WHY??

[Brdl04]

I was almost laughed at when I told the forum that I was going to buy my first gun, HK USP .40c Someone said I need to get a .22 for my first gun, etc.etc.

I dont understand? I just got back from the range with my buddies gun (Glock 17) and lit up 100 rds from 30 yards with no misses to center mass, and head.

I have been shooting before, I've just never owned a gun. Is there something I need to know about a .40? or did some just think Ive never been shooting before?

Im just a noobie so I dont know much about guns in general, thats why ive joined this great forum!

 

[Jimmie]

A .22 is generally the best starter caliber because it's low recoil, cheap, and readily available. It allows you to learn the basics without worrying about developing a flinch and allows you to shoot a WHOLE lot for a buck.

If you enjoy the .40, can afford to practice with it, and can focus on learning/reinforcing handgun basics, there's nothing wrong with starting there.

 

[Javelin]

You will enjoy the HK. 40cal is a great cartridge and somewhat economical to boot. Don't drink the koolaid and get yourself what you like. .22's are great but if you like the 40cal get it.

 

[joesolo]

You made a good choice. Buy the .22 for kicks down the road.

 

[kle]

pay them no mind...my first gun was/is a HK P7M10, in .40S&W.

They recommend to absolute n00bs that they rent and shoot a .22LR for its cheap ammo and minimal recoil and noise--with so little kick and noise, it'll be easy to learn and solidify good fundamentals without worrying about developing a flinch or a trigger-jerk (or correcting any problems that arise), and with how cheap the ammo is, it'll be easy to get more bang for the buck (pun intended).

Me, I seem to have taken a different route--first gun I ever shot was that P7M10 and I didn't have a problem with recoil or noise. If you're dead-set on it and ready to jump right in (as I was), why not go for the whole-shebang rather than just baby-steps? As long as you're safe, I see no reason why you can't learn along the way--it might cost more, but oh well.

Go for it!

 

[Brdl04]

Other question

is the HK USP .40c a good concealed carry gun? would it be to big? would it be big for an ankle holster? just some more thoughts

 

[Javelin]

is the HK USP .40c a good concealed carry gun? would it be to big? would it be big for an ankle holster? just some more thoughts

You will love to shoot it but the answer ultimately will be no. For CCW you would enjoy a Kel-Tec P3AT, Kahr PM, or some of the others that you can carry in a pocket holster.

 

[yhtomit]

If the price of your favorite cartridge isn't a big issue for you in the quantities you want to shoot, and you feel comfortable shooting it, more power to you!

I suspect (but would be curious if anyone knows otherwise to hear of better estimates) that most American gun owners own only one gun. THR readers, probably rather more

However, don't take the ".22 first!" advice as directed against you or something -- it's really not a bad idea! At least, I didn't think so, and my Ruger 22/45 pistol -- my first gun -- has been fun for something close to 10 years now, even while it's been joined by a few others. .22 really is the cheapest way (barring airguns, a tangent I'll avoid right now) to shoot a few thousand rounds of ammo, and if you care to introduce any friends to shooting, it's the gentlest way, IMO.

timothy

 

[gbelleh]

The HK USP .40c is an awesome gun, but IMO is a little big for summer CCW. I carry a USP .45c in winter months with no problem, but I use a much smaller pistol for summer, usually a Kel-Tec PF-9.

My first gun was a Glock 26 and I've never owned a .22.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

A .22 is generally the best starter caliber because it's low recoil, cheap, and readily available. It allows you to learn the basics without worrying about developing a flinch and allows you to shoot a WHOLE lot for a buck.

If you enjoy the .40, can afford to practice with it, and can focus on learning/reinforcing handgun basics, there's nothing wrong with starting there.

Agreed.

I have been shooting before, I've just never owned a gun. Is there something I need to know about a .40? or did some just think Ive never been shooting before?

I suspect this is what they believed, perhaps not being aware of the distinction between not having owned a handgun vs. having shot one.

 

[orionengnr]

They recommend to absolute n00bs that they rent and shoot a .22LR for its cheap ammo and minimal recoil and noise--with so little kick and noise, it'll be easy to learn and solidify good fundamentals without worrying about developing a flinch or a trigger-jerk (or correcting any problems that arise), and with how cheap the ammo is, it'll be easy to get more bang for the buck (pun intended).

No, "they" recommend a 22LR not instead of, but in addition to, anything else you may care to own.

And "they" have probably learned this lesson for themselves a long time ago. You may either learn it sooner, later, or not at all. Your choice.

A .22 is a great supplement and complement to your collection. Cheap, available ammo is becoming a rarity these days.

I start every range session with 50-100 rounds of .22LR before moving to a centerfire pistol. Reinforces good habits, sharpens your focus and maximizes the effectiveness of your range time.

My shooting has improved markedly in the last few months following this regimen. The .22 will pay for itself in very little time.

That is why "they" continue to recomend a .22.

 

[Chem Geek]

I just got back from the range with my buddies gun (Glock 17) and lit up 100 rds from 30 yards with no misses to center mass, and head.

So how much experience do you have that you can hit 100 shots to center mass / head with no misses at 30 yards, yet you don't own a gun? For most people that's very good shooting, the kind that comes with experience. Most people don't get that kind of experience without owning a pistol, and that's why people were suggesting a 22LR first.

 

[birdbustr]

I just got back from the range with my buddies gun (Glock 17) and lit up 100 rds from 30 yards with no misses to center mass, and head.

I have an H&K .40compact myself, but if you can do that with a Glock 17, why would you get anything other than a Glock 17? Maybe you meant 30 feet. 30 yards with a pistol you should be glad to be able to hit the target everytime, let alone hit "center mass and head".

If there is no mistake, then that is one exceptional weapon, and don't be dissapointed when you can't do that well with the H&k .40cal compact.

 

[jrfoxx]

For someone just starting out handgun shooting, a .22lr probly is the best choice for most people.As mentioned, its dirt cheap to practice TONS, the gun itself is usually very cheap (comparatively), no recoil, so learning trigger control, and general basics/safety is a lot easier.That said, the first handgun I ever fired or owned was a Ruger Blackhawk .357 mag, and I managed just fine, so its not like its a hard and fast rule.just generally good advice that will work well with most people, but it certainly doesnt mean anyone CANT learn on any handgun, it just may be a little harder, and deinitely more expensive.I had the good fortune of getting my Blackhawk used, but mint, for like $125, and my dad was a reloader, so ammo price wasnt an issue either.

 

[the naked prophet]

The HK is not as great as some may think. You can get guns that are more reliable, more durable, with real customer service, affordable mags, available replacement parts, and ergonomics designed for humans, for much less money. In fact, you could afford a Glock 23 .40 or S&W M&P .40 and have enough money left over to buy some spare mags AND a decent .22 pistol with spare mags... all for the same price as an HK and a spare mag.

So... get both!

 

[41magsnub]

I love having a .22 available. From time to time I manage to teach myself a bad habit with a bigger pistol and use the .22 to get back to basics.

 

[crebralfix]

The USP 40c will be fine for concealed carry. You just need to choose the right belt and holster combination. Get a good holster with lots of forward cant (forward angle). The gun is a bit wide, but you can hide it under a T-shirt.

There are other guns that are much smaller, but remember that you give up a fast draw with pocket carry (unless your hand is already on the gun).

 

[Paramemetic]

You will love to shoot it but the answer ultimately will be no. For CCW you would enjoy a Kel-Tec P3AT, Kahr PM, or some of the others that you can carry in a pocket holster.

Nonsense. It's perfectly feasible to carry a full sized service pistol concealed, and a USPc is perfectly viable. My primary CCW is a Sigpro 2009, and I carry it fine and in only a tucked in polo shirt, no less. Concealing larger handguns has nothing to do with the gun and everything to do with the quality of holster.

That said, I have nothing against subcompacts - my "just stepping out for a smoke" pistol, for when I'm at home and have already taken off my holster, is a S&W "Chief's Special" Model 36 snubnose revolver with a cheapass Uncle Mike's IWB holster. There's nothing wrong with tiny weapons for concealment, but he shouldn't be deterred from carrying a handgun he likes. A carry weapon needs to be comforting, not comfortable.

A friend of mine has a Kahr PM9 which my fiancee might buy, but I'm not terribly keen on it. He's considering selling it because he prefers to just carry his Glock 17. So there it is.