Handgun Insight for the newbie

[DNS]

I agree with Kodiac.

A 22lr is a great training tool and just cheap fun too. It'll keep you from flinching, trigger jerk, and get you to concentrate without the recoil and noise.

A young friend of mine who's probably around your age bought the newest wonder auto and literally couldn't hit the target at ten feet. He tried my 22lr revolver and after a warm up was getting the basics down. He now has a couple 22's and is way more confident with his skills.

Luck.

 

[doc.lonestar]

You have some decent choices listed -

Have you looked at a Glock 19? durable reliable and accurate.

Get your hands a couple of different weapons and check with ranges to see if you can rent a few to try out. Only way to know for sure is to get out and handle/shoot them.

Good luck and be safe

 

[Zaydok Allen]

Hooray!!!!! You decided on a revolver!

You know, when I first took an interest in handguns, I always thought I'd be an auto guy. I decided a revolver was the way to go though since I wanted a SD, carry, and HD gun. I have never looked back. I own two revolvers (one in .357 and one in 460 Magnum), one derringer, and two autos (one in .40 S&W and one in .22LR). The autos are fine, but I never find myself looking at autos in a gun shop. Revolvers just get me going. The only other auto I plan to ever buy is a 1911. I will keep the auto in .22LR because it is cheap to shoot and a fun gun. I may sell the .40 at some point.

Ruger revolvers are great, solid guns. They just feel like working guns to me, but they do shine up real nice. I like Rugers for a carry gun since they are a little lower in price, are reliable, and last a lifetime.

S&W revolvers are just a bit prettier IMO. Every one I have ever shot has been great, though many people will tell you that they are not what they used to be. I'm sure that's true when you consider the degredation in manufacturing quality with all modern products. If I was in your shoes, and did not plan to carry the gun, I'd probably buy a 686+ with a 2.5", 3", or probably a 4" bbl. I love the 2.5 inchers though. I don't know why, but I love snubs. .357 is a great all around chambering. A 629 in .44 mag would also be good since you can shoot .44 specials for HD.

I've seen three bad Taurus revolvers come out of the box, and go right back to the factory. I will never own one, but other people have had good luck with them.

Good luck, and don't forget to post pictures when you buy one.

 

[FAS1]

A revolver would be a good choice. When I purchased my first handgun I really liked the way the Glock 17 fit my hand. I do have large hands. I have no regrets as that gun (gen2) has been very reliable and I have no problem trusting my life to it. I contacted a friend who helped me get familiar with handguns in general and become proficient with it. Whatever you get, be sure and shoot a bunch.

BTW my G17 w/night sights is still my HD handgun after all these years and resides on my bed frame.