own a rimfire gun or own a .22lrf pistol and centerfire pistols. The 9x19 cartridge is the main cartridge.

In the state IDPA competitions there are many stout small women who shoot .45ACP pistols well. They beat the guys many times. Hey, it's fact.:what::)

My daughter found out that she could control the 9x19 cartridge in a CZ75 or CZ85 and that was the level she was comfortable with.

Others may decide that a larger or more powerful cartridge is their cup of tea or coffee. :D

It seems that a lot of women like the .357 magnum/38 Special revolvers.

They can tailor the ammo to the event or mission.

Need to fire practice ammo that is not harsh? The 130gr-158gr. standard pressure ammo gets the nod. That or 148gr wadcutters.

Need more power? The .38 Special +P loads form 110-158gr. get the nod.

I also taking a look at the 32 calibers.

The .32 ACP in pistol form is mild, but gives one a decent level of protection, but is not the best round for the job. But if needed and that is all one can handle, then go with it.

I've been playing around and experimenting with the .32 calibers in revolvers as of late.

Starting off with the .327 Federal magnum. The reasoning goes like this.

If power close to or at some of the .357 manum rounds are called for, the .327 Federal can do that for personal defense without the .357 magnum recoil.

There are fast zippy light 85 gr. JHPs to 115gr. JHPs that are moving along at from about 1200 feet per second- a bit over1400fps.. This is way above the .32 ACP.

For practice, a need, or fun the .32 H&R magnum is a step down and less everything from the noise and recoil of the .327 Federal.

Need something a mite less than that? There is a large group of mild .32 S&W Long loads that are available. There are more loads available then in recent past. Just have to know where to look.

I own the Taurus 327 in .327 Federal, of course. It's snub lightweight revolver. Also own a Ruger SP101 in .327 Federal with 3 in. barrel. Add to that a Ruger GP100 in that same caliber. Yet all three .32 rounds can be shot form them.

These all have excellent trigger pulls and accuracy as well.

This is just an example.

I do own many .357 magnum revolvers and .38 Special revolvers and a number of 9x19 pistols. Just one .45ACP pistol,a Ruger P97.

The Ruger 345 looks appealing for the price and reliability.

So go experiment and reseatch to your hearts content.
 
Does a .22 have to be the first step?
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No, absolutely not.


My husband's had guns for years and I finally decided it was time to get my own.
Click to expand...

Good, good. SLACKER!!! :neener:

At the gun store the clerk was pushing me to get a .22 to learn with. I've shot my husband's Ruger .22 before. It's fun, but I like a bigger bang. I really like his Smith and Wesson 686 .357 magnum.
Click to expand...

.22 is an excellent, and inexpensive, round to build a foundation around, however, you can do the same with others.

I know not to listen to clerks, but would it be better for me to learn with a .22 than to go straight to a bigger gun?
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That depends on you.

Shoot what YOU want to shoot. Much of what can be accomplished with the .22 can be accomplished with ANY firearm through dry fire training.

Get the .357 imo.

Between dry fire training, initial practice at the range with some .38 loads, and maybe a formal class or two, I don't think you'd have a problem.
 
It wasn't in my case. I started with .45 auto, picked up a .38 spl, and finally got a beautiful Buckmark Camper as a wedding gift.

Many (not all) salesman want to force a woman to buy a .22 for some reason. Buy what you like and enjoy.
 
Thanks for all the replies. I'd just like to have my own 686 so it can be mine. The Ruger I can shoot anytime.

It's probably a good idea to take some classes. No telling what bad habits my husband taught me.

The .357 doesn't bother me even if I shoot a lot. Maybe I have strong wrists. Ammunition does get expensive after a while.

Thanks again for all the opinions.
 
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