"I want to buy my first gun"

[Louca]

Sam's post was spot on, and there is only a little I could add to it.

Although it is tempting to immediately jump to the bottom line: "what gun to recommend to them", and it sure is what we here like to opine on, I think the real job is starting out determining exactly what your friend wants to do with a gun. As someone else mentioned, listen to them more than talk to them. That will help you in what to recommend whether it be lessons, a good gun club, or ... a gun.

There are lots of factors that work into the relationship equation, too. Like how impatient they might be. Or if they're perfectionists. Or if this is just a passing fancy for them. Or if his wife might like to shoot or she hates guns. Or if ... You get the picture. I think it takes a LOT of listening to them to figure them and their needs out.

And although your friend is a long distance away, this is likely also about a relationship as well as technical advice. He called you, and is apparently not happy just reading things in a magazine, or speaking to someone in a LGS or at a range - strangers. I would try to be very encouraging to him in as many areas as possible.

Let us know how it goes.

Lou

 

[HoploDad]

Choice #1, especially if they have somewhere outdoors where they can shoot: bolt action .22 long gun, even a single shot, but not a self-loader just yet

Choice #2: Ruger Single Six with the .22 WMR cylinder

 

[charlie echo]

38 revolver and a 44 revolver.
load couple of cylinders with empty brass and spin the wheel before closing the cylinder. you'll if if the shooter makes needless movements when the hammers drops o the empty.

i started with 44RM, shot over 1000 shells, and I do not think I have a flinch. then again, i enjoy the recoil sensation, as part of the joy.

I'm rather an unacomplished shot, but I can hit bowling pins at 25 yards, FWIW, in single-action mode.

Someday, i'd to buy a 22LR revolver...

 

[fiftybmg]

If a friend asks me, then I take him to the range and let him try what I already own, so they can see if they have a preference for anything, then start with that.

 

[hartcreek]

There used to be a progression when 22 ammo was available now not so much. You need to inquire about your buddies shooting ability and friends that are local that shoot and if he can go shooting with them to check out what they have and what he can handle calibre wise. After that if a matter of finding a gun for his specific use meaning truck home or carry and then he needs to go to a gun store and check out a bunch to see what feels right in his hand.