Kindly help a rookie

[white_interpreter]

hey fellas, a rookie here.
well i am planning to take up gun training very soon. no one in my family is into this gun stuff. so you know.
could any one of you pros tell me which pistol to buy as a beginner? im thinking about a .22 or a .9 . and what are the costs ?
thanks

 

[Don't Tread On Me]

Before you buy anything, consider seeking quality reading materials on firearms and firearm safety. The more you learn, the better.

For opinions, this is a good place to start. Search around, read some threads. The Rifle and Pistol forums here are pretty good.

After some research, you'll have a better idea of what you want. Ask specific questions. Specific questions are always better than generalities.

 

[PlayboyPenguin]

I know alot of people on here will tell you to start with a .22 but I will have to disagree. If you can only afford one gun and you buy a .22 you run the risk of not enjoying it do to it's lack of power and thrill factor. It is just not a fun gun to shoot in my opinion. Shooting a .22 at the range is a big yawn to me.

A .22 might be good for basics but for an all around good learner I would go with a full sized frame 9mm. The recoil is negligable. It has a good bang and is fun to shoot but will not scare even the mildest newbie.

I received all my early handgun training on .45acp's and 9mm's and had no trouble at all with the added size and power. I even bacame a very good shot even though I never learned on a .22 caliber pistol.

 

[Husker1911]

Pardon me, but for your first firearm give great consideration to a .22lr. Either a revolver, or a good quality semi. For a semi, I'd recommend a Browning Buckmark or a Ruger .22auto. Easy to shoot/learn on, inexpensive ammo, yet teaches you all you need to learn. Don't forget to wear quality hearing protection. Good luck.

 

[asiparks]

the only advantage i can see to learning with a .22 would be ammo cost. a couple of cents per round of plinking ammo Vs. 12c - 15c for 9mm. Assuming you weigh more than 60lbs and can hold a hardback book at arms length for a couple minutes, shooting a 9mm shouldn't prove too battering.
Depends of course what you want the pistol for, if it's for nothing more than target shooting and plinking tin cans and the odd rat, then a .22 might suffice, fair enough, but for personal or home defence you'll find the 9 more versatile. Go down your local range with a friend and rent a couple of different pistols, see which you enjoy shooting the best. Chances are, the more you enjoy it, the more you'll practice, the better you'll get.
good luck

 

[Husker1911]

"the only advantage i can see to learning with a .22 would be ammo cost. a couple of cents per round of plinking ammo Vs. 12c - 15c for 9mm."

This person comes to our forum and asks which caliber is best to learn with. A simple question. I say again, purchase/learn upon a .22lr handgun, you'll do well. Good luck to you!

 

[MTMilitiaman]

I am pretty much in agreement with the rest of the crowd here. I would advise you handle a variety of .22 pistols and revolvers and pick the one that feels best to you. Just about anything with a name brand like Smith and Wesson or Ruger is going to be fine in terms of quality. The .22 will allow you to practice a lot without spending a lot on ammo. Not even the 9mm can allow you to pull the trigger 500 times for under $10. The .22 has little recoil, flash, or blast so it is easier to focus on the fundementals of stance, sight picture, breathing, trigger pull, ect without developing a flinch.

The only way I would recommend going immediately to something bigger is if you had a pressing reason to believe the pistol could be used as a defensive firearm in the near future, and you didn't have money to get something to supplement it. Then I would say a .357 Magnum loaded with .38 Specials or a 9mm would be an acceptable choice.

 

[Wiley]

Welcome

You said that you were going to take up gun training. If formal, I would suggest that you ask the question of the school/trainer.

Most gun shops with attached ranges will rent you a gun to try. Do tell them you are new and ask their suggestions. For very little money you will be able to try several calibres and manufacturers.

 

[Jayb]

Just my opinion....... forget the caliber issue. Go to a gun show, or several gun shops, and handle as many hand guns as you can. A few of them will "feel right" to you. Pursue those few regarding price and cosmetics. If the hand gun doesn't feel right to you, you won't want to shoot it enough to become proficient with it. Renting hand guns of different calibers is not a bad idea to "feel out" the recoiil issue, and yes, your trainer should have several different hand guns for you to try. I know I have several available for my classes.

 

[DunedinDragon]

I was exactly where you are 9 months ago. I can't even imagine how frustrated and depressed I would have been had I bought a .22 as my first handgun.

I don't know why so many people suggest this. I suspect it's because many people want to make learning to fire a handgun sound like it's something REALLY hard, intimidating and demanding. It's not. Take a safety class, spend some time on a range and you will get a feel for it rather quickly.

I have yet to come across any new handgun owner that bought a .22 as a first gun. There's no point. You would outgrow it so quickly that you'd be back trying to trade it in within a couple of months. I would say you should go to a range that rents guns and try out a few. Personally, my first gun was a .45 and it was not intimidating and certainly led me on to getting other calibers. I'd say a 9mm is probably a safe bet due to cost of ammo alone, but try out a few different calibers both semi-automatic and revolver and see what you like best.

 

[Don't Tread On Me]

I was exactly where you are 9 months ago. I can't even imagine how frustrated and depressed I would have been had I bought a .22 as my first handgun.

I don't know why so many people suggest this. I suspect it's because many people want to make learning to fire a handgun sound like it's something REALLY hard, intimidating and demanding. It's not. Take a safety class, spend some time on a range and you will get a feel for it rather quickly.

I agree. I started with a 9mm. For a guy, recoil should be no problem at all. It's ok to start with an auto too. If you can drive a car, operating a self-loading pistol should be a piece of cake. It isn't that sophisticated. If anything, it can be far more educational. Just go slow and follow the rules.


Most people who started on wheelguns as newbies had a tough time transitioning to autos. But when they do, most prefer the auto. I know too many people like this.


9mm doesn't break the bank. For a newbie it is ideal, you can buy 2x the ammo you would most any other centerfire. The 9mm will instantanously equip you with a defensive-grade caliber. The .22 will not.


.22 autos are jamomatics. There are reliable ones, but they are absolutely the minority. Believe this.

.22 revolvers are not fun, because cocking them to get a nice single action pull gets old after a while. Double action is horrible. People advocate .22's because of the super low recoild and cheap ammo. They are great guns to practice marksmanship and trigger control, but they are not great guns to learn about guns in general.


Once you own and learn to operate and shoot a 9mm...later on get a .22 to work on technique on a budget and with less fatigue.

 

[Powderman]

Now, I really don't blow my own horn too often...

With that said, I'll tell you what I've learned, and what I'll recommend, based on a total of 38 years pulling triggers, and about an even 20 years instructing others on how to shoot:

Get the .22 first.

The brand is immaterial, but I recommend any good .22.

For semiautos, the Rugers, Browning Buckmarks, Walther .22's or Smith and Wessons are hard to beat.

A good double action .22, like a Smith and Wesson will do, too.

The two things you should look for are accuracy and a good trigger.

Why the .22?

You'll be able to concentrate on the two things that matter above all else in handgun shooting: the front sight and the proper application of pressure to the trigger--straight back until the hammer drops.

Now, here's the secret to accurate shooting. Doesn't matter what the caliber is, it's simply this: Learn to achieve proper sight picture and alignment; then pull the trigger straight to the rear, without pressure to either side, and without disturbing the sight picture.

The use of the .22 will allow you to see your mistakes, and will allow you to concentrate on the basics. The low cost of the .22 cartridge will allow you to shoot enough to become proficient. An added bonus is the fact that you can purchase most .22's for less than centerfire guns. Good luck!

 

[doggscube]

If you've got the funds for it, you could get a Kimber 1911 plus their .22 conversion kit.

My most recent purchase was a Ruger Mark I .22 pistol. I bought it to help with flinching and to get used to the "surprise break" concept. It certainly helped.

-Jeff

 

[Medusa]

Oh come on, people. CZ 75, anyone? You could get the 9 mm pistol of CZ 75 family, for which there is CZ Kadet kit (cal .22LR - just a replacement slide, no hazzle), this covers both, 9 mm and .22LR, needs. And it's cheap in prize, but not in quality. If you find it at some gunshop, give it a try and see if it feels good.

 

[El Tejon]

Welcome to THR, new friend.

The gun matters not, seek training. Software trumps hardware.

 

[asiparks]

"the only advantage i can see to learning with a .22 would be ammo cost. a couple of cents per round of plinking ammo Vs. 12c - 15c for 9mm."

"This person comes to our forum and asks which caliber is best to learn with. A simple question. I say again, purchase/learn upon a .22lr handgun, you'll do well. Good luck to you!"

You seem to be under the impression that there's something amiss in what I suggested,and you also handily ignore the rest of my post. So, I'll say again, other than price per round I believe there no advantage in learning with a .22 over a larger calibre such as a nine. Is there some facet of modern day 9's that precludes aligning the sights or pressing the trigger that I somehow missed ? If you're trying to control flinch and adapt to recoil, might as well do it with a round that produces a bit of each.
Now, without knowing the kind of training the OP is talking about, but I can only hazard a guess that he may one day "outgrow" his 22 and need something a little more versatile...

"Now, here's the secret to accurate shooting. Doesn't matter what the caliber is, it's simply this: Learn to achieve proper sight picture and alignment; then pull the trigger straight to the rear, without pressure to either side, and without disturbing the sight picture.

The use of the .22 will allow you to see your mistakes, and will allow you to concentrate on the basics. The low cost of the .22 cartridge will allow you to shoot enough to become proficient. An added bonus is the fact that you can purchase most .22's for less than centerfire guns. Good luck!"

Well I guess we're almost in agreement Powderman....

 

[depicts]

I'm a believer in learning to shoot with a .22

Yes, some people find them tame and like the boom of a bigger gun, but as you've heard some people say here, they got a .45, and developed a flinch, so they got a .22 conversion kit to get rid of the flinch.

It's harder to unlearn a bad habit than it is to learn a good habit.

I agree the 9mm is a pretty easy pistol to shoot. My 12 year old nephew loves mine. But I guess I'm just a throwback to a simpler time.

I learned to shoot with a bolt action single shot .22. You took your time, loaded one shot at a time, and I shoveled snow or mowed lawns for one box of shells to use during the weekend.

I think making each shot count makes you a better shot. So to me, a good .22 revolver like a K22 Masterpiece by S&W, or a good Ruger MKIII semi auto is a great starting gun. You'll never regret it, and you'll learn to shoot.

If you get into the sport, there will be plenty of time for 9mm's and .45's. Heck, read the threads here, all we talk about is buying another safe to keep all the guns in...you get sorta, kinda addicted to them.

Welcome to our forum. Use your head. Ask more questins. Find the best shooters you can find at local ranges and ask their opinions.

Buy a .22

Good Luck

 

[depicts]

* sorry, double post

 

[LHB1]

Rookie,
Do you begin to see that ultimately the choice will boil down to a personal decision based on your desires and goals? There is some good advice above and some I question. Hoping not to offend anyone but would offer the following comments:

1) Outgrow .22 after just 9 months shooting experience? Don't think so. That is a person who doesn't enjoy shooting the .22, which is his right. I haven't outgrown the .22 but I have only been shooting one for 57 years (since I was 10 years old).

2) .22 pistols are jamomatics? My experience has been otherwise. Don't recall any of my several .22 semiautomatics that had any significant problems.

3) Get tired cocking revolvers to fire single action? Personal choice. I happen to like shooting S&W M617/M629 revolvers in single action mode. Use the weak thumb (left) to cock hammer and don't disturb grip of primary hand.

4) Learning fundamentals? The .22 LR is easier due to combo of very low recoil and low ammo cost. The low recoil does not cover up your sighting and trigger control errors. Even with many years pistol shooting experience including Bullseye competition, I still shoot my S&W M41 .22 LR pistol regularly (or a 1911 with .22 conversion unit) to maintain/hone sight alignment and trigger control required for accurate shooting. (To me accurate shooting is keeping most of your shots in a 3 inch bullseye at 25 yds.)

5)

Learn to achieve proper sight picture and alignment; then pull the trigger straight to the rear, without pressure to either side, and without disturbing the sight picture.

Do this with every shot and every shot will hit the target within accuracy capability of pistol and ammo.

6) Fun? There is no denying that many of us get more fun (thrill) shooting something with more recoil than the .22 LR. The 9mm would be first step up and .40 or .45 next. This is where you REALLY have to exercise your own preferences and make your choice.

Good shooting and be safe.
LB

 

[Zen21Tao]

I am also a real big fan of learning to shoot on a .22 first because it helps a person develop proper techique without worrying about developing a shooters flinch along the way. I would also suggest buying a centerfire handgun you like (e.g. .9mm, 40S&W, .45ACP etc.) and a .22 conversion kit for it. A 1911 with a .22 upper is a great option. Just start with the .22 upper and then when you feel you have the proper techique down move over to the centerfire upper.

Is there some facet of modern day 9's that precludes aligning the sights or pressing the trigger that I somehow missed ? If you're trying to control flinch and adapt to recoil, might as well do it with a round that produces a bit of each.

The way a flinch develops is by trying to "adapt" to the recoil by unconciously anticipating it and reacting to it. This unconcious act is also what interfers with sight alignment.

 

[AndyC]

Rent a few pistols and revolvers in different calibres at the local shooting range first and see what you prefer - "try before you buy" kinda deal.

 

[rbernie]

Software trumps hardware.

Always true.

I generally recommend to local folks near me that they take training at an indoor range nearby that also offers rentals. That way, they can start off with proper instruction and also cycle thru a bunch of different weapons to see what they like and what fits 'em.

 

[Tomcat1066]

Personally, before I can offer any advice, I have to ask WHY you want to learn to shoot. What are your goals? Are you just looking at popping targets? Home defense? What?

Then, I have to ask about how easy will it be to purchase firearms. If money is tight and you want something for personal defense, then I'd advise a 9mm of an inexpensive but high quality type. If you just want to pop paper targets, then by all means go with the .22lr.

If you can easy purchase firearms, then I'll agree with what many others say about getting a .22 to start with, then something beefier down the road if you want something for personal defense.

Most folks have opinions that are hard and fast, and there is usually logic in the vast majority of them. However, YOU are the one that has to live with the decision

Tom

 

[Bix]

As others have suggested, before you can answer 'what pistol to buy,' you have to answer 'what do I want to do with a pistol'.

What type of training do you intend to take?

 

[antsi]

-----quote--------
The gun matters not, seek training. Software trumps hardware.
-------------------

Smartest thing anyone's said in this thread so far (above).

Re; 22's versus other calibers:

Plus side of .22's:
Shooting a lot of .22 will make you a better shooter faster than shooting other calibers. You are much less likely to develop bad habits shooting .22's. People who are accomplished marksmen and/or instructors will tend to steer you toward the .22. The statement about "outgrowing a .22 in a couple of months" is... umn, I'm trying to think of a polite way to say it... well, let's just say there are NRA grand masters and national champions who find shooting .22's to be highly challenging and rewarding, and still compete in small bore, who have been shooting considerably longer than a couple of months. Generally you will be more accurate with a .22, and it is very rewarding to shoot that way. Others have mentioned the ammo cost issue, which I suppose depends on your budget.

Down side of .22's:
Rather limited as a defensive caliber. If part of your goal is to defend yourself, your home, and your family, AND you do not forsee being able to afford a second gun for a long time, a .22 is not the best choice. There is some "visceral enjoyment" of shooting that comes from the muzzle flash, the recoil, and the noise. .22's will not be as fun in that regard. If you tend to function primarily on testosterone and gut thrills, there are other guns that will be more fun for you.

As mentioned above, there are some pistols that have conversions available, allowing you to switch back and forth between .22 and a larger, more defense-capable, caliber. The CZ 75 is a prime example. Most 1911-pattern pistols (think: US Army WWI and WWII pistols) can be used with a .22 conversion kit. This allows one to practice with the same system of operation and controls and the same trigger feel in both calibers, which is a plus, and can be a bit less expensive than two entirely separate pistols of the same quality.

Most importantly, though, as El Tejon says, go out and find thee a good instructor and get some training. This may give you the chance to rent/try several different guns and learn more about what you like and dislike. A good place to start is an NRA Basic Pistol class. Find one in your area using this link:
http://www.nrahq.org/education/training/find.asp