jerkface11
Member
I'm not convinced you should start with a pistol. I think you'd do better with a bolt action .22lr.
My first encounter with the gun community
- Thread starter n00b_71
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I think that finding someone to show you the ropes from this site would be a good idea if possible. Also try the NRA class route. When you feel comfortable giving it a whirl, try renting different guns and see what you like.
Try this link too...good first steps I think. Good luck!
http://www.backwoodshome.com/articles2/ayoob85.html
Try this link too...good first steps I think. Good luck!
http://www.backwoodshome.com/articles2/ayoob85.html
jim in Anchorage
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100% agree start with a.22 RIFLE. A handgun is not for a beginner. I had no friends or family to help me when I started shooting[at age 12] and pretty much learned from outdoor life and Field & stream. 40 years, and 25 guns later, never put a hole in anything I didn't want to, so I guess self taught worked
murdoc rose
Member
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You might be surprised about having friends with gun interest, it's a subject not everyone likes to talk about and sometimes it may just never have came up especially with acquaintances.
Ragnar Danneskjold
Member
I am a big fan of starting new shooters out on .22 A: It's cheap and you can get a lot of practice in for little money. B: more importantly, the shooter can learn good habits on the .22 that a larger caliber might prevent. With the low recoil, low noise of a .22, new shooters can learn the fundamentals of shooting, while putting rounds downrange, without the kick and noise of a large caliber weapon. Plus as their training base, it is always something they can go back to even if they later get a larger weapon. My fist gun was a .22 pistol and even now that I have a lot more, I still start every range session with about 200rds out of the .22 It keeps my habits in check, allows me to practice quality and quantity, and without breaking the bank.
vaupet
Member
I would advise trying to get in contact with god members of a local range (short drive), possibly an instructor.
Then I would start with 22lr arms with good accuracy (think bolt action CZ 4**, savage, buckmark or ruger mark II pistol, S&W 617 revolver).
With these firearms you can learn the right techniques without breaking the bank in ammo.
If you buy one of these used, you're bound to get at least your money back if you ever want to get rid of them.
Then, when you get the hang of it, you can bring your liberal familiy-members to the range (one at a time) and start their conversion.
greetings
Peter
Then I would start with 22lr arms with good accuracy (think bolt action CZ 4**, savage, buckmark or ruger mark II pistol, S&W 617 revolver).
With these firearms you can learn the right techniques without breaking the bank in ammo.
If you buy one of these used, you're bound to get at least your money back if you ever want to get rid of them.
Then, when you get the hang of it, you can bring your liberal familiy-members to the range (one at a time) and start their conversion.
greetings
Peter
Dr T
Member
Definitely start with a 22 lr. You cannot hope to defend yourself without being proficient and you don't get to be proficient without a lot of practice. Firing 50 rounds for $2 sure beats 50 rounds for $12.
I started with a rifle when I was about 8 years old and did not "graduate" to a handgun until I was in high school.
The problem--as I see it--for a beginning shooter, is developing a sense of "muzzle-awareness". You don't point a gun at anything you don't intend to shoot. With a rifle it is easier to keep track of the direction it is pointed.
However, times are different now. Perhaps a SOFT AIR pistol (with that obnoxious orange muzzle) would be a useful aid for a beginner to get used to tracking which direction the thing is pointed (the orange muzzle is required since there are many soft air guns that closely resemble the real thing).
I started with a rifle when I was about 8 years old and did not "graduate" to a handgun until I was in high school.
The problem--as I see it--for a beginning shooter, is developing a sense of "muzzle-awareness". You don't point a gun at anything you don't intend to shoot. With a rifle it is easier to keep track of the direction it is pointed.
However, times are different now. Perhaps a SOFT AIR pistol (with that obnoxious orange muzzle) would be a useful aid for a beginner to get used to tracking which direction the thing is pointed (the orange muzzle is required since there are many soft air guns that closely resemble the real thing).
TylerPearce
Member
the first pistol I ever shot was a .357 magnum, and I was something like 10 years old. Second pistol I shot was a Ruger p89dc about a year later, my dad then gave it to me for my high school graduation earlier this summer. Point is, I love them both, it is just my personal preference to shoot semi's, because they are just so darn fun! I personally recommend getting a 9mm. They don't have a terrible recoil, and I have never let anybody shoot it who couldn't be reasonably accurate their first or second magazine through it. Except for one person, my girlfriend, but she weighs about 100 pounds and couldn't lift much more than a textbook without struggling.
TylerPearce
Member
I might ad that I have never shot a .22 pistol, so I can't really recommend one.
tinygnat219
Member
To the OP: I'd seriously suggest checking out an NRA Training class for the handguns, and seeing if there's a local "Appleseed" program in your area for Rifle training. Both will allow you to handle and shoot firearms under carefully supervised conditions. IMHO, the gun shops to go to will either have a trainer on staff, or a trainer to recommend so you can get some exposure. Another thing to do is if you have a friend with guns, offer to pay for ammo or some range time if he / she is willing to be a guide on a range trip.
No reason to buy what you don't want. If you want one for home defense, get a center fire pistol. If you don't like shooting later, you at least have a gun for defense. If you buy the .22lr and don't like shooting, you still have to get a gun for home defense.
Get a full size 9mm or large frame .38special. They're mild recoil wise and good enough for self defense. Pick up the .22lr later if you want to improve your skills.
Lastly, where are you? There might be someone on this forum who lives close enough that won't mind you tag along to the range.
Get a full size 9mm or large frame .38special. They're mild recoil wise and good enough for self defense. Pick up the .22lr later if you want to improve your skills.
Lastly, where are you? There might be someone on this forum who lives close enough that won't mind you tag along to the range.
Hi noob - and welcome to the wonderful world of guns! As I'm sure you've already gathered there are a ton of different ways you can approach your situation and none of them are really wrong, it's just what is best for you. I'm assuming you are of the legal age to buy and own a handgun.
IMO, I think two options would work best - not totally knowing your situation and what resources you have available:
1) find a basic pistol course at a range that rents handguns - they should allow you to rent one for the course. If this isn't available then read as much as you can, then find a range that rents and rent a 9mm to try out. And as you are able, rent different models to try a few different types. Every gun feels different - it can be an acquired taste as to which is best for you. Even if you have to make a day trip to a nearby town - I think it would be worth it.
2) If option 1 isn't available - there's just not a range anywhere that rents and your only option is to buy and figure things out on your own, then IMO skip the .22 and get a 9mm. You only want one gun - 9mm is a versatile round, you can buy less expensive ammo for practice and more expensive self-defense ammo for home protection. My first handgun was a 9mm beretta 92fs - too big to carry concealed but great at the range and for the home - very reliable and there's a ton of readily avail info out there for it. But there are a myriad of 9mm options out there for you that are great, just stick with the major brands. Glock 19, S&W M&P, Ruger SR9, Springfield XD are more of the moderately priced and popular 9mm platforms - once you get it - learn it - know how to strip it down and clean it, research the rules for safe firearm handling and know them! Then go shoot and practice practice practice. Just beware - guns have a sneaky way of multiplying! Good luck!
IMO, I think two options would work best - not totally knowing your situation and what resources you have available:
1) find a basic pistol course at a range that rents handguns - they should allow you to rent one for the course. If this isn't available then read as much as you can, then find a range that rents and rent a 9mm to try out. And as you are able, rent different models to try a few different types. Every gun feels different - it can be an acquired taste as to which is best for you. Even if you have to make a day trip to a nearby town - I think it would be worth it.
2) If option 1 isn't available - there's just not a range anywhere that rents and your only option is to buy and figure things out on your own, then IMO skip the .22 and get a 9mm. You only want one gun - 9mm is a versatile round, you can buy less expensive ammo for practice and more expensive self-defense ammo for home protection. My first handgun was a 9mm beretta 92fs - too big to carry concealed but great at the range and for the home - very reliable and there's a ton of readily avail info out there for it. But there are a myriad of 9mm options out there for you that are great, just stick with the major brands. Glock 19, S&W M&P, Ruger SR9, Springfield XD are more of the moderately priced and popular 9mm platforms - once you get it - learn it - know how to strip it down and clean it, research the rules for safe firearm handling and know them! Then go shoot and practice practice practice. Just beware - guns have a sneaky way of multiplying! Good luck!
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NavyLCDR
member
+1. You wouldn't even need to supply the ammo. I love to help new shooters!
Zen21Tao
Member
IMHO, many of the people that say 'don't start with a .22' are the kinds of shooters that show up at a range with a giant silhouette, set it up 7 to 10 yards away, and their shooting is all over the place on it.
The benefit to starting with a .22, other than being inexpensive to shoot, is that its reduced recoil allows to properly learn the basics while picking up on (and even avoiding) many common mistakes, like jerking the trigger, anticipating recoil, etc.
People that start with a .22 and move up in caliber once they have learned the basics are the kinds of shooters that show up to a range with 8" to 10" round shoot-n-see targets that the set up 25yrds away and shoot nice tight patterns on.
Just ask yourself which kind of shooter you want to be.
The benefit to starting with a .22, other than being inexpensive to shoot, is that its reduced recoil allows to properly learn the basics while picking up on (and even avoiding) many common mistakes, like jerking the trigger, anticipating recoil, etc.
People that start with a .22 and move up in caliber once they have learned the basics are the kinds of shooters that show up to a range with 8" to 10" round shoot-n-see targets that the set up 25yrds away and shoot nice tight patterns on.
Just ask yourself which kind of shooter you want to be.
SSN Vet
Member
I don't know how it is at other places... but at one club nearby, they teach the NRA basic pistol class and during the last session they have two tables covered with hand guns that you can pick from and try out (they supply the ammo.)
So much is based on personal preference. So read hear and get info. and lingo. But then you'll need to get your hands on guns and try them. Developing your own tastes and preferences.
As with any mechanical device, in order to select the proper model, you need to define it's intended use.
For handguns this meanse things like .... intend to get your permit and carry it daily? .... intend to keep it in the nightstand for home defense? .... intend to customize the gun for competitive shooting? ("gun games" such as IDPA & USPSA, or classic marksmanship ala NRA Bullseye) .... intend to hike the back country in Alaska ... intend to plink bear cans and squirrels.
If you only intend to have one handgun, you probably can't go wrong with 9mm. And though I personally don't find them interesting, such popular poly-framed platforms as the Glock 19 or Springfield XD are extremely popular for a reason.
Good luck and welcome aboard.
Folks around hear are very helpfull.
You don't need to be shy about asking total novice questions.
So much is based on personal preference. So read hear and get info. and lingo. But then you'll need to get your hands on guns and try them. Developing your own tastes and preferences.
As with any mechanical device, in order to select the proper model, you need to define it's intended use.
For handguns this meanse things like .... intend to get your permit and carry it daily? .... intend to keep it in the nightstand for home defense? .... intend to customize the gun for competitive shooting? ("gun games" such as IDPA & USPSA, or classic marksmanship ala NRA Bullseye) .... intend to hike the back country in Alaska ... intend to plink bear cans and squirrels.
If you only intend to have one handgun, you probably can't go wrong with 9mm. And though I personally don't find them interesting, such popular poly-framed platforms as the Glock 19 or Springfield XD are extremely popular for a reason.
Good luck and welcome aboard.
Folks around hear are very helpfull.
You don't need to be shy about asking total novice questions.
Dnaltrop
Member
.22 while you learn trigger control, breathing, and how you react to a sudden loud noise. I agree that bolt-action rifles teach good habits to start, but a revolver of any kind is a good alternative if long guns aren't your thing.
Before you shoot a semi auto, make sure you grip each one repeatedly with the slide locked back. You'd hate to test-fire a gun that felt good in the hand, but has the slide lining up with your thumb's joint.
When you move into pistols with any real kick, single round loads with any double-action capable gun while you figure out your grip.
Welcome
Before you shoot a semi auto, make sure you grip each one repeatedly with the slide locked back. You'd hate to test-fire a gun that felt good in the hand, but has the slide lining up with your thumb's joint.
When you move into pistols with any real kick, single round loads with any double-action capable gun while you figure out your grip.
Welcome
KodiakBeer
member
Seen it all too often...
Yoda
Member
Contact the NRA
There will be NRA-certified instructors in your area, and they will probably be glad to let you use one of their own guns after they give you the instruction that you should have BEFORE you handle a gun. After that, you can gauge what suits you and whether you want to proceed.
- - - Yoda
There will be NRA-certified instructors in your area, and they will probably be glad to let you use one of their own guns after they give you the instruction that you should have BEFORE you handle a gun. After that, you can gauge what suits you and whether you want to proceed.
- - - Yoda
Tacbandit
Member
Visiting the local range...that's a great start. If you can get some instruction, that's what I would do. Get ahead, and stay ahead of the learning curve that way...Shoot a few different ones(yes, starting with .22), and get a feel for it...There's others out there that will be glad to help you...let them...Good luck, happy shooting
Tac
Tac
Ike R
Member
I posted earlier , but would like to add Noob if you are near the Beaumont or Houston, Texas area I would be happy to both take you shooting, I have ammo and if giveing it away gets one more responsible person out there in America the knowledge that EVERYONE should have to excercise the RIGHT afforded to us as American citizens then thats a small price to pay on my part for Gun Owners all across the nation.
I have currently
870 remington 12 gauge pump
Tika 7mm-08 Rifle
Walther p-22 .22 pistol
Berretta Px-4 storm in 9mm
Rock River AR-15 Rifle in 5.56/.223
Smith and Wesson .357 mag pistol (and plenty of 38 special ammo too)
plus a variety of older military style rifles such as the Mosin Nagant and Lee Enfield, and if you know of something that you want to try outside of the highest end military sniper rifles and/or custom pistols I can most likely borrow it or something suitably simular for a day at the range.
I am not a certified instructor in anything firearm related, but I can teach the basics because l live with them everyday.
Send me a PM if you are.
And I encourage any and all here to make the same offer if you can, you could save a life, and at the very least you are going to change at least one for the better.
I have currently
870 remington 12 gauge pump
Tika 7mm-08 Rifle
Walther p-22 .22 pistol
Berretta Px-4 storm in 9mm
Rock River AR-15 Rifle in 5.56/.223
Smith and Wesson .357 mag pistol (and plenty of 38 special ammo too)
plus a variety of older military style rifles such as the Mosin Nagant and Lee Enfield, and if you know of something that you want to try outside of the highest end military sniper rifles and/or custom pistols I can most likely borrow it or something suitably simular for a day at the range.
I am not a certified instructor in anything firearm related, but I can teach the basics because l live with them everyday.
Send me a PM if you are.
And I encourage any and all here to make the same offer if you can, you could save a life, and at the very least you are going to change at least one for the better.
dogdollar
Member
Just keep in mind that there is more to shooting sports than just having a gun. Like the old saying goes, buying a guitar doesn't make you a guitarist.
There trigger control, acquisition of sight picture, breathing, stance...lots of aspects of the sport that you would do well to learn and practice.
I am with the others that recommend a .22lr for getting started and for practicing your technique. A rifle, as some have pointed out, is somewhat easier to shoot accurately and is not as demanding in terms of physical discipline, but, since you have specifically asked about pistols, I say stick with a good .22 pistol. My personal favorite is a Ruger 22/45 MkIII. They are easy to find, reasonably priced, well made and accurate. Oh and did I mention TONS OF FUN to shoot?
Good luck,
DD
There trigger control, acquisition of sight picture, breathing, stance...lots of aspects of the sport that you would do well to learn and practice.
I am with the others that recommend a .22lr for getting started and for practicing your technique. A rifle, as some have pointed out, is somewhat easier to shoot accurately and is not as demanding in terms of physical discipline, but, since you have specifically asked about pistols, I say stick with a good .22 pistol. My personal favorite is a Ruger 22/45 MkIII. They are easy to find, reasonably priced, well made and accurate. Oh and did I mention TONS OF FUN to shoot?
Good luck,
DD
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dogdollar
Member
Now you can tell folks about your SECOND encounter with the gun community.
DD
DD
Ha! I said the same thing 9 months ago, now I have 7 guns, namely 2 revolvers, 3 autoloaders, and 2 rifles. Having said that, one gun has become my favorite - S&W M&P340CT. It's small and light enough that it's always in my pocket (DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster), it's 357 magnum so will probably get the job done, and the laser sight means even I should hit the BG!
In terms of pure shooting delight my favorite is my Colt 1911 Series 70 reissue but I find it far too big to carry concealed.
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