Trying to decide on my first handgun: Step 1, Caliber?

[wanderinwalker]

dxkj21,

Get the 9mm for a first, or a .22 and a used short-barreled 20ga or 12ga 870 to keep under the bed! (A Ruger Mark II and a used 870 shouldn't cost you more than a new Glock.)

As for future in revolvers, check out .357s and .44s. You'll find these used in two conditions: A) Barely fired, maybe a box or two of ammo and then put in a drawer somewhere. Or B) Used up, worn out, shot and shot and shot and loved to death. Find one in condition A and you would be a happy camper!

Good luck and good shooting!

 

[dxkj21]

It is tempting to get a 22 for target, but the 9mm was just too much fun to shoot

 

[AhmuqGB]

If you are learning to shoot, start with a .22. Cheap ammo and it lets you focus on your stance grip and aiming before throwing in too much recoil management. Just my opinion

 

[Texfire]

Since youre stated purposes are practice/target shooting, then home defense, and inexpensive to purchase/shoot, I'd like to point out that your criteria are hard to meet in one platform.

A pistol in .22 is cheap to shoot, easier for new shooters and smaller women to learn with, and inexpensive to purchase. I have a Browning Buckmark that would be appropriate, and the Ruger Mk IIs are highly regarded. However, .22 is a problematic round for self-defense.

Your second criteria is home defense, which opens up your choices. Since concealed carry isn't a consideration, a shotgun or rifle is going to be your best choice here. Frankly a shotgun or rifle will always have more stopping power than a handgun round, with few exceptions, and those exceptions won't meet your criteria of inexpensive. It will be easy to pick up a new or used shotgun inexpensively. Consider either a 12 or 20 gauge. You can practice with low recoil rounds at the range and load with beefier defensive rounds at home. Also the increased sight radius will make it easier to hit what you are shooting at.

With either choice the most important criteria is going to be training and practice. A course on the basics of shooting and gun safety now will pay off dividends in the long run.

 

[dxkj21]

Im already familiar and deadly accurate with rifles and shotgun... but I have no where to shoot rifles/shotguns for sport or target in my area.... thats why I was leaning towards the handgun. I could easily snag a double barrel 20 gauge when I am in Pa from my dad (it was mine since I was 12 but I never took it with me since I wasnt anywhere I could use it/need it)

What are some decent low priced 22 pistols ? I've seen some in the 200-300 range, but if Im getting a 22 pistol Id rather get a lower end one since I dont plan on staying with it for a long time (but as was pointed out, It is probably a fun gun i would keep for a while)

 

[Vern Humphrey]

What are some decent low priced 22 pistols ? I've seen some in the 200-300 range, but if Im getting a 22 pistol Id rather get a lower end one since I dont plan on staying with it for a long time

The two front runners are the Ruger and Buckmark. I tend toward the Ruger.

From www.gunsamerica.com

MK3 4.75" Blue 22lr Stand NIB
GA# 976589437
$225.00
This firearm is new in the factory box and unfired. RUGER MKIII4 22LR SEMI-AUTO PISTOL BLUE FRAME 4" BBL FIXED SIGHT TWO 10 RND MAGAZINES.
Seller: WILSON & ASSOCIATES
FFL Dealer: Yes Area Code: 405 GA Sales: 2

The standard run-of-the mill 4 3/4s inch barrel is fine, but the 5 1/2 bull barrel is the better choice for steady holding. It also comes with adjustable sights.

Also from WWW. Gunsamerica.com

MK3 5.5" Bull Blue Synthetic
GA# 976581899
$213.00
This firearm is new in the factory box. RUGER P512MKIII 22LR SEMI-AUTO PISTOL BLUE/SYNTHETIC FRAME 5-1/2" BULL BBL MICRO-ADJUSTABLE REAR SIGHT 10 RND MAGAZINE. RUP10107
Seller: WILSON & ASSOCIATES
FFL Dealer: Yes Area Code: 405 GA Sales: 2

I think taking the position you won't be using your .22 pistol long is a mistake. You'll use and enjoy a good .22 pistol for many, many years, and shoot it hundreds of times more than a larger caliber. Get a good one, one that you can keep for life.

Fortunately, as you see, good ones aren't all the expensive.

 

[dxkj21]

Yeah, pretty much any opinion i express is pure fluff, because I have nothing to really base it on thanks for the links.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

Yeah, pretty much any opinion i express is pure fluff, because I have nothing to really base it on thanks for the links.

I didn't mean to offend.

But I have a safe full of handguns, and my own range (I live on a 185 acre farm in the Ozarks and can shoot and hunt just by stepping out the door.) I shoot more .22 LR than all other calibers combined.

 

[dxkj21]

No no no, not offended at all friend! I was beings serious... you are most definitely right about the 22 being something i keep and use a lot, I was just not thinking it through.

I really appreciate all of your feedback. Do you have any experience or know how the BERETTA U22 NEOS 22LR 7.5 DLX would compare to the rugers?


Thanks again for your input

 

[Vern Humphrey]

Do you have any experience or know how the BERETTA U22 NEOS 22LR 7.5 DLX would compare to the rugers?

The U22 has a good reputation, but is a fairly new gun -- so it hasn't had time to gain the following of the Ruger or Browning. I don't happen to have one in my safe, but the one or two I've shot seemed to be fine guns.

 

[Pietro Beretta]

I love my little .22lr Beretta Jaguar, I shoot 1 magazine through it everytime go out to the range. 1 Magazine holds 7 rounds, so in reality it doesnt get fired much.

Shooting something with no-recoil and be'ing able to keep shots in the bulls-eye gets boreing, FAST. I think its more fun/challenging trying to do the same with a 9mm or .40.

Maybe im going against the grain here......

 

[Texfire]

Another .22 option is the Walther P22. I have no experience with it other than it's a downsized look-alike of the P99. They also have a bullpup .22 rifle called the G22, but dissapointingly the magazines have different floorplates and will not exchange.

 

[dxkj21]

I looked at the P22 but Im more interested in a target shooting 22 and the ruger MK's look to be pretty good for that.. The Beretta Neos is kinda cool looking though

 

[CannonFodder]

I myself have a Walther P22. It was my first gun, and I've been utterly happy with it. It plinks well, looks great, and most importantly, it perfectly fits my hand - the grips are phenomenal. I got mine for $259+tax - so it was pretty easy on the wallet. Plus, the cost of ammo

Now, would I trust my life on it? Well... considering that it's the only handgun I have at the moment, I would have to, if worse came to worse. If the BG is intelligent and reasonable (then he probably wouldn't be invading my home, but I digress) then he'd probably stop when I had ANY gun pointed at him. But since Ideal Circumstances rarely occur, then .22 is probably not the optimal calibre.

But, damn if it ain't fun to shoot.

 

[Turtle Club]

I say .50 Caliber Magnum Revolver. HA HA Just kidding. I had a 9mm for my first handgun. GLOCK G17 to be exact. I still love it. Its my favorite.

 

[Paco]

Go for a good revolver! You can start with dirt, dirt cheap .38 specials then move up to .357 or just buy a dedicated .38.

A dedicated 38. revolver is a joy to shoot, inherently very accurate, doesn't give a hoot if you shoot reloads, lead, jacketed, slightly dirty, blackpowder, smokeless powder etc, etc.

I takes out all the sundry things like magazines, safefies that sweep up or down, slide releases etc. and let's you focus on the fundamentals of pistolcraft: the trigger pull, a steady hand, and follow through. Double action triggers, such as a DA revolver has, will help you with any other type of trigger mechanism. I readily shoot my revolver to help me shoot my single action 1911 better- it made a dramatic difference.

-Good luck!

 

[dxkj21]

I think I will be getting a 9mm in a bit, but right now my hard decision is a Ruger or a Buckmark.... they are similarly priced so its a toss up until I finally get the chance to hold.fire a buckmark.

 

[DonGlock26]

Get a G-19. You really won't need another pistol for quite a while.