New handgunner: should I really get a .22?

Status
Not open for further replies.
I don't have a .22 handgun, yet.

I've had my CCW for 4 1/2 years, I have 5 handguns, and several long guns, in a variety of cailbers, and I just recently added a ruger 22/45 to my gun purchase wish list.

A beginner can get by without .22 handgun.
 
I think it depends on who you are training. If you are training a 12 year old, sure, start them on a .22.

For most adults, I think a standard self defense caliber is fine. For example, my wife is small, but I taught her to shoot with 38 specials in a revolver, and she did fine.
 
My experience stretching back many years is that the .22 is the gun to learn to shoot with. I can list many a champion shooter who started with .22s, and many who use .22s for much of their practice.

If you want to shoot a revolver, then you need a .22 revolver. A quick browse of www.gunsamerica.com lists some nice buys in S&W .22 revolvers, including this one;
K-22 .22LR
GA# 976590799
$375.00
Smith & Wesson, K-22 in .22LR. Post war production in good condition. adjustable sights, bore in excellent condition, 6" Barrel.
Seller: CONNECTICUT GUN EXCHANGE, INC. 21/0
FFL Dealer: Yes Area Code: 203 GA Sales: 21
Click to expand...

I might also suggest you start reloading. A Lee handpress kit will cost you about $50, and you can load powder-puff loads for the .38 Special that will be about as easy to shoot as .22s, should you choose not to buy a .22.
 
I have a Browning .22 called a Challenger III. This was the immediate predecessor to the Buckmark. Mostly the same gun except mine had nicer grips, etc. I got that in 1980.

In 2000 I bought a Ruger 512 Stainless.

I like them both and get alot of enjoyment out of them both.

I also have 3 9mm's a .357 S & W 686, A S & W .45 and a Kahr .40 among others.

I like the larger caliber guns alot. However, the ammo is expensive. I like shooting .22' because I can hone my accuracy skills and the ammo is really cheap.

Yes. get a .22. They are alot of fun. No if ands or buts about and it it doesn't break the bank to shoot the snot out of them.

You really can't go wrong. Personally haveing a Ruger and and a Browning, I would get the Ruger if I could only get one.

Get one and enjoy!
 
.45&TKD said:
I don't have a .22 handgun, yet.

I've had my CCW for 4 1/2 years, I have 5 handguns, and several long guns, in a variety of cailbers, and I just recently added a ruger 22/45 to my gun purchase wish list.

A beginner can get by without .22 handgun.
Click to expand...

You sure are missing out. I love shooting .22s, cheap and fun. Maybe Santa will bring you one. :D
 
I do believe you are better off with the 22. I would suggest a revolver instead of an auto if you are going to shoot a 357/38 revolver such as the GP100. I earlier said that 38's or 357's are $0.20 per round... just looked at a box of Rem 38spl+P's (125gr SJHP) and the price was $23.00 for 50 rounds. That is not $0.20 per round, but $0.46 round. So, you can easily purchase two or three bricks of 22LR ammo for under the price of one box of 38 spl +P's. I believe 357's are similarily priced for the Remington rounds. No question that it is cheaper to learn skills with a 22. Ultimately economics rule the day. Choose a good heavy 22 revolver and the GP100.
 
Thank you all for your replies. I think I will seriously consider getting a .22. I'm have quite a bit of shopping around to do before I decide which one, however.

Vern Humphrey said:
I might also suggest you start reloading. A Lee handpress kit will cost you about $50, and you can load powder-puff loads for the .38 Special that will be about as easy to shoot as .22s, should you choose not to buy a .22.
Click to expand...

Also, I am very interested in reloading, as I do plan on saving all my brass. However, I know nothing about this process... if I were to purchase either the hand press kit or the challenger kit pictured on this site, http://www.leeprecision.com/html/catalog/rlpress2.html , would that be everything I need in terms of reloading equipment (obviously I would need the bullets, etc)... any good websites out there with a tutorial on how the reloading process works?

Thanks all, I am very excited to be a part of this great sport!
 
OSS said:
Also, I am very interested in reloading, as I do plan on saving all my brass. However, I know nothing about this process... if I were to purchase either the hand press kit or the challenger kit pictured on this site, http://www.leeprecision.com/html/catalog/rlpress2.html , would that be everything I need in terms of reloading equipment (obviously I would need the bullets, etc)... any good websites out there with a tutorial on how the reloading process works?
Click to expand...

The hand press or challenger kits provide you everything you need, except bullets, powder, brass and primers (components.) There is a tutorial in every die box which shows you how to reload. The die set will include a dipper so you can measure out your charges by volume. The tutorial will include a chart showing the different powders and bullet weights that you can safely use with the dipped charges.

As you get into reloading, you will probably want more equipment and information. Your first purchase, other than the kit, should be a good reloading manual -- Speer, Hodgdon, Lee and many other makers produce them. This will tell you more about reloading and also give you far more "recipes" for your cartridge and many others.

Your next purchase should be a reloading scale -- wtih a scale, you can vary your charges (your Lee dipper will give you a fairly low -- and very safe -- charge.)

At this point you may want to buy a priming device -- the Lee Autoprime is cheap and very good.
 
Majic said:
But they will be a more experienced shooter much faster if they started out with the .22.
Click to expand...

Very true. I started out shooting handguns by buying a Colt Delta Elite NIB in the early 80's. A 1911 and 10mm was a BAD idea for a starting place. It took me much much longer to develop as a shooter using that as my starting place.
Wish I had known then what I know now.....

Also, it's just hard to beat the "fun for the dollar" factor of a .22

I have my grandfathers old Hi Standard Sport King, and it's seen many thousands of rounds more than any other handgun I own.

You will want one eventually anyway :D
 
The 22 for a 1st handgun makes alot of sense. It will provide you more opportunities for frequent quality practice & their ALOT of fun to shoot.
 
Just get the .22 for now, because... after all:

• a .22 is just darn fun.
• you'll end up with (at least) one anyway.
• it's as cheap as plinking gets.
 
I've been shooting for over 40 years and I've always had a .22.
It gives you lots of trigger time cheaply.
You learn and practice; target acquisition, Sighting, Trigger control, seeing the shot. All of it at a very reduced cost.

Be happy

AFS
 
You ought to look at the Walther P22. It is a super fun pistol to shoot and learn with. I would get the one with both barrels!
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

M
  • Locked
Question for a beginning handgunner
Replies
21
Views
990
warmrain
W
D
  • Locked
I get carpal tunnel easily. What gun should I shoot?
Replies
20
Views
4K
Geezer
G
C
  • Locked
Which .22lr should I buy next?
2 3
Replies
68
Views
3K
welldoya
W
C
  • Locked
I may finally get a .22 pistol
2
Replies
26
Views
4K
Carbon_15
C
Skribs
  • Locked
  • Poll
Better for first timer - duty-size 9mm or .38?
2 3
Replies
62
Views
4K
Wanderling
Wanderling
Back
Top