First Gun Suggestions?

[Sh-ion]

I'm currently looking to buy my first gun. I've never fired a gun before due to the fact that my ma is a freggin hippy. I've always been interested in guns but never had the chance to be exposed to them. I am 22 years old 6'4" and close to 300lbs.

I'm leaning toward the S&W 686 or the Ruger GP100 as a starter revolver. Manly due to the fact that they're chambered for a .38 as well as having the .357 option for when I get comfortable with the weapon.

Common sense would tell me to start small with a .22 but I’ve read that the 686 and GP100 are good starters due to the fact that they are both hefty guns that can shoot a smaller caliber and I don't think someone my size would develop bad flinching habits (I could be wrong?).

I'm also thinking about picking up a rifle further on down the road. Thinking of a .22 for my first rifle, not sure, suggestions?

If ya'll have any pointers, tips or suggestions for someone interested in getting into this hobby/lifestyle I sure could use the direction.

~I appreciate your time and suggestions
-SJ

 

[SamTuckerMTNMAN]

1st gun

Heed the .22 advice. A .22 is an awesome rifle to have and start out with. It is not any less masculine, a little quieter, and helps develop good shooting skills without a 'flinch' - the action of anticipating a hard shot. It's also cheap to shoot, can be used as a survival tool, and ammo is easy as pie to find (550 rounds around $10). GAMO makes a great air rifle as well with feet per second speeds equal to a .22 and it's even cheaper, and a little more quiet. Both of these rifles will earn their keep long after you've moved up into larger calibers and can be used to teach other people basic safety/marksmanship fundamentals. As far as handguns go, of the many that can be found somewhere on my property, the Hi-Standard .22 LR revolver is a personal favorite. Highly accurate and not too loud I can go plink 20-30 rounds every day when I get home behind my house. Practice is so so important for lowering group size, in my opinion, so having a user friendly, cheaply fed weapon, is perfect for starting out. You can ALWAYS grow into bigger things later. Good luck!
s

 

[mikeb3185]

+1 on .22
they are a blast to shoot. which reminds me i need to get one

 

[Josh Aston]

You're choices are both good, but compared to .22, .38 and .357 are expensive. If you want to get in lots of trigger time you can get a box of 550 .22s for less that $10. You won't be able to find any other cartridge any where near that. If you have the money get the .357 and a .22.

 

[pax]

First, welcome to THR and to the wonderful world of gun ownership.

I'm leaning toward the S&W 686 or the Ruger GP100 as a starter revolver. Manly due to the fact that they're chambered for a .38 as well as having the .357 option for when I get comfortable with the weapon.

These are both good choices, if you must have a defensive gun upon which to learn to shoot. If you will not be using the gun for defense, however, you'll be better served with a basic .22lr, either pistol or revolver. As you said:

Common sense would tell me to start small with a .22 ....

This is true not simply because of recoil, but also because of ammunition cost. If you want to become a good shooter, you will need to throw a lot of rounds downrange, and .22 ammunition is still considerably less expensive than any other ammunition out there.

However, please don't think I'm saying you cannot learn to shoot with a defensive caliber. You can. Many people have. I did. It will take more work, and the learning curve will be steeper, and you will have to guard against developing bad shooting habits, but you can do it.

...I don't think someone my size would develop bad flinching habits (I could be wrong?).

Common misconception. Flinching has nothing to do with size, and very little to do with courage or fear on the conscious level. It doesn't have a lot to do with strength, either.

A flinch is a physiological response to the aversive stimuli which happens when the trigger is pulled. As the shot fires, the gun jumps in the hand and there is a loud noise. These physical sensations are transmitted through your nerve endings up to your brain. They cause the lizard brain at the base of your skull to think, "There's something happening here that I don't want to happen," so it sends a message to your muscles to tighten and clench -- causing the barrel of the gun to suddenly dip at the last moment and sending your shot typically down and to the left of the bullseye.

A flinch is very nearly a reflex action, and it happens way down below the conscious level. To eradicate a flinch, you have to do things to reassure your lizard brain. In part, you can do this by lessening the aversive stimuli on each and every shot, by shooting a smaller caliber and using ample hearing protection. You can dryfire, pulling the trigger without any aversive stimuli happening. And you can play mind games such as allowing yourself to be surprised when the shot goes off, rather than anticipating it and tensing up. All of these things allow your lizard brain to discover that pulling the trigger does not result in harm, and thus allow it to lessen the flinch reaction.

It's very common for people to enjoy shooting a large caliber, to enjoy the feel of the recoil, and yet still develop a flinch from it. Again, the flinch happens way down below the conscious level.

Every shooter has battled a flinch at one time or another, and so it's nothing to be ashamed of. It is, however, something to avoid as much as possible. It is far, far, far easier to avoid bad habits at the beginning than it is to eradicate them later. If you can throw enough small-caliber rounds downrange while paying careful attention to your trigger control and your shooting technique, you may have only a slight battle with flinch rather than an all-out war. It is absolutely worth avoiding that war if you can.

Hope that helps!

pax

 

[P97]

I agree on the .22 Cal. I would recommend a Single-shot or Bolt-Action rifle and single-action revolver. The first thing a new shooter needs to learn is all about shot placement. I started with a single-shot rifle when a kid and I still hunt with a single-shot 30/06. One shot put in the right place is all thats needed. Fast shooting ruins most people on accuracy. After you get good with the .22 then you can get whatever you want. It takes lots of practice and the .22 is the cheapest way to go.

 

[learn2shoot]

WAIT!

If you have never fired a gun before I do not recommend just walking into a gun store and picking out the coolest looking gun .22 or 454 Casull. Because if you don't like shooting that gun you won't shoot it and you will have wasted money and effort or worse yet be unsafe. Also you risk walking away with a poor introduction into what is a great sport and hobby.

My suggestion is to take a course from an instructor. A first steps course is about $75 - $125 (I have seen them up to $250). You get plenty of individual instruction and this is the best way to learn how to BE SAFE, stand, hold the gun, line up the sights...

If that is not your liking, talk a friend who is a gun owner into taking you to the range, have them teach you how to BE SAFE.... The risk here is that if your friend has incorrect information/habits you will not learn properly.

Or.. go to a store which has a range and try shooting a few different makes model and calibers. You may find a .22 boring or a .38 too big. Tell the range officer that you have never fired a gun and would like it if someone could walk you through the paces... Any RSO worth his salt will oblige

Welcome to shooting... that will be 10% of your income for life

 

[Zen21Tao]

I have to agree with others. It is best to start with a .22 to develop proper technique and then move up to a larger caliber. Once you do become proficent with your .22 and decide to move up try renting various pistols and revolvers to get a general idea of feels most comfortable to use in you hand. Even if you can't rent any go to as many gunstores as you can and hold as many different model firearms as you can. Different firearms have slightly different grip angles when the front and rear sights are alined. For example, 1911s and Sigs feel more verticle to me where as Glocks feel closer to a 45 degree angle. Also firarms have different thickness that translate into different feels. It is important that you find what is comfortable and feels most natural to you.

 

[1911JMB]

My first gun was a 12 gauge 870. Theres nothing it can't do within 100 yards. If all my guns were stolen or something, my remington 870 would be the first thing I'd go about replacing.

I don't own one, but for cheap handgun practice, I have loved every Ruger Single Six .22 I've shot. Autoloading .22's can be plagued with problems, but not revolvers.

The bottom line is that you want what you want. Guns are a personal choice. You should buy exactly what you want, otherwise you won't like what you bought.

 

[svtruth]

I vote .22

What everyone said above. Then a rifle in .22- same ammo. Then the .357/.38. I bought a Ruger for my son for Christmas last year, it should last through his grand kids. Also opens the door to a lever gun in .357.
Have fun.

 

[m0ntels]

I'll disagree for you and recommend the 357. A 22 is a wonderful thing and you'll def get one eventually if you decide to stick with shooting. The one thing a 22 wont do is grow up along with your ability and desire for something more. Start with some 38 wadcutter target ammo and then go to regular 38 special rounds, and finally up to the magnums. The wadcutter ammo recoils only a bit more than a 22.

Yeah, it does cost more, but I think it is more enjoyable. I love all my 22s and I have more of them than anything else, but they just dont get me as excited as a 38 will. A 357 is truly a do-anything caliber. The 686 and the Ruger are both wonderful guns and you wont get the duds you get out of bulk 22. Even a single 22 that hangs up really breaks the mood for me.

Also 38/357 shooting can be less expensive and more fun once you start looking at reloading equipment! You're gonna do it eventually. Same with buying a 22. I started shooting with 22s and air rifles, but the 357 was the first one I bought on my own. Great fun at a reasonable price.

Randy

 

[Bazooka Joe71]

I have a ruger single 6 .22 and i love it...But its just not gonna fulfill your wants for something bigger like said in the above post...I recommend a good 9mm tack driver for your first gun...I don't have a CZ75B myself yet, but ive heard great things about them...Then you could buy the kadet conversion kit, and shoot all the .22 lr's you want.

 

[kludge]

If ya'll have any pointers, tips or suggestions for someone interested in getting into this hobby/lifestyle I sure could use the direction.

I'll echo what learn2shoot said: get yourself enrolled in a basic safety/pistol course, after that get some trigger time with a .22 revolver or auto. Form good habits then you'll be armed (pun intended) to make a good decision on a self defense handgun/caliber.

Oh, and never sell your first .22 -- you'll regret it later.

 

[miko]

You can shoot wax or rubber bullets out of 357 revolver for practice - at a cost of a primer (< 2 cents).
That makes owning a 22 less essential than it would be otherwise.

4" 686 or Ruger is a great choice for the first gun. Dry-fire a lot - flinching habits have nothing to with your total size/weight.

miko

 

[Sh-ion]

Thanks

I've convinced a buddy of mine to go "window shopping" this weekend with me. He's a little irish basturd and wants to start with a .22 rifle. Were also going to take a gun safty class, cause out here in lovely sunny, smoggy stinking California, i've been told, you must be certified in a gun safty class before buying a hand gun. Been looking around and found an outdoor range a good 10 miles down the freeway from my town.

Can't say how much all your responces and ideas helpped me actually put motion into my decission. Thanks yall, for the great advice, never thought that i'd get such usefull and thoughtful support/imput.

appreciate your words.
-SJ

 

[quatin]

Well, I just went through this whole "First Gun" thing a few weeks ago and I have to say, unless you want to get into competitions, there's nothing wrong with getting a heavier caliber to start with. My first gun is a .223 and it's just much more fun to shoot than a .22lr. There's obvious advantages to shooting with a .22lr such as cheap ammo and ease of use. Training on a .22lr will certainly make you a better shooter, however shooting isn't THAT difficult that you will miss the broad side of a barn at 50 feet. If you are like me and just want to shoot for fun and even maybe hunt later on, I would say get the heavier caliber first. If you like it so much afterwards that you really want that super tight group it won't be hard to get a .22lr. Besides you can't just have ONE gun ...if you like shooting your first gun you'll want 2.

 

[GungHo]

Common misconception. Flinching has nothing to do with size, and very little to do with courage or fear on the conscious level. It doesn't have a lot to do with strength, either.

To provide support to pax's argument, I have a much smaller friend (5'0" Asian girl) who outshoots me with my .44 Blackhawk. It's frightening.

 

[Hanzo581]

I started out with a Walther P22 .22 cal with a 5" target barrel, at around $300 dollars it was a great choice for me, and not to mention how cheap the ammo is.

I got to be very precise with it, then in turn when I upped my caliber I carried my technique along with it, then simply adjusted for recoil.

You should do the same

My vote, .22 cal semi-auto

 

[Confederate]

Given a choice between a Ruger GP-100 and a Smith 686, I'd go with the latter in a 6-shot configuration. I've heard the extended shot guns go out of time more often, but don't know about the latest generation, so ask a knowledgable source. The 686s have the edge on accuracy and the actions are better. The Ruger's undoubtedly one of the strongest .357s and they have a solid frame, which makes taking them apart a breeze.

Better, if you can track down a like-new Ruger Security-Six, stainless, I think they're one of the finest production guns ever made. They have the strength of a larger-frame gun and weighs in at only about 35 ounces, making it much better for carrying. On the shooting range, however, the 686 is hard to beat. If you can get one without the keylock, I'd sure go that route.

 

[10-Ring]

There is something to be said about getting alot of trigger time. I would be a much better shooter today if I had listened to all those that told me a DA 22lr wheelgun was the ideal 1st gun. You get to develop proper technique and get ALOT of good inexpensive trigger time in.
Get the 22lr, invest in some good basic instruction and don't skimp on the practice time! Shoot ALOT of rounds & be patient

After you've masted that first gun, everything else will be easy to shoot
Enjoy yourself

 

[losangeles]

First gun, I'd recommend a .22. Look into the Ruger Mk III. Accurate out the box, inexpensive, reliable, lots of parts and accessories in the market. Because of their popularity, most ranges have them to rent so you can try before you buy.

Bottom line is you need a lot of shooting time and reps to get good. To get to the 10,000 round mark of reps, you'll need to spend $2,000 for major caliber. With a .22, it'll cost you $200. Big difference.

You can ease yourself into a major caliber later. But you'll get a lot of shooting fundamentals down by then.

 

[Sh-ion]

Here's another question...

Now if i do go .22 should i start with a rifle or a handgun, and if i do go handgun should i go auto or revolver?

On one hand, if i go handgun i could get my ma shooting witch would make me owning guns alot easier for her to accept. On the flip side the idea of shooting a rifle sounds a whole lotta buncha more fun.

What'a yall think?

-SJ

 

[MatthewVanitas]

For .22 rifle vs. handgun:

Which one interests you more? A rifle has more usable range, a pistol is more convenient.

In Texas, used Marlin 60s (a _great_ rifle) for for $50-70 in pawnshops. Sometimes even cheaper for decent bolt-action rifles, make sure that you either know what to look for, or else buy from a place that has a return policy for non-fuctioning guns. Probably stick with brand-names (Marlin, Savage, Stevens, Mossberg, Remington).

So far as handguns: you'll probably pay at least $150 for a decent used .22 handgun. However, depending on local prices, you may be able to get a new S&W 22a for under $200, or a Browning or Ruger for slightly over $200. Ruger Single Six revolvers (cowboy style) can be had used for $250.

Just tossing out a few ideas. Unless you want to only own one single defense gun your entire life, a good .22 is a necessity for practice and fun.

-MV