New to pistols and revolvers

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andrewg

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Just passed my crfsc last weekend. In high hopes of jumping through hoops for the government to receive the license.
What was your first handgun and what would you recommend?
Basically I want to plink at the range and possibly start competition shooting when I can find one that's accepting without paying an absurd amount to join.
 
I think for a beginner pistol, and if you may want to do competition, I would get a range kit. I don't own it, but you can get a full size metal frame Jericho pistol range kit for about $650. Its about the best value there is out there IMO. There is also the S&W M&P range kit, about the same price. Both are fantastic pistols. I have owned the M&P and they are nice. I have right now a CZ75 pistol. Still haven't shot it after two weeks because the bloody registration cert hasn't come in the mail yet...

I can't say anything about competitive shooting other than I also want to get into it. Just gotta fork out the cash for the black badge course.
 
As you're new, and you said you may want to compete later on, you can't do better than a CZ 75 SP-01 Shadow. It's steel, can be fired single or double action, very accurate, and the weight makes it easy to become proficient. You can then get a competition hammer, and lighter springs, which will reduce the racking effort and trigger pull- making the pistol competition ready. While you're at it get the stainless guide rod.
 
I'll second the IWI Jericho in 9mm. I have one. Love it.
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For beginners, if its pistol go with 9mm and if its revolver go with 38/357. If your really hurting for cash get a 22lr.

Revolver
-Gp100 38/357
-S&W 66 new model 38/357
- if you can find one S&W 19 6" 38/357

Pistol
-CZ75 9mm
-Ruger MkII 22lr
-Sig P226 9mm
 
pisces-guy said:
As you're new, and you said you may want to compete later on, you can't do better than a CZ 75 SP-01 Shadow. It's steel, can be fired single or double action, very accurate, and the weight makes it easy to become proficient. You can then get a competition hammer, and lighter springs, which will reduce the racking effort and trigger pull- making the pistol competition ready. While you're at it get the stainless guide rod.
Click to expand...

^^this^^
 
^^^^ this is sound advise....22lr is a much discussed round here, but for fundamental pistol training it's the best...bought a gsg as a first pistol, and still have it...it's a blast to shoot ....the shadow is awesome..a real confidence booster, and a permanent part of my collection...there will be others, be warned....lol
 
Well thanks guys lots to look at now. Keep the the info flowing.
That cz as mentioned is nice looking, just looked it up.
Been looking at this stuff for the last month or so. So much to choose from. A .22 handgun never even crossed my mind but it will now.
A few items that have stuck in my mind when I was looking at them on the net are,
sig p320
s&w mp40
s&w model 66 (as mentioned)
ruger kgp-161 as .357
tokarev tt-33
uberti cattleman steel revolver, 45lc
 
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CZ-75 shadow - will work for plinking and is all you would want for competition.
A Kadet kit for your cz75 will give you ability to train with 22lr on the same cz75 platform.
 
Find a shop/range that does rentals, shoot your top 3-5 picks and go from there. You'll be surprised at what feels good in your hand at a store vs live firing. If it fits your hand and feels good you can always learn to shoot it, test shooting a few will most likely help you pick not only your first pistol but probably your second lol.
 
Start out with a Ruger MK III. Cheap and accurate to shoot. Use it to build on your skills and move up when you're ready. There will be plenty more in the near future, trust me!
 
andrewg said:
Well thanks guys lots to look at now. Keep the the info flowing.
That cz as mentioned is nice looking, just looked it up.
Been looking at this stuff for the last month or so. So much to choose from. A .22 handgun never even crossed my mind but it will now.
A few items that have stuck in my mind when I was looking at them on the net are,
sig p320
s&w mp40
s&w model 66 (as mentioned)
ruger kgp-161 as .357
tokarev tt-33
uberti cattleman steel revolver, 45lc
Click to expand...

Sigs are nice guns
S&W M&P have godawful triggers that will frustrate a new shooter
S&W model 66 - love mine. Small and light. For a less expensive option consider a 4.2" 686, as they seem to come up used often enough. I just shot my new/used one tonight next to my 66 and it's got quite a bit more stability in the hand. Lovely gun.
Rugger.....GP100? Got one. Love it, but it's been supplanted by the Smiths, and I could use the $, so it's for sale
TT-33 - don't waste your money. Milsurp pistols are not new shooter pistols. Horrible trigger, horrible sights, overly hot ammo gives it a stout kick. Small parts break....just...don't...

Ah.. Italian single actions, and in 45? You're a man of style and class. You better also have bucks, or reload ;)


Excellent recommendations as above: a solid .22 target pistol (not one of the more gimmicky plinkers), and a 9mm with a GOOD trigger.

A new pistol shooter I know bought a used Ruger Mk-II and jumped right in with a CZ Canadian edition Shadow.
...I'd personally just pick a regular shadow, and I did. You won't go wrong there.
 
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