My brother finally bought a gun

[CZ223]

He and his wife have been thinking about it for quite some time, yesterday they finally pulled the trigger. We were at a family gathering in York Maine and I just had to go to my favorite toy store, Kittery Trading Post. He and his wife decided to come along. She was on board with buying a gun but really just wanted something to shoot for fun. He was a little more practical and was looking for something for home defense as well. He definitely was leaning toward something in 9mm and thought he might want a glock. Not a bad choice in my opinion. Unfortunately they didn't have any used Glocks in 9mm. After handling several, they both agreed on a Berreta 96 in 40 S&W. While I don't own one I thought it was a great choice. This gun was like new(really, I am not sure it was ever fired) and was $175 less than a new one. I personally love the 40 S&W and much prefer it over a 9mm. I don't think his wife will have any trouble with the recoil. I am pretty sure that I can see a 22 pistol and maybe a rifle in their future as well. If he doesn't like it, I will probably end up buying it from him because I like it.

 

[herrwalther]

I have been to Kittery TP many times before I made the move south. Good folks who know what they are doing behind the counter. Depending on the wife's stature I would think the recoil of the .40 would be a little high for a first time firearm so I can see a 9mm or .380 or .38 in her future to work up to the .40. Luckily the 96 has a hefty weight which will help with recoil management if she ever gets to shooting it regularly.

 

[osteodoc08]

I wouldn't have recommended at 40 for a novice, but the weight of the gun will atone the recoil some. That being said, good job with promoting responsible gun ownership and the RTKBA

 

[MedWheeler]

^^ Sometimes, it's even better when a first gun turns out to be a little "too much", as it drives the owner back to the store for another one even sooner..

My first handgun, purchased the day I turned 21, was a revolver in .357 Magnum. I was back within a couple of weeks for a .22 pistol!

 

[ChaoSS]

If she wants a gun for fun, and he wants to be practical, that means that there is only one reasonable compromise. Clearly, they need more than one gun.


And you can never know what gun is the most practical until you have a few, you know, to compare. The same applies for fun guns. I think you might need at least 6-8 guns, to start out.

 

[BullfrogKen]

Those are really big guns. His wife might have difficulties getting her hands around it properly.


But yeah, there's no rule in Maine that states he can have only one. Make the next one a .22 so she can enjoy it, too.

 

[j1]

NEVER talk to anew shooter about recoil. Just explain proper shooting technique, use good earplugs and shooting glasses. Shooting is and should be fun.

 

[TennJed]

Beretta makes a 22lr conversion for the 92 and 96. MSRP is high ($389) but I am not sure what the actual street price would be.

It might make a nice addition to their new gun

http://www.berettausa.com/products/92-series-22-lr-practice-kit/j9022pk/

 

[beatledog7]

NEVER talk to a new shooter about recoil.

Good idea, but I have not yet worked with a new shooter who had no preconceptions about recoil. It seems that's the only thing about firearms the majority of children manage to learn these days.

 

[tomrkba]

Try a Ruger 22/45 in 22 Long Rifle for fun.

Something in 38 Special/9x19mm or greater for defense and competition.

 

[deputy tom]

I agree with tomrkba, the 22/45 is a great pistol for beginners as well as veteran shooters. tom.

 

[Jcinnb]

I know I will get flamed on this one, but a small Taurus Judge shooting self defense loads or shot seems to me a great choice for a first gun, especially for home defense. The shot makes it pretty certain to succeed immediately in hitting a target and the revolver is pretty simple.

On the devious side, once they realize they can hit a target with shot, they will want to shoot bullets, the Judge don't do that so good, so back to the shop the go.

 

[Sam1911]

The shot makes it pretty certain to succeed immediately in hitting a target

Oh. Really? Just how big is that pattern?

 

[shafter]

That's a good store. I hope they like the new gun.

 

[9MMare]

I like that they, esp. she, think shooting is fun. Good chance things will grow from there. Few people will train enough if they dont like it.