First Handgun - Revolver vs Semi

[BLB68]

I wonder which is easier to master: failure drills on a semi-auto, or the double action trigger on a revolver?

I'm sure the answer varies from person to person. Either choice involves substantial training.

If budget allows, getting a bit of formal training that lets you try different types of handguns before making a final decision is a good idea.

 

[Ironicaintit]

There's a lot of smart people on here!

If I had to choose only one handgun, my first and formost criteria would be "natural point of aim". Whether or not it carries 5 shots or 15+; if you cant reliably hit your target without aiming, you're doing yourself a disservice.
Everybody's ergonomics are just a bit varied, and so you should pick one that suits your own geometry. Nice sights are great, but in a worst case scenario type situation; the weapon should effectively be an extension of yourself.

Which is why I have an aversion to Glocks, and love my BHP.
Standing, kneeling, prone, running, whatever....point and click. Bam nailed it!

I suggest that people rent, beg or borrow a variety of styles and practice with each before committing.
You will eventually pick one up that makes ya say, "oh i really like that one!", and it may not even be one you wouldve first considered.
Im proud to say that my wife can outshoot me with my own Ruger speed six (after i cured her flinch with randomly loaded snap caps)

 

[larry_minn]

Just from OP post. Either will work. BUT if you intend to carry the 439 is IMO easier to carry concealed. Couple extra rds.

Regards age. REALLY???? I have a pair of 39-2s. My first was well used when I got it. Then I was shooting a minimum of 50 rds a week all winter. (and few larger amounts every month over summer)
It finally went auto. (kinda) I could do pairs without releasing trigger. Match timer caught it. :0 So I bought 2nd and sent first to smith. IIRC $35 to "fix"

The 39 was flatter then Glock. More consistant trigger pull, it is more reliable, esp with gloves in MN winter. (for me)

My orig 39-2 is loaded, close at hand. I have no concerns about it working if needed. Even with being untouched for over a yr.

I like revolvers. Been wanting to get snub nose 38 for yrs. Just know I don't need it, no advantage over what I have (unless you get covered hammer, with idea of firing from INSIDE pocket)

 

[edmo01]

First handgun??

That's easy, GLOCK 19...

Edmo

 

[Zendude]

For a first handgun, I would be very wary of recommending a semi auto with no external safety and only a 5 lb trigger pull.

 

[entropy]

My son answered the question this way: I gave him my RIA 1911 when I got my PT1911AR. He traded it for a Taurus 66 7-shot revolver.

My votes?

S&W 'K' frame in .357 Mag. Shoot .38's for while first.

Glock 19. Hard to beat for a first auto.

What I actually got for firsts?

Colt Trooper MkIII .357 Dad gave it to me.

CZ 24 .380 $50 (Long time ago.)

 

[dakota1911]

Hopefully there is a range or two near you that rents so you can try before you buy. I would generally vote revolver for first hand gun. If you are going to carry whatever you should spend time and money before you do. Maybe instruction. Definitely ammo and range time.

 

[edmo01]

For a first handgun, I would be very wary of recommending a semi auto with no external safety and only a 5 lb trigger pull.

One can handle any type of gun in an unsafe manner. There is an assumption of training regardless of which gun is chosen.

You could also say revolvers don't have an external safety and their single action triggers are much lighter than 5 pounds, but most would argue revolvers are a "safe" handgun option.

I need training before I drive a car or ride motorcycle. Owning a piano doesn't mean I can play it... There is training before it will make music.

The suggestions of range time/training are a must if the new shooter is unfamiliar with safe gun handling. Learning the proper handling of the chosen make and model of gun are a must.

My thoughts are once he is familiar with his chosen handgun, a GLOCK 19 is hard to beat.

Edmo

 

[Delford]

Before I ever held a firearm with the intent of self and home defense I memorized the 10 rules of gun safety (NRA and NSSF) Then I took a concealed carry class. At that point I was fairly mature and I listen well to advice. A friend has a closet full of guns and a boatload of experience and he has trained me to shoot, to move, and to think since that time. I've shot several calibers in snubby revolvers and can hit the paper but with semi-autos I hit the black.

I qualified with 50 rounds from a Beretta Neos which I thoroughly enjoyed. After getting my CCP I tried .40, 9mm, and .45. I found .45 fit me best and I purchased my first handgun and began to practice. As ammo prices moved up I bought a Neos and began shooting that along with my .45. When .22lr disappeared I stayed with .45 and prices fell first with that caliber and 9mm. Not everyone would be comfortable with .45 but for me it has worked well. I recently bought a Kahr in .45 that I carry concealed more comfortably than the Ruger that is now my bedroom handgun.

 

[eocoolj]

Wow I havent been on here for a couple weeks, surprising to see this thread still going. Click here to see what my decision was. Thank you all for your help.

 

[MrBorland]

I'll let others see what you've decided on. And since you've made your decision, others can comment on your new thread, and I'll close one.