My Dad's first gun...... please help!

[Diggers]

Sixgunner,

Sure, don't get me wrong, shooting a .22 a lot will develop skills and is a cheap way of doing that. HOWEVER, many people do start shooting with the actual caliber they are going to use for SD and learn to use it just fine. Thus starting with a .22 and working up to larger calibers isn't necessary. I'm saying it does not have to be done using the caliber step up method.

Probably, starting with a .22 is a really good way to start kids off shooting, being smaller and having less grip strength, but adults can deal with .38s just fine.


The situation the OP stated here is a gun for SD and only one gun. Buying one gun to learn and practice with and a second gun for the actual intended purpose of SD (which of course, he would also have to practice with) does not sound like it's in the mix.

 

[billybob44]

THAT is the Dig..

Diggers, that is the "Dig"--The OP says that his Dad wants only one "Do All" gun.
Man-I want to go to Heaven--BUT--I don't want to die???

 

[aHFo3]

Don't forget the single action Ruger Blackhawk or Super Blackhawk.

Also it sounds like you guys are prime candidates to start handloading if you don't already.

 

[LKB3rd]

Since he doesn't plan on carrying it, a full sized 4-6 inch .357 should be mild enough with .38 special to start on.
Do you have a .22 you could loan him? Because it's true, it's a lot easier to learn good habits in the first place than to have to unlearn bad habits and then start over.
However, .38 out of a full sized revolver is pretty mild as well.

 

[Hondo 60]

A 44 magnum sounds like a good candidate.
He can also shoot 44 specials out of it.

But again, the price tag is gonna be prohibitive.

Good luck - I hope you find the exact gun for your dad.

 

[AJumbo]

I've never been sure why everyone thinks a snubby is an entry-level firearm, or why any handgun is a good choice for a novice shooter who intends to use it for home defense. Have you considered hooking your dad up with a shotgun?

 

[sixgunner455]

First post, AJ - dad says he "wants a gun for protection", son says "let's go get you a shotgun," dad says "I want a pistol."

I don't think shotguns are all that for newbies anyway. Great, devastating defense weapon in certain static situations, but a bit difficult/awkward to answer the door with one, don't you think?

OP's dad was in the military, so he's more familiar than most with using a long-gun. Makes me think that he's got enough experience to be able to say what he wants for himself.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

Yes, as sixgunner pointed out, I did suggest a 12 gauge, but he wants a pistol. The main reason for this is that my parents have two grandkids running around 3 days a week. He is concerned that if he has a shotgun, he will be placing it way out of harms way, and thus start ignoring it in the top shelf of his closet. We all know that in a home invasion, or night time break in situation, time is of the essence. So my recomendation to him is if he wants a pistol, then get one of those biometric safes, put it next to your bed, and open it every night when you get into bed.

I do agee though, a 12 gauge is probably a better option, but that is not what he wants, that is not what he will buy, and if I convince him to buy that instead of a hand gun, he won't practice with it. That will render the gun useless in my mind.

 

[451 Detonics]

I am with most of the others...a good used .357 is about the best bet, I like L-Frame S&Ws but nothing wrong with a Ruger GP 100 either. What would be really nice is if you got him some basic home defense instruction or barring thata copy of Ayoob's "In the Gravest Extreme".