My first Handgun

C

Crawdor

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Hello fellow GunNutters,

I just purchased my first handgun and am realy excited waiting for it to come in (CFC waiting game) hopefully with in the next two weeks.
It's a Smith & wesson 686 5" Barrel in .357 mag. A friend of mine suggested a revolver for my first, like he said to me, "if you can learn to shoot a double action pistol you can learn to shoot anything". So based on that I took the plunge.

Did I make a good choice? What was your first handgun?

Crawdor :D
 
That's a good choice. My first one was a 629 Classic DX with a 5" barrel. Once you get the double action trigger pull figured out, they're a joy to shoot. Practice this while dry firing: Put your trigger finger on the trigger in such a way that when you pull the trigger in double action, your finger strikes the backside of the guard once the hammer is cocked and ready to strike. This way, while in DA, you know exactlly when she's going to go bang. I always fire mine in DA.
 
My first was a Uberti Single Action Army reproduction of a Colt. I chose revolver because of the inherent reliability and because I like smooth lines like those developed for the cowboy guns and holsters. I, too, chose .357 mag caliber. I liked the fact that the same gun could shoot relatively cheap .38 Special ammo, and could handle hot magnum loads.

Revolvers are nice as first guns because you can correct for any flinch that may develop (a definite possiility with .357 Mag ammo) by using the "one round in the cylinder, you don't know when the gun will fire" practice.

The only way I'd say you made a "mistake" would be if you paid too much or the gun was not in good condition.
 
One of the best choices you could have made.

When you are ready to learn to shoot properly (at first most guys are just happy to blast away) you should try this training technique. Load the cylinder with only four rounds. Put them in a random pattern (as much as you can with six chambers). Turn away and rotate the cylinder and close it. Then shoot the target. Because you don't know it the chamber under the hammer has a live round or not you can train yourself to not react to the recoil. This is important.

We all react to the gun recoil and the noise. The trick is to learn to ignore it. This is done by training your body not to react to it. And you can only do that if you can see what is happening. And when a gun fires you can't see what is happening and what you are doing after (and before) you complete the trigger pull. By having empty chambers you can see the effect you are having. When you can see it you can train to not do it.

This procedure is even better than dry firing. When you are doing dry firing exercises you know that the gun is not going to discharge a round. Because of this you are less likely to react the same as when you are in a real shooting situation.

Once again, great choice. Have fun with it.
 
Excellent choice. After I get the required licenses, that is exactly the first handgun I am planning to buy right down to the 5" barrel. I will probably shoot mainly .38 special to start and will then move up to firing some .357. It really is like having two guns in one - looks great too!
 
Ruger Mark II. Cheap to buy, cheap to shoot. Classic design and a great one to learn on.I've bought and sold many since, and though I may not use it all that often, but I'll probably have it for quite some time.
 
My first handgun was a Ruger Mk II (can it really be 24 years ago?), but it was closely followed by a 686 a few months later. You've made an excellent choice--as you mentioned they can handle .38 Special as well as .357, and it'll last forever.
 
straightshooter said:
The only way I'd say you made a "mistake" would be if you paid too much or the gun was not in good condition.
Click to expand...

I thought about that and decided to purchase a brand spanking new one. I got it from Target Sports Center. The Staff there was very courtious and professional with me (a gun noob).
I figured, for the first one go big or go home.
 
Nice choice, a terrific range of power available from 38 wadcutters up to 158 grain 357's. A great way to learn trigger control, sight alignment and gun handling. From the need perspective the only handgun you would ever NEED. Also a great vehicle for learning to reload, very forgiving of over all length. I have also never seen a 686 that's worn out, your pistol could literally out live you. Finally, one of the more accurate 'out of the box' firearms you can buy, you'll be amazed by what you can become capable of with a 686
 
I'm currently looking for that same gun. Did you buy new? If so, was it the 7-shot 5" barrel? Where did you get it from and (if you don't mind), how much did you pay? The cheapest I've found so far is $850 new plus tax plus S&H. Very good choice.
 
Just one thing, If you are going to shoot .38spl in a .357, make sure you thoroughly clean the chambers before switching to .357. Not a really a problem, but there can be a grease buildup in the chamber, making it harder to chamber the longer case.
Alternatively you can load the .357 case to .38spl velocities, thus having only one set of brass instead of two.
 
Thanks Crawdor, I'll be investigating that soon with Target. If you don't mind, maybe post when you get your gun to say shipping condition, wait time, etc. I would appreciate it. Thanks.
 
My first one is a Beretta 96D in .40 S&W...

I'll probably end up picking up a 9mm barrel for it, and a heavier recoil spring for the .40
 
You won't regret it... especially if you start reloading... Your auto buddies will be either buying lots of ammo, (or picking casings up from ALL over the range), whereas yours will be in your hand...

If you want to shoot a lot, look into reloading and cast bullets,, here's the reload cost..(assuming you have the brass) primer .03 + powder .015 + lead (.05 - .07) = .09 - .11 apiece.. hard to beat.. I think I paid my Dillon off in about 2 months...
 
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