Handguns for the newb in current times

[Wedge]

1st - Current times means RIGHT NOW. TODAY. This week. Ammunition is hard to find or overpriced. That is just a fact of life at the moment. It may not be that way in a few more weeks or months.

Also, note that this is just an example. Other than illustrating a point it doesn't have much relationship to any real world situation I am dealing with. An assumption to make is that the person in these examples is a "convert", they have a real desire to learn and are willing to put forth the effort to be proficient.

Ready?

You have a relative who lives alone. Some recent high profile crimes, combined with general economic uncertainty and fear of more violent crimes has called them into action. They have decided it is time to defend themselves both at home and away. Knowing you are a firearms enthusiast they ask for your advice. After going over the basics of firearm selection and safety (fit, training, storage, practice, carry, etc.) the real meat of the question comes down to "What should I buy".

Even just a year ago, the canned response would be either a .38 or 9mm. However given our current times both of those calibers are either hard or expensive to obtain. A .38 in the nightstand and no ammunition makes for a nice club.

Is it time to start suggesting other calibers? .357 Sig is on the shelf no matter where I go. Yes, it is expensive, but you can find it and the prices haven't changed. Buying 200 rounds will cost $100, but someone who was "serious" and had a good training partner could get to the point of passing a 50 round CCW course of fire (3 yard 20 round,7 yard 20 round,15 yard 10 round) and still have enough to have a mag or two full of ammo for in the nightstand. Another option could be .44 Special. Again, not part of the "common caliber" buying frenzy.

Those are just two ideas, but is it time that we start to suggest the more esoteric calibers which are actually EASIER to find than the common calibers (.38/.357mag, 9mm, .40, .45acp).

Don't get too hung up on the particular calibers chosen above. The point is should we as knowledgeable firearms enthusiasts and in many cases experts expand our recommendations to include ammunition availability at the moment of purchase?

Also, given the importance of regular practice should ammunition on hand (stockpiling) also be part of our suggestions. Is it prudent to recommend to the new gun owner that they buy a case (1000 rounds) of ammo with purchase of said pistol?

 

[Yo Mama]

Friend of mine wanted a handgun, and called to ask me what to get.

I told him what ever caliber the store has in stock, get that caliber gun.

 

[50caliber123]

I've seen a lot of .22 LR, though less varieties than before. That, and .25acp are all that's available in my area

 

[crebralfix]

You could always sell them a box of JHPs out of your ammo stock and 50 rounds of practice ammo for familiarization.

I'd start with 22 LR since any cheap stuff will do (even if a conversion kit turns into a one shot "slide action"). Once they're familiar with handgun shooting in general and can hit a paper plate, then move up to centerfire. I'd try 10-20 rounds total.

What's important here is to understand the difference between TARGET and COMBAT shooting. Airsoft can come in handy here. Also look at precision pellet pistols...and...both Airsoft and pellet guns can be used at home.

Yes, they will "not be very good at shooting". That's a given. But...the goal is to make them as FUNCTIONAL as possible given the circumstances.

Additionally, Airsoft has the advantage of being safe to do on the move. You can setup an IDPA target and shoot at it while moving. This is great practice.

As for the OP's question regarding how much ammo to store:

1) Store at least 2 years worth of practice ammo
2) Keep at least 300 rounds of JHP self-defense ammo around.
3) As many 22 LR rounds as possible.

If you carry for defense, you should attend at least one self-defense gun course every other year (figure 500-800 rounds) and shoot 100 rounds per month. That puts the shooter at 1600 per year, including 1/2 the gun course. Shooting 22LR really does help, as does Airsoft.

Some additional info:

1) Prevent green crud by not touching the ammo loaded into the gun without gloves.
2) Rounds go into the chamber of a semi-automatic pistol a maximum of twice. Beyond that, the bullet can start worming its way back into the case. I ran some tests on my guns and even once resulted in 1 to 2/1000" setback. Revolvers don't have this problem. However, try not to mess up the bullet tips by striking the chamber edge as they go in.
3) Store the ammunition properly in a cool, dry place. Don't touch the rounds without gloves
4) Wash your hands after handling guns and ammunition.
5) Clean your self-defense gun(s) monthly if you carry them. Get all the lint and fuzz out of the barrel and slide. If it's just sitting in a draw or box, then it's probably OK.
6) Lubricate with grease instead of oil. Oil "goes away" while grease will tend to "stick".

 

[harmon rabb]

so you want a gun with ammo you can actually find? order a surplus cz-82 from jgsales.com or classicarms.us. the 9x18 ammo to feed it is readily available, and is about $200 for 1,000 rounds.