Help Needed: Daughter's First Handgun

[Hazwaste]

My 13 year old is asking for her first handgun for Christmas. She's asking that it be a .22. Also, she's asking that it be double-action, either revolver or pistol. She said that she wanted one to learn proper handgun handling and for target shooting. Me, I don't care why she wants it, it just warms my heart that she's asking for one.

She is petite, with small hands too, so it's got to be manageable in size.

While I've been looking at a number of different models, I would appreciate some informed suggestions. Thanks in advance.

 

[BloodyRAzorBlades]

Try the Beretta 87 Cheetah it's just like the 380 version but in 22lr. or go for the Ruger Mk2 the grips are nice and slim so they work well for small hands. my sister is really fond of the Walther p22 however and she's 14 if that counts for anything.

 

[lyricsdad]

bearcat.

 

[Rob1035]

Walther P22?

 

[lyricsdad]

p22 is fun, my 14, and 15 y.o. daughters like it.. but.. my older one got a casing down the front of the shirt. not fun. i recommend the bearcat because of this type of problem.

 

[Cueball]

The Taurus 22 revolver w/4" barrel is a nice option for a beginner. I believe the model number is 94B4? It would be a good firearm to teach safety and proper handling. A wheelgun is the simplest to operate and hence an excellent starting point.

Good luck and have fun!

 

[chief]

See if you can pick up a decent used S&W model 63 with the 4" barrel. The new alloy frame kit gun is too light for decent shooting. Sometime if you start one on a semi-auto they don't concentrate on each shot but tend to try and rely on volume of fire. Another reason for a revolver is range saftey is easier for the novice with a wheelgun.

 

[mustanger98]

A 4"barrel S&W K-22 Masterpeice is nice. They made those, IIRC, in both .22LR and .22WMR. You might find a nice used one for a good price.

Here's something she might like... S&W Model 34...

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=40558516

 

[Standing Wolf]

She said that she wanted one to learn proper handgun handling and for target shooting.

I'd say the lass is wise beyond her years.

If she were my daughter, I'd give her a big hug, then buy her a used Smith & Wesson K-22 or Colt Diamondback: more expensive than some guns, but likely to be in good shape when she wants to give a gun to a grandchild quite a few years from now.

 

[Black Majik]

+3 with Mustanger98 & Standing Wolf

The K22 would be it. Gorgeous DA revolver, if you can find one in pristine condition.

Seems only a revolver would fit her criteria of being double action only. Or you can give her a Glock w/ a .22 conversion kit and call it a day.

 

[Jet22]

It would have to be a K-22 Model 18 if it were me. Its easy to shoot well and is much safer to handle than semi-auto. Then next year a model 15...then a model 19...then a model 57...you get the idea. That first love is a very important step!

 

[StrikeEagle]

bearcat.

I agree with this. Small piece and will fit her young hand, and Ruger Single Actions are about as SAFE as a firearm can be. You have to work a bit to get a shot off.

I'd certainly avoid autoloaders... fire it, and with the touch of a trigger it's ready to fire again. Plus the well-known propensity of autos to 'hide' a round in the chamber after you've 'cleared the gun' by removing the magazine. Not the best idea for a new shooter with 13-year old sensitivities, IMO.

Tell you what else... that's a very fine little gun that will serve her throughout her shooting career.

Finally, let me point out that YOU will enjoy it as well!

StrikeEagle

 

[MatthewVanitas]

Another Bearcat vote!

I know you did say "double action", but has your daughter at least considered a Ruger Bearcat?



(photo from www.gunblast.com , great Bearcat reviews)

I bought one for teaching beginners and impressing nubiles, and it's the spiffiest little thing. Indestructible, very accurate, and cute as the dickens. So, unless she's dead-set on DA revo and has no attraction to adorable guns, I'd show her Jeff Quinn's Bearcat reviews on www.gunblast.com and see if her eyes light up. Good luck in your search; range report expected after Christmas. -MV

 

[Jacobus Rex]

I'd like to second the notion that a double action .22 revolver would be a good way to go. I tend to prefer having beginners shoot double action for safety and practical reasons. The transition from cocking a single action to regaining a good grip can be trouble for some given the light trigger pull of single actions.

Any used S&W revolver is hard to beat. The new Taurus' have a good reputation. I really think any well made .22 revolver would fit the bill.

 

[GoBrush]

I know you said double action and that is a very good choice. BUT now is just as good a time as any to train her with an auto. I have 4 girls and have taught the 11 year old and the 14 year old with my Browning Buck Mark they are simply the best most acurate 22s I have ever shot. My 8 and 5 year old keep asking when they get to go to the range with dad I have not quite figured that out guess I need to start a new thread and ask THR.

Good Luck and Merry Chrismas

 

[Dienekes]

A S&W Kit Gun in 4" or a K frame S&W in 4", possibly 6" (K-22 format). Very high quality, excellent trigger, will serve for a lifetime. Not mentioned thus far is the fact that in addition to being "safer" because the cylinder can be swung out and visually inspected easily, it can be loaded and fired "ball and dummy" style which is the best practice I know.

The notion of eventually moving from that to a nice Model 15 or 19 is a winner, too.

My daughter started at about 13; went off to Gunsite at 20; finally discovered Model 19s within the past year. She has had many happy hours shooting and I treasure the ones she spent (and still spends, now and then) with me. You are lucky and so is your young lady.

 

[Ultraman]

***** BEARCAT *****

 

[lawson]

i vote Bearcat. i think a single action .22 is the best platform to start on. i learned on a Ruger Single-Six when i was about 10. with the single action she won't rush her follow-up shots like a lot of kids tend to do.

however, if she's already learned good shooting habits, a DA revolver might be the way to go.

 

[Kramer Krazy]

For new guns, I'd go with a S&W 617 ($550) with 4" or 6" barrel or a Taurus .22 ($240) with a 4" barrel. You may even be able to find a Ruger SP101 with a 4" barrel, but they were discontinued last year (from what I've been told). As for autos, I'd recommend a Ruger MkII or MK III 22/45 for its grip angle. Personally, I'd go with the revolver.....I'd been looking for a DA/SA revolver with 4" or longer barrel and got a 617 dealer sample with 6" barrel last week for $385. GREAT gun. I relaly like shooting it.

 

[mustanger98]

I'd certainly avoid autoloaders... fire it, and with the touch of a trigger it's ready to fire again. Plus the well-known propensity of autos to 'hide' a round in the chamber after you've 'cleared the gun' by removing the magazine. Not the best idea for a new shooter with 13-year old sensitivities, IMO.

I'm not sure "13-year old sensitivities" has anything to do with it. The I read the original post, the kid said she wanted some DA. But, while she's smart for picking a DA and saying revolver (wheelguns being so good) there are some smart kids that say they'd like a Ruger Mk2 or something similar. I don't think autos have such a propensity to "hide a round in the chamber after you've cleared" near so much as some shooters have a propensity for forgetting to rack the slide after dropping the mag. My viewpoint, anyway.

One gun vs. another to start with... I

 

[Hazwaste]

Thank you

I'll take a look at the ones suggested.

 

[StrikeEagle]

Hazwaste

Please let us know what you finally decide and how it works out for her?

StrikeEagle

 

[djf]

For a D/A Pistol, the Sig Mosquito might work.

 

[mustanger98]

What I was fixing to say in post #20 is that as far as learning to shoot and girls shooting, my sister shot everything I did regardless of action. She settled on a 5shot .38, but that was after shooting double action and single action revovlers. She's also fired autoloaders and just likes a DA revolver best.

 

[Boiler_G]

Single Six

While the 617 is sweet, the 4" coming in at 41 oz empty may be a lot for a 13 yr old or anyone for that matter, wanting to shoot all day.

The Ruger Single Six 4 5/8" comes in at 32 1/2 oz (noted: single action).