New to guns

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rsmoore27

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I'm pretty new to guns of any sort. We never had them in my family and consequently, I was never exposed to them. Recently, I've decided that I'd like to educate myself and purchase a handgun(s). Both of my best friends are fairly knowledgeable but neither lives anywhere near me. My plan is to take the concealed carry class (Texas) and then find a handgun I like to purchase. I've done a bit of research myself, but for the most part, my searching was limited to fairly well known brands (glock, sig, etc.). I'm looking for a couple of things here. One, I'd like to know what some of you might recommend for a first handgun. I'm planning on getting an autoloader and I wouldn't say that self-defense is my first priority. My main goal is to have a dependable gun that I can fire at the range. Having said that, I would also like this to be something that can be concealed and carried when need be. I've heard good things about glocks, but of course also run into those who hate them. I've also heard good things about springfield and HKS, although I think someone mentioned the HKS was fairly expensive. Second, is there anywhere on this site or elsewhere that anyone knows where I can read some basic (intro level stuff) about the workings of handguns, important components, terminology, and the like? Does anywhere near the Houston area (inner loop) recommend any retail stores/ranges to go to for assistance and CHP classes? Lastly, any other information ya'll would like to pass on to a new enthusiast would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
 
rsmoore27 said:
I'm pretty new to guns of any sort. We never had them in my family and consequently, I was never exposed to them. Recently, I've decided that I'd like to educate myself and purchase a handgun(s). Both of my best friends are fairly knowledgeable but neither lives anywhere near me. My plan is to take the concealed carry class (Texas) and then find a handgun I like to purchase. I've done a bit of research myself, but for the most part, my searching was limited to fairly well known brands (glock, sig, etc.). I'm looking for a couple of things here. One, I'd like to know what some of you might recommend for a first handgun. I'm planning on getting an autoloader and I wouldn't say that self-defense is my first priority. My main goal is to have a dependable gun that I can fire at the range. Having said that, I would also like this to be something that can be concealed and carried when need be. I've heard good things about glocks, but of course also run into those who hate them. I've also heard good things about springfield and HKS, although I think someone mentioned the HKS was fairly expensive. Second, is there anywhere on this site or elsewhere that anyone knows where I can read some basic (intro level stuff) about the workings of handguns, important components, terminology, and the like? Does anywhere near the Houston area (inner loop) recommend any retail stores/ranges to go to for assistance and CHP classes? Lastly, any other information ya'll would like to pass on to a new enthusiast would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
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In center fires, I'd really recommend a revolver, K frame 38/.357 of some brand, S&W being the standard of quality. But, considering cost of ammo and the fact that you're starting out in marksmanship, a good quality .22 auto or revolver would do you well as a first gun, especially since self defense isn't a priority. You'll learn to shoot it while you get ready to make your second gun purchase and the cost of ammo won't dent your wallet. I love shooting .22s and I started shooting around 1958 with a Daisy Red Rider. (no, I didn't shoot my eye out) Once you're familiar with your .22, you can move up to a big auto more smoothly. Only reason I recommended the .38/.357 is it's a much simpler, inherently safer platform to learn on. If you go auto, I'd say get a DAO, something like a Ruger (I like Rugers) P94 or P95 DAO in 9mm. It's an auto, but it's a safer auto.

SAFETY, SAFETY, SAFETY. Please take a NRA pistol course whatever you start with. They will teach you the safety rules. Take 'em to heart and practice them every time you even think of a firearm. ;) The NRA course is a better education to start with. Once you take that, study it, learn it, then you are ready for the CCW course. The CCW course isn't really about the fundamentals, more about carry, use of deadly force, the laws regarding such. The NRA Pistol course is a better education in shooting and gun safety, much better. They don't waste time teaching you marksmanship in a CCW class. You're sorta expected to know it by the time you carry.
 
Guns are a lot of fun to shoot. Whether on the range punching paper or out on the prairie shooting cans (that you pick up afterward) and water bottles. But in the hands of someone who ignores the safety rules, they can be a danger. So YES, learn safety first.

As for which pistol, it depends on if you're going to get one or more. If it's just one (plinking & SD) I'd agree w/ what Mcgunner suggested, a Ruger auto in 9mm.
If you're thinking about more than one, then a .22 revolver or auto for playing with and then something bigger for SD. For starting out, you can't beat the Rugers. They make 'em all and for a first timer they're great. Then if you really stick w/ guns, start branching out.

Either way, have fun while staying safe. And if you really are thinking about SD, think about the consequences. Both legal and mental. It's not a casual decision to make.
 
MCgunner said:
In center fires, I'd really recommend a revolver, K frame 38/.357 of some brand, S&W being the standard of quality. But, considering cost of ammo and the fact that you're starting out in marksmanship, a good quality .22 auto or revolver would do you well as a first gun, especially since self defense isn't a priority. You'll learn to shoot it while you get ready to make your second gun purchase and the cost of ammo won't dent your wallet. I love shooting .22s and I started shooting around 1958 with a Daisy Red Rider. (no, I didn't shoot my eye out) Once you're familiar with your .22, you can move up to a big auto more smoothly. Only reason I recommended the .38/.357 is it's a much simpler, inherently safer platform to learn on. If you go auto, I'd say get a DAO, something like a Ruger (I like Rugers) P94 or P95 DAO in 9mm. It's an auto, but it's a safer auto.

SAFETY, SAFETY, SAFETY. Please take a NRA pistol course whatever you start with. They will teach you the safety rules. Take 'em to heart and practice them every time you even think of a firearm. ;) The NRA course is a better education to start with. Once you take that, study it, learn it, then you are ready for the CCW course. The CCW course isn't really about the fundamentals, more about carry, use of deadly force, the laws regarding such. The NRA Pistol course is a better education in shooting and gun safety, much better. They don't waste time teaching you marksmanship in a CCW class. You're sorta expected to know it by the time you carry.
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Ditto all of this.

I learned as a young girl to shoot. I am just now returning to the hobby. I have a nice .38 revolver which I love to shoot. I bought a .22 semi automatic but I gave it to my dad. Two reasons. I like my little Kel-Tec P3-AT and he didn't have anything at home since he gave his Colt (which I learned to shoot with) to my cousin :(

The revolver is a smooth, fun gun to shoot targets with. The Kel-Tec is a nice carry gun and I really enjoy shooting it. I am sure you will receive many recommendations on personal favorites.

Somehow I see myself accumulating guns over time.
 
Do people ask gunshop questions anymore?
Couple shops here are very informative, facts only, none of that redneck nonsense such as if you shoot man with 45, it'll blow his arm off.

Go ask your local shops, see your options first hand.
 
A Ruger GP-100 in .357 magnum was my first gun. You can gain experience with a huge range of ammo (power) in this gun, and it's very easy to handle, clean, and learn other basics like trigger control, loading/unloading, etc. You can also get in lots of practice at home by dry-firing.

I shoot autos as well, but I'm glad I first learned on a revolver.

~Ichiro
 
I'd suggest looking around on the site to see what interests you. Look at the pictures and see which guns you like, find out what caliber you would like to start with. There are many forums that will tend to the specific make or platform of the gun you are interested in. Luckily, this site offers a wide variety of discussion from autoloaders, to revolvers... whether it'd be Glocks, Rugers, SIGs, 1911s or Colt Pythons and GP100's.

Also, stop by your local gunshop. Whatever catches your eye ask the dealer to let you see it. Find out what fits you, what feels comfortable to you, and it also never hurts to ask questions. Lastly, if you're gonna get a centerfire, I'd start with a 9mm of some sort or a 357/38 spl revolver. There are a lot of options, you just gotta take your time to find what you like.

I've also heard good things about springfield and HKS, although I think someone mentioned the HKS was fairly expensive.
Click to expand...

btw, HKS makes aftermarket parts for japanese imports. HK makes guns. :neener:

Welcome. :D
 
rsmoore27, in Houston, a good place to look at a wide variety of firearms is the gun show at the George R. Brown Convention Center. As you can see from their calendar, there's a show in a couple of days. There's also a smaller show held in Pasadena occasionally. Gun shops are great, but with gun shows, you have access to an overwhelming number of weapons, both new and used, at great prices. I highly recommend you lay down the $7 entrance fee and just walk around for a couple of hours. You'll probably walk out of there knowing exactly what you want, or maybe even a first-time owner. :)

Hope this helps.
 
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