A customer of mine wants to purchase a handgun. He has never owned a handgun. He wants it for self defense and target practice. What would you recommend a revolver or semi-auto and why? What Caliber and why? What brand and why? I am going to print out the responses to this thread and give it to him. Maybe this will help him with his choice. Thanks.
Revolver or Semi-auto?
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Preacherman
Member
I always recommend a revolver as a first gun. Simple manual of arms, fewer bits and pieces to manipulate (leading to less chance of an accidental discharge), and provides a solid foundation he can use to go on to autopistols later.
sm
member
Revolver.
I still contend learning to shoot a revolver DA makes one a better shooter no matter if they choose to shoot other platforms down the road.
I still contend learning to shoot a revolver DA makes one a better shooter no matter if they choose to shoot other platforms down the road.
natedog
Member
If he's planning on practicing reguarly, a semi-automatic. If he's planning on shooting a box through it and throwing it in the drawer, a revolver. It really depends on what they are more comfortable with, though.
sfhogman
Member
What both folks above said. Personally, I'd recommend a Ruger GP100 like mine for a DA centerfire. (Love that gun!) Smith makes some very nice .22 DA revolvers.
When I take newbies to the range for the very first time, I always bring my SS Single-Six. It has to be cocked every time, giving the shooter time to think about what she/he is doing, looks non-threatening, and is loads of fun to shoot.
This person needs to read lots, and aquaint himself with the very serious subject at hand.
Basically, I'd say either a DA .357 revolver. It'll also shoot .38 special, which is not too expensive.Quality examples can be had cheaply used. For an absolute beginner, a .22 DA or SA. No recoil, cheap ammo, and you'll probably want to keep it even after you've graduated to something bigger.
Best,
Jeff
When I take newbies to the range for the very first time, I always bring my SS Single-Six. It has to be cocked every time, giving the shooter time to think about what she/he is doing, looks non-threatening, and is loads of fun to shoot.
This person needs to read lots, and aquaint himself with the very serious subject at hand.
Basically, I'd say either a DA .357 revolver. It'll also shoot .38 special, which is not too expensive.Quality examples can be had cheaply used. For an absolute beginner, a .22 DA or SA. No recoil, cheap ammo, and you'll probably want to keep it even after you've graduated to something bigger.
Best,
Jeff
jobu07
Contributing Member
.22 caliber revolver. Easy to use, easy to shoot, less things to break, and revolvers seem to be inherently more accurate than autos (less moving parts?). Plus, the ammo is cheap, so your customer will be able to get in plenty of trigger time to learn the fundementals of pistol shooting: site picture, trigger pull, and learning how to grip the weapon (.22 is great for the last as you don't have to deal with violent recoil).
I have found that many people want to purchase just one gun and not need to graduate to something else later on. If he feels this way, I wouldn't recommend a .22 since it won't be a good defensive gun. I would strongly recommend a midsize .357 so he can shoot .38's out of it for low recoil practice and have the option of .357's. IMO, the guns he should look at are the Ruger GP100 in the 3" and 4" versions along with any S&W 4" models like the 66 or 686.
U
Universal
Guest
I voted for a revolver. I have no official proof of this but as a former firearms instructor, I always felt that shooters who started out on a revolver were easier to teach on a semi-auto. I personally started out with a .38 Special but later moved to a .40S&W semi-auto.
For a first gun or if one could have just one, I think a 4" barrel .357 Magnum revolver is a great choice. I would suggest shooting .38 Special ammo but later the option of something different would be there.
For a first gun or if one could have just one, I think a 4" barrel .357 Magnum revolver is a great choice. I would suggest shooting .38 Special ammo but later the option of something different would be there.
Baba Louie
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I'll go the other route and say a lightly used semi-automatic Ruger MkII in .22 lr. w/ 4" barrel and fixed sights.
Reasoning? Inexpensive initial purchase, Accurate, Fun, 10 rounds of relatively cheap fodder per magazine, Builds good shooting habits w/ minimal (NO) recoil, lifelong firearm, easy manual of arms once the takedown is mastered, & even tho' it's not a .38 special or a 9MM it can be used for home/self defense if needed (I mean, it's better than what he now owns, right?).
BUT... for about the same price, a used S&W Model 10 (revolver), 4" barrel. All of the above apply with only a couple of exceptions. Slightly more recoil, & ammo is more expensive when it comes to practicing.
Make certain to teach him the 4 Rules of Gun Safety
Reasoning? Inexpensive initial purchase, Accurate, Fun, 10 rounds of relatively cheap fodder per magazine, Builds good shooting habits w/ minimal (NO) recoil, lifelong firearm, easy manual of arms once the takedown is mastered, & even tho' it's not a .38 special or a 9MM it can be used for home/self defense if needed (I mean, it's better than what he now owns, right?).
BUT... for about the same price, a used S&W Model 10 (revolver), 4" barrel. All of the above apply with only a couple of exceptions. Slightly more recoil, & ammo is more expensive when it comes to practicing.
Make certain to teach him the 4 Rules of Gun Safety
A revolver gets the edge in my book at least if I don't know if the person wants to own more guns or not.
- Function is more intuitive to a new shooter. Can see the hammer and cylinder moving and know what is going on.
- Checking to see if it is loaded is simpler and more straightforward. No worries about loaded magazines, is a round in the chamber?, and stuff like that. I think that can be confusing for newbies.
- Cleaning is less critical for a gun that might just sit in a draw until needed.
For a potential gun nut, I think it depends on what they want. Certainly a double action only gun or at least a single action with plenty of safeties would be appropriate. I learned to shoot pistols with a Ruger Mark II. My first large caliber pistol was a Springfield 1911A1 Loaded pistol. I have learned to appreciate the advantages of a revolver though.
- Function is more intuitive to a new shooter. Can see the hammer and cylinder moving and know what is going on.
- Checking to see if it is loaded is simpler and more straightforward. No worries about loaded magazines, is a round in the chamber?, and stuff like that. I think that can be confusing for newbies.
- Cleaning is less critical for a gun that might just sit in a draw until needed.
For a potential gun nut, I think it depends on what they want. Certainly a double action only gun or at least a single action with plenty of safeties would be appropriate. I learned to shoot pistols with a Ruger Mark II. My first large caliber pistol was a Springfield 1911A1 Loaded pistol. I have learned to appreciate the advantages of a revolver though.
Education First
I recommend that he take a basic pistol course first and learn about the differences and what it takes to shoot each type. EDUCATION FIRST. Then I would steer him toward a 22 cal revolver to practice the fundamentals with. When he becomes proficient he should move up to a 38 spl/ .357 mag revolver. A 2 to 3 inch if he is going to carry for CCW or 3 to 5 inch for home protection only.
I recommend that he take a basic pistol course first and learn about the differences and what it takes to shoot each type. EDUCATION FIRST. Then I would steer him toward a 22 cal revolver to practice the fundamentals with. When he becomes proficient he should move up to a 38 spl/ .357 mag revolver. A 2 to 3 inch if he is going to carry for CCW or 3 to 5 inch for home protection only.
Reliable .357 revolver.
If he throws it in the nightstand only to reach for it 3 years later during a burglary, it will fire.
A loaded semi-auto in the same circumstances may not b/c the magazine springs may be worn out from the tension.
If he throws it in the nightstand only to reach for it 3 years later during a burglary, it will fire.
A loaded semi-auto in the same circumstances may not b/c the magazine springs may be worn out from the tension.
Brian Williams
Moderator Emeritus
I voted Revolver, 22 prefered but 357 and shoot 38s.
Some mags have been used after being loaded for years and they work fine, it is the constant change in compression that wears out springs, not just sitting there. OBTW It is compression for most mags not tension.
SWMAN
Member
One handgun for target practice and self-defense? .357 magnum, 4". Can shoot both .38 specials, .38+Ps, as well as low, medium or heavy .357 loads. Revolvers are easy to load, operate and malfunctions are few and far between. My recommendation would be either a S&W 686 or Ruger GP100. 
mainmech48
Member
When folks of my acquaintance who have little or no experience or training with firearms mention that they want to get a handgun "just in case", I always recommend a 4" .357 or .38 Spl. And always with the caveat that they only do so after getting some formal training.
Same reasons that've already been mentioned. High quality examples obtainable at a relatively inexpensive price, extreme versatility, simple manual of arms, more tolerant, relatively speaking, of neglect of regular maintenance, etc.
While I live in hope, my customary cynicism leads me to believe that almost all of these "just in case" pieces will be unlikely to see 100 rds of actual use in any given year. The rest of the time they'll live in a bureau drawer or on the top shelf in a closet. For folks lacking the willingness to commit to obtaining reasonable profficiency and regular practice to retain it, it's the most practical alternative to nothing out there, IMHO.
Same reasons that've already been mentioned. High quality examples obtainable at a relatively inexpensive price, extreme versatility, simple manual of arms, more tolerant, relatively speaking, of neglect of regular maintenance, etc.
While I live in hope, my customary cynicism leads me to believe that almost all of these "just in case" pieces will be unlikely to see 100 rds of actual use in any given year. The rest of the time they'll live in a bureau drawer or on the top shelf in a closet. For folks lacking the willingness to commit to obtaining reasonable profficiency and regular practice to retain it, it's the most practical alternative to nothing out there, IMHO.
Ben Shepherd
Member
First thing: It MUST fit his hand-everything else is secondary to this!!!
Revolvers make great first guns for reasons mentioned above.
Caliber/size wise I would reccomend something along the lines of a k-frame smith with around a 4" barrel. Preferably chambered in 357 mag, due to the wide ammo selection.
Revolvers make great first guns for reasons mentioned above.
Caliber/size wise I would reccomend something along the lines of a k-frame smith with around a 4" barrel. Preferably chambered in 357 mag, due to the wide ammo selection.
357wheelgunner
Member
A customer of mine wants to purchase a handgun. He has never owned a handgun. He wants it for self defense and target practice. What would you recommend a revolver or semi-auto and why? What Caliber and why? What brand and why? I am going to print out the responses to this thread and give it to him. Maybe this will help him with his choice. Thanks.
I'd recomend a revolver due to the ease of dry fire practice (with snap caps), that is how I got rid of my terrible flinch. I'd recomend a S&W model 64 with a 4" barrel, because .38s are great for practice, and the .38+P 158gr LHP can still be bought and has worked well for many years in self defense. The 4" K-frame points like a finger, fires a potent round, and feels nice in the waistband.
I'd recomend a revolver due to the ease of dry fire practice (with snap caps), that is how I got rid of my terrible flinch. I'd recomend a S&W model 64 with a 4" barrel, because .38s are great for practice, and the .38+P 158gr LHP can still be bought and has worked well for many years in self defense. The 4" K-frame points like a finger, fires a potent round, and feels nice in the waistband.
Amy
member
Well, one *could* go with a semi-auto revolver. The Mateba is just such an animal, and there was even one made in the late 1890's, the .455 Webley. I'd recommend the Mateba over the Webley though...
Amy
Amy
LSCurrier
Member
Why not both!!
What else would you spend your money on?? My wife has over 70 shoes and yet she buys more. Could I do any less with guns??? I've bought 4 handguns in the last 6 months and am still drooling over a few. Don't tell her though!!
Luke
What else would you spend your money on?? My wife has over 70 shoes and yet she buys more. Could I do any less with guns??? I've bought 4 handguns in the last 6 months and am still drooling over a few. Don't tell her though!!
Luke
I like the .357 but there's nothing wrong with a plain old .38 revolver. Some people just can't shoot a .357 well and a .38 with +Ps aint nothing to sneeze at. Would also say get at least a 4" barrel. Short guns harder for a beginner to shoot well too. Of course I could live with a .22 and they're just plain fun to shoot but just like the bigger calibers better for self defence.
Baker
Baker
22luvr
Member
An easy recommendation....
A revolver.....perhaps a 4" barrel, 6-shot, adjustable sights.
Why? The no-brainer simplicity and battery of a revolver. It 's all right out there in the open for the operator to see and hear the particulars.
Less ammo sensitivity, .38spcl or .357 mag, can be operated SA or DA, makes a great bludgeon when empty, tremendous versatility-self defense, hunting, target practice, plinking, etc.
If the shooter gets the bug, a fine semi-auto can come later.
A revolver.....perhaps a 4" barrel, 6-shot, adjustable sights.
Why? The no-brainer simplicity and battery of a revolver. It 's all right out there in the open for the operator to see and hear the particulars.
Less ammo sensitivity, .38spcl or .357 mag, can be operated SA or DA, makes a great bludgeon when empty, tremendous versatility-self defense, hunting, target practice, plinking, etc.
If the shooter gets the bug, a fine semi-auto can come later.
ChristopherG
Member
4" .357 or .38. Smith or Ruger.
And his second gun should be a reloading press.
And his second gun should be a reloading press.
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