Handgun - What should I buy?

xldbldbl said:
Get an all steel DA SA 9mm and learn to shoot it well in DA as well as SA after that it wont matter what you add to your collection you will be able to shoot it well.
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Yeah, this is probably the most sensible approach. In my old age, I've started buying a nice set of sights with a pistol located underneath them. And I mean, any of the striker-fired guns will probably be fine too, but they're a bit light and that might be detrimental day one.

DA/SA 9mm pistol though should make just about anything seem fairly shoot able.
 
mikeyb said:
Yeah, this is probably the most sensible approach. In my old age, I've started buying a nice set of sights with a pistol located underneath them. And I mean, any of the striker-fired guns will probably be fine too, but they're a bit light and that might be detrimental day one.

DA/SA 9mm pistol though should make just about anything seem fairly shoot able.
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Yes, DA SA will give you experience with triggers on both ends of the scale and all steel 9mm will give you enough recoil to learn how to manage it properly.
 
spittin bullets said:
Pietta 1873 revolver in .357 looks pretty cool thanks
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It's not the "purist" design, but if you're considering a single action revolver, a convertible Ruger Blackhawk in 357/9 mm would be a versatile choice. There's also good aftermarket options for various grips and I think sights as well. A single action is a bit of a niche choice, and I've read on here and elsewhere lots of people who tried them but then got bored. I thought I'd be the same way, but found that just hasn't happened with my Ruger Single Six convertible. It's nice to slow down the pace sometimes.
 
get a .22 pistol, the browning 1911 replicas are beautiful accurate little guns if you can get one to learn then move up to 45 colt pistol and .44 mag revolver...fun, fun , fun
 
If this is your first pistol, get a 9mm norinco. That way you can start with the basics without breaking the bank and if you enjoy it, you can always get something more expensive later.
 
Go to a local ranges or club's pistol night. If you politely ask people to hold/grip their guns for feel, 99.999% will let you hold them. 99% will let you shoot them. The rest have guns and/or calibers you probably can't afford.
 
How about a HIGH POINT JCP 40 S&W,.... very indestructible has life time warranty.....can be used as a hammer, or boat anchor...Weather Resistant......AND you will appreciate any other gun that comes your way afterwards . LOL

Hi-Point-JCP-40-1.jpg
 
First handgun should always be a good .22 that will shoot better than you can; it will make you a much better shooter.
 
Meroh said:
First handgun should always be a good .22 that will shoot better than you can; it will make you a much better shooter.
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Agreed!
Get a S&W SW22 or a Ruger.
Both very fun, very upgradable and very cheap to shoot.
Master your handgun skills first and then move to a bigger caliber. I sure wish I would have started out on a .22lr.
 
spittin bullets said:
Pietta 1873 revolver in .357 looks pretty cool thanks
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Starting out with a .22LR is not bad advice, because ammo is super cheap and recoil is almost nil and these factors help with developing good shooting skills; HOWEVER from personal experience, it's really easy to get bored really quickly with a .22 handgun and then wanting or having to upgrade and buy a larger calibre handgun that can cost $$$ you might not have.

If you're leaning towards a revolver over a semiauto, my strong recommendation is a .357 magnum revolver. This will allow you to start out shooting mild .38Special loads, which are relatively cheap and has very manageable recoil out of a mid/fullsize revolver like a S&W 686 or Ruger GP100. When you're comfortable and ready, you can move up to bigger .38 loads or .357mag loads, everything from mild-to-wild, all with the same gun. IMHO, a .357 revolver is a great do-everything handgun that you will never regret buying or get tired of shooting and you will never "outgrow". Someone just try and convince me otherwise - I just bought another S&W .357 off the EE this week!
 
TragicallyHipGrandpa said:
Starting out with a .22LR is not bad advice, because ammo is super cheap and recoil is almost nil and these factors help with developing good shooting skills; HOWEVER from personal experience, it's really easy to get bored really quickly with a .22 handgun and then wanting or having to upgrade and buy a larger calibre handgun that can cost $$$ you might not have.
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Yeah, I really want a Mark IV 22/45 tactical. That thing is sooooooooo beautiful, and like you said, .22 is hella cheap. But at the same time I'm worried about me getting bored of a .22 within a couple months and ending up buying a 9mm too quickly and running out of money
 
glitchtyzz said:
Yeah, I really want a Mark IV 22/45 tactical. That thing is sooooooooo beautiful, and like you said, .22 is hella cheap. But at the same time I'm worried about me getting bored of a .22 within a couple months and ending up buying a 9mm too quickly and running out of money
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I'm partial to High Standards; I have two, and while I have a 1911, a .40 Jericho, a 9mm NZ85, a Ruger GP100, and Pietta Cap and Ball, both of my .22s still get a lot of range time. One I have owned since about 1976. You need a good .22; cheap pot-metal guns like GSG, Swiss Arms, SIG Mosquitos, Chiappa SAA (and a lot of others) should be left in the stores.

Also if you take guests to the range for a first time hand-gun experience, you are not going to impress any of them with something that will intimidate them when they shoot.

I continue to shoot mine, and I always feel with my other hand-guns, that when I do, I shoot them better.
 
spittin bullets said:
Good afternoon! I'm still waiting on my RPAL. So leaves a lot of time looking and reading up on some new toys. What would be a good beginner gun? Something a little more then a 22LR of 22MAG. Which I'll probably end up buying anyways lol. Keep in mind I don't wanna break the bank on ammo too. Kind of hard to say that too with the price these days. Revolver vs semi? Something in 9mm? Or 40 S&W? Any personal experiences good or bad would be greatly appreciated,
Thanks
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dunno
 
If you have concerns about ammo cost then just buy yourself a .22 pistol. Lots to chose from. Buckmark, Ruger, & S&W all make goo .22lr pistols. If the cost of 22 ammo is a concern don't buy a pistol. Try a revolver in .22lr. The Ruger GP-100 10 rounder is an excellent choice but might be more than you want to pay. The EE on this site will lead you to some good examples if you are careful. I have owned the Browning line, and a couple of Rugers. The S&W Victory Model from their Performance Center was my most recent purchase. I think the Regular model is about half the price and presents good value. I was surprised at the quality of the fit and finish. I don't think there is much daylight between any of the models I mentioned.

The 9MM is less expensive to shoot than say 45 Colt but nobody is giving away 9MM ammo these days either. Center fire shooting be it 9MM or 44 Mag is not cheap. 9MM is more affordable if you enjoy shooting and have a need for one ie desire to enter the action shooting sports. Just plinking at the range can be fun. You can have as much fun shooting a .22lr as you will with a 9MM. Jump in and play with us. Let your budget not someone elses determine the direction you go.,

Take Care

Bob
 
Auto's: Least expensive for ammunition is 9mm. Go with a reliable unit from Glock, Walther, CZ, Sig, or S&W. Which ever fits your hand best.
Revolvers: There are 9mm revolvers out there, however, .357 is more common and has the versatility of taking .38 special. S&W 586/686 or Ruger GP100.

.22LR Auto's & Revolvers are optimal for learning the fundamentals, and much less expensive to shoot ammunition wise.

Even if you don't become enamored with your purchase, you can always sell it and buy another.
 
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