Good First Trio to Recommend?

[Calypso]

Hello everyone. I'm one of those newbies looking for advice on what to buy for my first three guns.

Thinking of a shotgun type, rifle type and possibly a pistol (undecided). I prefer "novelty" like shooters such as classic style revolvers, lever action rifles and double barrel shotguns. I looked around, asked some questions and been eyeballing a Mossberg 30-30 lever action, a 12g coach gun 12" barrel, and something of a colt army or replica (more affordable?). I also have the option of my uncle transferring an older german boot shooter to me as well, but more hoops have to be jumped through to obtain small fire arms in my area (basically not allowed, with inheritance as one of the only civilian exceptions).

What are your guy's thoughts on those? What were your first guns?

 

[Thermactor]

This should handle your first two requirements; put a pistol stock on the AR and you have all three!



Seriously though the important thing is to consider:
1) Cartridge availability long and short term
2) Parts availability
3) Service history and reliability
4) Buy it once and cry once vs. buy cheap and repeatedly
5) Try before you buy, its cheap to rent and hate a gun; not so cheap to buy and hate it before even trying it out.

It sounds to me like you're in a European country or a country with restrictive gun laws, so I'm not sure about being able to rent guns, or even what guns you have available..?

 

[Sunray]

What purpose?
Where you are matters. A 12" shotgun is a big kid's toy, useless for hunting and possibly illegal. I believe they're Class 3 firearms(Wild guess) and require a $200 Federal tax, if your State allows 'em in the first place.

 

[PistolPete45]

I picked up a Ranch Hand a few years back Lots of fun .> Mosberg had a 12 gauge that came with two barrels shoulder stock and pistol grip .. My opinion only of course Everyone should have a 22 cal. rifle

 

[Calypso]

LOL @ the AR

Good points as well, thank you, lots more to be considered. I know somewhat of what to expect from the coach gun and lever action, they pop up pretty commonly as of late at stores and online too. Both of them could be rented to test. Ammo's kicking around at local hunting/hardware stores. For targets, clay (with the shotgun). Weird law surrounding it that you can't make your own coach gun, but it can come that way from a manufacturer, again in the area im at.

The colt or the boot pistols would probably be annoying in a lot of ways (parts and ammo mainly), definitely wouldn't really fancy the boot shooter for targets to be honest (barrel = accuracy). Maybe a reliable semi target pistol or something more standard would be a better start?

Yeah, lots of rules where I am, I kind of like how it is and where it's going (more lenient). There's lots of guns available though (other than crazy machine gun/armour piercing/explosive/tiny concealable stuff). I think handguns or assault rifles would be smarter to just do a private sale (ie meeting them at a club to try) or take your chances buying them from a shop/online. They're registered and a bit more restrictive. Unless you did all this extra paper work between the shop/seller and the government to rent (who knows how long it would take).

 

[WestKentucky]

What's your locale? That might help us to know what you can and can't do. I agree with your thinking though, a classic levergun, a side-by-side shotgun, and last but not least a handgun. From what I read, the handgun may be the most difficult to figure out the legalese and translate it into something useful.

 

[CB900F]

Calypso;

Location and intended use(s) would indeed help us give you better advice. However, since that hasn't been provided, here is my take on what might suite you, and the reasons why.

1. Bolt action .22lr rifle. There's nothing else out there that's better to learn, or hone, marksmanship skills with. Ammo is cheap. Get a nice one & keep it forever - CZ455 unless you're left master eyed, then a left hand CZ452.

2. Double action .357 revolver w/4" barrel. Given that you get a .22 rifle, you then don't need a .22 pistol. The .357 can shoot .38's for practice and the magnums for self-defense. The double action revolver is one of the safest platforms to learn pistoleering on, and is also very effective as a carry and/or self defense weapon. A good used Ruger GP100 or S&W model 686 would be ideal.

3. A 12 gauge shotgun that has the ability to switch barrels. A switch barrel will allow you to hunt birds, deer, turkeys, or use it for home defense. If you're a smaller person, or recoil sensitive, a 20 gauge would do. Basic: Remington 870 home defense. Nicer: Browning BPS.

4. Not asked for, but if you want to hunt big game you'll also want a good bolt action rifle in a centerfire cartridge. The standard is .30-06, hard to do better, easy to do worse. However, again if you're recoil sensitive, make it a 6.5 X 55mm Swedish Mauser. Many fine used guns to choose from if cost is an issue. New gun, I suggest looking at all of 'em, but particularly Tikka and CZ.

900F

 

[David4516]

Really difficult to say for sure without knowing what you want to do with the firearms in question (hunting, competition, self defense, etc).

I think everybody should have 4 guns though. Two rifles (one each rimfire and centerfire), a pistol, and a shotgun.

Try to stick with things that shoot a common cartridge, unless you plan to reload your own ammo.

 

[MoPed]

If I were looking to pick 3 firearms that are classical, easy to get ammunition for and legal in pretty much all states, I would go with the following. A Ruger Blackhawk convertible in .38/.357/9mm, a 12 gauge single shot or double barrel shotgun and a Henry Lever action .22 or some sort of a .22 bolt action rifle. All those ammunition types are relatively cheap and easy to find and the capacity should be safe in most states. If you shopped around you could probably get into all three for between $600 and $800, depending on where you live.

 

[leadcounsel]

Recommend me on a car. Oh, and I can't have some stuff due to certain laws here.

LOL...

See what I mean OP.

We have NO idea what your age is, your size/strength/sex, your budget, your intended use, your familiarity with guns (it appears almost zero - you aren't going to win friends referring to "crazy machine guns, assault weapons, and armor piercing..." around gun folks), your general ability to use tools, athleticism, etc. We don't even know what is legal or illegal in your locale...

It is nearly impossible for people to give any really decent advice not knowing any of this...


Having said all of that... I'd very generally recommend:

Some form of pump shotgun in the 20 or 12 gauge flavor. Can own them in every state, they are widely and easily and cheaply available in various configurations. Don't go all tacti-cool. Models to look at are Mossberg 500 series, Remington 870, and Winchester 1300. DO NOT get one with just a pistol grip.

Some form of inexpensive caliber handgun, recommend a 9mm. You will need a lot of training, and the 9mm is the most effective and least expensive match in my view. Lots of choices in polymer and steel and aluminum frames, and striker, hammer fired, safety or no safety, etc. I'd personally primarily look at Smith and Wesson, CZ, Sig Sauer, Glock, Ruger, Springfield... generally excellent choices. Alternately get a .357 revolver from Ruger or Smith and Wesson. You can train with less expensive .38s.

Some form of simple rifle. Could be bolt action, lever action or even semi-automatic like an AK or AR. But be keen on the costs of ammo because you need to train a lot.

Go to a gun store and handle many... ask a lot of questions and read as much as you can. You have a LOT of homework ahead. If it were me, I'd focus on one platform at a time and zero in on what you think you'll want.

Much of this is trial and error.

Welcome to the world of guns. It's addictive.

 

[bannockburn]

I'm still trying to figure out what a "boot shooter" is. I mean there are some guns called " pea shooters", but a gun made specifically for use against footwear, well that's down right puzzling!

 

[J-Bar]

Since you stated a preference for "old west" kind of guns...

Rifle: A pre-1964 Winchester 94 in 30-30 for a rifle caliber, or a Rossi Model 92 in .357 Magnum if you prefer a pistol caliber in the rifle.

Shotgun: A used Stevens Model 311, 12 gauge. Built like a tank, fairly cheap.

Handgun: Ruger Blackhawk .357 Magnum.

You can find .30-30 Winchester ammo everywhere, as well as 12 gauge shotshells. You can shoot .38 Special ammo in the Blackhawk, and some Model 92 rifles in .357 Magnum will also function ok with .38 Special cartridges...depends on the gun.

These are not very exotic choices, they are pretty common guns for a reason...they work well and hold their value.

 

[Thermactor]

I'm still trying to figure out what a "boot shooter" is. I mean there are some guns called " pea shooters", but a gun made specifically for use against footwear, well that's down right puzzling!

for some reason a pepperbox pistol springs to my mind

 

[RustyShackelford]

New to the shooting sports.....

If you are new or entry level to the shooting sports, Id suggest you walk before you run.
A great first handgun would be a simple DA/SA or DA only 3"/4" revolver, .38spl or .357magnum. DA only means the hammer spur is removed and the revolver can't be cocked(the single action firing is not possible). A qualified gunsmith or trained armored can modify a DA revolver to only fire this way.
Police trade in .357magnums or .38spl revolvers are rare in 2015 but a few are still out there.
Good, new in box(NIB) models like the Ruger GP100 or SP101, the S&W 686+(7 round) or model 64(.38spl) could be practical. The new Ruger LCRx 3" .38spl is a good design for new shooters.
The Ruger Wiley Clapp limited ed GP revolver in .357magnum is a good pick. It's easy to clean & like any .357magnum revolver, it can fire both .357mag & the smaller(less powerful .38spl). Stainless steel is a smart choice for a new gun owner, it's easy to clean & resists rust, wear.
You could buy a new semi auto pistol too but you'd need to be able to train or learn how to properly use it or shoot it. Semi auto pistols can be purchased in different versions but Id suggest a DA only, hammer(exposed but not a spur type). Good DA only semi auto pistols include the SIG Sauer DAK series in P229R/P224/P226R/P220R. The Beretta PX4 Storm C(constant action) is DA only. The Heckler & Koch(HK) P30, P2000, USP in LEM(law enforcement modification) are great but somewhat pricey.
Decent LE trade in DA only pistols in 9mm, .40S&W, .45acp are out there too.
Striker fired pistols like the Glock, XD/XDm, M&P, Ruger SR, Walther PPQ, FNH FNS, etc are well engineered & could be worth a look but you need to be diligent & practice good gun handling skills with this format.
Keep your firearms clean & check them often for any problems or damage. For personal defense or CCW use only factory rounds. No reloaded or hand loaded ammunition. Some gun owners or hunters claim they have great designs or know what works best but Id rely on a high quality, LE type brand for personal defense.
Learn & understand the gun/use of force laws in your community too. To get a compitant atty or criminal defense law firm(group) is smart. Don't wait until a lethal force event to seek out a lawyer.
Id suggest taking classes or formal instruction with a respected program to learn safe, practical ways to use your new firearms.

Rusty

 

[chicharrones]

Welcome to the forum, Calypso!

Since you asked what our first guns were, mine were an SKS, Ruger GP100, and a Marlin 39AS. They were all bought about a year apart over 20 years ago due to my income limitations at the time.

I really like your thoughts on a .30-30 lever gun, a SxS 12 gauge, and a SAA styled revolver.

I don't know your shooting situation over there for using a 12" barrel, but it sounds like it could be a fun short range blaster doubling for last ditch home defense. I personally would want longer barrels so you could experience shooting clays. I have a 26" barreled SxS that can used for that.

For the revolver, if you can get a Ruger, I highly recommend it. Something like a .357 Magnum that can also use .38 Special is pretty versatile. Especially if it has adjustable sights. Whether single action or double action.

BTW, that .30-30 lever gun would be a very good all around first rifle. However, if you don't have a real use for the caliber, maybe a .22LR would be more fun since you can shoot it longer for less money.

 

[Barry the Bear]

My first guns that I bought was a ruger super blackhawk in .44 magnum ( light special loadings make shooting a gun this size a complete joy) , I needed a hunting rifle so I got a winchester model 70 in .243 winchester, next was a mossberg 500 in 12 ga, has all three bases covered. If you really want a single action revolver as your. main handgun , I can attest to carrying one, they carry very well with the right holster. I believe fellow member bob wright also carries a single action.

 

[JeeperCreeper]

This is my suggestion not knowing your local laws:

RIFLE:
-.30-30 is a great cartridge. Mossberg makes OK rifles, also check out used Winchesters and Marlins. Maybe even a Rossi
-Possibly consider a pistol caliber lever, especially if you like cowboy guns. It would be nice to match a 357MAG or 44MAG or 45LC to your pistol

SHOTGUN:
-Double barrels are fun, but you may get a much much better deal on the used market than the overpriced coach guns
-Double guns with two triggers and no hammers are my favorite for fast shooting and shooting both barrels at the same time

PISTOL:
-If you want a single action, I'd go Ruger for price and durability. The Blackhawk convertibles are my favorite. The New Vaqueros are nice but built on a smaller frame so not as tough as the Blackhawk if you want to shoot super hot loads
-Also consider a double action revolver for good HD. Not as nostalgic, but still good looking.

 

[ku4hx]

If you have little to know shooting experience, I'd suggest visiting a local range or gun club and get some shooting experience before spending any money. Many ranges rent handguns and ranges with rifle and shotgun ranges can provide you some good experience.

If you do have experience, what have you been shooting and did you have any favorites and "never-buys".

 

[notaglockfanboy]

Some may disagree, but I would shy away from the Mossberg lever gun. They have issues with feeding and ejecting in my experience. Marlin, now owned by Remington, did have QC issues when they changed hands but now are looking better. Have you looked at the Henry lever actions?? They are great rifles and 100% American owned and manufactured. If you have not looked at the Henry, you should check them out.

 

[Lefty Wright]

Marlin 1894 Cowboy lever gun (great gun and you can get in in 38/357 or 44). Winchester 1897 pump 12 gauge (way better than a coach gun). Ruger new Vaquero in 38/357 or 45LC). All common calibers, and if you stick with 38/357 you'll have same caliber for rifle and pistol. Everyone should have a lever gun in 357.

 

[jamesjames]

The first trio I wanted and the trio I got talked into were 2 different things entirely. If I had it to do over again I would have stuck to my original inclination.

I wanted a lever action carbine and a revolver in the same pistol caliber. The purpose was for target shooting and personal (home) defense (100 yards and under). I wanted a pump action shotty in 12 gauge as a home defense gun.

I got talked into a bunch of other stuff because the rifle had to chamber a "real" rifle cartridge (in 30-30) instead of a pistol cartridge in case i wanted to hunt or target shoot at longer distances. I wound up with a semi-auto shotty because one was available.

Ultimately, I was unhappy. I didn't want to plink with the 30-30 because it was too expensive and recoiled too much for a new shooter to be fun. The semi-auto shotty only really functioned well with tall brass 2 3/4 shells or 3 inchers.

After more years of learning and shooting, I finally got what I wanted: A Marlin 1894 in .44 magnum paired with a Colt SAA in .44 special. I also obtained a USFA SAA in .38 special paired with a Rossi Model 92 in .357. I shoot these guns more than any others and they are fun to shoot.

 

[Skylerbone]

I will concur with others on needing more info, it isn't too personal but rather necessary.

What I would recommend, and this is without that critical info, would be the following:

1. A CZ 455 in .22lr because like CB900F I have a great love of rifles that look great and perform even better.

2. A .410 single-shot. Round my parts a used one will run you $60-$80, one heck of a bargain for a rather versatile scatter gun that collects squirrel, rabbit and, if you're good, pheasant. They're also lightweight and recoil friendly.

3. A Ruger Single-Six. I know, that's 2 rimfires for a total of 3 anemic calibers. You want cowboy looks on the cheap, this is your pistol. Find a used one with the convertible cylinder to shoot the occasional .22mag.

In all honesty 3 firearms to do everything is too tall an order in my book. Start with the basics, the above represents an $800 investment in some very good iron. When you're ready to move on buy a Vaquero and a Winchester lever and have at it.